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Li L, Wang M, Huang L, Zheng X, Wang L, Miao H. Ataxin-2: a powerful RNA-binding protein. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:298. [PMID: 39039334 PMCID: PMC11263328 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-01158-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Ataxin-2 (ATXN2) was originally discovered in the context of spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2), but it has become a key player in various neurodegenerative diseases. This review delves into the multifaceted roles of ATXN2 in human diseases, revealing its diverse molecular and cellular pathways. The impact of ATXN2 on diseases extends beyond functional outcomes; it mainly interacts with various RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) to regulate different stages of post-transcriptional gene expression in diseases. With the progress of research, ATXN2 has also been found to play an important role in the development of various cancers, including breast cancer, gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer, colon cancer, and esophageal cancer. This comprehensive exploration underscores the crucial role of ATXN2 in the pathogenesis of diseases and warrants further investigation by the scientific community. By reviewing the latest discoveries on the regulatory functions of ATXN2 in diseases, this article helps us understand the complex molecular mechanisms of a series of human diseases related to this intriguing protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Li
- Department of Clinical and Military Laboratory Medicine, College of Medical Laboratory Science, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
- Department of Clinical and Military Laboratory Medicine, College of Medical Laboratory Science, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of High Altitude Military Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Lai Huang
- Department of Clinical and Military Laboratory Medicine, College of Medical Laboratory Science, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xiaoli Zheng
- Department of Clinical and Military Laboratory Medicine, College of Medical Laboratory Science, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Lina Wang
- Department of Clinical and Military Laboratory Medicine, College of Medical Laboratory Science, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Hongming Miao
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of High Altitude Military Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
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2
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Moldovean-Cioroianu NS. Reviewing the Structure-Function Paradigm in Polyglutamine Disorders: A Synergistic Perspective on Theoretical and Experimental Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6789. [PMID: 38928495 PMCID: PMC11204371 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Polyglutamine (polyQ) disorders are a group of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by the excessive expansion of CAG (cytosine, adenine, guanine) repeats within host proteins. The quest to unravel the complex diseases mechanism has led researchers to adopt both theoretical and experimental methods, each offering unique insights into the underlying pathogenesis. This review emphasizes the significance of combining multiple approaches in the study of polyQ disorders, focusing on the structure-function correlations and the relevance of polyQ-related protein dynamics in neurodegeneration. By integrating computational/theoretical predictions with experimental observations, one can establish robust structure-function correlations, aiding in the identification of key molecular targets for therapeutic interventions. PolyQ proteins' dynamics, influenced by their length and interactions with other molecular partners, play a pivotal role in the polyQ-related pathogenic cascade. Moreover, conformational dynamics of polyQ proteins can trigger aggregation, leading to toxic assembles that hinder proper cellular homeostasis. Understanding these intricacies offers new avenues for therapeutic strategies by fine-tuning polyQ kinetics, in order to prevent and control disease progression. Last but not least, this review highlights the importance of integrating multidisciplinary efforts to advancing research in this field, bringing us closer to the ultimate goal of finding effective treatments against polyQ disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nastasia Sanda Moldovean-Cioroianu
- Institute of Materials Science, Bioinspired Materials and Biosensor Technologies, Kiel University, Kaiserstraße 2, 24143 Kiel, Germany;
- Faculty of Physics, Babeș-Bolyai University, Kogălniceanu 1, RO-400084 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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3
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Costa RG, Conceição A, Matos CA, Nóbrega C. The polyglutamine protein ATXN2: from its molecular functions to its involvement in disease. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:415. [PMID: 38877004 PMCID: PMC11178924 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06812-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
A CAG repeat sequence in the ATXN2 gene encodes a polyglutamine (polyQ) tract within the ataxin-2 (ATXN2) protein, showcasing a complex landscape of functions that have been progressively unveiled over recent decades. Despite significant progresses in the field, a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms governed by ATXN2 remains elusive. This multifaceted protein emerges as a key player in RNA metabolism, stress granules dynamics, endocytosis, calcium signaling, and the regulation of the circadian rhythm. The CAG overexpansion within the ATXN2 gene produces a protein with an extended poly(Q) tract, inducing consequential alterations in conformational dynamics which confer a toxic gain and/or partial loss of function. Although overexpanded ATXN2 is predominantly linked to spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2), intermediate expansions are also implicated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and parkinsonism. While the molecular intricacies await full elucidation, SCA2 presents ATXN2-associated pathological features, encompassing autophagy impairment, RNA-mediated toxicity, heightened oxidative stress, and disruption of calcium homeostasis. Presently, SCA2 remains incurable, with patients reliant on symptomatic and supportive treatments. In the pursuit of therapeutic solutions, various studies have explored avenues ranging from pharmacological drugs to advanced therapies, including cell or gene-based approaches. These endeavours aim to address the root causes or counteract distinct pathological features of SCA2. This review is intended to provide an updated compendium of ATXN2 functions, delineate the associated pathological mechanisms, and present current perspectives on the development of innovative therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael G Costa
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Faro, Portugal.
