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Prakash N. A dysregulated calcium homeostasis as the earliest pathological sign in stem cell-derived Parkinson's disease neurons? Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1421-1422. [PMID: 38051877 PMCID: PMC10883490 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.387986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nilima Prakash
- Working Group Human Stem Cell Research, Department Hamm 2, Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences, Hamm, Germany
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2
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Pullara F, Forsmann MC, General IJ, Ayoob JC, Furbee E, Castro SL, Hu X, Greenamyre JT, Di Maio R. NADPH oxidase 2 activity disrupts Calmodulin/CaMKIIα complex via redox modifications of CaMKIIα-contained Cys30 and Cys289: Implications in Parkinson's disease. Redox Biol 2024; 75:103254. [PMID: 38968922 PMCID: PMC11278932 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2024.103254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II α (CaMKIIα) signaling in the brain plays a critical role in regulating neuronal Ca2+ homeostasis. Its dysfunctional activity is associated with various neurological and neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson's disease (PD). Using computational modeling analysis, we predicted that, two essential cysteine residues contained in CaMKIIα, Cys30 and Cys289, may undergo redox modifications impacting the proper functioning of the CaMKIIα docking site for Ca2+/CaM, thus impeding the formation of the CaMKIIα:Ca2+/CaM complex, essential for a proper modulation of CaMKIIα kinase activity. Our subsequent in vitro investigations confirmed the computational predictions, specifically implicating Cys30 and Cys289 residues in impairing CaMKIIα:Ca2+/CaM interaction. We observed CaMKIIα:Ca2+/CaM complex disruption in dopamine (DA) nigrostriatal neurons of post-mortem Parkinson's disease (PD) patients' specimens, addressing the high relevance of this event in the disease. CaMKIIα:Ca2+/CaM complex disruption was also observed in both in vitro and in vivo rotenone models of PD, where this phenomenon was associated with CaMKIIα kinase hyperactivity. Moreover, we observed that, NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2), a major enzymatic generator of superoxide anion (O2●-) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the brain with implications in PD pathogenesis, is responsible for CaMKIIα:Ca2+/CaM complex disruption associated to a stable Ca2+CAM-independent CaMKIIα kinase activity and intracellular Ca2+ accumulation. The present study highlights the importance of oxidative stress, in disturbing the delicate balance of CaMKIIα signaling in calcium dysregulation, offering novel insights into PD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Madison C Forsmann
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA; Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Ignacio J General
- School of Science and Technology, Universidad Nacional de San Martin, San Martín, 1650, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Joseph C Ayoob
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Emily Furbee
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Sandra L Castro
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA; Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Xiaoping Hu
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA; Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - J Timothy Greenamyre
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA; Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Roberto Di Maio
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA; Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
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3
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Carraro C, Montgomery JV, Klimmt J, Paquet D, Schultze JL, Beyer MD. Tackling neurodegeneration in vitro with omics: a path towards new targets and drugs. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1414886. [PMID: 38952421 PMCID: PMC11215216 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1414886] [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: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Drug discovery is a generally inefficient and capital-intensive process. For neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), the development of novel therapeutics is particularly urgent considering the long list of late-stage drug candidate failures. Although our knowledge on the pathogenic mechanisms driving neurodegeneration is growing, additional efforts are required to achieve a better and ultimately complete understanding of the pathophysiological underpinnings of NDDs. Beyond the etiology of NDDs being heterogeneous and multifactorial, this process is further complicated by the fact that current experimental models only partially recapitulate the major phenotypes observed in humans. In such a scenario, multi-omic approaches have the potential to accelerate the identification of new or repurposed drugs against a multitude of the underlying mechanisms driving NDDs. One major advantage for the implementation of multi-omic approaches in the drug discovery process is that these overarching tools are able to disentangle disease states and model perturbations through the comprehensive characterization of distinct molecular layers (i.e., genome, transcriptome, proteome) up to a single-cell resolution. Because of recent advances increasing their affordability and scalability, the use of omics technologies to drive drug discovery is nascent, but rapidly expanding in the neuroscience field. Combined with increasingly advanced in vitro models, which particularly benefited from the introduction of human iPSCs, multi-omics are shaping a new paradigm in drug discovery for NDDs, from disease characterization to therapeutics prediction and experimental screening. In this review, we discuss examples, main advantages and open challenges in the use of multi-omic approaches for the in vitro discovery of targets and therapies against NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Carraro
