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Helmold BR, Ahrens A, Fitzgerald Z, Ozdinler PH. Spastin and alsin protein interactome analyses begin to reveal key canonical pathways and suggest novel druggable targets. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:725-739. [PMID: 38886938 PMCID: PMC11433914 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-02068] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Developing effective and long-term treatment strategies for rare and complex neurodegenerative diseases is challenging. One of the major roadblocks is the extensive heterogeneity among patients. This hinders understanding the underlying disease-causing mechanisms and building solutions that have implications for a broad spectrum of patients. One potential solution is to develop personalized medicine approaches based on strategies that target the most prevalent cellular events that are perturbed in patients. Especially in patients with a known genetic mutation, it may be possible to understand how these mutations contribute to problems that lead to neurodegeneration. Protein-protein interaction analyses offer great advantages for revealing how proteins interact, which cellular events are primarily involved in these interactions, and how they become affected when key genes are mutated in patients. This line of investigation also suggests novel druggable targets for patients with different mutations. Here, we focus on alsin and spastin, two proteins that are identified as "causative" for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and hereditary spastic paraplegia, respectively, when mutated. Our review analyzes the protein interactome for alsin and spastin, the canonical pathways that are primarily important for each protein domain, as well as compounds that are either Food and Drug Administration-approved or are in active clinical trials concerning the affected cellular pathways. This line of research begins to pave the way for personalized medicine approaches that are desperately needed for rare neurodegenerative diseases that are complex and heterogeneous.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin R. Helmold
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Angela Ahrens
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Zachary Fitzgerald
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - P. Hande Ozdinler
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Center for Molecular Innovation and Drug Discovery, Center for Developmental Therapeutics, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Les Turner ALS Center at Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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2
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Nijs M, Van Damme P. The genetics of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Curr Opin Neurol 2024; 37:560-569. [PMID: 38967083 PMCID: PMC11377058 DOI: 10.1097/wco.0000000000001294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has a strong genetic basis, but the genetic landscape of ALS appears to be complex. The purpose of this article is to review recent developments in the genetics of ALS. RECENT FINDINGS Large-scale genetic studies have uncovered more than 40 genes contributing to ALS susceptibility. Both rare variants with variable effect size and more common variants with small effect size have been identified. The most common ALS genes are C9orf72 , SOD1 , TARDBP and FUS . Some of the causative genes of ALS are shared with frontotemporal dementia, confirming the molecular link between both diseases. Access to diagnostic gene testing for ALS has to improve, as effective gene silencing therapies for some genetic subtypes of ALS are emerging, but there is no consensus about which genes to test for. SUMMARY Our knowledge about the genetic basis of ALS has improved and the first effective gene silencing therapies for specific genetic subtypes of ALS are underway. These therapeutic advances underline the need for better access to gene testing for people with ALS. Further research is needed to further map the genetic heterogeneity of ALS and to establish the best strategy for gene testing in a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Nijs
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neuroscience, Leuven Brain Institute, University of Leuven (KU Leuven)
| | - Philip Van Damme
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neuroscience, Leuven Brain Institute, University of Leuven (KU Leuven)
- Neurology Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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van Tartwijk FW, Wunderlich LCS, Mela I, Makarchuk S, Jakobs MAH, Qamar S, Franze K, Kaminski Schierle GS, St George-Hyslop PH, Lin JQ, Holt CE, Kaminski CF. Mutation of the ALS-/FTD-Associated RNA-Binding Protein FUS Affects Axonal Development. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e2148232024. [PMID: 38692734 PMCID: PMC7616130 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2148-23.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Aberrant condensation and localization of the RNA-binding protein (RBP) fused in sarcoma (FUS) occur in variants of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Changes in RBP function are commonly associated with changes in axonal cytoskeletal organization and branching in neurodevelopmental disorders. Here, we asked whether branching defects also occur in vivo in a model of FUS-associated disease. We use two reported Xenopus models of ALS/FTD (of either sex), the ALS-associated mutant FUS(P525L) and a mimic of hypomethylated FUS, FUS(16R). Both mutants strongly reduced axonal complexity in vivo. We also observed an axon looping defect for FUS(P525L) in the target area, which presumably arises due to errors in stop cue signaling. To assess whether the loss of axon complexity also had a cue-independent component, we assessed axonal cytoskeletal integrity in vitro. Using a novel combination of fluorescence and atomic force microscopy, we found that mutant FUS reduced actin density in the growth cone, altering its mechanical properties. Therefore, FUS mutants may induce defects during early axonal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca W van Tartwijk
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0AS, United Kingdom
| | - Lucia C S Wunderlich
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0AS, United Kingdom
| | - Ioanna Mela
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0AS, United Kingdom
| | - Stanislaw Makarchuk
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 OAH, United Kingdom
| | - Maximilian A H Jakobs
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3DY, United Kingdom
| | - Seema Qamar
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0XY, United Kingdom
| | - Kristian Franze
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3DY, United Kingdom
| | - Gabriele S Kaminski Schierle
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0AS, United Kingdom
| | - Peter H St George-Hyslop
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0XY, United Kingdom
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto and University Health Network and Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Neurology, Taub Institute For Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irvine Medical Center, New York, New York 10032
| | - Julie Qiaojin Lin
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 OAH, United Kingdom
- UK Dementia Research Institute Centre and Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, London SE5 9NU, United Kingdom
| | - Christine E Holt
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3DY, United Kingdom
| | - Clemens F Kaminski
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0AS, United Kingdom
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Cihankaya H, Bader V, Winklhofer KF, Vorgerd M, Matschke J, Stahlke S, Theiss C, Matschke V. Elevated NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation Is Associated with Motor Neuron Degeneration in ALS. Cells 2024; 13:995. [PMID: 38920626 PMCID: PMC11202041 DOI: 10.3390/cells13120995] [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: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor neuron degeneration in the central nervous system. Recent research has increasingly linked the activation of nucleotide oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome to ALS pathogenesis. NLRP3 activation triggers Caspase 1 (CASP 1) auto-activation, leading to the cleavage of Gasdermin D (GSDMD) and pore formation on the cellular membrane. This process facilitates cytokine secretion and ultimately results in pyroptotic cell death, highlighting the complex interplay of inflammation and neurodegeneration in ALS. This study aimed to characterize the NLRP3 inflammasome components and their colocalization with cellular markers using the wobbler mouse as an ALS animal model. Firstly, we checked the levels of miR-223-3p because of its association with NLRP3 inflammasome activity. The wobbler mice showed an increased expression of miR-223-3p in the ventral horn, spinal cord, and cerebellum tissues. Next, increased levels of NLRP3, pro-CASP 1, cleaved CASP 1 (c-CASP 1), full-length GSDMD, and cleaved GDSMD revealed NLRP3 inflammasome activation in wobbler spinal cords, but not in the cerebellum. Furthermore, we investigated the colocalization of the aforementioned proteins with neurons, microglia, and astrocyte markers in the spinal cord tissue. Evidently, the wobbler mice displayed microgliosis, astrogliosis, and motor neuron degeneration in this tissue. Additionally, we showed the upregulation of protein levels and the colocalization of NLRP3, c-CASP1, and GSDMD in neurons, as well as in microglia and astrocytes. Overall, this study demonstrated the involvement of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptotic cell death in the spinal cord tissue of wobbler mice, which could further exacerbate the motor neuron degeneration and neuroinflammation in this ALS mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilal Cihankaya
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany; (H.C.); (C.T.)
- International Graduate School of Neuroscience (IGSN), Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany;
| | - Verian Bader
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Medical Faculty, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany;
| | - Konstanze F. Winklhofer
- International Graduate School of Neuroscience (IGSN), Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany;
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Medical Faculty, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany;
| | - Matthias Vorgerd
- Department of Neurology, Heimer Institute for Muscle Research, University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Ruhr-University Bochum, Buerkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789 Bochum, Germany;
| | - Johann Matschke
- Institute of Cell Biology (Cancer Research), University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany;
| | - Sarah Stahlke
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany; (H.C.); (C.T.)
| | - Carsten Theiss
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany; (H.C.); (C.T.)
- International Graduate School of Neuroscience (IGSN), Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany;
| | - Veronika Matschke
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany; (H.C.); (C.T.)
- International Graduate School of Neuroscience (IGSN), Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany;
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Zhang Q, Yang Q, Luo J, Zhou X, Yi S, Tan S, Qin Z. Clinical features and molecular genetic investigation of infantile-onset ascending hereditary spastic paralysis (IAHSP) in two Chinese siblings caused by a novel splice site ALS2 variation. BMC Med Genomics 2024; 17:44. [PMID: 38297306 PMCID: PMC10829245 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-024-01805-x] [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: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE ALS2-related disorder involves retrograde degeneration of the upper motor neurons of the pyramidal tracts, among which autosomal recessive Infantile-onset ascending hereditary spastic paralysis (IAHSP) is a rare phenotype. In this study, we gathered clinical data from two Chinese siblings who were affected by IAHSP. Our aim was to assess the potential pathogenicity of the identified variants and analyze their clinical and genetic characteristics. METHOD Here, Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed on proband to identify the candidate variants. Subsequently, Sanger sequencing was used to verify identified candidate variants and to assess co-segregation among available family members. Utilizing both silico prediction and 3D protein modeling, an analysis was conducted to evaluate the potential functional implications of the variants on the encoded protein, and minigene assays were performed to unravel the effect of the variants on the cleavage of pre-mRNA. RESULTS Both patients were characterized by slurred speech, astasia, inability to walk, scoliosis, lower limb hypertonia, ankle clonus, contracture of joint, foot pronation and no psychomotor retardation was found. Genetic analysis revealed a novel homozygous variant of ALS2, c.1815G > T(p.Lys605Asn) in two Chinese siblings. To our knowledge, it is the first confirmed case of a likely pathogenic variant leading to IAHSP in a Chinese patient. CONCLUSION This study broadens the range of ALS2 variants and has practical implications for prenatal and postnatal screening of IAHSR. Symptom-based diagnosis of IAHSP is frequently difficult for medical practitioners. WES can be a beneficial resource to identify a particular disorder when the diagnosis cannot be determined from the symptoms alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Zhang
- Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Genetic Diseases, The Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of reproductive health and birth defect prevention, The Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Pediatric Diseases, The Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Qi Yang
- Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Genetic Diseases, The Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of reproductive health and birth defect prevention, The Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Pediatric Diseases, The Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Jingsi Luo
- Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Genetic Diseases, The Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of reproductive health and birth defect prevention, The Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Pediatric Diseases, The Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Xunzhao Zhou
- Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Genetic Diseases, The Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of reproductive health and birth defect prevention, The Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Pediatric Diseases, The Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Shang Yi
- Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Genetic Diseases, The Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of reproductive health and birth defect prevention, The Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Pediatric Diseases, The Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Shuyin Tan
- Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Genetic Diseases, The Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of reproductive health and birth defect prevention, The Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Pediatric Diseases, The Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Zailong Qin
- Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi, Nanning, China.
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Genetic Diseases, The Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China.
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of reproductive health and birth defect prevention, The Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China.
- Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Pediatric Diseases, The Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China.
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6
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Vacchiano V, Bonan L, Liguori R, Rizzo G. Primary Lateral Sclerosis: An Overview. J Clin Med 2024; 13:578. [PMID: 38276084 PMCID: PMC10816328 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13020578] [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: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder which causes the selective deterioration of the upper motor neurons (UMNs), sparing the lower motor neuron (LMN) system. The clinical course is defined by a progressive motor disability due to muscle spasticity which typically involves lower extremities and bulbar muscles. Although classically considered a sporadic disease, some familiar cases and possible causative genes have been reported. Despite it having been recognized as a rare but distinct entity, whether it actually represents an extreme end of the motor neuron diseases continuum is still an open issue. The main knowledge gap is the lack of specific biomarkers to improve the clinical diagnostic accuracy. Indeed, the diagnostic imprecision, together with some uncertainty about overlap with UMN-predominant ALS and Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP), has become an obstacle to the development of specific therapeutic trials. In this study, we provided a comprehensive analysis of the existing literature, including neuropathological, clinical, neuroimaging, and neurophysiological features of the disease, and highlighting the controversies still unsolved in the differential diagnoses and the current diagnostic criteria. We also discussed the current knowledge gaps still present in both diagnostic and therapeutic fields when approaching this rare condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veria Vacchiano
- IRCCS, Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Clinica Neurologica, 40139 Bologna, Italy; (V.V.); (R.L.)
| | - Luigi Bonan
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Rocco Liguori
- IRCCS, Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Clinica Neurologica, 40139 Bologna, Italy; (V.V.); (R.L.)
