1
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Fare CM, Rothstein JD. Nuclear pore dysfunction and disease: a complex opportunity. Nucleus 2024; 15:2314297. [PMID: 38383349 PMCID: PMC10883112 DOI: 10.1080/19491034.2024.2314297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The separation of genetic material from bulk cytoplasm has enabled the evolution of increasingly complex organisms, allowing for the development of sophisticated forms of life. However, this complexity has created new categories of dysfunction, including those related to the movement of material between cellular compartments. In eukaryotic cells, nucleocytoplasmic trafficking is a fundamental biological process, and cumulative disruptions to nuclear integrity and nucleocytoplasmic transport are detrimental to cell survival. This is particularly true in post-mitotic neurons, where nuclear pore injury and errors to nucleocytoplasmic trafficking are strongly associated with neurodegenerative disease. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of nuclear pore biology in physiological and pathological contexts and discuss potential therapeutic approaches for addressing nuclear pore injury and dysfunctional nucleocytoplasmic transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte M Fare
- Department of Neurology and Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Rothstein
- Department of Neurology and Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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2
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George J, Shafiq K, Kapadia M, Kalia LV, Kalia SK. High frequency electrical stimulation reduces α-synuclein levels and α-synuclein-mediated autophagy dysfunction. Sci Rep 2024; 14:16091. [PMID: 38997273 PMCID: PMC11245498 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64131-3] [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: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Accumulation of α-synuclein (α-Syn) has been implicated in proteasome and autophagy dysfunction in Parkinson's disease (PD). High frequency electrical stimulation (HFS) mimicking clinical parameters used for deep brain stimulation (DBS) in vitro or DBS in vivo in preclinical models of PD have been found to reduce levels of α-Syn and, in certain cases, provide possible neuroprotection. However, the mechanisms by which this reduction in α-Syn improves cellular dysfunction associated with α-Syn accumulation remains elusive. Using HFS parameters that recapitulate DBS in vitro, we found that HFS led to a reduction of mutant α-Syn and thereby limited proteasome and autophagy impairments due to α-Syn. Additionally, we observed that HFS modulates via the ATP6V0C subunit of V-ATPase and mitigates α-Syn mediated autophagic dysfunction. This study highlights a role for autophagy in reduction of α-Syn due to HFS which may prove to be a viable approach to decrease pathological protein accumulation in neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimmy George
- Toronto Western Hospital, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5T 0S8, Canada
| | - Kashfia Shafiq
- Toronto Western Hospital, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5T 0S8, Canada
| | - Minesh Kapadia
- Toronto Western Hospital, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5T 0S8, Canada
| | - Lorraine V Kalia
- Toronto Western Hospital, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5T 0S8, Canada
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- CRANIA, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Suneil K Kalia
- Toronto Western Hospital, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5T 0S8, Canada.
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- KITE, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- CRANIA, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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3
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Wan F, Torres MDT, Peng J, de la Fuente-Nunez C. Deep-learning-enabled antibiotic discovery through molecular de-extinction. Nat Biomed Eng 2024; 8:854-871. [PMID: 38862735 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-024-01201-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Molecular de-extinction aims at resurrecting molecules to solve antibiotic resistance and other present-day biological and biomedical problems. Here we show that deep learning can be used to mine the proteomes of all available extinct organisms for the discovery of antibiotic peptides. We trained ensembles of deep-learning models consisting of a peptide-sequence encoder coupled with neural networks for the prediction of antimicrobial activity and used it to mine 10,311,899 peptides. The models predicted 37,176 sequences with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, 11,035 of which were not found in extant organisms. We synthesized 69 peptides and experimentally confirmed their activity against bacterial pathogens. Most peptides killed bacteria by depolarizing their cytoplasmic membrane, contrary to known antimicrobial peptides, which tend to target the outer membrane. Notably, lead compounds (including mammuthusin-2 from the woolly mammoth, elephasin-2 from the straight-tusked elephant, hydrodamin-1 from the ancient sea cow, mylodonin-2 from the giant sloth and megalocerin-1 from the extinct giant elk) showed anti-infective activity in mice with skin abscess or thigh infections. Molecular de-extinction aided by deep learning may accelerate the discovery of therapeutic molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangping Wan
