1
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Thumbadoo KM, Dieriks BV, Murray HC, Swanson MEV, Yoo JH, Mehrabi NF, Turner C, Dragunow M, Faull RLM, Curtis MA, Siddique T, Shaw CE, Newell KL, Henden L, Williams KL, Nicholson GA, Scotter EL. Hippocampal aggregation signatures of pathogenic UBQLN2 in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. Brain 2024; 147:3547-3561. [PMID: 38703371 PMCID: PMC11449146 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awae140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic variants in the UBQLN2 gene cause X-linked dominant amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and/or frontotemporal dementia characterized by ubiquilin 2 aggregates in neurons of the motor cortex, hippocampus and spinal cord. However, ubiquilin 2 neuropathology is also seen in sporadic and familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and/or frontotemporal dementia cases not caused by UBQLN2 pathogenic variants, particularly C9orf72-linked cases. This makes the mechanistic role of mutant ubiquilin 2 protein and the value of ubiquilin 2 pathology for predicting genotype unclear. Here we examine a cohort of 44 genotypically diverse amyotrophic lateral sclerosis cases with or without frontotemporal dementia, including eight cases with UBQLN2 variants [resulting in p.S222G, p.P497H, p.P506S, p.T487I (two cases) and p.P497L (three cases)]. Using multiplexed (five-label) fluorescent immunohistochemistry, we mapped the co-localization of ubiquilin 2 with phosphorylated TDP-43, dipeptide repeat aggregates and p62 in the hippocampus of controls (n = 6), or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with or without frontotemporal dementia in sporadic (n = 20), unknown familial (n = 3), SOD1-linked (n = 1), FUS-linked (n = 1), C9orf72-linked (n = 5) and UBQLN2-linked (n = 8) cases. We differentiate between (i) ubiquilin 2 aggregation together with phosphorylated TDP-43 or dipeptide repeat proteins; and (ii) ubiquilin 2 self-aggregation promoted by UBQLN2 pathogenic variants that cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and/or frontotemporal dementia. Overall, we describe a hippocampal protein aggregation signature that fully distinguishes mutant from wild-type ubiquilin 2 in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with or without frontotemporal dementia, whereby mutant ubiquilin 2 is more prone than wild-type to aggregate independently of driving factors. This neuropathological signature can be used to assess the pathogenicity of UBQLN2 gene variants and to understand the mechanisms of UBQLN2-linked disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyrah M Thumbadoo
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Birger V Dieriks
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
- Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Helen C Murray
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
- Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Molly E V Swanson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
- Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Ji Hun Yoo
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Nasim F Mehrabi
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
- Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Clinton Turner
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
- Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, LabPlus, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Michael Dragunow
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Richard L M Faull
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
- Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Maurice A Curtis
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
- Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Teepu Siddique
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Christopher E Shaw
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
- UK Dementia Research Institute Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Kathy L Newell
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Lyndal Henden
- Macquarie University Motor Neuron Disease Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Kelly L Williams
- Macquarie University Motor Neuron Disease Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Garth A Nicholson
- Macquarie University Motor Neuron Disease Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
- Northcott Neuroscience Laboratory, Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) Research Institute, Concord, New South Wales 2139, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2050, Australia
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Concord, New South Wales 2139, Australia
| | - Emma L Scotter
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
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2
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de Calbiac H, Renault S, Haouy G, Jung V, Roger K, Zhou Q, Campanari ML, Chentout L, Demy DL, Marian A, Goudin N, Edbauer D, Guerrera C, Ciura S, Kabashi E. Poly-GP accumulation due to C9orf72 loss of function induces motor neuron apoptosis through autophagy and mitophagy defects. Autophagy 2024; 20:2164-2185. [PMID: 39316747 PMCID: PMC11423671 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2024.2358736] [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: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The GGGGCC hexanucleotide repeat expansion (HRE) of the C9orf72 gene is the most frequent cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a devastative neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor neuron degeneration. C9orf72 HRE is associated with lowered levels of C9orf72 expression and its translation results in the production of dipeptide-repeats (DPRs). To recapitulate C9orf72-related ALS disease in vivo, we developed a zebrafish model where we expressed glycine-proline (GP) DPR in a c9orf72 knockdown context. We report that C9orf72 gain- and loss-of-function properties act synergistically to induce motor neuron degeneration and paralysis with poly(GP) accumulating preferentially within motor neurons along with Sqstm1/p62 aggregation indicating macroautophagy/autophagy deficits. Poly(GP) levels were shown to accumulate upon c9orf72 downregulation and were comparable to levels assessed in autopsy samples of patients carrying C9orf72 HRE. Chemical boosting of autophagy using rapamycin or apilimod, is able to rescue motor deficits. Proteomics analysis of zebrafish-purified motor neurons unravels mitochondria dysfunction confirmed through a comparative analysis of previously published C9orf72 iPSC-derived motor neurons. Consistently, 3D-reconstructions of motor neuron demonstrate that poly(GP) aggregates colocalize to mitochondria, thus inducing their elongation and swelling and the failure of their processing by mitophagy, with mitophagy activation through urolithin A preventing locomotor deficits. Finally, we report apoptotic-related increased amounts of cleaved Casp3 (caspase 3, apoptosis-related cysteine peptidase) and rescue of motor neuron degeneration by constitutive inhibition of Casp9 or treatment with decylubiquinone. Here we provide evidence of key pathogenic steps in C9ALS-FTD that can be targeted through pharmacological avenues, thus raising new therapeutic perspectives for ALS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hortense de Calbiac
- Imagine Institute, INSERM UMR 1163, Team Translational Research for Neurological Diseases, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Solène Renault
- Imagine Institute, INSERM UMR 1163, Team Translational Research for Neurological Diseases, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Grégoire Haouy
- Imagine Institute, INSERM UMR 1163, Team Translational Research for Neurological Diseases, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Vincent Jung
- Proteomics Platform 3P5Necker, INSERM US24/CNRS UMS, Paris Descartes University, Structure Fédérative de Recherche Necker, Paris, France
| | - Kevin Roger
- Proteomics Platform 3P5Necker, INSERM US24/CNRS UMS, Paris Descartes University, Structure Fédérative de Recherche Necker, Paris, France
| | - Qihui Zhou
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster of Systems Neurology (Synergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Maria-Letizia Campanari
- Imagine Institute, INSERM UMR 1163, Team Translational Research for Neurological Diseases, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Loïc Chentout
- Imagine Institute, INSERM UMR 1163, Team Translational Research for Neurological Diseases, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Doris Lou Demy
- Imagine Institute, INSERM UMR 1163, Team Translational Research for Neurological Diseases, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Anca Marian
- Imagine Institute, INSERM UMR 1163, Team Translational Research for Neurological Diseases, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Goudin
- Imaging Core Facility, INSERM US24/CNRS UMS3633, Paris, France
| | - Dieter Edbauer
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster of Systems Neurology (Synergy), Munich, Germany
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences (GSN), Munich, Germany
| | - Chiara Guerrera
- Proteomics Platform 3P5Necker, INSERM US24/CNRS UMS, Paris Descartes University, Structure Fédérative de Recherche Necker, Paris, France
| | - Sorana Ciura
- Imagine Institute, INSERM UMR 1163, Team Translational Research for Neurological Diseases, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Edor Kabashi
- Imagine Institute, INSERM UMR 1163, Team Translational Research for Neurological Diseases, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
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3
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Rizea RE, Corlatescu AD, Costin HP, Dumitru A, Ciurea AV. Understanding Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Therapeutic Advances. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:9966. [PMID: 39337454 PMCID: PMC11432652 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25189966] [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: 08/01/2024] [Revised: 09/12/2024] [Accepted: 09/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
This review offers an in-depth examination of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), addressing its epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic techniques, and current as well as emerging treatments. The purpose is to condense key findings and illustrate the complexity of ALS, which is shaped by both genetic and environmental influences. We reviewed the literature to discuss recent advancements in understanding molecular mechanisms such as protein misfolding, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and axonal transport defects, which are critical for identifying potential therapeutic targets. Significant progress has been made in refining diagnostic criteria and identifying biomarkers, leading to earlier and more precise diagnoses. Although current drug treatments provide some benefits, there is a clear need for more effective therapies. Emerging treatments, such as gene therapy and stem cell therapy, show potential in modifying disease progression and improving the quality of life for ALS patients. The review emphasizes the importance of continued research to address challenges such as disease variability and the limited effectiveness of existing treatments. Future research should concentrate on further exploring the molecular foundations of ALS and developing new therapeutic approaches. The implications for clinical practice include ensuring the accessibility of new treatments and that healthcare systems are equipped to support ongoing research and patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radu Eugen Rizea
