1
|
Wang H, Zeng R. Aberrant protein aggregation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neurol 2024; 271:4826-4851. [PMID: 38869826 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12485-z] [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: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal disease. As its pathological mechanisms are not well understood, there are no efficient therapeutics for it at present. While it is highly heterogenous both etiologically and clinically, it has a common salient hallmark, i.e., aberrant protein aggregation (APA). The upstream pathogenesis and the downstream effects of APA in ALS are sophisticated and the investigation of this pathology would be of consequence for understanding ALS. In this paper, the pathomechanism of APA in ALS and the candidate treatment strategies for it are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huaixiu Wang
- Department Neurology, Shanxi Provincial Peoples Hospital: Fifth Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030012, China.
- Beijing Ai-Si-Kang Medical Technology Co. Ltd., No. 18 11th St Economical & Technological Development Zone, Beijing, 100176, China.
| | - Rong Zeng
- Department Neurology, Shanxi Provincial Peoples Hospital: Fifth Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030012, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ha J, Kwon GE, Son Y, Jang SA, Cho SY, Park SJ, Kim H, Lee J, Lee J, Seo D, Lee M, Lee DY, Choi MH, Kim E. Cholesterol profiling reveals 7β-hydroxycholesterol as a pathologically relevant peripheral biomarker of Alzheimer's disease. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2024; 78:473-481. [PMID: 38923201 DOI: 10.1111/pcn.13706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
AIM Cholesterol homeostasis is associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Despite the multitude of cholesterol metabolites, little is known about which metabolites are directly involved in AD pathogenesis and can serve as its potential biomarkers. METHODS To identify "hit" metabolites, steroid profiling was conducted in mice with different age, diet, and genotype and also in humans with normal cognition, mild cognitive impairment, and AD using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Then, using one of the "hit" molecules (7β-hydroxycholesterol; OHC), molecular and histopathological experiment and behavioral testing were conducted in normal mice following its intracranial stereotaxic injection to see whether this molecule drives AD pathogenesis and causes cognitive impairment. RESULTS The serum levels of several metabolites, including 7β-OHC, were increased by aging in the 3xTg-AD unlike normal mice. Consistently, the levels of 7β-OHC were increased in the hairs of patients with AD and were correlated with clinical severity. We found that 7β-OHC directly affects AD-related pathophysiology; intrahippocampal injection of 7β-OHC induced astrocyte and microglial cell activation, increased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-1β, IL-6), and enhanced amyloidogenic pathway. Mice treated with 7β-OHC also exhibited deficits in memory and frontal/executive functions assessed by object recognition and 5-choice serial reaction time task, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that 7β-OHC could serve as a convenient, peripheral biomarker of AD. As directly involved in AD pathogenesis, 7β-OHC assay may help actualize personalized medicine in a way to identify an at-risk subgroup as a candidate population for statin-based AD treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junghee Ha
- Department of Psychiatry, Laboratory for Alzheimer's Molecular Psychiatry, Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Go Eun Kwon
- Molecular Recognition Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yumi Son
- Department of Psychiatry, Laboratory for Alzheimer's Molecular Psychiatry, Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo Ah Jang
- Department of Psychiatry, Laboratory for Alzheimer's Molecular Psychiatry, Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - So Yeon Cho
- Department of Psychiatry, Laboratory for Alzheimer's Molecular Psychiatry, Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo Jin Park
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Center for Food and Bioconvergence, Research Institute for Agricultural and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunjeong Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Laboratory for Alzheimer's Molecular Psychiatry, Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Metabolism-Dementia Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jimin Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Laboratory for Alzheimer's Molecular Psychiatry, Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Juseok Lee
- Department of Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongryul Seo
- Department of Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Myeongjee Lee
- Biostatistics Collaboration Unit, Department of Biomedical Systems Informatics, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Do Yup Lee
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Center for Food and Bioconvergence, Research Institute for Agricultural and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Man Ho Choi
- Molecular Recognition Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eosu Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Laboratory for Alzheimer's Molecular Psychiatry, Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Metabolism-Dementia Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Dykstra MM, Weskamp K, Gómez NB, Waksmacki J, Tank E, Glineburg MR, Snyder A, Pinarbasi E, Bekier M, Li X, Bai J, Shahzad S, Nedumaran J, Wieland C, Stewart C, Willey S, Grotewold N, McBride J, Moran JJ, Suryakumar AV, Lucas M, Tessier P, Ward M, Todd P, Barmada SJ. TDP43 autoregulation gives rise to shortened isoforms that are tightly controlled by both transcriptional and post-translational mechanisms. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.02.601776. [PMID: 39005384 PMCID: PMC11244999 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.02.601776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
The nuclear RNA-binding protein TDP43 is integrally involved in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). Previous studies uncovered N-terminal TDP43 isoforms that are predominantly cytosolic in localization, highly prone to aggregation, and enriched in susceptible spinal motor neurons. In healthy cells, however, these shortened (s)TDP43 isoforms are difficult to detect in comparison to full-length (fl)TDP43, raising questions regarding their origin and selective regulation. Here, we show that sTDP43 is created as a byproduct of TDP43 autoregulation and cleared by nonsense mediated RNA decay (NMD). The sTDP43-encoding transcripts that escape NMD can lead to toxicity but are rapidly degraded post-translationally. Circumventing these regulatory mechanisms by overexpressing sTDP43 results in neurodegeneration in vitro and in vivo via N-terminal oligomerization and impairment of flTDP43 splicing activity, in addition to RNA binding-dependent gain-of-function toxicity. Collectively, these studies highlight endogenous mechanisms that tightly regulate sTDP43 expression and provide insight into the consequences of aberrant sTDP43 accumulation in disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan M. Dykstra
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Kaitlin Weskamp
- Chemistry Department, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Lincoln, NE
| | - Nicolás B. Gómez
- Graduate Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Jacob Waksmacki
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Elizabeth Tank
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - M. Rebecca Glineburg
- Biological Sciences, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, CA
| | | | - Emile Pinarbasi
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
- Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Michael Bekier
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Xingli Li
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Jen Bai
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | | | - Juno Nedumaran
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Clare Wieland
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Corey Stewart
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Sydney Willey
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Nikolas Grotewold
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Jonathon McBride
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - John J. Moran
- Atlanta Pediatric Research Alliance, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | | | - Michael Lucas
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Peter Tessier
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | | | - Peter Todd
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
- Graduate Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Sami J. Barmada
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
- Graduate Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lang R, Hodgson RE, Shelkovnikova TA. TDP-43 in nuclear condensates: where, how, and why. Biochem Soc Trans 2024:BST20231447. [PMID: 38958608 DOI: 10.1042/bst20231447] [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: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
TDP-43 is an abundant and ubiquitously expressed nuclear protein that becomes dysfunctional in a spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases. TDP-43's ability to phase separate and form/enter biomolecular condensates of varying size and composition is critical for its functionality. Despite the high density of phase-separated assemblies in the nucleus and the nuclear abundance of TDP-43, our understanding of the condensate-TDP-43 relationship in this cellular compartment is only emerging. Recent studies have also suggested that misregulation of nuclear TDP-43 condensation is an early event in the neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This review aims to draw attention to the nuclear facet of functional and aberrant TDP-43 condensation. We will summarise the current knowledge on how TDP-43 containing nuclear condensates form and function and how their homeostasis is affected in disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruaridh Lang
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) and Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, U.K
| | - Rachel E Hodgson
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) and Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, U.K
| | - Tatyana A Shelkovnikova
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) and Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, U.K
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hu Y, Hruscha A, Pan C, Schifferer M, Schmidt MK, Nuscher B, Giera M, Kostidis S, Burhan Ö, van Bebber F, Edbauer D, Arzberger T, Haass C, Schmid B. Mis-localization of endogenous TDP-43 leads to ALS-like early-stage metabolic dysfunction and progressive motor deficits. Mol Neurodegener 2024; 19:50. [PMID: 38902734 PMCID: PMC11188230 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-024-00735-7] [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: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The key pathological signature of ALS/ FTLD is the mis-localization of endogenous TDP-43 from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. However, TDP-43 gain of function in the cytoplasm is still poorly understood since TDP-43 animal models recapitulating mis-localization of endogenous TDP-43 from the nucleus to the cytoplasm are missing. METHODS CRISPR/Cas9 technology was used to generate a zebrafish line (called CytoTDP), that mis-locates endogenous TDP-43 from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. Phenotypic characterization of motor neurons and the neuromuscular junction was performed by immunostaining, microglia were immunohistochemically localized by whole-mount tissue clearing and muscle ultrastructure was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. Behavior was investigated by video tracking and quantitative analysis of swimming parameters. RNA sequencing was used to identify mis-regulated pathways with validation by molecular analysis. RESULTS CytoTDP fish have early larval phenotypes resembling clinical features of ALS such as progressive motor defects, neurodegeneration and muscle atrophy. Taking advantage of zebrafish's embryonic development that solely relys on yolk usage until 5 days post fertilization, we demonstrated that microglia proliferation and activation in the hypothalamus is independent from food intake. By comparing CytoTDP to a previously generated TDP-43 knockout line, transcriptomic analyses revealed that mis-localization of endogenous TDP-43, rather than TDP-43 nuclear loss of function, leads to early onset metabolic dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS The new TDP-43 model mimics the ALS/FTLD hallmark of progressive motor dysfunction. Our results suggest that functional deficits of the hypothalamus, the metabolic regulatory center, might be the primary cause of weight loss in ALS patients. Cytoplasmic gain of function of endogenous TDP-43 leads to metabolic dysfunction in vivo that are reminiscent of early ALS clinical non-motor metabolic alterations. Thus, the CytoTDP zebrafish model offers a unique opportunity to identify mis-regulated targets for therapeutic intervention early in disease progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yiying Hu
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich, Munich, Germany
- Metabolic Biochemistry, Biomedical Centre (BMC), Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
- Munich Medical Research School (MMRS), Munich, Germany
| | - Alexander Hruscha
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Chenchen Pan
- Neurology Clinic and National Center for Tumor Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martina Schifferer
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich, Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Michael K Schmidt
- Zentrum Für Neuropathologie, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Brigitte Nuscher
- Metabolic Biochemistry, Biomedical Centre (BMC), Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Giera
- Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Özge Burhan
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Frauke van Bebber
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Dieter Edbauer
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich, Munich, Germany
- Metabolic Biochemistry, Biomedical Centre (BMC), Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Arzberger
- Zentrum Für Neuropathologie, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Haass
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich, Munich, Germany
- Metabolic Biochemistry, Biomedical Centre (BMC), Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Bettina Schmid
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich, Munich, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Carmen-Orozco RP, Tsao W, Ye Y, Sinha IR, Chang K, Trinh VT, Chung W, Bowden K, Troncoso JC, Blackshaw S, Hayes LR, Sun S, Wong PC, Ling JP. Elevated nuclear TDP-43 induces constitutive exon skipping. Mol Neurodegener 2024; 19:45. [PMID: 38853250 PMCID: PMC11163724 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-024-00732-w] [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: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cytoplasmic inclusions and loss of nuclear TDP-43 are key pathological features found in several neurodegenerative disorders, suggesting both gain- and loss-of-function mechanisms of disease. To study gain-of-function, TDP-43 overexpression has been used to generate in vitro and in vivo model systems. METHODS We analyzed RNA-seq datasets from mouse and human neurons overexpressing TDP-43 to explore species specific splicing patterns. We explored the dynamics between TDP-43 levels and exon repression in vitro. Furthermore we analyzed human brain samples and publicly available RNA datasets to explore the relationship between exon repression and disease. RESULTS Our study shows that excessive levels of nuclear TDP-43 protein lead to constitutive exon skipping that is largely species-specific. Furthermore, while aberrant exon skipping is detected in some human brains, it is not correlated with disease, unlike the incorporation of cryptic exons that occurs after loss of TDP-43. CONCLUSIONS Our findings emphasize the need for caution in interpreting TDP-43 overexpression data and stress the importance of controlling for exon skipping when generating models of TDP-43 proteinopathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rogger P Carmen-Orozco
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - William Tsao
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Yingzhi Ye
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Irika R Sinha
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Koping Chang
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Vickie T Trinh
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - William Chung
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Kyra Bowden
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Juan C Troncoso
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Seth Blackshaw
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Lindsey R Hayes
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Shuying Sun
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Philip C Wong
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Jonathan P Ling