- Machine Biology Group, Departments of Psychiatry and Microbiology, Institute for Biomedical Informatics, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Departments of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Chemistry, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Marcelo D T Torres
- Machine Biology Group, Departments of Psychiatry and Microbiology, Institute for Biomedical Informatics, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Departments of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Chemistry, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jacqueline Peng
- Graduate Group in Genomics and Computational Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Cesar de la Fuente-Nunez
- Machine Biology Group, Departments of Psychiatry and Microbiology, Institute for Biomedical Informatics, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Departments of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Graduate Group in Genomics and Computational Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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4
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Wang W, Rui M. Advances in understanding the roles of actin scaffolding and membrane trafficking in dendrite development. J Genet Genomics 2024:S1673-8527(24)00152-8. [PMID: 38925347 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2024.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Dendritic morphology is typically highly branched, and the branching and synaptic abundance of dendrites can enhance the receptive range of neurons and the diversity of information received, thus providing the basis for information processing in the nervous system. Once dendritic development is aberrantly compromised or damaged, it may lead to abnormal connectivity of the neural network, affecting the function and stability of the nervous system and ultimately triggering a series of neurological disorders. Research on the regulation of dendritic developmental processes has flourished, and much progress is now being made in its regulatory mechanisms. Noteworthily, dendrites are characterized by an extremely complex dendritic arborization that cannot be attributed to individual protein functions alone, requiring a systematic analysis of the intrinsic and extrinsic signals and the coordinated roles among them. Actin cytoskeleton organization and membrane vesicle trafficking are required during dendrite development, with actin providing tracks for vesicles and vesicle trafficking in turn providing material for actin assembly. In this review, we focus on these two basic biological processes and discuss the molecular mechanisms and their synergistic effects underlying the morphogenesis of neuronal dendrites. We also offer insights and discuss strategies for the potential preventive and therapeutic treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanting Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210031, China
| | - Menglong Rui
- School of Life Science and Technology, The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210031, China.
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5
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Matsui H, Takahashi R. Current trends in basic research on Parkinson's disease: from mitochondria, lysosome to α-synuclein. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2024; 131:663-674. [PMID: 38613675 PMCID: PMC11192670 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-024-02774-2] [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: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and other brain regions. A key pathological feature of PD is the abnormal accumulation of α-synuclein protein within affected neurons, manifesting as Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites. Despite extensive research efforts spanning several decades, the underlying mechanisms of PD and disease-modifying therapies remain elusive. This review provides an overview of current trends in basic research on PD. Initially, it discusses the involvement of mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of PD, followed by insights into the role of lysosomal dysfunction and disruptions in the vesicular transport system. Additionally, it delves into the pathological and physiological roles of α-synuclein, a crucial protein associated with PD pathophysiology. Overall, the purpose of this review is to comprehend the current state of elucidating the intricate mechanisms underlying PD and to outline future directions in understanding this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideaki Matsui
- Department of Neuroscience of Disease, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, 1-757, Asahimachidori, Chuoku, Niigata, 951-8585, Japan.
| | - Ryosuke Takahashi
- Department of Neurology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 54, Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyoku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan.