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, "Carol Davila", 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Neurosurgery, "Bagdasar-Arseni" Clinical Emergency Hospital, 041915 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Antonio-Daniel Corlatescu
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, "Carol Davila", 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Horia Petre Costin
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, "Carol Davila", 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adrian Dumitru
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, "Carol Davila", 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Morphopathology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, "Carol Davila", 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Emergency University Hospital Bucharest, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandru Vlad Ciurea
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, "Carol Davila", 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Sanador Clinical Hospital, 010991 Bucharest, Romania
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4
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Fisher RMA, Torrente MP. Histone post-translational modification and heterochromatin alterations in neurodegeneration: revealing novel disease pathways and potential therapeutics. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1456052. [PMID: 39346681 PMCID: PMC11427407 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1456052] [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: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are complex and fatal neurodegenerative diseases. While current treatments for these diseases do alleviate some symptoms, there is an imperative need for novel treatments able to stop their progression. For all of these ailments, most cases occur sporadically and have no known genetic cause. Only a small percentage of patients bear known mutations which occur in a multitude of genes. Hence, it is clear that genetic factors alone do not explain disease occurrence. Chromatin, a DNA-histone complex whose basic unit is the nucleosome, is divided into euchromatin, an open form accessible to the transcriptional machinery, and heterochromatin, which is closed and transcriptionally inactive. Protruding out of the nucleosome, histone tails undergo post-translational modifications (PTMs) including methylation, acetylation, and phosphorylation which occur at specific residues and are connected to different chromatin structural states and regulate access to transcriptional machinery. Epigenetic mechanisms, including histone PTMs and changes in chromatin structure, could help explain neurodegenerative disease processes and illuminate novel treatment targets. Recent research has revealed that changes in histone PTMs and heterochromatin loss or gain are connected to neurodegeneration. Here, we review evidence for epigenetic changes occurring in AD, PD, and FTD/ALS. We focus specifically on alterations in the histone PTMs landscape, changes in the expression of histone modifying enzymes and chromatin remodelers as well as the consequences of these changes in heterochromatin structure. We also highlight the potential for epigenetic therapies in neurodegenerative disease treatment. Given their reversibility and pharmacological accessibility, epigenetic mechanisms provide a promising avenue for novel treatments. Altogether, these findings underscore the need for thorough characterization of epigenetic mechanisms and chromatin structure in neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raven M. A. Fisher
- PhD. Program in Biochemistry, City University of New York - The Graduate Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Mariana P. Torrente
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brooklyn College, Brooklyn, NY, United States
- PhD. Programs in Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Biology, City University of New York - The Graduate Center, New York, NY, United States
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5
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Gilbert JW, Kennedy Z, Godinho BMDC, Summers A, Weiss A, Echeverria D, Bramato B, McHugh N, Cooper D, Yamada K, Hassler M, Tran H, Gao FB, Brown RH, Khvorova A. Identification of selective and non-selective C9ORF72 targeting in vivo active siRNAs. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102291. [PMID: 39233852 PMCID: PMC11372813 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
A hexanucleotide (G4C2) repeat expansion (HRE) within intron one of C9ORF72 is the leading genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). C9ORF72 haploinsufficiency, formation of RNA foci, and production of dipeptide repeat (DPR) proteins have been proposed as mechanisms of disease. Here, we report the first example of disease-modifying siRNAs for C9ORF72 driven ALS/FTD. Using a combination of reporter assay and primary cortical neurons derived from a C9-ALS/FTD mouse model, we screened a panel of more than 150 fully chemically stabilized siRNAs targeting different C9ORF72 transcriptional variants. We demonstrate the lack of correlation between siRNA efficacy in reporter assay versus native environment; repeat-containing C9ORF72 mRNA variants are found to preferentially localize to the nucleus, and thus C9ORF72 mRNA accessibility and intracellular localization have a dominant impact on functional RNAi. Using a C9-ALS/FTD mouse model, we demonstrate that divalent siRNAs targeting C9ORF72 mRNA variants specifically or non-selectively reduce the expression of C9ORF72 mRNA and significantly reduce DPR proteins. Interestingly, siRNA silencing all C9ORF72 mRNA transcripts was more effective in removing intranuclear mRNA aggregates than targeting only HRE-containing C9ORF72 mRNA transcripts. Combined, these data support RNAi-based degradation of C9ORF72 as a potential therapeutic paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Alexandra Weiss
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | | | | | | | - David Cooper
- RNA Therapeutic Institute, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Ken Yamada
- RNA Therapeutic Institute, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | | | - Hélène Tran
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Fen Biao Gao
- RNA Therapeutic Institute, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Robert H Brown
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
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6
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Ho PC, Hsieh TC, Tsai KJ. TDP-43 proteinopathy in frontotemporal lobar degeneration and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: From pathomechanisms to therapeutic strategies. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 100:102441. [PMID: 39069095 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Proteostasis failure is a common pathological characteristic in neurodegenerative diseases. Revitalizing clearance systems could effectively mitigate these diseases. The transactivation response (TAR) DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) plays a critical role as an RNA/DNA-binding protein in RNA metabolism and synaptic function. Accumulation of TDP-43 aggregates in the central nervous system is a hallmark of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Autophagy, a major and highly conserved degradation pathway, holds the potential for degrading aggregated TDP-43 and alleviating FTLD/ALS. This review explores the causes of TDP-43 aggregation, FTLD/ALS-related genes, key autophagy factors, and autophagy-based therapeutic strategies targeting TDP-43 proteinopathy. Understanding the underlying pathological mechanisms of TDP-43 proteinopathy can facilitate therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Chuan Ho
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Chi Hsieh
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Kuen-Jer Tsai
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Research Center of Clinical Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
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7
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Ruan K, Bai G, Fang Y, Li D, Li T, Liu X, Lu B, Lu Q, Songyang Z, Sun S, Wang Z, Zhang X, Zhou W, Zhang H. Biomolecular condensates and disease pathogenesis. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024; 67:1792-1832. [PMID: 39037698 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-024-2661-3] [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: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Biomolecular condensates or membraneless organelles (MLOs) formed by liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) divide intracellular spaces into discrete compartments for specific functions. Dysregulation of LLPS or aberrant phase transition that disturbs the formation or material states of MLOs is closely correlated with neurodegeneration, tumorigenesis, and many other pathological processes. Herein, we summarize the recent progress in development of methods to monitor phase separation and we discuss the biogenesis and function of MLOs formed through phase separation. We then present emerging proof-of-concept examples regarding the disruption of phase separation homeostasis in a diverse array of clinical conditions including neurodegenerative disorders, hearing loss, cancers, and immunological diseases. Finally, we describe the emerging discovery of chemical modulators of phase separation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Ruan
- The First Affiliated Hospital & School of Life Sciences, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membrane-less Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Research Center for Interdisciplinary Sciences at the Microscale, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
| | - Ge Bai
- Nanhu Brain-computer Interface Institute, Hangzhou, 311100, China.
- Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Yanshan Fang
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201210, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Dan Li
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China.
| | - Tingting Li
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Xingguo Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China.
- Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510000, China.
| | - Boxun Lu
- Neurology Department at Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Qing Lu
- Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China.
| | - Zhou Songyang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China.
| | - Shuguo Sun
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Zheng Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China.
| | - Xin Zhang
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, 310024, China.
| | - Wen Zhou
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Hong Zhang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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Jiang Q, Lin J, Wei Q, Yang T, Hou Y, Zhang L, Ou R, Xiao Y, Wang S, Zheng X, Li C, Shang H. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients with various gene mutations show diverse motor phenotypes and survival in China. J Med Genet 2024; 61:839-846. [PMID: 38886047 DOI: 10.1136/jmg-2024-109909] [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: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder characterised by progressive degeneration of motor neurons. Genetic factors have a substantial impact on ALS. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the correlation between genotype (SOD1, TARDBP, FUS, C9orf72) and phenotype in ALS. METHODS Genetic analysis was performed on 2038 patients with ALS, among which 1696 patients with sporadic ALS (SALS) as controls for genotype-phenotype analysis, and 1602 SALS as controls for survival analysis. Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS A total of 172 patients with ALS with the gene mutations were included in the statistical analysis (SOD1, n=65; FUS, n=43; TARDBP, n=27; C9orf72, n=37). SOD1 mutations were more frequent in flail leg phenotype (OR 7.317, p=0.001) and less in bulbar phenotype (OR 0.222, p=0.038). C9orf72 expansions exhibited higher frequency in bulbar phenotype (OR 2.770, p=0.008). SOD1 and FUS mutations were significantly associated with earlier age of onset (HR 2.039, p<0.001; HR 1.762, p=0.001). The patients with SOD1 mutations, C9orf72 expansions and those carrying pathogenic FUS mutations had significantly increased death risk (HR 2.217, p<0.001; HR 1.694, p=0.008; HR 1.652, p=0.036). The increased risk of death in ALS with C9orf72 expansions was significant in females (HR 2.419, p=0.014) but not in males (HR 1.442, p=0.128). CONCLUSION Our study revealed distinct motor phenotypic tendencies in patients with ALS with different genotypes, indicating variations in the vulnerability of motor neurons during the disease's progression. Furthermore, we made novel discoveries regarding survival of different gene mutations, warranting further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qirui Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Junyu Lin
- Department of Neurology, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qianqian Wei
- Department of Neurology, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Tianmi Yang
- Department of Neurology, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yanbing Hou
- Department of Neurology, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lingyu Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ruwei Ou
- Sichuan University West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yi Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Shichan Wang
- Department of Neurology, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoting Zheng
- Department of Neurology, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Chunyu Li
- Department of Neurology, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Huifang Shang
- Department of Neurology, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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9
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Luan T, Li Q, Huang Z, Feng Y, Xu D, Zhou Y, Hu Y, Wang T. Axonopathy Underlying Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Unraveling Complex Pathways and Therapeutic Insights. Neurosci Bull 2024:10.1007/s12264-024-01267-2. [PMID: 39097850 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-024-01267-2] [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: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive axonopathy, jointly leading to the dying back of the motor neuron, disrupting both nerve signaling and motor control. In this review, we highlight the roles of axonopathy in ALS progression, driven by the interplay of multiple factors including defective trafficking machinery, protein aggregation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Dysfunctional intracellular transport, caused by disruptions in microtubules, molecular motors, and adaptors, has been identified as a key contributor to disease progression. Aberrant protein aggregation involving TDP-43, FUS, SOD1, and dipeptide repeat proteins further amplifies neuronal toxicity. Mitochondrial defects lead to ATP depletion, oxidative stress, and Ca2+ imbalance, which are regarded as key factors underlying the loss of neuromuscular junctions and axonopathy. Mitigating these defects through interventions including neurotrophic treatments offers therapeutic potential. Collaborative research efforts aim to unravel ALS complexities, opening avenues for holistic interventions that target diverse pathological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongshu Luan
- The Brain Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Qing Li
- The Brain Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Zhi Huang
- The Brain Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Yu Feng
- The Brain Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Duo Xu
- The Brain Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Yujie Zhou
- The Brain Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Yiqing Hu
- The Brain Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Tong Wang
- The Brain Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
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10
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Cammack AJ, Balendra R, Isaacs AM. Failure of C9orf72 sense repeat-targeting antisense oligonucleotides: lessons learned and the path forward. Brain 2024; 147:2607-2609. [PMID: 38805751 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awae168] [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: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The recent failure of two independent clinical trials targeting C9orf72 sense repeat-containing RNAs with antisense oligonucleotides was a great disappointment for the field. Cammack et al. discuss the data from these trials, possible reasons for the failures, and the future of C9orf72 therapeutic targeting moving forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J Cammack
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Rubika Balendra
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Adrian M Isaacs
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
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11
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Celona B, Salomonsson SE, Wu H, Dang B, Kratochvil HT, Clelland CD, DeGrado WF, Black BL. Zfp106 binds to G-quadruplex RNAs and inhibits RAN translation and formation of RNA foci caused by G4C2 repeats. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2220020121. [PMID: 39042693 PMCID: PMC11295049 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2220020121] [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: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Expansion of intronic GGGGCC repeats in the C9orf72 gene causes amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia. Transcription of the expanded repeats results in the formation of RNA-containing nuclear foci and altered RNA metabolism. In addition, repeat-associated non-AUG (RAN) translation of the expanded GGGGCC-repeat sequence results in the production of highly toxic dipeptide-repeat (DPR) proteins. GGGGCC repeat-containing transcripts form G-quadruplexes, which are associated with formation of RNA foci and RAN translation. Zfp106, an RNA-binding protein essential for motor neuron survival in mice, suppresses neurotoxicity in a Drosophila model of C9orf72 ALS. Here, we show that Zfp106 inhibits formation of RNA foci and significantly reduces RAN translation caused by GGGGCC repeats in cultured mammalian cells, and we demonstrate that Zfp106 coexpression reduces the levels of DPRs in C9orf72 patient-derived cells. Further, we show that Zfp106 binds to RNA G-quadruplexes and causes a conformational change in the G-quadruplex structure formed by GGGGCC repeats. Together, these data demonstrate that Zfp106 suppresses the formation of RNA foci and DPRs caused by GGGGCC repeats and suggest that the G-quadruplex RNA-binding function of Zfp106 contributes to its suppression of GGGGCC repeat-mediated cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Celona
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA94143
| | - Sally E. Salomonsson
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA94143
- Memory & Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA94143
| | - Haifan Wu
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA94143
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA94143
| | - Bobo Dang
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA94143
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA94143
| | - Huong T. Kratochvil
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA94143
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA94143
| | - Claire D. Clelland
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA94143
- Memory & Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA94143
| | - William F. DeGrado
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA94143
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA94143
| | - Brian L. Black
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA94143
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, CA94143
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12
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Sun S, Shen Y, Zhang X, Ding N, Xu Z, Zhang Q, Li L. The MuSK agonist antibody protects the neuromuscular junction and extends the lifespan in C9orf72-ALS mice. Mol Ther 2024; 32:2176-2189. [PMID: 38734896 PMCID: PMC11286808 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.05.016] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The disassembly of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is an early event in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), ultimately leading to motor dysfunction and lethal respiratory paralysis. The hexanucleotide GGGGCC repeat expansion in the C9orf72 gene is the most common genetic mutation, and the dipeptide repeat (DPR) proteins have been shown to cause neurodegeneration. While no drugs can treat ALS patients efficiently, new treatment strategies are urgently needed. Here, we report that a MuSK agonist antibody alleviates poly-PR-induced NMJ deficits in C9orf72-ALS mice. The HB9-PRF/F mice, which express poly-PR proteins in motor neurons, exhibited impaired motor behavior and NMJ deficits. Mechanistically, poly-PR proteins interacted with Agrin to disrupt the interaction between Agrin and Lrp4, leading to attenuated activation of MuSK. Treatment with a MuSK agonist antibody rescued NMJ deficits, and extended the lifespan of C9orf72-ALS mice. Moreover, impaired NMJ transmission was observed in C9orf72-ALS patients. These findings identify the mechanism by which poly-PR proteins attenuate MuSK activation and NMJ transmission, highlighting the potential of promoting MuSK activation with an agonist antibody as a therapeutic strategy to protect NMJ function and prolong the lifespan of ALS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangshuang Sun
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yihui Shen
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Ning Ding
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Zhe Xu
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Qijie Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Fujian Institute of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, China.
| | - Lei Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China.