- PhD program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculdade de Medicina e Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade do Algarve (UAlg), Faro, Portugal.
- Faculdade de Medicina e Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade do Algarve (UAlg), Faro, Portugal.
| | - André Conceição
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Faro, Portugal
- PhD program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculdade de Medicina e Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade do Algarve (UAlg), Faro, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina e Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade do Algarve (UAlg), Faro, Portugal
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Coimbra, Portugal
- Champalimaud Research Program, Champalimaud Center for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Carlos A Matos
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Faro, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina e Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade do Algarve (UAlg), Faro, Portugal
| | - Clévio Nóbrega
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Faro, Portugal.
- Faculdade de Medicina e Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade do Algarve (UAlg), Faro, Portugal.
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4
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Cui ZT, Mao ZT, Yang R, Li JJ, Jia SS, Zhao JL, Zhong FT, Yu P, Dong M. Spinocerebellar ataxias: from pathogenesis to recent therapeutic advances. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1422442. [PMID: 38894941 PMCID: PMC11185097 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1422442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia is a phenotypically and genetically heterogeneous group of autosomal dominant-inherited degenerative disorders. The gene mutation spectrum includes dynamic expansions, point mutations, duplications, insertions, and deletions of varying lengths. Dynamic expansion is the most common form of mutation. Mutations often result in indistinguishable clinical phenotypes, thus requiring validation using multiple genetic testing techniques. Depending on the type of mutation, the pathogenesis may involve proteotoxicity, RNA toxicity, or protein loss-of-function. All of which may disrupt a range of cellular processes, such as impaired protein quality control pathways, ion channel dysfunction, mitochondrial dysfunction, transcriptional dysregulation, DNA damage, loss of nuclear integrity, and ultimately, impairment of neuronal function and integrity which causes diseases. Many disease-modifying therapies, such as gene editing technology, RNA interference, antisense oligonucleotides, stem cell technology, and pharmacological therapies are currently under clinical trials. However, the development of curative approaches for genetic diseases remains a global challenge, beset by technical, ethical, and other challenges. Therefore, the study of the pathogenesis of spinocerebellar ataxia is of great importance for the sustained development of disease-modifying molecular therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Ting Cui
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zong-Tao Mao
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Rong Yang
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jia-Jia Li
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Shan-Shan Jia
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jian-Li Zhao
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Fang-Tian Zhong
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Peng Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ming Dong
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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5
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Velázquez-Pérez L, Rodríguez-Labrada R, Gonzalez-Garcés Y, Canales-Ochoa N, Medrano-Montero J, Domínguez-Barrios Y, Carrillo-Rodes FJ, Ramírez-Bautista MB, Caballero-Laguna A, Gámez-Rodríguez O, Hernández-Oliver MO, Sosa-Cruz Y, Zayas-Hernández A, Vázquez-Mojena Y, Ziemann U, Auburger G. COVID-19 Impacts the Mental Health and Speech Function in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 2: Evidences from a Follow-Up Study. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 23:1101-1111. [PMID: 37861884 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-023-01612-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Limited evidence suggests that the SARS-CoV-2 infection can accelerate the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, but this has been not verified in the spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA). The objective of this study is to assess the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health and motor features of SCA2. A follow-up study was carried out in 170 Cuban SCA2 subjects and 87 community controls between 2020 and 2021. All subjects underwent a structured questionnaire to assess the risks of exposure to COVID-19, the confirmation of COVID-19 diagnosis, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Moreover, 36 subjects underwent the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of ataxia (SARA). The risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and the frequency of COVID-19 were similar between the ataxia cohort and the community controls. Within the ataxia group, significantly increased HADS scores existed at the 2nd visit in both groups, but this increase was more evident for the infected group regarding the depression score. Moreover, a significant within-group increase of SARA score was observed in the infected group but not the non-infected group, which was mainly mediated by the significant increase of the speech item score in the infected group. Similar results were observed within the subgroup of preclinical carriers. Our study identified no selective vulnerability nor protection to COVID-19 in SCA2, but once infected, the patients experienced a deterioration of mental health and speech function, even at preclinical disease stage. These findings set rationales for tele-health approaches that minimize the detrimental effect of COVID-19 on SCA2 progression and identify SCA2 individuals as clinical model to elucidate the link between SARS-CoV-2 infection and neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Velázquez-Pérez
- Centre for the Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias, Libertad 26, Holguín, Cuba.