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Koopman M, Güngördü L, Janssen L, Seinstra RI, Richmond JE, Okerlund N, Wardenaar R, Islam P, Hogewerf W, Brown AEX, Jorgensen EM, Nollen EAA. Rebalancing the motor circuit restores movement in a Caenorhabditis elegans model for TDP-43 toxicity. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114204. [PMID: 38748878 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114204] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis can be caused by abnormal accumulation of TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) in the cytoplasm of neurons. Here, we use a C. elegans model for TDP-43-induced toxicity to identify the biological mechanisms that lead to disease-related phenotypes. By applying deep behavioral phenotyping and subsequent dissection of the neuromuscular circuit, we show that TDP-43 worms have profound defects in GABA neurons. Moreover, acetylcholine neurons appear functionally silenced. Enhancing functional output of repressed acetylcholine neurons at the level of, among others, G-protein-coupled receptors restores neurotransmission, but inefficiently rescues locomotion. Rebalancing the excitatory-to-inhibitory ratio in the neuromuscular system by simultaneous stimulation of the affected GABA- and acetylcholine neurons, however, not only synergizes the effects of boosting individual neurotransmitter systems, but instantaneously improves movement. Our results suggest that interventions accounting for the altered connectome may be more efficient in restoring motor function than those solely focusing on diseased neuron populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mandy Koopman
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Lale Güngördü
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Leen Janssen
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Renée I Seinstra
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Janet E Richmond
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Nathan Okerlund
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and School of Biological Science, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - René Wardenaar
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Priota Islam
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, London, UK; Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Wytse Hogewerf
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Andre E X Brown
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, London, UK; Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Erik M Jorgensen
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and School of Biological Science, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Ellen A A Nollen
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Murage B, Tan H, Mashimo T, Jackson M, Skehel PA. Spinal cord neurone loss and foot placement changes in a rat knock-in model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Type 8. Brain Commun 2024; 6:fcae184. [PMID: 38846532 PMCID: PMC11154649 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcae184] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is an age-dependent cell type-selective degenerative disease. Genetic studies indicate that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is part of a spectrum of disorders, ranging from spinal muscular atrophy to frontotemporal dementia that share common pathological mechanisms. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Type 8 is a familial disease caused by mis-sense mutations in VAPB. VAPB is localized to the cytoplasmic surface of the endoplasmic reticulum, where it serves as a docking point for cytoplasmic proteins and mediates inter-organelle interactions with the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. A gene knock-in model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Type 8 based on the VapBP56S mutation and VapB gene deletion has been generated in rats. These animals display a range of age-dependent phenotypes distinct from those previously reported in mouse models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Type 8. A loss of motor neurones in VapBP56S/+ and VapBP56S/P56S animals is indicated by a reduction in the number of large choline acetyl transferase-staining cells in the spinal cord. VapB-/- animals exhibit a relative increase in cytoplasmic TDP-43 levels compared with the nucleus, but no large protein aggregates. Concomitant with these spinal cord pathologies VapBP56S/+ , VapBP56S/P56S and VapB-/- animals exhibit age-dependent changes in paw placement and exerted pressures when traversing a CatWalk apparatus, consistent with a somatosensory dysfunction. Extramotor dysfunction is reported in half the cases of motor neurone disease, and this is the first indication of an associated sensory dysfunction in a rodent model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Different rodent models may offer complementary experimental platforms with which to understand the human disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Murage
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Edinburgh University, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, Edinburgh University, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Han Tan
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Edinburgh University, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Tomoji Mashimo
- Division of Animal Genetics, Laboratory Animal Research Center, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
| | - Mandy Jackson
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Edinburgh University, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, Edinburgh University, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Paul A Skehel
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Edinburgh University, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, Edinburgh University, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Nelson PT, Fardo DW, Wu X, Aung KZ, Cykowski MD, Katsumata Y. Limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy (LATE-NC): Co-pathologies and genetic risk factors provide clues about pathogenesis. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2024; 83:396-415. [PMID: 38613823 PMCID: PMC11110076 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlae032] [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] [Indexed: 04/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy neuropathologic change (LATE-NC) is detectable at autopsy in more than one-third of people beyond age 85 years and is robustly associated with dementia independent of other pathologies. Although LATE-NC has a large impact on public health, there remain uncertainties about the underlying biologic mechanisms. Here, we review the literature from human studies that may shed light on pathogenetic mechanisms. It is increasingly clear that certain combinations of pathologic changes tend to coexist in aging brains. Although "pure" LATE-NC is not rare, LATE-NC often coexists in the same brains with Alzheimer disease neuropathologic change, brain arteriolosclerosis, hippocampal sclerosis of aging, and/or age-related tau astrogliopathy (ARTAG). The patterns of pathologic comorbidities provide circumstantial evidence of mechanistic interactions ("synergies") between the pathologies, and also suggest common upstream influences. As to primary mediators of vulnerability to neuropathologic changes, genetics may play key roles. Genes associated with LATE-NC include TMEM106B, GRN, APOE, SORL1, ABCC9, and others. Although the anatomic distribution of TDP-43 pathology defines the condition, important cofactors for LATE-NC may include Tau pathology, endolysosomal pathways, and blood-brain barrier dysfunction. A review of the human phenomenology offers insights into disease-driving mechanisms, and may provide clues for diagnostic and therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter T Nelson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
- Department of Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - David W Fardo
- Department of Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Xian Wu
- Department of Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Khine Zin Aung
- Department of Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Matthew D Cykowski
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Yuriko Katsumata
- Department of Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Koike Y. Molecular mechanisms linking loss of TDP-43 function to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/frontotemporal dementia-related genes. Neurosci Res 2024:S0168-0102(24)00063-4. [PMID: 38723906 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2024.05.001] [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: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are characterized by nuclear depletion and cytoplasmic aggregation of TAR DNA-binding protein-43 (TDP-43). TDP-43 plays a key role in regulating the splicing of numerous genes, including TARDBP. This review aims to delineate two aspects of ALS/FTD pathogenesis associated with TDP-43 function. First, we provide novel mechanistic insights into the splicing of UNC13A, a TDP-43 target gene. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in UNC13A are the most common risk factors for ALS/FTD. We found that TDP-43 represses "cryptic exon" inclusion during UNC13A RNA splicing. A risk-associated SNP in this exon results in increased RNA levels of UNC13A retaining the cryptic exon. Second, we described the perturbation of the TDP-43 autoregulatory mechanism caused by age-related DNA demethylation. Aging is a major risk factor for sporadic ALS/FTD. Typically, TDP-43 levels are regulated via alternative splicing of TARDBP mRNA. We hypothesized that TARDBP methylation is altered by aging, thereby disrupting TDP-43 autoregulation. We found that demethylation reduces the efficiency of alternative splicing and increases TARDBP mRNA levels. Moreover, we demonstrated that, with aging, this region is demethylated in the human motor cortex and is associated with the early onset of ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuka Koike
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Gonzalo-Consuegra C, Santos-García I, García-Toscano L, Martín-Baquero R, Rodríguez-Cueto C, Wittwer MB, Dzygiel P, Grether U, de Lago E, Fernández-Ruiz J. Involvement of CB 1 and CB 2 receptors in neuroprotective effects of cannabinoids in experimental TDP-43 related frontotemporal dementia using male mice. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 174:116473. [PMID: 38522237 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116473] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The elevation of endocannabinoid levels through inhibiting their degradation afforded neuroprotection in CaMKIIα-TDP-43 mice, a conditional transgenic model of frontotemporal dementia. However, which cannabinoid receptors are mediating these benefits is still pending to be elucidated. METHODS We have investigated the involvement of the CB1 and the CB2 receptor using chronic treatments with selective ligands in CaMKIIα-TDP-43 mice, analysis of their cognitive deterioration with the Novel Object Recognition test, and immunostaining for neuronal and glial markers in two areas of interest in frontotemporal dementia. RESULTS Our results confirmed the therapeutic value of activating either the CB1 or the CB2 receptor, with improvements in the animal performance in the Novel Object Recognition test, preservation of pyramidal neurons, in particular in the medial prefrontal cortex, and attenuation of glial reactivity, in particular in the hippocampus. In addition, the activation of both CB1 and CB2 receptors reduced the elevated levels of TDP-43 in the medial prefrontal cortex of CaMKIIα-TDP-43 mice, an effect exerted by mechanisms that are currently under investigation. CONCLUSIONS These data reinforce the notion that the activation of CB1 and CB2 receptors may represent a promising therapy against TDP-43-induced neuropathology in frontotemporal dementia. Future studies will have to confirm these benefits, in particular with one of the selective CB2 agonists used here, which has been thoroughly characterized for clinical development.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/agonists
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/metabolism
- Male
- Neuroprotective Agents/pharmacology
- Mice, Transgenic
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/metabolism
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/agonists
- Frontotemporal Dementia/drug therapy
- Frontotemporal Dementia/metabolism
- Frontotemporal Dementia/pathology
- Mice
- Cannabinoids/pharmacology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Prefrontal Cortex/drug effects
- Prefrontal Cortex/metabolism
- Prefrontal Cortex/pathology
- Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase Type 2/metabolism
- DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Hippocampus/drug effects
- Hippocampus/metabolism
- Hippocampus/pathology
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Gonzalo-Consuegra
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene Santos-García
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura García-Toscano
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel Martín-Baquero
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Rodríguez-Cueto
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Matthias B Wittwer
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Pawel Dzygiel
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Uwe Grether
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Eva de Lago
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Javier Fernández-Ruiz
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Zhang H, Chen C, Zhang EE, Huang X. TDP-43 deficiency in suprachiasmatic nucleus perturbs rhythmicity of neuroactivity in prefrontal cortex. iScience 2024; 27:109522. [PMID: 38585660 PMCID: PMC10995886 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Individuals within the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia disease spectrum (ALS/FTD) often experience disruptive mental behaviors and sleep-wake disturbances. The hallmark of ALS/FTD is the pathological involvement of TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43). Understanding the role of TDP-43 in the circadian clock holds promise for addressing these behavioral abnormalities. In this study, we unveil TDP-43 as a pivotal regulator of the circadian clock. TDP-43 knockdown induces intracellular arrhythmicity, disrupts transcriptional activation regulation, and diminishes clock genes expression. Moreover, our experiments in adult mouse reveal that TDP-43 knockdown, specifically within the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), induces locomotor arrhythmia, arrhythmic c-Fos expression, and depression-like behavior. This observation offers valuable insights into the substantial impact of TDP-43 on the behavioral aberrations associated with ALS/FTD. In summary, our study illuminates the significance of TDP-43 in circadian regulation, shedding light on the circadian regulatory mechanisms that may elucidate the pathological underpinnings of ALS/FTD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongxia Zhang
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Chen Chen
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing 102206, China
| | | | - Xiaotian Huang
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Bashir S, Aiman A, Shahid M, Chaudhary AA, Sami N, Basir SF, Hassan I, Islam A. Amyloid-induced neurodegeneration: A comprehensive review through aggregomics perception of proteins in health and pathology. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 96:102276. [PMID: 38499161 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102276] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Amyloidosis of protein caused by fibrillation and aggregation are some of the most exciting new edges not only in protein sciences but also in molecular medicines. The present review discusses recent advancements in the field of neurodegenerative diseases and therapeutic applications with ongoing clinical trials, featuring new areas of protein misfolding resulting in aggregation. The endogenous accretion of protein fibrils having fibrillar morphology symbolizes the beginning of neuro-disorders. Prognostic amyloidosis is prominent in numerous degenerative infections such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), etc. However, the molecular basis determining the intracellular or extracellular evidence of aggregates, playing a significant role as a causative factor in neurodegeneration is still unclear. Structural conversions and protein self-assembly resulting in the formation of amyloid oligomers and fibrils are important events in the pathophysiology of the disease. This comprehensive review sheds light on the evolving landscape of potential treatment modalities, highlighting the ongoing clinical trials and the potential socio-economic impact of novel therapeutic interventions in the realm of neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, many drugs are undergoing different levels of clinical trials that would certainly help in treating these disorders and will surely improve the socio-impact of human life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sania Bashir
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India.
| | - Ayesha Aiman
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India; Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India.
| | - Mohammad Shahid
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Anis Ahmad Chaudhary
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Neha Sami
- Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India.
| | - Seemi Farhat Basir
- Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India.
| | - Imtaiyaz Hassan
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India.
