Loss of Drosha underlies dopaminergic neuron toxicity in models of Parkinson's disease

Comparative Proteomics Highlights that GenX Exposure Leads to Metabolic Defects and Inflammation in Astrocytes

Exposure to PFAS such as GenX (HFPO dimer acid) has become increasingly common due to the replacement of older generation PFAS in manufacturing processes. While neurodegenerative and developmental effects of legacy PFAS exposure have been studied in depth, there is a limited understanding specific to the effects of GenX exposure. To investigate the effects of GenX exposure, we exposed Drosophila melanogaster to GenX and assessed the motor behavior and performed quantitative proteomics of fly brains to identify molecular changes in the brain. Additionally, metabolic network-based analysis using the iDrosophila1 model unveiled a potential link between GenX exposure and neurodegeneration. Since legacy PFAS exposure has been linked to Parkinson's disease (PD), we compared the proteome data sets between GenX-exposed flies and a fly model of PD expressing human α-synuclein. Considering the proteomic data- and network-based analyses that revealed GenX may be regulating GABA-associated pathways and the immune system, we next explored the effects of GenX on astrocytes, as astrocytes in the brain can regulate GABA. An array of assays demonstrated GenX exposure may lead to mitochondrial dysfunction and neuroinflammatory response in astrocytes, possibly linking non-cell autonomous neurodegeneration to the motor deficits associated with GenX exposure.

Small Differences and Big Changes: The Many Variables of MicroRNA Expression and Function in the Brain

MicroRNAs are emerging as crucial regulators within the complex, dynamic environment of the synapse, and they offer a promising new avenue for the treatment of neurological disease. These small noncoding RNAs modify gene expression in several ways, including posttranscriptional modulation via binding to complementary and semicomplementary sites on target mRNAs. This rapid, finely tuned regulation of gene expression is essential to meet the dynamic demands of the synapse. Here, we provide a detailed review of the multifaceted world of synaptic microRNA regulation. We discuss the many mechanisms by which microRNAs regulate gene expression at the synapse, particularly in the context of neuronal plasticity. We also describe the various factors, such as age, sex, and neurological disease, that can influence microRNA expression and activity in neurons. In summary, microRNAs play a crucial role in the intricate and quickly changing functional requirements of the synapse, and context is essential in the study of microRNAs and their potential therapeutic applications.

Maintaining Drosha expression with Cdk5 inhibitors as a potential therapeutic strategy for early intervention after TBI

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and disability in adults. The pathological process of TBI involves a multifactorial cascade in which kinases have been proven contribute to interactions between relevant factors and amplification of signaling cascades. Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) is a promising kinase that has been implicated in various brain disorders, including TBI. However, the mechanism by which Cdk5 induces neuronal damage remains unclear. Here, we show for the first time that Drosha, a key enzyme in microRNA biogenesis, is a pivotal substrate of abnormally activated Cdk5. Cdk5-mediated phosphorylation decreases Drosha expression and exacerbates nerve injury in TBI. We proved that maintaining Drosha expression via the administration of repurposed Cdk5 inhibitors that were previously studied in clinical trials is a promising approach for the early treatment of TBI. Together, our work identifies Drosha as a novel target for neuroprotective strategies after TBI and suggests Cdk5-mediated regulation of Drosha expression as a potential therapeutic strategy for early TBI intervention.

MicroRNA biogenesis pathway alterations in aging

Aging is characterized by genomic instability and dysregulation of gene expression. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that play a crucial role in post-transcriptional gene regulation. This work explores the impact of dysregulated miRNA biogenesis on the aging process. During aging, alterations in the transcription of primary miRNAs (pri-miRNAs) occur due to genomic changes, DNA damage, and epigenetic modifications. The microprocessor complex, comprising DGCR8 and Drosha proteins, is vital for pri-miRNA processing. Age-related changes in this complex affect miRNA biogenesis and miRNA expression profiles, linking these alterations with age-related conditions. Conversely, interventions like caloric restriction and mTOR inhibition enhance microprocessor activity, suggesting a connection between microprocessor function, aging-related pathways, and lifespan extension. Exportin-5 mediates the transport of pre-miRNAs from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. Although the role of miRNA export in aging is not well understood, accelerated export of pre-miRNAs is observed in response to DNA damage, and nucleocytoplasmic transport has been linked to cellular senescence. Dicer is responsible for processing pre-miRNAs into mature miRNAs. Reduced Dicer expression during aging is reported in various organisms and tissues and is associated with premature aging phenotypes. Conversely, the upregulation of Dicer improves stress resistance and metabolic adaptations induced by caloric restriction and exercise training. Understanding the role of miRNA biogenesis disruption in aging provides insights into the molecular mechanisms of aging and age-related diseases. Targeting this pathway may hold promise for therapeutic strategies and contribute to healthy aging.

