1
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An Z, Jiang A, Chen J. Toward understanding the role of genomic repeat elements in neurodegenerative diseases. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:646-659. [PMID: 38886931 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases cause great medical and economic burdens for both patients and society; however, the complex molecular mechanisms thereof are not yet well understood. With the development of high-coverage sequencing technology, researchers have started to notice that genomic repeat regions, previously neglected in search of disease culprits, are active contributors to multiple neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we describe the association between repeat element variants and multiple degenerative diseases through genome-wide association studies and targeted sequencing. We discuss the identification of disease-relevant repeat element variants, further powered by the advancement of long-read sequencing technologies and their related tools, and summarize recent findings in the molecular mechanisms of repeat element variants in brain degeneration, such as those causing transcriptional silencing or RNA-mediated gain of toxic function. Furthermore, we describe how in silico predictions using innovative computational models, such as deep learning language models, could enhance and accelerate our understanding of the functional impact of repeat element variants. Finally, we discuss future directions to advance current findings for a better understanding of neurodegenerative diseases and the clinical applications of genomic repeat elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyu An
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Aidi Jiang
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingqi Chen
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Computational Neuroscience and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, Shanghai, China
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2
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Fare CM, Rothstein JD. Nuclear pore dysfunction and disease: a complex opportunity. Nucleus 2024; 15:2314297. [PMID: 38383349 PMCID: PMC10883112 DOI: 10.1080/19491034.2024.2314297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The separation of genetic material from bulk cytoplasm has enabled the evolution of increasingly complex organisms, allowing for the development of sophisticated forms of life. However, this complexity has created new categories of dysfunction, including those related to the movement of material between cellular compartments. In eukaryotic cells, nucleocytoplasmic trafficking is a fundamental biological process, and cumulative disruptions to nuclear integrity and nucleocytoplasmic transport are detrimental to cell survival. This is particularly true in post-mitotic neurons, where nuclear pore injury and errors to nucleocytoplasmic trafficking are strongly associated with neurodegenerative disease. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of nuclear pore biology in physiological and pathological contexts and discuss potential therapeutic approaches for addressing nuclear pore injury and dysfunctional nucleocytoplasmic transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte M Fare
- Department of Neurology and Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Rothstein
- Department of Neurology and Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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3
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Korsten G, Osinga M, Pelle RA, Serweta AK, Hoogenberg B, Kampinga HH, Kapitein LC. Nuclear poly-glutamine aggregates rupture the nuclear envelope and hinder its repair. J Cell Biol 2024; 223:e202307142. [PMID: 39150509 PMCID: PMC11329780 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202307142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is caused by a polyglutamine expansion of the huntingtin protein, resulting in the formation of polyglutamine aggregates. The mechanisms of toxicity that result in the complex HD pathology remain only partially understood. Here, we show that nuclear polyglutamine aggregates induce nuclear envelope (NE) blebbing and ruptures that are often repaired incompletely. These ruptures coincide with disruptions of the nuclear lamina and lead to lamina scar formation. Expansion microscopy enabled resolving the ultrastructure of nuclear aggregates and revealed polyglutamine fibrils sticking into the cytosol at rupture sites, suggesting a mechanism for incomplete repair. Furthermore, we found that NE repair factors often accumulated near nuclear aggregates, consistent with stalled repair. These findings implicate nuclear polyQ aggregate-induced loss of NE integrity as a potential contributing factor to Huntington's disease and other polyglutamine diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giel Korsten
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Miriam Osinga
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Robin A Pelle
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Albert K Serweta
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Baukje Hoogenberg
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Harm H Kampinga
- Department of Cell Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Lukas C Kapitein
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Centre for Living Technologies, Alliance TU/e, WUR, UU, UMC Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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4
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de Souza ID, G S Fernandes V, Vitor F Cavalcante J, Carolina M F Coelho A, A A Morais D, Cabral-Marques O, A B Pasquali M, J S Dalmolin R. Sex-specific gene expression differences in the prefrontal cortex of major depressive disorder individuals. Neuroscience 2024; 559:272-282. [PMID: 39265803 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2024.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 08/16/2024] [Accepted: 09/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/14/2024]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a leading global cause of disability, being more prevalent in females, possibly due to molecular and neuronal pathway differences between females and males. However, the connection between transcriptional changes and MDD remains unclear. We identified transcriptionally altered genes (TAGs) in MDD through gene and transcript expression analyses, focusing on sex-specific differences. Analyzing 263 brain samples from both sexes, we conducted differential gene expression, differential transcript expression, and differential transcript usage analyses, revealing 1169 unique TAGs, primarily in the prefrontal areas, with nearly half exhibiting transcript-level alterations. Females showed notable RNA splicing and export process disruptions in the orbitofrontal cortex, alongside altered DDX39B gene expression in five of the six brain regions in both sexes. Our findings suggest that disruptions in RNA processing pathways may play a vital role in MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iara D de Souza
- Bioinformatics Multidisciplinary Environment, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte Brazil.
| | - Vítor G S Fernandes
- Bioinformatics Multidisciplinary Environment, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte Brazil
| | - João Vitor F Cavalcante
- Bioinformatics Multidisciplinary Environment, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina M F Coelho
- Department of Community Medicine, The Arctic University of Tromsø Norway; Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo Brazil
| | - Diego A A Morais
- Bioinformatics Multidisciplinary Environment, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte Brazil
| | - Otavio Cabral-Marques
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo Brazil; DO'R Institute for Research, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Rodrigo J S Dalmolin
- Bioinformatics Multidisciplinary Environment, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte Brazil; Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte Brazil.
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5
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Chen S, Jiang Q, Fan J, Cheng H. Nuclear mRNA export. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2024. [PMID: 39243141 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2024145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/09/2024] Open
Abstract
In eukaryotic cells, gene expression begins with transcription in the nucleus, followed by the maturation of messenger RNAs (mRNAs). These mRNA molecules are then exported to the cytoplasm through the nuclear pore complex (NPC), a process that serves as a critical regulatory phase of gene expression. The export of mRNA is intricately linked to precursor mRNA (pre-mRNA) processing, ensuring that only properly processed mRNA reaches the cytoplasm. This coordination is essential, as recent studies have revealed that mRNA export factors not only assist in transport but also influence upstream processing steps, adding a layer of complexity to gene regulation. Furthermore, the export process competes with RNA processing and degradation pathways, maintaining a delicate balance vital for accurate gene expression. While these mechanisms are generally conserved across eukaryotes, significant differences exist between yeast and higher eukaryotic cells, particularly due to the more genome complexity of the latter. This review delves into the current research on mRNA export in higher eukaryotic cells, focusing on its role in the broader context of gene expression regulation and highlighting how it interacts with other gene expression processes to ensure precise and efficient gene functionality in complex organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suli Chen
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
| | - Qingyi Jiang
- Key Laboratory of RNA Innovation, Science and Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Jing Fan
- Key Laboratory of RNA Innovation, Science and Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Hong Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
- Key Laboratory of RNA Innovation, Science and Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
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6
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Hutten S, Chen JX, Isaacs AM, Dormann D. Poly-GR Impairs PRMT1-Mediated Arginine Methylation of Disease-Linked RNA-Binding Proteins by Acting as a Substrate Sink. Biochemistry 2024; 63:2141-2152. [PMID: 39146246 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.4c00308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Dipeptide repeat proteins (DPRs) are aberrant protein species found in C9orf72-linked amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), two neurodegenerative diseases characterized by the cytoplasmic mislocalization and aggregation of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). In particular, arginine (R)-rich DPRs (poly-GR and poly-PR) have been suggested to promiscuously interact with multiple cellular proteins and thereby exert high cytotoxicity. Components of the protein arginine methylation machinery have been identified as modulators of DPR toxicity and/or potential cellular interactors of R-rich DPRs; however, the molecular details and consequences of such an interaction are currently not well understood. Here, we demonstrate that several members of the family of protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) can directly interact with R-rich DPRs in vitro and in the cytosol. In vitro, R-rich DPRs reduce solubility and promote phase separation of PRMT1, the main enzyme responsible for asymmetric arginine-dimethylation (ADMA) in mammalian cells, in a concentration- and length-dependent manner. Moreover, we demonstrate that poly-GR interferes more efficiently than poly-PR with PRMT1-mediated arginine methylation of RBPs such as hnRNPA3. We additionally show by two alternative approaches that poly-GR itself is a substrate for PRMT1-mediated arginine dimethylation. We propose that poly-GR may act as a direct competitor for arginine methylation of cellular PRMT1 targets, such as disease-linked RBPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskia Hutten
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Jia-Xuan Chen
- Institute of Molecular Biology, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Adrian M Isaacs
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London WC1E 6BT, U.K
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, U.K
| | - Dorothee Dormann
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität, 55128 Mainz, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Biology, 55128 Mainz, Germany
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7
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Au WH, Miller-Fleming L, Sanchez-Martinez A, Lee JA, Twyning MJ, Prag HA, Raik L, Allen SP, Shaw PJ, Ferraiuolo L, Mortiboys H, Whitworth AJ. Activation of the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway suppresses mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and motor phenotypes in C9orf72 ALS/FTD models. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202402853. [PMID: 38906677 PMCID: PMC11192839 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202402853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial dysfunction is a common feature of C9orf72 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/frontotemporal dementia (ALS/FTD); however, it remains unclear whether this is a cause or consequence of the pathogenic process. Analysing multiple aspects of mitochondrial biology across several Drosophila models of C9orf72-ALS/FTD, we found morphology, oxidative stress, and mitophagy are commonly affected, which correlated with progressive loss of locomotor performance. Notably, only genetic manipulations that reversed the oxidative stress levels were also able to rescue C9orf72 locomotor deficits, supporting a causative link between mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and behavioural phenotypes. Targeting the key antioxidant Keap1/Nrf2 pathway, we found that genetic reduction of Keap1 or pharmacological inhibition by dimethyl fumarate significantly rescued the C9orf72-related oxidative stress and motor deficits. Finally, mitochondrial ROS levels were also elevated in C9orf72 patient-derived iNeurons and were effectively suppressed by dimethyl fumarate treatment. These results indicate that mitochondrial oxidative stress is an important mechanistic contributor to C9orf72 pathogenesis, affecting multiple aspects of mitochondrial function and turnover. Targeting the Keap1/Nrf2 signalling pathway to combat oxidative stress represents a therapeutic strategy for C9orf72-related ALS/FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wing Hei Au
- https://ror.org/013meh722 MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- https://ror.org/013meh722 John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Leonor Miller-Fleming
- https://ror.org/013meh722 MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alvaro Sanchez-Martinez
- https://ror.org/013meh722 MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - James Ak Lee
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Madeleine J Twyning
- https://ror.org/013meh722 MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Hiran A Prag
- https://ror.org/013meh722 MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- https://ror.org/013meh722 Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Laura Raik
- https://ror.org/013meh722 MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Scott P Allen
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Pamela J Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- NIHR Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Laura Ferraiuolo