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Rizzo
- IRCCS, Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Clinica Neurologica, 40139 Bologna, Italy; (V.V.); (R.L.)
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7
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Eck RJ, Stair JG, Kraemer BC, Liachko NF. Simple models to understand complex disease: 10 years of progress from Caenorhabditis elegans models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal lobar degeneration. Front Neurosci 2024; 17:1300705. [PMID: 38239833 PMCID: PMC10794587 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1300705] [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: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans are a powerful model system to study human disease, with numerous experimental advantages including significant genetic and cellular homology to vertebrate animals, a short lifespan, and tractable behavioral, molecular biology and imaging assays. Beginning with the identification of SOD1 as a genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), C. elegans have contributed to a deeper understanding of the mechanistic underpinnings of this devastating neurodegenerative disease. More recently this work has expanded to encompass models of other types of ALS and the related disease frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD-TDP), including those characterized by mutation or accumulation of the proteins TDP-43, C9orf72, FUS, HnRNPA2B1, ALS2, DCTN1, CHCHD10, ELP3, TUBA4A, CAV1, UBQLN2, ATXN3, TIA1, KIF5A, VAPB, GRN, and RAB38. In this review we summarize these models and the progress and insights from the last ten years of using C. elegans to study the neurodegenerative diseases ALS and FTLD-TDP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randall J. Eck
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Jade G. Stair
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Brian C. Kraemer
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Nicole F. Liachko
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, United States
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8
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Zhou Z, Kim J, Huang AY, Nolan M, Park J, Doan R, Shin T, Miller MB, Chhouk B, Morillo K, Yeh RC, Kenny C, Neil JE, Lee CZ, Ohkubo T, Ravits J, Ansorge O, Ostrow LW, Lagier-Tourenne C, Lee EA, Walsh CA. Somatic Mosaicism in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia Reveals Widespread Degeneration from Focal Mutations. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.30.569436. [PMID: 38077003 PMCID: PMC10705414 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.30.569436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Although mutations in dozens of genes have been implicated in familial forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (fALS) and frontotemporal degeneration (fFTD), most cases of these conditions are sporadic (sALS and sFTD), with no family history, and their etiology remains obscure. We tested the hypothesis that somatic mosaic mutations, present in some but not all cells, might contribute in these cases, by performing ultra-deep, targeted sequencing of 88 genes associated with neurodegenerative diseases in postmortem brain and spinal cord samples from 404 individuals with sALS or sFTD and 144 controls. Known pathogenic germline mutations were found in 20.6% of ALS, and 26.5% of FTD cases. Predicted pathogenic somatic mutations in ALS/FTD genes were observed in 2.7% of sALS and sFTD cases that did not carry known pathogenic or novel germline mutations. Somatic mutations showed low variant allele fraction (typically <2%) and were often restricted to the region of initial discovery, preventing detection through genetic screening in peripheral tissues. Damaging somatic mutations were preferentially enriched in primary motor cortex of sALS and prefrontal cortex of sFTD, mirroring regions most severely affected in each disease. Somatic mutation analysis of bulk RNA-seq data from brain and spinal cord from an additional 143 sALS cases and 23 controls confirmed an overall enrichment of somatic mutations in sALS. Two adult sALS cases were identified bearing pathogenic somatic mutations in DYNC1H1 and LMNA, two genes associated with pediatric motor neuron degeneration. Our study suggests that somatic mutations in fALS/fFTD genes, and in genes associated with more severe diseases in the germline state, contribute to sALS and sFTD, and that mosaic mutations in a small fraction of cells in focal regions of the nervous system can ultimately result in widespread degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zinan Zhou
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Manton Center for Orphan Disease, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Junho Kim
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Manton Center for Orphan Disease, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - August Yue Huang
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Manton Center for Orphan Disease, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Matthew Nolan
- Department of Neurology, The Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS at Mass General, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Junseok Park
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Manton Center for Orphan Disease, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ryan Doan
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Taehwan Shin
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Manton Center for Orphan Disease, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael B. Miller
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brian Chhouk
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Manton Center for Orphan Disease, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Katherine Morillo
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Manton Center for Orphan Disease, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rebecca C. Yeh
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Manton Center for Orphan Disease, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Connor Kenny
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Manton Center for Orphan Disease, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer E. Neil
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Manton Center for Orphan Disease, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Chao-Zong Lee
- Department of Neurology, The Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS at Mass General, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Takuya Ohkubo
- Department of Neurology, Yokohama City Minato Red Cross Hospital, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - John Ravits
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Olaf Ansorge
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Lyle W. Ostrow
- Department of Neurology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Clotilde Lagier-Tourenne
- Department of Neurology, The Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS at Mass General, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eunjung Alice Lee
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Manton Center for Orphan Disease, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christopher A. Walsh
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Manton Center for Orphan Disease, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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9
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Todd TW, Shao W, Zhang YJ, Petrucelli L. The endolysosomal pathway and ALS/FTD. Trends Neurosci 2023; 46:1025-1041. [PMID: 37827960 PMCID: PMC10841821 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2023.09.004] [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: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are considered to be part of a disease spectrum that is associated with causative mutations and risk variants in a wide range of genes. Mounting evidence indicates that several of these genes are linked to the endolysosomal system, highlighting the importance of this pathway in ALS/FTD. Although many studies have focused on how disruption of this pathway impacts on autophagy, recent findings reveal that this may not be the whole picture: specifically, disrupting autophagy may not be sufficient to induce disease, whereas disrupting the endolysosomal system could represent a crucial pathogenic driver. In this review we discuss the connections between ALS/FTD and the endolysosomal system, including a breakdown of how disease-associated genes are implicated in this pathway. We also explore the potential downstream consequences of disrupting endolysosomal activity in the brain, outside of an effect on autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany W Todd
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Wei Shao
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Yong-Jie Zhang
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA; Neurobiology of Disease Graduate Program, Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Leonard Petrucelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA; Neurobiology of Disease Graduate Program, Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA.
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10
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Genin EC, Abou-Ali M, Paquis-Flucklinger V. Mitochondria, a Key Target in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Pathogenesis. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1981. [PMID: 38002924 PMCID: PMC10671245 DOI: 10.3390/genes14111981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial dysfunction occurs in numerous neurodegenerative diseases, particularly amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), where it contributes to motor neuron (MN) death. Of all the factors involved in ALS, mitochondria have been considered as a major player, as secondary mitochondrial dysfunction has been found in various models and patients. Abnormal mitochondrial morphology, defects in mitochondrial dynamics, altered activities of respiratory chain enzymes and increased production of reactive oxygen species have been described. Moreover, the identification of CHCHD10 variants in ALS patients was the first genetic evidence that a mitochondrial defect may be a primary cause of MN damage and directly links mitochondrial dysfunction to the pathogenesis of ALS. In this review, we focus on the role of mitochondria in ALS and highlight the pathogenic variants of ALS genes associated with impaired mitochondrial functions. The multiple pathways demonstrated in ALS pathogenesis suggest that all converge to a common endpoint leading to MN loss. This may explain the disappointing results obtained with treatments targeting a single pathological process. Fighting against mitochondrial dysfunction appears to be a promising avenue for developing combined therapies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuelle C. Genin
- Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging, Nice (IRCAN), Université Côte d’Azur, Inserm U1081, CNRS UMR7284, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Nice, 06200 Nice, France; (M.A.-A.); (V.P.-F.)
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11
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Verma M, Chopra M, Kumar H. Unraveling the Potential of EphA4: A Breakthrough Target and Beacon of Hope for Neurological Diseases. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:3375-3391. [PMID: 37477786 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-023-01390-0] [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: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular carcinoma A4 (EphA4) is a transmembrane receptor protein which is a part of the most prominent family of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). It serves a crucial role in both physiological, biological, and functional states binding with their ligand like Ephrins. Its abundance in the majority of the body's systems has been reported. Moreover, it draws much attention in the CNS since it influences axonal and vascular guidance. Also, it has a widespread role at the pathological state of various CNS disorders. Reports suggest it obstructs axonal regeneration in various neurodegenerative diseases and neurological disorders. Although, neuro-regeneration is still an open challenge to the modern drug discovery community. Hence, in this review, we will provide information about the role of EphA4 in neurological diseases by which it may emerge as a therapeutic target for CNS disease. We will also provide a glance at numerous signaling pathways that activate or inhibit the EphA4-associated biological processes contributing to the course of neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, this work might serve as a basis for futuristic studies that are related to the target-based drug discovery in the field of neuro-regeneration. Pathological and physiological events associated with EphA4 and Ephrin upregulation and interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meenal Verma
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Ahmedabad, Opposite Air Force Station, Palaj, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382355, India
| | - Manjeet Chopra
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Ahmedabad, Opposite Air Force Station, Palaj, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382355, India
| | - Hemant Kumar
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Ahmedabad, Opposite Air Force Station, Palaj, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382355, India.