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6
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Coukos R, Krainc D. Key genes and convergent pathogenic mechanisms in Parkinson disease. Nat Rev Neurosci 2024; 25:393-413. [PMID: 38600347 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-024-00812-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Parkinson disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder marked by the preferential dysfunction and death of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. The onset and progression of PD is influenced by a diversity of genetic variants, many of which lack functional characterization. To identify the most high-yield targets for therapeutic intervention, it is important to consider the core cellular compartments and functional pathways upon which the varied forms of pathogenic dysfunction may converge. Here, we review several key PD-linked proteins and pathways, focusing on the mechanisms of their potential convergence in disease pathogenesis. These dysfunctions primarily localize to a subset of subcellular compartments, including mitochondria, lysosomes and synapses. We discuss how these pathogenic mechanisms that originate in different cellular compartments may coordinately lead to cellular dysfunction and neurodegeneration in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Coukos
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Dimitri Krainc
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
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7
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Palmioli A, Airoldi C. An NMR Toolkit to Probe Amyloid Oligomer Inhibition in Neurodegenerative Diseases: From Ligand Screening to Dissecting Binding Topology and Mechanisms of Action. Chempluschem 2024:e202400243. [PMID: 38712695 DOI: 10.1002/cplu.202400243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
The aggregation of amyloid peptides and proteins into toxic oligomers is a hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Machado-Joseph's disease, and transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. Inhibition of amyloid oligomers formation and interactions with biological counterparts, as well as the triggering of non-toxic amorphous aggregates, are strategies towards preventive interventions against these pathologies. NMR spectroscopy addresses the need for structural characterization of amyloid proteins and their aggregates, their binding to inhibitors, and rapid screening of compound libraries for ligand identification. Here we briefly discuss the solution experiments constituting the NMR spectroscopist's toolkit and provide examples of their application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Palmioli
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano - Bicocca, P.zza della Scienza 2, 20126, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Airoldi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano - Bicocca, P.zza della Scienza 2, 20126, Milan, Italy
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8
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Hui S, George J, Kapadia M, Chau H, Bariring Z, Earnshaw R, Shafiq K, Kalia LV, Kalia SK. Mitophagy Upregulation Occurs Early in the Neurodegenerative Process Mediated by α-Synuclein. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04131-6. [PMID: 38581539 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04131-6] [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: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurogenerative movement disorder characterized by dopaminergic cell death within the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) due to the aggregation-prone protein α-synuclein. Accumulation of α-synuclein is implicated in mitochondrial dysfunction and disruption of the autophagic turnover of mitochondria, or mitophagy, which is an essential quality control mechanism proposed to preserve mitochondrial fidelity in response to aging and stress. Yet, the precise relationship between α-synuclein accumulation, mitochondrial autophagy, and dopaminergic cell loss remains unresolved. Here, we determine the kinetics of α-synuclein overexpression and mitophagy using the pH-sensitive fluorescent mito-QC reporter. We find that overexpression of mutant A53T α-synuclein in either human SH-SY5Y cells or rat primary cortical neurons induces mitophagy. Moreover, the accumulation of mutant A53T α-synuclein in the SNpc of rats results in mitophagy dysregulation that precedes the onset of dopaminergic neurodegeneration. This study reveals a role for mutant A53T α-synuclein in inducing mitochondrial dysfunction, which may be an early event contributing to neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Hui
- Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jimmy George
- Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Minesh Kapadia
- Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Hien Chau
- Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Zahn Bariring
- Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rebecca Earnshaw
- Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kashfia Shafiq
- Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lorraine V Kalia
- Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- CRANIA, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Suneil K Kalia
- Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- KITE, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- CRANIA, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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9
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Gupta MN, Uversky VN. Protein structure-function continuum model: Emerging nexuses between specificity, evolution, and structure. Protein Sci 2024; 33:e4968. [PMID: 38532700 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4968] [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: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
The rationale for replacing the old binary of structure-function with the trinity of structure, disorder, and function has gained considerable ground in recent years. A continuum model based on the expanded form of the existing paradigm can now subsume importance of both conformational flexibility and intrinsic disorder in protein function. The disorder is actually critical for understanding the protein-protein interactions in many regulatory processes, formation of membrane-less organelles, and our revised notions of specificity as amply illustrated by moonlighting proteins. While its importance in formation of amyloids and function of prions is often discussed, the roles of intrinsic disorder in infectious diseases and protein function under extreme conditions are also becoming clear. This review is an attempt to discuss how our current understanding of protein function, specificity, and evolution fit better with the continuum model. This integration of structure and disorder under a single model may bring greater clarity in our continuing quest for understanding proteins and molecular mechanisms of their functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munishwar Nath Gupta
