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Zhang Z, Lin W, Gan Q, Lei M, Gong B, Zhang C, Henrique JS, Han J, Tian H, Tao Q, Potempa LA, Stein TD, Emili A, Qiu WQ. The influences of ApoE isoforms on endothelial adherens junctions and actin cytoskeleton responding to mCRP. Angiogenesis 2024:10.1007/s10456-024-09946-4. [PMID: 39276310 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-024-09946-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/16/2024]
Abstract
Apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4) plays an important role responding to monomeric C-reactive protein (mCRP) via binding to CD31 leading to cerebrovascular damage and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Using phosphor-proteomic profiling, we found altered cytoskeleton proteins in the microvasculature of AD brains, including increased levels of hyperphosphorylated tau (pTau) and the actin-related protein, LIMA1. To address the hypothesis that cytoskeletal changes serve as early pathological signatures linked with CD31 in brain endothelia in ApoE4 carriers, ApoE4 knock-in mice intraperitoneal injected with mCRP revealed that mCRP increased the expressions of phosphorylated CD31 (pCD31) and LIMA1, and facilitate the binding of pCD31 to LIMA1. mCRP combined with recombinant APOE4 protein decreased interaction of CD31 and VE-Cadherin at adherens junctions (AJs), along with altered the expression of various actin cytoskeleton proteins, causing microvasculature damage. Notably, the APOE2 protein attenuated these changes. Overall, our study demonstrates that ApoE4 responds to mCRP to disrupt the endothelial AJs which link with the actin cytoskeleton and this pathway could play a key role in the barrier dysfunction leading to AD risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengrong Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Biophysics, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, Boston, MA02118, USA
| | - Weiwei Lin
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, Boston, MA02118, USA
| | - Qini Gan
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Biophysics, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, Boston, MA02118, USA
| | - Maohua Lei
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Biophysics, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, Boston, MA02118, USA
| | - Bin Gong
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Chao Zhang
- Section of Computational Biomedicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, Boston, MA02118, USA
| | - Jessica Salles Henrique
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Biophysics, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, Boston, MA02118, USA
| | - Jingyan Han
- Section of Vascular Biology, Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, Boston, MA02118, USA
| | - Hua Tian
- Department of Pharmacology, Xiaman Medical College, Xiaman, China
| | - Qiushan Tao
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Biophysics, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, Boston, MA02118, USA
| | | | - Thor D Stein
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, Boston, MA02118, USA.
- Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, Boston, MA02118, USA.
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA02130, USA.
- VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA01730, USA.
| | - Andrew Emili
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, Boston, MA02118, USA.
| | - Wei Qiao Qiu
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Biophysics, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, Boston, MA02118, USA.
- Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, Boston, MA02118, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, Boston, MA02118, USA.
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2
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Catterson JH, Mouofo EN, López De Toledo Soler I, Lean G, Dlamini S, Liddell P, Voong G, Katsinelos T, Wang YC, Schoovaerts N, Verstreken P, Spires-Jones TL, Durrant CS. Drosophila appear resistant to trans-synaptic tau propagation. Brain Commun 2024; 6:fcae256. [PMID: 39130515 PMCID: PMC11316205 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcae256] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia in the elderly, prompting extensive efforts to pinpoint novel therapeutic targets for effective intervention. Among the hallmark features of Alzheimer's disease is the development of neurofibrillary tangles comprised of hyperphosphorylated tau protein, whose progressive spread throughout the brain is associated with neuronal death. Trans-synaptic propagation of tau has been observed in mouse models, and indirect evidence for tau spread via synapses has been observed in human Alzheimer's disease. Halting tau propagation is a promising therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease; thus, a scalable model system to screen for modifiers of tau spread would be very useful for the field. To this end, we sought to emulate the trans-synaptic spread of human tau in Drosophila melanogaster. Employing the trans-Tango circuit mapping technique, we investigated whether tau spreads between synaptically connected neurons. Immunohistochemistry and confocal imaging were used to look for tau propagation. Examination of hundreds of flies expressing four different human tau constructs in two distinct neuronal populations reveals a robust resistance in Drosophila to the trans-synaptic spread of human tau. This resistance persisted in lines with concurrent expression of amyloid-β, in lines with global human tau knock-in to provide a template for human tau in downstream neurons, and with manipulations of temperature. These negative data are important for the field as we establish that Drosophila expressing human tau in subsets of neurons are unlikely to be useful to perform screens to find mechanisms to reduce the trans-synaptic spread of tau. The inherent resistance observed in Drosophila may serve as a valuable clue, offering insights into strategies for impeding tau spread in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- James H Catterson
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Edmond N Mouofo
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | | | - Gillian Lean
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Stella Dlamini
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Phoebe Liddell
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Graham Voong
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Taxiarchis Katsinelos
- Schaller Research Group at the University of Heidelberg and the DKFZ, German Cancer Research Center, Proteostasis in Neurodegenerative Disease (B180), INF 581, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, INF 234, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Yu-Chun Wang
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Department of Neurosciences, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nils Schoovaerts
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Department of Neurosciences, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Patrik Verstreken
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Department of Neurosciences, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tara L Spires-Jones
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Claire S Durrant
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
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3
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Liu X, Xu J, Zhang M, Wang H, Guo X, Zhao M, Duan M, Guan Z, Guo Y. RABV induces biphasic actin cytoskeletal rearrangement through Rac1 activity modulation. J Virol 2024; 98:e0060624. [PMID: 38809020 PMCID: PMC11264595 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00606-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Rabies virus (RABV) is highly lethal and triggers severe neurological symptoms. The neuropathogenic mechanism remains poorly understood. Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1) is a Rho-GTPase that is involved in actin remodeling and has been reported to be closely associated with neuronal dysfunction. In this study, by means of a combination of pharmacological inhibitors, small interfering RNA, and specific dominant-negatives, we characterize the crucial roles of dynamic actin and the regulatory function of Rac1 in RABV infection, dominantly in the viral entry phase. The data show that the RABV phosphoprotein interacts with Rac1. RABV phosphoprotein suppress Rac1 activity and impedes downstream Pak1-Limk1-Cofilin1 signaling, leading to the disruption of F-actin-based structure formation. In early viral infection, the EGFR-Rac1-signaling pathway undergoes a biphasic change, which is first upregulated and subsequently downregulated, corresponding to the RABV entry-induced remodeling pattern of F-actin. Taken together, our findings demonstrate for the first time the role played by the Rac1 signaling pathway in RABV infection and may provide a clue for an explanation for the etiology of rabies neurological pathogenesis.IMPORTANCEThough neuronal dysfunction is predominant in fatal rabies, the detailed mechanism by which rabies virus (RABV) infection causes neurological symptoms remains in question. The actin cytoskeleton is involved in numerous viruses infection and plays a crucial role in maintaining neurological function. The cytoskeletal disruption is closely associated with abnormal nervous symptoms and induces neurogenic diseases. In this study, we show that RABV infection led to the rearrangement of the cytoskeleton as well as the biphasic kinetics of the Rac1 signal transduction. These results help elucidate the mechanism that causes the aberrant neuronal processes by RABV infection and may shed light on therapeutic development aimed at ameliorating neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomin Liu
- Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Changchun, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Changchun, China
| | - Maolin Zhang
- Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Changchun, China
| | - Hualei Wang
- Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Changchun, China
| | - Xin Guo
- Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Changchun, China
| | - Mingxin Zhao
- Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Changchun, China
| | - Ming Duan
- Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Changchun, China
| | - Zhenhong Guan
- Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Changchun, China
| | - Yidi Guo
- Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Changchun, China
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4
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Mandlik DS, Mandlik SK, S A. Therapeutic implications of glycogen synthase kinase-3β in Alzheimer's disease: a novel therapeutic target. Int J Neurosci 2024; 134:603-619. [PMID: 36178363 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2022.2130297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an extremely popular neurodegenerative condition associated with dementia, responsible for around 70% of the cases. There are presently 50 million people living with dementia in the world, but this number is anticipated to increase to 152 million by 2050, posing a substantial socioeconomic encumbrance. Despite extensive research, the precise mechanisms that cause AD remain unidentified, and currently, no therapy is available. Numerous signalling paths related to AD neuropathology, including glycogen synthase kinase 3-β (GSK-3β), have been investigated as potential targets for the treatment of AD in current years.GSK-3β is a proline-directed serine/threonine kinase that is linked to a variety of biological activities, comprising glycogen metabolism to gene transcription. GSK-3β is also involved in the pathophysiology of sporadic as well as familial types of AD, which has led to the development of the GSK3 theory of AD. GSK-3β is a critical performer in the pathology of AD because dysregulation of this kinase affects all the main symbols of the disease such as amyloid formation, tau phosphorylation, neurogenesis and synaptic and memory function. The current review highlights present-day knowledge of GSK-3β-related neurobiology, focusing on its role in AD pathogenesis signalling pathways. It also explores the possibility of targeting GSK-3β for the management of AD and offers an overview of the present research work in preclinical and clinical studies to produce GSK-3β inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepa S Mandlik
- Department of Pharmacology, Poona College of Pharmacy, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Erandawane, Pune, India
| | - Satish K Mandlik
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Poona College of Pharmacy, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Erandawane, Pune, India
| | - Arulmozhi S
- Department of Pharmacology, Poona College of Pharmacy, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Erandawane, Pune, India
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5
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Li S, Roy ER, Wang Y, Watkins T, Cao W. DLK-MAPK Signaling Coupled with DNA Damage Promotes Intrinsic Neurotoxicity Associated with Non-Mutated Tau. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:2978-2995. [PMID: 37955806 PMCID: PMC11043018 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03720-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent form of neurodegeneration. Despite the well-established link between tau aggregation and clinical progression, the major pathways driven by this protein to intrinsically damage neurons are incompletely understood. To model AD-relevant neurodegeneration driven by tau, we overexpressed non-mutated human tau in primary mouse neurons and observed substantial axonal degeneration and cell death, a process accompanied by activated caspase 3. Mechanistically, we detected deformation of the nuclear envelope and increased DNA damage response in tau-expressing neurons. Gene profiling analysis further revealed significant alterations in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway; moreover, inhibitors of dual leucine zipper kinase (DLK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) were effective in alleviating wild-type human tau-induced neurodegeneration. In contrast, mutant P301L human tau was less toxic to neurons, despite causing comparable DNA damage. Axonal DLK activation induced by wild-type tau potentiated the impact of DNA damage response, resulting in overt neurotoxicity. In summary, we have established a cellular tauopathy model highly relevant to AD and identified a functional synergy between the DLK-MAPK axis and DNA damage response in the neuronal degenerative process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanming Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Ethan R Roy
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Yanyu Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Trent Watkins
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Wei Cao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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6
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Jin M, Wang S, Gao X, Zou Z, Hirotsune S, Sun L. Pathological and physiological functional cross-talks of α-synuclein and tau in the central nervous system. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:855-862. [PMID: 37843221 PMCID: PMC10664117 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.382231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