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13
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d’Almeida NA, Tipping M. Flight to insight: maximizing the potential of Drosophila models of C9orf72-FTD. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1434443. [PMID: 38915937 PMCID: PMC11194461 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1434443] [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: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Advancements in understanding the pathogenesis of C9orf72-associated frontotemporal dementia (C9orf72-FTD) have highlighted the role of repeat-associated non-ATG (RAN) translation and dipeptide repeat proteins (DPRs), with Drosophila melanogaster models providing valuable insights. While studies have primarily focused on RAN translation and DPR toxicity, emerging areas of investigation in fly models have expanded to neuronal dysfunction, autophagy impairment, and synaptic dysfunction, providing potential directions for new therapeutic targets and mechanisms of neurodegeneration. Despite this progress, there are still significant gaps in Drosophila models of C9orf72-FTD, namely in the areas of metabolism and circadian rhythm. Metabolic dysregulation, particularly lipid metabolism, autophagy, and insulin signaling, has been implicated in disease progression with findings from animal models and human patients with C9orf72 repeat expansions. Moreover, circadian disruptions have been observed in C9of72-FTD, with alterations in rest-activity patterns and cellular circadian machinery, suggesting a potential role in disease pathophysiology. Drosophila models offer unique opportunities to explore these aspects of C9orf72-FTD and identify novel therapeutic targets aimed at mitigating neurodegeneration.
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14
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Jiang S, Xu R. The Current Potential Pathogenesis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04269-3. [PMID: 38829511 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04269-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease mainly characterized by the accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins in the affected motor neurons. At present, the accurate pathogenesis of ALS remains unclear and there are still no effective treatment measures for ALS. The potential pathogenesis of ALS mainly includes the misfolding of some pathogenic proteins, the genetic variation, mitochondrial dysfunction, autophagy disorders, neuroinflammation, the misregulation of RNA, the altered axonal transport, and gut microbial dysbiosis. Exploring the pathogenesis of ALS is a critical step in searching for the effective therapeutic approaches. The current studies suggested that the genetic variation, gut microbial dysbiosis, the activation of glial cells, and the transportation disorder of extracellular vesicles may play some important roles in the pathogenesis of ALS. This review conducts a systematic review of these current potential promising topics closely related to the pathogenesis of ALS; it aims to provide some new evidences and clues for searching the novel treatment measures of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shishi Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Clinical College of Nanchang Medical College, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, National Regional Center for Neurological Diseases, Xiangya Hospital of Center South University, Jiangxi Hospital. No. 152 of Aiguo Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
- Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Renshi Xu
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Clinical College of Nanchang Medical College, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, National Regional Center for Neurological Diseases, Xiangya Hospital of Center South University, Jiangxi Hospital. No. 152 of Aiguo Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China.
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15
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Nguyen L. Updates on Disease Mechanisms and Therapeutics for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Cells 2024; 13:888. [PMID: 38891021 PMCID: PMC11172142 DOI: 10.3390/cells13110888] [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: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig's disease, is a motor neuron disease. In ALS, upper and lower motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord progressively degenerate during the course of the disease, leading to the loss of the voluntary movement of the arms and legs. Since its first description in 1869 by a French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot, the scientific discoveries on ALS have increased our understanding of ALS genetics, pathology and mechanisms and provided novel therapeutic strategies. The goal of this review article is to provide a comprehensive summary of the recent findings on ALS mechanisms and related therapeutic strategies to the scientific audience. Several highlighted ALS research topics discussed in this article include the 2023 FDA approved drug for SOD1 ALS, the updated C9orf72 GGGGCC repeat-expansion-related mechanisms and therapeutic targets, TDP-43-mediated cryptic splicing and disease markers and diagnostic and therapeutic options offered by these recent discoveries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lien Nguyen
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
- Center for NeuroGenetics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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16
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Hu Y, Chen W, Wei C, Jiang S, Li S, Wang X, Xu R. Pathological mechanisms of amyotrophic lateral Sclerosis. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1036-1044. [PMID: 37862206 PMCID: PMC10749610 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.382985] [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: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis refers to a neurodegenerative disease involving the motor system, the cause of which remains unexplained despite several years of research. Thus, the journey to understanding or treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is still a long one. According to current research, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is likely not due to a single factor but rather to a combination of mechanisms mediated by complex interactions between molecular and genetic pathways. The progression of the disease involves multiple cellular processes and the interaction between different complex mechanisms makes it difficult to identify the causative factors of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Here, we review the most common amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-associated pathogenic genes and the pathways involved in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, as well as summarize currently proposed potential mechanisms responsible for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis disease and their evidence for involvement in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In addition, we discuss current emerging strategies for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Studying the emergence of these new therapies may help to further our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yushu Hu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Wenzhi Chen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Caihui Wei
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Shishi Jiang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Shu Li
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Xinxin Wang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Renshi Xu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College; The Clinical College of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
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17
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Zambon AA, Falzone YM, Bolino A, Previtali SC. Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic strategies for neuromuscular diseases. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:198. [PMID: 38678519 PMCID: PMC11056344 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05229-9] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Neuromuscular diseases encompass a heterogeneous array of disorders characterized by varying onset ages, clinical presentations, severity, and progression. While these conditions can stem from acquired or inherited causes, this review specifically focuses on disorders arising from genetic abnormalities, excluding metabolic conditions. The pathogenic defect may primarily affect the anterior horn cells, the axonal or myelin component of peripheral nerves, the neuromuscular junction, or skeletal and/or cardiac muscles. While inherited neuromuscular disorders have been historically deemed not treatable, the advent of gene-based and molecular therapies is reshaping the treatment landscape for this group of condition. With the caveat that many products still fail to translate the positive results obtained in pre-clinical models to humans, both the technological development (e.g., implementation of tissue-specific vectors) as well as advances on the knowledge of pathogenetic mechanisms form a collective foundation for potentially curative approaches to these debilitating conditions. This review delineates the current panorama of therapies targeting the most prevalent forms of inherited neuromuscular diseases, emphasizing approved treatments and those already undergoing human testing, offering insights into the state-of-the-art interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Andrea Zambon
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Institute for Experimental Neurology, Inspe, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Department, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Yuri Matteo Falzone
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Institute for Experimental Neurology, Inspe, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Department, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bolino
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Institute for Experimental Neurology, Inspe, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Carlo Previtali
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Institute for Experimental Neurology, Inspe, Milan, Italy.