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi, India
| | - Vladimir N Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine and USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
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10
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Lee EJ, Aguirre-Padilla DH, Fomenko A, Pawar G, Kapadia M, George J, Lozano AM, Hamani C, Kalia LV, Kalia SK. Reduction of alpha-synuclein oligomers in preclinical models of Parkinson's disease by electrical stimulation in vitro and deep brain stimulation in vivo. Brain Stimul 2024; 17:166-175. [PMID: 38342364 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2024.02.005] [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: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been widely used to manage debilitating neurological symptoms in movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease (PD). Despite its well-established symptomatic benefits, our understanding of the mechanisms underlying DBS and its possible effect on the accumulation of pathological proteins in neurodegeneration remains limited. Accumulation and oligomerization of the protein alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) are implicated in the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra in PD, making α-Syn a potential therapeutic target for disease modification. OBJECTIVE We examined the effects of high frequency electrical stimulation on α-Syn levels and oligomerization in cell and rodent models. METHODS High frequency stimulation, mimicking DBS parameters used for PD, was combined with viral-mediated overexpression of α-Syn in cultured rat primary cortical neurons or in substantia nigra of rats. Bimolecular protein complementation with split fluorescent protein reporters was used to detect and quantify α-Syn oligomers. RESULTS High frequency electrical stimulation reduced the expression of PD-associated mutant α-Syn and mitigated α-Syn oligomerization in cultured neurons. Furthermore, DBS in the substantia nigra, but not the subthalamic nucleus, decreased overall levels of α-Syn, including oligomer levels, in the substantia nigra. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our results demonstrate that direct high frequency stimulation can reduce accumulation and pathological forms of α-Syn in cultured neurons in vitro and in substantia nigra in vivo. Thus, DBS therapy could have a role beyond symptomatic treatment, with potential disease-modifying properties that can be exploited to target pathological proteins in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Jung Lee
- Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - David Hernán Aguirre-Padilla
- Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Neuromodulation and Functional Neurosurgery Program, San Borja Arriarán Hospital, Santiago, Chile; Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Medical School, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen University, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Anton Fomenko
- Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Grishma Pawar
- Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Minesh Kapadia
- Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jimmy George
- Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andres M Lozano
- Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; CenteR for Advancing Neurotechnological Innovation to Application (CRANIA), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Clement Hamani
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Sunnybrook Research Institute, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lorraine V Kalia
- Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Suneil K Kalia
- Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; CenteR for Advancing Neurotechnological Innovation to Application (CRANIA), Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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11
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Oláh J, Norris V, Lehotzky A, Ovádi J. Perspective Strategies for Interventions in Parkinsonism: Remedying the Neglected Role of TPPP. Cells 2024; 13:338. [PMID: 38391951 PMCID: PMC10886726 DOI: 10.3390/cells13040338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurological disorders such as Parkinsonism cause serious socio-economic problems as there are, at present, only therapies that treat their symptoms. The well-established hallmark alpha-synuclein (SYN) is enriched in the inclusion bodies characteristic of Parkinsonism. We discovered a prominent partner of SYN, termed Tubulin Polymerization Promoting Protein (TPPP), which has important physiological and pathological activities such as the regulation of the microtubule network and the promotion of SYN aggregation. The role of TPPP in Parkinsonism is often neglected in research, which we here attempt to remedy. In the normal brain, SYN and TPPP are expressed endogenously in neurons and oligodendrocytes, respectively, whilst, at an early stage of Parkinsonism, soluble hetero-associations of these proteins are found in both cell types. The cell-to-cell transmission of these proteins, which is central to disease progression, provides a unique situation for specific drug targeting. Different strategies for intervention and for the discovery of biomarkers include (i) interface targeting of the SYN-TPPP hetero-complex; (ii) proteolytic degradation of SYN and/or TPPP using the PROTAC technology; and (iii) depletion of the proteins by miRNA technology. We also discuss the potential roles of SYN and TPPP in the phenotype stabilization of neurons and oligodendrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judit Oláh
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (A.L.); (J.O.)
| | - Vic Norris
- Laboratory of Bacterial Communication and Anti-Infection Strategies, EA 4312, University of Rouen, 76821 Mont Saint Aignan, France;
| | - Attila Lehotzky
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (A.L.); (J.O.)
| | - Judit Ovádi
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (A.L.); (J.O.)