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Heather Mortiboys
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Alexander J Whitworth
- https://ror.org/013meh722 MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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8
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Huang SH, Parandhaman M, Jyothi Ravi M, Janda DC, Amemiya S. Nanoscale interactions of arginine-containing dipeptide repeats with nuclear pore complexes as measured by transient scanning electrochemical microscopy. Chem Sci 2024:d4sc05063k. [PMID: 39246336 PMCID: PMC11375788 DOI: 10.1039/d4sc05063k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The nuclear pore complex (NPC) plays imperative biological and biomedical roles as the sole gateway for molecular transport between the cytoplasm and nucleus of eukaryotic cells. The proteinous nanopore, however, can be blocked by arginine-containing polydipeptide repeats (DPRs) of proteins resulting from the disordered C9orf72 gene as a potential cause of serious neurological diseases. Herein, we report the new application of transient scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) to quantitatively characterize DPR-NPC interactions for the first time. Twenty repeats of neurotoxic glycine-arginine and proline-arginine in the NPC are quantified to match the number of phenylalanine-glycine (FG) units in hydrophobic transport barriers of the nanopore. The 1 : 1 stoichiometry supports the hypothesis that the guanidinium residue of a DPR molecule engages in cation-π interactions with the aromatic residue of an FG unit. Cation-π interactions, however, are too weak to account for the measured free energy of DPR transfer from water into the NPC. The DPR transfer is thermodynamically as favorable as the transfer of nuclear transport receptors, which is attributed to hydrophobic interactions as hypothesized generally for NPC-mediated macromolecular transport. Kinetically, the DPRs are trapped by FG units for much longer than the physiological receptors, thereby blocking the nanopore. Significantly, the novel mechanism of toxicity implies that the efficient and safe nuclear import of genetic therapeutics requires strong association with and fast dissociation from the NPC. Moreover, this work demonstrates the unexplored power of transient SECM to determine the thermodynamics and kinetics of biological membrane-molecule interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siao-Han Huang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh 219 Parkman Avenue Pittsburgh Pennsylvania 15260 USA
| | - Moghitha Parandhaman
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh 219 Parkman Avenue Pittsburgh Pennsylvania 15260 USA
| | - Manu Jyothi Ravi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh 219 Parkman Avenue Pittsburgh Pennsylvania 15260 USA
| | - Donald C Janda
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh 219 Parkman Avenue Pittsburgh Pennsylvania 15260 USA
| | - Shigeru Amemiya
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh 219 Parkman Avenue Pittsburgh Pennsylvania 15260 USA
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9
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Jafarinia H, Van der Giessen E, Onck PR. C9orf72 polyPR interaction with the nuclear pore complex. Biophys J 2024:S0006-3495(24)00590-3. [PMID: 39205388 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2024.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The C9orf72 gene associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/frontotemporal dementia is translated to five dipeptide repeat proteins, among which poly-proline-arginine (PR) is the most toxic in cell and animal models, contributing to a variety of cellular defects. It has been proposed that polyPR disrupts nucleocytoplasmic transport (NCT) through several mechanisms including accumulation in the nuclear pore complex (NPC), accumulation in the nucleolus, and direct interactions with transport receptors. The NPC, which is the key regulator of transport between the cytoplasm and nucleus, plays a central role in these suggested mechanisms. Exploring polyPR interaction with the NPC provides valuable insight into the molecular details of polyPR-mediated NCT defects. To address this, we use coarse-grained molecular dynamics models of polyPR and the yeast NPC lined with intrinsically disordered FG-nucleoporins (FG-Nups). Our findings indicate no aggregation of polyPR within the NPC or permanent binding to FG-Nups. Instead, polyPR translocates through the NPC, following a trajectory through the central low-density region of the pore. In the case of longer polyPRs, we observe a higher energy barrier for translocation and a narrower translocation channel. Our study shows that polyPR and FG-Nups are mainly engaged in steric interactions inside the NPC with only a small contribution of specific cation-pi, hydrophobic, and electrostatic interactions, allowing polyPR to overcome the entropic barrier of the NPC in a size-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamidreza Jafarinia
- Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Erik Van der Giessen
- Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Patrick R Onck
- Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
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10
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Thompson EG, Spead O, Akerman SC, Curcio C, Zaepfel BL, Kent ER, Philips T, Vijayakumar BG, Zacco A, Zhou W, Nagappan G, Rothstein JD. A robust evaluation of TDP-43, poly GP, cellular pathology and behavior in a AAV-C9ORF72 (G 4C 2) 66 mouse model. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.08.27.607409. [PMID: 39253499 PMCID: PMC11383318 DOI: 10.1101/2024.08.27.607409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
The G4C2 hexanucleotide repeat expansion in C9ORF72 is the major genetic cause of both amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) (C9-ALS/FTD). Despite considerable efforts, the development of mouse models of C9-ALS/FTD useful for therapeutic development has proven challenging due to the intricate interplay of genetic and molecular factors underlying this neurodegenerative disorder, in addition to species differences. This study presents a robust investigation of the cellular pathophysiology and behavioral outcomes in a previously described AAV mouse model of C9-ALS expressing 66 G4C2 hexanucleotide repeats. Despite displaying key molecular ALS pathological markers including RNA foci, dipeptide repeat (DPR) protein aggregation, p62 positive stress granule formation as well as mild gliosis, the AAV-(G4C2)66 mouse model in this study exhibits negligible neuronal loss, no motor deficits, and functionally unimpaired TAR DNA-binding protein-43 (TDP-43). While our findings indicate and support that this is a robust and pharmacologically tractable model for investigating the molecular mechanisms and cellular consequences of (G4C2) repeat driven DPR pathology, it is not suitable for investigating the development of disease associated neurodegeneration, TDP-43 dysfunction, gliosis, and motor performance. Our findings underscore the complexity of ALS pathogenesis involving genetic mutations and protein dysregulation and highlight the need for more comprehensive model systems that reliably replicate the multifaceted cellular and behavioral aspects of C9-ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily G Thompson
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Olivia Spead
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - S Can Akerman
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Carrie Curcio
- Glaxo Smith Kline Research and Development, 1250 S. Collegeville Road, Collegeville, PA, 19426, USA
| | - Benjamin L Zaepfel
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Erica R Kent
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Thomas Philips
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Balaji G Vijayakumar
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Anna Zacco
- Glaxo Smith Kline Research and Development, 1250 S. Collegeville Road, Collegeville, PA, 19426, USA
| | - Weibo Zhou
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Guhan Nagappan
- Glaxo Smith Kline Research and Development, 1250 S. Collegeville Road, Collegeville, PA, 19426, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Rothstein
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
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11
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Li Y, Zhu J, Zhai F, Kong L, Li H, Jin X. Advances in the understanding of nuclear pore complexes in human diseases. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2024; 150:374. [PMID: 39080077 PMCID: PMC11289042 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-024-05881-5] [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: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) are sophisticated and dynamic protein structures that straddle the nuclear envelope and act as gatekeepers for transporting molecules between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. NPCs comprise up to 30 different proteins known as nucleoporins (NUPs). However, a growing body of research has suggested that NPCs play important roles in gene regulation, viral infections, cancer, mitosis, genetic diseases, kidney diseases, immune system diseases, and degenerative neurological and muscular pathologies. PURPOSE In this review, we introduce the structure and function of NPCs. Then We described the physiological and pathological effects of each component of NPCs which provide a direction for future clinical applications. METHODS The literatures from PubMed have been reviewed for this article. CONCLUSION This review summarizes current studies on the implications of NPCs in human physiology and pathology, highlighting the mechanistic underpinnings of NPC-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Li
- The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315040, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Health Science Center, Nngbo University, Ningbo, 315211, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jie Zhu
- The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315040, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fengguang Zhai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Health Science Center, Nngbo University, Ningbo, 315211, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lili Kong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Health Science Center, Nngbo University, Ningbo, 315211, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hong Li
- The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315040, Zhejiang, China.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Health Science Center, Nngbo University, Ningbo, 315211, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Xiaofeng Jin
- The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315040, Zhejiang, China.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Health Science Center, Nngbo University, Ningbo, 315211, Zhejiang, China.
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12
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Celona B, Salomonsson SE, Wu H, Dang B, Kratochvil HT, Clelland CD, DeGrado WF, Black BL. Zfp106 binds to G-quadruplex RNAs and inhibits RAN translation and formation of RNA foci caused by G4C2 repeats. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2220020121. [PMID: 39042693 PMCID: PMC11295049 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2220020121] [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: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Expansion of intronic GGGGCC repeats in the C9orf72 gene causes amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia. Transcription of the expanded repeats results in the formation of RNA-containing nuclear foci and altered RNA metabolism. In addition, repeat-associated non-AUG (RAN) translation of the expanded GGGGCC-repeat sequence results in the production of highly toxic dipeptide-repeat (DPR) proteins. GGGGCC repeat-containing transcripts form G-quadruplexes, which are associated with formation of RNA foci and RAN translation. Zfp106, an RNA-binding protein essential for motor neuron survival in mice, suppresses neurotoxicity in a Drosophila model of C9orf72 ALS. Here, we show that Zfp106 inhibits formation of RNA foci and significantly reduces RAN translation caused by GGGGCC repeats in cultured mammalian cells, and we demonstrate that Zfp106 coexpression reduces the levels of DPRs in C9orf72 patient-derived cells. Further, we show that Zfp106 binds to RNA G-quadruplexes and causes a conformational change in the G-quadruplex structure formed by GGGGCC repeats. Together, these data demonstrate that Zfp106 suppresses the formation of RNA foci and DPRs caused by GGGGCC repeats and suggest that the G-quadruplex RNA-binding function of Zfp106 contributes to its suppression of GGGGCC repeat-mediated cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Celona
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA94143
| | - Sally E. Salomonsson
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA94143
- Memory & Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA94143
| | - Haifan Wu
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA94143
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA94143
| | - Bobo Dang
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA94143
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA94143
| | - Huong T. Kratochvil
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA94143
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA94143
| | - Claire D. Clelland
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA94143
- Memory & Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA94143
| | - William F. DeGrado
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA94143
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA94143
| | - Brian L. Black
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA94143
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, CA94143
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13
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Al-Turki TM, Mantri V, Willcox S, Mills CA, Herring LE, Cho SJ, Lee H, Meyer C, Anton ES, Griffith JD. The valine-arginine dipeptide repeat protein encoded by mammalian telomeric RNA appears highly expressed in mitosis and may repress global translation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.24.604971. [PMID: 39211251 PMCID: PMC11360934 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.24.604971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Translation of mammalian telomeric G-rich RNA via the Repeat Associated non-AUG translation mechanism can produce two dipeptide repeat proteins: repeating valine-arginine (VR) and repeating glycine-leucine (GL). Their potentially toxic nature suggests that one or both must play a needed role in the cell. Using light microscopy combined with antibody staining we discovered that cultured human cells stain brightly for VR during mitosis with VR staining co-localizing with ribosomes. In vitro , VR protein represses translation in a firefly luciferase assay. Affinity purification combined with mass spectrometry identified ribosomal proteins as the major class of VR interacting proteins. Extension to mouse embryonic cerebral cortical development showed strong staining in the ventricular zone where high mitotic index neural progenitor cells proliferate and in the cortical plate where new neurons settle. These observations point to VR playing a key role in mitosis very possibly depressing global translation, a role mediated by the telomere. Teaser The telomeric valine-arginine dipeptide repeat protein is highly expressed in mitotic cells in culture and in mouse embryonic neural tissue.