- Neurology Department, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
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18
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Cantara S, Simoncelli G, Ricci C. Antisense Oligonucleotides (ASOs) in Motor Neuron Diseases: A Road to Cure in Light and Shade. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4809. [PMID: 38732027 PMCID: PMC11083842 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094809] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are short oligodeoxynucleotides designed to bind to specific regions of target mRNA. ASOs can modulate pre-mRNA splicing, increase levels of functional proteins, and decrease levels of toxic proteins. ASOs are being developed for the treatment of motor neuron diseases (MNDs), including spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA). The biggest success has been the ASO known as nusinersen, the first effective therapy for SMA, able to improve symptoms and slow disease progression. Another success is tofersen, an ASO designed to treat ALS patients with SOD1 gene mutations. Both ASOs have been approved by the FDA and EMA. On the other hand, ASO treatment in ALS patients with the C9orf72 gene mutation did not show any improvement in disease progression. The aim of this review is to provide an up-to-date overview of ASO research in MNDs, from preclinical studies to clinical trials and, where available, regulatory approval. We highlight the successes and failures, underline the strengths and limitations of the current ASO research, and suggest possible approaches that could lead to more effective treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Cantara
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Giorgia Simoncelli
- Unit of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurological and Motor Sciences, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Senese, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Claudia Ricci
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy;
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19
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Sachdev A, Gill K, Sckaff M, Birk AM, Aladesuyi Arogundade O, Brown KA, Chouhan RS, Issagholian-Lewin PO, Patel E, Watry HL, Bernardi MT, Keough KC, Tsai YC, Smith AST, Conklin BR, Clelland CD. Reversal of C9orf72 mutation-induced transcriptional dysregulation and pathology in cultured human neurons by allele-specific excision. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2307814121. [PMID: 38621131 PMCID: PMC11047104 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2307814121] [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: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Efforts to genetically reverse C9orf72 pathology have been hampered by our incomplete understanding of the regulation of this complex locus. We generated five different genomic excisions at the C9orf72 locus in a patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) line and a non-diseased wild-type (WT) line (11 total isogenic lines), and examined gene expression and pathological hallmarks of C9 frontotemporal dementia/amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in motor neurons differentiated from these lines. Comparing the excisions in these isogenic series removed the confounding effects of different genomic backgrounds and allowed us to probe the effects of specific genomic changes. A coding single nucleotide polymorphism in the patient cell line allowed us to distinguish transcripts from the normal vs. mutant allele. Using digital droplet PCR (ddPCR), we determined that transcription from the mutant allele is upregulated at least 10-fold, and that sense transcription is independently regulated from each allele. Surprisingly, excision of the WT allele increased pathologic dipeptide repeat poly-GP expression from the mutant allele. Importantly, a single allele was sufficient to supply a normal amount of protein, suggesting that the C9orf72 gene is haplo-sufficient in induced motor neurons. Excision of the mutant repeat expansion reverted all pathology (RNA abnormalities, dipeptide repeat production, and TDP-43 pathology) and improved electrophysiological function, whereas silencing sense expression did not eliminate all dipeptide repeat proteins, presumably because of the antisense expression. These data increase our understanding of C9orf72 gene regulation and inform gene therapy approaches, including antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and CRISPR gene editing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kamaljot Gill
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA94158
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94158
| | - Maria Sckaff
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA94158
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94158
| | | | - Olubankole Aladesuyi Arogundade
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94158
- Memory & Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94158
| | - Katherine A. Brown
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94158
- Memory & Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94158
| | - Runvir S. Chouhan
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94158
- Memory & Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94158
| | - Patrick Oliver Issagholian-Lewin
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94158
- Memory & Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94158
| | - Esha Patel
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94158
- Memory & Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94158
| | | | | | | | | | - Alec Simon Tulloch Smith
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
- The Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
| | - Bruce R. Conklin
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA94158
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94143
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94143
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94158
| | - Claire Dudley Clelland
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94158
- Memory & Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94158
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20
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Zhou L, Xu R. Invertebrate genetic models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1328578. [PMID: 38500677 PMCID: PMC10944931 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1328578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a common adult-onset neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive death of motor neurons in the cerebral cortex, brain stem, and spinal cord. The exact mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of ALS remain unclear. The current consensus regarding the pathogenesis of ALS suggests that the interaction between genetic susceptibility and harmful environmental factors is a promising cause of ALS onset. The investigation of putative harmful environmental factors has been the subject of several ongoing studies, but the use of transgenic animal models to study ALS has provided valuable information on the onset of ALS. Here, we review the current common invertebrate genetic models used to study the pathology, pathophysiology, and pathogenesis of ALS. The considerations of the usage, advantages, disadvantages, costs, and availability of each invertebrate model will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- LiJun Zhou
- Department of Neurology, National Regional Center for Neurological Diseases, Clinical College of Nanchang Medical College, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University Jiangxi Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - RenShi Xu
- Department of Neurology, National Regional Center for Neurological Diseases, Clinical College of Nanchang Medical College, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University Jiangxi Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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21
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Jiang H, Tang M, Xu Z, Wang Y, Li M, Zheng S, Zhu J, Lin Z, Zhang M. CRISPR/Cas9 system and its applications in nervous system diseases. Genes Dis 2024; 11:675-686. [PMID: 37692518 PMCID: PMC10491921 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.03.017] [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: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) system is an acquired immune system of many bacteria and archaea, comprising CRISPR loci, Cas genes, and its associated proteins. This system can recognize exogenous DNA and utilize the Cas9 protein's nuclease activity to break DNA double-strand and to achieve base insertion or deletion by subsequent DNA repair. In recent years, multiple laboratory and clinical studies have revealed the therapeutic role of the CRISPR/Cas9 system in neurological diseases. This article reviews the CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing technology and its potential for clinical application against neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haibin Jiang
- The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Mengyan Tang
- The First School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Zidi Xu
- The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Yanan Wang
- The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Mopu Li
- The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Shuyin Zheng
- The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Jianghu Zhu
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second School of Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
- Key Laboratory of Perinatal Medicine of Wenzhou, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
- Key Laboratory of Structural Malformations in Children of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Pediatric Disease, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Zhenlang Lin
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second School of Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
- Key Laboratory of Perinatal Medicine of Wenzhou, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
- Key Laboratory of Structural Malformations in Children of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Pediatric Disease, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second School of Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
- Key Laboratory of Perinatal Medicine of Wenzhou, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
- Key Laboratory of Structural Malformations in Children of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Pediatric Disease, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
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22
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Gotoh S, Mori K, Fujino Y, Kawabe Y, Yamashita T, Omi T, Nagata K, Tagami S, Nagai Y, Ikeda M. eIF5 stimulates the CUG initiation of RAN translation of poly-GA dipeptide repeat protein (DPR) in C9orf72 FTLD/ALS. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:105703. [PMID: 38301895 PMCID: PMC10904283 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.105703] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Tandem GGGGCC repeat expansion in C9orf72 is a genetic cause of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Transcribed repeats are translated into dipeptide repeat proteins via repeat-associated non-AUG (RAN) translation. However, the regulatory mechanism of RAN translation remains unclear. Here, we reveal a GTPase-activating protein, eukaryotic initiation factor 5 (eIF5), which allosterically facilitates the conversion of eIF2-bound GTP into GDP upon start codon recognition, as a novel modifier of C9orf72 RAN translation. Compared to global translation, eIF5, but not its inactive mutants, preferentially stimulates poly-GA RAN translation. RAN translation is increased during integrated stress response, but the stimulatory effect of eIF5 on poly-GA RAN translation was additive to the increase of RAN translation during integrated stress response, with no further increase in phosphorylated eIF2α. Moreover, an alteration of the CUG near cognate codon to CCG or AUG in the poly-GA reading frame abolished the stimulatory effects, indicating that eIF5 primarily acts through the CUG-dependent initiation. Lastly, in a Drosophila model of C9orf72 FTLD/ALS that expresses GGGGCC repeats in the eye, knockdown of endogenous eIF5 by two independent RNAi strains significantly reduced poly-GA expressions, confirming in vivo effect of eIF5 on poly-GA RAN translation. Together, eIF5 stimulates the CUG initiation of poly-GA RAN translation in cellular and Drosophila disease models of C9orf72 FTLD/ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiho Gotoh
- Department of Psychiatry, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Kohji Mori
- Department of Psychiatry, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan.
| | - Yuzo Fujino
- Department of Neurology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan; Department of Neurology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yuya Kawabe
- Department of Psychiatry, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Tomoko Yamashita
- Department of Psychiatry, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Tsubasa Omi
- Department of Psychiatry, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Kenichi Nagata
- Department of Precision Medicine for Dementia, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Shinji Tagami
- Department of Psychiatry, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Nagai
- Department of Neurology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
| | - Manabu Ikeda
- Department of Psychiatry, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
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23
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Van Daele SH, Masrori P, Van Damme P, Van Den Bosch L. The sense of antisense therapies in ALS. Trends Mol Med 2024; 30:252-262. [PMID: 38216448 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2023.12.003] [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: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Treatment of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has entered a new era now that encouraging results about antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are becoming available and a first ASO therapy for ALS has been approved by the FDA. Moreover, there is hope not only that ALS can be stopped but also that symptoms can be reversed. Until now, degrading ASOs seemed to be successful mostly for rarer forms of familial ALS. However, the first attempts to correct mis-splicing events in sporadic ALS are underway, as well as a clinical trial examining interference with a genetic modifier. In this review, we discuss the current status of using ASOs in ALS and the possibilities and pitfalls of this therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sien H Van Daele
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Human Genetics, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pegah Masrori
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Philip Van Damme
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Ludo Van Den Bosch
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.