| | - Asimul Islam
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Godoy-Corchuelo JM, Ali Z, Brito Armas JM, Martins-Bach AB, García-Toledo I, Fernández-Beltrán LC, López-Carbonero JI, Bascuñana P, Spring S, Jimenez-Coca I, Muñoz de Bustillo Alfaro RA, Sánchez-Barrena MJ, Nair RR, Nieman BJ, Lerch JP, Miller KL, Ozdinler HP, Fisher EMC, Cunningham TJ, Acevedo-Arozena A, Corrochano S. TDP-43-M323K causes abnormal brain development and progressive cognitive and motor deficits associated with mislocalised and increased levels of TDP-43. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 193:106437. [PMID: 38367882 PMCID: PMC10988218 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106437] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024] Open
Abstract
TDP-43 pathology is found in several neurodegenerative disorders, collectively referred to as "TDP-43 proteinopathies". Aggregates of TDP-43 are present in the brains and spinal cords of >97% of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and in brains of ∼50% of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) patients. While mutations in the TDP-43 gene (TARDBP) are usually associated with ALS, many clinical reports have linked these mutations to cognitive impairments and/or FTD, but also to other neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinsonism (PD) or progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). TDP-43 is a ubiquitously expressed, highly conserved RNA-binding protein that is involved in many cellular processes, mainly RNA metabolism. To investigate systemic pathological mechanisms in TDP-43 proteinopathies, aiming to capture the pleiotropic effects of TDP-43 mutations, we have further characterised a mouse model carrying a point mutation (M323K) within the endogenous Tardbp gene. Homozygous mutant mice developed cognitive and behavioural deficits as early as 3 months of age. This was coupled with significant brain structural abnormalities, mainly in the cortex, hippocampus, and white matter fibres, together with progressive cortical interneuron degeneration and neuroinflammation. At the motor level, progressive phenotypes appeared around 6 months of age. Thus, cognitive phenotypes appeared to be of a developmental origin with a mild associated progressive neurodegeneration, while the motor and neuromuscular phenotypes seemed neurodegenerative, underlined by a progressive loss of upper and lower motor neurons as well as distal denervation. This is accompanied by progressive elevated TDP-43 protein and mRNA levels in cortex and spinal cord of homozygous mutant mice from 3 months of age, together with increased cytoplasmic TDP-43 mislocalisation in cortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus, and spinal cord at 12 months of age. In conclusion, we find that Tardbp M323K homozygous mutant mice model many aspects of human TDP-43 proteinopathies, evidencing a dual role for TDP-43 in brain morphogenesis as well as in the maintenance of the motor system, making them an ideal in vivo model system to study the complex biology of TDP-43.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan M Godoy-Corchuelo
- Neurological Disorders Group, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdiSSC), Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Zeinab Ali
- Neurological Disorders Group, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdiSSC), Madrid 28040, Spain; MRC Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Jose M Brito Armas
- Unidad de Investigación, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, ITB-ULL and CIBERNED, La Laguna, Spain
| | | | - Irene García-Toledo
- Neurological Disorders Group, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdiSSC), Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Luis C Fernández-Beltrán
- Neurological Disorders Group, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdiSSC), Madrid 28040, Spain; Department of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan I López-Carbonero
- Neurological Disorders Group, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdiSSC), Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Pablo Bascuñana
- Brain Mapping Group, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, IdISSC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Shoshana Spring
- Mouse Imaging Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Irene Jimenez-Coca
- Neurological Disorders Group, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdiSSC), Madrid 28040, Spain
| | | | - Maria J Sánchez-Barrena
- Department of Crystallography and Structural Biology, Institute of Physical Chemistry "Blas Cabrera", CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Remya R Nair
- MRC Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire, UK; Nucleic Acid Therapy Accelerator (NATA), Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Brian J Nieman
- Mouse Imaging Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jason P Lerch
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Karla L Miller
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Hande P Ozdinler
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Elizabeth M C Fisher
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, and UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, UCL, Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Thomas J Cunningham
- MRC Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire, UK; MRC Prion Unit at UCL, UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, London, UK
| | - Abraham Acevedo-Arozena
- Unidad de Investigación, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, ITB-ULL and CIBERNED, La Laguna, Spain.
| | - Silvia Corrochano
- Neurological Disorders Group, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdiSSC), Madrid 28040, Spain; MRC Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Krus KL, Benitez AM, Strickland A, Milbrandt J, Bloom AJ, DiAntonio A. Reduced STMN2 and pathogenic TDP-43, two hallmarks of ALS, synergize to accelerate motor decline in mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.19.585052. [PMID: 38562780 PMCID: PMC10983882 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.19.585052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Pathological TDP-43 loss from the nucleus and cytoplasmic aggregation occurs in almost all cases of ALS and half of frontotemporal dementia patients. Stathmin2 (Stmn2) is a key target of TDP-43 regulation and aberrantly spliced Stmn2 mRNA is found in patients with ALS, frontotemporal dementia, and Alzheimer's Disease. STMN2 participates in the axon injury response and its depletion in vivo partially replicates ALS-like symptoms including progressive motor deficits and distal NMJ denervation. The interaction between STMN2 loss and TDP-43 dysfunction has not been studied in mice because TDP-43 regulates human but not murine Stmn2 splicing. Therefore, we generated trans-heterozygous mice that lack one functional copy of Stmn2 and express one mutant TDP-43Q331K knock-in allele to investigate whether reduced STMN2 function exacerbates TDP-43-dependent pathology. Indeed, we observe synergy between these two alleles, resulting in an early onset, progressive motor deficit. Surprisingly, this behavioral defect is not accompanied by detectable neuropathology in the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves or at neuromuscular junctions (NMJs). However, the trans-heterozygous mice exhibit abnormal mitochondrial morphology in their distal axons and NMJs. As both STMN2 and TDP-43 affect mitochondrial dynamics, and neuronal mitochondrial dysfunction is a cardinal feature of many neurodegenerative diseases, this abnormality likely contributes to the observed motor deficit. These findings demonstrate that partial loss of STMN2 significantly exacerbates TDP-43-associated phenotypes, suggesting that STMN2 restoration could ameliorate TDP-43 related disease before the onset of degeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey L. Krus
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States, 63110
| | - Ana Morales Benitez
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States, 63110
| | - Amy Strickland
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States, 63110
| | - Jeffrey Milbrandt
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States, 63110
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States, 63110
- Needleman Center for Neurometabolism and Axonal Therapeutics, St. Louis, United States, 63110
| | - A. Joseph Bloom
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States, 63110
- Needleman Center for Neurometabolism and Axonal Therapeutics, St. Louis, United States, 63110
| | - Aaron DiAntonio
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States, 63110
- Needleman Center for Neurometabolism and Axonal Therapeutics, St. Louis, United States, 63110
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Cho SY, Kim EW, Park SJ, Phillips BU, Jeong J, Kim H, Heath CJ, Kim D, Jang Y, López-Cruz L, Saksida LM, Bussey TJ, Lee DY, Kim E. Reconsidering repurposing: long-term metformin treatment impairs cognition in Alzheimer's model mice. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:34. [PMID: 38238285 PMCID: PMC10796941 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02755-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Metformin, a primary anti-diabetic medication, has been anticipated to provide benefits for Alzheimer's disease (AD), also known as "type 3 diabetes". Nevertheless, some studies have demonstrated that metformin may trigger AD pathology and even elevate AD risk in humans. Despite this, limited research has elucidated the behavioral outcomes of metformin treatment, which would hold significant translational value. Thus, we aimed to perform thorough behavioral research on the prolonged administration of metformin to mice: We administered metformin (300 mg/kg/day) to transgenic 3xTg-AD and non-transgenic (NT) C57BL/6 mice over 1 and 2 years, respectively, and evaluated their behaviors across multiple domains via touchscreen operant chambers, including motivation, attention, memory, visual discrimination, and cognitive flexibility. We found metformin enhanced attention, inhibitory control, and associative learning in younger NT mice (≤16 months). However, chronic treatment led to impairments in memory retention and discrimination learning at older age. Furthermore, metformin caused learning and memory impairment and increased levels of AMPKα1-subunit, β-amyloid oligomers, plaques, phosphorylated tau, and GSK3β expression in AD mice. No changes in potential confounding factors on cognition, including levels of motivation, locomotion, appetite, body weight, blood glucose, and serum vitamin B12, were observed in metformin-treated AD mice. We also identified an enhanced amyloidogenic pathway in db/db mice, as well as in Neuro2a-APP695 cells and a decrease in synaptic markers, such as PSD-95 and synaptophysin in primary neurons, upon metformin treatment. Our findings collectively suggest that the repurposing of metformin should be carefully reconsidered when this drug is used for individuals with AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- So Yeon Cho
- Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
- Department of Psychiatry, Laboratory for Alzheimer's Molecular Psychiatry, Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
- Metabolism-Dementia Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Woo Kim
- Graduate School of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
- Department of Nursing, Seoyeong University, Gwangju, 61268, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo Jin Park
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute for Agricultural and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Benjamin U Phillips
- Department of Psychology, The University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EB, UK
| | - Jihyeon Jeong
- Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
- Department of Psychiatry, Laboratory for Alzheimer's Molecular Psychiatry, Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
- Metabolism-Dementia Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunjeong Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Laboratory for Alzheimer's Molecular Psychiatry, Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
- Metabolism-Dementia Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Christopher J Heath
- School of Life, Health and Chemical Sciences, The Open University, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA, UK
| | - Daehwan Kim
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Yurim Jang
- Interdisciplinary Program in Agricultural Genomics, Center for Food and Bioconvergence, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Laura López-Cruz
- School of Life, Health and Chemical Sciences, The Open University, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA, UK
| | - Lisa M Saksida
- Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, N6A 5K8, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Timothy J Bussey
- Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, N6A 5K8, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Do Yup Lee
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute for Agricultural and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program in Agricultural Genomics, Center for Food and Bioconvergence, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Eosu Kim
- Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Psychiatry, Laboratory for Alzheimer's Molecular Psychiatry, Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
- Metabolism-Dementia Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
- Graduate School of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Yang X, Li G, Lou P, Zhang M, Yao K, Xiao J, Chen Y, Xu J, Tian S, Deng M, Pan Y, Li M, Wu X, Liu R, Shi X, Tian Y, Yu L, Ke H, Jiao B, Cong Y, Plikus MV, Liu X, Yu Z, Lv C. Excessive nucleic acid R-loops induce mitochondria-dependent epithelial cell necroptosis and drive spontaneous intestinal inflammation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2307395120. [PMID: 38157451 PMCID: PMC10769860 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2307395120] [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: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress, which can be activated by a variety of environmental risk factors, has been implicated as an important pathogenic factor for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, how oxidative stress drives IBD onset remains elusive. Here, we found that oxidative stress was strongly activated in inflamed tissues from both ulcerative colitis patients and Crohn's disease patients, and it caused nuclear-to-cytosolic TDP-43 transport and a reduction in the TDP-43 protein level. To investigate the function of TDP-43 in IBD, we inducibly deleted exons 2 to 3 of Tardbp (encoding Tdp-43) in mouse intestinal epithelium, which disrupted its nuclear localization and RNA-processing function. The deletion gave rise to spontaneous intestinal inflammation by inducing epithelial cell necroptosis. Suppression of the necroptotic pathway with deletion of Mlkl or the RIP1 inhibitor Nec-1 rescued colitis phenotypes. Mechanistically, disruption of nuclear TDP-43 caused excessive R-loop accumulation, which triggered DNA damage and genome instability and thereby induced PARP1 hyperactivation, leading to subsequent NAD+ depletion and ATP loss, consequently activating mitochondrion-dependent necroptosis in intestinal epithelial cells. Importantly, restoration of cellular NAD+ levels with NAD+ or NMN supplementation, as well as suppression of ALKBH7, an α-ketoglutarate dioxygenase in mitochondria, rescued TDP-43 deficiency-induced cell death and intestinal inflammation. Furthermore, TDP-43 protein levels were significantly inversely correlated with γ-H2A.X and p-MLKL levels in clinical IBD samples, suggesting the clinical relevance of TDP-43 deficiency-induced mitochondrion-dependent necroptosis. Taken together, these findings identify a unique pathogenic mechanism that links oxidative stress to intestinal inflammation and provide a potent and valid strategy for IBD intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xu Yang
- Tianjian Laboratory of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan450052, China
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing100193, China
- College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Ankang University, Ankang, Shaanxi725000, China
| | - Guilin Li
- Tianjian Laboratory of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan450052, China
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing100193, China
| | - Pengbo Lou
- China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing100094, China
| | - Mingxin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing100193, China
| | - Kai Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing100193, China
| | - Jintao Xiao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan410008, China
- Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of AI Computer Aided Diagnosis and Treatment for Digestive Disease, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yiqian Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan410008, China
- Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of AI Computer Aided Diagnosis and Treatment for Digestive Disease, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jiuzhi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing100193, China
| | - Shengyuan Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing100193, China
| | - Min Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing100193, China
| | - Yuwei Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing100193, China
| | - Mengzhen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing100193, China
| | - Xi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing100193, China
| | - Ruiqi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing100193, China
| | - Xiaojing Shi
- Tianjian Laboratory of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan450052, China
| | - Yuhua Tian