The 3' UTR polymorphisms rs3742330 in DICER1 and rs10719 in DROSHA genes are not associated with primary open-angle and angle-closure glaucoma: As case-control study

AIM

In a retrospective and exploratory case-control study, we examined the genetic association of two common polymorphisms in the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of DICER1 (rs3742330) and DROSHA (rs10719) genes in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG), and its related clinical phenotypes in a Saudi cohort.

METHODS

DNA genotyping was performed using TaqMan real-time PCR assays in 500 participants, including 152 POAG, 102 PACG, and 246 non-glaucomatous controls. Statistical analyses were performed to examine the association(s).

RESULTS

Allele and genotype frequency of rs3742330 and rs10719 did not vary significantly in POAG and PACG compared to controls. No significant deviation was observed from Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium (p > 0.05). Gender stratification revealed no significant allelic/genotype association with glaucoma types. Also, these polymorphisms showed no significant genotype effect on clinical markers such as intraocular pressure, cup/disc ratio, and the number of antiglaucoma medications. Logistic regression showed no effect of age, sex, rs3742330, and rs10719 genotypes on the risk of disease outcome. We also examined a combined allelic effect of rs3742330 (A>G) and rs10719 (A>G). However, none of the allelic combinations significantly affected POAG and PACG.

CONCLUSIONS

The 3' UTR polymorphisms rs3742330 and rs10719 of DICER1 and DROSHA genes are not associated with POAG and PACG or its related glaucoma indices in this Middle-Eastern cohort of Saudi Arab ethnicity. However, there is a need to validate the results on a broader population and other ethnicities.

The Impact of Dysregulated microRNA Biogenesis Machinery and microRNA Sorting on Neurodegenerative Diseases

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are 22-nucleotide noncoding RNAs involved in the differentiation, development, and function of cells in the body by targeting the 3'- untranslated regions (UTR) of mRNAs for degradation or translational inhibition. miRNAs not only affect gene expression inside the cells but also, when sorted into exosomes, systemically mediate the communication between different types of cells. Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are age-associated, chronic neurological diseases characterized by the aggregation of misfolded proteins, which results in the progressive degeneration of selected neuronal population(s). The dysregulation of biogenesis and/or sorting of miRNAs into exosomes was reported in several NDs, including Huntington's disease (HD), Parkinson's disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Many studies support the possible roles of dysregulated miRNAs in NDs as biomarkers and therapeutic treatments. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the dysregulated miRNAs in NDs is therefore timely and important for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. In this review, we focus on the dysregulated miRNA machinery and the role of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) in NDs. The tools that are available to identify the target miRNA-mRNA axes in NDs in an unbiased manner are also discussed.

ROS elevate HIF-1α phosphorylation for insect lifespan through the CK2-MKP3-p38 pathway

Diapause in insects is akin to dauer in Caenorhabditis elegans and hibernation in vertebrates, characterized by metabolic depression and lifespan extension. Previous studies have shown that reactive oxygen species (ROS) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in brains of diapause-destined pupae are more abundant than those in nondiapause-destined pupae in Helicoverpa armigera, but the ROS regulating HIF-1α activity remain unknown. Here, we showed that high ROS levels in brains of diapause-destined pupae resulted in low casein kinase 2 (CK2) activity and that downregulation of CK2 caused low expression of mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase 3 (MKP3), which is an inhibitor of p-p38. Thus, high p-p38 levels accumulate to improve HIF-1α activity via activating HIF-1α phosphorylation at the S732 residue to regulate insect diapause. This is the first report showing that a new pathway, ROS-CK2-MKP3-p38, regulates HIF-1α activity for lifespan in insects.