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14
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Lindamood HL, Liu TM, Read TA, Vitriol EA. Using ALS to understand profilin 1's diverse roles in cellular physiology. Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) 2024. [PMID: 39056295 DOI: 10.1002/cm.21896] [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: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Profilin is an actin monomer-binding protein whose role in actin polymerization has been studied for nearly 50 years. While its principal biochemical features are now well understood, many questions remain about how profilin controls diverse processes within the cell. Dysregulation of profilin has been implicated in a broad range of human diseases, including neurodegeneration, inflammatory disorders, cardiac disease, and cancer. For example, mutations in the profilin 1 gene (PFN1) can cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), although the precise mechanisms that drive neurodegeneration remain unclear. While initial work suggested proteostasis and actin cytoskeleton defects as the main pathological pathways, multiple novel functions for PFN1 have since been discovered that may also contribute to ALS, including the regulation of nucleocytoplasmic transport, stress granules, mitochondria, and microtubules. Here, we will review these newly discovered roles for PFN1, speculate on their contribution to ALS, and discuss how defects in actin can contribute to these processes. By understanding profilin 1's involvement in ALS pathogenesis, we hope to gain insight into this functionally complex protein with significant influence over cellular physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halli L Lindamood
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Tatiana M Liu
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Tracy-Ann Read
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Eric A Vitriol
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
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15
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Halim DO, Krishnan G, Hass EP, Lee S, Verma M, Almeida S, Gu Y, Kwon DY, Fazzio TG, Gao FB. The exocyst subunit EXOC2 regulates the toxicity of expanded GGGGCC repeats in C9ORF72-ALS/FTD. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114375. [PMID: 38935506 PMCID: PMC11299523 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114375] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
GGGGCC (G4C2) repeat expansion in C9ORF72 is the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). How this genetic mutation leads to neurodegeneration remains largely unknown. Using CRISPR-Cas9 technology, we deleted EXOC2, which encodes an essential exocyst subunit, in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from C9ORF72-ALS/FTD patients. These cells are viable owing to the presence of truncated EXOC2, suggesting that exocyst function is partially maintained. Several disease-relevant cellular phenotypes in C9ORF72 iPSC-derived motor neurons are rescued due to, surprisingly, the decreased levels of dipeptide repeat (DPR) proteins and expanded G4C2 repeats-containing RNA. The treatment of fully differentiated C9ORF72 neurons with EXOC2 antisense oligonucleotides also decreases expanded G4C2 repeats-containing RNA and partially rescued disease phenotypes. These results indicate that EXOC2 directly or indirectly regulates the level of G4C2 repeats-containing RNA, making it a potential therapeutic target in C9ORF72-ALS/FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilara O Halim
- Frontotemporal Dementia Research Center, RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Gopinath Krishnan
- Frontotemporal Dementia Research Center, RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Evan P Hass
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Soojin Lee
- Frontotemporal Dementia Research Center, RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Mamta Verma
- Frontotemporal Dementia Research Center, RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Sandra Almeida
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Yuanzheng Gu
- Neuromuscular & Muscle Disorders, Biogen, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Deborah Y Kwon
- Neuromuscular & Muscle Disorders, Biogen, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Thomas G Fazzio
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Fen-Biao Gao
- Frontotemporal Dementia Research Center, RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
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16
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Guo Y, Tao T, Wu T, Hou J, Lin W. Nucleoporin Nup98 is an essential factor for ipo4 dependent protein import. J Cell Biochem 2024; 125:e30573. [PMID: 38780165 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Nucleocytoplasmic transport of macromolecules is essential in eukaryotic cells. In this process, the karyopherins play a central role when they transport cargoes across the nuclear pore complex. Importin 4 belongs to the karyopherin β family. Many studies have focused on finding substrates for importin 4, but no direct mechanism studies of its precise transport function have been reported. Therefore, this paper mainly aimed to study the mechanism of nucleoporins in mediating nuclear import and export of importin 4. To address this question, we constructed shRNAs targeting Nup358, Nup153, Nup98, and Nup50. We found that depletion of Nup98 resulted in a shift in the subcellular localization of importin 4 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. Mutational analysis demonstrated that Nup98 physically and functionally interacts with importin 4 through its N-terminal phenylalanine-glycine (FG) repeat region. Mutation of nine of these FG motifs to SG motifs significantly attenuated the binding of Nup98 to importin 4, and we further confirmed the essential role of the six FG motifs in amino acids 121-360 of Nup98 in binding with importin 4. In vitro transport assay also confirmed that VDR, the substrate of importin 4, could not be transported into the nucleus after Nup98 knockdown. Overall, our results showed that Nup98 is required for efficient importin 4-mediated transport. This is the first study to reveal the mechanism of importin 4 in transporting substrates into the nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Stress Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiame, Fujian, China
| | - Tao Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Stress Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiame, Fujian, China
| | - Ting Wu
- Department of Basic Medicine, School of Medicine, Cancer Research Center, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Jingjing Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Stress Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiame, Fujian, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, School of Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Wenbo Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Stress Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiame, Fujian, China
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17
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Tseng YJ, Krans A, Malik I, Deng X, Yildirim E, Ovunc S, Tank EH, Jansen-West K, Kaufhold R, Gomez N, Sher R, Petrucelli L, Barmada S, Todd P. Ribosomal quality control factors inhibit repeat-associated non-AUG translation from GC-rich repeats. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:5928-5949. [PMID: 38412259 PMCID: PMC11162809 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
A GGGGCC (G4C2) hexanucleotide repeat expansion in C9ORF72 causes amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia (C9ALS/FTD), while a CGG trinucleotide repeat expansion in FMR1 leads to the neurodegenerative disorder Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS). These GC-rich repeats form RNA secondary structures that support repeat-associated non-AUG (RAN) translation of toxic proteins that contribute to disease pathogenesis. Here we assessed whether these same repeats might trigger stalling and interfere with translational elongation. We find that depletion of ribosome-associated quality control (RQC) factors NEMF, LTN1 and ANKZF1 markedly boost RAN translation product accumulation from both G4C2 and CGG repeats while overexpression of these factors reduces RAN production in both reporter assays and C9ALS/FTD patient iPSC-derived neurons. We also detected partially made products from both G4C2 and CGG repeats whose abundance increased with RQC factor depletion. Repeat RNA sequence, rather than amino acid content, is central to the impact of RQC factor depletion on RAN translation-suggesting a role for RNA secondary structure in these processes. Together, these findings suggest that ribosomal stalling and RQC pathway activation during RAN translation inhibits the generation of toxic RAN products. We propose augmenting RQC activity as a therapeutic strategy in GC-rich repeat expansion disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ju Tseng
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Amy Krans
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Ann Arbor Veterans Administration Healthcare, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Indranil Malik
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Sangareddy, 502284 Telangana, India
| | - Xiexiong Deng
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Evrim Yildirim
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Sinem Ovunc
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Elizabeth M H Tank
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Karen Jansen-West
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Ross Kaufhold
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Nicolas B Gomez
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Roger Sher
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior & Center for Nervous System Disorders, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | | | - Sami J Barmada
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Peter K Todd
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Ann Arbor Veterans Administration Healthcare, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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18
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Fu X, Zhang Z, Hayes LR, Wright N, Asbury J, Li S, Ye Y, Sun S. DDX3X overexpression decreases dipeptide repeat proteins in a mouse model of C9ORF72-ALS/FTD. Exp Neurol 2024; 376:114768. [PMID: 38556190 PMCID: PMC11058010 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.114768] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Hexanucleotide repeat expansion in C9ORF72 (C9) is the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). One of the proposed pathogenic mechanisms is the neurotoxicity arising from dipeptide repeat (DPR) proteins produced by repeat-associated non-AUG (RAN) translation. Therefore, reducing DPR levels emerges as a potential therapeutic strategy for C9ORF72-ALS/FTD. We previously identified an RNA helicase, DEAD-box helicase 3 X-linked (DDX3X), modulates RAN translation. DDX3X overexpression decreases poly-GP accumulation in C9ORF72-ALS/FTD patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-differentiated neurons (iPSNs) and reduces the glutamate-induced neurotoxicity. In this study, we examined the in vivo efficacy of DDX3X overexpression using a mouse model. We expressed exogenous DDX3X or GFP in the central nervous system (CNS) of the C9-500 ALS/FTD BAC transgenic or non-transgenic control mice using adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (AAV9). The DPR levels were significantly reduced in the brains of DDX3X-expressing C9-BAC mice compared to the GFP control even twelve months after virus delivery. Additionally, p62 aggregation was also decreased. No neuronal loss or neuroinflammatory response were detected in the DDX3X overexpressing C9-BAC mice. This work demonstrates that DDX3X overexpression effectively reduces DPR levels in vivo without provoking neuroinflammation or neurotoxicity, suggesting the potential of increasing DDX3X expression as a therapeutic strategy for C9ORF72-ALS/FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiujuan Fu
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Lindsey R Hayes
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Noelle Wright
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Julie Asbury
- Notre Dame of Maryland University, Baltimore, MD 21210, USA
| | - Shelley Li
- John Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Yingzhi Ye
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Cellular and Molecular Physiology Graduate Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Shuying Sun
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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19
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Liguori F, Alberti F, Amadio S, Angelini DF, Pilesi E, Vitale G, Tesoriere G, Borsellino G, Vernì F, Volonté C. Pan-neuronal expression of human mutant SOD1 in Drosophila impairs survival and motor performance, induces early neuroinflammation and chromosome aberrations. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167192. [PMID: 38657911 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Several mutations in the SOD1 gene encoding for the antioxidant enzyme Superoxide Dismutase 1, are associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a rare and devastating disease characterized by motor neuron degeneration and patients' death within 2-5 years from diagnosis. Motor neuron loss and related symptomatology manifest mostly in adult life and, to date, there is still a gap of knowledge on the precise cellular and molecular events preceding neurodegeneration. To deepen our awareness of the early phases of the disease, we leveraged two Drosophila melanogaster models pan-neuronally expressing either the mutation A4V or G85R of the human gene SOD1 (hSOD1A4V or hSOD1G85R). We demonstrate that pan-neuronal expression of the hSOD1A4V or hSOD1G85R pathogenic construct impairs survival and motor performance in transgenic flies. Moreover, protein and transcript analysis on fly heads indicates that mutant hSOD1 induction stimulates the glial marker Repo, up-regulates the IMD/Toll immune pathways through antimicrobial peptides and interferes with oxidative metabolism. Finally, cytological analysis of larval brains demonstrates hSOD1-induced chromosome aberrations. Of note, these parameters are found modulated in a timeframe when neurodegeneration is not detected. The novelty of our work is twofold: we have expressed for the first time hSOD1 mutations in all neurons of Drosophila and confirmed some ALS-related pathological phenotypes in these flies, confirming the power of SOD1 mutations in generating ALS-like phenotypes. Moreover, we have related SOD1 pathogenesis to chromosome aberrations and antimicrobial peptides up-regulation. These findings were unexplored in the SOD1-ALS field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Liguori
- Experimental Neuroscience and Neurological Disease Models, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 65, 00143 Rome, Italy; Institute for Systems Analysis and Computer Science "Antonio Ruberti" (IASI), National Research Council (CNR), Via dei Taurini 19, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesca Alberti
- Experimental Neuroscience and Neurological Disease Models, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 65, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Susanna Amadio
- Experimental Neuroscience and Neurological Disease Models, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 65, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Francesca Angelini
- Experimental Neuroscience and Neurological Disease Models, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 65, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Pilesi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Vitale
- Experimental Neuroscience and Neurological Disease Models, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 65, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Tesoriere
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Borsellino
- Experimental Neuroscience and Neurological Disease Models, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 65, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Fiammetta Vernì
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Cinzia Volonté
- Experimental Neuroscience and Neurological Disease Models, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 65, 00143 Rome, Italy; Institute for Systems Analysis and Computer Science "Antonio Ruberti" (IASI), National Research Council (CNR), Via dei Taurini 19, 00185 Rome, Italy.