- Tianjian Laboratory of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan450052, China
| | - Lu Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing100193, China
| | - Hao Ke
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution of Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming650223, China
| | - Baowei Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution of Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming650223, China
| | - Yingzi Cong
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, IL60611
| | - Maksim V. Plikus
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, Center for Complex Biological Systems, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA92697
| | - Xiaowei Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan410008, China
- Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of AI Computer Aided Diagnosis and Treatment for Digestive Disease, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhengquan Yu
- Tianjian Laboratory of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan450052, China
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing100193, China
| | - Cong Lv
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Ministry of Education, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing100193, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Rezvykh A, Shteinberg D, Bronovitsky E, Ustyugov A, Funikov S. Animal Models of FUS-Proteinopathy: A Systematic Review. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2024; 89:S34-S56. [PMID: 38621743 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297924140037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Mutations that disrupt the function of the DNA/RNA-binding protein FUS could cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neurodegenerative diseases. One of the key features in ALS pathogenesis is the formation of insoluble protein aggregates containing aberrant isoforms of the FUS protein in the cytoplasm of upper and lower motor neurons. Reproduction of human pathology in animal models is the main tool for studying FUS-associated pathology and searching for potential therapeutic agents for ALS treatment. In this review, we provide a systematic analysis of the role of FUS protein in ALS pathogenesis and an overview of the results of modelling FUS-proteinopathy in animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Rezvykh
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Daniil Shteinberg
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds, Federal Research Center of Problems of Chemical Physics and Medicinal Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Chernogolovka, 142432, Russia
| | | | - Aleksey Ustyugov
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds, Federal Research Center of Problems of Chemical Physics and Medicinal Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Chernogolovka, 142432, Russia
| | - Sergei Funikov
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Pisciottani A, Croci L, Lauria F, Marullo C, Savino E, Ambrosi A, Podini P, Marchioretto M, Casoni F, Cremona O, Taverna S, Quattrini A, Cioni JM, Viero G, Codazzi F, Consalez GG. Neuronal models of TDP-43 proteinopathy display reduced axonal translation, increased oxidative stress, and defective exocytosis. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1253543. [PMID: 38026702 PMCID: PMC10679756 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1253543] [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: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, lethal neurodegenerative disease mostly affecting people around 50-60 years of age. TDP-43, an RNA-binding protein involved in pre-mRNA splicing and controlling mRNA stability and translation, forms neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions in an overwhelming majority of ALS patients, a phenomenon referred to as TDP-43 proteinopathy. These cytoplasmic aggregates disrupt mRNA transport and localization. The axon, like dendrites, is a site of mRNA translation, permitting the local synthesis of selected proteins. This is especially relevant in upper and lower motor neurons, whose axon spans long distances, likely accentuating their susceptibility to ALS-related noxae. In this work we have generated and characterized two cellular models, consisting of virtually pure populations of primary mouse cortical neurons expressing a human TDP-43 fusion protein, wt or carrying an ALS mutation. Both forms facilitate cytoplasmic aggregate formation, unlike the corresponding native proteins, giving rise to bona fide primary culture models of TDP-43 proteinopathy. Neurons expressing TDP-43 fusion proteins exhibit a global impairment in axonal protein synthesis, an increase in oxidative stress, and defects in presynaptic function and electrical activity. These changes correlate with deregulation of axonal levels of polysome-engaged mRNAs playing relevant roles in the same processes. Our data support the emerging notion that deregulation of mRNA metabolism and of axonal mRNA transport may trigger the dying-back neuropathy that initiates motor neuron degeneration in ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Pisciottani
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Croci
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Lauria
- Institute of Biophysics, CNR Unit at Trento, Povo, Italy
| | - Chiara Marullo
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Savino
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Ambrosi
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Podini
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Filippo Casoni
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Ottavio Cremona
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Taverna
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Angelo Quattrini
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Jean-Michel Cioni
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Franca Codazzi
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - G. Giacomo Consalez
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Dilliott AA, Kwon S, Rouleau GA, Iqbal S, Farhan SMK. Characterizing proteomic and transcriptomic features of missense variants in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis genes. Brain 2023; 146:4608-4621. [PMID: 37394881 PMCID: PMC10629772 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad224] [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: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Within recent years, there has been a growing number of genes associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), resulting in an increasing number of novel variants, particularly missense variants, many of which are of unknown clinical significance. Here, we leverage the sequencing efforts of the ALS Knowledge Portal (3864 individuals with ALS and 7839 controls) and Project MinE ALS Sequencing Consortium (4366 individuals with ALS and 1832 controls) to perform proteomic and transcriptomic characterization of missense variants in 24 ALS-associated genes. The two sequencing datasets were interrogated for missense variants in the 24 genes, and variants were annotated with gnomAD minor allele frequencies, ClinVar pathogenicity classifications, protein sequence features including Uniprot functional site annotations, and PhosphoSitePlus post-translational modification site annotations, structural features from AlphaFold predicted monomeric 3D structures, and transcriptomic expression levels from Genotype-Tissue Expression. We then applied missense variant enrichment and gene-burden testing following binning of variation based on the selected proteomic and transcriptomic features to identify those most relevant to pathogenicity in ALS-associated genes. Using predicted human protein structures from AlphaFold, we determined that missense variants carried by individuals with ALS were significantly enriched in β-sheets and α-helices, as well as in core, buried or moderately buried regions. At the same time, we identified that hydrophobic amino acid residues, compositionally biased protein regions and regions of interest are predominantly enriched in missense variants carried by individuals with ALS. Assessment of expression level based on transcriptomics also revealed enrichment of variants of high and medium expression across all tissues and within the brain. We further explored enriched features of interest using burden analyses and identified individual genes were indeed driving certain enrichment signals. A case study is presented for SOD1 to demonstrate proof-of-concept of how enriched features may aid in defining variant pathogenicity. Our results present proteomic and transcriptomic features that are important indicators of missense variant pathogenicity in ALS and are distinct from features associated with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Allison A Dilliott
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0G4, Canada
- Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Seulki Kwon
- The Center for the Development of Therapeutics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Guy A Rouleau
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0G4, Canada
- Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sumaiya Iqbal
- The Center for the Development of Therapeutics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Analytic and Translational Genetics Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Sali M K Farhan
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0G4, Canada
- Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Zhu H, Yang Y, Wang Y, Wang F, Huang Y, Chang Y, Wong KC, Li X. Dynamic characterization and interpretation for protein-RNA interactions across diverse cellular conditions using HDRNet. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6824. [PMID: 37884495 PMCID: PMC10603054 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42547-1] [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: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins play crucial roles in the regulation of gene expression, and understanding the interactions between RNAs and RBPs in distinct cellular conditions forms the basis for comprehending the underlying RNA function. However, current computational methods pose challenges to the cross-prediction of RNA-protein binding events across diverse cell lines and tissue contexts. Here, we develop HDRNet, an end-to-end deep learning-based framework to precisely predict dynamic RBP binding events under diverse cellular conditions. Our results demonstrate that HDRNet can accurately and efficiently identify binding sites, particularly for dynamic prediction, outperforming other state-of-the-art models on 261 linear RNA datasets from both eCLIP and CLIP-seq, supplemented with additional tissue data. Moreover, we conduct motif and interpretation analyses to provide fresh insights into the pathological mechanisms underlying RNA-RBP interactions from various perspectives. Our functional genomic analysis further explores the gene-human disease associations, uncovering previously uncharacterized observations for a broad range of genetic disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Zhu
- School of Artificial Intelligence, Jilin University, 130012, Changchun, China
| | - Yuning Yang
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yunhe Wang
- School of Artificial Intelligence, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Fuzhou Wang
- Department of Computer Science, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Yujian Huang
- College of Computer Science and Cyber Security, Chengdu University of Technology, 610059, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Chang
- School of Artificial Intelligence, Jilin University, 130012, Changchun, China
| | - Ka-Chun Wong
- Department of Computer Science, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR.
| | - Xiangtao Li
- School of Artificial Intelligence, Jilin University, 130012, Changchun, China.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Necarsulmer JC, Simon JM, Evangelista BA, Chen Y, Tian X, Nafees S, Marquez AB, Jiang H, Wang P, Ajit D, Nikolova VD, Harper KM, Ezzell JA, Lin FC, Beltran AS, Moy SS, Cohen TJ. RNA-binding deficient TDP-43 drives cognitive decline in a mouse model of TDP-43 proteinopathy. eLife 2023; 12:RP85921. [PMID: 37819053 PMCID: PMC10567115 DOI: 10.7554/elife.85921] [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] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
TDP-43 proteinopathies including frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are neurodegenerative disorders characterized by aggregation and mislocalization of the nucleic acid-binding protein TDP-43 and subsequent neuronal dysfunction. Here, we developed endogenous models of sporadic TDP-43 proteinopathy based on the principle that disease-associated TDP-43 acetylation at lysine 145 (K145) alters TDP-43 conformation, impairs RNA-binding capacity, and induces downstream mis-regulation of target genes. Expression of acetylation-mimic TDP-43K145Q resulted in stress-induced nuclear TDP-43 foci and loss of TDP-43 function in primary mouse and human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived cortical neurons. Mice harboring the TDP-43K145Q mutation recapitulated key hallmarks of FTLD, including progressive TDP-43 phosphorylation and insolubility, TDP-43 mis-localization, transcriptomic and splicing alterations, and cognitive dysfunction. Our study supports a model in which TDP-43 acetylation drives neuronal dysfunction and cognitive decline through aberrant splicing and transcription of critical genes that regulate synaptic plasticity and stress response signaling. The neurodegenerative cascade initiated by TDP-43 acetylation recapitulates many aspects of human FTLD and provides a new paradigm to further interrogate TDP-43 proteinopathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie C Necarsulmer
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
- Department of Neurology, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | - Jeremy M Simon
- UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
- Department of Genetics, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | - Baggio A Evangelista
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
- Department of Neurology, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | - Youjun Chen
- Department of Neurology, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | - Xu Tian
- Department of Neurology, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | - Sara Nafees
- Department of Neurology, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | - Ariana B Marquez
- Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Core, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | - Huijun Jiang
- Department of Biostatistics, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Neurology, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | - Deepa Ajit
- Department of Neurology, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | - Viktoriya D Nikolova
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | - Kathryn M Harper
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | - J Ashley Ezzell
- Department of Cell Biology & Physiology, Histology Research Core Facility, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | - Feng-Chang Lin
- Department of Biostatistics, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | - Adriana S Beltran
- Department of Genetics, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
- Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Core, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | - Sheryl S Moy
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | - Todd J Cohen
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
- Department of Neurology, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
- UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Gimenez J, Spalloni A, Cappelli S, Ciaiola F, Orlando V, Buratti E, Longone P. TDP-43 Epigenetic Facets and Their Neurodegenerative Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13807. [PMID: 37762112 PMCID: PMC10530927 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813807] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Since its initial involvement in numerous neurodegenerative pathologies in 2006, either as a principal actor or as a cofactor, new pathologies implicating transactive response (TAR) DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) are regularly emerging also beyond the neuronal system. This reflects the fact that TDP-43 functions are particularly complex and broad in a great variety of human cells. In neurodegenerative diseases, this protein is often pathologically delocalized to the cytoplasm, where it irreversibly aggregates and is subjected to various post-translational modifications such as phosphorylation, polyubiquitination, and cleavage. Until a few years ago, the research emphasis has been focused particularly on the impacts of this aggregation and/or on its widely described role in complex RNA splicing, whether related to loss- or gain-of-function mechanisms. Interestingly, recent studies have strengthened the knowledge of TDP-43 activity at the chromatin level and its implication in the regulation of DNA transcription and stability. These discoveries have highlighted new features regarding its own transcriptional regulation and suggested additional mechanistic and disease models for the effects of TPD-43. In this review, we aim to give a comprehensive view of the potential epigenetic (de)regulations driven by (and driving) this multitask DNA/RNA-binding protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juliette Gimenez
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia (FSL), 00143 Rome, Italy; (A.S.); (P.L.)
| | - Alida Spalloni
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia (FSL), 00143 Rome, Italy; (A.S.); (P.L.)
| | - Sara Cappelli
- Molecular Pathology Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), 34149 Trieste, Italy; (S.C.); (E.B.)
| | - Francesca Ciaiola
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia (FSL), 00143 Rome, Italy; (A.S.); (P.L.)