Central high mobility group box-1 induces mechanical hypersensitivity with spinal microglial activation in a mouse model of hemi-Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) patients often complain of pain, but this problem has been neglected and is poorly understood. High mobility group box-1 (HMGB1), an alarmin/damage-associated molecular patterns protein, is increased in the cerebrospinal fluid in PD patients. However, little is known of the relationship between HMGB1 and pain associated with PD. Here, we investigated the role of central HMGB1 in the regulation of nociceptive hypersensitivity in a mouse model of PD. Male ddY mice were microinjected unilaterally with 6-hydroxydopamine (6OHDA) into the striatum. These hemi-PD mice were treated with anti-HMGB1 neutralizing antibody (nAb; 10 µg in 10 µL) by intranasal (i.n.) administration. The mechanical hypersensitivity of the hind paws was evaluated with the von Frey test. Spinal microglial activity was analyzed by immunostaining for ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1. The 6OHDA-administered mice displayed unilateral loss of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra and mechanical hypersensitivity in both hind paws. Moreover, spinal microglia were activated in these hemi-PD mice. Twenty-eight days after the 6OHDA injections, repeated i.n., but not systemic, treatment with anti-HMGB1 nAb inhibited the bilateral mechanical hypersensitivity and spinal microglial activation. However, the anti-HMGB1 nAb did not ameliorate the dopamine neuron loss. Moreover, intracerebroventricular injection with recombinant HMGB1 induced mechanical hypersensitivity. These findings indicate that HMGB1 is involved in the maintenance of nociceptive symptoms in hemi-PD mice via spinal microglial activation. Therefore, central HMGB1 may have potential as a therapeutic target for pain associated with PD.

p38 MAPK-mediated loss of nuclear RNase III enzyme Drosha underlies amyloid beta-induced neuronal stress in Alzheimer's disease

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs ubiquitously expressed in the brain and regulate gene expression at the post‐transcriptional level. The nuclear RNase III enzyme Drosha initiates the maturation process of miRNAs in the nucleus. Strong evidence suggests that dysregulation of miRNAs is involved in many neurological disorders including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Dysfunction of miRNA biogenesis components may be involved in the processes of those diseases. However, the role of Drosha in AD remains unknown. By using immunohistochemistry, biochemistry, and subcellular fractionation methods, we show here that the level of Drosha protein was significantly lower in the postmortem brain of human AD patients as well as in the transgenic rat model of AD. Interestingly, Drosha level was specifically reduced in neurons of the cortex and hippocampus but not in the cerebellum in the AD brain samples. In primary cortical neurons, amyloid‐beta (Aβ) oligomers caused a p38 MAPK‐dependent phosphorylation of Drosha, leading to its redistribution from the nucleus to the cytoplasm and a decrease in its level. This loss of Drosha function preceded Aβ‐induced neuronal death. Importantly, inhibition of p38 MAPK activity or overexpression of Drosha protected neurons from Aβ oligomers‐induced apoptosis. Taken together, these results establish a role for p38 MAPK‐Drosha pathway in modulating neuronal viability under Aβ oligomers stress condition and implicate loss of Drosha as a key molecular change in the pathogenesis of AD.

An Emerging Role of miRNAs in Neurodegenerative Diseases: Mechanisms and Perspectives on miR146a

Significance: Advancements in and access to health care have led to unprecedented improvements in the quality of life and increased lifespan of human beings in the past century. However, aging is a significant risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). Hence, improved life expectancy has led to an increased incidence of NDs. Despite intense research, effective treatments for NDs remain elusive. The future of neurotherapeutics development depends on effective disease modification strategies centered on carefully scrutinized targets. Recent Advances: As a promising new direction, recent evidence has demonstrated that epigenetic processes modify diverse biochemical pathways, including those related to NDs. Small non-coding RNAs, known as microRNAs (miRNAs), are components of the epigenetic system that alter the expression of target genes at the post-transcriptional level. Critical Issues: miRNAs are expressed abundantly in the central nervous system and are critical for the normal functioning and survival of neurons. Here, we review recent advances in elucidating miRNAs' roles in NDs and discuss their potential as therapeutic targets. In particular, neuroinflammation is a major pathological hallmark of NDs and miR146a is a crucial regulator of inflammation. Future Directions: Finally, we explore the possibilities of developing miR146a as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target where additional research may help facilitate the detection and amelioration of neuroinflammation in NDs. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 35, 580-594.