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20
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Murage B, Tan H, Mashimo T, Jackson M, Skehel PA. Spinal cord neurone loss and foot placement changes in a rat knock-in model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Type 8. Brain Commun 2024; 6:fcae184. [PMID: 38846532 PMCID: PMC11154649 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcae184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is an age-dependent cell type-selective degenerative disease. Genetic studies indicate that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is part of a spectrum of disorders, ranging from spinal muscular atrophy to frontotemporal dementia that share common pathological mechanisms. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Type 8 is a familial disease caused by mis-sense mutations in VAPB. VAPB is localized to the cytoplasmic surface of the endoplasmic reticulum, where it serves as a docking point for cytoplasmic proteins and mediates inter-organelle interactions with the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. A gene knock-in model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Type 8 based on the VapBP56S mutation and VapB gene deletion has been generated in rats. These animals display a range of age-dependent phenotypes distinct from those previously reported in mouse models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Type 8. A loss of motor neurones in VapBP56S/+ and VapBP56S/P56S animals is indicated by a reduction in the number of large choline acetyl transferase-staining cells in the spinal cord. VapB-/- animals exhibit a relative increase in cytoplasmic TDP-43 levels compared with the nucleus, but no large protein aggregates. Concomitant with these spinal cord pathologies VapBP56S/+ , VapBP56S/P56S and VapB-/- animals exhibit age-dependent changes in paw placement and exerted pressures when traversing a CatWalk apparatus, consistent with a somatosensory dysfunction. Extramotor dysfunction is reported in half the cases of motor neurone disease, and this is the first indication of an associated sensory dysfunction in a rodent model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Different rodent models may offer complementary experimental platforms with which to understand the human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Murage
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Edinburgh University, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, Edinburgh University, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Han Tan
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Edinburgh University, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Tomoji Mashimo
- Division of Animal Genetics, Laboratory Animal Research Center, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
| | - Mandy Jackson
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Edinburgh University, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, Edinburgh University, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Paul A Skehel
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Edinburgh University, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, Edinburgh University, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
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21
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Evans LJ, O'Brien D, Shaw PJ. Current neuroprotective therapies and future prospects for motor neuron disease. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 176:327-384. [PMID: 38802178 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2024.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Four medications with neuroprotective disease-modifying effects are now in use for motor neuron disease (MND). With FDA approvals for tofersen, relyvrio and edaravone in just the past year, 2022 ended a quarter of a century when riluzole was the sole such drug to offer to patients. The acceleration of approvals may mean we are witnessing the beginning of a step-change in how MND can be treated. Improvements in understanding underlying disease biology has led to more therapies being developed to target specific and multiple disease mechanisms. Consideration for how the pipeline of new therapeutic agents coming through in clinical and preclinical development can be more effectively evaluated with biomarkers, advances in patient stratification and clinical trial design pave the way for more successful translation for this archetypal complex neurodegenerative disease. While it must be cautioned that only slowed rates of progression have so far been demonstrated, pre-empting rapid neurodegeneration by using neurofilament biomarkers to signal when to treat, as is currently being trialled with tofersen, may be more effective for patients with known genetic predisposition to MND. Early intervention with personalized medicines could mean that for some patients at least, in future we may be able to substantially treat what is considered by many to be one of the most distressing diseases in medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura J Evans
- The Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, and the NIHR Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - David O'Brien
- The Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, and the NIHR Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Pamela J Shaw
- The Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, and the NIHR Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom.
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22
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Hu Y, Chen W, Wei C, Jiang S, Li S, Wang X, Xu R. Pathological mechanisms of amyotrophic lateral Sclerosis. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1036-1044. [PMID: 37862206 PMCID: PMC10749610 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.382985] [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: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis refers to a neurodegenerative disease involving the motor system, the cause of which remains unexplained despite several years of research. Thus, the journey to understanding or treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is still a long one. According to current research, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is likely not due to a single factor but rather to a combination of mechanisms mediated by complex interactions between molecular and genetic pathways. The progression of the disease involves multiple cellular processes and the interaction between different complex mechanisms makes it difficult to identify the causative factors of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Here, we review the most common amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-associated pathogenic genes and the pathways involved in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, as well as summarize currently proposed potential mechanisms responsible for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis disease and their evidence for involvement in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In addition, we discuss current emerging strategies for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Studying the emergence of these new therapies may help to further our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yushu Hu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Wenzhi Chen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Caihui Wei
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Shishi Jiang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Shu Li
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Xinxin Wang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Renshi Xu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College; The Clinical College of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
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23
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Sellier C, Corcia P, Vourc'h P, Dupuis L. C9ORF72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion: From ALS and FTD to a broader pathogenic role? Rev Neurol (Paris) 2024; 180:417-428. [PMID: 38609750 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2024.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
The major gene underlying monogenic forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and fronto-temporal dementia (FTD) is C9ORF72. The causative mutation in C9ORF72 is an abnormal hexanucleotide (G4C2) repeat expansion (HRE) located in the first intron of the gene. The aim of this review is to propose a comprehensive update on recent developments on clinical, biological and therapeutics aspects related to C9ORF72 in order to highlight the current understanding of genotype-phenotype correlations, and also on biological machinery leading to neuronal death. We will particularly focus on the broad phenotypic presentation of C9ORF72-related diseases, that goes well beyond the classical phenotypes observed in ALS and FTD patients. Last, we will comment the possible therapeutical hopes for patients carrying a C9ORF72 HRE.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Sellier
- Centre de recherches en biomédecine de Strasbourg, UMR-S1329, Inserm, université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - P Corcia
- UMR 1253 iBrain, Inserm, université de Tours, Tours, France; Centre constitutif de coordination SLA, CHU de Bretonneau, 2, boulevard Tonnelle, 37044 Tours cedex 1, France
| | - P Vourc'h
- UMR 1253 iBrain, Inserm, université de Tours, Tours, France; Service de biochimie et biologie moléculaire, CHU de Tours, Tours, France
| | - L Dupuis
- Centre de recherches en biomédecine de Strasbourg, UMR-S1329, Inserm, université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.
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24
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Zhao T, Duan S, Li J, Zheng H, Liu C, Zhang H, Luo H, Xu Y. Mapping of repeat-associated non-AUG (RAN) translation knowledge: A bibliometric analysis. Heliyon 2024; 10:e29141. [PMID: 38628764 PMCID: PMC11019168 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Over 50 genetic human disorders are attributed to the irregular expansion of microsatellites. These expanded microsatellite sequences can experience bidirectional transcription, leading to new reading frames. Beyond the standard AUG initiation or adjacent start codons, they are translated into proteins characterized by disease-causing amino acid repeats through repeat-associated non-AUG translation. Despite its significance, there's a discernible gap in comprehensive and objective articles on RAN translation. This study endeavors to evaluate and delineate the contemporary landscape and progress of RAN translation research via a bibliometric analysis. We sourced literature on RAN translation from the Web of Science Core Collection. Utilizing two bibliometric analysis tools, CiteSpace and VOSviewer, we gauged individual impacts and interactions by examining annual publications, journals, co-cited journals, countries/regions, institutions, authors, and co-cited authors. Following this, we assessed the co-occurrence and bursts of keywords and co-cited references to pinpoint research hotspots and trending in RAN translation. Between 2011 and 2022, 1317 authors across 359 institutions from 34 countries/regions contributed to 250 publications on RAN translation, spread across 118 academic journals. This article presents a systematic, objective, and comprehensive analysis of the current literature on RAN translation. Our findings emphasize that mechanisms related to C9orf72 ALS/FTD are pivotal topics in the realm of RAN translation, with cellular stress and the utilization of small molecule marking the trending research areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taiqi Zhao
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Suying Duan
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jiaqi Li
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Honglin Zheng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- The Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Chenyang Liu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Hang Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Haiyang Luo
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yuming Xu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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25
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Liu Y, Zhang B, Duan R, Liu Y. Mitochondrial DNA Leakage and cGas/STING Pathway in Microglia: Crosstalk Between Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration. Neuroscience 2024; 548:1-8. [PMID: 38685462 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2024.04.009] [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: 02/03/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases, characterized by abnormal deposition of misfolded proteins, often present with progressive loss of neurons. Chronic neuroinflammation is a striking hallmark of neurodegeneration. Microglia, as the primary immune cells in the brain, is the main type of cells that participate in the formation of inflammatory microenvironment. Cytoplasmic free mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), a common component of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), can activate the cGas/stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signalling, which subsequently produces type I interferon and proinflammatory cytokines. There are various sources of free mtDNA in microglial cytoplasm, but mitochondrial oxidative stress accumulation plays the vital role. The upregulation of cGas/STING pathway in microglia contributes to the abnormal and persistent microglial activation, accompanied by excessive secretion of neurotoxic inflammatory mediators such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), which exacerbates the damage of neurons and promotes the development of neurodegeneration. Currently, novel therapeutic approaches need to be found to delay the progression of neurodegenerative disorders, and regulation of the cGas/STING signaling in microglia may be a potential target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqian Liu
- Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Bohan Zhang
- Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ruonan Duan
- Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China.
| | - Yiming Liu
- Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China.