- Cuban Academy of Sciences, Cuba St. 460, between Teniente Rey St., and Compostela St., Habana Vieja, 19100, Havana, Cuba.
| | - Roberto Rodríguez-Labrada
- Cuban Centre for Neuroscience, Playa. 198 St, between 27 and 25th Ave., 16 Cubanacan 19818, Playa, 11300, Havana, Cuba.
| | - Yasmany Gonzalez-Garcés
- Centre for the Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias, Libertad 26, Holguín, Cuba
| | - Nalia Canales-Ochoa
- Centre for the Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias, Libertad 26, Holguín, Cuba
| | | | - Yennis Domínguez-Barrios
- Clinical & Surgical Hospital "Calixto Garcia", Universidad avenue & J st, Vedado, 14 Plaza de la Revolución, 10400, Havana, Cuba
| | - Frank J Carrillo-Rodes
- Centre for the Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias, Libertad 26, Holguín, Cuba
| | | | | | - Osiel Gámez-Rodríguez
- University Hospital "Juan Bruno Zayas", Carretera del Caney Street. Pastorita, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba
| | | | | | | | - Yaimeé Vázquez-Mojena
- Cuban Centre for Neuroscience, Playa. 198 St, between 27 and 25th Ave., 16 Cubanacan 19818, Playa, 11300, Havana, Cuba
| | - Ulf Ziemann
- Department of Neurology and Stroke, Eberhard-Karls University of Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler Str.3, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
- Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Eberhard-Karls University of Tübingen, 22 Hoppe-Seyler Str.3, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Georg Auburger
- Experimental Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe University, 24, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
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6
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Henriques C, Lopes MM, Silva AC, Lobo DD, Badin RA, Hantraye P, Pereira de Almeida L, Nobre RJ. Viral-based animal models in polyglutamine disorders. Brain 2024; 147:1166-1189. [PMID: 38284949 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awae012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Polyglutamine disorders are a complex group of incurable neurodegenerative disorders caused by an abnormal expansion in the trinucleotide cytosine-adenine-guanine tract of the affected gene. To better understand these disorders, our dependence on animal models persists, primarily relying on transgenic models. In an effort to complement and deepen our knowledge, researchers have also developed animal models of polyglutamine disorders employing viral vectors. Viral vectors have been extensively used to deliver genes to the brain, not only for therapeutic purposes but also for the development of animal models, given their remarkable flexibility. In a time- and cost-effective manner, it is possible to use different transgenes, at varying doses, in diverse targeted tissues, at different ages, and in different species, to recreate polyglutamine pathology. This paper aims to showcase the utility of viral vectors in disease modelling, share essential considerations for developing animal models with viral vectors, and provide a comprehensive review of existing viral-based animal models for polyglutamine disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Henriques
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Gene and Stem Cell Therapies for the Brain Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- ViraVector-Viral Vector for Gene Transfer Core Facility, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Miguel M Lopes
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Gene and Stem Cell Therapies for the Brain Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- ViraVector-Viral Vector for Gene Transfer Core Facility, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (III), University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana C Silva
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Gene and Stem Cell Therapies for the Brain Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- ViraVector-Viral Vector for Gene Transfer Core Facility, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (III), University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Diana D Lobo
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Gene and Stem Cell Therapies for the Brain Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- ViraVector-Viral Vector for Gene Transfer Core Facility, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (III), University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Romina Aron Badin
- CEA, DRF, Institute of Biology François Jacob, Molecular Imaging Research Center (MIRCen), 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- CNRS, CEA, Paris-Sud University, Université Paris-Saclay, Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory (UMR9199), 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Philippe Hantraye
- CEA, DRF, Institute of Biology François Jacob, Molecular Imaging Research Center (MIRCen), 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- CNRS, CEA, Paris-Sud University, Université Paris-Saclay, Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory (UMR9199), 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Luís Pereira de Almeida
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Gene and Stem Cell Therapies for the Brain Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- ViraVector-Viral Vector for Gene Transfer Core Facility, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rui Jorge Nobre
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Gene and Stem Cell Therapies for the Brain Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- ViraVector-Viral Vector for Gene Transfer Core Facility, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (III), University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