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24
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Cabrera GT, Meijboom KE, Abdallah A, Tran H, Foster Z, Weiss A, Wightman N, Stock R, Gendron T, Gruntman A, Giampetruzzi A, Petrucelli L, Brown RH, Mueller C. Artificial microRNA suppresses C9ORF72 variants and decreases toxic dipeptide repeat proteins in vivo. Gene Ther 2024; 31:105-118. [PMID: 37752346 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-023-00418-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons, causing progressive muscle weakness and respiratory failure. The presence of an expanded hexanucleotide repeat in chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9ORF72) is the most frequent mutation causing familial ALS and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). To determine if suppressing expression of C9ORF72 gene products can reduce toxicity, we designed a set of artificial microRNAs (amiRNA) targeting the human C9ORF72 gene. Here we report that an AAV9-mediated amiRNA significantly suppresses expression of the C9ORF72 mRNA, protein, and toxic dipeptide repeat proteins generated by the expanded repeat in the brain and spinal cord of C9ORF72 transgenic mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Toro Cabrera
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
- Department of Pediatrics and Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
| | - Katharina E Meijboom
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
- Department of Pediatrics and Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
| | - Abbas Abdallah
- Department of Pediatrics and Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
| | - Helene Tran
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
| | - Zachariah Foster
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
| | - Alexandra Weiss
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
| | - Nicholas Wightman
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
| | - Rachel Stock
- Department of Pediatrics and Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
| | - Tania Gendron
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Rd., Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Alisha Gruntman
- Department of Pediatrics and Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
| | - Anthony Giampetruzzi
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
| | - Leonard Petrucelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Rd., Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Robert H Brown
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA.
| | - Christian Mueller
- Department of Pediatrics and Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA.
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25
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Limone F, Couto A, Wang JY, Zhang Y, McCourt B, Huang C, Minkin A, Jani M, McNeer S, Keaney J, Gillet G, Gonzalez RL, Goodman WA, Kadiu I, Eggan K, Burberry A. Myeloid and lymphoid expression of C9orf72 regulates IL-17A signaling in mice. Sci Transl Med 2024; 16:eadg7895. [PMID: 38295187 PMCID: PMC11247723 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adg7895] [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: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
A mutation in C9ORF72 is the most common cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Patients with ALS or FTD often develop autoimmunity and inflammation that precedes or coincides with the onset of neurological symptoms, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we knocked out murine C9orf72 in seven hematopoietic progenitor compartments by conditional mutagenesis and found that myeloid lineage C9orf72 prevents splenomegaly, loss of tolerance, and premature mortality. Furthermore, we demonstrated that C9orf72 plays a role in lymphoid cells to prevent interleukin-17A (IL-17A) production and neutrophilia. Mass cytometry identified early and sustained elevation of the costimulatory molecule CD80 expressed on C9orf72-deficient mouse macrophages, monocytes, and microglia. Enrichment of CD80 was similarly observed in human spinal cord microglia from patients with C9ORF72-mediated ALS compared with non-ALS controls. Single-cell RNA sequencing of murine spinal cord, brain cortex, and spleen demonstrated coordinated induction of gene modules related to antigen processing and presentation and antiviral immunity in C9orf72-deficient endothelial cells, microglia, and macrophages. Mechanistically, C9ORF72 repressed the trafficking of CD80 to the cell surface in response to Toll-like receptor agonists, interferon-γ, and IL-17A. Deletion of Il17a in C9orf72-deficient mice prevented CD80 enrichment in the spinal cord, reduced neutrophilia, and reduced gut T helper type 17 cells. Last, systemic delivery of an IL-17A neutralizing antibody augmented motor performance and suppressed neuroinflammation in C9orf72-deficient mice. Altogether, we show that C9orf72 orchestrates myeloid costimulatory potency and provide support for IL-17A as a therapeutic target for neuroinflammation associated with ALS or FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Limone
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
- Leiden University Medical Center, LUMC, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander Couto
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Jin-Yuan Wang
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Yingying Zhang
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Blake McCourt
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Cerianne Huang
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Adina Minkin
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Marghi Jani
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Sarah McNeer
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - James Keaney
- Neuroinflammation Focus Area, UCB Biopharma SRL, Braine-l’Alleud, 1420, Belgium
| | - Gaëlle Gillet
- Neuroinflammation Focus Area, UCB Biopharma SRL, Braine-l’Alleud, 1420, Belgium
| | - Rodrigo Lopez Gonzalez
- Department of Neurosciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44196, USA
| | - Wendy A. Goodman
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Irena Kadiu
- Neuroinflammation Focus Area, UCB Biopharma SRL, Braine-l’Alleud, 1420, Belgium
| | - Kevin Eggan
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Aaron Burberry
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
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26
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Tang D, Zheng K, Zhu J, Jin X, Bao H, Jiang L, Li H, Wang Y, Lu Y, Liu J, Liu H, Tang C, Feng S, Dong X, Xu L, Yin Y, Dang S, Wei X, Ren H, Dong B, Dai L, Cheng W, Wan M, Li Z, Chen J, Li H, Kong E, Wang K, Lu K, Qi S. ALS-linked C9orf72-SMCR8 complex is a negative regulator of primary ciliogenesis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2220496120. [PMID: 38064514 PMCID: PMC10723147 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2220496120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Massive GGGGCC (G4C2) repeat expansion in C9orf72 and the resulting loss of C9orf72 function are the key features of ~50% of inherited amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia cases. However, the biological function of C9orf72 remains unclear. We previously found that C9orf72 can form a stable GTPase activating protein (GAP) complex with SMCR8 (Smith-Magenis chromosome region 8). Herein, we report that the C9orf72-SMCR8 complex is a major negative regulator of primary ciliogenesis, abnormalities in which lead to ciliopathies. Mechanistically, the C9orf72-SMCR8 complex suppresses the primary cilium as a RAB8A GAP. Moreover, based on biochemical analysis, we found that C9orf72 is the RAB8A binding subunit and that SMCR8 is the GAP subunit in the complex. We further found that the C9orf72-SMCR8 complex suppressed the primary cilium in multiple tissues from mice, including but not limited to the brain, kidney, and spleen. Importantly, cells with C9orf72 or SMCR8 knocked out were more sensitive to hedgehog signaling. These results reveal the unexpected impact of C9orf72 on primary ciliogenesis and elucidate the pathogenesis of diseases caused by the loss of C9orf72 function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Tang
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, and National Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kaixuan Zheng
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, and National Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiangli Zhu
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, and National Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang453000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xi Jin
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, and National Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hui Bao
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, and National Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lan Jiang
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, and National Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huihui Li
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, and National Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yichang Wang
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, and National Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying Lu
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, and National Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiaming Liu
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, and National Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hang Liu
- Division of Life Science, Center of Systems Biology and Human Health, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People’s Republic of China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou511458, People’s Republic of China
- HKUST-Shenzhen Research Institute, Nanshan, Shenzhen518057, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chengbing Tang
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, and National Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shijian Feng
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, and National Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiuju Dong
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, and National Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Liangting Xu
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, and National Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yike Yin
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, and National Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shangyu Dang
- Division of Life Science, Center of Systems Biology and Human Health, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People’s Republic of China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou511458, People’s Republic of China
- HKUST-Shenzhen Research Institute, Nanshan, Shenzhen518057, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haiyan Ren
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, and National Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Biao Dong
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
- Sichuan Real & Best Biotech Co., Ltd., Chengdu610219, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lunzhi Dai
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, and National Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Cheng
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, and National Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Meihua Wan
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, and National Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhonghan Li
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, and National Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, and National Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong Li
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, and National Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Eryan Kong
- Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang453000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kunjie Wang
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, and National Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kefeng Lu
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, and National Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shiqian Qi
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, and National Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
- National Health Commission Key Lab of Transplant Engineering and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
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27
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Todd TW, Shao W, Zhang YJ, Petrucelli L. The endolysosomal pathway and ALS/FTD. Trends Neurosci 2023; 46:1025-1041. [PMID: 37827960 PMCID: PMC10841821 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2023.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are considered to be part of a disease spectrum that is associated with causative mutations and risk variants in a wide range of genes. Mounting evidence indicates that several of these genes are linked to the endolysosomal system, highlighting the importance of this pathway in ALS/FTD. Although many studies have focused on how disruption of this pathway impacts on autophagy, recent findings reveal that this may not be the whole picture: specifically, disrupting autophagy may not be sufficient to induce disease, whereas disrupting the endolysosomal system could represent a crucial pathogenic driver. In this review we discuss the connections between ALS/FTD and the endolysosomal system, including a breakdown of how disease-associated genes are implicated in this pathway. We also explore the potential downstream consequences of disrupting endolysosomal activity in the brain, outside of an effect on autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany W Todd
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Wei Shao
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Yong-Jie Zhang
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA; Neurobiology of Disease Graduate Program, Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Leonard Petrucelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA; Neurobiology of Disease Graduate Program, Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA.