α-Synuclein and tau are abundant multifunctional brain proteins that are mainly expressed in the presynaptic and axonal compartments of neurons, respectively. Previous works have revealed that intracellular deposition of α-synuclein and/or tau causes many neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Despite intense investigation, the normal physiological functions and roles of α-synuclein and tau are still unclear, owing to the fact that mice with knockout of either of these proteins do not present apparent phenotypes. Interestingly, the co-occurrence of α-synuclein and tau aggregates was found in post-mortem brains with synucleinopathies and tauopathies, some of which share similarities in clinical manifestations. Furthermore, the direct interaction of α-synuclein with tau is considered to promote the fibrillization of each of the proteins in vitro and in vivo. On the other hand, our recent findings have revealed that α-synuclein and tau are cooperatively involved in brain development in a stage-dependent manner. These findings indicate strong cross-talk between the two proteins in physiology and pathology. In this review, we provide a summary of the recent findings on the functional roles of α-synuclein and tau in the physiological conditions and pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. A deep understanding of the interplay between α-synuclein and tau in physiological and pathological conditions might provide novel targets for clinical diagnosis and therapeutic strategies to treat neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyue Jin
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Neuroscience, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
- Department of Genetic Disease Research, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shengming Wang
- Department of Genetic Disease Research, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Xiaodie Gao
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Neuroscience, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Zhenyou Zou
- Department of Scientific Research, Brain Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Liuzhou, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Shinji Hirotsune
- Department of Genetic Disease Research, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Liyuan Sun
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Neuroscience, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
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7
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Wu Y, Ren X, Shi P, Wu C. Regulation of mitochondrial structure by the actin cytoskeleton. Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) 2024; 81:206-214. [PMID: 37929797 DOI: 10.1002/cm.21804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell and play important roles in multiple cellular processes including cell metabolism, proliferation, and programmed cell death. Mitochondria are double-membrane organelles with the inner membrane folding inward to form cristae. Mitochondria networks undergo dynamic fission and fusion. Deregulation of mitochondrial structure has been linked to perturbed mitochondrial membrane potential and disrupted metabolism, as evidenced in tumorigenesis, neurodegenerative diseases, etc. Actin and its motors-myosins have long been known to generate mechanical forces and participate in short-distance cargo transport. Accumulating knowledge from biochemistry and live cell/electron microscope imaging has demonstrated the role of actin filaments in pre-constricting the mitochondria during fission. Recent studies have suggested the involvement of myosins in cristae maintenance and mitochondria quality control. Here, we review current findings and discuss future directions in the emerging fields of cytoskeletal regulation in cristae formation, mitochondrial dynamics, intracellular transport, and mitocytosis, with focus on the actin cytoskeleton and its motor proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihe Wu
- Institute of Systems Biomedicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyu Ren
- Institute of Systems Biomedicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Shi
- Institute of Systems Biomedicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
- International Cancer Institute, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Congying Wu
- Institute of Systems Biomedicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
- International Cancer Institute, Peking University, Beijing, China
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8
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Abasi LS, Elathram N, Movva M, Deep A, Corbett KD, Debelouchina GT. Phosphorylation regulates tau's phase separation behavior and interactions with chromatin. Commun Biol 2024; 7:251. [PMID: 38429335 PMCID: PMC10907630 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-05920-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Tau is a microtubule-associated protein often found in neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease. Beyond this context, mounting evidence suggests that tau localizes into the nucleus, where it may play a role in DNA protection and heterochromatin regulation. The molecular mechanisms behind these observations are currently unclear. Using in vitro biophysical experiments, here we demonstrate that tau can undergo liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) with DNA, mononucleosomes, and reconstituted nucleosome arrays under low salt conditions. Low concentrations of tau promote chromatin compaction and protect DNA from digestion. While the material state of samples at physiological salt is dominated by chromatin oligomerization, tau can still associate strongly and reversibly with nucleosome arrays. These properties are driven by tau's strong interactions with linker and nucleosomal DNA. In addition, tau co-localizes into droplets formed by nucleosome arrays and phosphorylated HP1α, a key heterochromatin constituent thought to function through an LLPS mechanism. Importantly, LLPS and chromatin interactions are disrupted by aberrant tau hyperphosphorylation. These biophysical properties suggest that tau may directly impact DNA and chromatin accessibility and that loss of these interactions could contribute to the aberrant nuclear effects seen in tau pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lannah S Abasi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Nesreen Elathram
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Manasi Movva
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Amar Deep
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Kevin D Corbett
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Galia T Debelouchina
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
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9
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Davies DS, Arthur AT, Aitken HL, Crossett B, Goldsbury CS. Protein complexes from mouse and chick brain that interact with phospho-KXGS motif tau/microtubule associated protein antibody. Biol Open 2024; 13:bio060067. [PMID: 38299702 PMCID: PMC10924212 DOI: 10.1242/bio.060067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Mouse monoclonal 12E8 antibody, which recognises conserved serine phosphorylated KXGS motifs in the microtubule binding domains of tau/tau-like microtubule associated proteins (MAPs), shows elevated binding in brain during normal embryonic development (mammals and birds) and at the early stages of human Alzheimer's disease (AD). It also labels ADF/cofilin-actin rods that form in neurites during exposure to stressors. We aimed to identify direct and indirect 12E8 binding proteins in postnatal mouse brain and embryonic chick brain by immunoprecipitation (IP), mass spectrometry and immunofluorescence. Tau and/or MAP2 were major direct 12E8-binding proteins detected in all IPs, and actin and/or tubulin were co-immunoprecipitated in most samples. Additional proteins were different in mouse versus chick brain IP. In mouse brain IPs, FSD1l and intermediate filament proteins - vimentin, α-internexin, neurofilament polypeptides - were prominent. Immunofluorescence and immunoblot using recombinant intermediate filament subunits, suggests an indirect interaction of these proteins with the 12E8 antibody. In chick brain IPs, subunits of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 (EIF3) were found, but no direct interaction between 12E8 and recombinant Eif3e protein was detected. Fluorescence microscopy in primary cultured chick neurons showed evidence of co-localisation of Eif3e and tubulin labelling, consistent with previous data demonstrating cytoskeletal organisation of the translation apparatus. Neither total tau or MAP2 immunolabelling accumulated at ADF/cofilin-actin rods generated in primary cultured chick neurons, and we were unable to narrow down the major antigen recognised by 12E8 antibody on ADF/cofilin-actin rods.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. S. Davies
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - A. T. Arthur
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - H. L. Aitken
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - B. Crossett
- Sydney Mass Spectrometry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - C. S. Goldsbury
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
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Bukhari H, Nithianandam V, Battaglia RA, Cicalo A, Sarkar S, Comjean A, Hu Y, Leventhal MJ, Dong X, Feany MB. Transcriptional programs mediating neuronal toxicity and altered glial-neuronal signaling in a Drosophila knock-in tauopathy model. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.02.578624. [PMID: 38352559 PMCID: PMC10862891 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.02.578624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Missense mutations in the gene encoding the microtubule-associated protein tau cause autosomal dominant forms of frontotemporal dementia. Multiple models of frontotemporal dementia based on transgenic expression of human tau in experimental model organisms, including Drosophila, have been described. These models replicate key features of the human disease, but do not faithfully recreate the genetic context of the human disorder. Here we use CRISPR-Cas mediated gene editing to model frontotemporal dementia caused by the tau P301L mutation by creating the orthologous mutation, P251L, in the endogenous Drosophila tau gene. Flies heterozygous or homozygous for tau P251L display age-dependent neurodegeneration, metabolic defects and accumulate DNA damage in affected neurons. To understand the molecular events promoting neuronal dysfunction and death in knock-in flies we performed single-cell RNA sequencing on approximately 130,000 cells from brains of tau P251L mutant and control flies. We found that expression of disease-associated mutant tau altered gene expression cell autonomously in all neuronal cell types identified and non-cell autonomously in glial cells. Cell signaling pathways, including glial-neuronal signaling, were broadly dysregulated as were brain region and cell-type specific protein interaction networks and gene regulatory programs. In summary, we present here a genetic model of tauopathy, which faithfully recapitulates the genetic context and phenotypic features of the human disease and use the results of comprehensive single cell sequencing analysis to outline pathways of neurotoxicity and highlight the role of non-cell autonomous changes in glia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Bukhari
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
| | - Vanitha Nithianandam
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
| | - Rachel A. Battaglia
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
| | - Anthony Cicalo
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Hub, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115
| | - Souvarish Sarkar
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Aram Comjean
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Yanhui Hu
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Matthew J. Leventhal
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139
- MIT Ph.D. Program in Computational and Systems Biology, Cambridge, MA 02139
| | - Xianjun Dong
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Hub, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115
| | - Mel B. Feany
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
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11
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Abasi LS, Elathram N, Movva M, Deep A, Corbett KD, Debelouchina GT. Phosphorylation regulates tau's phase separation behavior and interactions with chromatin. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.21.572911. [PMID: 38187700 PMCID: PMC10769318 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.21.572911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Tau is a microtubule-associated protein often found in neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Beyond this context, mounting evidence suggests that tau localizes into the nucleus, where it may play a role in DNA protection and heterochromatin regulation. Models of tau depletion or pathology show loss of genetically silent heterochromatin, aberrant expression of heterochromatic genes, and transposable element activation. The molecular mechanisms behind these observations are currently unclear. Using in vitro biophysical experiments, here we demonstrate that tau can undergo liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) with DNA, mononucleosomes, and reconstituted nucleosome arrays under low salt conditions. Low concentrations of tau promote chromatin compaction and protect DNA from digestion. While the material state of samples at physiological salt is dominated by chromatin oligomerization, tau can still associate strongly and reversibly with nucleosome arrays. These properties are driven by tau's strong interactions with linker and nucleosomal DNA, while magic angle spinning (MAS) solid-state NMR experiments show that tau binding does not drastically alter nucleosome structure and dynamics. In addition, tau co-localizes into droplets formed by nucleosome arrays and phosphorylated HP1α, a key heterochromatin constituent thought to function through an LLPS mechanism. Importantly, LLPS and chromatin interactions are disrupted by aberrant tau hyperphosphorylation. These biophysical properties suggest that tau may directly impact DNA and chromatin accessibility and that loss of these interactions could contribute to the aberrant nuclear effects seen in tau pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lannah S. Abasi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Nesreen Elathram
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Manasi Movva
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Amar Deep
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Kevin D. Corbett
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Galia T. Debelouchina
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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12
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Jiang Y, MacNeil LT. Simple model systems reveal conserved mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease and related tauopathies. Mol Neurodegener 2023; 18:82. [PMID: 37950311 PMCID: PMC10638731 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00664-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The lack of effective therapies that slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related tauopathies highlights the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the fundamental cellular mechanisms underlying these diseases. Model organisms, including yeast, worms, and flies, provide simple systems with which to investigate the mechanisms of disease. The evolutionary conservation of cellular pathways regulating proteostasis and stress response in these organisms facilitates the study of genetic factors that contribute to, or protect against, neurodegeneration. Here, we review genetic modifiers of neurodegeneration and related cellular pathways identified in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, and the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, focusing on models of AD and related tauopathies. We further address the potential of simple model systems to better understand the fundamental mechanisms that lead to AD and other neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwei Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Lesley T MacNeil
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.
- Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.
- Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada.