MiR-421 Aggravates Neurotoxicity and Promotes Cell Death in Parkinson's Disease Models by Directly Targeting MEF2D

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a severe neurodegenerative disease characterized by selective loss of dopaminergic neurons, which reduces quality of life of patients and poses a heavy burden to the society. The pathological mechanism of PD remains unclear, and increasing efforts are aimed to solve this problem. MiRNAs are a kind of small noncoding RNA regulating target gene expression. Previous studies have shown that dysregulation of miRNAs is involved in the development of PD. In the present study, we determined that miR-421 and MEF2D are increased and decreased, respectively, in a cellular model of PD. The data on the mechanism of action indicate that miR-421 directly binds to MEF2D mRNA and negatively regulates MEF2D expression. An increase in miR-421 disrupted the Bcl2/Bax system. Functional assays indicated that enhanced miR-421 promotes cell death by negative modulation of MEF2D expression. Inhibition of miR-421 or restoration of MEF2D protected neurons from neurotoxicity in cellular and animal models of PD. Our study is the first to demonstrate that miR-421 is decreased in PD models and to determine a novel putative mechanism of PD pathogenesis.

Effectiveness of the Iron Chelator CN128 in Mitigating the Formation of Dopamine Oxidation Products Associated with the Progression of Parkinson's Disease

The occurrence and progression of Parkinson's disease (PD) has been associated with the observation of elevated iron concentrations in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). While the reasons for the impact of elevated iron concentrations remain unclear, one hypothesis is that the presence of labile iron induces the oxidation of dopamine (DA) to toxic quinones such as aminochrome (DAC) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). As such, one of the proposed therapeutic strategies has been the use of iron chelators such as deferiprone (DFP) (which is recognized to have limitations related to its rapid degradation in the liver) to reduce the concentration of labile iron. In this study, a detailed investigation regarding the novel iron chelator, CN128, was conducted and a kinetic model developed to elucidate the fundamental behavior of this chelator. The results in this work reveal that CN128 is effective in alleviating the toxicity induced by iron and DA to neurons when DA is present at moderate concentrations. When all the iron is chelated by CN128, the formation of DAC and the oxidation of DA can be reduced to levels identical to that in the absence of iron. The production of H₂O₂ is lower than that generated via the autoxidation of the same amount of DA. However, when severe leakage of DA occurs, the application of CN128 is insufficient to alleviate the associated toxicity. This is attibuted to the less important role of iron in the production of toxic intermediates at high concentrations of DA. CN128 is superior to DFP with regard to the reduction in formation of DAC and elevation in DA concentration. In summary, the results of this study suggest that prodromal application of the chelator CN128 could be effective in preventing the onset and slowing the early stage development of PD symptoms associated with oxidants and toxic intermediates resulting from the iron-mediated oxidation of the neurotransmitter dopamine with CN128 likely to be superior to DFP in view of its greater in vivo availability and less problematic side effects.

Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway Governs a Full Program for Dopaminergic Neuron Survival, Neurorescue and Regeneration in the MPTP Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease

Wingless-type mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) integration site (Wnt) signaling is one of the most critical pathways in developing and adult tissues. In the brain, Wnt signaling contributes to different neurodevelopmental aspects ranging from differentiation to axonal extension, synapse formation, neurogenesis, and neuroprotection. Canonical Wnt signaling is mediated mainly by the multifunctional β-catenin protein which is a potent co-activator of transcription factors such as lymphoid enhancer factor (LEF) and T-cell factor (TCF). Accumulating evidence points to dysregulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in major neurodegenerative disorders. This review highlights a Wnt/β-catenin/glial connection in Parkinson's disease (PD), the most common movement disorder characterized by the selective death of midbrain dopaminergic (mDAergic) neuronal cell bodies in the subtantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and gliosis. Major findings of the last decade document that Wnt/β-catenin signaling in partnership with glial cells is critically involved in each step and at every level in the regulation of nigrostriatal DAergic neuronal health, protection, and regeneration in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) mouse model of PD, focusing on Wnt/β-catenin signaling to boost a full neurorestorative program in PD.