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Sattler R, Traynor BJ, Robertson J, Van Den Bosch L, Barmada SJ, Svendsen CN, Disney MD, Gendron TF, Wong PC, Turner MR, Boxer A, Babu S, Benatar M, Kurnellas M, Rohrer JD, Donnelly CJ, Bustos LM, Van Keuren-Jensen K, Dacks PA, Sabbagh MN. Roadmap for C9ORF72 in Frontotemporal Dementia and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Report on the C9ORF72 FTD/ALS Summit. Neurol Ther 2023; 12:1821-1843. [PMID: 37847372 PMCID: PMC10630271 DOI: 10.1007/s40120-023-00548-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
A summit held March 2023 in Scottsdale, Arizona (USA) focused on the intronic hexanucleotide expansion in the C9ORF72 gene and its relevance in frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS; C9ORF72-FTD/ALS). The goal of this summit was to connect basic scientists, clinical researchers, drug developers, and individuals affected by C9ORF72-FTD/ALS to evaluate how collaborative efforts across the FTD-ALS disease spectrum might break down existing disease silos. Presentations and discussions covered recent discoveries in C9ORF72-FTD/ALS disease mechanisms, availability of disease biomarkers and recent advances in therapeutic development, and clinical trial design for prevention and treatment for individuals affected by C9ORF72-FTD/ALS and asymptomatic pathological expansion carriers. The C9ORF72-associated hexanucleotide repeat expansion is an important locus for both ALS and FTD. C9ORF72-FTD/ALS may be characterized by loss of function of the C9ORF72 protein and toxic gain of functions caused by both dipeptide repeat (DPR) proteins and hexanucleotide repeat RNA. C9ORF72-FTD/ALS therapeutic strategies discussed at the summit included the use of antisense oligonucleotides, adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene silencing and gene delivery, and engineered small molecules targeting RNA structures associated with the C9ORF72 expansion. Neurofilament light chain, DPR proteins, and transactive response (TAR) DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43)-associated molecular changes were presented as biomarker candidates. Similarly, brain imaging modalities (i.e., magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] and positron emission tomography [PET]) measuring structural, functional, and metabolic changes were discussed as important tools to monitor individuals affected with C9ORF72-FTD/ALS, at both pre-symptomatic and symptomatic disease stages. Finally, summit attendees evaluated current clinical trial designs available for FTD or ALS patients and concluded that therapeutics relevant to FTD/ALS patients, such as those specifically targeting C9ORF72, may need to be tested with composite endpoints covering clinical symptoms of both FTD and ALS. The latter will require novel clinical trial designs to be inclusive of all patient subgroups spanning the FTD/ALS spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Sattler
- Barrow Neurological Institute, 2910 N Third Ave, Phoenix, AZ, 85013, USA.
| | - Bryan J Traynor
- Neuromuscular Diseases Research Section, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Janice Robertson
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ludo Van Den Bosch
- VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology and KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sami J Barmada
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Clive N Svendsen
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Matthew D Disney
- Department of Chemistry, The Herbert Wertheim UF-Scripps Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Tania F Gendron
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Philip C Wong
- Departments of Pathology and Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Martin R Turner
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Adam Boxer
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Suma Babu
- Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS and the Neurological Clinical Research Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital-Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael Benatar
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33129, USA
| | | | - Jonathan D Rohrer
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Christopher J Donnelly
- LiveLikeLou Center for ALS Research, Brain Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Lynette M Bustos
- Barrow Neurological Institute, 2910 N Third Ave, Phoenix, AZ, 85013, USA
| | | | - Penny A Dacks
- The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration and FTD Disorders Registry, King of Prussia, PA, USA
| | - Marwan N Sabbagh
- Barrow Neurological Institute, 2910 N Third Ave, Phoenix, AZ, 85013, USA.