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Roma Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Orlando
- KAUST Environmental Epigenetics Program, Biological Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division BESE, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Emanuele Buratti
- Molecular Pathology Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), 34149 Trieste, Italy; (S.C.); (E.B.)
| | - Patrizia Longone
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia (FSL), 00143 Rome, Italy; (A.S.); (P.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
De Lorenzo F, Lüningschrör P, Nam J, Beckett L, Pilotto F, Galli E, Lindholm P, Rüdt von Collenberg C, Mungwa ST, Jablonka S, Kauder J, Thau-Habermann N, Petri S, Lindholm D, Saxena S, Sendtner M, Saarma M, Voutilainen MH. CDNF rescues motor neurons in models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis by targeting endoplasmic reticulum stress. Brain 2023; 146:3783-3799. [PMID: 36928391 PMCID: PMC10473573 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons in the spinal cord, brainstem and motor cortex, leading to paralysis and eventually to death within 3-5 years of symptom onset. To date, no cure or effective therapy is available. The role of chronic endoplasmic reticulum stress in the pathophysiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, as well as a potential drug target, has received increasing attention. Here, we investigated the mode of action and therapeutic effect of the endoplasmic reticulum-resident protein cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor in three preclinical models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, exhibiting different disease development and aetiology: (i) the conditional choline acetyltransferase-tTA/TRE-hTDP43-M337V rat model previously described; (ii) the widely used SOD1-G93A mouse model; and (iii) a novel slow-progressive TDP43-M337V mouse model. To specifically analyse the endoplasmic reticulum stress response in motor neurons, we used three main methods: (i) primary cultures of motor neurons derived from embryonic Day 13 embryos; (ii) immunohistochemical analyses of spinal cord sections with choline acetyltransferase as spinal motor neuron marker; and (iii) quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses of lumbar motor neurons isolated via laser microdissection. We show that intracerebroventricular administration of cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor significantly halts the progression of the disease and improves motor behaviour in TDP43-M337V and SOD1-G93A rodent models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor rescues motor neurons in vitro and in vivo from endoplasmic reticulum stress-associated cell death and its beneficial effect is independent of genetic disease aetiology. Notably, cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor regulates the unfolded protein response initiated by transducers IRE1α, PERK and ATF6, thereby enhancing motor neuron survival. Thus, cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor holds great promise for the design of new rational treatments for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca De Lorenzo
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Patrick Lüningschrör
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97078 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jinhan Nam
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Liam Beckett
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Federica Pilotto
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital University Hospital, University of Bern, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Emilia Galli
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Päivi Lindholm
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Simon Tii Mungwa
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97078 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sibylle Jablonka
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97078 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Julia Kauder
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Susanne Petri
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Dan Lindholm
- Medicum, Department of Biochemistry and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Minerva Foundation Institute for Medical Research, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Smita Saxena
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital University Hospital, University of Bern, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Michael Sendtner
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97078 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Merja H Voutilainen
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Oiwa K, Watanabe S, Onodera K, Iguchi Y, Kinoshita Y, Komine O, Sobue A, Okada Y, Katsuno M, Yamanaka K. Monomerization of TDP-43 is a key determinant for inducing TDP-43 pathology in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadf6895. [PMID: 37540751 PMCID: PMC10403219 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adf6895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
The cytoplasmic aggregation of TAR DNA binding protein-43 (TDP-43), also known as TDP-43 pathology, is the pathological hallmark of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, the mechanism underlying TDP-43 cytoplasmic mislocalization and subsequent aggregation remains unclear. Here, we show that TDP-43 dimerization/multimerization is impaired in the postmortem brains and spinal cords of patients with sporadic ALS and that N-terminal dimerization-deficient TDP-43 consists of pathological inclusion bodies in ALS motor neurons. Expression of N-terminal dimerization-deficient mutant TDP-43 in Neuro2a cells and induced pluripotent stem cell-derived motor neurons recapitulates TDP-43 pathology, such as Nxf1-dependent cytoplasmic mislocalization and aggregate formation, which induces seeding effects. Furthermore, TDP-DiLuc, a bimolecular luminescence complementation reporter assay, could detect decreased N-terminal dimerization of TDP-43 before TDP-43 pathological changes caused by the transcription inhibition linked to aberrant RNA metabolism in ALS. These findings identified TDP-43 monomerization as a critical determinant inducing TDP-43 pathology in ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kotaro Oiwa
- Department of Neuroscience and Pathobiology, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8560, Japan
| | - Seiji Watanabe
- Department of Neuroscience and Pathobiology, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
- Department of Neuroscience and Pathobiology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8560, Japan
| | - Kazunari Onodera
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8560, Japan
- Department of Neural iPSC Research, Institute for Medical Science of Aging, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Aichi 480-1195, Japan
- Department of Neurology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Aichi 480-1195, Japan
| | - Yohei Iguchi
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8560, Japan
| | - Yukako Kinoshita
- Department of Neuroscience and Pathobiology, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
| | - Okiru Komine
- Department of Neuroscience and Pathobiology, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
- Department of Neuroscience and Pathobiology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8560, Japan
| | - Akira Sobue
- Department of Neuroscience and Pathobiology, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
- Department of Neuroscience and Pathobiology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8560, Japan
- Medical Interactive Research and Academia Industry Collaboration Center, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yohei Okada
- Department of Neural iPSC Research, Institute for Medical Science of Aging, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Aichi 480-1195, Japan
- Department of Neurology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Aichi 480-1195, Japan
| | - Masahisa Katsuno
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8560, Japan
- Institute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Nagoya University, Aichi, Japan
| | - Koji Yamanaka
- Department of Neuroscience and Pathobiology, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
- Department of Neuroscience and Pathobiology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8560, Japan
- Institute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Nagoya University, Aichi, Japan
- Center for One Medicine Innovative Translational Research (COMIT), Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Yabata H, Riku Y, Miyahara H, Akagi A, Sone J, Urushitani M, Yoshida M, Iwasaki Y. Nuclear Expression of TDP-43 Is Linked with Morphology and Ubiquitylation of Cytoplasmic Aggregates in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12176. [PMID: 37569549 PMCID: PMC10418808 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512176] [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: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The transactive response DNA-binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP-43) is a pathological protein of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). TDP-43 pathology is characterized by a combination of the cytoplasmic aggregation and nuclear clearance of this protein. However, the mechanisms underlying TDP-43 pathology have not been fully clarified. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationships between the expression level of nuclear TDP-43 and the pathological properties of cytoplasmic aggregates in autopsied ALS cases. We included 22 consecutively autopsied cases with sporadic TDP-43-related ALS. The motor neuron systems were neuropathologically assessed. We identified 790 neurons with cytoplasmic TDP-43 inclusions from the lower motor neuron system of included cases. Nuclear TDP-43 disappeared in 84% (n = 660) and expressed in 16% (n = 130) of neurons with cytoplasmic inclusions; the former was defined as TDP-43 cytoplasmic immunoreactivity (c-ir), and the latter was defined as nuclear and cytoplasmic immunoreactivity (n/c-ir). Morphologically, diffuse cytoplasmic inclusions were significantly more prevalent in TDP-43 n/c-ir neurons than in c-ir neurons, while skein-like and round inclusions were less prevalent in n/c-ir neurons. The cytoplasmic inclusions of TDP-43 n/c-ir neurons were phosphorylated but poorly ubiquitylated when compared with those of c-ir neurons. TDP-43 n/c-ir neurons became less dominant than the c-ir neurons among cases with a prolonged disease duration. The expression level of nuclear TDP-43 was significantly lower in n/c-ir neurons than in normal neurons without cytoplasmic inclusions. Our results indicate that the maturation of cytoplasmic TDP-43 inclusions correlates with the depletion of nuclear TDP-43 in each affected neuron. This finding supports the view that an imbalance between nuclear and cytoplasmic TDP-43 may be an essential pathway to TDP-43 pathology.
Collapse
Grants
- JP20K16586, JP22K07359, JP23K06935 JSPS KAKENHI
- JP20ek0109392, JP20ek0109391 AMED
- (30-8) Intramural Research Grant for Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders of NCNP
- not applicable Grants-in-Aid from the Research Committee of CNS Degenerative Diseases, Research on Policy Planning and Evaluation for Rare and Intractable Diseases, Health, Labour, and Welfare Sciences Research Grants, the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare, Japan
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Yabata
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute for Medical Science of Aging, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute 480-1195, Aichi, Japan; (H.Y.); (H.M.); (A.A.); (J.S.); (M.Y.); (Y.I.)
- Department of Neurology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu 520-2192, Shiga, Japan;
| | - Yuichi Riku
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute for Medical Science of Aging, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute 480-1195, Aichi, Japan; (H.Y.); (H.M.); (A.A.); (J.S.); (M.Y.); (Y.I.)
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University, Nagoya 466-8550, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Miyahara
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute for Medical Science of Aging, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute 480-1195, Aichi, Japan; (H.Y.); (H.M.); (A.A.); (J.S.); (M.Y.); (Y.I.)
| | - Akio Akagi
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute for Medical Science of Aging, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute 480-1195, Aichi, Japan; (H.Y.); (H.M.); (A.A.); (J.S.); (M.Y.); (Y.I.)
| | - Jun Sone
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute for Medical Science of Aging, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute 480-1195, Aichi, Japan; (H.Y.); (H.M.); (A.A.); (J.S.); (M.Y.); (Y.I.)
| | - Makoto Urushitani
- Department of Neurology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu 520-2192, Shiga, Japan;
| | - Mari Yoshida
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute for Medical Science of Aging, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute 480-1195, Aichi, Japan; (H.Y.); (H.M.); (A.A.); (J.S.); (M.Y.); (Y.I.)
| | - Yasushi Iwasaki
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute for Medical Science of Aging, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute 480-1195, Aichi, Japan; (H.Y.); (H.M.); (A.A.); (J.S.); (M.Y.); (Y.I.)
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Onda-Ohto A, Hasegawa-Ogawa M, Matsuno H, Shiraishi T, Bono K, Hiraki H, Kanegae Y, Iguchi Y, Okano HJ. Specific vulnerability of iPSC-derived motor neurons with TDP-43 gene mutation to oxidative stress. Mol Brain 2023; 16:62. [PMID: 37496071 PMCID: PMC10369818 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-023-01050-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a disease that affects motor neurons and has a poor prognosis. We focused on TAR DNA-binding protein 43 kDa (TDP-43), which is a common component of neuronal inclusions in many ALS patients. To analyze the contribution of TDP-43 mutations to ALS in human cells, we first introduced TDP-43 mutations into healthy human iPSCs using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology, induced the differentiation of these cells into motor and sensory neurons, and analyzed factors that are assumed to be altered in or associated with ALS (cell morphology, TDP-43 localization and aggregate formation, cell death, TDP-43 splicing function, etc.). We aimed to clarify the pathological alterations caused solely by TDP-43 mutation, i.e., the changes in human iPSC-derived neurons with TDP-43 mutation compared with those with the same genetic background except TDP-43 mutation. Oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide administration caused the death of TDP-43 mutant-expressing motor neurons but not in sensory neurons, indicating the specific vulnerability of human iPSC-derived motor neurons with TDP-43 mutation to oxidative stress. In our model, we observed aggregate formation in a small fraction of TDP-43 mutant-expressing motor neurons, suggesting that aggregate formation seems to be related to ALS pathology but not the direct cause of cell death. This study provides basic knowledge for elucidating the pathogenesis of ALS and developing treatments for the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Asako Onda-Ohto
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8 Nishi-Shimbashi, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 105-8461, Japan
- Department of Neurology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8 Nishi-Shimbashi, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 105-8461, Japan
| | - Minami Hasegawa-Ogawa
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8 Nishi-Shimbashi, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 105-8461, Japan
| | - Hiromasa Matsuno
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8 Nishi-Shimbashi, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 105-8461, Japan
- Department of Neurology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8 Nishi-Shimbashi, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 105-8461, Japan
| | - Tomotaka Shiraishi
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8 Nishi-Shimbashi, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 105-8461, Japan
- Department of Neurology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8 Nishi-Shimbashi, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 105-8461, Japan
| | - Keiko Bono
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8 Nishi-Shimbashi, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 105-8461, Japan
- Department of Neurology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8 Nishi-Shimbashi, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 105-8461, Japan
| | - Hiromi Hiraki
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8 Nishi-Shimbashi, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 105-8461, Japan
- Department of Neurology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8 Nishi-Shimbashi, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 105-8461, Japan
| | - Yumi Kanegae
- Core Research Facilities, Research Center for Medical Sciences, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8 Nishi-Shimbashi, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 105-8461, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Iguchi
- Department of Neurology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8 Nishi-Shimbashi, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 105-8461, Japan
| | - Hirotaka James Okano
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8 Nishi-Shimbashi, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 105-8461, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Wolin E, Guo JK, Blanco MR, Perez AA, Goronzy IN, Abdou AA, Gorhe D, Guttman M, Jovanovic M. SPIDR: a highly multiplexed method for mapping RNA-protein interactions uncovers a potential mechanism for selective translational suppression upon cellular stress. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.05.543769. [PMID: 37333139 PMCID: PMC10274648 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.05.543769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
RNA binding proteins (RBPs) play crucial roles in regulating every stage of the mRNA life cycle and mediating non-coding RNA functions. Despite their importance, the specific roles of most RBPs remain unexplored because we do not know what specific RNAs most RBPs bind. Current methods, such as crosslinking and immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (CLIP-seq), have expanded our knowledge of RBP-RNA interactions but are generally limited by their ability to map only one RBP at a time. To address this limitation, we developed SPIDR (Split and Pool Identification of RBP targets), a massively multiplexed method to simultaneously profile global RNA binding sites of dozens to hundreds of RBPs in a single experiment. SPIDR employs split-pool barcoding coupled with antibody-bead barcoding to increase the throughput of current CLIP methods by two orders of magnitude. SPIDR reliably identifies precise, single-nucleotide RNA binding sites for diverse classes of RBPs simultaneously. Using SPIDR, we explored changes in RBP binding upon mTOR inhibition and identified that 4EBP1 acts as a dynamic RBP that selectively binds to 5'-untranslated regions of specific translationally repressed mRNAs only upon mTOR inhibition. This observation provides a potential mechanism to explain the specificity of translational regulation controlled by mTOR signaling. SPIDR has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of RNA biology and both transcriptional and post-transcriptional gene regulation by enabling rapid, de novo discovery of RNA-protein interactions at an unprecedented scale.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erica Wolin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York City, New York 10027, USA
| | - Jimmy K. Guo
- Division of Biology and Bioengineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena CA 91125, USA
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Mario R. Blanco