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12
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Bodin A, Greibill L, Gouju J, Letournel F, Pozzi S, Julien JP, Renaud L, Bohl D, Millecamps S, Verny C, Cassereau J, Lenaers G, Chevrollier A, Tassin AM, Codron P. Transactive response DNA-binding protein 43 is enriched at the centrosome in human cells. Brain 2023; 146:3624-3633. [PMID: 37410912 PMCID: PMC10473568 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The centrosome, as the main microtubule organizing centre, plays key roles in cell polarity, genome stability and ciliogenesis. The recent identification of ribosomes, RNA-binding proteins and transcripts at the centrosome suggests local protein synthesis. In this context, we hypothesized that TDP-43, a highly conserved RNA binding protein involved in the pathophysiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal lobar degeneration, could be enriched at this organelle. Using dedicated high magnification sub-diffraction microscopy on human cells, we discovered a novel localization of TDP-43 at the centrosome during all phases of the cell cycle. These results were confirmed on purified centrosomes by western blot and immunofluorescence microscopy. In addition, the co-localization of TDP-43 and pericentrin suggested a pericentriolar enrichment of the protein, leading us to hypothesize that TDP-43 might interact with local mRNAs and proteins. Supporting this hypothesis, we found four conserved centrosomal mRNAs and 16 centrosomal proteins identified as direct TDP-43 interactors. More strikingly, all the 16 proteins are implicated in the pathophysiology of TDP-43 proteinopathies, suggesting that TDP-43 dysfunction in this organelle contributes to neurodegeneration. This first description of TDP-43 centrosomal enrichment paves the way for a more comprehensive understanding of TDP-43 physiology and pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexia Bodin
- Univ Angers, Equipe MitoLab, Unité MitoVasc, Inserm U1083, CNRS 6015, SFR ICAT, 49100 Angers, France
- Neurobiology and neuropathology, University-Hospital of Angers, 49933 Angers, France
| | - Logan Greibill
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CEA, CNRS, Univ. Paris Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, 91190 Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Julien Gouju
- Neurobiology and neuropathology, University-Hospital of Angers, 49933 Angers, France
| | - Franck Letournel
- Neurobiology and neuropathology, University-Hospital of Angers, 49933 Angers, France
| | - Silvia Pozzi
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, University of Laval, Québec City, Qc G1V 0A6, Canada
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Québec, Qc G1E 1T2, Canada
| | - Jean-Pierre Julien
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, University of Laval, Québec City, Qc G1V 0A6, Canada
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Québec, Qc G1E 1T2, Canada
| | - Laurence Renaud
- Département de Neurosciences, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Qc H3C 3J7, Canada
- Groupe de recherche sur le système nerveux central, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Qc H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Delphine Bohl
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau - Paris Brain Institute - ICM, Inserm, CNRS, APHP, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Stéphanie Millecamps
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau - Paris Brain Institute - ICM, Inserm, CNRS, APHP, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Christophe Verny
- Univ Angers, Equipe MitoLab, Unité MitoVasc, Inserm U1083, CNRS 6015, SFR ICAT, 49100 Angers, France
- Department of Neurology, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Center, University-Hospital of Angers, 49933 Angers, France
| | - Julien Cassereau
- Univ Angers, Equipe MitoLab, Unité MitoVasc, Inserm U1083, CNRS 6015, SFR ICAT, 49100 Angers, France
- Department of Neurology, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Center, University-Hospital of Angers, 49933 Angers, France
| | - Guy Lenaers
- Univ Angers, Equipe MitoLab, Unité MitoVasc, Inserm U1083, CNRS 6015, SFR ICAT, 49100 Angers, France
- Department of Neurology, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Center, University-Hospital of Angers, 49933 Angers, France
| | - Arnaud Chevrollier
- Univ Angers, Equipe MitoLab, Unité MitoVasc, Inserm U1083, CNRS 6015, SFR ICAT, 49100 Angers, France
| | - Anne-Marie Tassin
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CEA, CNRS, Univ. Paris Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, 91190 Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Philippe Codron
- Univ Angers, Equipe MitoLab, Unité MitoVasc, Inserm U1083, CNRS 6015, SFR ICAT, 49100 Angers, France
- Neurobiology and neuropathology, University-Hospital of Angers, 49933 Angers, France
- Department of Neurology, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Center, University-Hospital of Angers, 49933 Angers, France
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13
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Akçimen F, Lopez ER, Landers JE, Nath A, Chiò A, Chia R, Traynor BJ. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: translating genetic discoveries into therapies. Nat Rev Genet 2023; 24:642-658. [PMID: 37024676 PMCID: PMC10611979 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-023-00592-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in sequencing technologies and collaborative efforts have led to substantial progress in identifying the genetic causes of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This momentum has, in turn, fostered the development of putative molecular therapies. In this Review, we outline the current genetic knowledge, emphasizing recent discoveries and emerging concepts such as the implication of distinct types of mutation, variability in mutated genes in diverse genetic ancestries and gene-environment interactions. We also propose a high-level model to synthesize the interdependent effects of genetics, environmental and lifestyle factors, and ageing into a unified theory of ALS. Furthermore, we summarize the current status of therapies developed on the basis of genetic knowledge established for ALS over the past 30 years, and we discuss how developing treatments for ALS will advance our understanding of targeting other neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fulya Akçimen
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Elia R Lopez
- Therapeutic Development Branch, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - John E Landers
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Avindra Nath
- Section of Infections of the Nervous System, National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Adriano Chiò
- Rita Levi Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, C.N.R, Rome, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Citta' della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy
| | - Ruth Chia
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Bryan J Traynor
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
- Therapeutic Development Branch, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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14
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Li J, Xiao Q, Tan Q, Chen J, Sun L, Chen X, Chu Z, Wu H, Zhang Z, Li H, Zhao X, Zhang X. TgMORN2, a MORN Family Protein Involved in the Regulation of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Toxoplasma gondii. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10228. [PMID: 37373373 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210228] [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: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
MORN proteins play a key role in the cytoskeletal structure of eukaryotes and are essential for the close arrangement of the endoplasmic reticulum and plasma membrane. A gene with nine MORN motifs (TGGT1_292120, named TgMORN2) was identified in the Toxoplasma gondii genome; it was presumed to belong to the MORN protein family and to have the function of forming the cytoskeleton, which affects the survival of T. gondii. However, the genetic deletion of MORN2 did not noticeably affect parasite growth and virulence. Using adjacent protein labeling techniques, we identified a network of TgMORN2 interactions, which mainly included endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress)-related proteins. In exploring these data, we found that the pathogenicity of the KO-TgMORN2 strain was significantly reduced in the case of tunicamycin-induced ER stress. Reticulon TgRTN (TGGT1_226430) and tubulin β-Tubulin were identified as interaction proteins of TgMORN2. Collectively, TgMORN2 plays a role in ER stress, which lays a foundation for further research on the function of the MORN protein in T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxuan Li
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, China
| | - Qianqian Xiao
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, China
| | - Qianqian Tan
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, China
| | - Junpeng Chen
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, China
| | - Lingyu Sun
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, China
| | - Xiao Chen
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, China
| | - Ziyu Chu
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, China
| | - Hongxia Wu
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, China
| | - Zhenzhao Zhang
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, China
| | - Hongmei Li
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, China
- Shandong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, China
| | - Xiaomin Zhao
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, China
- Shandong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, China
- Shandong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, China
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15
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Barone C, Qi X. Altered Metabolism in Motor Neuron Diseases: Mechanism and Potential Therapeutic Target. Cells 2023; 12:1536. [PMID: 37296656 PMCID: PMC10252517 DOI: 10.3390/cells12111536] [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: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Motor Neuron Diseases (MND) are neurological disorders characterized by a loss of varying motor neurons resulting in decreased physical capabilities. Current research is focused on hindering disease progression by determining causes of motor neuron death. Metabolic malfunction has been proposed as a promising topic when targeting motor neuron loss. Alterations in metabolism have also been noted at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) and skeletal muscle tissue, emphasizing the importance of a cohesive system. Finding metabolism changes consistent throughout both neurons and skeletal muscle tissue could pose as a target for therapeutic intervention. This review will focus on metabolic deficits reported in MNDs and propose potential therapeutic targets for future intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xin Qi
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106-4970, USA;
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16
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Sato K, Suzuki-Utsunomiya K, Mitsui S, Ono S, Shimakura K, Otomo A, Hadano S. Central nervous system specific high molecular weight ALS2/alsin homophilic complex is enriched in mouse brain synaptosomes. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 638:168-175. [PMID: 36459881 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.11.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
ALS2/alsin, the causative gene product for a number of juvenile recessive motor neuron diseases, acts as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for Rab5, regulating early endosome trafficking and maturation. It has been demonstrated that ALS2 forms a tetramer, and this oligomerization is essential for its GEF activity and endosomal localization in established cancer cells. However, despite that ALS2 deficiency is implicated in neurological diseases, neither the subcellular distribution of ALS2 nor the form of its complex in the central nervous system (CNS) has been investigated. In this study, we showed that ALS2 in the brain was enriched both in synaptosomal and cytosolic fractions, while those in the liver were almost exclusively present in cytosolic fraction by differential centrifugation. Gel filtration chromatography revealed that cytosolic ALS2 prepared both from the brain and liver formed a tetramer. Remarkably, synaptosomal ALS2 existed as a high-molecular weight complex in addition to a tetramer. Such complex was also observed not only in embryonic brain but also several neuronal and glial cultures, but not in fibroblast-derived cell lines. Thus, the high-molecular weight ALS2 complex represents a unique form of ALS2-homophilic oligomers in the CNS, which may play a role in the maintenance of neural function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Sato
- Molecular Neuropathobiology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Life Sciences, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259- 1193, Japan
| | - Kyoko Suzuki-Utsunomiya
- Molecular Neuropathobiology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Life Sciences, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259- 1193, Japan
| | - Shun Mitsui
- Molecular Neuropathobiology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Life Sciences, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259- 1193, Japan
| | - Suzuka Ono
- Molecular Neuropathobiology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Life Sciences, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259- 1193, Japan
| | - Kento Shimakura
- Molecular Neuropathobiology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Life Sciences, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259- 1193, Japan
| | - Asako Otomo
- Molecular Neuropathobiology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Life Sciences, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259- 1193, Japan; Micro/Nano Technology Center, Tokai University, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa, 259-1292, Japan
| | - Shinji Hadano
- Molecular Neuropathobiology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Life Sciences, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259- 1193, Japan; Micro/Nano Technology Center, Tokai University, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa, 259-1292, Japan; The Institute of Medical Sciences, Tokai University, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan.
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17
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Tedesco B, Ferrari V, Cozzi M, Chierichetti M, Casarotto E, Pramaggiore P, Mina F, Piccolella M, Cristofani R, Crippa V, Rusmini P, Galbiati M, Poletti A. The role of autophagy-lysosomal pathway in motor neuron diseases. Biochem Soc Trans 2022; 50:1489-1503. [PMID: 36111809 PMCID: PMC9704526 DOI: 10.1042/bst20220778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Motor neuron diseases (MNDs) include a broad group of diseases in which neurodegeneration mainly affects upper and/or lower motor neurons (MNs). Although the involvement of specific MNs, symptoms, age of onset, and progression differ in MNDs, the main pathogenic mechanism common to most MNDs is represented by proteostasis alteration and proteotoxicity. This pathomechanism may be directly related to mutations in genes encoding proteins involved in the protein quality control system, particularly the autophagy-lysosomal pathway (ALP). Alternatively, proteostasis alteration can be caused by aberrant proteins that tend to misfold and to aggregate, two related processes that, over time, cannot be properly handled by the ALP. Here, we summarize the main ALP features, focusing on different routes utilized to deliver substrates to the lysosome and how the various ALP pathways intersect with the intracellular trafficking of membranes and vesicles. Next, we provide an overview of the mutated genes that have been found associated with MNDs, how these gene products are involved in different steps of ALP and related processes. Finally, we discuss how autophagy can be considered a valid therapeutic target for MNDs treatment focusing on traditional autophagy modulators and on emerging approaches to overcome their limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Tedesco
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Veronica Ferrari
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Marta Cozzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Marta Chierichetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Elena Casarotto
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Paola Pramaggiore
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Francesco Mina
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Margherita Piccolella
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Riccardo Cristofani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Valeria Crippa
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Paola Rusmini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Mariarita Galbiati
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Angelo Poletti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
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18
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Glavač D, Mladinić M, Ban J, Mazzone GL, Sámano C, Tomljanović I, Jezernik G, Ravnik-Glavač M. The Potential Connection between Molecular Changes and Biomarkers Related to ALS and the Development and Regeneration of CNS. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911360. [PMID: 36232667 PMCID: PMC9570269 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are one of the greatest medical burdens of the modern age, being mostly incurable and with limited prognostic and diagnostic tools. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal, progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by the loss of motoneurons, with a complex etiology, combining genetic, epigenetic, and environmental causes. The neuroprotective therapeutic approaches are very limited, while the diagnostics rely on clinical examination and the exclusion of other diseases. The recent advancement in the discovery of molecular pathways and gene mutations involved in ALS has deepened the understanding of the disease pathology and opened the possibility for new treatments and diagnostic procedures. Recently, 15 risk loci with distinct genetic architectures and neuron-specific biology were identified as linked to ALS through common and rare variant association analyses. Interestingly, the quantity of related proteins to these genes has been found to change during early postnatal development in mammalian spinal cord tissue (opossum Monodelphis domestica) at the particular time when neuroregeneration stops being possible. Here, we discuss the possibility that the ALS-related genes/proteins could be connected to neuroregeneration and development. Moreover, since the regulation of gene expression in developmental checkpoints is frequently regulated by non-coding RNAs, we propose that studying the changes in the composition and quantity of non-coding RNA molecules, both in ALS patients and in the developing central nervous (CNS) system of the opossum at the time when neuroregeneration ceases, could reveal potential biomarkers useful in ALS prognosis and diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damjan Glavač
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljublana, Slovenia
- Center for Human Genetics & Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Miranda Mladinić
- Laboratory for Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Jelena Ban
- Laboratory for Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Graciela L. Mazzone
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional (IIMT), CONICET-Universidad Austral, Buenos Aires B1629AHJ, Argentina
| | - Cynthia Sámano
- Departamento de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Unidad Cuajimalpa, Mexico City 05348, Mexico
| | - Ivana Tomljanović
- Laboratory for Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Gregor Jezernik
- Center for Human Genetics & Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Metka Ravnik-Glavač
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Correspondence:
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19
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Cozzi M, Ferrari V. Autophagy Dysfunction in ALS: from Transport to Protein Degradation. J Mol Neurosci 2022; 72:1456-1481. [PMID: 35708843 PMCID: PMC9293831 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-022-02029-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease affecting upper and lower motor neurons (MNs). Since the identification of the first ALS mutation in 1993, more than 40 genes have been associated with the disorder. The most frequent genetic causes of ALS are represented by mutated genes whose products challenge proteostasis, becoming unable to properly fold and consequently aggregating into inclusions that impose proteotoxic stress on affected cells. In this context, increasing evidence supports the central role played by autophagy dysfunctions in the pathogenesis of ALS. Indeed, in early stages of disease, high levels of proteins involved in autophagy are present in ALS MNs; but at the same time, with neurodegeneration progression, autophagy-mediated degradation decreases, often as a result of the accumulation of toxic protein aggregates in affected cells. Autophagy is a complex multistep pathway that has a central role in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Several proteins are involved in its tight regulation, and importantly a relevant fraction of ALS-related genes encodes products that directly take part in autophagy, further underlining the relevance of this key protein degradation system in disease onset and progression. In this review, we report the most relevant findings concerning ALS genes whose products are involved in the several steps of the autophagic pathway, from phagophore formation to autophagosome maturation and transport and finally to substrate degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Cozzi
- Dipartimento Di Scienze Farmacologiche E Biomolecolari, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Veronica Ferrari
- Dipartimento Di Scienze Farmacologiche E Biomolecolari, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, 20133, Milan, Italy.