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13
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Marwaha B. Role of Tau protein in long COVID and potential therapeutic targets. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1280600. [PMID: 37953801 PMCID: PMC10634420 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1280600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Long COVID is an emerging public health burden and has been defined as a syndrome with common symptoms of fatigue, shortness of breath, cognitive dysfunction, and others impacting day-to-day life, fluctuating or relapsing over, occurring for at least two months in patients with a history of probable or confirmed SARS CoV-2 infection; usually three months from the onset of illness and cannot be explained by an alternate diagnosis. The actual prevalence of long-term COVID-19 is unknown, but it is believed that more than 17 million patients in Europe may have suffered from it during pandemic. Pathophysiology Currently, there is limited understanding of the pathophysiology of this syndrome, and multiple hypotheses have been proposed. Our literature review has shown studies reporting tau deposits in tissue samples of the brain from autopsies of COVID-19 patients compared to the control group, and the in-vitro human brain organoid model has shown aberrant phosphorylation of tau protein in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Tauopathies, a group of neurodegenerative disorders with the salient features of tau deposits, can manifest different symptoms based on the anatomical region of brain involvement and have been shown to affect the peripheral nervous system as well and explained even in rat model studies. Long COVID has more than 203 symptoms, with predominant symptoms of fatigue, dyspnea, and cognitive dysfunction, which tauopathy-induced CNS and peripheral nervous system dysfunction can explain. There have been no studies up till now to reveal the pathophysiology of long COVID. Based on our literature review, aberrant tau phosphorylation is a promising hypothesis that can be explored in future studies. Therapeutic approaches for tauopathies have multidimensional aspects, including targeting post-translational modifications, tau aggregation, and tau clearance through the autophagy process with the help of lysosomes, which can be potential targets for developing therapeutic interventions for the long COVID. In addition, future studies can attempt to find the tau proteins in CSF and use those as biomarkers for the long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bharat Marwaha
- Department of Cardiology, Adena Health System, Chillicothe, OH, United States
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14
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Frost B. Alzheimer's disease and related tauopathies: disorders of disrupted neuronal identity. Trends Neurosci 2023; 46:797-813. [PMID: 37591720 PMCID: PMC10528597 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2023.07.006] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Postmitotic neurons require persistently active controls to maintain terminal differentiation. Unlike dividing cells, aberrant cell cycle activation in mature neurons causes apoptosis rather than transformation. In Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related tauopathies, evidence suggests that pathogenic forms of tau drive neurodegeneration via neuronal cell cycle re-entry. Multiple interconnected mechanisms linking tau to cell cycle activation have been identified, including, but not limited to, tau-induced overstabilization of the actin cytoskeleton, consequent changes to nuclear architecture, and disruption of heterochromatin-mediated gene silencing. Cancer- and development-associated pathways are upregulated in human and cellular models of tauopathy, and many tau-induced cellular phenotypes are also present in various cancers and progenitor/stem cells. In this review, I delve into mechanistic parallels between tauopathies, cancer, and development, and highlight the role of tau in cancer and in the developing brain. Based on these studies, I put forth a model by which pathogenic forms of tau disrupt the program that maintains terminal neuronal differentiation, driving cell cycle re-entry and consequent neuronal death. This framework presents tauopathies as conditions involving the profound toxic disruption of neuronal identity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bess Frost
- Sam & Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA; Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer's and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA; Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.
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15
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Hromadkova L, Kim C, Haldiman T, Peng L, Zhu X, Cohen M, de Silva R, Safar JG. Evolving prion-like tau conformers differentially alter postsynaptic proteins in neurons inoculated with distinct isolates of Alzheimer's disease tau. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:174. [PMID: 37723591 PMCID: PMC10507869 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01133-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Although accumulation of misfolded tau species has been shown to predict cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other tauopathies but with the remarkable diversity of clinical manifestations, neuropathology profiles, and time courses of disease progression remaining unexplained by current genetic data. We considered the diversity of misfolded tau conformers present in individual AD cases as an underlying driver of the phenotypic variations of AD and progressive loss of synapses. METHODS To model the mechanism of tau propagation and synaptic toxicity of distinct tau conformers, we inoculated wild-type primary mouse neurons with structurally characterized Sarkosyl-insoluble tau isolates from the frontal cortex of six AD cases and monitored the impact for fourteen days. We analyzed the accumulation rate, tau isoform ratio, and conformational characteristics of de novo-induced tau aggregates with conformationally sensitive immunoassays, and the dynamics of synapse formation, maintenance, and their loss using a panel of pre-and post-synaptic markers. RESULTS At the same concentrations of tau, the different AD tau isolates induced accumulation of misfolded predominantly 4-repeat tau aggregates at different rates in mature neurons, and demonstrated distinct conformational characteristics corresponding to the original AD brain tau. The time-course of the formation of misfolded tau aggregates and colocalization correlated with significant loss of synapses in tau-inoculated cell cultures and the reduction of synaptic connections implicated the disruption of postsynaptic compartment as an early event. CONCLUSIONS The data obtained with mature neurons expressing physiological levels and adult isoforms of tau protein demonstrate markedly different time courses of endogenous tau misfolding and differential patterns of post-synaptic alterations. These and previous biophysical data argue for an ensemble of various misfolded tau aggregates in individual AD brains and template propagation of their homologous conformations in neurons with different rates and primarily postsynaptic interactors. Modeling tau aggregation in mature differentiated neurons provides a platform for investigating divergent molecular mechanisms of tau strain propagation and for identifying common structural features of misfolded tau and critical interactors for new therapeutic targets and approaches in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenka Hromadkova
- Departments of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 2085 Adelbert Rd, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Chae Kim
- Departments of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 2085 Adelbert Rd, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Tracy Haldiman
- Departments of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 2085 Adelbert Rd, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Lihua Peng
- Departments of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 2085 Adelbert Rd, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Xiongwei Zhu
- Departments of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 2085 Adelbert Rd, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
- Departments of Neurology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Mark Cohen
- Departments of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 2085 Adelbert Rd, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
- National Prion Disease Pathology Surveillance Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Rohan de Silva
- Reta Lila Weston Institute, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 1PJ, UK
| | - Jiri G Safar
- Departments of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 2085 Adelbert Rd, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.
- Departments of Neurology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.
- Departments of Neuroscience, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.
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16
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Wu M, Li Y, Miao Y, Qiao H, Wang Y. Exploring the efficient natural products for Alzheimer's disease therapy via Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) models. J Drug Target 2023; 31:817-831. [PMID: 37545435 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2023.2245582] [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: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a grievous neurodegenerative disorder and a major form of senile dementia, which is partially caused by abnormal amyloid-beta peptide deposition and Tau protein phosphorylation. But until now, the exact pathogenesis of AD and its treatment strategy still need to investigate. Fortunately, natural products have shown potential as therapeutic agents for treating symptoms of AD due to their neuroprotective activity. To identify the excellent lead compounds for AD control from natural products of herbal medicines, as well as, detect their modes of action, suitable animal models are required. Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) is an important model for studying genetic and cellular biological pathways in complex biological processes. Various Drosophila AD models were broadly used for AD research, especially for the discovery of neuroprotective natural products. This review focused on the research progress of natural products in AD disease based on the fruit fly AD model, which provides a reference for using the invertebrate model in developing novel anti-AD drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengdi Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ying Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yaodong Miao
- Second Affiliated Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Huanhuan Qiao
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yiwen Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
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17
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Ferrara F, Zovi A, Masi M, Langella R, Trama U, Boccellino M, Vitiello A. Long COVID could become a widespread post-pandemic disease? A debate on the organs most affected. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 396:1583-1589. [PMID: 36773054 PMCID: PMC9918819 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02417-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Long COVID is an emerging problem in the current health care scenario. It is a syndrome with common symptoms of shortness of breath, fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and other conditions that have a high impact on daily life. They are fluctuating or relapsing states that occur in patients with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection for at least 2 months. They are usually conditions that at 3 months after onset cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis. Currently very little is known about this syndrome. A thorough review of the literature highlights that the cause is attributable to deposits of tau protein. Massive phosphorylation of tau protein in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection occurred in brain samples from autopsies of people previously affected with COVID-19. The neurological disorders resulting from this clinical condition are termed tauopathies and can give different pathological symptoms depending on the involved anatomical region of the brain. Peripheral small-fiber neuropathies are also evident among patients with Long COVID leading to fatigue, which is the main symptom of this syndrome. Certainly more research studies could confirm the association between tau protein and Long COVID by defining the main role of tau protein as a biomarker for the diagnosis of this syndrome that is widespread in the post-pandemic period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Ferrara
- Pharmaceutical Department, Asl Napoli 3 Sud, Dell’amicizia street 22, 80035 Nola, Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Zovi
- Ministry of Health, Viale Giorgio Ribotta 5, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Masi
- Pharmaceutical Department, Asl Napoli 3 Sud, Dell’amicizia street 22, 80035 Nola, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberto Langella
- Italian Society of Hospital Pharmacy (SIFO), SIFO Secretariat of the Lombardy Region, Via Carlo Farini, 81, 20159 Milan, Italy
- Pharmacy Department, Agency for Health Protection (ATS) of Milan, Via Ippocrate, 45, 20161 Milan, Italy
| | - Ugo Trama
- General Direction for Health Protection and Coordination of the Campania Regional Health System, Naples, Italy
| | - Mariarosaria Boccellino
- Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
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18
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Hernandez CM, Barkey RE, Craven KM, Pedemonte KA, Alisantosa B, Sanchez JO, Flinn JM. Transfusion with Blood Plasma from Young Mice Affects rTg4510 Transgenic Tau Mice Modeling of Alzheimer's Disease. Brain Sci 2023; 13:841. [PMID: 37371321 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13060841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the buildup of plaques and tangles in the brain. Tangles are formed when the stabilizing protein, tau, becomes hyperphosphorylated and clumps together. There are limited treatments for AD; therefore, the exploration of new treatments is warranted. Previous research showed that plasma transfusion from young donor mice improved spatial memory and increased synaptic proteins in old transgenic APP/PS1 mice, suggesting a remediation of memory and synaptic function. In the current study, plasma was transfused from 2-3-month-old young wildtype mice (WT) to 8-month-old rTg4510 mice expressing human tau (Tau). One week after the transfusions, behavior and tau pathology were examined. We found that Tau mice injected with plasma had lower expression of phosphorylated tau (ptau) in the brain, accompanied by fewer tau tangles in the cortex and CA1 region of the hippocampus and smaller tau tangles in the cortex, when compared to Tau mice injected with saline. Despite no improvement in behavior, the decreased level of ptau and tangles open the door to future studies involving plasma transfusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos M Hernandez
- Department of Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
| | - Rachel E Barkey
- Department of Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
| | - Kristen M Craven
- Department of Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
| | - Karin A Pedemonte
- Department of Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
| | - Bernadette Alisantosa
- Department of Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
| | - Jonathan O Sanchez
- Department of Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
| | - Jane M Flinn
- Department of Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
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19
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Vourkou E, Rouiz Ortega ED, Mahajan S, Mudher A, Skoulakis EMC. Human Tau Aggregates Are Permissive to Protein Synthesis-Dependent Memory in Drosophila Tauopathy Models. J Neurosci 2023; 43:2988-3006. [PMID: 36868851 PMCID: PMC10124960 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1374-22.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Tauopathies including Alzheimer's disease, are characterized by progressive cognitive decline, neurodegeneration, and intraneuronal aggregates comprised largely of the axonal protein Tau. It has been unclear whether cognitive deficits are a consequence of aggregate accumulation thought to compromise neuronal health and eventually lead to neurodegeneration. We use the Drosophila tauopathy model and mixed-sex populations to reveal an adult onset pan-neuronal Tau accumulation-dependent decline in learning efficacy and a specific defect in protein synthesis-dependent memory (PSD-M), but not in its protein synthesis-independent variant. We demonstrate that these neuroplasticity defects are reversible on suppression of new transgenic human Tau expression and surprisingly correlate with an increase in Tau aggregates. Inhibition of aggregate formation via acute oral administration of methylene blue results in re-emergence of deficient memory in animals with suppressed human Tau (hTau)0N4R expression. Significantly, aggregate inhibition results in PSD-M deficits in hTau0N3R-expressing animals, which present elevated aggregates and normal memory if untreated with methylene blue. Moreover, methylene blue-dependent hTau0N4R aggregate suppression within adult mushroom body neurons also resulted in emergence of memory deficits. Therefore, deficient PSD-M on human Tau expression in the Drosophila CNS is not a consequence of toxicity and neuronal loss because it is reversible. Furthermore, PSD-M deficits do not result from aggregate accumulation, which appears permissive, if not protective of processes underlying this memory variant.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Intraneuronal Tau aggregate accumulation has been proposed to underlie the cognitive decline and eventual neurotoxicity that characterizes the neurodegenerative dementias known as tauopathies. However, we show in three experimental settings that Tau aggregates in the Drosophila CNS do not impair but rather appear to facilitate processes underlying protein synthesis-dependent memory within affected neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ergina Vourkou