- Division of Biology and Bioengineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena CA 91125, USA
| | - Andrew A. Perez
- Division of Biology and Bioengineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena CA 91125, USA
| | - Isabel N. Goronzy
- Division of Biology and Bioengineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena CA 91125, USA
| | - Ahmed A. Abdou
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York City, New York 10027, USA
| | - Darvesh Gorhe
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York City, New York 10027, USA
| | - Mitchell Guttman
- Division of Biology and Bioengineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena CA 91125, USA
| | - Marko Jovanovic
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York City, New York 10027, USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Maksimovic K, Youssef M, You J, Sung HK, Park J. Evidence of Metabolic Dysfunction in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Patients and Animal Models. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13050863. [PMID: 37238732 DOI: 10.3390/biom13050863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and eventual death. Research from the past few decades has appreciated that ALS is not only a disease of the motor neurons but also a disease that involves systemic metabolic dysfunction. This review will examine the foundational research of understanding metabolic dysfunction in ALS and provide an overview of past and current studies in ALS patients and animal models, spanning from full systems to various metabolic organs. While ALS-affected muscle tissue exhibits elevated energy demand and a fuel preference switch from glycolysis to fatty acid oxidation, adipose tissue in ALS undergoes increased lipolysis. Dysfunctions in the liver and pancreas contribute to impaired glucose homeostasis and insulin secretion. The central nervous system (CNS) displays abnormal glucose regulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and increased oxidative stress. Importantly, the hypothalamus, a brain region that controls whole-body metabolism, undergoes atrophy associated with pathological aggregates of TDP-43. This review will also cover past and present treatment options that target metabolic dysfunction in ALS and provide insights into the future of metabolism research in ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Maksimovic
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Mohieldin Youssef
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Justin You
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Hoon-Ki Sung
- Translational Medicine Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Jeehye Park
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Milstead RA, Link CD, Xu Z, Hoeffer CA. TDP-43 knockdown in mouse model of ALS leads to dsRNA deposition, gliosis, and neurodegeneration in the spinal cord. Cereb Cortex 2023; 33:5808-5816. [PMID: 36443249 PMCID: PMC10183735 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhac461] [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: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Transactive response DNA binding protein 43 kilodaltons (TDP-43) is a DNA and RNA binding protein associated with severe neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), primarily affecting motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. Partial knockdown of TDP-43 expression in a mouse model (the amiR-TDP-43 mice) leads to progressive, age-related motor dysfunction, as observed in ALS patients. Work in Caenorhabditis elegans suggests that TDP-43 dysfunction can lead to deficits in chromatin processing and double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) accumulation, potentially activating the innate immune system and promoting neuroinflammation. To test this hypothesis, we used immunostaining to investigate dsRNA accumulation and other signs of CNS pathology in the spinal cords of amiR-TDP-43 mice. Compared with wild-type controls, TDP-43 knockdown animals show increases in dsRNA deposition in the dorsal and ventral horns of the spinal cord. Additionally, animals with heavy dsRNA expression show markedly increased levels of astrogliosis and microgliosis. Interestingly, areas of high dsRNA expression and microgliosis overlap with regions of heavy neurodegeneration, indicating that activated microglia could contribute to the degeneration of spinal cord neurons. This study suggests that loss of TDP-43 function could contribute to neuropathology by increasing dsRNA deposition and subsequent innate immune system activation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan A Milstead
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder CO 80303
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303
| | - Christopher D Link
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder CO 80303
| | - Zuoshang Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01655
| | - Charles A Hoeffer
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder CO 80303
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303
- Linda Crnic Institute, Anschutz Medical Center, Aurora, CO 80217
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Fisher EM, Greensmith L, Malaspina A, Fratta P, Hanna MG, Schiavo G, Isaacs AM, Orrell RW, Cunningham TJ, Arozena AA. Opinion: more mouse models and more translation needed for ALS. Mol Neurodegener 2023; 18:30. [PMID: 37143081 PMCID: PMC10161557 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00619-2] [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: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a complex disorder most of which is 'sporadic' of unknown origin but approximately 10% is familial, arising from single mutations in any of more than 30 genes. Thus, there are more than 30 familial ALS subtypes, with different, often unknown, molecular pathologies leading to a complex constellation of clinical phenotypes. We have mouse models for many genetic forms of the disorder, but these do not, on their own, necessarily show us the key pathological pathways at work in human patients. To date, we have no models for the 90% of ALS that is 'sporadic'. Potential therapies have been developed mainly using a limited set of mouse models, and through lack of alternatives, in the past these have been tested on patients regardless of aetiology. Cancer researchers have undertaken therapy development with similar challenges; they have responded by producing complex mouse models that have transformed understanding of pathological processes, and they have implemented patient stratification in multi-centre trials, leading to the effective translation of basic research findings to the clinic. ALS researchers have successfully adopted this combined approach, and now to increase our understanding of key disease pathologies, and our rate of progress for moving from mouse models to mechanism to ALS therapies we need more, innovative, complex mouse models to address specific questions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M.C. Fisher
- UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
| | - Linda Greensmith
- UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
| | - Andrea Malaspina
- UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
| | - Pietro Fratta
- UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
| | - Michael G. Hanna
- UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
| | - Giampietro Schiavo
- UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, WC1E 6BT UK
| | - Adrian M. Isaacs
- UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, WC1E 6BT UK
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
| | - Richard W. Orrell
- UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
| | - Thomas J. Cunningham
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, Courtauld Building, 33 Cleveland Street, London, W1W 7FF UK
| | - Abraham Acevedo Arozena
- Research Unit, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, ITB-ULL and CIBERNED, La Laguna, 38320 Spain
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Zhong J, Gunner G, Henninger N, Schafer DP, Bosco DA. Intravital Imaging of Fluorescent Protein Expression in Mice with a Closed-Skull Traumatic Brain Injury and Cranial Window Using a Two-Photon Microscope. J Vis Exp 2023:10.3791/64701. [PMID: 37154548 PMCID: PMC11093183 DOI: 10.3791/64701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The goal of this protocol is to demonstrate how to longitudinally visualize the expression and localization of a protein of interest within specific cell types of an animal's brain, upon exposure to exogenous stimuli. Here, the administration of a closed-skull traumatic brain injury (TBI) and simultaneous implantation of a cranial window for subsequent longitudinal intravital imaging in mice is shown. Mice are intracranially injected with an adeno-associated virus (AAV) expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) under a neuronal specific promoter. After 2 to 4 weeks, the mice are subjected to a repetitive TBI using a weight drop device over the AAV injection location. Within the same surgical session, the mice are implanted with a metal headpost and then a glass cranial window over the TBI impacting site. The expression and cellular localization of EGFP is examined using a two-photon microscope in the same brain region exposed to trauma over the course of months.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianjun Zhong
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School; Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University
| | - Georgia Gunner
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School
| | - Nils Henninger
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School
| | - Dorothy P Schafer
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School
| | - Daryl A Bosco
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School;
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Piol D, Robberechts T, Da Cruz S. Lost in local translation: TDP-43 and FUS in axonal/neuromuscular junction maintenance and dysregulation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neuron 2023; 111:1355-1380. [PMID: 36963381 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023]
Abstract
Key early features of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are denervation of neuromuscular junctions and axonal degeneration. Motor neuron homeostasis relies on local translation through controlled regulation of axonal mRNA localization, transport, and stability. Yet the composition of the local transcriptome, translatome (mRNAs locally translated), and proteome during health and disease remains largely unexplored. This review covers recent discoveries on axonal translation as a critical mechanism for neuronal maintenance/survival. We focus on two RNA binding proteins, transactive response DNA binding protein-43 (TDP-43) and fused in sarcoma (FUS), whose mutations cause ALS and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Emerging evidence points to their essential role in the maintenance of axons and synapses, including mRNA localization, transport, and local translation, and whose dysfunction may contribute to ALS. Finally, we describe recent advances in omics-based approaches mapping compartment-specific local RNA and protein compositions, which will be invaluable to elucidate fundamental local processes and identify key targets for therapy development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diana Piol
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tessa Robberechts
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sandrine Da Cruz
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Wei JA, Liu L, Song X, Lin B, Cui J, Luo L, Liu Y, Li S, Li X, So KF, Yan S, Zhang L. Physical exercise modulates the microglial complement pathway in mice to relieve cortical circuitry deficits induced by mutant human TDP-43. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112240. [PMID: 36924491 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112240] [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: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The aggregation of TAR DNA binding protein 43 kDa (TDP-43) is related to different neurodegenerative diseases, which leads to microglial activation and neuronal loss. The molecular mechanism driving neuronal death by reactive microglia, however, has not been completely resolved. In this study, we generated a mouse model by overexpressing mutant human TDP-43 (M337V) in the primary motor cortex, leading to prominent motor-learning deficits. In vivo 2-photon imaging shows an active approach of microglia toward parvalbumin interneurons, resulting in disrupted cortical excitatory-inhibitory balance. Proteomics studies suggest that activation of the complement pathway induces microglial activity. To develop an early interventional strategy, treadmill exercise successfully prevents the deterioration of motor dysfunction under enhanced adipocytic release of clusterin to block the complement pathway. These results demonstrate a previously unrecognized pathway by which TDP-43 induces cortical deficits and provide additional insights for the mechanistic explanation of exercise training in disease intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ji-An Wei
- Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Linglin Liu
- Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xichen Song
- Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Bilian Lin
- Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Jing Cui
- Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Lanzhi Luo
- Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yuchu Liu
- Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Shihua Li
- Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Models, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xiaojiang Li
- Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Models, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Kwok-Fai So
- Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Guangzhou 510515, China; Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou 510300, China; Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation Institute, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Sen Yan
- Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Models, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
| | - Li Zhang
- Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Guangzhou 510515, China; Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou 510300, China; Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation Institute, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao 266000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Mead RJ, Shan N, Reiser HJ, Marshall F, Shaw PJ. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a neurodegenerative disorder poised for successful therapeutic translation. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:185-212. [PMID: 36543887 PMCID: PMC9768794 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-022-00612-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 99.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating disease caused by degeneration of motor neurons. As with all major neurodegenerative disorders, development of disease-modifying therapies has proven challenging for multiple reasons. Nevertheless, ALS is one of the few neurodegenerative diseases for which disease-modifying therapies are approved. Significant discoveries and advances have been made in ALS preclinical models, genetics, pathology, biomarkers, imaging and clinical readouts over the last 10-15 years. At the same time, novel therapeutic paradigms are being applied in areas of high unmet medical need, including neurodegenerative disorders. These developments have evolved our knowledge base, allowing identification of targeted candidate therapies for ALS with diverse mechanisms of action. In this Review, we discuss how this advanced knowledge, aligned with new approaches, can enable effective translation of therapeutic agents from preclinical studies through to clinical benefit for patients with ALS. We anticipate that this approach in ALS will also positively impact the field of drug discovery for neurodegenerative disorders more broadly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Mead
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Keapstone Therapeutics, The Innovation Centre, Broomhall, Sheffield, UK
| | - Ning Shan
- Aclipse Therapeutics, Radnor, PA, US
| | | | - Fiona Marshall
- MSD UK Discovery Centre, Merck, Sharp and Dohme (UK) Limited, London, UK
| | - Pamela J Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
- Keapstone Therapeutics, The Innovation Centre, Broomhall, Sheffield, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Ni J, Ren Y, Su T, Zhou J, Fu C, Lu Y, Li D, Zhao J, Li Y, Zhang Y, Fang Y, Liu N, Geng Y, Chen Y. Loss of TDP-43 function underlies hippocampal and cortical synaptic deficits in TDP-43 proteinopathies. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:931-945. [PMID: 34697451 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01346-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
TDP-43 proteinopathy is linked to neurodegenerative diseases that feature synaptic loss in the cortex and hippocampus, although it remains unclear how TDP-43 regulates mature synapses. We report that, in adult mouse hippocampus, TDP-43 knockdown, but not overexpression, induces robust structural and functional damage to excitatory synapses, supporting a role for TDP-43 in maintaining mature synapses. Dendritic spine loss induced by TDP-43 knockdown is rescued by wild-type TDP-43, but not ALS/FTLD-associated mutants, suggesting a common TDP-43 functional deficiency in neurodegenerative diseases. Interestingly, M337V and A90V mutants also display dominant negative activities against WT TDP-43, partially explaining why M337V transgenic mice develop hippocampal degeneration similar to that in excitatory neuronal TDP-43 knockout mice, and why A90V mutation is associated with Alzheimer's disease. Further analyses reveal that a TDP-43 knockdown-induced reduction in GluN2A contributes to synaptic loss. Our results show that loss of TDP-43 function underlies hippocampal and cortical synaptic degeneration in TDP-43 proteinopathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiangxia Ni
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.100 Haike Rd. Pudong New District, Shanghai, 201210, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Yongfei Ren
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.100 Haike Rd. Pudong New District, Shanghai, 201210, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Tonghui Su
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.100 Haike Rd. Pudong New District, Shanghai, 201210, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Jia Zhou
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.100 Haike Rd. Pudong New District, Shanghai, 201210, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Chaoying Fu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.100 Haike Rd. Pudong New District, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Yi Lu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.100 Haike Rd. Pudong New District, Shanghai, 201210, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - De'an Li
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.100 Haike Rd. Pudong New District, Shanghai, 201210, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.100 Haike Rd. Pudong New District, Shanghai, 201210, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Yunxia Li
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.100 Haike Rd. Pudong New District, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Yaoyang Zhang
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.100 Haike Rd. Pudong New District, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Yanshan Fang
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.100 Haike Rd. Pudong New District, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Nan Liu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.100 Haike Rd. Pudong New District, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Yang Geng
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.100 Haike Rd. Pudong New District, Shanghai, 201210, China.