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20
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Multiple roles for the cytoskeleton in ALS. Exp Neurol 2022; 355:114143. [PMID: 35714755 PMCID: PMC10163623 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.114143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease caused by more than sixty genes identified through classic linkage analysis and new sequencing methods. Yet no clear mechanism of onset, cure, or effective treatment is known. Popular discourse classifies the proteins encoded from ALS-related genes into four disrupted processes: proteostasis, mitochondrial function and ROS, nucleic acid regulation, and cytoskeletal dynamics. Surprisingly, the mechanisms detailing the contribution of the neuronal cytoskeletal in ALS are the least explored, despite involvement in these cell processes. Eight genes directly regulate properties of cytoskeleton function and are essential for the health and survival of motor neurons, including: TUBA4A, SPAST, KIF5A, DCTN1, NF, PRPH, ALS2, and PFN1. Here we review the properties and studies exploring the contribution of each of these genes to ALS.
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21
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Houghton OH, Mizielinska S, Gomez-Suaga P. The Interplay Between Autophagy and RNA Homeostasis: Implications for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:838402. [PMID: 35573690 PMCID: PMC9096704 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.838402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia are neurodegenerative disorders that lie on a disease spectrum, sharing genetic causes and pathology, and both without effective therapeutics. Two pathways that have been shown to play major roles in disease pathogenesis are autophagy and RNA homeostasis. Intriguingly, there is an increasing body of evidence suggesting a critical interplay between these pathways. Autophagy is a multi-stage process for bulk and selective clearance of malfunctional cellular components, with many layers of regulation. Although the majority of autophagy research focuses on protein degradation, it can also mediate RNA catabolism. ALS/FTD-associated proteins are involved in many stages of autophagy and autophagy-mediated RNA degradation, particularly converging on the clearance of persistent pathological stress granules. In this review, we will summarise the progress in understanding the autophagy-RNA homeostasis interplay and how that knowledge contributes to our understanding of the pathobiology of ALS/FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- O H Houghton
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, London, United Kingdom.,UK Dementia Research Institute at King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - S Mizielinska
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, London, United Kingdom.,UK Dementia Research Institute at King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - P Gomez-Suaga
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, London, United Kingdom.,Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Enfermería y Terapia Ocupacional, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Universitario de Investigación Biosanitaria de Extremadura (INUBE), Cáceres, Spain
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22
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Fleming A, Bourdenx M, Fujimaki M, Karabiyik C, Krause GJ, Lopez A, Martín-Segura A, Puri C, Scrivo A, Skidmore J, Son SM, Stamatakou E, Wrobel L, Zhu Y, Cuervo AM, Rubinsztein DC. The different autophagy degradation pathways and neurodegeneration. Neuron 2022; 110:935-966. [PMID: 35134347 PMCID: PMC8930707 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 85.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The term autophagy encompasses different pathways that route cytoplasmic material to lysosomes for degradation and includes macroautophagy, chaperone-mediated autophagy, and microautophagy. Since these pathways are crucial for degradation of aggregate-prone proteins and dysfunctional organelles such as mitochondria, they help to maintain cellular homeostasis. As post-mitotic neurons cannot dilute unwanted protein and organelle accumulation by cell division, the nervous system is particularly dependent on autophagic pathways. This dependence may be a vulnerability as people age and these processes become less effective in the brain. Here, we will review how the different autophagic pathways may protect against neurodegeneration, giving examples of both polygenic and monogenic diseases. We have considered how autophagy may have roles in normal CNS functions and the relationships between these degradative pathways and different types of programmed cell death. Finally, we will provide an overview of recently described strategies for upregulating autophagic pathways for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angeleen Fleming
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, The Keith Peters Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, The Keith Peters Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK; Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK
| | - Mathieu Bourdenx
- Université de Bordeaux, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; CNRS, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Motoki Fujimaki
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, The Keith Peters Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, The Keith Peters Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK
| | - Cansu Karabiyik
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, The Keith Peters Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, The Keith Peters Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK
| | - Gregory J Krause
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Institute for Aging Studies, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Ana Lopez
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, The Keith Peters Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, The Keith Peters Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK; Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK
| | - Adrián Martín-Segura
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Institute for Aging Studies, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Claudia Puri
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, The Keith Peters Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, The Keith Peters Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK
| | - Aurora Scrivo
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Institute for Aging Studies, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - John Skidmore
- The ALBORADA Drug Discovery Institute, University of Cambridge, Island Research Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0AH, UK
| | - Sung Min Son
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, The Keith Peters Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, The Keith Peters Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK
| | - Eleanna Stamatakou
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, The Keith Peters Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, The Keith Peters Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK
| | - Lidia Wrobel
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, The Keith Peters Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, The Keith Peters Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK
| | - Ye Zhu
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, The Keith Peters Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, The Keith Peters Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK
| | - Ana Maria Cuervo
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Institute for Aging Studies, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
| | - David C Rubinsztein
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, The Keith Peters Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, The Keith Peters Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK.
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23
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Todd TW, Petrucelli L. Modelling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in rodents. Nat Rev Neurosci 2022; 23:231-251. [PMID: 35260846 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-022-00564-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The efficient study of human disease requires the proper tools, one of the most crucial of which is an accurate animal model that faithfully recapitulates the human condition. The study of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is no exception. Although the majority of ALS cases are considered sporadic, most animal models of this disease rely on genetic mutations identified in familial cases. Over the past decade, the number of genes associated with ALS has risen dramatically and, with each new genetic variant, there is a drive to develop associated animal models. Rodent models are of particular importance as they allow for the study of ALS in the context of a living mammal with a comparable CNS. Such models not only help to verify the pathogenicity of novel mutations but also provide critical insight into disease mechanisms and are crucial for the testing of new therapeutics. In this Review, we aim to summarize the full spectrum of ALS rodent models developed to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany W Todd
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Leonard Petrucelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
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24
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Nogueira E, Garma C, Lobo C, del Olmo B, Vizuete G. ALS2-related disorders in Spanish children: a severely affected case of infantile ascending spastic paraplegia due to homozygous R704X mutation. Neurol Sci 2022; 43:2127-2131. [DOI: 10.1007/s10072-022-05884-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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25
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2-Year-Old and 3-Year-Old Italian ALS Patients with Novel ALS2 Mutations: Identification of Key Metabolites in Their Serum and Plasma. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12020174. [PMID: 35208248 PMCID: PMC8878019 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12020174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic variants in ALS2 have been detected mostly in juvenile cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), affecting mainly children and teenagers. Patients with ALS2 mutations demonstrate early onset cortical involvement in ALS. Currently, there are no effective treatment options. There is an immense need to reveal the underlying causes of the disease and to identify potential biomarkers. To shed light onto the metabolomic events that are perturbed with respect to ALS2 mutations, we investigated the metabolites present in the serum and plasma of a three-year-old female patient (AO) harboring pathogenic variants in ALS2, together with her relatives, healthy male and female controls, as well as another two-year-old patient DH, who had mutations at different locations and domains of ALS2. Serum and plasma samples were analyzed with a quantitative metabolomic approach to reveal the identity of metabolites present in serum and plasma. This study not only shed light onto the perturbed cellular pathways, but also began to reveal the presence of a distinct set of key metabolites that are selectively present or absent with respect to ALS2 mutations, laying the foundation for utilizing metabolites as potential biomarkers for a subset of ALS.
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26
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Miceli M, Exertier C, Cavaglià M, Gugole E, Boccardo M, Casaluci RR, Ceccarelli N, De Maio A, Vallone B, Deriu MA. ALS2-Related Motor Neuron Diseases: From Symptoms to Molecules. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:77. [PMID: 35053075 PMCID: PMC8773251 DOI: 10.3390/biology11010077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Infantile-onset Ascending Hereditary Spastic Paralysis, Juvenile Primary Lateral Sclerosis and Juvenile Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis are all motor neuron diseases related to mutations on the ALS2 gene, encoding for a 1657 amino acids protein named Alsin. This ~185 kDa multi-domain protein is ubiquitously expressed in various human tissues, mostly in the brain and the spinal cord. Several investigations have indicated how mutations within Alsin's structured domains may be responsible for the alteration of Alsin's native oligomerization state or Alsin's propensity to interact with protein partners. In this review paper, we propose a description of differences and similarities characterizing the above-mentioned ALS2-related rare neurodegenerative disorders, pointing attention to the effects of ALS2 mutation from molecule to organ and at the system level. Known cases were collected through a literature review and rationalized to deeply elucidate the neurodegenerative clinical outcomes as consequences of ALS2 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Miceli
- PolitoBIOMedLab, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, 10129 Torino, Italy; (M.M.); (M.C.); (M.B.); (R.R.C.); (N.C.); (A.D.M.)
| | - Cécile Exertier
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche “A. Rossi Fanelli”, Sapienza Università di Roma, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.E.); (E.G.); (B.V.)
| | - Marco Cavaglià
- PolitoBIOMedLab, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, 10129 Torino, Italy; (M.M.); (M.C.); (M.B.); (R.R.C.); (N.C.); (A.D.M.)
| | - Elena Gugole
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche “A. Rossi Fanelli”, Sapienza Università di Roma, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.E.); (E.G.); (B.V.)
| | - Marta Boccardo
- PolitoBIOMedLab, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, 10129 Torino, Italy; (M.M.); (M.C.); (M.B.); (R.R.C.); (N.C.); (A.D.M.)
| | - Rossana Rita Casaluci
- PolitoBIOMedLab, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, 10129 Torino, Italy; (M.M.); (M.C.); (M.B.); (R.R.C.); (N.C.); (A.D.M.)
| | - Noemi Ceccarelli
- PolitoBIOMedLab, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, 10129 Torino, Italy; (M.M.); (M.C.); (M.B.); (R.R.C.); (N.C.); (A.D.M.)
| | - Alessandra De Maio
- PolitoBIOMedLab, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, 10129 Torino, Italy; (M.M.); (M.C.); (M.B.); (R.R.C.); (N.C.); (A.D.M.)
| | - Beatrice Vallone
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche “A. Rossi Fanelli”, Sapienza Università di Roma, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.E.); (E.G.); (B.V.)
| | - Marco A. Deriu
- PolitoBIOMedLab, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, 10129 Torino, Italy; (M.M.); (M.C.); (M.B.); (R.R.C.); (N.C.); (A.D.M.)