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7
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Liu YJ, Wang JY, Zhang XL, Jiang LL, Hu HY. Ataxin-2 sequesters Raptor into aggregates and impairs cellular mTORC1 signaling. FEBS J 2024; 291:1795-1812. [PMID: 38308810 DOI: 10.1111/febs.17081] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Ataxin-2 (Atx2) is a polyglutamine (polyQ) protein, in which abnormal expansion of the polyQ tract can trigger protein aggregation and consequently cause spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2), but the mechanism underlying how Atx2 aggregation leads to proteinopathy remains elusive. Here, we investigate the molecular mechanism and cellular consequences of Atx2 aggregation by molecular cell biology approaches. We have revealed that either normal or polyQ-expanded Atx2 can sequester Raptor, a component of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), into aggregates based on their specific interaction. Further research indicates that the polyQ tract and the N-terminal region (residues 1-784) of Atx2 are responsible for the specific sequestration. Moreover, this sequestration leads to suppression of the mTORC1 activity as represented by down-regulation of phosphorylated P70S6K, which can be reversed by overexpression of Raptor. As mTORC1 is a key regulator of autophagy, Atx2 aggregation and sequestration also induces autophagy by upregulating LC3-II and reducing phosphorylated ULK1 levels. This study proposes that Atx2 sequesters Raptor into aggregates, thereby impairing cellular mTORC1 signaling and inducing autophagy, and will be beneficial for a better understanding of the pathogenesis of SCA2 and other polyQ diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Jun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jian-Yang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiang-Le Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lei-Lei Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong-Yu Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
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8
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Ryan L, Rubinsztein DC. The autophagy of stress granules. FEBS Lett 2024; 598:59-72. [PMID: 38101818 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14787] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Our understanding of stress granule (SG) biology has deepened considerably in recent years, and with this, increased understanding of links has been made between SGs and numerous neurodegenerative diseases. One of the proposed mechanisms by which SGs and any associated protein aggregates may become pathological is based upon defects in their autophagic clearance, and so the precise processes governing the degradation of SGs are important to understand. Mutations and disease-associated variants implicated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease and frontotemporal lobar dementia compromise autophagy, whilst autophagy-inhibiting drugs or knockdown of essential autophagy proteins result in the persistence of SGs. In this review, we will consider the current knowledge regarding the autophagy of SG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Ryan
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR), University of Cambridge, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR), University of Cambridge, UK
| | - David C Rubinsztein
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR), University of Cambridge, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR), University of Cambridge, UK
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9
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Conceição A, Koppenol R, Nóbrega C. On the role of RNA binding proteins in polyglutamine diseases: from pathogenesis to therapeutics. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:2695-2696. [PMID: 37449627 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.373711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- André Conceição
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Faro, Portugal; Faculdade de Medicina e Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade do Algarve, Faro; PhD Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculdade de Medicina e Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal; Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rebekah Koppenol
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Faro, Portugal; Faculdade de Medicina e Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade do Algarve, Faro; PhD Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculdade de Medicina e Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal; Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Clévio Nóbrega
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Faro, Portugal; Faculdade de Medicina e Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal
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10