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Centre Alexander Fleming, 16672 Vari, Greece
| | - Eva D Rouiz Ortega
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
| | - Sumeet Mahajan
- School of Chemistry, Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
| | - Amrit Mudher
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
| | - Efthimios M C Skoulakis
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Centre Alexander Fleming, 16672 Vari, Greece
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20
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Perbet R, Zufferey V, Leroux E, Parietti E, Espourteille J, Culebras L, Perriot S, Du Pasquier R, Bégard S, Deramecourt V, Déglon N, Toni N, Buée L, Colin M, Richetin K. Tau Transfer via Extracellular Vesicles Disturbs the Astrocytic Mitochondrial System. Cells 2023; 12:cells12070985. [PMID: 37048058 PMCID: PMC10093208 DOI: 10.3390/cells12070985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Tauopathies are neurodegenerative disorders involving the accumulation of tau isoforms in cell subpopulations such as astrocytes. The origins of the 3R and 4R isoforms of tau that accumulate in astrocytes remain unclear. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) were isolated from primary neurons overexpressing 1N3R or 1N4R tau or from human brain extracts (progressive supranuclear palsy or Pick disease patients or controls) and characterized (electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), proteomics). After the isolated EVs were added to primary astrocytes or human iPSC-derived astrocytes, tau transfer and mitochondrial system function were evaluated (ELISA, immunofluorescence, MitoTracker staining). We demonstrated that neurons in which 3R or 4R tau accumulated had the capacity to transfer tau to astrocytes and that EVs were essential for the propagation of both isoforms of tau. Treatment with tau-containing EVs disrupted the astrocytic mitochondrial system, altering mitochondrial morphology, dynamics, and redox state. Although similar levels of 3R and 4R tau were transferred, 3R tau-containing EVs were significantly more damaging to astrocytes than 4R tau-containing EVs. Moreover, EVs isolated from the brain fluid of patients with different tauopathies affected mitochondrial function in astrocytes derived from human iPSCs. Our data indicate that tau pathology spreads to surrounding astrocytes via EVs-mediated transfer and modifies their function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romain Perbet
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, LilNCog-Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Valentin Zufferey
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Psychiatric Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Elodie Leroux
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, LilNCog-Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Enea Parietti
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Psychiatric Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jeanne Espourteille
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Psychiatric Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Lucas Culebras
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Psychiatric Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sylvain Perriot
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Neuroscience Research Centre, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, CHUV, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Renaud Du Pasquier
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Neuroscience Research Centre, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, CHUV, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Séverine Bégard
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, LilNCog-Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Vincent Deramecourt
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, LilNCog-Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Nicole Déglon
- Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Neuroscience Research Center (CRN), Laboratory of Neurotherapies and Neuromodulation, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Toni
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Psychiatric Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Luc Buée
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, LilNCog-Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Morvane Colin
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, LilNCog-Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Kevin Richetin
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Psychiatric Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
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21
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Beckmann A, Ramirez P, Gamez M, Gonzalez E, De Mange J, Bieniek KF, Ray WJ, Frost B. Moesin is an effector of tau-induced actin overstabilization, cell cycle activation, and neurotoxicity in Alzheimer's disease. iScience 2023; 26:106152. [PMID: 36879821 PMCID: PMC9984563 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
In Alzheimer's disease, neurons acquire phenotypes that are also present in various cancers, including aberrant activation of the cell cycle. Unlike cancer, cell cycle activation in post-mitotic neurons is sufficient to induce cell death. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that abortive cell cycle activation is a consequence of pathogenic forms of tau, a protein that drives neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease and related "tauopathies." Here we combine network analyses of human Alzheimer's disease and mouse models of Alzheimer's disease and primary tauopathy with studies in Drosophila to discover that pathogenic forms of tau drive cell cycle activation by disrupting a cellular program involved in cancer and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Moesin, an EMT driver, is elevated in cells harboring disease-associated phosphotau, over-stabilized actin, and ectopic cell cycle activation. We further find that genetic manipulation of Moesin mediates tau-induced neurodegeneration. Taken together, our study identifies novel parallels between tauopathy and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Beckmann
- Sam and Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, San Antonio, TX, USA
- University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Paulino Ramirez
- Sam and Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, San Antonio, TX, USA
- University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Maria Gamez
- Sam and Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, San Antonio, TX, USA
- University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Elias Gonzalez
- Sam and Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, San Antonio, TX, USA
- University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Jasmine De Mange
- Sam and Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, San Antonio, TX, USA
- University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Kevin F. Bieniek
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, San Antonio, TX, USA
- University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - William J. Ray
- The Neurodegeneration Consortium, Therapeutics Discovery Division, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Bess Frost
- Sam and Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, San Antonio, TX, USA
- University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
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22
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Li S, Roy ER, Wang Y, Watkins T, Cao W. Modeling Alzheimer's disease in primary neurons reveals DNA damage response coupled with MAPK-DLK signaling in wild-type tau-induced neurodegeneration. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2617457. [PMID: 36945524 PMCID: PMC10029119 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2617457/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Background Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent form of neurodegeneration. Despite the well-established link between tau aggregation and clinical progression, the major pathways driven by this protein to intrinsically damage neurons are incompletely understood. Methods To model AD-relevant neurodegeneration driven by tau, we overexpressed wild-type human tau in primary mouse neurons and characterized the subsequent cellular and molecular changes. RNAseq profiling and functional investigation were performed as well. A direct comparison with a mutant human tau was conducted in detail. Results We observed substantial axonal degeneration and cell death associated with wild-type tau, a process accompanied by activated caspase 3. Mechanistically, we detected deformation of the nuclear envelope and increased DNA damage response in tau-expressing neurons. Gene profiling analysis further revealed significant alterations in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway; moreover, inhibitors of dual leucine zipper kinase (DLK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) were effective in alleviating wild-type human tau-induced neurodegeneration. In contrast, mutant P301L human tau was less toxic to neurons, despite causing comparable DNA damage. Axonal DLK activation induced by wild-type tau potentiated the impact of DNA damage response, resulting in overt neurotoxicity. Conclusions We have established a cellular tauopathy model highly relevant to AD and identified a functional synergy between DNA damage response and the MAPK-DLK axis in the neuronal degenerative process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanming Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ethan R Roy
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yanyu Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Trent Watkins
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA. Current address: Department of Neurology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA
| | - Wei Cao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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23
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Wang X, Zhang N, Li M, Hong T, Meng W, Ouyang T. Ubiquitin C‑terminal hydrolase‑L1: A new cancer marker and therapeutic target with dual effects (Review). Oncol Lett 2023; 25:123. [PMID: 36844618 PMCID: PMC9950345 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2023.13709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase-L1 (UCH-L1), a member of the lesser-known deubiquitinating enzyme family, has deubiquitinase and ubiquitin (Ub) ligase activity and the role of stabilizing Ub. UCH-L1 was first discovered in the brain and is associated with regulating cell differentiation, proliferation, transcriptional regulation and numerous other biological processes. UCH-L1 is predominantly expressed in the brain and serves a role in tumor promotion or inhibition. There is still controversy about the effect of UCH-L1 dysregulation in cancer and its mechanisms are unknown. Extensive research to investigate the mechanism of UCH-L1 in different types of cancer is key for the future treatment of UCH-L1-associated cancer. The present review details the molecular structure and function of UCH-L1. The role of UCH-L1 in different types of cancer is also summarized and how novel treatment targets provide a theoretical foundation in cancer research is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China,Department of The Second Clinical Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Na Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Meihua Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Tao Hong
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Wei Meng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China,Correspondence to: Dr Wei Meng or Dr Taohui Ouyang, Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 17 Yongwai Street, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China, E-mail:
| | - Taohui Ouyang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China,Correspondence to: Dr Wei Meng or Dr Taohui Ouyang, Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 17 Yongwai Street, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China, E-mail:
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24
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Zuniga G, Levy S, Ramirez P, Mange JD, Gonzalez E, Gamez M, Frost B. Tau-induced deficits in nonsense-mediated mRNA decay contribute to neurodegeneration. Alzheimers Dement 2023; 19:405-420. [PMID: 35416419 PMCID: PMC9673995 DOI: 10.1002/alz.12653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION While brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease and related tauopathies have evidence of altered RNA processing, we lack a mechanistic understanding of how altered RNA processing arises in these disorders and if such changes are causally linked to neurodegeneration. METHODS Using Drosophila melanogaster models of tauopathy, we find that overall activity of nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD), a key RNA quality-control mechanism, is reduced. Genetic manipulation of NMD machinery significantly modifies tau-induced neurotoxicity, suggesting that deficits in NMD are causally linked to neurodegeneration. Mechanistically, we find that deficits in NMD are a consequence of aberrant RNA export and RNA accumulation within nuclear envelope invaginations in tauopathy. We identify a pharmacological activator of NMD that suppresses neurodegeneration in tau transgenic Drosophila, indicating that tau-induced deficits in RNA quality control are druggable. DISCUSSION Our studies suggest that NMD activators should be explored for their potential therapeutic value to patients with tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Zuniga
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Simon Levy
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Paulino Ramirez
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Jasmine De Mange
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Elias Gonzalez
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Maria Gamez
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Bess Frost
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
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25
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Sohn C, Ma J, Ray WJ, Frost B. Pathogenic tau decreases nuclear tension in cultured neurons. FRONTIERS IN AGING 2023; 4:1058968. [PMID: 36756194 PMCID: PMC9901542 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2023.1058968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative tauopathies, including Alzheimer's disease, are pathologically defined by the presence of aggregated forms of tau protein in brains of affected individuals. Previous studies report that the negative effects of pathogenic tau on the actin cytoskeleton and microtubules cause a toxic destabilization of the lamin nucleoskeleton and formation of nuclear invaginations and blebs. Based on the known function of the nucleus as a mechanosensor, as well as the high incidence of nuclear pleomorphism in human Alzheimer's disease and related tauopathies, we investigated the effects of pathogenic tau on nuclear tension. We first find that tau-dependent nuclear envelope invagination and relocalization of LInker of Nucleoskeleton and Cytoskeleton (LINC) complex components are conserved in a newly-developed neuroblastoma cell line that features doxycycline-inducible expression of a tau mutant associated with autosomal dominant frontotemporal dementia. We next determine that a Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based sensor of nuclear tension responds to cytoskeletal stabilization and destabilization when expressed in neuroblastoma cells. Using this nuclear tension sensor, we find that induced expression of pathogenic tau is sufficient to decrease nuclear tension. This work provides the initial proof-of-concept evidence that pathogenic forms of tau alter nuclear tension, paving the way for the future study of altered nuclear mechanosensing in the context of tau-mediated neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claira Sohn
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Jiacheng Ma
- The Neurodegeneration Consortium, Therapeutics Discovery Division, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - William J. Ray
- The Neurodegeneration Consortium, Therapeutics Discovery Division, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Bess Frost
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
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26
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Amyloid-β in Alzheimer's disease - front and centre after all? Neuronal Signal 2023; 7:NS20220086. [PMID: 36687366 PMCID: PMC9829960 DOI: 10.1042/ns20220086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The amyloid hypothesis, which proposes that accumulation of the peptide amyloid-β at synapses is the key driver of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis, has been the dominant idea in the field of Alzheimer's research for nearly 30 years. Recently, however, serious doubts about its validity have emerged, largely motivated by disappointing results from anti-amyloid therapeutics in clinical trials. As a result, much of the AD research effort has shifted to understanding the roles of a variety of other entities implicated in pathogenesis, such as microglia, astrocytes, apolipoprotein E and several others. All undoubtedly play an important role, but the nature of this has in many cases remained unclear, partly due to their pleiotropic functions. Here, we propose that all of these AD-related entities share at least one overlapping function, which is the local regulation of amyloid-β levels, and that this may be critical to their role in AD pathogenesis. We also review what is currently known of the actions of amyloid-β at the synapse in health and disease, and consider in particular how it might interact with the key AD-associated protein tau in the disease setting. There is much compelling evidence in support of the amyloid hypothesis; rather than detract from this, the implication of many disparate AD-associated cell types, molecules and processes in the regulation of amyloid-β levels may lend further support.