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27
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Cai Q, Ganesan D. Regulation of neuronal autophagy and the implications in neurodegenerative diseases. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 162:105582. [PMID: 34890791 PMCID: PMC8764935 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurons are highly polarized and post-mitotic cells with the specific requirements of neurotransmission accompanied by high metabolic demands that create a unique challenge for the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. Thus, neurons rely heavily on autophagy that constitutes a key quality control system by which dysfunctional cytoplasmic components, protein aggregates, and damaged organelles are sequestered within autophagosomes and then delivered to the lysosome for degradation. While mature lysosomes are predominantly located in the soma of neurons, the robust, constitutive biogenesis of autophagosomes occurs in the synaptic terminal via a conserved pathway that is required to maintain synaptic integrity and function. Following formation, autophagosomes fuse with late endosomes and then are rapidly and efficiently transported by the microtubule-based cytoplasmic dynein motor along the axon toward the soma for lysosomal clearance. In this review, we highlight the recent knowledge of the roles of autophagy in neuronal health and disease. We summarize the available evidence about the normal functions of autophagy as a protective factor against neurodegeneration and discuss the mechanism underlying neuronal autophagy regulation. Finally, we describe how autophagy function is affected in major neurodegenerative diseases with a special focus on Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
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28
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Juvenile Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Review. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12121935. [PMID: 34946884 PMCID: PMC8701111 DOI: 10.3390/genes12121935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Juvenile amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (JALS) is a rare group of motor neuron disorders with gene association in 40% of cases. JALS is defined as onset before age 25. We conducted a literature review of JALS and gene mutations associated with JALS. Results of the literature review show that the most common gene mutations associated with JALS are FUS, SETX, and ALS2. In familial cases, the gene mutations are mostly inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern and mutations in SETX are inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion. Disease prognosis varies from rapidly progressive to an indolent course. Distinct clinical features may emerge with specific gene mutations in addition to the clinical finding of combined upper and lower motor neuron degeneration. In conclusion, patients presenting with combined upper and lower motor neuron disorders before age 25 should be carefully examined for genetic mutations. Hereditary patterns and coexisting features may be useful in determining prognosis.
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29
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Bonifacino T, Zerbo RA, Balbi M, Torazza C, Frumento G, Fedele E, Bonanno G, Milanese M. Nearly 30 Years of Animal Models to Study Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Historical Overview and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212236. [PMID: 34830115 PMCID: PMC8619465 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal, multigenic, multifactorial, and non-cell autonomous neurodegenerative disease characterized by upper and lower motor neuron loss. Several genetic mutations lead to ALS development and many emerging gene mutations have been discovered in recent years. Over the decades since 1990, several animal models have been generated to study ALS pathology including both vertebrates and invertebrates such as yeast, worms, flies, zebrafish, mice, rats, guinea pigs, dogs, and non-human primates. Although these models show different peculiarities, they are all useful and complementary to dissect the pathological mechanisms at the basis of motor neuron degeneration and ALS progression, thus contributing to the development of new promising therapeutics. In this review, we describe the up to date and available ALS genetic animal models, classified by the different genetic mutations and divided per species, pointing out their features in modeling, the onset and progression of the pathology, as well as their specific pathological hallmarks. Moreover, we highlight similarities, differences, advantages, and limitations, aimed at helping the researcher to select the most appropriate experimental animal model, when designing a preclinical ALS study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Bonifacino
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
- Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research (Centro 3R), 56122 Genoa, Italy
| | - Roberta Arianna Zerbo
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Matilde Balbi
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Carola Torazza
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Giulia Frumento
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Ernesto Fedele
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Giambattista Bonanno
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Marco Milanese
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
- Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research (Centro 3R), 56122 Genoa, Italy
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Alves De Siqueira Carvalho A, Antônio Troccoli Chieia M, Braga Farias I, Bulle Oliveira AS, Pinto WBVDR, Souza PVSD. The expanding clinical and genetic spectrum of alsin-related disorders: the first cohort of Brazilian patients. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2021; 23:16-24. [PMID: 34738851 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2021.1910306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
There are three types of autosomal recessive disorders involving pathogenic variants in the ALS2 gene (OMIM*606352), infantile ascending hereditary spastic paraplegia (IAHSP), juvenile primary lateral sclerosis (JPLS) and juvenile amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (JALS), which are rare and related to retrograde degeneration of motor neurons. ALS2 pathogenic variants are distributed widely across the entire coding sequence and mostly result in a loss of protein function. Rarely, patients with JALS have been reported with lower motor neuron involvement. Here, we report the first Brazilian cohort (six patients) of JPLS with novel ALS2 pathogenic variants, and we propose an expanding clinical and genetic spectrum of alsin-related disorders. A review of the literature in PubMed from 2001 to September 2020 allowed us to identify 26 publications about the three different phenotypes caused by ALS2 variants (only case reports or families), encompassing 35 nonrelated families. We compiled data (sex, age, age at onset, first symptoms, atypical clinical features, molecular data, and clinical evolution (improvement or death)) from these studies and analyzed them in a general context on the basis of demographic features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alzira Alves De Siqueira Carvalho
- Departamento de Neurociências-Laboratório de doenças neuromusculares, Centro Universitário Saúde ABC, Santo Andre, São Paulo, Brazil and
| | | | - Igor Braga Farias
- Division of Neuromuscular Diseases, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
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Wilkinson EC, Starke EL, Barbee SA. Vps54 Regulates Lifespan and Locomotor Behavior in Adult Drosophila melanogaster. Front Genet 2021; 12:762012. [PMID: 34712272 PMCID: PMC8546322 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.762012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Vps54 is an integral subunit of the Golgi-associated retrograde protein (GARP) complex, which is involved in tethering endosome-derived vesicles to the trans-Golgi network (TGN). A destabilizing missense mutation in Vps54 causes the age-progressive motor neuron (MN) degeneration, muscle weakness, and muscle atrophy observed in the wobbler mouse, an established animal model for human MN disease. It is currently unclear how the disruption of Vps54, and thereby the GARP complex, leads to MN and muscle phenotypes. To develop a new tool to address this question, we have created an analogous model in Drosophila by generating novel loss-of-function alleles of the fly Vps54 ortholog (scattered/scat). We find that null scat mutant adults are viable but have a significantly shortened lifespan. Like phenotypes observed in the wobbler mouse, we show that scat mutant adults are male sterile and have significantly reduced body size and muscle area. Moreover, we demonstrate that scat mutant adults have significant age-progressive defects in locomotor function. Interestingly, we see sexually dimorphic effects, with scat mutant adult females exhibiting significantly stronger phenotypes. Finally, we show that scat interacts genetically with rab11 in MNs to control age-progressive muscle atrophy in adults. Together, these data suggest that scat mutant flies share mutant phenotypes with the wobbler mouse and may serve as a new genetic model system to study the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying MN disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily C Wilkinson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Denver, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Emily L Starke
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Denver, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Scott A Barbee
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Denver, Denver, CO, United States.,Molecular and Cellular Biophysics Program, University of Denver, Denver, CO, United States
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32
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Klionsky DJ, Petroni G, Amaravadi RK, Baehrecke EH, Ballabio A, Boya P, Bravo‐San Pedro JM, Cadwell K, Cecconi F, Choi AMK, Choi ME, Chu CT, Codogno P, Colombo M, Cuervo AM, Deretic V, Dikic I, Elazar Z, Eskelinen E, Fimia GM, Gewirtz DA, Green DR, Hansen M, Jäättelä M, Johansen T, Juhász G, Karantza V, Kraft C, Kroemer G, Ktistakis NT, Kumar S, Lopez‐Otin C, Macleod KF, Madeo F, Martinez J, Meléndez A, Mizushima N, Münz C, Penninger JM, Perera R, Piacentini M, Reggiori F, Rubinsztein DC, Ryan K, Sadoshima J, Santambrogio L, Scorrano L, Simon H, Simon AK, Simonsen A, Stolz A, Tavernarakis N, Tooze SA, Yoshimori T, Yuan J, Yue Z, Zhong Q, Galluzzi L, Pietrocola F. Autophagy in major human diseases. EMBO J 2021; 40:e108863. [PMID: 34459017 PMCID: PMC8488577 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2021108863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 700] [Impact Index Per Article: 233.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a core molecular pathway for the preservation of cellular and organismal homeostasis. Pharmacological and genetic interventions impairing autophagy responses promote or aggravate disease in a plethora of experimental models. Consistently, mutations in autophagy-related processes cause severe human pathologies. Here, we review and discuss preclinical data linking autophagy dysfunction to the pathogenesis of major human disorders including cancer as well as cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, metabolic, pulmonary, renal, infectious, musculoskeletal, and ocular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giulia Petroni
- Department of Radiation OncologyWeill Cornell Medical CollegeNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Ravi K Amaravadi
- Department of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPAUSA
- Abramson Cancer CenterUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPAUSA
| | - Eric H Baehrecke
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer BiologyUniversity of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMAUSA
| | - Andrea Ballabio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and MedicinePozzuoliItaly
- Department of Translational Medical SciencesSection of PediatricsFederico II UniversityNaplesItaly
- Department of Molecular and Human GeneticsBaylor College of Medicine, and Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research InstituteTexas Children HospitalHoustonTXUSA
| | - Patricia Boya
- Margarita Salas Center for Biological ResearchSpanish National Research CouncilMadridSpain
| | - José Manuel Bravo‐San Pedro
- Faculty of MedicineDepartment Section of PhysiologyComplutense University of MadridMadridSpain
- Center for Networked Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED)MadridSpain
| | - Ken Cadwell
- Kimmel Center for Biology and Medicine at the Skirball InstituteNew York University Grossman School of MedicineNew YorkNYUSA
- Department of MicrobiologyNew York University Grossman School of MedicineNew YorkNYUSA
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of MedicineNew York University Langone HealthNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Francesco Cecconi
- Cell Stress and Survival UnitCenter for Autophagy, Recycling and Disease (CARD)Danish Cancer Society Research CenterCopenhagenDenmark