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Koppenol R, Conceição A, Afonso IT, Afonso-Reis R, Costa RG, Tomé S, Teixeira D, da Silva JP, Côdesso JM, Brito DVC, Mendonça L, Marcelo A, Pereira de Almeida L, Matos CA, Nóbrega C. The stress granule protein G3BP1 alleviates spinocerebellar ataxia-associated deficits. Brain 2023; 146:2346-2363. [PMID: 36511898 PMCID: PMC10232246 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awac473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Polyglutamine diseases are a group of neurodegenerative disorders caused by an abnormal expansion of CAG repeat tracts in the codifying regions of nine, otherwise unrelated, genes. While the protein products of these genes are suggested to play diverse cellular roles, the pathogenic mutant proteins bearing an expanded polyglutamine sequence share a tendency to self-assemble, aggregate and engage in abnormal molecular interactions. Understanding the shared paths that link polyglutamine protein expansion to the nervous system dysfunction and the degeneration that takes place in these disorders is instrumental to the identification of targets for therapeutic intervention. Among polyglutamine diseases, spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) share many common aspects, including the fact that they involve dysfunction of the cerebellum, resulting in ataxia. Our work aimed at exploring a putative new therapeutic target for the two forms of SCA with higher worldwide prevalence, SCA type 2 (SCA2) and type 3 (SCA3), which are caused by expanded forms of ataxin-2 (ATXN2) and ataxin-3 (ATXN3), respectively. The pathophysiology of polyglutamine diseases has been described to involve an inability to properly respond to cell stress. We evaluated the ability of GTPase-activating protein-binding protein 1 (G3BP1), an RNA-binding protein involved in RNA metabolism regulation and stress responses, to counteract SCA2 and SCA3 pathology, using both in vitro and in vivo disease models. Our results indicate that G3BP1 overexpression in cell models leads to a reduction of ATXN2 and ATXN3 aggregation, associated with a decrease in protein expression. This protective effect of G3BP1 against polyglutamine protein aggregation was reinforced by the fact that silencing G3bp1 in the mouse brain increases human expanded ATXN2 and ATXN3 aggregation. Moreover, a decrease of G3BP1 levels was detected in cells derived from patients with SCA2 and SCA3, suggesting that G3BP1 function is compromised in the context of these diseases. In lentiviral mouse models of SCA2 and SCA3, G3BP1 overexpression not only decreased protein aggregation but also contributed to the preservation of neuronal cells. Finally, in an SCA3 transgenic mouse model with a severe ataxic phenotype, G3BP1 lentiviral delivery to the cerebellum led to amelioration of several motor behavioural deficits. Overall, our results indicate that a decrease in G3BP1 levels may be a contributing factor to SCA2 and SCA3 pathophysiology, and that administration of this protein through viral vector-mediated delivery may constitute a putative approach to therapy for these diseases, and possibly other polyglutamine disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah Koppenol
- ABC-RI, Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- PhD Program in Biomedial Sciences, Faculdade de Medicina e Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina e Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - André Conceição
- ABC-RI, Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- PhD Program in Biomedial Sciences, Faculdade de Medicina e Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina e Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Inês T Afonso
- ABC-RI, Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina e Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Afonso-Reis
- ABC-RI, Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina e Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Rafael G Costa
- ABC-RI, Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina e Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Sandra Tomé
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Diogo Teixeira
- ABC-RI, Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | | | - José Miguel Côdesso
- ABC-RI, Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- PhD Program in Biomedial Sciences, Faculdade de Medicina e Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina e Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - David V C Brito
- ABC-RI, Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Liliana Mendonça
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Adriana Marcelo
- ABC-RI, Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina e Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Luís Pereira de Almeida
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carlos A Matos
- ABC-RI, Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina e Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Clévio Nóbrega
- ABC-RI, Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina e Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Champalimaud Research Program, Champalimaud Center for the Unknown, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal
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11
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Santarelli S, Londero C, Soldano A, Candelaresi C, Todeschini L, Vernizzi L, Bellosta P. Drosophila melanogaster as a model to study autophagy in neurodegenerative diseases induced by proteinopathies. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1082047. [PMID: 37274187 PMCID: PMC10232775 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1082047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteinopathies are a large group of neurodegenerative diseases caused by both genetic and sporadic mutations in particular genes which can lead to alterations of the protein structure and to the formation of aggregates, especially toxic for neurons. Autophagy is a key mechanism for clearing those aggregates and its function has been strongly associated with the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), hence mutations in both pathways have been associated with the onset of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly those induced by protein misfolding and accumulation of aggregates. Many crucial discoveries regarding the molecular and cellular events underlying the role of autophagy in these diseases have come from studies using Drosophila models. Indeed, despite the physiological and morphological differences between the fly and the human brain, most of the biochemical and molecular aspects regulating protein homeostasis, including autophagy, are conserved between the two species.In this review, we will provide an overview of the most common neurodegenerative proteinopathies, which include PolyQ diseases (Huntington's disease, Spinocerebellar ataxia 1, 2, and 3), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (C9orf72, SOD1, TDP-43, FUS), Alzheimer's disease (APP, Tau) Parkinson's disease (a-syn, parkin and PINK1, LRRK2) and prion diseases, highlighting the studies using Drosophila that have contributed to understanding the conserved mechanisms and elucidating the role of autophagy in these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Santarelli
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CiBiO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Chiara Londero
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CiBiO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Alessia Soldano
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CiBiO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| | - Carlotta Candelaresi
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CiBiO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Leonardo Todeschini
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CiBiO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Luisa Vernizzi
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Paola Bellosta
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CiBiO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
- Department of Medicine, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
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12
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Paulino R, Nóbrega C. Autophagy in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3: From Pathogenesis to Therapeutics. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087405. [PMID: 37108570 PMCID: PMC10138583 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Machado-Joseph disease (MJD) or spinocerebellar ataxia 3 (SCA3) is a rare, inherited, monogenic, neurodegenerative disease, and the most common SCA worldwide. MJD/SCA3 causative mutation is an abnormal expansion of the triplet CAG at exon 10 within the ATXN3 gene. The gene encodes for ataxin-3, which is a deubiquitinating protein that is also involved in transcriptional regulation. In normal conditions, the ataxin-3 protein polyglutamine stretch has between 13 and 49 glutamines. However, in MJD/SCA3 patients, the size of the stretch increases from 55 to 87, contributing to abnormal protein conformation, insolubility, and aggregation. The formation of aggregates, which is a hallmark of MJD/SCA3, compromises different cell pathways, leading to an impairment of cell clearance mechanisms, such as autophagy. MJD/SCA3 patients display several signals and symptoms in which the most prominent is ataxia. Neuropathologically, the regions most affected are the cerebellum and the pons. Currently, there are no disease-modifying therapies, and patients rely only on supportive and symptomatic treatments. Due to these facts, there is a huge research effort to develop therapeutic strategies for this incurable disease. This review aims to bring together current state-of-the-art strategies regarding the autophagy pathway in MJD/SCA3, focusing on evidence for its impairment in the disease context and, importantly, its targeting for the development of pharmacological and gene-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Paulino
- ABC-RI, Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- FMCB, Faculdade de Medicina e Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Clévio Nóbrega
- ABC-RI, Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- FMCB, Faculdade de Medicina e Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
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13
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Pathogenic Aspects and Therapeutic Avenues of Autophagy in Parkinson's Disease. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040621. [PMID: 36831288 PMCID: PMC9954720 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The progressive aging of the population and the fact that Parkinson's disease currently does not have any curative treatment turn out to be essential issues in the following years, where research has to play a critical role in developing therapy. Understanding this neurodegenerative disorder keeps advancing, proving the discovery of new pathogenesis-related genes through genome-wide association analysis. Furthermore, the understanding of its close link with the disruption of autophagy mechanisms in the last few years permits the elaboration of new animal models mimicking, through multiple pathways, different aspects of autophagic dysregulation, with the presence of pathological hallmarks, in brain regions affected by Parkinson's disease. The synergic advances in these fields permit the elaboration of multiple therapeutic strategies for restoring autophagy activity. This review discusses the features of Parkinson's disease, the autophagy mechanisms and their involvement in pathogenesis, and the current methods to correct this cellular pathway, from the development of animal models to the potentially curative treatments in the preclinical and clinical phase studies, which are the hope for patients who do not currently have any curative treatment.