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12
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Allen SG, Meade RM, White Stenner LL, Mason JM. Peptide-based approaches to directly target alpha-synuclein in Parkinson's disease. Mol Neurodegener 2023; 18:80. [PMID: 37940962 PMCID: PMC10633918 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00675-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Peptides and their mimetics are increasingly recognised as drug-like molecules, particularly for intracellular protein-protein interactions too large for inhibition by small molecules, and inaccessible to larger biologics. In the past two decades, evidence associating the misfolding and aggregation of alpha-synuclein strongly implicates this protein in disease onset and progression of Parkinson's disease and related synucleinopathies. The subsequent formation of toxic, intracellular, Lewy body deposits, in which alpha-synuclein is a major component, is a key diagnostic hallmark of the disease. To reach their therapeutic site of action, peptides must both cross the blood-brain barrier and enter dopaminergic neurons to prevent the formation of these intracellular inclusions. In this review, we describe and summarise the current efforts made in the development of peptides and their mimetics to directly engage with alpha-synuclein with the intention of modulating aggregation, and importantly, toxicity. This is a rapidly expanding field with great socioeconomic impact; these molecules harbour significant promise as therapeutics, or as early biomarkers during prodromal disease stages, or both. As these are age-dependent conditions, an increasing global life expectancy means disease prevalence is rising. No current treatments exist to either prevent or slow disease progression. It is therefore crucial that drugs are developed for these conditions before health care and social care capacities become overrun.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott G Allen
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Richard M Meade
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Lucy L White Stenner
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Jody M Mason
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK.
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13
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von Mikecz A. Elegant Nematodes Improve Our Understanding of Human Neuronal Diseases, the Role of Pollutants and Strategies of Resilience. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:16755-16763. [PMID: 37874738 PMCID: PMC10634345 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c04580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease are rising globally. The role of environmental pollution in neurodegeneration is largely unknown. Thus, this perspective advocates exposome research in C. elegans models of human diseases. The models express amyloid proteins such as Aβ, recapitulate the degeneration of specifically vulnerable neurons and allow for correlated neurobehavioral phenotyping throughout the entire life span of the nematode. Neurobehavioral traits like locomotion gaits, rigidity, or cognitive decline are quantifiable and carefully mimic key aspects of the human diseases. Underlying molecular pathways of neurodegeneration are elucidated in pollutant-exposed C. elegans Alzheimer's or Parkinson's models by transcriptomics (RNA-seq), mass spectrometry-based proteomics and omics addressing other biochemical traits. Validation of the identified disease pathways can be achieved by genome-wide association studies in matching human cohorts. A consistent One Health approach includes isolation of nematodes from contaminated sites and their comparative investigation by imaging, neurobehavioral profiling and single worm proteomics. C. elegans models of neurodegenerative diseases are likewise well-suited for high throughput methods that provide a promising strategy to identify resilience pathways of neurosafety and keep up with the number of pollutants, nonchemical exposome factors, and their interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna von Mikecz
- IUF − Leibniz Research Institute
of Environmental Medicine GmbH, Auf’m Hennekamp 50, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
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Maasch JRMA, Torres MDT, Melo MCR, de la Fuente-Nunez C. Molecular de-extinction of ancient antimicrobial peptides enabled by machine learning. Cell Host Microbe 2023; 31:1260-1274.e6. [PMID: 37516110 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2023.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Molecular de-extinction could offer avenues for drug discovery by reintroducing bioactive molecules that are no longer encoded by extant organisms. To prospect for antimicrobial peptides encrypted within extinct and extant human proteins, we introduce the panCleave random forest model for proteome-wide cleavage site prediction. Our model outperformed multiple protease-specific cleavage site classifiers for three modern human caspases, despite its pan-protease design. Antimicrobial activity was observed in vitro for modern and archaic protein fragments identified with panCleave. Lead peptides showed resistance to proteolysis and exhibited variable membrane permeabilization. Additionally, representative modern and archaic protein fragments showed anti-infective efficacy against A. baumannii in both a skin abscess infection model and a preclinical murine thigh infection model. These results suggest that machine-learning-based encrypted peptide prospection can identify stable, nontoxic peptide antibiotics. Moreover, we establish molecular de-extinction through paleoproteome mining as a framework for antibacterial drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline R M A Maasch
- Department of Computer and Information Science, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Machine Biology Group, Departments of Psychiatry and Microbiology, Institute for Biomedical Informatics, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Marcelo D T Torres
- Machine Biology Group, Departments of Psychiatry and Microbiology, Institute for Biomedical Informatics, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Marcelo C R Melo
- Machine Biology Group, Departments of Psychiatry and Microbiology, Institute for Biomedical Informatics, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Cesar de la Fuente-Nunez
- Machine Biology Group, Departments of Psychiatry and Microbiology, Institute for Biomedical Informatics, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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