- Department of Pediatric Onco‐Hematology and Cell and Gene TherapyIRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's HospitalRomeItaly
- Department of BiologyUniversity of Rome ‘Tor Vergata’RomeItaly
| | - Augustine M K Choi
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care MedicineJoan and Sanford I. Weill Department of MedicineWeill Cornell MedicineNew YorkNYUSA
- New York‐Presbyterian HospitalWeill Cornell MedicineNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Mary E Choi
- New York‐Presbyterian HospitalWeill Cornell MedicineNew YorkNYUSA
- Division of Nephrology and HypertensionJoan and Sanford I. Weill Department of MedicineWeill Cornell MedicineNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Charleen T Chu
- Department of PathologyUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
| | - Patrice Codogno
- Institut Necker‐Enfants MaladesINSERM U1151‐CNRS UMR 8253ParisFrance
- Université de ParisParisFrance
| | - Maria Isabel Colombo
- Laboratorio de Mecanismos Moleculares Implicados en el Tráfico Vesicular y la Autofagia‐Instituto de Histología y Embriología (IHEM)‐Universidad Nacional de CuyoCONICET‐ Facultad de Ciencias MédicasMendozaArgentina
| | - Ana Maria Cuervo
- Department of Developmental and Molecular BiologyAlbert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNYUSA
- Institute for Aging StudiesAlbert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNYUSA
| | - Vojo Deretic
- Autophagy Inflammation and Metabolism (AIMCenter of Biomedical Research ExcellenceUniversity of New Mexico Health Sciences CenterAlbuquerqueNMUSA
- Department of Molecular Genetics and MicrobiologyUniversity of New Mexico Health Sciences CenterAlbuquerqueNMUSA
| | - Ivan Dikic
- Institute of Biochemistry IISchool of MedicineGoethe UniversityFrankfurt, Frankfurt am MainGermany
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life SciencesGoethe UniversityFrankfurt, Frankfurt am MainGermany
| | - Zvulun Elazar
- Department of Biomolecular SciencesThe Weizmann Institute of ScienceRehovotIsrael
| | | | - Gian Maria Fimia
- Department of Molecular MedicineSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
- Department of EpidemiologyPreclinical Research, and Advanced DiagnosticsNational Institute for Infectious Diseases ‘L. Spallanzani’ IRCCSRomeItaly
| | - David A Gewirtz
- Department of Pharmacology and ToxicologySchool of MedicineVirginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmondVAUSA
| | - Douglas R Green
- Department of ImmunologySt. Jude Children's Research HospitalMemphisTNUSA
| | - Malene Hansen
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery InstituteProgram of DevelopmentAging, and RegenerationLa JollaCAUSA
| | - Marja Jäättelä
- Cell Death and MetabolismCenter for Autophagy, Recycling & DiseaseDanish Cancer Society Research CenterCopenhagenDenmark
- Department of Cellular and Molecular MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Terje Johansen
- Department of Medical BiologyMolecular Cancer Research GroupUniversity of Tromsø—The Arctic University of NorwayTromsøNorway
| | - Gábor Juhász
- Institute of GeneticsBiological Research CenterSzegedHungary
- Department of Anatomy, Cell and Developmental BiologyEötvös Loránd UniversityBudapestHungary
| | | | - Claudine Kraft
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyZBMZFaculty of MedicineUniversity of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
- CIBSS ‐ Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling StudiesUniversity of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Guido Kroemer
- Centre de Recherche des CordeliersEquipe Labellisée par la Ligue Contre le CancerUniversité de ParisSorbonne UniversitéInserm U1138Institut Universitaire de FranceParisFrance
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology PlatformsInstitut Gustave RoussyVillejuifFrance
- Pôle de BiologieHôpital Européen Georges PompidouAP‐HPParisFrance
- Suzhou Institute for Systems MedicineChinese Academy of Medical SciencesSuzhouChina
- Karolinska InstituteDepartment of Women's and Children's HealthKarolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
| | | | - Sharad Kumar
- Centre for Cancer BiologyUniversity of South AustraliaAdelaideSAAustralia
- Faculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Carlos Lopez‐Otin
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología MolecularFacultad de MedicinaInstituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA)Universidad de OviedoOviedoSpain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC)MadridSpain
| | - Kay F Macleod
- The Ben May Department for Cancer ResearchThe Gordon Center for Integrative SciencesW‐338The University of ChicagoChicagoILUSA
- The University of ChicagoChicagoILUSA
| | - Frank Madeo
- Institute of Molecular BiosciencesNAWI GrazUniversity of GrazGrazAustria
- BioTechMed‐GrazGrazAustria
- Field of Excellence BioHealth – University of GrazGrazAustria
| | - Jennifer Martinez
- Immunity, Inflammation and Disease LaboratoryNational Institute of Environmental Health SciencesNIHResearch Triangle ParkNCUSA
| | - Alicia Meléndez
- Biology Department, Queens CollegeCity University of New YorkFlushingNYUSA
- The Graduate Center Biology and Biochemistry PhD Programs of the City University of New YorkNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Noboru Mizushima
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyGraduate School of MedicineThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Christian Münz
- Viral ImmunobiologyInstitute of Experimental ImmunologyUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Josef M Penninger
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA)Vienna BioCenter (VBC)ViennaAustria
- Department of Medical GeneticsLife Sciences InstituteUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBCCanada
| | - Rushika M Perera
- Department of AnatomyUniversity of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoCAUSA
- Department of PathologyUniversity of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoCAUSA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoCAUSA
| | - Mauro Piacentini
- Department of BiologyUniversity of Rome “Tor Vergata”RomeItaly
- Laboratory of Molecular MedicineInstitute of Cytology Russian Academy of ScienceSaint PetersburgRussia
| | - Fulvio Reggiori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells & SystemsMolecular Cell Biology SectionUniversity of GroningenUniversity Medical Center GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - David C Rubinsztein
- Department of Medical GeneticsCambridge Institute for Medical ResearchUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
- UK Dementia Research InstituteUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Kevin M Ryan
- Cancer Research UK Beatson InstituteGlasgowUK
- Institute of Cancer SciencesUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - Junichi Sadoshima
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular MedicineCardiovascular Research InstituteRutgers New Jersey Medical SchoolNewarkNJUSA
| | - Laura Santambrogio
- Department of Radiation OncologyWeill Cornell Medical CollegeNew YorkNYUSA
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer CenterNew YorkNYUSA
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision MedicineNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Luca Scorrano
- Istituto Veneto di Medicina MolecolarePadovaItaly
- Department of BiologyUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
| | - Hans‐Uwe Simon
- Institute of PharmacologyUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
- Department of Clinical Immunology and AllergologySechenov UniversityMoscowRussia
- Laboratory of Molecular ImmunologyInstitute of Fundamental Medicine and BiologyKazan Federal UniversityKazanRussia
| | | | - Anne Simonsen
- Department of Molecular MedicineInstitute of Basic Medical SciencesUniversity of OsloOsloNorway
- Centre for Cancer Cell ReprogrammingInstitute of Clinical MedicineUniversity of OsloOsloNorway
- Department of Molecular Cell BiologyInstitute for Cancer ResearchOslo University Hospital MontebelloOsloNorway
| | - Alexandra Stolz
- Institute of Biochemistry IISchool of MedicineGoethe UniversityFrankfurt, Frankfurt am MainGermany
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life SciencesGoethe UniversityFrankfurt, Frankfurt am MainGermany
| | - Nektarios Tavernarakis
- Institute of Molecular Biology and BiotechnologyFoundation for Research and Technology‐HellasHeraklion, CreteGreece
- Department of Basic SciencesSchool of MedicineUniversity of CreteHeraklion, CreteGreece
| | - Sharon A Tooze
- Molecular Cell Biology of AutophagyThe Francis Crick InstituteLondonUK
| | - Tamotsu Yoshimori
- Department of GeneticsGraduate School of MedicineOsaka UniversitySuitaJapan
- Department of Intracellular Membrane DynamicsGraduate School of Frontier BiosciencesOsaka UniversitySuitaJapan
- Integrated Frontier Research for Medical Science DivisionInstitute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives (OTRI)Osaka UniversitySuitaJapan
| | - Junying Yuan
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and ChemistryShanghai Institute of Organic ChemistryChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
- Department of Cell BiologyHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
| | - Zhenyu Yue
- Department of NeurologyFriedman Brain InstituteIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Qing Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of EducationDepartment of PathophysiologyShanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTU‐SM)ShanghaiChina
| | - Lorenzo Galluzzi
- Department of Radiation OncologyWeill Cornell Medical CollegeNew YorkNYUSA
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer CenterNew YorkNYUSA
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision MedicineNew YorkNYUSA
- Department of DermatologyYale School of MedicineNew HavenCTUSA
- Université de ParisParisFrance
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Genetic analysis in Chinese patients with familial or young-onset amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neurol Sci 2021; 43:2579-2587. [PMID: 34564799 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-021-05634-z] [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: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of our study was to investigate the genetic characteristics in patients with familial or young-onset amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in a Chinese center. METHODS Patients with familial or young-onset (age of onset < 45 years old) ALS were reviewed. The clinical data was collected. Whole-exome sequencing was performed to identify the disease-associated variants. Single-nucleotide variants and small insertions/deletions were further predicted with silico tools and compared to the Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Database, Exome Aggregation Consortium, and the 1000 Genomes Project. The evolutionary conservations were estimated, and the structures of proteins were constructed by Swiss-Model server. Immunohistochemistry was used to confirm the misfolded SOD1 protein. RESULTS Three familial ALS and 5 young-onset ALS were enrolled. Genetic analysis identified related variants of SOD1 (4/6, 66.7%), FUS (1/6, 16.7%), and NEK1 (1/6, 16.7%) in 6 patients. Three of them were familial probands (3/3, 100%), and the others were sporadic young-onset patients (3/5, 60%). NEK1 c.290G > A mutation (NM_012224.2 exon4) in a patient with familial ALS and SOD1 c.362A > G mutation (NM_000454 exon5) in a young-onset ALS patient were novel. The novel mutations were predicted to be deleterious, affected evolutionarily highly conserved amino acid residue and the formation of hydrogen bonds between the mutated site and its surrounding amino acid residues. Misfolded SOD1 protein was identified in patient with SOD1 c.362A > G mutation. CONCLUSIONS Two novel mutations were detected in our patients. Patients with familial or young-onset ALS often carried related gene mutations, and genetic sequencing should be thus routinely performed.
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Current Concepts on Genetic Aspects of Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22189832. [PMID: 34575995 PMCID: PMC8469731 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), neurodegenerative motor neuron disorder is characterized as multisystem disease with important contribution of genetic factors. The etiopahogenesis of ALS is not fully elucidate, but the dominant theory at present relates to RNA processing, as well as protein aggregation and miss-folding, oxidative stress, glutamate excitotoxicity, inflammation and epigenetic dysregulation. Additionally, as mitochondria plays a leading role in cellular homeostasis maintenance, a rising amount of evidence indicates mitochondrial dysfunction as a substantial contributor to disease onset and progression. The aim of this review is to summarize most relevant findings that link genetic factors in ALS pathogenesis with different mechanisms with mitochondrial involvement (respiratory chain, OXPHOS control, calcium buffering, axonal transport, inflammation, mitophagy, etc.). We highlight the importance of a widening perspective for better understanding overlapping pathophysiological pathways in ALS and neurodegeneration in general. Finally, current and potentially novel therapies, especially gene specific therapies, targeting mitochondrial dysfunction are discussed briefly.