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14
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Jain M, Patil N, Abdi G, Abbasi Tarighat M, Mohammed A, Ahmad Mohd Zain MR, Goh KW. Mechanistic Insights and Potential Therapeutic Approaches in PolyQ Diseases via Autophagy. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11010162. [PMID: 36672670 PMCID: PMC9856063 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11010162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Polyglutamine diseases are a group of congenital neurodegenerative diseases categorized with genomic abnormalities in the expansion of CAG triplet repeats in coding regions of specific disease-related genes. Protein aggregates are the toxic hallmark for polyQ diseases and initiate neuronal death. Autophagy is a catabolic process that aids in the removal of damaged organelles or toxic protein aggregates, a process required to maintain cellular homeostasis that has the potential to fight against neurodegenerative diseases, but this pathway gets affected under diseased conditions, as there is a direct impact on autophagy-related gene expression. The increase in the accumulation of autophagy vesicles reported in neurodegenerative diseases was due to an increase in autophagy or may have been due to a decrease in autophagy flux. These reports suggested that there is a contribution of autophagy in the pathology of diseases and regulation in the process of autophagy. It was demonstrated in various disease models of polyQ diseases that autophagy upregulation by using modulators can enhance the dissolution of toxic aggregates and delay disease progression. In this review, interaction of the autophagy pathway with polyQ diseases was analyzed, and a therapeutic approach with autophagy inducing drugs was established for disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mukul Jain
- Department of Lifesciences, Parul Institute of Applied Sciences, Parul University, Vadodara 391760, India
- Lab 209 Cell and Developmental Biology Lab, Centre of Research for Development, Parul University, Vadodara 391760, India
| | - Nil Patil
- Department of Lifesciences, Parul Institute of Applied Sciences, Parul University, Vadodara 391760, India
- Lab 209 Cell and Developmental Biology Lab, Centre of Research for Development, Parul University, Vadodara 391760, India
| | - Gholamreza Abdi
- Department of Biotechnology, Persian Gulf Research Institute, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr, 75169, Iran
- Correspondence: (G.A.); (M.R.A.M.Z.); (K.W.G.)
| | - Maryam Abbasi Tarighat
- Faculty of Nano and Bio Science and Technology, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr 75169, Iran
| | - Arifullah Mohammed
- Department of Agriculture, Faculty of Agro-Based Industry, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Jeli 17600, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Rajaei Ahmad Mohd Zain
- Department of Orthopaedics, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia
- Correspondence: (G.A.); (M.R.A.M.Z.); (K.W.G.)
| | - Khang Wen Goh
- Faculty of Data Science and Information Technology, INTI International University, Nilai 71800, Malaysia
- Correspondence: (G.A.); (M.R.A.M.Z.); (K.W.G.)
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15
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Palozzi JM, Jeedigunta SP, Minenkova AV, Monteiro VL, Thompson ZS, Lieber T, Hurd TR. Mitochondrial DNA quality control in the female germline requires a unique programmed mitophagy. Cell Metab 2022; 34:1809-1823.e6. [PMID: 36323236 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2022.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria have their own DNA (mtDNA), which is susceptible to the accumulation of disease-causing mutations. To prevent deleterious mutations from being inherited, the female germline has evolved a conserved quality control mechanism that remains poorly understood. Here, through a large-scale screen, we uncover a unique programmed germline mitophagy (PGM) that is essential for mtDNA quality control. We find that PGM is developmentally triggered as germ cells enter meiosis by inhibition of the target of rapamycin complex 1 (TORC1). We identify a role for the RNA-binding protein Ataxin-2 (Atx2) in coordinating the timing of PGM with meiosis. We show that PGM requires the mitophagy receptor BNIP3, mitochondrial fission and translation factors, and members of the Atg1 complex, but not the mitophagy factors PINK1 and Parkin. Additionally, we report several factors that are critical for germline mtDNA quality control and show that pharmacological manipulation of one of these factors promotes mtDNA quality control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan M Palozzi
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 661 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Swathi P Jeedigunta
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 661 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Anastasia V Minenkova
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 661 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Vernon L Monteiro
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 661 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Zoe S Thompson
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 661 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Toby Lieber
- HHMI and Kimmel Center for Biology and Medicine of the Skirball Institute, Department of Cell Biology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Thomas R Hurd
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 661 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada.