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27
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Actin-microtubule cytoskeletal interplay mediated by MRTF-A/SRF signaling promotes dilated cardiomyopathy caused by LMNA mutations. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7886. [PMID: 36550158 PMCID: PMC9780334 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35639-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the lamin A/C gene (LMNA) cause dilated cardiomyopathy associated with increased activity of ERK1/2 in the heart. We recently showed that ERK1/2 phosphorylates cofilin-1 on threonine 25 (phospho(T25)-cofilin-1) that in turn disassembles the actin cytoskeleton. Here, we show that in muscle cells carrying a cardiomyopathy-causing LMNA mutation, phospho(T25)-cofilin-1 binds to myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTF-A) in the cytoplasm, thus preventing the stimulation of serum response factor (SRF) in the nucleus. Inhibiting the MRTF-A/SRF axis leads to decreased α-tubulin acetylation by reducing the expression of ATAT1 gene encoding α-tubulin acetyltransferase 1. Hence, tubulin acetylation is decreased in cardiomyocytes derived from male patients with LMNA mutations and in heart and isolated cardiomyocytes from Lmnap.H222P/H222P male mice. In Atat1 knockout mice, deficient for acetylated α-tubulin, we observe left ventricular dilation and mislocalization of Connexin 43 (Cx43) in heart. Increasing α-tubulin acetylation levels in Lmnap.H222P/H222P mice with tubastatin A treatment restores the proper localization of Cx43 and improves cardiac function. In summary, we show for the first time an actin-microtubule cytoskeletal interplay mediated by cofilin-1 and MRTF-A/SRF, promoting the dilated cardiomyopathy caused by LMNA mutations. Our findings suggest that modulating α-tubulin acetylation levels is a feasible strategy for improving cardiac function.
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28
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Mahakud AK, Shaikh J, Rifa Iqbal VV, Gupta A, Tiwari A, Saleem M. Amyloids on Membrane Interfaces: Implications for Neurodegeneration. J Membr Biol 2022; 255:705-722. [PMID: 35670831 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-022-00245-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Membrane interfaces are vital for various cellular processes, and their involvement in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease has taken precedence in recent years. The amyloidogenic proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases interact with the neuronal membrane through various means, which has implications for both the onset and progression of the disease. The parameters that regulate the interaction between the membrane and the amyloids remain poorly understood. The review focuses on the various aspects of membrane interactions of amyloids, particularly amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides and Tau involved in Alzheimer's and α-synuclein involved in Parkinson's disease. The genetic, cell biological, biochemical, and biophysical studies that form the basis for our current understanding of the membrane interactions of Aβ peptides, Tau, and α-synuclein are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amaresh Kumar Mahakud
- School of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar, India.,Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - Jafarulla Shaikh
- School of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar, India.,Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - V V Rifa Iqbal
- School of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar, India.,Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - Abhinav Gupta
- School of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar, India.,Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - Anuj Tiwari
- Department of Life Sciences, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, India
| | - Mohammed Saleem
- School of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar, India. .,Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India.
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29
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Congdon EE, Pan R, Jiang Y, Sandusky-Beltran LA, Dodge A, Lin Y, Liu M, Kuo MH, Kong XP, Sigurdsson EM. Single domain antibodies targeting pathological tau protein: Influence of four IgG subclasses on efficacy and toxicity. EBioMedicine 2022; 84:104249. [PMID: 36099813 PMCID: PMC9475275 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eleven tau immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies have entered clinical trials to treat tauopathies, including Alzheimer's disease, but it is unclear which IgG subclass/subtype has the ideal efficacy and safety profile. Only two subtypes, with or without effector function, have been examined in the clinic and not for the same tau antibody. The few preclinical studies on this topic have only compared two subtypes of one antibody each and have yielded conflicting results. METHODS We selected two single domain antibodies (sdAbs) derived from a llama immunized with tau proteins and utilized them to generate an array of Fc-(sdAb)2 subclasses containing identical tau binding domains but differing Fc region. Unmodified sdAbs and their IgG subclasses were tested for efficacy in primary cultures and in vivo microdialysis using JNPL3 tauopathy mice. FINDINGS Unmodified sdAbs were non-toxic, blocked tau toxicity and promoted tau clearance. However, the efficacy/safety profile of their Fc-(sdAb)2 subclasses varied greatly within and between sdAbs. For one of them, all its subtypes were non-toxic, only those with effector function cleared tau, and were more effective in vivo than unmodified sdAb. For the other sdAb, all its subtypes were toxic in tauopathy cultures but not in wild-type cells, suggesting that bivalent binding of its tau epitope stabilizes a toxic conformation of tau, with major implications for tau pathogenesis. Likewise, its subclasses were less effective than the unmodified sdAb in clearing tau in vivo. INTERPRETATION These findings indicate that tau antibodies with effector function are safe and better at clearing pathological tau than effectorless antibodies, Furthermore, tau antibodies can provide a valuable insight into tau pathogenesis, and some may aggravate it. FUNDING Funding for these studies was provided by the National Institute of Health (R01 AG032611, R01 NS077239, RF1 NS120488, R21 AG 069475, R21 AG 058282, T32AG052909), and the NYU Alzheimer's Disease Center Pilot Grant Program (via P30 AG008051).
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin E Congdon
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, and the Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 435 East 30th Street, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Ruimin Pan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Yixiang Jiang
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, and the Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 435 East 30th Street, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Leslie A Sandusky-Beltran
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, and the Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 435 East 30th Street, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Andie Dodge
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, and the Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 435 East 30th Street, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Yan Lin
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, and the Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 435 East 30th Street, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Mengyu Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, 603 Wilson Road, Room 401, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Min-Hao Kuo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, 603 Wilson Road, Room 401, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Xiang-Peng Kong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Einar M Sigurdsson
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, and the Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 435 East 30th Street, New York, NY 10016, USA; Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA.
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30
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Cazzaro S, Fang C, Khan H, Witas R, Kee TR, Woo JAA, Kang DE. Slingshot homolog-1 mediates the secretion of small extracellular vesicles containing misfolded proteins by regulating autophagy cargo receptors and actin dynamics. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:933979. [PMID: 36092812 PMCID: PMC9452914 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.933979] [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: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates that the accumulation misfolded proteins in Alzheimer's disease (AD) arises from clearance defects in the autophagy-lysosome pathway. Misfolded proteins such as Aβ and tau are secreted in small extracellular vesicles (i.e., exosomes) and are propagated from cell to cell in part through secreted small extracellular vesicles (sEVs). Recent studies suggest that autophagic activity and exosome secretion are coregulated events, and multiple autophagy-related proteins are found in sEVs, including the cargo receptors Sqstm1/p62 and optineurin. However, whether and how autophagy cargo receptors per se regulate the secretion of sEVs is unknown. Moreover, despite the prominent role of actin dynamics in secretory vesicle release, its role in EV secretion is unknown. In this study, we leveraged the dual axes of Slingshot Homolog-1 (SSH1), which inhibits Sqstm1/p62-mediated autophagy and activates cofilin-mediated actin dynamics, to study the regulation of sEV secretion. Here we show that cargo receptors Sqstm1/p62 and optineurin inhibit sEV secretion, an activity that requires their ability to bind ubiquitinated cargo. Conversely, SSH1 increases sEV secretion by dephosphorylating Sqstm1/p62 at pSer403, the phospho-residue that allows Sqstm1/p62 to bind ubiquitinated cargo. In addition, increasing actin dynamics through the SSH1-cofilin activation pathway also increases sEV secretion, which is mimicked by latrunculin B treatment. Finally, Aβ42 oligomers and mutant tau increase sEV secretion and are physically associated with secreted sEVs. These findings suggest that increasing cargo receptor engagement with autophagic cargo and reducing actin dynamics (i.e., SSH1 inhibition) represents an attractive strategy to promote misfolded protein degradation while reducing sEV-mediated cell to cell spread of pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Cazzaro
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Department of Molecular Medicine, USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Cenxiao Fang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Hirah Khan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Richard Witas
- Department of Molecular Medicine, USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Teresa R. Kee
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Department of Molecular Medicine, USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Jung-A. A. Woo
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - David E. Kang
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, United States
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Goel P, Chakrabarti S, Goel K, Bhutani K, Chopra T, Bali S. Neuronal cell death mechanisms in Alzheimer's disease: An insight. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:937133. [PMID: 36090249 PMCID: PMC9454331 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.937133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulated cell death (RCD) is an ordered and tightly orchestrated set of changes/signaling events in both gene expression and protein activity and is responsible for normal development as well as maintenance of tissue homeostasis. Aberrant activation of this pathway results in cell death by various mechanisms including apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and autophagy-dependent cell death. Such pathological changes in neurons alone or in combination have been observed in the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Pathological hallmarks of AD focus primarily on the accumulation of two main protein markers: amyloid β peptides and abnormally phosphorylated tau proteins. These protein aggregates result in the formation of A-β plaques and neuro-fibrillary tangles (NFTs) and induce neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration over years to decades leading to a multitude of cognitive and behavioral deficits. Autopsy findings of AD reveal massive neuronal death manifested in the form of cortical volume shrinkage, reduction in sizes of gyri to up to 50% and an increase in the sizes of sulci. Multiple forms of cell death have been recorded in neurons from different studies conducted so far. However, understanding the mechanism/s of neuronal cell death in AD patients remains a mystery as the trigger that results in aberrant activation of RCD is unknown and because of the limited availability of dying neurons. This review attempts to elucidate the process of Regulated cell death, how it gets unregulated in response to different intra and extracellular stressors, various forms of unregulated cell death, their interplay and their role in pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease in both human and experimental models of AD. Further we plan to explore the correlation of both amyloid-beta and Tau with neuronal loss as seen in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parul Goel
- Department of Biochemistry, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Government Medical College Chhainsa, Faridabad, India
| | - Sasanka Chakrabarti
- Department of Biochemistry, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Ambala, India
| | - Kapil Goel
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Karanpreet Bhutani
- Department of Biochemistry, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Ambala, India
| | - Tanya Chopra
- Department of Biochemistry, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Ambala, India
| | - Sharadendu Bali
- Department of Surgery, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Ambala, India
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Fourest-Lieuvin A, Vinit A, Blot B, Perrot A, Denarier E, Saudou F, Arnal I. Controlled Tau Cleavage in Cells Reveals Abnormal Localizations of Tau Fragments. Neuroscience 2022; 518:162-177. [PMID: 35995336 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.08.016] [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: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In several forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease, the cytoskeleton-associated protein tau undergoes proteolysis, giving rise to fragments that have a toxic impact on neuronal homeostasis. How these fragments interact with cellular structures, in particular with the cytoskeleton, is currently incompletely understood. Here, we developed a method, derived from a Tobacco Etch Virus (TEV) protease system, to induce controlled cleavage of tau at specific sites. Five tau proteins containing specific TEV recognition sites corresponding to pathological proteolytic sites were engineered, and tagged with GFP at one end and mCherry at the other. Following controlled cleavage to produce GFP-N-terminal and C-terminal-mCherry fragments, we followed the fate of tau fragments in cells. Our results showed that whole engineered tau proteins associate with the cytoskeleton similarly to the non-modified tau, whereas tau fragments adopted different localizations with respect to the actin and microtubule cytoskeletons. These distinct localizations were confirmed by expressing each separate fragment in cells. Some cleavages - in particular cleavages at amino-acid positions 124 or 256 - displayed a certain level of cellular toxicity, with an unusual relocalization of the N-terminal fragments to the nucleus. Based on the data presented here, inducible cleavage of tau by the TEV protease appears to be a valuable tool to reproduce tau fragmentation in cells and study the resulting consequences on cell physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Fourest-Lieuvin
- Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM, U1216, CEA, CNRS, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France.