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Barohn RJ, Fink JK, Heiman-Patterson T, Huey ED, Murphy J, Statland JM, Turner MR, Elman L. The clinical spectrum of primary lateral sclerosis. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2021; 21:3-10. [PMID: 33602013 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2020.1837178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Primary lateral sclerosis is a distinct entity that has recently been classified as a "restricted phenotype" of ALS. It is characterized by a pattern of isolated upper motor neuron involvement that often begins in the legs and spreads diffusely. Distinction from other conditions requires careful consideration of clinical presentation and time course of disease. Mills' Syndrome is a rare unilateral variant of primary lateral sclerosis. Cognitive and behavioral involvement may occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Barohn
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - John K Fink
- Department of Neurology, Ann Arbor Veterans Affairs Medical Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Terry Heiman-Patterson
- Department of Neurology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Edward D Huey
- College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jennifer Murphy
- Department of Neurology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Statland
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Martin R Turner
- Nuffield Department of Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Lauren Elman
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Berdenis van Berlekom A, Notman N, Sneeboer MAM, Snijders GJLJ, Houtepen LC, Nispeling DM, He Y, Dracheva S, Hol EM, Kahn RS, de Witte LD, Boks MP. DNA methylation differences in cortical grey and white matter in schizophrenia. Epigenomics 2021; 13:1157-1169. [PMID: 34323598 PMCID: PMC8386513 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2021-0077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: Identify grey- and white-matter-specific DNA-methylation differences between schizophrenia (SCZ) patients and controls in postmortem brain cortical tissue. Materials & methods: Grey and white matter were separated from postmortem brain tissue of the superior temporal and medial frontal gyrus from SCZ (n = 10) and control (n = 11) cases. Genome-wide DNA-methylation analysis was performed using the Infinium EPIC Methylation Array (Illumina, CA, USA). Results: Four differentially methylated regions associated with SCZ status and tissue type (grey vs white matter) were identified within or near KLF9, SFXN1, SPRED2 and ALS2CL genes. Gene-expression analysis showed differential expression of KLF9 and SFXN1 in SCZ. Conclusion: Our data show distinct differences in DNA methylation between grey and white matter that are unique to SCZ, providing new leads to unravel the pathogenesis of SCZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber Berdenis van Berlekom
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Nina Notman
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marjolein AM Sneeboer
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Gijsje JLJ Snijders
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Lotte C Houtepen
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Danny M Nispeling
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Yujie He
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Stella Dracheva
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Mental Illness Research, Education, & Clinical Center (VISN 2 South), James J Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, 10468, USA
| | - Elly M Hol
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - René S Kahn
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Mental Illness Research, Education, & Clinical Center (VISN 2 South), James J Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, 10468, USA
| | - Lot D de Witte
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Marco P Boks
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Chen J, Bassot A, Giuliani F, Simmen T. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): Stressed by Dysfunctional Mitochondria-Endoplasmic Reticulum Contacts (MERCs). Cells 2021; 10:cells10071789. [PMID: 34359958 PMCID: PMC8304209 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease for which there is currently no cure. Progress in the characterization of other neurodegenerative mechanisms has shifted the spotlight onto an intracellular structure called mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum (ER) contacts (MERCs) whose ER portion can be biochemically isolated as mitochondria-associated membranes (MAMs). Within the central nervous system (CNS), these structures control the metabolic output of mitochondria and keep sources of oxidative stress in check via autophagy. The most relevant MERC controllers in the ALS pathogenesis are vesicle-associated membrane protein-associated protein B (VAPB), a mitochondria-ER tether, and the ubiquitin-specific chaperone valosin containing protein (VCP). These two systems cooperate to maintain mitochondrial energy output and prevent oxidative stress. In ALS, mutant VAPB and VCP take a central position in the pathology through MERC dysfunction that ultimately alters or compromises mitochondrial bioenergetics. Intriguingly, both proteins are targets themselves of other ALS mutant proteins, including C9orf72, FUS, or TDP-43. Thus, a new picture emerges, where different triggers cause MERC dysfunction in ALS, subsequently leading to well-known pathological changes including endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, inflammation, and motor neuron death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junsheng Chen
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G2H7, Canada; (J.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Arthur Bassot
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G2H7, Canada; (J.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Fabrizio Giuliani
- Department of Medicine (Neurology), Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G2H7, Canada;
| | - Thomas Simmen
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G2H7, Canada; (J.C.); (A.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-780-492-1546
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Kim J, Kim S, Nahm M, Li TN, Lin HC, Kim YD, Lee J, Yao CK, Lee S. ALS2 regulates endosomal trafficking, postsynaptic development, and neuronal survival. J Cell Biol 2021; 220:e202007112. [PMID: 33683284 PMCID: PMC7944400 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202007112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the human ALS2 gene cause recessive juvenile-onset amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and related motor neuron diseases. Although the ALS2 protein has been identified as a guanine-nucleotide exchange factor for the small GTPase Rab5, its physiological roles remain largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that the Drosophila homologue of ALS2 (dALS2) promotes postsynaptic development by activating the Frizzled nuclear import (FNI) pathway. dALS2 loss causes structural defects in the postsynaptic subsynaptic reticulum (SSR), recapitulating the phenotypes observed in FNI pathway mutants. Consistently, these developmental phenotypes are rescued by postsynaptic expression of the signaling-competent C-terminal fragment of Drosophila Frizzled-2 (dFz2). We further demonstrate that dALS2 directs early to late endosome trafficking and that the dFz2 C terminus is cleaved in late endosomes. Finally, dALS2 loss causes age-dependent progressive defects resembling ALS, including locomotor impairment and brain neurodegeneration, independently of the FNI pathway. These findings establish novel regulatory roles for dALS2 in endosomal trafficking, synaptic development, and neuronal survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joohyung Kim
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sungdae Kim
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Minyeop Nahm
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Tsai-Ning Li
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Chieh Lin
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yeongjin David Kim
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jihye Lee
- Department of Oral Pathology, Department of Life Science in Dentistry, Dental and Life Science Institute, School of Dentistry, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Chi-Kuang Yao
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Neuroscience Program of Academia Sinica, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Biochemical Sciences, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Seungbok Lee
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
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39
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Shepheard SR, Parker MD, Cooper-Knock J, Verber NS, Tuddenham L, Heath P, Beauchamp N, Place E, Sollars ESA, Turner MR, Malaspina A, Fratta P, Hewamadduma C, Jenkins TM, McDermott CJ, Wang D, Kirby J, Shaw PJ. Value of systematic genetic screening of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2021; 92:510-518. [PMID: 33589474 PMCID: PMC8053339 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2020-325014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The clinical utility of routine genetic sequencing in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is uncertain. Our aim was to determine whether routine targeted sequencing of 44 ALS-relevant genes would have a significant impact on disease subclassification and clinical care. METHODS We performed targeted sequencing of a 44-gene panel in a prospective case series of 100 patients with ALS recruited consecutively from the Sheffield Motor Neuron Disorders Clinic, UK. All participants were diagnosed with ALS by a specialist Consultant Neurologist. 7/100 patients had familial ALS, but the majority were apparently sporadic cases. RESULTS 21% of patients with ALS carried a confirmed pathogenic or likely pathogenic mutation, of whom 93% had no family history of ALS. 15% met the inclusion criteria for a current ALS genetic-therapy trial. 5/21 patients with a pathogenic mutation had an additional variant of uncertain significance (VUS). An additional 21% of patients with ALS carried a VUS in an ALS-associated gene. Overall, 13% of patients carried more than one genetic variant (pathogenic or VUS). Patients with ALS carrying two variants developed disease at a significantly earlier age compared with patients with a single variant (median age of onset=56 vs 60 years, p=0.0074). CONCLUSIONS Routine screening for ALS-associated pathogenic mutations in a specialised ALS referral clinic will impact clinical care in 21% of cases. An additional 21% of patients have variants in the ALS gene panel currently of unconfirmed significance after removing non-specific or predicted benign variants. Overall, variants within known ALS-linked genes are of potential clinical importance in 42% of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie R Shepheard
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Matthew D Parker
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Johnathan Cooper-Knock
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Nick S Verber
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Lee Tuddenham
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Paul Heath
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Nick Beauchamp
- Human Genetics, Sheffield Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Elsie Place
- Human Genetics, Sheffield Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Martin R Turner
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Andrea Malaspina
- Neuroscience and Trauma, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Pietro Fratta
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, University College London Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, University College London Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Channa Hewamadduma
- Academic Directorate of Neuroscience, Department of Clinical Neurology, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Thomas M Jenkins
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Christopher J McDermott
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Dennis Wang
- Sheffield Bioinformatics Core, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Janine Kirby
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Pamela J Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Academic Directorate of Neuroscience, Department of Clinical Neurology, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
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40
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Amador MDM, Muratet F, Teyssou E, Boillée S, Millecamps S. New advances in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis genetics: Towards gene therapy opportunities for familial and young cases. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2021; 177:524-535. [PMID: 33810837 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2021.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Due to novel gene therapy opportunities, genetic screening is no longer restricted to familial cases of ALS (FALS) cases but also aplies to the sporadic populations (SALS). Screening of four main genes (C9orf72, SOD1, TARDBP and FUS) identified the causes in 15% of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) patients (two third of the familial cases and 8% of the sporadic ones) but their respective contribution to ALS phenotype varies according the age of disease onset. The genetic overlap between ALS and other diseases is expanding and includes frontotemporal dementia, Paget's Disease of Bone, myopathy for adult cases, HSP and CMT for young cases highlighing the importance of retrieving the exhaustive familial history for each indivdual with ALS. Incomplete disease penetrance, diversity of the possible phenotypes, as well as the lack of confidence concerning the pathogenicity of most identified variants and/or possible oligogenic inheritance are burdens of ALS genetic counseling to be delivered to patients and at risk individuals. The multitude of rare ALS genetic causes identifed seems to converge to similar cellular pathways leading to inapropriate response to stress emphacising new potential therapeutic options for the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- M-D-M Amador
- Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, ICM, Inserm U1127, CNRS UMR7225, Sorbonne Université, UPMC Univ Paris 6 UMRS1127, 75013 Paris, France; Département de Neurologie, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP), Centre de référence SLA Île de France, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, 75013 Paris, France.
| | - F Muratet
- Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, ICM, Inserm U1127, CNRS UMR7225, Sorbonne Université, UPMC Univ Paris 6 UMRS1127, 75013 Paris, France.
| | - E Teyssou
- Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, ICM, Inserm U1127, CNRS UMR7225, Sorbonne Université, UPMC Univ Paris 6 UMRS1127, 75013 Paris, France.
| | - S Boillée
- Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, ICM, Inserm U1127, CNRS UMR7225, Sorbonne Université, UPMC Univ Paris 6 UMRS1127, 75013 Paris, France.
| | - S Millecamps
- Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, ICM, Inserm U1127, CNRS UMR7225, Sorbonne Université, UPMC Univ Paris 6 UMRS1127, 75013 Paris, France.
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41
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Silani V, Corcia P, Harms MB, Rouleau G, Siddique T, Ticozzi N. Genetics of primary lateral sclerosis. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2021; 21:28-34. [DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2020.1837177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Silani
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milano, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, “Dino Ferrari” Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Philippe Corcia
- Centre de Reference SLA, CHU Tours, and UMR 1253, iBRAIN, Université de Tours, INSERM, Tours, France
| | | | - Guy Rouleau
- Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Teepu Siddique
- Ken and Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nicola Ticozzi
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milano, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, “Dino Ferrari” Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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42
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Jagaraj CJ, Parakh S, Atkin JD. Emerging Evidence Highlighting the Importance of Redox Dysregulation in the Pathogenesis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 14:581950. [PMID: 33679322 PMCID: PMC7929997 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.581950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The cellular redox state, or balance between cellular oxidation and reduction reactions, serves as a vital antioxidant defence system that is linked to all important cellular activities. Redox regulation is therefore a fundamental cellular process for aerobic organisms. Whilst oxidative stress is well described in neurodegenerative disorders including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), other aspects of redox dysfunction and their contributions to pathophysiology are only just emerging. ALS is a fatal neurodegenerative disease affecting motor neurons, with few useful treatments. Hence there is an urgent need to develop more effective therapeutics in the future. Here, we discuss the increasing evidence for redox dysregulation as an important and primary contributor to ALS pathogenesis, which is associated with multiple disease mechanisms. Understanding the connection between redox homeostasis, proteins that mediate redox regulation, and disease pathophysiology in ALS, may facilitate a better understanding of disease mechanisms, and lead to the design of better therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyril Jones Jagaraj
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University Centre for MND Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sonam Parakh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University Centre for MND Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Julie D Atkin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University Centre for MND Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
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43
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Fink JK. Hereditary Myelopathies. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 27:185-204. [PMID: 33522742 DOI: 10.1212/con.0000000000000934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This article guides clinicians in the clinical recognition and differential diagnosis of hereditary myelopathies. RECENT FINDINGS Rather than a disease, a disease process, or relating to specific cellular vulnerability, the term hereditary myelopathy refers to diverse inherited disorders in which major aspects of the clinical syndrome reflect disturbance of elements within the spinal cord (specifically, the dorsal columns and dorsal root ganglia, corticospinal tracts, and anterior horn cells). It is important to note that the clinical features of almost all hereditary myelopathies reflect not only disturbance of elements within the spinal cord but also disturbance of extraspinal structures (particularly, but not limited to, peripheral nerves and the cerebellum) and that these extraspinal clinical features can be very helpful in recognizing specific myelopathy syndromes. The value of classifying disorders as inherited myelopathies lies primarily in facilitating their clinical recognition and differential diagnosis. It is useful to recognize that many hereditary myelopathies conform to one of four clinical paradigms: (1) spinocerebellar ataxia, (2) motor neuron disorder, (3) leukodystrophy, or (4) distal motor-sensory axonopathy predominantly affecting the central nervous system. Although they are myelopathies, spinal dysraphisms such as spina bifida and myelomeningocele are not included in this context because they are not usually due to single-gene mutation and have low hereditability. SUMMARY This article illustrates clinical paradigms of hereditary myelopathy with clinical examples emphasizing the spectrum, clinical recognition, and differential diagnosis of hereditary myelopathies.