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26
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De Cock L, Bercier V, Van Den Bosch L. New developments in pre-clinical models of ALS to guide translation. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 176:477-524. [PMID: 38802181 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2024.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder in which selective death of motor neurons leads to muscle weakness and paralysis. Most research has focused on understanding and treating monogenic familial forms, most frequently caused by mutations in SOD1, FUS, TARDBP and C9orf72, although ALS is mostly sporadic and without a clear genetic cause. Rodent models have been developed to study monogenic ALS, but despite numerous pre-clinical studies and clinical trials, few disease-modifying therapies are available. ALS is a heterogeneous disease with complex underlying mechanisms where several genes and molecular pathways appear to play a role. One reason for the high failure rate of clinical translation from the current models could be oversimplification in pre-clinical studies. Here, we review advances in pre-clinical models to better capture the heterogeneous nature of ALS and discuss the value of novel model systems to guide translation and aid in the development of precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenja De Cock
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Louvain-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Valérie Bercier
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Louvain-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ludo Van Den Bosch
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Louvain-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium.
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27
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Akter M, Cui H, Hosain MA, Liu J, Duan Y, Ding B. RANBP17 Overexpression Restores Nucleocytoplasmic Transport and Ameliorates Neurodevelopment in Induced DYT1 Dystonia Motor Neurons. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e1728232024. [PMID: 38438257 PMCID: PMC11007476 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1728-23.2024] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
DYT1 dystonia is a debilitating neurological movement disorder, and it represents the most frequent and severe form of hereditary primary dystonia. There is currently no cure for this disease due to its unclear pathogenesis. In our previous study utilizing patient-specific motor neurons (MNs), we identified distinct cellular deficits associated with the disease, including a deformed nucleus, disrupted neurodevelopment, and compromised nucleocytoplasmic transport (NCT) functions. However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying these cellular impairments have remained elusive. In this study, we revealed the genome-wide changes in gene expression in DYT1 MNs through transcriptomic analysis. We found that those dysregulated genes are intricately involved in neurodevelopment and various biological processes. Interestingly, we identified that the expression level of RANBP17, a RAN-binding protein crucial for NCT regulation, exhibited a significant reduction in DYT1 MNs. By manipulating RANBP17 expression, we further demonstrated that RANBP17 plays an important role in facilitating the nuclear transport of both protein and transcript cargos in induced human neurons. Excitingly, the overexpression of RANBP17 emerged as a substantial mitigating factor, effectively restoring impaired NCT activity and rescuing neurodevelopmental deficits observed in DYT1 MNs. These findings shed light on the intricate molecular underpinnings of impaired NCT in DYT1 neurons and provide novel insights into the pathophysiology of DYT1 dystonia, potentially leading to the development of innovative treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masuma Akter
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana 71130-3932
| | - Haochen Cui
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana 71130-3932
| | - Md Abir Hosain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana 71130-3932
| | - Jinmei Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana 71130-3932
| | - Yuntian Duan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana 71130-3932
| | - Baojin Ding
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana 71130-3932
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28
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Martin EJ, Santacruz C, Mitevska A, Jones IE, Krishnan G, Gao FB, Finan JD, Kiskinis E. Traumatic injury causes selective degeneration and TDP-43 mislocalization in human iPSC-derived C9orf72-associated ALS/FTD motor neurons. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.21.586073. [PMID: 38585915 PMCID: PMC10996466 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.21.586073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
A hexanucleotide repeat expansion (HRE) in C9orf72 is the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). However, patients with the HRE exhibit a wide disparity in clinical presentation and age of symptom onset suggesting an interplay between genetic background and environmental stressors. Neurotrauma as a result of traumatic brain or spinal cord injury has been shown to increase the risk of ALS/FTD in epidemiological studies. Here, we combine patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) with a custom-built device to deliver biofidelic stretch trauma to C9orf72 patient and isogenic control motor neurons (MNs) in vitro. We find that mutant but not control MNs exhibit selective degeneration after a single incident of severe trauma, which can be partially rescued by pretreatment with a C9orf72 antisense oligonucleotide. A single incident of mild trauma does not cause degeneration but leads to cytoplasmic accumulation of TDP-43 in C9orf72 MNs. This mislocalization, which only occurs briefly in isogenic controls, is eventually restored in C9orf72 MNs after 6 days. Lastly, repeated mild trauma ablates the ability of patient MNs to recover. These findings highlight alterations in TDP-43 dynamics in C9orf72 ALS/FTD patient MNs following traumatic injury and demonstrate that neurotrauma compounds neuropathology in C9orf72 ALS/FTD. More broadly, our work establishes an in vitro platform that can be used to interrogate the mechanistic interactions between ALS/FTD and neurotrauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric J. Martin
- The Ken & Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Citlally Santacruz
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Angela Mitevska
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ian E. Jones
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Gopinath Krishnan
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Fen-Biao Gao
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - John D. Finan
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Evangelos Kiskinis
- The Ken & Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Simpson Querrey Institute, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
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29
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Jafarinia H, van der Giessen E, Onck PR. C9orf72 polyPR directly binds to various nuclear transport components. eLife 2024; 12:RP89694. [PMID: 38483313 PMCID: PMC10939497 DOI: 10.7554/elife.89694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The disruption of nucleocytoplasmic transport (NCT) is an important mechanism in neurodegenerative diseases. In the case of C9orf72-ALS, trafficking of macromolecules through the nuclear pore complex (NPC) might get frustrated by the binding of C9orf72-translated arginine-containing dipeptide repeat proteins (R-DPRs) to the Kapβ family of nuclear transport receptors. Besides Kapβs, several other types of transport components have been linked to NCT impairments in R-DPR-expressed cells, but the molecular origin of these observations has not been clarified. Here, we adopt a coarse-grained molecular dynamics model at amino acid resolution to study the direct interaction between polyPR, the most toxic DPR, and various nuclear transport components to elucidate the binding mechanisms and provide a complete picture of potential polyPR-mediated NCT defects. We found polyPR to directly bind to several isoforms of the Impα family, CAS (the specific exporter of Impα) and RanGAP. We observe no binding between polyPR and Ran. Longer polyPRs at lower salt concentrations also make contact with RanGEF and NTF2. Analyzing the polyPR contact sites on the transport components reveals that polyPR potentially interferes with RanGTP/RanGDP binding, with nuclear localization signal (NLS)-containing cargoes (cargo-NLS) binding to Impα, with cargo-NLS release from Impα, and with Impα export from the nucleus. The abundance of polyPR-binding sites on multiple transport components combined with the inherent polyPR length dependence makes direct polyPR interference of NCT a potential mechanistic pathway of C9orf72 toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamidreza Jafarinia
- Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, University of GroningenGroningenNetherlands
| | - Erik van der Giessen
- Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, University of GroningenGroningenNetherlands
| | - Patrick R Onck
- Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, University of GroningenGroningenNetherlands
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30
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Dubey SK, Lloyd TE, Tapadia MG. Disrupted nuclear import of cell cycle proteins in Huntington's/PolyQ disease causes neurodevelopment defects in cellular and Drosophila model. Heliyon 2024; 10:e26393. [PMID: 38434042 PMCID: PMC10906312 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease is caused by an expansion of CAG repeats in exon 1 of the huntingtin gene encoding an extended PolyQ tract within the Huntingtin protein (mHtt). This expansion results in selective degeneration of striatal medium spiny projection neurons in the basal ganglia. The mutation causes abnormalities during neurodevelopment in human and mouse models. Here, we report that mHtt/PolyQ aggregates inhibit the cell cycle in the Drosophila brain during development. PolyQ aggregates disrupt the nuclear pore complexes of the cells preventing the translocation of cell cycle proteins such as Cyclin E, E2F and PCNA from cytoplasm to the nucleus, thus affecting cell cycle progression. PolyQ aggregates also disrupt the nuclear pore complex and nuclear import in mHtt expressing mammalian CAD neurons. PolyQ toxicity and cell cycle defects can be restored by enhancing RanGAP-mediated nuclear import, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Kumar Dubey
- Cytogenetics Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Thomas E. Lloyd
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Madhu G. Tapadia
- Cytogenetics Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
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31
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Chang YJ, Lin KT, Shih O, Yang CH, Chuang CY, Fang MH, Lai WB, Lee YC, Kuo HC, Hung SC, Yao CK, Jeng US, Chen YR. Sulfated disaccharide protects membrane and DNA damages from arginine-rich dipeptide repeats in ALS. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadj0347. [PMID: 38394210 PMCID: PMC10889363 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adj0347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Hexanucleotide repeat expansion in C9ORF72 (C9) is the most prevalent mutation among amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. The patients carry over ~30 to hundreds or thousands of repeats translated to dipeptide repeats (DPRs) where poly-glycine-arginine (GR) and poly-proline-arginine (PR) are most toxic. The structure-function relationship is still unknown. Here, we examined the minimal neurotoxic repeat number of poly-GR and found that extension of the repeat number led to a loose helical structure disrupting plasma and nuclear membrane. Poly-GR/PR bound to nucleotides and interfered with transcription. We screened and identified a sulfated disaccharide that bound to poly-GR/PR and rescued poly-GR/PR-induced toxicity in neuroblastoma and C9-ALS-iPSC-derived motor neurons. The compound rescued the shortened life span and defective locomotion in poly-GR/PR expressing Drosophila model and improved motor behavior in poly-GR-injected mouse model. Overall, our results reveal structural and toxicity mechanisms for poly-GR/PR and facilitate therapeutic development for C9-ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Jen Chang
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
- Taiwan International Graduate Program in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience, National Taiwan University and Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Tai Lin
- National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan
| | - Orion Shih
- National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Hua Yang
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Yu Chuang
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Han Fang
- Institute of Biochemical Sciences, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Bin Lai
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chung Lee
- Department of Neurology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Chih Kuo
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | | | - Chi-Kuang Yao
- Institute of Biochemical Sciences, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - U-Ser Jeng
- National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Ru Chen
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
- Taiwan International Graduate Program in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience, National Taiwan University and Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
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32
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Sirtori R, Gregoire M, Collins A, Santangelo S, Chatragadda B, Cullen R, Ratti A, Fallini C. Altered nuclear envelope homeostasis is a key pathogenic event in C9ORF72-linked ALS/FTD. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.01.578318. [PMID: 38352403 PMCID: PMC10862841 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.01.578318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
ALS and FTD are complex neurodegenerative disorders that primarily affects motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, and cortical neurons in the frontal lobe. Although the pathogenesis of ALS/FTD is unclear, recent research spotlights nucleocytoplasmic transport impairment, DNA damage, and nuclear abnormalities as drivers of neuronal death. In this study, we show that loss of nuclear envelope (NE) integrity is a key pathology associated with nuclear pore complex (NPC) injury in C9ORF72 mutant neurons. Importantly, we show that mechanical stresses generated by cytoskeletal forces on the NE can lead to NPC injury, loss of nuclear integrity, and accumulation of DNA damage. Importantly, we demonstrate that restoring NE tensional homeostasis, by disconnecting the nucleus from the cytoskeleton, can rescue NPC injury and reduce DNA damage in C9ORF72 mutant cells. Together, our data suggest that modulation of NE homeostasis and repair may represent a novel and promising therapeutic target for ALS/FTD.