| | - Yelin Chen
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.100 Haike Rd. Pudong New District, Shanghai, 201210, China.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
McMillan M, Gomez N, Hsieh C, Bekier M, Li X, Miguez R, Tank EMH, Barmada SJ. RNA methylation influences TDP43 binding and disease pathogenesis in models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. Mol Cell 2023; 83:219-236.e7. [PMID: 36634675 PMCID: PMC9899051 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2022.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
RNA methylation at adenosine N6 (m6A) is one of the most common RNA modifications, impacting RNA stability, transport, and translation. Previous studies uncovered RNA destabilization in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) models in association with accumulation of the RNA-binding protein TDP43. Here, we show that TDP43 recognizes m6A RNA and that RNA methylation is critical for both TDP43 binding and autoregulation. We also observed extensive RNA hypermethylation in ALS spinal cord, corresponding to methylated TDP43 substrates. Emphasizing the importance of m6A for TDP43 binding and function, we identified several m6A factors that enhance or suppress TDP43-mediated toxicity via single-cell CRISPR-Cas9 in primary neurons. The most promising modifier-the canonical m6A reader YTHDF2-accumulated within ALS spinal neurons, and its knockdown prolonged the survival of human neurons carrying ALS-associated mutations. Collectively, these data show that m6A modifications modulate RNA binding by TDP43 and that m6A is pivotal for TDP43-related neurodegeneration in ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael McMillan
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Nicolas Gomez
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Caroline Hsieh
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Michael Bekier
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Xingli Li
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Roberto Miguez
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Elizabeth M H Tank
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Sami J Barmada
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Togai S, Hamamichi S, Kazuki Y, Hiratsuka M. Pathological Comparison of TDP-43 Between Motor Neurons and Interneurons Expressed by a Tetracycline Repressor System on the Mouse Artificial Chromosome. Yonago Acta Med 2023; 66:24-35. [PMID: 36820298 PMCID: PMC9937957 DOI: 10.33160/yam.2023.02.004] [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: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Background Cytoplasmic mislocalization of TAR-DNA binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP-43) is a major hallmark of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). TDP-43 aggregation is detected in the cortical and spinal motor neurons in most ALS cases; however, pathological mechanism of this mislocalized TDP-43 remains unknown. Methods We generated a tetracycline-inducible TDP-43 A315T system on a mouse artificial chromosome (MAC) vector to avoid transgene-insertional mutagenesis, established a mouse embryonic stem (ES) cell line holding this MAC vector system, and investigated whether overexpressed exogenous TDP-43 A315T was mislocalized in the cytoplasm of the ES cell-derived neurons and triggered the neurotoxic effects on these cells. Results Inducible TDP-43 A315T system was successfully loaded onto the MAC and introduced into the mouse ES cells. These ES cells could differentiate into motor neurons and interneurons. Overexpression of TDP-43 A315T by addition of doxycycline in both neurons resulted in mislocalization to cytoplasm. Mislocalized TDP-43 caused cell death of motor neurons, but not interneurons. Conclusion Vulnerability to cytoplasmic mislocalized TDP-43 is selective on neuronal types, whereas mislocalization of overexpressed TDP-43 occurs in even insusceptible neurons. This inducible gene expression system using MAC remains useful for providing critical insights into appearance of TDP-43 pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shota Togai
- Department of Chromosome Biomedical Engineering, Institute of Regenerative Medicine and Biofunction, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Tottori University, Yonago 683-8503, Japan
| | - Shusei Hamamichi
- Chromosome Engineering Research Center, Tottori University, Yonago 683-8503, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kazuki
- Department of Chromosome Biomedical Engineering, Institute of Regenerative Medicine and Biofunction, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Tottori University, Yonago 683-8503, Japan,Chromosome Engineering Research Center, Tottori University, Yonago 683-8503, Japan,Department of Chromosome Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago 683-8503, Japan,Chromosome Engineering Research Group, The Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
| | - Masaharu Hiratsuka
- Chromosome Engineering Research Center, Tottori University, Yonago 683-8503, Japan,Department of Chromosome Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago 683-8503, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Ito D, Morimoto S, Takahashi S, Okada K, Nakahara J, Okano H. Maiden voyage: induced pluripotent stem cell-based drug screening for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Brain 2023; 146:13-19. [PMID: 36004509 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awac306] [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: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Using patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells, neurodegenerative disease phenotypes have been recapitulated and their pathogenesis analysed leading to significant progress in drug screening. In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, high-throughput screening using induced pluripotent stem cells-derived motor neurons has identified candidate drugs. Owing to induced pluripotent stem cell-based drug evaluation/screening, three compounds, retigabine, ropinirole and bosutinib, have progressed to clinical trials. Retigabine blocks hyperexcitability and improves survival in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patient-derived motor neurons. In a randomized clinical trial (n = 65), treatment with retigabine reduced neuronal excitability after 8 weeks. Ropinirole, identified in a high-throughput screening, attenuates pathological phenotypes in patient-derived motor neurons. In a trial limited by a small sample size (n = 20), ropinirole was tolerable and had clinical benefits on function and survival. A phase 1 study of bosutinib has reported safety and tolerability for 12 weeks. Thus, these clinical trials show safety and positive effects and confirm the reliability of stem cell-based drug discovery. This novel strategy leads to reduced costs and time when compared to animal testing and opens new avenues for therapy in intractable diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Ito
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Satoru Morimoto
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
- Department of Neurology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Shinichi Takahashi
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
- Department of Neurology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
- Department of Neurology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Saitama 350-1298, Japan
| | - Kensuke Okada
- Department of Neurology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Jin Nakahara
- Department of Neurology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Okano
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Cooper‐Knock J, Julian TH, Feneberg E, Highley JR, Sidra M, Turner MR, Talbot K, Ansorge O, Allen SP, Moll T, Shelkovnikova T, Castelli L, Hautbergue GM, Hewitt C, Kirby J, Wharton SB, Mead RJ, Shaw PJ. Atypical TDP-43 protein expression in an ALS pedigree carrying a p.Y374X truncation mutation in TARDBP. Brain Pathol 2023; 33:e13104. [PMID: 35871544 PMCID: PMC9836368 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.13104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
We describe an autosomal dominant, multi-generational, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) pedigree in which disease co-segregates with a heterozygous p.Y374X nonsense mutation within TDP-43. Mislocalization of TDP-43 and formation of insoluble TDP-43-positive neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions is the hallmark pathology in >95% of ALS patients. Neuropathological examination of the single case for which CNS tissue was available indicated typical TDP-43 pathology within lower motor neurons, but classical TDP-43-positive inclusions were absent from motor cortex. The mutated allele is transcribed and translated in patient fibroblasts and motor cortex tissue, but overall TDP-43 protein expression is reduced compared to wild-type controls. Despite absence of TDP-43-positive inclusions we confirmed deficient TDP-43 splicing function within motor cortex tissue. Furthermore, urea fractionation and mass spectrometry of motor cortex tissue carrying the mutation revealed atypical TDP-43 protein species but not typical C-terminal fragments. We conclude that the p.Y374X mutation underpins a monogenic, fully penetrant form of ALS. Reduced expression of TDP-43 combined with atypical TDP-43 protein species and absent C-terminal fragments extends the molecular phenotypes associated with TDP-43 mutations and with ALS more broadly. Future work will need to include the findings from this pedigree in dissecting the mechanisms of TDP-43-mediated toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johnathan Cooper‐Knock
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN)University of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | - Thomas H. Julian
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN)University of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | - Emily Feneberg
- Nuffield Department of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Neurology Department, Klinikum Rechts der IsarTechnical University of MunichMunichGermany
| | - J. Robin Highley
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN)University of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | - Maurice Sidra
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN)University of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | - Martin R. Turner
- Nuffield Department of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Kevin Talbot
- Nuffield Department of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Olaf Ansorge
- Academic Unit of NeuropathologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Scott P. Allen
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN)University of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | - Tobias Moll
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN)University of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | - Tatyana Shelkovnikova
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN)University of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | - Lydia Castelli
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN)University of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | - Guillaume M. Hautbergue
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN)University of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | - Christopher Hewitt
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN)University of SheffieldSheffieldUK
- Amarin UK LimitedAmarin CorporationLondonUK
| | - Janine Kirby
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN)University of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | - Stephen B. Wharton
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN)University of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | - Richard J. Mead
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN)University of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | - Pamela J. Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN)University of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Kumar R, Malik Z, Singh M, Rachana R, Mani S, Ponnusamy K, Haider S. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Risk Genes and Suppressor. Curr Gene Ther 2023; 23:148-162. [PMID: 36366843 DOI: 10.2174/1566523223666221108113330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that leads to death by progressive paralysis and respiratory failure within 2-4 years of onset. About 90-95% of ALS cases are sporadic (sALS), and 5-10% are inherited through family (fALS). Though the mechanisms of the disease are still poorly understood, so far, approximately 40 genes have been reported as ALS causative genes. The mutations in some crucial genes, like SOD1, C9ORF72, FUS, and TDP-43, are majorly associated with ALS, resulting in ROS-associated oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, protein aggregation, altered RNA processing, axonal and vesicular trafficking dysregulation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Recent studies show that dysfunctional cellular pathways get restored as a result of the repair of a single pathway in ALS. In this review article, our aim is to identify putative targets for therapeutic development and the importance of a single suppressor to reduce multiple symptoms by focusing on important mutations and the phenotypic suppressors of dysfunctional cellular pathways in crucial genes as reported by other studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rupesh Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Sec-62, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Zubbair Malik
- School of Computational and Integrative Science, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi-110067, India
| | - Manisha Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Sec-62, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - R Rachana
- Department of Biotechnology, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Sec-62, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Shalini Mani
- Department of Biotechnology, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Sec-62, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | | | - Shazia Haider
- Department of Biotechnology, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Sec-62, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Pasko VI, Churkina AS, Shakhov AS, Kotlobay AA, Alieva IB. Modeling of Neurodegenerative Diseases: 'Step by Step' and 'Network' Organization of the Complexes of Model Systems. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010604. [PMID: 36614047 PMCID: PMC9820769 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases have acquired the status of one of the leading causes of death in developed countries, which requires creating new model systems capable of accurately reproducing the mechanisms underlying these pathologies. Here we analyzed modern model systems and their contribution to the solution of unexplored manifestations of neuropathological processes. Each model has unique properties that make it the optimal tool for modeling certain aspects of neurodegenerative disorders. We concluded that to optimize research, it is necessary to combine models into complexes that include organisms and artificial systems of different organizational levels. Such complexes can be organized in two ways. The first method can be described as "step by step", where each model for studying a certain characteristic is a separate step that allows using the information obtained in the modeling process for the gradual study of increasingly complex processes in subsequent models. The second way is a 'network' approach. Studies are carried out with several types of models simultaneously, and experiments with each specific type are adjusted in conformity with the data obtained from other models. In our opinion, the 'network' approach to combining individual model systems seems more promising for fundamental biology as well as diagnostics and therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Aleksandra Sergeevna Churkina
- Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 1–73, Leninskye Gory, 119992 Moscow, Russia
- A.N. Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 1–40, Leninskye Gory, 119992 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anton Sergeevich Shakhov
- A.N. Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 1–40, Leninskye Gory, 119992 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anatoly Alexeevich Kotlobay
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, 1a Malaya Pirogovskaya St., 119435 Moscow, Russia
| | - Irina Borisovna Alieva
- A.N. Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 1–40, Leninskye Gory, 119992 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Lépine S, Castellanos-Montiel MJ, Durcan TM. TDP-43 dysregulation and neuromuscular junction disruption in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Transl Neurodegener 2022; 11:56. [PMID: 36575535 PMCID: PMC9793560 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-022-00331-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a disease characterized by upper and lower motor neuron (MN) loss with a signature feature of cytoplasmic aggregates containing TDP-43, which are detected in nearly all patients. Mutations in the gene that encodes TDP-43 (TARBDP) are known to result in both familial and sporadic ALS. In ALS, disruption of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) constitutes a critical event in disease pathogenesis, leading to denervation atrophy, motor impairments and disability. Morphological defects and impaired synaptic transmission at NMJs have been reported in several TDP-43 animal models and in vitro, linking TDP-43 dysregulation to the loss of NMJ integrity in ALS. Through the lens of the dying-back and dying-forward hypotheses of ALS, this review discusses the roles of TDP-43 related to synaptic function, with a focus on the potential molecular mechanisms occurring within MNs, skeletal muscles and glial cells that may contribute to NMJ disruption in ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Lépine
- grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649The Neuro’s Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, 3801 University Street, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4 Canada ,grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, 3605 De La Montagne, Montreal, QC H3G 2M1 Canada
| | - Maria José Castellanos-Montiel
- grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649The Neuro’s Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, 3801 University Street, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4 Canada
| | - Thomas Martin Durcan
- grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649The Neuro’s Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, 3801 University Street, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4 Canada
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Riku Y, Yoshida M, Iwasaki Y, Sobue G, Katsuno M, Ishigaki S. TDP-43 Proteinopathy and Tauopathy: Do They Have Pathomechanistic Links? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415755. [PMID: 36555399 PMCID: PMC9779029 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Transactivation response DNA binding protein 43 kDa (TDP-43) and tau are major pathological proteins of neurodegenerative disorders, of which neuronal and glial aggregates are pathological hallmarks. Interestingly, accumulating evidence from neuropathological studies has shown that comorbid TDP-43 pathology is observed in a subset of patients with tauopathies, and vice versa. The concomitant pathology often spreads in a disease-specific manner and has morphological characteristics in each primary disorder. The findings from translational studies have suggested that comorbid TDP-43 or tau pathology has clinical impacts and that the comorbid pathology is not a bystander, but a part of the disease process. Shared genetic risk factors or molecular abnormalities between TDP-43 proteinopathies and tauopathies, and direct interactions between TDP-43 and tau aggregates, have been reported. Further investigations to clarify the pathogenetic factors that are shared by a broad spectrum of neurodegenerative disorders will establish key therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuichi Riku
- Institute for Medical Science of Aging, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute 480-1195, Japan
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 744-8550, Japan
- Correspondence: or
| | - Mari Yoshida
- Institute for Medical Science of Aging, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute 480-1195, Japan
| | - Yasushi Iwasaki
- Institute for Medical Science of Aging, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute 480-1195, Japan
| | - Gen Sobue
- Graduate School of Medicine, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute 480-1195, Japan
| | - Masahisa Katsuno
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 744-8550, Japan
- Department of Clinical Research Education, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 744-8550, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Ishigaki
- Molecular Neuroscience Research Center, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu 520-2192, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Zecca C, Tortelli R, Carrera P, Dell'Abate MT, Logroscino G, Ferrari M. Genotype-phenotype correlation in the spectrum of frontotemporal dementia-parkinsonian syndromes and advanced diagnostic approaches. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2022; 60:171-188. [PMID: 36510705 DOI: 10.1080/10408363.2022.2150833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The term frontotemporal dementia (FTD) refers to a group of progressive neurodegenerative disorders characterized mainly by atrophy of the frontal and anterior temporal lobes. Based on clinical presentation, three main clinical syndromes have traditionally been described: behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), non-fluent/agrammatic primary progressive aphasia (nfPPA), and semantic variant PPA (svPPA). However, over the last 20 years, it has been recognized that cognitive phenotypes often overlap with motor phenotypes, either motor neuron diseases or parkinsonian signs and/or syndromes like progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and cortico-basal syndrome (CBS). Furthermore, FTD-related genes are characterized by genetic pleiotropy and can cause, even in the same family, pure motor phenotypes, findings that underlie the clinical continuum of the spectrum, which has pure cognitive and pure motor phenotypes as the extremes. The genotype-phenotype correlation of the spectrum, FTD-motor neuron disease, has been well defined and extensively investigated, while the continuum, FTD-parkinsonism, lacks a comprehensive review. In this narrative review, we describe the current knowledge about the genotype-phenotype correlation of the spectrum, FTD-parkinsonism, focusing on the phenotypes that are less frequent than bvFTD, namely nfPPA, svPPA, PSP, CBS, and cognitive-motor overlapping phenotypes (i.e. PPA + PSP). From a pathological point of view, they are characterized mainly by the presence of phosphorylated-tau inclusions, either 4 R or 3 R. The genetic correlate of the spectrum can be heterogeneous, although some variants seem to lead preferentially to specific clinical syndromes. Furthermore, we critically review the contribution of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and next-generation sequencing (NGS) in disentangling the complex heritability of the FTD-parkinsonism spectrum and in defining the genotype-phenotype correlation of the entire clinical scenario, owing to the ability of these techniques to test multiple genes, and so to allow detailed investigations of the overlapping phenotypes. Finally, we conclude with the importance of a detailed genetic characterization and we offer to patients and families the chance to be included in future randomized clinical trials focused on autosomal dominant forms of FTLD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Zecca
- Department of Clinical Research in Neurology, Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Aging Brain, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Pia Fondazione Card G. Panico Hospital, Tricase, Italy
| | - Rosanna Tortelli
- Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery and Translational Area, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Paola Carrera
- Unit of Genomics for Human Disease Diagnosis and Clinical Molecular Biology Laboratory, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Dell'Abate
- Department of Clinical Research in Neurology, Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Aging Brain, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Pia Fondazione Card G. Panico Hospital, Tricase, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Logroscino
- Department of Clinical Research in Neurology, Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Aging Brain, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Pia Fondazione Card G. Panico Hospital, Tricase, Italy.,Department of Basic Medicine Sciences, Neuroscience, and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Tamaki Y, Urushitani M. Molecular Dissection of TDP-43 as a Leading Cause of ALS/FTLD. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012508. [PMID: 36293362 PMCID: PMC9604209 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
TAR DNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43) is a DNA/RNA binding protein involved in pivotal cellular functions, especially in RNA metabolism. Hyperphosphorylated and ubiquitinated TDP-43-positive neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions are identified in the brain and spinal cord in most cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and a substantial proportion of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) cases. TDP-43 dysfunctions and cytoplasmic aggregation seem to be the central pathogenicity in ALS and FTLD. Therefore, unraveling both the physiological and pathological mechanisms of TDP-43 may enable the exploration of novel therapeutic strategies. This review highlights the current understanding of TDP-43 biology and pathology, describing the cellular processes involved in the pathogeneses of ALS and FTLD, such as post-translational modifications, RNA metabolism, liquid–liquid phase separation, proteolysis, and the potential prion-like propagation propensity of the TDP-43 inclusions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshitaka Tamaki
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Makoto Urushitani
- Department of Neurology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu 520-2192, Japan
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Gelon PA, Dutchak PA, Sephton CF. Synaptic dysfunction in ALS and FTD: anatomical and molecular changes provide insights into mechanisms of disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1000183. [PMID: 36263379 PMCID: PMC9575515 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1000183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptic loss is a pathological feature of all neurodegenerative diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). ALS is a disease of the cortical and spinal motor neurons resulting in fatal paralysis due to denervation of muscles. FTD is a form of dementia that primarily affects brain regions controlling cognition, language and behavior. Once classified as two distinct diseases, ALS and FTD are now considered as part of a common disease spectrum based on overlapping clinical, pathological and genetic evidence. At the cellular level, aggregation of common proteins and overlapping gene susceptibilities are shared in both ALS and FTD. Despite the convergence of these two fields of research, the underlying disease mechanisms remain elusive. However, recent discovers from ALS and FTD patient studies and models of ALS/FTD strongly suggests that synaptic dysfunction is an early event in the disease process and a unifying hallmark of these diseases. This review provides a summary of the reported anatomical and cellular changes that occur in cortical and spinal motor neurons in ALS and FTD tissues and models of disease. We also highlight studies that identify changes in the proteome and transcriptome of ALS and FTD models and provide a conceptual overview of the processes that contribute to synaptic dysfunction in these diseases. Due to space limitations and the vast number of publications in the ALS and FTD fields, many articles have not been discussed in this review. As such, this review focuses on the three most common shared mutations in ALS and FTD, the hexanucleuotide repeat expansion within intron 1 of chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9ORF72), transactive response DNA binding protein 43 (TARDBP or TDP-43) and fused in sarcoma (FUS), with the intention of highlighting common pathways that promote synaptic dysfunction in the ALS-FTD disease spectrum.
Collapse
|
48
|
Patel T, Hammelman J, Aziz S, Jang S, Closser M, Michaels TL, Blum JA, Gifford DK, Wichterle H. Transcriptional dynamics of murine motor neuron maturation in vivo and in vitro. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5427. [PMID: 36109497 PMCID: PMC9477853 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33022-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurons born in the embryo can undergo a protracted period of maturation lasting well into postnatal life. How gene expression changes are regulated during maturation and whether they can be recapitulated in cultured neurons remains poorly understood. Here, we show that mouse motor neurons exhibit pervasive changes in gene expression and accessibility of associated regulatory regions from embryonic till juvenile age. While motifs of selector transcription factors, ISL1 and LHX3, are enriched in nascent regulatory regions, motifs of NFI factors, activity-dependent factors, and hormone receptors become more prominent in maturation-dependent enhancers. Notably, stem cell-derived motor neurons recapitulate ~40% of the maturation expression program in vitro, with neural activity playing only a modest role as a late-stage modulator. Thus, the genetic maturation program consists of a core hardwired subprogram that is correctly executed in vitro and an extrinsically-controlled subprogram that is dependent on the in vivo context of the maturing organism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tulsi Patel
- Departments of Pathology & Cell Biology, Neuroscience, and Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Jennifer Hammelman
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, MIT, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Siaresh Aziz
- Departments of Pathology & Cell Biology, Neuroscience, and Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Sumin Jang
- Departments of Pathology & Cell Biology, Neuroscience, and Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Michael Closser
- Departments of Pathology & Cell Biology, Neuroscience, and Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Theodore L Michaels
- Departments of Pathology & Cell Biology, Neuroscience, and Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Jacob A Blum
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - David K Gifford
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, MIT, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Hynek Wichterle
- Departments of Pathology & Cell Biology, Neuroscience, and Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Yin P, Bai D, Deng F, Zhang C, Jia Q, Zhu L, Chen L, Li B, Guo X, Ye J, Tan Z, Wang L, Li S, Li XJ. SQSTM1-mediated clearance of cytoplasmic mutant TARDBP/TDP-43 in the monkey brain. Autophagy 2022; 18:1955-1968. [PMID: 34936539 PMCID: PMC9466617 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2021.2013653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The cytoplasmic accumulation and aggregates of TARDBP/TDP-43 (TAR DNA binding protein) are a pathological hallmark in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal lobar degeneration. We previously reported that the primate specific cleavage of TARDBP accounts for its cytoplasmic mislocalization in the primate brains, prompting us to further investigate how the cytoplasmic TARDBP mediates neuropathology. Here we reported that cytoplasmic mutant TARDBP reduced SQSTM1 expression selectively in the monkey brain, when compared with the mouse brain, by inducing SQSTM1 mRNA instability via its binding to the unique 3'UTR sequence (GU/UG)n of the primate SQSTM1 transcript. Overexpression of SQSTM1 could diminish the cytoplasmic C-terminal TARDBP accumulation in the monkey brain by augmenting macroautophagy/autophagy activity. Our findings provide additional clues for the pathogenesis of cytoplasmic TARDBP and a potential therapy for mutant TARDBP-mediated neuropathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Yin
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of Cns Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dazhang Bai
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of Cns Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fuyu Deng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of Cns Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chen Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of Cns Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingqing Jia
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of Cns Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Longhong Zhu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of Cns Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Laiqiang Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of Cns Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bang Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of Cns Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiangyu Guo
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of Cns Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianmeng Ye
- Guangdong Landao Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiqiang Tan
- Department of Medical Imaging, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Medical Imaging, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shihua Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of Cns Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Jiang Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of Cns Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Altered TDP-43 Structure and Function: Key Insights into Aberrant RNA, Mitochondrial, and Cellular and Systemic Metabolism in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12080709. [PMID: 36005581 PMCID: PMC9415507 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12080709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive and fatal neuromuscular disorder with no cure available and limited treatment options. ALS is a highly heterogeneous disease, whereby patients present with vastly different phenotypes. Despite this heterogeneity, over 97% of patients will exhibit pathological TAR-DNA binding protein-43 (TDP-43) cytoplasmic inclusions. TDP-43 is a ubiquitously expressed RNA binding protein with the capacity to bind over 6000 RNA and DNA targets—particularly those involved in RNA, mitochondrial, and lipid metabolism. Here, we review the unique structure and function of TDP-43 and its role in affecting the aforementioned metabolic processes in ALS. Considering evidence published specifically in TDP-43-relevant in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo models we posit that TDP-43 acts in a positive feedback loop with mRNA transcription/translation, stress granules, cytoplasmic aggregates, and mitochondrial proteins causing a relentless cycle of disease-like pathology eventuating in neuronal toxicity. Given its undeniable presence in ALS pathology, TDP-43 presents as a promising target for mechanistic disease modelling and future therapeutic investigations.
Collapse
|