| | - Angélique Vinit
- Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM, U1216, CEA, CNRS, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Béatrice Blot
- Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM, U1216, CEA, CNRS, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Anthime Perrot
- Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM, U1216, CEA, CNRS, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Eric Denarier
- Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM, U1216, CEA, CNRS, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Frédéric Saudou
- Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM, U1216, CEA, CNRS, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Isabelle Arnal
- Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM, U1216, CEA, CNRS, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France.
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Alipour M, Motavaf M, Abdolmaleki P, Zali A, Ashrafi F, Safari S, Hajipour-Verdom B. Structural Analysis and Conformational Dynamics of Short Helical Hyperphosphorylated Segments of Tau Protein (Sequence 254–290) in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:884705. [PMID: 36003083 PMCID: PMC9393928 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.884705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder whose early diagnosis leads to a chance for successful treatment and decreases the side effects. Hyperphosphorylation of tau proteins is a pathological hallmark of AD that causes it to lose its attachment ability to the microtubules. Alteration of tau structure due to its hyperphosphorylation is an exciting challenge regarding AD treatments. Here, we aimed to examine the structural alterations of short helical segments of tau protein with one to three phosphorylated sites by molecular dynamics simulation. Results indicated that the interaction of two similar segments with three phosphorylated sites (P-Ser262, 285, and 289) formed a compact and more stable structure than the one phosphorylated site complex (P-Ser262). Moreover, due to the high dynamics of the P-Ser262 complex, several structures were made with different conformational dynamics, but there was only one stable cluster of the P-Ser262, 285, and 289 complex during simulation. It seems that the P-Ser262, 285, and 289 complex plays an important role in the formation of paired helical filaments (PHFs) by forming a stable dimer. Generally, it is important to identify how structural features of segments in tau protein change when the phosphorylated sites increase from one to three sites and their effects on the formation of PHFs for drug design and diagnostic biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mozhgan Alipour
- Functional Neurosurgery Research Center, Shohada Tajrish Comprehensive Neurosurgical Center of Excellence, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Motavaf
- Functional Neurosurgery Research Center, Shohada Tajrish Comprehensive Neurosurgical Center of Excellence, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parviz Abdolmaleki
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Zali
- Functional Neurosurgery Research Center, Shohada Tajrish Comprehensive Neurosurgical Center of Excellence, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzad Ashrafi
- Functional Neurosurgery Research Center, Shohada Tajrish Comprehensive Neurosurgical Center of Excellence, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeid Safari
- Functional Neurosurgery Research Center, Shohada Tajrish Comprehensive Neurosurgical Center of Excellence, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- *Correspondence: Saeid Safari, ; Behnam Hajipour-Verdom,
| | - Behnam Hajipour-Verdom
- Functional Neurosurgery Research Center, Shohada Tajrish Comprehensive Neurosurgical Center of Excellence, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
- *Correspondence: Saeid Safari, ; Behnam Hajipour-Verdom,
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Nag N, Tripathi T. Tau-FG-nucleoporin98 interaction and impaired nucleocytoplasmic transport in Alzheimer's disease. Brief Funct Genomics 2022; 22:161-167. [PMID: 35923096 DOI: 10.1093/bfgp/elac022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
An emerging pathophysiology associated with the neurodegenerative Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the impairment of nucleocytoplasmic transport (NCT). The impairment can originate from damage to the nuclear pore complex (NPC) or other factors involved in NCT. The phenylalanine-glycine nucleoporins (FG-Nups) form a crucial component of the NPC, which is central to NCT. Recent discoveries have highlighted that the neuropathological protein tau is involved in direct interactions with the FG-Nups and impairment of the NCT process. Targeting such interactions may lead to the identification of novel interaction inhibitors and offer new therapeutic alternatives for the treatment of AD. This review highlights recent findings associated with impaired NCT in AD and the interaction between tau and the FG-Nups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niharika Nag
- Molecular and Structural Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong 793022, India
| | - Timir Tripathi
- Regional Director's Office, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), Regional Centre Kohima, Kenuozou, Kohima 797001, India
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35
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Proteomic Assessment of C57BL/6 Hippocampi after Non-Selective Pharmacological Inhibition of Nitric Oxide Synthase Activity: Implications of Seizure-like Neuronal Hyperexcitability Followed by Tauopathy. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081772. [PMID: 35892672 PMCID: PMC9331517 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) is a small gaseous signaling molecule responsible for maintaining homeostasis in a myriad of tissues and molecular pathways in neurology and the cardiovasculature. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the potential interaction between arterial stiffness (AS), an independent cardiovascular risk factor, and neurodegenerative syndromes given increasingly epidemiological study reports. For this reason, we previously investigated the mechanistic convergence between AS and neurodegeneration via the progressive non-selective inhibition of all nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms with N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) in C57BL/6 mice. Our previous results showed progressively increased AS in vivo and impaired visuospatial learning and memory in L-NAME-treated C57BL/6 mice. In the current study, we sought to further investigate the progressive molecular signatures in hippocampal tissue via LC–MS/MS proteomic analysis. Our data implicate mitochondrial dysfunction due to progressive L-NAME treatment. Two weeks of L-NAME treatment implicates altered G-protein-coupled-receptor signaling in the nerve synapse and associated presence of seizures and altered emotional behavior. Furthermore, molecular signatures implicate the cerebral presence of seizure-related hyperexcitability after short-term (8 weeks) treatment followed by ribosomal dysfunction and tauopathy after long-term (16 weeks) treatment.
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36
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Self-construction of actin networks through phase separation-induced abLIM1 condensates. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2122420119. [PMID: 35858327 PMCID: PMC9304016 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2122420119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The abLIM1 is a nonerythroid actin-binding protein critical for stable plasma membrane-cortex interactions under mechanical tension. Its depletion by RNA interference results in sparse, poorly interconnected cortical actin networks and severe blebbing of migrating cells. Its isoforms, abLIM-L, abLIM-M, and abLIM-S, contain, respectively four, three, and no LIM domains, followed by a C terminus entirely homologous to erythroid cortex protein dematin. How abLIM1 functions, however, remains unclear. Here we show that abLIM1 is a liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS)-dependent self-organizer of actin networks. Phase-separated condensates of abLIM-S-mimicking ΔLIM or the major isoform abLIM-M nucleated, flew along, and cross-linked together actin filaments (F-actin) to produce unique aster-like radial arrays and interconnected webs of F-actin bundles. Interestingly, ΔLIM condensates facilitated actin nucleation and network formation even in the absence of Mg2+. Our results suggest that abLIM1 functions as an LLPS-dependent actin nucleator and cross-linker and provide insights into how LLPS-induced condensates could self-construct intracellular architectures of high connectivity and plasticity.
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Tsujikawa K, Hamanaka K, Riku Y, Hattori Y, Hara N, Iguchi Y, Ishigaki S, Hashizume A, Miyatake S, Mitsuhashi S, Miyazaki Y, Kataoka M, Jiayi L, Yasui K, Kuru S, Koike H, Kobayashi K, Sahara N, Ozaki N, Yoshida M, Kakita A, Saito Y, Iwasaki Y, Miyashita A, Iwatsubo T, Ikeuchi T, Miyata T, Sobue G, Matsumoto N, Sahashi K, Katsuno M. Actin-binding protein filamin-A drives tau aggregation and contributes to progressive supranuclear palsy pathology. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabm5029. [PMID: 35613261 PMCID: PMC9132466 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abm5029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
While amyloid-β lies upstream of tau pathology in Alzheimer's disease, key drivers for other tauopathies, including progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), are largely unknown. Various tau mutations are known to facilitate tau aggregation, but how the nonmutated tau, which most cases with PSP share, increases its propensity to aggregate in neurons and glial cells has remained elusive. Here, we identified genetic variations and protein abundance of filamin-A in the PSP brains without tau mutations. We provided in vivo biochemical evidence that increased filamin-A levels enhance the phosphorylation and insolubility of tau through interacting actin filaments. In addition, reduction of filamin-A corrected aberrant tau levels in the culture cells from PSP cases. Moreover, transgenic mice carrying human filamin-A recapitulated tau pathology in the neurons. Our data highlight that filamin-A promotes tau aggregation, providing a potential mechanism by which filamin-A contributes to PSP pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koyo Tsujikawa
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Neurology, Japanese Red Cross Aichi Medical Center Nagoya Daini Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Neurology , National Hospital Organization Suzuka National Hospital, Suzuka, Japan
| | - Kohei Hamanaka
- Department of Human Genetics, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yuichi Riku
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute for Medical Science of Aging, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Yuki Hattori
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Norikazu Hara
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Yohei Iguchi
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Ishigaki
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
- Research Division of Dementia and Neurodegenerative Disease, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Atsushi Hashizume
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Clinical Research Education, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Satoko Miyatake
- Department of Human Genetics, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
- Clinical Genetics Department, Yokohama City University Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Satomi Mitsuhashi
- Department of Human Genetics, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
- Department of Genomic Function and Diversity, Medical Research Institute Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yu Miyazaki
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Mayumi Kataoka
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Li Jiayi
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Keizo Yasui
- Department of Neurology, Japanese Red Cross Aichi Medical Center Nagoya Daini Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kuru
- Department of Neurology , National Hospital Organization Suzuka National Hospital, Suzuka, Japan
| | - Haruki Koike
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kenta Kobayashi
- Section of Viral Vector Development, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Japan
| | - Naruhiko Sahara
- Department of Functional Brain Imaging, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Chiba, Japan
| | - Norio Ozaki
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Mari Yoshida
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute for Medical Science of Aging, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Akiyoshi Kakita
- Department of Pathology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Yuko Saito
- Department of Neurology and Neuropathology (The Brain Bank for Aging Research), Tokyo Metropolitan Geriatric Hospital and Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasushi Iwasaki
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute for Medical Science of Aging, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Akinori Miyashita
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Takeshi Iwatsubo
- Department of Neuropathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Takeshi Ikeuchi
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | | | - Takaki Miyata
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Gen Sobue
- Research Division of Dementia and Neurodegenerative Disease, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Naomichi Matsumoto
- Department of Human Genetics, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Kentaro Sahashi
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masahisa Katsuno
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Clinical Research Education, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
- Corresponding author.