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Khalil B, Linsenmeier M, Smith CL, Shorter J, Rossoll W. Nuclear-import receptors as gatekeepers of pathological phase transitions in ALS/FTD. Mol Neurodegener 2024; 19:8. [PMID: 38254150 PMCID: PMC10804745 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00698-1] [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: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are fatal neurodegenerative disorders on a disease spectrum that are characterized by the cytoplasmic mislocalization and aberrant phase transitions of prion-like RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). The common accumulation of TAR DNA-binding protein-43 (TDP-43), fused in sarcoma (FUS), and other nuclear RBPs in detergent-insoluble aggregates in the cytoplasm of degenerating neurons in ALS/FTD is connected to nuclear pore dysfunction and other defects in the nucleocytoplasmic transport machinery. Recent advances suggest that beyond their canonical role in the nuclear import of protein cargoes, nuclear-import receptors (NIRs) can prevent and reverse aberrant phase transitions of TDP-43, FUS, and related prion-like RBPs and restore their nuclear localization and function. Here, we showcase the NIR family and how they recognize cargo, drive nuclear import, and chaperone prion-like RBPs linked to ALS/FTD. We also discuss the promise of enhancing NIR levels and developing potentiated NIR variants as therapeutic strategies for ALS/FTD and related neurodegenerative proteinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilal Khalil
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, U.S.A
| | - Miriam Linsenmeier
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, U.S.A
| | - Courtney L Smith
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, U.S.A
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience Track, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, U.S.A
| | - James Shorter
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, U.S.A..
| | - Wilfried Rossoll
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, U.S.A..
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Geng Y, Cai Q. Role of C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat expansions in ALS/FTD pathogenesis. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1322720. [PMID: 38318532 PMCID: PMC10838790 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1322720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are progressive neurological disorders that share neurodegenerative pathways and features. The most prevalent genetic causes of ALS/FTD is the GGGGCC hexanucleotide repeat expansions in the first intron region of the chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9orf72) gene. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the accumulating evidences elucidating the pathogenic mechanism associated with hexanucleotide repeat expansions in ALS/FTD. These mechanisms encompass the structural polymorphism of DNA and transcribed RNA, the formation of RNA foci via phase separation, and the cytoplasmic accumulation and toxicities of dipeptide-repeat proteins. Additionally, the formation of G-quadruplex structures significantly impairs the expression and normal function of the C9orf72 protein. We also discuss the sequestration of specific RNA binding proteins by GGGGCC RNA, which further contributes to the toxicity of C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat expansions. The deeper understanding of the pathogenic mechanism of hexanucleotide repeat expansions in ALS/FTD provides multiple potential drug targets for these devastating diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Geng
- Clinical Research Institute of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian Key Laboratory of Brain Tumors Diagnosis and Precision Treatment, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Brain Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Qixu Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
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Smeele PH, Cesare G, Vaccari T. ALS' Perfect Storm: C9orf72-Associated Toxic Dipeptide Repeats as Potential Multipotent Disruptors of Protein Homeostasis. Cells 2024; 13:178. [PMID: 38247869 PMCID: PMC10813877 DOI: 10.3390/cells13020178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Protein homeostasis is essential for neuron longevity, requiring a balanced regulation between protein synthesis and degradation. The clearance of misfolded and aggregated proteins, mediated by autophagy and the ubiquitin-proteasome systems, maintains protein homeostasis in neurons, which are post-mitotic and thus cannot use cell division to diminish the burden of misfolded proteins. When protein clearance pathways are overwhelmed or otherwise disrupted, the accumulation of misfolded or aggregated proteins can lead to the activation of ER stress and the formation of stress granules, which predominantly attempt to restore the homeostasis by suppressing global protein translation. Alterations in these processes have been widely reported among studies investigating the toxic function of dipeptide repeats (DPRs) produced by G4C2 expansion in the C9orf72 gene of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). In this review, we outline the modalities of DPR-induced disruptions in protein homeostasis observed in a wide range of models of C9orf72-linked ALS/FTD. We also discuss the relative importance of each DPR for toxicity, possible synergies between DPRs, and discuss the possible functional relevance of DPR aggregation to disease pathogenesis. Finally, we highlight the interdependencies of the observed effects and reflect on the importance of feedback and feedforward mechanisms in their contribution to disease progression. A better understanding of DPR-associated disease pathogenesis discussed in this review might shed light on disease vulnerabilities that may be amenable with therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Thomas Vaccari
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy
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Perlegos AE, Durkin J, Belfer SJ, Rodriguez A, Shcherbakova O, Park K, Luong J, Bonini NM, Kayser MS. TDP-43 impairs sleep in Drosophila through Ataxin-2-dependent metabolic disturbance. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadj4457. [PMID: 38198547 PMCID: PMC10780954 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adj4457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia are associated with substantial sleep disruption, which may accelerate cognitive decline and brain degeneration. Here, we define a role for trans-activation response element (TAR) DNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43), a protein associated with human neurodegenerative disease, in regulating sleep using Drosophila. Expression of TDP-43 severely disrupts sleep, and the sleep deficit is rescued by Atx2 knockdown. Brain RNA sequencing revealed that Atx2 RNA interference regulates transcripts enriched for small-molecule metabolic signaling in TDP-43 brains. Focusing on these Atx2-regulated genes, we identified suppressors of the TDP-43 sleep phenotype enriched for metabolism pathways. Knockdown of Atx2 or treatment with rapamycin attenuated the sleep phenotype and mitigated the disruption of small-molecule glycogen metabolism caused by TDP-43. Our findings provide a connection between toxicity of TDP-43 and sleep disturbances and highlight key aspects of metabolism that interplay with TDP-43 toxicity upon Atx2 rescue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra E. Perlegos
- Neuroscience Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jaclyn Durkin
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders & Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Samuel J. Belfer
- Neuroscience Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Anyara Rodriguez
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Oksana Shcherbakova
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kristen Park
- Neuroscience Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jenny Luong
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Nancy M. Bonini
- Neuroscience Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Matthew S. Kayser
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Chronobiology Sleep Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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37
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Tang D, Zheng K, Zhu J, Jin X, Bao H, Jiang L, Li H, Wang Y, Lu Y, Liu J, Liu H, Tang C, Feng S, Dong X, Xu L, Yin Y, Dang S, Wei X, Ren H, Dong B, Dai L, Cheng W, Wan M, Li Z, Chen J, Li H, Kong E, Wang K, Lu K, Qi S. ALS-linked C9orf72-SMCR8 complex is a negative regulator of primary ciliogenesis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2220496120. [PMID: 38064514 PMCID: PMC10723147 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2220496120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Massive GGGGCC (G4C2) repeat expansion in C9orf72 and the resulting loss of C9orf72 function are the key features of ~50% of inherited amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia cases. However, the biological function of C9orf72 remains unclear. We previously found that C9orf72 can form a stable GTPase activating protein (GAP) complex with SMCR8 (Smith-Magenis chromosome region 8). Herein, we report that the C9orf72-SMCR8 complex is a major negative regulator of primary ciliogenesis, abnormalities in which lead to ciliopathies. Mechanistically, the C9orf72-SMCR8 complex suppresses the primary cilium as a RAB8A GAP. Moreover, based on biochemical analysis, we found that C9orf72 is the RAB8A binding subunit and that SMCR8 is the GAP subunit in the complex. We further found that the C9orf72-SMCR8 complex suppressed the primary cilium in multiple tissues from mice, including but not limited to the brain, kidney, and spleen. Importantly, cells with C9orf72 or SMCR8 knocked out were more sensitive to hedgehog signaling. These results reveal the unexpected impact of C9orf72 on primary ciliogenesis and elucidate the pathogenesis of diseases caused by the loss of C9orf72 function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Tang
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, and National Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kaixuan Zheng
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, and National Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiangli Zhu
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, and National Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang453000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xi Jin
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, and National Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hui Bao
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, and National Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lan Jiang
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, and National Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huihui Li
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, and National Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yichang Wang
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, and National Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying Lu
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, and National Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiaming Liu
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, and National Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hang Liu
- Division of Life Science, Center of Systems Biology and Human Health, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People’s Republic of China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou511458, People’s Republic of China
- HKUST-Shenzhen Research Institute, Nanshan, Shenzhen518057, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chengbing Tang
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, and National Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shijian Feng
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, and National Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiuju Dong
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, and National Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Liangting Xu
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, and National Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yike Yin
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, and National Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shangyu Dang
- Division of Life Science, Center of Systems Biology and Human Health, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People’s Republic of China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou511458, People’s Republic of China
- HKUST-Shenzhen Research Institute, Nanshan, Shenzhen518057, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haiyan Ren
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, and National Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Biao Dong
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
- Sichuan Real & Best Biotech Co., Ltd., Chengdu610219, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lunzhi Dai
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, and National Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Cheng
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, and National Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Meihua Wan
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, and National Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhonghan Li
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, and National Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, and National Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong Li
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, and National Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Eryan Kong
- Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang453000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kunjie Wang
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, and National Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kefeng Lu
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, and National Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shiqian Qi
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, and National Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
- National Health Commission Key Lab of Transplant Engineering and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
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McCallister TX, Lim CKW, Terpstra WM, Alejandra Zeballos C M, Zhang S, Powell JE, Gaj T. A high-fidelity CRISPR-Cas13 system improves abnormalities associated with C9ORF72-linked ALS/FTD. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.12.571328. [PMID: 38168370 PMCID: PMC10760048 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.12.571328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
An abnormal expansion of a GGGGCC hexanucleotide repeat in the C9ORF72 gene is the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), two debilitating neurodegenerative disorders driven in part by gain-of-function mechanisms involving transcribed forms of the repeat expansion. By utilizing a Cas13 variant with reduced collateral effects, we developed a high-fidelity RNA-targeting CRISPR-based system for C9ORF72-linked ALS/FTD. When delivered to the brain of a transgenic rodent model, this Cas13-based platform effectively curbed the expression of the GGGGCC repeat-containing RNA without affecting normal C9ORF72 levels, which in turn decreased the formation of RNA foci and reversed transcriptional deficits. This high-fidelity Cas13 variant possessed improved transcriptome-wide specificity compared to its native form and mediated efficient targeting in motor neuron-like cells derived from a patient with ALS. Our results lay the foundation for the implementation of RNA-targeting CRISPR technologies for C9ORF72-linked ALS/FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tristan X. McCallister
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Colin K. W. Lim
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - William M. Terpstra
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - M. Alejandra Zeballos C
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Sijia Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Jackson E. Powell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Thomas Gaj
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
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Keuenhof KS, Kohler V, Broeskamp F, Panagaki D, Speese SD, Büttner S, Höög JL. Nuclear envelope budding and its cellular functions. Nucleus 2023; 14:2178184. [PMID: 36814098 PMCID: PMC9980700 DOI: 10.1080/19491034.2023.2178184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The nuclear pore complex (NPC) has long been assumed to be the sole route across the nuclear envelope, and under normal homeostatic conditions it is indeed the main mechanism of nucleo-cytoplasmic transport. However, it has also been known that e.g. herpesviruses cross the nuclear envelope utilizing a pathway entitled nuclear egress or envelopment/de-envelopment. Despite this, a thread of observations suggests that mechanisms similar to viral egress may be transiently used also in healthy cells. It has since been proposed that mechanisms like nuclear envelope budding (NEB) can facilitate the transport of RNA granules, aggregated proteins, inner nuclear membrane proteins, and mis-assembled NPCs. Herein, we will summarize the known roles of NEB as a physiological and intrinsic cellular feature and highlight the many unanswered questions surrounding these intriguing nuclear events.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Verena Kohler
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Austria
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Sweden
| | - Filomena Broeskamp
- Department for Chemistry and Molecular biology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Dimitra Panagaki
- Department for Chemistry and Molecular biology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Sean D. Speese
- Knight Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, 2720 S Moody Ave, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Sabrina Büttner
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Sweden
| | - Johanna L. Höög
- Department for Chemistry and Molecular biology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
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Yang S, Wijegunawardana D, Sheth U, Veire AM, Salgado JMS, Agrawal M, Zhou J, Pereira JD, Gendron TF, Guo JU. Aberrant splicing exonizes C9ORF72 repeat expansion in ALS/FTD. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.13.566896. [PMID: 38014069 PMCID: PMC10680656 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.13.566896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
A nucleotide repeat expansion (NRE) in the first annotated intron of the C9ORF72 gene is the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). While C9 NRE-containing RNAs can be translated into several toxic dipeptide repeat proteins, how an intronic NRE can assess the translation machinery in the cytoplasm remains unclear. By capturing and sequencing NRE-containing RNAs from patient-derived cells, we found that C9 NRE was exonized by the usage of downstream 5' splice sites and exported from the nucleus in a variety of spliced mRNA isoforms. C9ORF72 aberrant splicing was substantially elevated in both C9 NRE + motor neurons and human brain tissues. Furthermore, NREs above the pathological threshold were sufficient to activate cryptic splice sites in reporter mRNAs. In summary, our results revealed a crucial and potentially widespread role of repeat-induced aberrant splicing in the biogenesis, localization, and translation of NRE-containing RNAs.