- Systems Medicine, Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen e.V. (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
- Genomics and Immunoregulation, Life & Medical Sciences (LIMES) Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jessica V. Montgomery
- Systems Medicine, Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen e.V. (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Julien Klimmt
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research (ISD), University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Dominik Paquet
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research (ISD), University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Joachim L. Schultze
- Systems Medicine, Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen e.V. (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
- Genomics and Immunoregulation, Life & Medical Sciences (LIMES) Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- PRECISE, Platform for Single Cell Genomics and Epigenomics at the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the University of Bonn and West German Genome Center, Bonn, Germany
| | - Marc D. Beyer
- Systems Medicine, Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen e.V. (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
- PRECISE, Platform for Single Cell Genomics and Epigenomics at the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the University of Bonn and West German Genome Center, Bonn, Germany
- Immunogenomics & Neurodegeneration, Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen e.V. (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
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4
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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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Cerneckis J, Cai H, Shi Y. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs): molecular mechanisms of induction and applications. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:112. [PMID: 38670977 PMCID: PMC11053163 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01809-0] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology has transformed in vitro research and holds great promise to advance regenerative medicine. iPSCs have the capacity for an almost unlimited expansion, are amenable to genetic engineering, and can be differentiated into most somatic cell types. iPSCs have been widely applied to model human development and diseases, perform drug screening, and develop cell therapies. In this review, we outline key developments in the iPSC field and highlight the immense versatility of the iPSC technology for in vitro modeling and therapeutic applications. We begin by discussing the pivotal discoveries that revealed the potential of a somatic cell nucleus for reprogramming and led to successful generation of iPSCs. We consider the molecular mechanisms and dynamics of somatic cell reprogramming as well as the numerous methods available to induce pluripotency. Subsequently, we discuss various iPSC-based cellular models, from mono-cultures of a single cell type to complex three-dimensional organoids, and how these models can be applied to elucidate the mechanisms of human development and diseases. We use examples of neurological disorders, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and cancer to highlight the diversity of disease-specific phenotypes that can be modeled using iPSC-derived cells. We also consider how iPSC-derived cellular models can be used in high-throughput drug screening and drug toxicity studies. Finally, we discuss the process of developing autologous and allogeneic iPSC-based cell therapies and their potential to alleviate human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Cerneckis
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
- Irell & Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Hongxia Cai
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Yanhong Shi
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA.
- Irell & Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA.
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Konishi CT, Moulayes N, Butola T, Zhang V, Kagan D, Yang Q, Pressler M, Dirvin BG, Devinsky O, Basu J, Long C. Modeling and Correction of Protein Conformational Disease in iPSC-derived Neurons through Personalized Base Editing. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.17.576134. [PMID: 38293034 PMCID: PMC10827171 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.17.576134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Altered protein conformation can cause incurable neurodegenerative disorders. Mutations in SERPINI1 , the gene encoding neuroserpin, alter protein conformation resulting in cytotoxic aggregation in neuronal endoplasmic reticulum. Aggregates cause oxidative stress impairing function, leading to neuronal death. Familial encephalopathy with neuroserpin inclusion bodies (FENIB) is a rare autosomal dominant progressive myoclonic epilepsy. Patients present with seizures and cognitive impairments that progress to dementia and premature death. We developed HEK293T and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models of FENIB, harboring the patient's pathogenic SERPINI1 variant or stably overexpressing mutant neuroserpin fused to GFP (MUT NS-GFP). FENIB cells form neuroserpin inclusions which increase in size and number. Here, we utilized a personalized adenine base editor (ABE)-mediated approach to efficiently correct the pathogenic variant and to restore neuronal dendritic morphology. ABE-treated MUT NS-GFP cells demonstrated reduced inclusion size and number. Using an inducible MUT NS-GFP neuron system, we identified early prevention of toxic protein expression allowed aggregate clearance, while late prevention halted neuronal impairments. To address several challenges for clinical applications of gene correction, we developed a neuron-specific engineered virus-like particle to optimize neuronal ABE delivery. Preventing mutant protein with altered conformation production improved toxic protein clearance. Our findings provide a targeted strategy and may treat FENIB and potentially other neurodegenerative diseases due to altered protein conformation such as Alzheimer's and Huntington's diseases.