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Macromolecular structures and proteins interacting with the microtubule associated tau protein. Neuroscience 2022; 518:70-82. [PMID: 35609757 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
It is well established that neurodegenerative diseases known as tauopathies are characterized by the presence of filamentous forms of phosphorylated tau protein inside neurons. However, the causal relationship between the initial symptoms of a particular disease and the molecular events affecting tau and leading to the appearance of tangles of filamentous forms of this protein remains unknown. Even the main function (or functions) of tau inside neurons is debatable and controversial. Tau seems to be a multifunctional protein. I review here some of the most studied interactions of tau with different macromolecules and proteins, which can be classified according to the structural o functional unit within which the interaction works: Microtubule, Nuclear localization and DNA, Synaptic activity, RNA metabolism, Fats transport, Proteostasis, Amyloid Cascade Hypothesis, Mitochondria and Phosphorylation. Although this seems to be a broad spectrum of tau functions, interactome studies of tau reveal hundreds of plausible partners of tau, suggesting that it engages in an extensive network of interconnected regulatory interactions by means of its high capability to interact with all kinds of proteins and complex structures, combined with its vast number of post-translational modifications. I include also some thermodynamic data concerning the interaction of tau with some partners.
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Hori T, Eguchi K, Wang HY, Miyasaka T, Guillaud L, Taoufiq Z, Mahapatra S, Yamada H, Takei K, Takahashi T. Microtubule assembly by soluble tau impairs vesicle endocytosis and excitatory neurotransmission via dynamin sequestration in Alzheimer's disease mice synapse model. eLife 2022; 11:73542. [PMID: 35471147 PMCID: PMC9071263 DOI: 10.7554/elife.73542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Elevation of soluble wild-type (WT) tau occurs in synaptic compartments in Alzheimer’s disease. We addressed whether tau elevation affects synaptic transmission at the calyx of Held in slices from mice brainstem. Whole-cell loading of WT human tau (h-tau) in presynaptic terminals at 10–20 µM caused microtubule (MT) assembly and activity-dependent rundown of excitatory neurotransmission. Capacitance measurements revealed that the primary target of WT h-tau is vesicle endocytosis. Blocking MT assembly using nocodazole prevented tau-induced impairments of endocytosis and neurotransmission. Immunofluorescence imaging analyses revealed that MT assembly by WT h-tau loading was associated with an increased MT-bound fraction of the endocytic protein dynamin. A synthetic dodecapeptide corresponding to dynamin 1-pleckstrin-homology domain inhibited MT-dynamin interaction and rescued tau-induced impairments of endocytosis and neurotransmission. We conclude that elevation of presynaptic WT tau induces de novo assembly of MTs, thereby sequestering free dynamins. As a result, endocytosis and subsequent vesicle replenishment are impaired, causing activity-dependent rundown of neurotransmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuya Hori
- Cellular and Molecular Synaptic Function Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology - Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Kohgaku Eguchi
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Han-Ying Wang
- Cellular and Molecular Synaptic Function Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology - Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Miyasaka
- Faculty of Life and Medical Sciences, Doshisha University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Laurent Guillaud
- Cellular and Molecular Synaptic Function Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology - Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Zacharie Taoufiq
- Cellular and Molecular Synaptic Function Unit,, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology - Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Satyajit Mahapatra
- Cellular and Molecular Synaptic Function Unit,, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology - Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Yamada
- Department of Neuroscience, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Kohji Takei
- Department of Neuroscience, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Takahashi
- Cellular and Molecular Synaptic Function Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology - Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
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Prifti E, Tsakiri EN, Vourkou E, Stamatakis G, Samiotaki M, Skoulakis EMC, Papanikolopoulou K. Mical modulates Tau toxicity via cysteine oxidation in vivo. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2022; 10:44. [PMID: 35379354 PMCID: PMC8981811 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-022-01348-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Tau accumulation is clearly linked to pathogenesis in Alzheimer’s disease and other Tauopathies. However, processes leading to Tau fibrillization and reasons for its pathogenicity remain largely elusive. Mical emerged as a novel interacting protein of human Tau expressed in Drosophila brains. Mical is characterized by the presence of a flavoprotein monooxygenase domain that generates redox potential with which it can oxidize target proteins. In the well-established Drosophila Tauopathy model, we use genetic interactions to show that Mical alters Tau interactions with microtubules and the Actin cytoskeleton and greatly affects Tau aggregation propensity and Tau-associated toxicity and dysfunction. Exploration of the mechanism was pursued using a Mical inhibitor, a mutation in Mical that selectively disrupts its monooxygenase domain, Tau transgenes mutated at cysteine residues targeted by Mical and mass spectrometry analysis to quantify cysteine oxidation. The collective evidence strongly indicates that Mical’s redox activity mediates the effects on Tau via oxidation of Cys322. Importantly, we also validate results from the fly model in human Tauopathy samples by showing that MICAL1 is up-regulated in patient brains and co-localizes with Tau in Pick bodies. Our work provides mechanistic insights into the role of the Tau cysteine residues as redox-switches regulating the process of Tau self-assembly into inclusions in vivo, its function as a cytoskeletal protein and its effect on neuronal toxicity and dysfunction.
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Bujdoso R, Smith A, Fleck O, Spiropoulos J, Andréoletti O, Thackray AM. Prion disease modelled in Drosophila. Cell Tissue Res 2022; 392:47-62. [PMID: 35092497 PMCID: PMC10113284 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-022-03586-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
AbstractPrion diseases are fatal neurodegenerative conditions of humans and various vertebrate species that are transmissible between individuals of the same or different species. A novel infectious moiety referred to as a prion is considered responsible for transmission of these conditions. Prion replication is believed to be the cause of the neurotoxicity that arises during prion disease pathogenesis. The prion hypothesis predicts that the transmissible prion agent consists of PrPSc, which is comprised of aggregated misfolded conformers of the normal host protein PrPC. It is important to understand the biology of transmissible prions and to identify genetic modifiers of prion-induced neurotoxicity. This information will underpin the development of therapeutic and control strategies for human and animal prion diseases. The most reliable method to detect prion infectivity is by in vivo transmission in a suitable experimental host, which to date have been mammalian species. Current prion bioassays are slow, cumbersome and relatively insensitive to low titres of prion infectivity, and do not lend themselves to rapid genetic analysis of prion disease. Here, we provide an overview of our novel studies that have led to the establishment of Drosophila melanogaster, a genetically well-defined invertebrate host, as a sensitive, versatile and economically viable animal model for the detection of mammalian prion infectivity and genetic modifiers of prion-induced toxicity.
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Wang S, Jiang Y, Liu Y, Liu Q, Sun H, Mei M, Liao X. Ferroptosis promotes microtubule-associated protein tau aggregation via GSK-3β activation and proteasome inhibition. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:1486-1501. [PMID: 34997541 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-02731-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a form of regulated cell death resulting from iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation. Iron dyshomeostasis and peroxidation damage of neurons in some particular brain regions are closely related to a wide range of neurodegenerative diseases known as "tauopathies," in which intracellular aggregation of microtubule-associated protein tau is the common neuropathological feature. However, the relationship between ferroptosis and tau aggregation is not well understood. The current study demonstrates that erastin-induced ferroptosis can promote tau hyperphosphorylation and aggregation in mouse neuroblastoma cells (N2a cells). Moreover, ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 can alleviate tau aggregation effectively. In-depth mechanism research indicates that activated glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) is responsible for the abnormal hyperphosphorylation of tau. More importantly, proteasome inhibition can exacerbate tau degradation obstacle and accelerate tau aggregation in the process of ferroptosis. Our results indicate that ferroptosis can lead to abnormal aggregation of tau protein and might be a promising therapeutic target of tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaohui Wang
- Hubei Key Lab of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yao Jiang
- Hubei Key Lab of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yabo Liu
- Hubei Key Lab of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Qianhui Liu
- Hubei Key Lab of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongwei Sun
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, Institute of Environmental & Applied Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengjie Mei
- Hubei Key Lab of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaomei Liao
- Hubei Key Lab of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, Institute of Environmental & Applied Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, People's Republic of China.
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Huber N, Korhonen S, Hoffmann D, Leskelä S, Rostalski H, Remes AM, Honkakoski P, Solje E, Haapasalo A. Deficient neurotransmitter systems and synaptic function in frontotemporal lobar degeneration-Insights into disease mechanisms and current therapeutic approaches. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:1300-1309. [PMID: 34799692 PMCID: PMC9095474 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01384-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) comprises a heterogenous group of fatal neurodegenerative diseases and, to date, no validated diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers or effective disease-modifying therapies exist for the different clinical or genetic subtypes of FTLD. Current treatment strategies rely on the off-label use of medications for symptomatic treatment. Changes in several neurotransmitter systems including the glutamatergic, GABAergic, dopaminergic, and serotonergic systems have been reported in FTLD spectrum disease patients. Many FTLD-related clinical and neuropsychiatric symptoms such as aggressive and compulsive behaviour, agitation, as well as altered eating habits and hyperorality can be explained by disturbances in these neurotransmitter systems, suggesting that their targeting might possibly offer new therapeutic options for treating patients with FTLD. This review summarizes the present knowledge on neurotransmitter system deficits and synaptic dysfunction in model systems and patients harbouring the most common genetic causes of FTLD, the hexanucleotide repeat expansion in C9orf72 and mutations in the granulin (GRN) and microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) genes. We also describe the current pharmacological treatment options for FLTD that target different neurotransmitter systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Huber
- grid.9668.10000 0001 0726 2490A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Sonja Korhonen
- grid.9668.10000 0001 0726 2490A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Dorit Hoffmann
- grid.9668.10000 0001 0726 2490A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Stina Leskelä
- grid.9668.10000 0001 0726 2490A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Hannah Rostalski
- grid.9668.10000 0001 0726 2490A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Anne M. Remes
- grid.10858.340000 0001 0941 4873Unit of Clinical Neuroscience, Neurology, University of Oulu, P. O. Box 8000, University of Oulu, FI-90014 Oulu, Finland ,grid.412326.00000 0004 4685 4917MRC Oulu, Oulu University Hospital, P. O. Box 8000, University of Oulu, FI-90014 Oulu, Finland
| | - Paavo Honkakoski
- grid.9668.10000 0001 0726 2490School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70210 Kuopio, Finland ,grid.10698.360000000122483208Department of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
| | - Eino Solje
- grid.9668.10000 0001 0726 2490Institute of Clinical Medicine—Neurology, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70210 Kuopio, Finland ,grid.410705.70000 0004 0628 207XNeuro Center, Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital, P.O. Box 100, KYS, FI-70029 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Annakaisa Haapasalo
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland.