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41
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Yang Y, Guo L, Chen L, Gong B, Jia D, Sun Q. Nuclear transport proteins: structure, function, and disease relevance. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:425. [PMID: 37945593 PMCID: PMC10636164 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01649-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Proper subcellular localization is crucial for the functioning of biomacromolecules, including proteins and RNAs. Nuclear transport is a fundamental cellular process that regulates the localization of many macromolecules within the nuclear or cytoplasmic compartments. In humans, approximately 60 proteins are involved in nuclear transport, including nucleoporins that form membrane-embedded nuclear pore complexes, karyopherins that transport cargoes through these complexes, and Ran system proteins that ensure directed and rapid transport. Many of these nuclear transport proteins play additional and essential roles in mitosis, biomolecular condensation, and gene transcription. Dysregulation of nuclear transport is linked to major human diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and viral infections. Selinexor (KPT-330), an inhibitor targeting the nuclear export factor XPO1 (also known as CRM1), was approved in 2019 to treat two types of blood cancers, and dozens of clinical trials of are ongoing. This review summarizes approximately three decades of research data in this field but focuses on the structure and function of individual nuclear transport proteins from recent studies, providing a cutting-edge and holistic view on the role of nuclear transport proteins in health and disease. In-depth knowledge of this rapidly evolving field has the potential to bring new insights into fundamental biology, pathogenic mechanisms, and therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Lu Guo
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Bo Gong
- The Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study of Sichuan Province and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Da Jia
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Qingxiang Sun
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.
- Department of Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Centre, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Centre of Biotherapy, Chengdu, China.
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Ortega JA, Sasselli IR, Boccitto M, Fleming AC, Fortuna TR, Li Y, Sato K, Clemons TD, Mckenna ED, Nguyen TP, Anderson EN, Asin J, Ichida JK, Pandey UB, Wolin SL, Stupp SI, Kiskinis E. CLIP-Seq analysis enables the design of protective ribosomal RNA bait oligonucleotides against C9ORF72 ALS/FTD poly-GR pathophysiology. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadf7997. [PMID: 37948524 PMCID: PMC10637751 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adf7997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia patients with a hexanucleotide repeat expansion in C9ORF72 (C9-HRE) accumulate poly-GR and poly-PR aggregates. The pathogenicity of these arginine-rich dipeptide repeats (R-DPRs) is thought to be driven by their propensity to bind low-complexity domains of multivalent proteins. However, the ability of R-DPRs to bind native RNA and the significance of this interaction remain unclear. Here, we used computational and experimental approaches to characterize the physicochemical properties of R-DPRs and their interaction with RNA. We find that poly-GR predominantly binds ribosomal RNA (rRNA) in cells and exhibits an interaction that is predicted to be energetically stronger than that for associated ribosomal proteins. Critically, modified rRNA "bait" oligonucleotides restore poly-GR-associated ribosomal deficits and ameliorate poly-GR toxicity in patient neurons and Drosophila models. Our work strengthens the hypothesis that ribosomal function is impaired by R-DPRs, highlights a role for direct rRNA binding in mediating ribosomal dysfunction, and presents a strategy for protecting against C9-HRE pathophysiological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan A. Ortega
- The Ken & Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapy, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08907, Spain
| | - Ivan R. Sasselli
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Simpson Querrey Institute for BioNanotechnology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biomaterials (CIC biomaGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Donostia-San Sebastián 20014, Spain
- Centro de Fisica de Materiales (CFM), CSIC-UPV/EHU, 20018 San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Marco Boccitto
- RNA Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Andrew C. Fleming
- The Ken & Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Tyler R. Fortuna
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Yichen Li
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Kohei Sato
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Simpson Querrey Institute for BioNanotechnology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Tristan D. Clemons
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Simpson Querrey Institute for BioNanotechnology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Elizabeth D. Mckenna
- The Ken & Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Thao P. Nguyen
- The Ken & Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Eric N. Anderson
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Jesus Asin
- Department of Statistical Methods, School of Engineering, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza 50018, Spain
| | - Justin K. Ichida
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Udai B. Pandey
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Sandra L. Wolin
- RNA Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Samuel I. Stupp
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Simpson Querrey Institute for BioNanotechnology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Evangelos Kiskinis
- The Ken & Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Simpson Querrey Institute for BioNanotechnology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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Bennett CL, Dastidar S, Arnold FJ, McKinstry SU, Stockford C, Freibaum BD, Sopher BL, Wu M, Seidner G, Joiner W, Taylor JP, West RJH, La Spada AR. Senataxin helicase, the causal gene defect in ALS4, is a significant modifier of C9orf72 ALS G4C2 and arginine-containing dipeptide repeat toxicity. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2023; 11:164. [PMID: 37845749 PMCID: PMC10580588 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-023-01665-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Identifying genetic modifiers of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) may reveal targets for therapeutic modulation with potential application to sporadic ALS. GGGGCC (G4C2) repeat expansions in the C9orf72 gene underlie the most common form of familial ALS, and generate toxic arginine-containing dipeptide repeats (DPRs), which interfere with membraneless organelles, such as the nucleolus. Here we considered senataxin (SETX), the genetic cause of ALS4, as a modifier of C9orf72 ALS, because SETX is a nuclear helicase that may regulate RNA-protein interactions involved in ALS dysfunction. After documenting that decreased SETX expression enhances arginine-containing DPR toxicity and C9orf72 repeat expansion toxicity in HEK293 cells and primary neurons, we generated SETX fly lines and evaluated the effect of SETX in flies expressing either (G4C2)58 repeats or glycine-arginine-50 [GR(50)] DPRs. We observed dramatic suppression of disease phenotypes in (G4C2)58 and GR(50) Drosophila models, and detected a striking relocalization of GR(50) out of the nucleolus in flies co-expressing SETX. Next-generation GR(1000) fly models, that show age-related motor deficits in climbing and movement assays, were similarly rescued with SETX co-expression. We noted that the physical interaction between SETX and arginine-containing DPRs is partially RNA-dependent. Finally, we directly assessed the nucleolus in cells expressing GR-DPRs, confirmed reduced mobility of proteins trafficking to the nucleolus upon GR-DPR expression, and found that SETX dosage modulated nucleolus liquidity in GR-DPR-expressing cells and motor neurons. These findings reveal a hitherto unknown connection between SETX function and cellular processes contributing to neuron demise in the most common form of familial ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig L Bennett
- Departments of Pathology, Laboratory Medicine, Neurology, and Biological Chemistry, UCI Center for Neurotherapeutics, University of California Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Somasish Dastidar
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
- Center for Molecular Neurosciences, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, 576104, India
| | - Frederick J Arnold
- Departments of Pathology, Laboratory Medicine, Neurology, and Biological Chemistry, UCI Center for Neurotherapeutics, University of California Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Spencer U McKinstry
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Cameron Stockford
- Departments of Pathology, Laboratory Medicine, Neurology, and Biological Chemistry, UCI Center for Neurotherapeutics, University of California Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Brian D Freibaum
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Bryce L Sopher
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Meilin Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Glen Seidner
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - William Joiner
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - J Paul Taylor
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
| | - Ryan J H West
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK.