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Casey M, Zou D, Pera RAR, Cabin DE. Alpha-synuclein null mutation exacerbates the phenotype of a model of Menkes disease in female mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.15.567255. [PMID: 38014334 PMCID: PMC10680713 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.15.567255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Genetic modifier screens provide a useful tool, in diverse organisms from Drosophila to C. elegans and mice, for recovering new genes of interest that may reduce or enhance a phenotype of interest. This study reports a modifier screen, based on N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) mutagenesis and outcrossing, designed to increase understanding of the normal function of murine α-synuclein ( Snca ). Human SNCA was the first gene linked to familial Parkinson's disease. Since the discovery of the genetic link of SNCA to Parkinson's nearly three decades ago, numerous studies have investigated the normal function of SNCA protein with divergent roles associated with different cellular compartments. Understanding of the normal function of murine Snca is complicated by the fact that mice with homozygous null mutations live a normal lifespan and have only subtle synaptic deficits. Here, we report that the first genetic modifier (a sensitized mutation) that was identified in our screen was the X-linked gene, ATPase copper transporting alpha (Atp7a). In humans, mutations in Atp7a are linked to to Menkes disease, a disease with pleiotropic phenotypes that include a severe neurological component. Atp7a encodes a trans-Golgi copper transporter that supplies the copper co-factor to enzymes that pass through the ER-Golgi network. Male mice that carry a mutation in Atp7a die within 3 weeks of age regardless of Snca genotype. In contrast, here we show that Snca disruption modifies the phenotype of Atp7a in female mice. Female mice that carry the Atp7a mutation, on an Snca null background, die earlier (prior to 35 days) at a significantly higher rate than those that carry the Atp7a mutation on a wildtype Snca background ATPase copper transporting alpha. Thus, Snca null mutations sensitize female mice to mutations in Atp7a, suggesting that Snca protein may have a protective effect in females, perhaps in neurons, given the co-expression patterns. Although data has suggested diverse functions for human and mouse α-synuclein proteins in multiple cell compartments, this is the first demonstration via use of genetic screening to demonstrate that Snca protein may function in the ER-Golgi system in the mammalian brain in a sex-dependent manner. Author summary This study sought to probe the normal function(s) of a protein associated with Parkinson's disease, the second most common neurodegenerative disease in humans. We used a genetic modifier approach to uncover aspects of normal protein function, via mutagenesis of mice and screening for neurological problems that are decreased or enhanced in mice that are null for α-synuclein ( Snca) . Through these studies, we identified the X-linked gene that is mutated in Menkes disease in humans as a modifier of the null Snca phenotype, specifically in female mice. The gene mutated in Menkes disease, ATP7a , encodes a copper transporter that is known to act in the trans-Golgi sub-cellular compartment. Genetic modifier effects suggest that Snca may also play a role in that compartment, potentially in the mammalian brain.
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Bai Y, Zhang S, Dong H, Liu Y, Liu C, Zhang X. Advanced Techniques for Detecting Protein Misfolding and Aggregation in Cellular Environments. Chem Rev 2023; 123:12254-12311. [PMID: 37874548 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Protein misfolding and aggregation, a key contributor to the progression of numerous neurodegenerative diseases, results in functional deficiencies and the creation of harmful intermediates. Detailed visualization of this misfolding process is of paramount importance for improving our understanding of disease mechanisms and for the development of potential therapeutic strategies. While in vitro studies using purified proteins have been instrumental in delivering significant insights into protein misfolding, the behavior of these proteins in the complex milieu of living cells often diverges significantly from such simplified environments. Biomedical imaging performed in cell provides cellular-level information with high physiological and pathological relevance, often surpassing the depth of information attainable through in vitro methods. This review highlights a variety of methodologies used to scrutinize protein misfolding within biological systems. This includes optical-based methods, strategies leaning on mass spectrometry, in-cell nuclear magnetic resonance, and cryo-electron microscopy. Recent advancements in these techniques have notably deepened our understanding of protein misfolding processes and the features of the resulting misfolded species within living cells. The progression in these fields promises to catalyze further breakthroughs in our comprehension of neurodegenerative disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulong Bai
- Department of Chemistry, Research Center for Industries of the Future, Westlake University, 600 Dunyu Road, Hangzhou 310030, Zhejiang Province, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, Liaoning 116023, China
| | - Shengnan Zhang
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Hui Dong
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 A Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yu Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, Liaoning 116023, China
| | - Cong Liu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Research Center for Industries of the Future, Westlake University, 600 Dunyu Road, Hangzhou 310030, Zhejiang Province, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