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Di Meo D, Ravindran P, Sadhanasatish T, Dhumale P, Püschel AW. The balance of mitochondrial fission and fusion in cortical axons depends on the kinases SadA and SadB. Cell Rep 2021; 37:110141. [PMID: 34936879 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.110141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurons are highly polarized cells that display characteristic differences in the organization of their organelles in axons and dendrites. The kinases SadA and SadB (SadA/B) promote the formation of distinct axonal and dendritic extensions during the development of cortical and hippocampal neurons. Here, we show that SadA/B are required for the specific dynamics of axonal mitochondria. Ankyrin B (AnkB) stimulates the activity of SadA/B that function as regulators of mitochondrial dynamics through the phosphorylation of tau. Suppression of SadA/B or AnkB in cortical neurons induces the elongation of mitochondria by disrupting the balance of fission and fusion. SadA/B-deficient neurons show an accumulation of hyper-fused mitochondria and activation of the integrated stress response (ISR). The normal dynamics of axonal mitochondria could be restored by mild actin destabilization. Thus, the elongation after loss of SadA/B results from an excessive stabilization of actin filaments and reduction of Drp1 recruitment to mitochondria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danila Di Meo
- Institut für Molekulare Zellbiologie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Schloßplatz 5, 48149 Münster, Germany; Cells-in-Motion Interfaculty Center, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Priyadarshini Ravindran
- Institut für Molekulare Zellbiologie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Schloßplatz 5, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Tanmay Sadhanasatish
- Institut für Molekulare Zellbiologie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Schloßplatz 5, 48149 Münster, Germany; Cells-in-Motion Interfaculty Center, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Pratibha Dhumale
- Institut für Molekulare Zellbiologie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Schloßplatz 5, 48149 Münster, Germany; Cells-in-Motion Interfaculty Center, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Andreas W Püschel
- Institut für Molekulare Zellbiologie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Schloßplatz 5, 48149 Münster, Germany; Cells-in-Motion Interfaculty Center, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany.
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45
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Rydbom J, Kohl H, Hyde VR, Lohr KM. Altered Gut Microbial Load and Immune Activation in a Drosophila Model of Human Tauopathy. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:731602. [PMID: 34803581 PMCID: PMC8597733 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.731602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Tau is a microtubule-associated protein that stabilizes the neuronal cytoskeleton. In the family of neurodegenerative diseases known as tauopathies, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), abnormal tau aggregation destabilizes microtubule structure, contributing to a cascade of cellular processes leading to neuronal cell death. The gut microbiome has increasingly become a target of neurodegenerative disease research since gut microbiome imbalances have been linked to protein aggregation and inflammation through a bidirectional axis linking the gut and brain. Accordingly, the present study examined tau-mediated changes to gut microbiome composition and immune activation in a Drosophila melanogaster model of human mutant tauopathy. Fecal deposit quantification and gastric emptying time courses suggested an abnormal food distribution and reduced gut motility in tau transgenic flies compared to controls. Tau transgenic flies also showed an increase in gut bacteria colony forming units (CFUs) from diluted fly homogenate, indicating an increased bacterial load. Finally, we showed that tau transgenic flies have a trend towards elevated systemic levels of antimicrobial peptides targeting gram-negative bacteria using qPCR, suggesting an enhanced innate immune response to bacterial insult. These data demonstrate qualifiable and quantifiable gut microbial and innate immune responses to tauopathy. Furthermore, these results provide a framework for future studies targeting the gut microbiome as a modifier of neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kelly M. Lohr
- Department of Biology, Washington and Jefferson College, Washington, PA, United States
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46
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Bamburg JR, Minamide LS, Wiggan O, Tahtamouni LH, Kuhn TB. Cofilin and Actin Dynamics: Multiple Modes of Regulation and Their Impacts in Neuronal Development and Degeneration. Cells 2021; 10:cells10102726. [PMID: 34685706 PMCID: PMC8534876 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteins of the actin depolymerizing factor (ADF)/cofilin family are ubiquitous among eukaryotes and are essential regulators of actin dynamics and function. Mammalian neurons express cofilin-1 as the major isoform, but ADF and cofilin-2 are also expressed. All isoforms bind preferentially and cooperatively along ADP-subunits in F-actin, affecting the filament helical rotation, and when either alone or when enhanced by other proteins, promotes filament severing and subunit turnover. Although self-regulating cofilin-mediated actin dynamics can drive motility without post-translational regulation, cells utilize many mechanisms to locally control cofilin, including cooperation/competition with other proteins. Newly identified post-translational modifications function with or are independent from the well-established phosphorylation of serine 3 and provide unexplored avenues for isoform specific regulation. Cofilin modulates actin transport and function in the nucleus as well as actin organization associated with mitochondrial fission and mitophagy. Under neuronal stress conditions, cofilin-saturated F-actin fragments can undergo oxidative cross-linking and bundle together to form cofilin-actin rods. Rods form in abundance within neurons around brain ischemic lesions and can be rapidly induced in neurites of most hippocampal and cortical neurons through energy depletion or glutamate-induced excitotoxicity. In ~20% of rodent hippocampal neurons, rods form more slowly in a receptor-mediated process triggered by factors intimately connected to disease-related dementias, e.g., amyloid-β in Alzheimer’s disease. This rod-inducing pathway requires a cellular prion protein, NADPH oxidase, and G-protein coupled receptors, e.g., CXCR4 and CCR5. Here, we will review many aspects of cofilin regulation and its contribution to synaptic loss and pathology of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R. Bamburg
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (L.S.M.); (O.W.); (L.H.T.); (T.B.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-970-988-9120; Fax: +1-970-491-0494
| | - Laurie S. Minamide
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (L.S.M.); (O.W.); (L.H.T.); (T.B.K.)
| | - O’Neil Wiggan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (L.S.M.); (O.W.); (L.H.T.); (T.B.K.)
| | - Lubna H. Tahtamouni
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (L.S.M.); (O.W.); (L.H.T.); (T.B.K.)
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, The Hashemite University, Zarqa 13115, Jordan
| | - Thomas B. Kuhn
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (L.S.M.); (O.W.); (L.H.T.); (T.B.K.)
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA
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47
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Ledo JH, Liebmann T, Zhang R, Chang JC, Azevedo EP, Wong E, Silva HM, Troyanskaya OG, Bustos V, Greengard P. Presenilin 1 phosphorylation regulates amyloid-β degradation by microglia. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:5620-5635. [PMID: 32792660 PMCID: PMC7881060 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-020-0856-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) accumulation in the brain is a hallmark of Alzheimer's Disease. An important mechanism of Aβ clearance in the brain is uptake and degradation by microglia. Presenilin 1 (PS1) is the catalytic subunit of γ-secretase, an enzyme complex responsible for the maturation of multiple substrates, such as Aβ. Although PS1 has been extensively studied in neurons, the role of PS1 in microglia is incompletely understood. Here we report that microglia containing phospho-deficient mutant PS1 display a slower kinetic response to micro injury in the brain in vivo and the inability to degrade Aβ oligomers due to a phagolysosome dysfunction. An Alzheimer's mouse model containing phospho-deficient PS1 show severe Aβ accumulation in microglia as well as the postsynaptic protein PSD95. Our results demonstrate a novel mechanism by which PS1 modulates microglial function and contributes to Alzheimer's -associated phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Henrique Ledo
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
| | - Thomas Liebmann
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Ran Zhang
- Lewis Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | - Jerry C Chang
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Estefania P Azevedo
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Eitan Wong
- Chemical Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Hernandez Moura Silva
- Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Olga G Troyanskaya
- Lewis Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
- Flatiron Institute, Simons Foundation, New York, NY, 10010, USA
| | - Victor Bustos
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Paul Greengard
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, 10065, USA
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Busquets O, Parcerisas A, Verdaguer E, Ettcheto M, Camins A, Beas-Zarate C, Castro-Torres RD, Auladell C. c-Jun N-Terminal Kinases in Alzheimer's Disease: A Possible Target for the Modulation of the Earliest Alterations. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 82:S127-S139. [PMID: 33216036 DOI: 10.3233/jad-201053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Given the highly multifactorial origin of Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuropathology, disentangling and orderly knowing mechanisms involved in sporadic onset are arduous. Nevertheless, when the elements involved are dissected into smaller pieces, the task becomes more accessible. This review aimed to describe the link between c-Jun N-terminal Kinases (JNKs), master regulators of many cellular functions, and the early alterations of AD: synaptic loss and dysregulation of neuronal transport. Both processes have a role in the posterior cognitive decline observed in AD. The manuscript focuses on the molecular mechanisms of glutamatergic, GABA, and cholinergic synapses altered by the presence of amyloid-β aggregates and hyperphosphorylated tau, as well as on several consequences of the disruption of cellular processes linked to neuronal transport that is controlled by the JNK-JIP (c-jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK)-interacting proteins (JIPs) complex, including the transport of AβPP or autophagosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oriol Busquets
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry; Pharmacy and Food Sciences Faculty, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Medicine and Health Sciences Faculty, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain.,Centre for Biomedical Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neurosciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Antoni Parcerisas
- Centre for Biomedical Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Biology Faculty, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ester Verdaguer
- Centre for Biomedical Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Biology Faculty, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miren Ettcheto
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry; Pharmacy and Food Sciences Faculty, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centre for Biomedical Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antoni Camins
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry; Pharmacy and Food Sciences Faculty, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centre for Biomedical Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carlos Beas-Zarate
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Laboratory of Neural Regeneration, C.U.C.B.A., Universidad de Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Rubén Darío Castro-Torres
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Laboratory of Biology of Neurotransmission, C.U.C.B.A., Universidad de Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Carme Auladell
- Centre for Biomedical Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Biology Faculty, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Robbins M, Clayton E, Kaminski Schierle GS. Synaptic tau: A pathological or physiological phenomenon? Acta Neuropathol Commun 2021; 9:149. [PMID: 34503576 PMCID: PMC8428049 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-021-01246-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we discuss the synaptic aspects of Tau pathology occurring during Alzheimer's disease (AD) and how this may relate to memory impairment, a major hallmark of AD. Whilst the clinical diagnosis of AD patients is a loss of working memory and long-term declarative memory, the histological diagnosis is the presence of neurofibrillary tangles of hyperphosphorylated Tau and Amyloid-beta plaques. Tau pathology spreads through synaptically connected neurons to impair synaptic function preceding the formation of neurofibrillary tangles, synaptic loss, axonal retraction and cell death. Alongside synaptic pathology, recent data suggest that Tau has physiological roles in the pre- or post- synaptic compartments. Thus, we have seen a shift in the research focus from Tau as a microtubule-stabilising protein in axons, to Tau as a synaptic protein with roles in accelerating spine formation, dendritic elongation, and in synaptic plasticity coordinating memory pathways. We collate here the myriad of emerging interactions and physiological roles of synaptic Tau, and discuss the current evidence that synaptic Tau contributes to pathology in AD.
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50
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Sommonte F, Arduino I, Racaniello GF, Lopalco A, Lopedota AA, Denora N. The Complexity of the Blood-Brain Barrier and the Concept of Age-Related Brain Targeting: Challenges and Potential of Novel Solid Lipid-Based Formulations. J Pharm Sci 2021; 111:577-592. [PMID: 34469749 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2021.08.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Diseases that affect the Central Nervous System (CNS) are one of the most exciting challenges of recent years, as they are ubiquitous and affect all ages. Although these disorders show different etiologies, all treatments share the same difficulty represented by the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB). This barrier acts as a protective system of the delicate cerebral microenvironment, isolating it and making extremely arduous delivering drugs to the brain. To overtake the obstacles provided by the BBB it is essential to explore the changes that affect it, to understand how to exploit these findings in the study and design of innovative brain targeted formulations. Interestingly, the concept of age-related targeting could prove to be a winning choice, as it allows to consider the type of treatment according to the different needs and peculiarities depending on the disease and the age of onset. In this review was considered the prospective contribution of lipid-based formulations, namely Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) and Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLCs), which have been highlighted as able to overcome some limitations of other innovative approaches, thus representing a promising strategy for the non-invasive specific treatment of CNS-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Sommonte
- Department of Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 4 Orabona St., 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Ilaria Arduino
- Department of Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 4 Orabona St., 70125, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Lopalco
- Department of Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 4 Orabona St., 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Angela Assunta Lopedota
- Department of Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 4 Orabona St., 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Nunzio Denora
- Department of Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 4 Orabona St., 70125, Bari, Italy.
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