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK.
| | - Albert R La Spada
- Departments of Pathology, Laboratory Medicine, Neurology, and Biological Chemistry, UCI Center for Neurotherapeutics, University of California Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine School of Biosciences, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
- UCI Center for Neurotherapeutics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
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44
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Fang M, Deibler SK, Nana AL, Vatsavayai SC, Banday S, Zhou Y, Almeida S, Weiss A, Brown RH, Seeley WW, Gao FB, Green MR. Loss of TDP-43 function contributes to genomic instability in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1251228. [PMID: 37849894 PMCID: PMC10577185 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1251228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
A common pathological hallmark of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is the cytoplasmic mislocalization and aggregation of the DNA/RNA-binding protein TDP-43, but how loss of nuclear TDP-43 function contributes to ALS and FTD pathogenesis remains largely unknown. Here, using large-scale RNAi screening, we identify TARDBP, which encodes TDP-43, as a gene whose loss-of-function results in elevated DNA mutation rate and genomic instability. Consistent with this finding, we observe increased DNA damage in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and iPSC-derived post-mitotic neurons generated from ALS patients harboring TARDBP mutations. We find that the increase in DNA damage in ALS iPSC-derived neurons is due to defects in two major pathways for DNA double-strand break repair: non-homologous end joining and homologous recombination. Cells with defects in DNA repair are sensitive to DNA damaging agents and, accordingly, we find that ALS iPSC-derived neurons show a marked reduction in survival following treatment with a DNA damaging agent. Importantly, we find that increased DNA damage is also observed in neurons with nuclear TDP-43 depletion from ALS/FTD patient brain tissues. Collectively, our results demonstrate that ALS neurons with loss of nuclear TDP-43 function have elevated levels of DNA damage and contribute to the idea that genomic instability is a defining pathological feature of ALS/FTD patients with TDP-43 pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minggang Fang
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Sara K. Deibler
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Alissa L. Nana
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Sarat C. Vatsavayai
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Shahid Banday
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - You Zhou
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Sandra Almeida
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Alexandra Weiss
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Robert H. Brown
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - William W. Seeley
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Fen-Biao Gao
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Michael R. Green
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
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45
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Cristi AC, Rapuri S, Coyne AN. Nuclear pore complex and nucleocytoplasmic transport disruption in neurodegeneration. FEBS Lett 2023; 597:2546-2566. [PMID: 37657945 PMCID: PMC10612469 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) play a critical role in maintaining the equilibrium between the nucleus and cytoplasm, enabling bidirectional transport across the nuclear envelope, and are essential for proper nuclear organization and gene regulation. Perturbations in the regulatory mechanisms governing NPCs and nuclear envelope homeostasis have been implicated in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative diseases. The ESCRT-III pathway emerges as a critical player in the surveillance and preservation of well-assembled, functional NPCs, as well as nuclear envelope sealing. Recent studies have provided insights into the involvement of nuclear ESCRT-III in the selective reduction of specific nucleoporins associated with neurodegenerative pathologies. Thus, maintaining quality control of the nuclear envelope and NPCs represents a pivotal element in the pathological cascade leading to neurodegenerative diseases. This review describes the constituents of the nuclear-cytoplasmic transport machinery, encompassing the nuclear envelope, NPC, and ESCRT proteins, and how their structural and functional alterations contribute to the development of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- América Chandía Cristi
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore MD 21205, USA
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore MD 21205, USA
| | - Sampath Rapuri
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore MD 21205, USA
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore MD 21205, USA
| | - Alyssa N Coyne
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore MD 21205, USA
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore MD 21205, USA
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46
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Zhu L, Li S, Li XJ, Yin P. Pathological insights from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis animal models: comparisons, limitations, and challenges. Transl Neurodegener 2023; 12:46. [PMID: 37730668 PMCID: PMC10510301 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-023-00377-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In order to dissect amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a multigenic, multifactorial, and progressive neurodegenerative disease with heterogeneous clinical presentations, researchers have generated numerous animal models to mimic the genetic defects. Concurrent and comparative analysis of these various models allows identification of the causes and mechanisms of ALS in order to finally obtain effective therapeutics. However, most genetically modified rodent models lack overt pathological features, imposing challenges and limitations in utilizing them to rigorously test the potential mechanisms. Recent studies using large animals, including pigs and non-human primates, have uncovered important events that resemble neurodegeneration in patients' brains but could not be produced in small animals. Here we describe common features as well as discrepancies among these models, highlighting new insights from these models. Furthermore, we will discuss how to make rodent models more capable of recapitulating important pathological features based on the important pathogenic insights from large animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longhong Zhu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Shihua Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Xiao-Jiang Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Peng Yin
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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47
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Li J, Jaiswal MK, Chien JF, Kozlenkov A, Jung J, Zhou P, Gardashli M, Pregent LJ, Engelberg-Cook E, Dickson DW, Belzil VV, Mukamel EA, Dracheva S. Divergent single cell transcriptome and epigenome alterations in ALS and FTD patients with C9orf72 mutation. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5714. [PMID: 37714849 PMCID: PMC10504300 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41033-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
A repeat expansion in the C9orf72 (C9) gene is the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Here we investigate single nucleus transcriptomics (snRNA-seq) and epigenomics (snATAC-seq) in postmortem motor and frontal cortices from C9-ALS, C9-FTD, and control donors. C9-ALS donors present pervasive alterations of gene expression with concordant changes in chromatin accessibility and histone modifications. The greatest alterations occur in upper and deep layer excitatory neurons, as well as in astrocytes. In neurons, the changes imply an increase in proteostasis, metabolism, and protein expression pathways, alongside a decrease in neuronal function. In astrocytes, the alterations suggest activation and structural remodeling. Conversely, C9-FTD donors have fewer high-quality neuronal nuclei in the frontal cortex and numerous gene expression changes in glial cells. These findings highlight a context-dependent molecular disruption in C9-ALS and C9-FTD, indicating unique effects across cell types, brain regions, and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhao Li
- Department of Cognitive Science, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92037, US
| | - Manoj K Jaiswal
- Friedman Brain Institute and Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, US
| | - Jo-Fan Chien
- Department of Physics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92037, US
| | - Alexey Kozlenkov
- Friedman Brain Institute and Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, US
| | - Jinyoung Jung
- Friedman Brain Institute and Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, US
| | - Ping Zhou
- Friedman Brain Institute and Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, US
| | | | - Luc J Pregent
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, US
| | | | - Dennis W Dickson
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, US
| | | | - Eran A Mukamel
- Department of Cognitive Science, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92037, US.
| | - Stella Dracheva
- Friedman Brain Institute and Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, US.
- Research & Development and VISN2 MIREC, James J, Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, 10468, US.
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48
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Sonobe Y, Lee S, Krishnan G, Gu Y, Kwon DY, Gao FB, Roos RP, Kratsios P. Translation of dipeptide repeat proteins in C9ORF72 ALS/FTD through unique and redundant AUG initiation codons. eLife 2023; 12:e83189. [PMID: 37675986 PMCID: PMC10541178 DOI: 10.7554/elife.83189] [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: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
A hexanucleotide repeat expansion in C9ORF72 is the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). A hallmark of ALS/FTD pathology is the presence of dipeptide repeat (DPR) proteins, produced from both sense GGGGCC (poly-GA, poly-GP, poly-GR) and antisense CCCCGG (poly-PR, poly-PG, poly-PA) transcripts. Translation of sense DPRs, such as poly-GA and poly-GR, depends on non-canonical (non-AUG) initiation codons. Here, we provide evidence for canonical AUG-dependent translation of two antisense DPRs, poly-PR and poly-PG. A single AUG is required for synthesis of poly-PR, one of the most toxic DPRs. Unexpectedly, we found redundancy between three AUG codons necessary for poly-PG translation. Further, the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2D (EIF2D), which was previously implicated in sense DPR synthesis, is not required for AUG-dependent poly-PR or poly-PG translation, suggesting that distinct translation initiation factors control DPR synthesis from sense and antisense transcripts. Our findings on DPR synthesis from the C9ORF72 locus may be broadly applicable to many other nucleotide repeat expansion disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshifumi Sonobe
- University of Chicago Medical CenterChicagoUnited States
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago Medical CenterChicagoUnited States
- Neuroscience Institute, University of ChicagoChicagoUnited States
| | - Soojin Lee
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterUnited States
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterUnited States
| | - Gopinath Krishnan
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterUnited States
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterUnited States
| | - Yuanzheng Gu
- Neuromuscular & Movement Disorders, BiogenCambridgeUnited States
| | - Deborah Y Kwon
- Neuromuscular & Movement Disorders, BiogenCambridgeUnited States
| | - Fen-Biao Gao
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterUnited States
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterUnited States
| | - Raymond P Roos
- University of Chicago Medical CenterChicagoUnited States
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago Medical CenterChicagoUnited States
- Neuroscience Institute, University of ChicagoChicagoUnited States
| | - Paschalis Kratsios
- Neuroscience Institute, University of ChicagoChicagoUnited States
- Department of Neurobiology, University of ChicagoChicagoUnited States
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49
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Morón-Oset J, Fischer LK, Carcolé M, Giblin A, Zhang P, Isaacs AM, Grönke S, Partridge L. Toxicity of C9orf72-associated dipeptide repeat peptides is modified by commonly used protein tags. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202201739. [PMID: 37308278 PMCID: PMC10262077 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Hexanucleotide repeat expansions in the C9orf72 gene are the most prevalent genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. Transcripts of the expansions are translated into toxic dipeptide repeat (DPR) proteins. Most preclinical studies in cell and animal models have used protein-tagged polyDPR constructs to investigate DPR toxicity but the effects of tags on DPR toxicity have not been systematically explored. Here, we used Drosophila to assess the influence of protein tags on DPR toxicity. Tagging of 36 but not 100 arginine-rich DPRs with mCherry increased toxicity, whereas adding mCherry or GFP to GA100 completely abolished toxicity. FLAG tagging also reduced GA100 toxicity but less than the longer fluorescent tags. Expression of untagged but not GFP- or mCherry-tagged GA100 caused DNA damage and increased p62 levels. Fluorescent tags also affected GA100 stability and degradation. In summary, protein tags affect DPR toxicity in a tag- and DPR-dependent manner, and GA toxicity might be underestimated in studies using tagged GA proteins. Thus, including untagged DPRs as controls is important when assessing DPR toxicity in preclinical models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mireia Carcolé
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Ashling Giblin
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, Institute of Healthy Ageing, University College London, London, UK
| | - Pingze Zhang
- Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Cologne, Germany
| | - Adrian M Isaacs
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | | | - Linda Partridge
- Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, Institute of Healthy Ageing, University College London, London, UK
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50
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Ayala YM. Uncovering Critical Roles for RNA in Neurodegeneration. MISSOURI MEDICINE 2023; 120:374-380. [PMID: 37841575 PMCID: PMC10569393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins, in particular TDP-43, are key players in neurodegenerative disorders, mainly amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. We aim to elucidate how TDP-43 dysfunction alters cell metabolism and to identify mechanisms linked to aberrant behavior. We find that RNA binding plays a key role in maintaining TDP-43 homeostasis and in controlling cellular organization, two processes of essential importance to TDP-43 pathology. This research will provide insight into pathogenesis and help develop therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuna M Ayala
- Edward A. Doisy Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
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