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D’Sa K, Evans JR, Virdi GS, Vecchi G, Adam A, Bertolli O, Fleming J, Chang H, Leighton C, Horrocks MH, Athauda D, Choi ML, Gandhi S. Prediction of mechanistic subtypes of Parkinson's using patient-derived stem cell models. NAT MACH INTELL 2023; 5:933-946. [PMID: 37615030 PMCID: PMC10442231 DOI: 10.1038/s42256-023-00702-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is a common, incurable neurodegenerative disorder that is clinically heterogeneous: it is likely that different cellular mechanisms drive the pathology in different individuals. So far it has not been possible to define the cellular mechanism underlying the neurodegenerative disease in life. We generated a machine learning-based model that can simultaneously predict the presence of disease and its primary mechanistic subtype in human neurons. We used stem cell technology to derive control or patient-derived neurons, and generated different disease subtypes through chemical induction or the presence of mutation. Multidimensional fluorescent labelling of organelles was performed in healthy control neurons and in four different disease subtypes, and both the quantitative single-cell fluorescence features and the images were used to independently train a series of classifiers to build deep neural networks. Quantitative cellular profile-based classifiers achieve an accuracy of 82%, whereas image-based deep neural networks predict control and four distinct disease subtypes with an accuracy of 95%. The machine learning-trained classifiers achieve their accuracy across all subtypes, using the organellar features of the mitochondria with the additional contribution of the lysosomes, confirming the biological importance of these pathways in Parkinson's. Altogether, we show that machine learning approaches applied to patient-derived cells are highly accurate at predicting disease subtypes, providing proof of concept that this approach may enable mechanistic stratification and precision medicine approaches in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karishma D’Sa
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, King’s Cross, London, UK
| | - James R. Evans
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, King’s Cross, London, UK
| | - Gurvir S. Virdi
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, King’s Cross, London, UK
| | | | | | | | - James Fleming
- The Francis Crick Institute, King’s Cross, London, UK
| | - Hojong Chang
- Institute for IT Convergence, KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Craig Leighton
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- IRR Chemistry Hub, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Mathew H. Horrocks
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- IRR Chemistry Hub, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Dilan Athauda
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, King’s Cross, London, UK
| | - Minee L. Choi
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, King’s Cross, London, UK
- Department of Brain & Cognitive Sciences, KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sonia Gandhi
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, King’s Cross, London, UK
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Lee B, Edling C, Ahmad S, LeBeau FEN, Tse G, Jeevaratnam K. Clinical and Non-Clinical Cardiovascular Disease Associated Pathologies in Parkinson's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12601. [PMID: 37628780 PMCID: PMC10454288 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612601] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite considerable breakthroughs in Parkinson's disease (PD) research, understanding of non-motor symptoms (NMS) in PD remains limited. The lack of basic level models that can properly recapitulate PD NMS either in vivo or in vitro complicates matters. Even so, recent research advances have identified cardiovascular NMS as being underestimated in PD. Considering that a cardiovascular phenotype reflects sympathetic autonomic dysregulation, cardiovascular symptoms of PD can play a pivotal role in understanding the pathogenesis of PD. In this study, we have reviewed clinical and non-clinical published papers with four key parameters: cardiovascular disease risks, electrocardiograms (ECG), neurocardiac lesions in PD, and fundamental electrophysiological studies that can be linked to the heart. We have highlighted the points and limitations that the reviewed articles have in common. ECG and pathological reports suggested that PD patients may undergo alterations in neurocardiac regulation. The pathological evidence also suggested that the hearts of PD patients were involved in alpha-synucleinopathy. Finally, there is to date little research available that addresses the electrophysiology of in vitro Parkinson's disease models. For future reference, research that can integrate cardiac electrophysiology and pathological alterations is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bonn Lee
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, VSM Building, Daphne Jackson Road, Guildford GU2 7YW, UK; (B.L.); (C.E.); (S.A.); (G.T.)
| | - Charlotte Edling
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, VSM Building, Daphne Jackson Road, Guildford GU2 7YW, UK; (B.L.); (C.E.); (S.A.); (G.T.)
| | - Shiraz Ahmad
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, VSM Building, Daphne Jackson Road, Guildford GU2 7YW, UK; (B.L.); (C.E.); (S.A.); (G.T.)
| | - Fiona E. N. LeBeau
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK;
| | - Gary Tse
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, VSM Building, Daphne Jackson Road, Guildford GU2 7YW, UK; (B.L.); (C.E.); (S.A.); (G.T.)