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16
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Verdone BM, Cicardi ME, Wen X, Sriramoji S, Russell K, Markandaiah SS, Jensen BK, Krishnamurthy K, Haeusler AR, Pasinelli P, Trotti D. A mouse model with widespread expression of the C9orf72-linked glycine-arginine dipeptide displays non-lethal ALS/FTD-like phenotypes. Sci Rep 2022; 12:5644. [PMID: 35379876 PMCID: PMC8979946 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09593-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Translation of the hexanucleotide G4C2 expansion associated with C9orf72 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia (ALS/FTD) produces five different dipeptide repeat protein (DPR) species that can confer toxicity. There is yet much to learn about the contribution of a single DPR to disease pathogenesis. We show here that a short repeat length is sufficient for the DPR poly-GR to confer neurotoxicity in vitro, a phenomenon previously unobserved. This toxicity is also reported in vivo in our novel knock-in mouse model characterized by widespread central nervous system (CNS) expression of the short-length poly-GR. We observe sex-specific chronic ALS/FTD-like phenotypes in these mice, including mild motor neuron loss, but no TDP-43 mis-localization, as well as motor and cognitive impairments. We suggest that this model can serve as the foundation for phenotypic exacerbation through second-hit forms of stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandie Morris Verdone
- Jefferson Weinberg ALS Center, Department of Neuroscience, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Maria Elena Cicardi
- Jefferson Weinberg ALS Center, Department of Neuroscience, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Xinmei Wen
- Jefferson Weinberg ALS Center, Department of Neuroscience, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sindhu Sriramoji
- Jefferson Weinberg ALS Center, Department of Neuroscience, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Katelyn Russell
- Jefferson Weinberg ALS Center, Department of Neuroscience, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Shashirekha S Markandaiah
- Jefferson Weinberg ALS Center, Department of Neuroscience, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Brigid K Jensen
- Jefferson Weinberg ALS Center, Department of Neuroscience, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Karthik Krishnamurthy
- Jefferson Weinberg ALS Center, Department of Neuroscience, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Aaron R Haeusler
- Jefferson Weinberg ALS Center, Department of Neuroscience, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Piera Pasinelli
- Jefferson Weinberg ALS Center, Department of Neuroscience, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Davide Trotti
- Jefferson Weinberg ALS Center, Department of Neuroscience, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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17
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Hao C, Ma B, Gao N, Jin T, Liu X. Translocator Protein (TSPO) Alleviates Neuropathic Pain by Activating Spinal Autophagy and Nuclear SIRT1/PGC-1α Signaling in a Rat L5 SNL Model. J Pain Res 2022; 15:767-778. [PMID: 35356265 PMCID: PMC8959876 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s359397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Recent studies showed promotion of astrocyte autophagy in the spinal cord would provide analgesic effects. Silent information regulator T1 (SIRT1) and α subunit of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1 (PGC-1α) are two master regulators of endogenous antioxidant defense and mitochondrial biogenesis. They play vital roles in both autophagy and neuropathic pain (NP). Our previous study showed that TSPO agonist Ro5-4864 elicited potent analgesic effects against NP, but the mechanisms remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the effects of TSPO agonist Ro5-4864 on autophagy and nuclear SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling in spinal dorsal horn. Methods A rat model of L5 spinal nerve ligation (SNL) was adopted. Rats were randomly assigned to the Sham group, the SNL group, the Ro (TSPO agonist Ro5-4864) group and the Ro+3-MA group. The behavior assessments were conducted at baseline, on Day 1, 3, 7 and 14 after SNL. The autophagy-related proteins (ATG7, Beclin1, LC3, and P62) in spinal dorsal horn were assayed and the nuclear SIRT1/PGC-1α and downstream factors were analyzed. Results Ro5-4864 alleviated the mechanical allodynia induced by SNL (P < 0.01 vs the SNL group), which could be totally abrogated by autophagy inhibitor 3-MA (P < 0.01 vs the Ro group). SNL induced elevated ATG7 (P < 0.01), Beclin1 (P < 0.01) and LC3-II/LC3-I (P < 0.01) contents and P62 accumulation (P < 0.01) on Day 7 and Day 14, which suggested an autophagy flux impairment. Ro5-4864 augmented ATG7 (P < 0.01), Beclin1 (P < 0.01) and LC3-II/LC3-I (P < 0.05) with decreased P62 (P < 0.01), which indicated a more fluent autophagic process. These effects were also totally abrogated by 3-MA (P < 0.01). Furthermore, Ro5-4864 activated the spinal nuclear SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway. Conclusion TSPO improved both autophagy impairment and mitochondrial biogenesis, which may provide a new strategy for the treatment of NP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Hao
- Pain Management Center, Shanghai Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 210092, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bingjie Ma
- Pain Management Center, Shanghai Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 210092, People’s Republic of China
| | - Nan Gao
- Pain Management Center, Shanghai Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 210092, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tian Jin
- Pain Management Center, Shanghai Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 210092, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoming Liu
- Pain Management Center, Shanghai Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 210092, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Xiaoming Liu, Pain Management Center, Shanghai Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 1665# Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 210092, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-17721213706, Fax +86-21-25078707, Email
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