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44
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Nogueira E, Alarcón J, Garma C, Paredes C. ALS2-related disorders in Spanish children. Neurol Sci 2021; 42:2091-2094. [PMID: 33409823 PMCID: PMC8043897 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-020-04899-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
ALS2 gene encoding for alsin protein is responsible for neurological disorders due to retrograde degeneration of the upper motor neurons of the pyramidal tracts, inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, and displaying a clinical continuum including the infantile ascending hereditary spastic paraplegiaidentified in three Spanish children presented here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Nogueira
- Molecular Diagnostics Eurofins-Megalab, Hospital San Rafael, Madrid, Spain. .,Genetics Service, Hospital La Zarzuela, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Juana Alarcón
- Pediatric Neurology, Hospital San Rafael, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Garma
- Molecular Diagnostics Eurofins-Megalab, Hospital San Rafael, Madrid, Spain.,Genetics Service, Hospital La Zarzuela, Madrid, Spain
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45
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Castellanos-Montiel MJ, Chaineau M, Durcan TM. The Neglected Genes of ALS: Cytoskeletal Dynamics Impact Synaptic Degeneration in ALS. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:594975. [PMID: 33281562 PMCID: PMC7691654 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.594975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that selectively affects motor neurons (MNs) of the cortex, brainstem, and spinal cord. Several genes have been linked to both familial (fALS) and sporadic (sALS) cases of ALS. Among all the ALS-related genes, a group of genes known to directly affect cytoskeletal dynamics (ALS2, DCTN1, PFN1, KIF5A, NF-L, NF-H, PRPH, SPAST, and TUBA4A) is of high importance for MN health and survival, considering that MNs are large polarized cells with axons that can reach up to 1 m in length. In particular, cytoskeletal dynamics facilitate the transport of organelles and molecules across the long axonal distances within the cell, playing a key role in synapse maintenance. The majority of ALS-related genes affecting cytoskeletal dynamics were identified within the past two decades, making it a new area to explore for ALS. The purpose of this review is to provide insights into ALS-associated cytoskeletal genes and outline how recent studies have pointed towards novel pathways that might be impacted in ALS. Further studies making use of extensive analysis models to look for true hits, the newest technologies such as CRIPSR/Cas9, human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and axon sequencing, as well as the development of more transgenic animal models could potentially help to: differentiate the variants that truly act as a primary cause of the disease from the ones that act as risk factors or disease modifiers, identify potential interactions between two or more ALS-related genes in disease onset and progression and increase our understanding of the molecular mechanisms leading to cytoskeletal defects. Altogether, this information will give us a hint on the real contribution of the cytoskeletal ALS-related genes during this lethal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mathilde Chaineau
- Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Thomas M Durcan
- Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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46
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Sprute R, Jergas H, Ölmez A, Alawbathani S, Karasoy H, Dafsari HS, Becker K, Daimagüler HS, Nürnberg P, Muntoni F, Topaloglu H, Uyanik G, Cirak S. Genotype-phenotype correlation in seven motor neuron disease families with novel ALS2 mutations. Am J Med Genet A 2020; 185:344-354. [PMID: 33155358 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.61951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Autosomal-recessive mutations in the Alsin Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor (ALS2) gene may cause specific subtypes of childhood-onset progressive neurodegenerative motor neuron diseases (MND). These diseases can manifest with a clinical continuum from infantile ascending hereditary spastic paraplegia (IAHSP) to juvenile-onset forms with or without lower motor neuron involvement, the juvenile primary lateral sclerosis (JPLS) and the juvenile amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (JALS). We report 11 patients from seven unrelated Turkish and Yemeni families with clinical signs of IAHSP or JPLS. We performed haplotype analysis or next-generation panel sequencing followed by Sanger Sequencing to unravel the genetic disease cause. We described their clinical phenotype and analyzed the pathogenicity of the detected variants with bioinformatics tools. We further reviewed all previously reported cases with ALS2-related MND. We identified five novel homozygous pathogenic variants in ALS2 at various positions: c.275_276delAT (p.Tyr92CysfsTer11), c.1044C>G (p.Tyr348Ter), c.1718C>A (p.Ala573Glu), c.3161T>C (p.Leu1054Pro), and c.1471+1G>A (NM_020919.3, NP_065970.2). In our cohort, disease onset was in infancy or early childhood with rapid onset of motor neuron signs. Muscle weakness, spasticity, severe dysarthria, dysphagia, and facial weakness were common features in the first decade of life. Frameshift and nonsense mutations clustered in the N-terminal Alsin domains are most prevalent. We enriched the mutational spectrum of ALS2-related disorders with five novel pathogenic variants. Our study indicates a high detection rate of ALS2 mutations in patients with a clinically well-characterized early onset MND. Intrafamilial and even interfamilial diversity in patients with identical pathogenic variants suggest yet unknown modifiers for phenotypic expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanne Sprute
- Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Hannah Jergas
- Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Neurology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Akgün Ölmez
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Salem Alawbathani
- Cologne Center for Genomics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Hatice Karasoy
- Department of Neurology, Ege University School of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Hormos Salimi Dafsari
- Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Kerstin Becker
- Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Hülya-Sevcan Daimagüler
- Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Peter Nürnberg
- Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Cologne Center for Genomics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Francesco Muntoni
- The Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, National Institute for Health Research Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Haluk Topaloglu
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Gökhan Uyanik
- Medical School, Sigmund Freud Private University, Vienna, Austria.,Center for Medical Genetics, Hanusch Hospital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sebahattin Cirak
- Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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47
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Ozdinler PH, Gautam M, Gozutok O, Konrad C, Manfredi G, Gomez EA, Mitsumoto H, Erb ML, Tian Z, Haase G. Better understanding the neurobiology of primary lateral sclerosis. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2020; 21:35-46. [PMID: 33602014 PMCID: PMC8016556 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2020.1837175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) is a rare neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive degeneration of upper motor neurons (UMNs). Recent studies shed new light onto the cellular events that are particularly important for UMN maintenance including intracellular trafficking, mitochondrial energy homeostasis and lipid metabolism. This review summarizes these advances including the role of Alsin as a gene linked to atypical forms of juvenile PLS, and discusses wider aspects of cellular pathology that have been observed in adult forms of PLS. The review further discusses the prospects of new transgenic upper motor neuron reporter mice, human stem cell-derived UMN cultures, cerebral organoids and non-human primates as future model systems to better understand and ultimately treat PLS.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. Hande Ozdinler
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mukesh Gautam
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Oge Gozutok
- Weill Cornell Medicine, Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, New York, NY USA
| | - Csaba Konrad
- Weill Cornell Medicine, Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, New York, NY USA
| | - Giovanni Manfredi
- Weill Cornell Medicine, Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, New York, NY USA
| | - Estela Area Gomez
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hiroshi Mitsumoto
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Eleanor and Lou Gehrig ALS Center, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marcella L. Erb
- School of Medicine Light Microscopy Core, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Zheng Tian
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Georg Haase
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Institute of Systems Neuroscience, Marseille, France
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48
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Pensalfini A, Kim S, Subbanna S, Bleiwas C, Goulbourne CN, Stavrides PH, Jiang Y, Lee JH, Darji S, Pawlik M, Huo C, Peddy J, Berg MJ, Smiley JF, Basavarajappa BS, Nixon RA. Endosomal Dysfunction Induced by Directly Overactivating Rab5 Recapitulates Prodromal and Neurodegenerative Features of Alzheimer's Disease. Cell Rep 2020; 33:108420. [PMID: 33238112 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal endosomal dysfunction, the earliest known pathobiology specific to Alzheimer's disease (AD), is mediated by the aberrant activation of Rab5 triggered by APP-β secretase cleaved C-terminal fragment (APP-βCTF). To distinguish pathophysiological consequences specific to overactivated Rab5 itself, we activate Rab5 independently from APP-βCTF in the PA-Rab5 mouse model. We report that Rab5 overactivation alone recapitulates diverse prodromal and degenerative features of AD. Modest neuron-specific transgenic Rab5 expression inducing hyperactivation of Rab5 comparable to that in AD brain reproduces AD-related Rab5-endosomal enlargement and mistrafficking, hippocampal synaptic plasticity deficits via accelerated AMPAR endocytosis and dendritic spine loss, and tau hyperphosphorylation via activated glycogen synthase kinase-3β. Importantly, Rab5-mediated endosomal dysfunction induces progressive cholinergic neurodegeneration and impairs hippocampal-dependent memory. Aberrant neuronal Rab5-endosome signaling, therefore, drives a pathogenic cascade distinct from β-amyloid-related neurotoxicity, which includes prodromal and neurodegenerative features of AD, and suggests Rab5 overactivation as a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Pensalfini
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA; Department of Psychiatry, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Seonil Kim
- Colorado State University, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; Cellular and Molecular Biology Training Program, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Shivakumar Subbanna
- Department of Analytical Psychopharmacology, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA
| | - Cynthia Bleiwas
- Department of Neurochemistry, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA
| | - Chris N Goulbourne
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA
| | - Philip H Stavrides
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA
| | - Ying Jiang
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA; Department of Psychiatry, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Ju-Hyun Lee
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA; Department of Psychiatry, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Sandipkumar Darji
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA
| | - Monika Pawlik
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA
| | - Chunfeng Huo
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA
| | - James Peddy
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA
| | - Martin J Berg
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA
| | - John F Smiley
- Department of Neurochemistry, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA
| | - Balapal S Basavarajappa
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA; Department of Analytical Psychopharmacology, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA; New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Ralph A Nixon
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA; Department of Psychiatry, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA; Department of Cell Biology, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10003, USA; NYU Neuroscience Institute, New York, NY 10003, USA.
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van Es MA, Goedee HS, Westeneng HJ, Nijboer TCW, van den Berg LH. Is it accurate to classify ALS as a neuromuscular disorder? Expert Rev Neurother 2020; 20:895-906. [PMID: 32749157 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2020.1806061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal disorder characterized by the progressive loss of upper and lower motor neurons. ALS has traditionally been classified within the domain of neuromuscular diseases, which are a unique spectrum of disorders that predominantly affect the peripheral nervous system. However, over the past decades compounding evidence has emerged that there is extensive involvement of the central nervous system. Therefore, one can question whether it remains accurate to classify ALS as a neuromuscular disorder. AREAS COVERED In this review, the authors sought to discuss current approaches toward disease classification and how we should classify ALS based on novel insights from clinical, imaging, pathophysiological, neuropathological and genetic studies. EXPERT OPINION ALS exhibits the cardinal features of a neurodegenerative disease. Therefore, classifying ALS as a neuromuscular disease in the strict sense has become untenable. Diagnosing ALS however does require significant neuromuscular expertise and therefore neuromuscular specialists remain best equipped to evaluate this category of patients. Designating motor neuron diseases as a separate category in the ICD-11 is justified and adequately deals with this issue. However, to drive effective therapy development the fields of motor neuron disease and neurodegenerative disorders must come together.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A van Es
- Department of Neurology, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht , Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - H Stephan Goedee
- Department of Neurology, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht , Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Henk-Jan Westeneng
- Department of Neurology, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht , Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tanja C W Nijboer
- Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation , Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Experimental Psychology, Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University , Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Leonard H van den Berg
- Department of Neurology, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht , Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Le Gall L, Anakor E, Connolly O, Vijayakumar UG, Duddy WJ, Duguez S. Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms Affected in ALS. J Pers Med 2020; 10:E101. [PMID: 32854276 PMCID: PMC7564998 DOI: 10.3390/jpm10030101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a terminal late-onset condition characterized by the loss of upper and lower motor neurons. Mutations in more than 30 genes are associated to the disease, but these explain only ~20% of cases. The molecular functions of these genes implicate a wide range of cellular processes in ALS pathology, a cohesive understanding of which may provide clues to common molecular mechanisms across both familial (inherited) and sporadic cases and could be key to the development of effective therapeutic approaches. Here, the different pathways that have been investigated in ALS are summarized, discussing in detail: mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, axonal transport dysregulation, glutamate excitotoxicity, endosomal and vesicular transport impairment, impaired protein homeostasis, and aberrant RNA metabolism. This review considers the mechanistic roles of ALS-associated genes in pathology, viewed through the prism of shared molecular pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Le Gall
- Northern Ireland Center for Stratified/Personalised Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Derry-Londonderry BT47, UK; (L.L.G.); (E.A.); (O.C.); (U.G.V.); (W.J.D.)
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University College London, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health and Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Trust, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Ekene Anakor
- Northern Ireland Center for Stratified/Personalised Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Derry-Londonderry BT47, UK; (L.L.G.); (E.A.); (O.C.); (U.G.V.); (W.J.D.)
| | - Owen Connolly
- Northern Ireland Center for Stratified/Personalised Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Derry-Londonderry BT47, UK; (L.L.G.); (E.A.); (O.C.); (U.G.V.); (W.J.D.)
| | - Udaya Geetha Vijayakumar
- Northern Ireland Center for Stratified/Personalised Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Derry-Londonderry BT47, UK; (L.L.G.); (E.A.); (O.C.); (U.G.V.); (W.J.D.)
| | - William J. Duddy
- Northern Ireland Center for Stratified/Personalised Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Derry-Londonderry BT47, UK; (L.L.G.); (E.A.); (O.C.); (U.G.V.); (W.J.D.)
| | - Stephanie Duguez
- Northern Ireland Center for Stratified/Personalised Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Derry-Londonderry BT47, UK; (L.L.G.); (E.A.); (O.C.); (U.G.V.); (W.J.D.)
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