- Kent and Medway Medical School, University of Kent and Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury CT2 7FS, UK
| | - Kamalan Jeevaratnam
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, VSM Building, Daphne Jackson Road, Guildford GU2 7YW, UK; (B.L.); (C.E.); (S.A.); (G.T.)
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Calabresi P, Mechelli A, Natale G, Volpicelli-Daley L, Di Lazzaro G, Ghiglieri V. Alpha-synuclein in Parkinson's disease and other synucleinopathies: from overt neurodegeneration back to early synaptic dysfunction. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:176. [PMID: 36859484 PMCID: PMC9977911 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05672-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 90.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
Although the discovery of the critical role of α-synuclein (α-syn) in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD) is now twenty-five years old, it still represents a milestone in PD research. Abnormal forms of α-syn trigger selective and progressive neuronal death through mitochondrial impairment, lysosomal dysfunction, and alteration of calcium homeostasis not only in PD but also in other α-syn-related neurodegenerative disorders such as dementia with Lewy bodies, multiple system atrophy, pure autonomic failure, and REM sleep behavior disorder. Furthermore, α-syn-dependent early synaptic and plastic alterations and the underlying mechanisms preceding overt neurodegeneration have attracted great interest. In particular, the presence of early inflammation in experimental models and PD patients, occurring before deposition and spreading of α-syn, suggests a mechanistic link between inflammation and synaptic dysfunction. The knowledge of these early mechanisms is of seminal importance to support the research on reliable biomarkers to precociously identify the disease and possible disease-modifying therapies targeting α-syn. In this review, we will discuss these critical issues, providing a state of the art of the role of this protein in early PD and other synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Calabresi
- Sezione di Neurologia, Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, 00168, Italy. .,Neurologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, 00168, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Mechelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Istituto di Neurologia, Università "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Natale
- Sezione di Neurologia, Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, 00168, Italy
| | - Laura Volpicelli-Daley
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Giulia Di Lazzaro
- Neurologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, 00168, Italy
| | - Veronica Ghiglieri
- Neurologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, 00168, Italy.,Università Telematica San Raffaele, Rome, 00166, Italy
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Yeap YJ, Teddy TJW, Lee MJ, Goh M, Lim KL. From 2D to 3D: Development of Monolayer Dopaminergic Neuronal and Midbrain Organoid Cultures for Parkinson's Disease Modeling and Regenerative Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032523. [PMID: 36768843 PMCID: PMC9917335 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized pathologically by the loss of A9-specific dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) of the midbrain. Despite intensive research, the etiology of PD is currently unresolved, and the disease remains incurable. This, in part, is due to the lack of an experimental disease model that could faithfully recapitulate the features of human PD. However, the recent advent of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology has allowed PD models to be created from patient-derived cells. Indeed, DA neurons from PD patients are now routinely established in many laboratories as monolayers as well as 3D organoid cultures that serve as useful toolboxes for understanding the mechanism underlying PD and also for drug discovery. At the same time, the iPSC technology also provides unprecedented opportunity for autologous cell-based therapy for the PD patient to be performed using the patient's own cells as starting materials. In this review, we provide an update on the molecular processes underpinning the development and differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) into midbrain DA neurons in both 2D and 3D cultures, as well as the latest advancements in using these cells for drug discovery and regenerative medicine. For the novice entering the field, the cornucopia of differentiation protocols reported for the generation of midbrain DA neurons may seem daunting. Here, we have distilled the essence of the different approaches and summarized the main factors driving DA neuronal differentiation, with the view to provide a useful guide to newcomers who are interested in developing iPSC-based models of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yee Jie Yeap
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 308232, Singapore
| | - Tng J. W. Teddy
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 308232, Singapore
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Programme (IGP-Neuroscience), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Mok Jung Lee
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 308232, Singapore
| | - Micaela Goh
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 308232, Singapore
| | - Kah Leong Lim
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 308232, Singapore
- National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore 308433, Singapore
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
- Department of Anatomy, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
- Correspondence:
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Bo X, Xie F, Zhang J, Gu R, Li X, Li S, Yuan Z, Cheng J. Deletion of Calhm2 alleviates MPTP-induced Parkinson's disease pathology by inhibiting EFHD2-STAT3 signaling in microglia. Theranostics 2023; 13:1809-1822. [PMID: 37064868 PMCID: PMC10091876 DOI: 10.7150/thno.83082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Neuroinflammation is involved in the development of Parkinson's disease (PD). Calhm2 plays an important role in the development of microglial inflammation, but whether Calhm2 is involved in PD and its regulatory mechanisms are unclear. Methods: To study the role of Calhm2 in the development of PD, we utilized conventional Calhm2 knockout mice, microglial Calhm2 knockout mice and neuronal Calhm2 knockout mice, and established the MPTP-induced PD mice model. Moreover, a series of methods including behavioral test, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blot, mass spectrometry analysis and co-immunoprecipitation were utilized to study the regulatory mechanisms. Results: We found that both conventional Calhm2 knockout and microglial Calhm2 knockout significantly reduced dopaminergic neuronal loss, and decreased microglial numbers, thereby improving locomotor performance in PD model mice. Mechanistically, we found that Calhm2 interacted with EFhd2 and regulated downstream STAT3 signaling in microglia. Knockdown of Calhm2 or EFhd2 both inhibited downstream STAT3 signaling and inflammatory cytokine levels in microglia. Conclusion: We demonstrate the important role of Calhm2 in microglial activation and the pathology of PD, thus providing a potential therapeutic target for microglia-mediated neuroinflammation-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuena Bo
- Center on Translational Neuroscience, College of Life & Environmental Science, Minzu University of China, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Fei Xie
- The Brain Science Center, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100850, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Jingdan Zhang
- Center on Translational Neuroscience, College of Life & Environmental Science, Minzu University of China, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Runze Gu
- Center on Translational Neuroscience, College of Life & Environmental Science, Minzu University of China, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Xiaoheng Li
- The Brain Science Center, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Shuoshuo Li
- The Brain Science Center, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Zengqiang Yuan
- The Brain Science Center, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100850, China
- ✉ Corresponding authors: Jinbo Cheng, PhD. Center on Translational Neuroscience, College of Life & Environmental Science, Minzu University of China, Beijing, 100081, China. E-mail: . Zengqiang Yuan, PhD. The Brain Science Center, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100850, China. E-mail: , or
| | - Jinbo Cheng
- Center on Translational Neuroscience, College of Life & Environmental Science, Minzu University of China, Beijing, 100081, China
- The Brain Science Center, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100850, China
- ✉ Corresponding authors: Jinbo Cheng, PhD. Center on Translational Neuroscience, College of Life & Environmental Science, Minzu University of China, Beijing, 100081, China. E-mail: . Zengqiang Yuan, PhD. The Brain Science Center, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100850, China. E-mail: , or
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Prakash N. Developmental pathways linked to the vulnerability of adult midbrain dopaminergic neurons to neurodegeneration. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1071731. [PMID: 36618829 PMCID: PMC9815185 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1071731] [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: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The degeneration of dopaminergic and other neurons in the aging brain is considered a process starting well beyond the infantile and juvenile period. In contrast to other dopamine-associated neuropsychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia and drug addiction, typically diagnosed during adolescence or young adulthood and, thus, thought to be rooted in the developing brain, Parkinson's Disease (PD) is rarely viewed as such. However, evidences have accumulated suggesting that several factors might contribute to an increased vulnerability to death of the dopaminergic neurons at an already very early (developmental) phase in life. Despite the remarkable ability of the brain to compensate such dopamine deficits, the early loss or dysfunction of these neurons might predispose an individual to suffer from PD because the critical threshold of dopamine function will be reached much earlier in life, even if the time-course and strength of naturally occurring and age-dependent dopaminergic cell death is not markedly altered in this individual. Several signaling and transcriptional pathways required for the proper embryonic development of the midbrain dopaminergic neurons, which are the most affected in PD, either continue to be active in the adult mammalian midbrain or are reactivated at the transition to adulthood and under neurotoxic conditions. The persistent activity of these pathways often has neuroprotective functions in adult midbrain dopaminergic neurons, whereas the reactivation of silenced pathways under pathological conditions can promote the survival and even regeneration of these neurons in the lesioned or aging brain. This article summarizes our current knowledge about signaling and transcription factors involved in midbrain dopaminergic neuron development, whose reduced gene dosage or signaling activity are implicated in a lower survival rate of these neurons in the postnatal or aging brain. It also discusses the evidences supporting the neuroprotection of the midbrain dopaminergic system after the external supply or ectopic expression of some of these secreted and nuclear factors in the adult and aging brain. Altogether, the timely monitoring and/or correction of these signaling and transcriptional pathways might be a promising approach to a much earlier diagnosis and/or prevention of PD.
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