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29
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Kahriman A, Bouley J, Tuncali I, Dogan EO, Pereira M, Luu T, Bosco DA, Jaber S, Peters OM, Brown RH, Henninger N. Repeated mild traumatic brain injury triggers pathology in asymptomatic C9ORF72 transgenic mice. Brain 2023; 146:5139-5152. [PMID: 37527465 PMCID: PMC11046056 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are fatal neurodegenerative diseases that represent ends of the spectrum of a single disease. The most common genetic cause of FTD and ALS is a hexanucleotide repeat expansion in the C9orf72 gene. Although epidemiological data suggest that traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents a risk factor for FTD and ALS, its role in exacerbating disease onset and course remains unclear. To explore the interplay between traumatic brain injury and genetic risk in the induction of FTD/ALS pathology we combined a mild repetitive traumatic brain injury paradigm with an established bacterial artificial chromosome transgenic C9orf72 (C9BAC) mouse model without an overt motor phenotype or neurodegeneration. We assessed 8-10 week-old littermate C9BACtg/tg (n = 21), C9BACtg/- (n = 20) and non-transgenic (n = 21) mice of both sexes for the presence of behavioural deficits and cerebral histopathology at 12 months after repetitive TBI. Repetitive TBI did not affect body weight gain, general neurological deficit severity, nor survival over the 12-month observation period and there was no difference in rotarod performance, object recognition, social interaction and acoustic characteristics of ultrasonic vocalizations of C9BAC mice subjected to repetitive TBI versus sham injury. However, we found that repetitive TBI increased the time to the return of the righting reflex, reduced grip force, altered sociability behaviours and attenuated ultrasonic call emissions during social interactions in C9BAC mice. Strikingly, we found that repetitive TBI caused widespread microglial activation and reduced neuronal density that was associated with loss of histological markers of axonal and synaptic integrity as well as profound neuronal transactive response DNA binding protein 43 kDa mislocalization in the cerebral cortex of C9BAC mice at 12 months; this was not observed in non-transgenic repetitive TBI and C9BAC sham mice. Our data indicate that repetitive TBI can be an environmental risk factor that is sufficient to trigger FTD/ALS-associated neuropathology and behavioural deficits, but not paralysis, in mice carrying a C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aydan Kahriman
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - James Bouley
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Idil Tuncali
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Elif O Dogan
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Mariana Pereira
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Thuyvan Luu
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Daryl A Bosco
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Samer Jaber
- Department of Pathology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Owen M Peters
- School of Biosciences, UK Dementia Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK
| | - Robert H Brown
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Nils Henninger
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
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Zhang Z, Sun S. Linking ALS mutations to the disruption of the MHC-II pathway. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2315240120. [PMID: 37819987 PMCID: PMC10614208 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2315240120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21205
| | - Shuying Sun
- Department of Physiology and Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21205
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21205
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21205
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31
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Zhang S, Tong M, Zheng D, Huang H, Li L, Ungermann C, Pan Y, Luo H, Lei M, Tang Z, Fu W, Chen S, Liu X, Zhong Q. C9orf72-catalyzed GTP loading of Rab39A enables HOPS-mediated membrane tethering and fusion in mammalian autophagy. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6360. [PMID: 37821429 PMCID: PMC10567733 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42003-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The multi-subunit homotypic fusion and vacuole protein sorting (HOPS) membrane-tethering complex is required for autophagosome-lysosome fusion in mammals, yet reconstituting the mammalian HOPS complex remains a challenge. Here we propose a "hook-up" model for mammalian HOPS complex assembly, which requires two HOPS sub-complexes docking on membranes via membrane-associated Rabs. We identify Rab39A as a key small GTPase that recruits HOPS onto autophagic vesicles. Proper pairing with Rab2 and Rab39A enables HOPS complex assembly between proteoliposomes for its tethering function, facilitating efficient membrane fusion. GTP loading of Rab39A is important for the recruitment of HOPS to autophagic membranes. Activation of Rab39A is catalyzed by C9orf72, a guanine exchange factor associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and familial frontotemporal dementia. Constitutive activation of Rab39A can rescue autophagy defects caused by C9orf72 depletion. These results therefore reveal a crucial role for the C9orf72-Rab39A-HOPS axis in autophagosome-lysosome fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Department of Pathophysiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mindan Tong
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Department of Pathophysiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Denghao Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Department of Pathophysiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Huiying Huang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Department of Pathophysiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Linsen Li
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Department of Pathophysiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Christian Ungermann
- Osnabrück University, Department of Biology/Chemistry, Biochemistry section, Osnabrück, Germany
- Center of Cellular Nanoanalytic Osnabrück (CellNanOs), Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Yi Pan
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Department of Pathophysiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hanyan Luo
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Department of Pathophysiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200011, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, 200125, Shanghai, China
| | - Zaiming Tang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Department of Pathophysiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wan Fu
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Department of Pathophysiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - She Chen
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, 102206, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoxia Liu
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Department of Pathophysiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Qing Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Department of Pathophysiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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32
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Zhu L, Li S, Li XJ, Yin P. Pathological insights from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis animal models: comparisons, limitations, and challenges. Transl Neurodegener 2023; 12:46. [PMID: 37730668 PMCID: PMC10510301 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-023-00377-7] [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: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In order to dissect amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a multigenic, multifactorial, and progressive neurodegenerative disease with heterogeneous clinical presentations, researchers have generated numerous animal models to mimic the genetic defects. Concurrent and comparative analysis of these various models allows identification of the causes and mechanisms of ALS in order to finally obtain effective therapeutics. However, most genetically modified rodent models lack overt pathological features, imposing challenges and limitations in utilizing them to rigorously test the potential mechanisms. Recent studies using large animals, including pigs and non-human primates, have uncovered important events that resemble neurodegeneration in patients' brains but could not be produced in small animals. Here we describe common features as well as discrepancies among these models, highlighting new insights from these models. Furthermore, we will discuss how to make rodent models more capable of recapitulating important pathological features based on the important pathogenic insights from large animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longhong Zhu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Shihua Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Xiao-Jiang Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Peng Yin
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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33
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Beckers J, Tharkeshwar AK, Fumagalli L, Contardo M, Van Schoor E, Fazal R, Thal DR, Chandran S, Mancuso R, Van Den Bosch L, Van Damme P. A toxic gain-of-function mechanism in C9orf72 ALS impairs the autophagy-lysosome pathway in neurons. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2023; 11:151. [PMID: 37723585 PMCID: PMC10506245 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-023-01648-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Motor neurons (MNs), which are primarily affected in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), are a specialized type of neurons that are long and non-dividing. Given their unique structure, these cells heavily rely on transport of organelles along their axons and the process of autophagy to maintain their cellular homeostasis. It has been shown that disruption of the autophagy pathway is sufficient to cause progressive neurodegeneration and defects in autophagy have been associated with various subtypes of ALS, including those caused by hexanucleotide repeat expansions in the C9orf72 gene. A more comprehensive understanding of the dysfunctional cellular mechanisms will help rationalize the design of potent and selective therapies for C9orf72-ALS. METHODS In this study, we used induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived MNs from C9orf72-ALS patients and isogenic control lines to identify the underlying mechanisms causing dysregulations of the autophagy-lysosome pathway. Additionally, to ascertain the potential impact of C9orf72 loss-of-function on autophagic defects, we characterized the observed phenotypes in a C9orf72 knockout iPSC line (C9-KO). RESULTS Despite the evident presence of dysfunctions in several aspects of the autophagy-lysosome pathway, such as disrupted lysosomal homeostasis, abnormal lysosome morphology, inhibition of autophagic flux, and accumulation of p62 in C9orf72-ALS MNs, we were surprised to find that C9orf72 loss-of-function had minimal influence on these phenotypes. Instead, we primarily observed impairment in endosome maturation as a result of C9orf72 loss-of-function. Additionally, our study shed light on the pathological mechanisms underlying C9orf72-ALS, as we detected an increased TBK1 phosphorylation at S172 in MNs derived from C9orf72 ALS patients. CONCLUSIONS Our data provides further insight into the involvement of defects in the autophagy-lysosome pathway in C9orf72-ALS and strongly indicate that those defects are mainly due to the toxic gain-of-function mechanisms underlying C9orf72-ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimmy Beckers
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Louvain - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
- Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Arun Kumar Tharkeshwar
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Louvain - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Louvain, Belgium
| | - Laura Fumagalli
- Center for Molecular Neurology, Microglia and Inflammation in Neurological Disorders (MIND) Lab, VIB, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Matilde Contardo
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Louvain - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Evelien Van Schoor
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Louvain - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Neuropathology, Department of Imaging and Pathology, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Louvain - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Raheem Fazal
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Louvain - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dietmar Rudolf Thal
- Laboratory of Neuropathology, Department of Imaging and Pathology, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Louvain - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Leuven, Louvain, Belgium
| | - Siddharthan Chandran
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Renzo Mancuso
- Center for Molecular Neurology, Microglia and Inflammation in Neurological Disorders (MIND) Lab, VIB, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ludo Van Den Bosch
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Louvain - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Philip Van Damme
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Louvain - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
- Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium.
- Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Louvain, Belgium.
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Sonobe Y, Lee S, Krishnan G, Gu Y, Kwon DY, Gao FB, Roos RP, Kratsios P. Translation of dipeptide repeat proteins in C9ORF72 ALS/FTD through unique and redundant AUG initiation codons. eLife 2023; 12:e83189. [PMID: 37675986 PMCID: PMC10541178 DOI: 10.7554/elife.83189] [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: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
A hexanucleotide repeat expansion in C9ORF72 is the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). A hallmark of ALS/FTD pathology is the presence of dipeptide repeat (DPR) proteins, produced from both sense GGGGCC (poly-GA, poly-GP, poly-GR) and antisense CCCCGG (poly-PR, poly-PG, poly-PA) transcripts. Translation of sense DPRs, such as poly-GA and poly-GR, depends on non-canonical (non-AUG) initiation codons. Here, we provide evidence for canonical AUG-dependent translation of two antisense DPRs, poly-PR and poly-PG. A single AUG is required for synthesis of poly-PR, one of the most toxic DPRs. Unexpectedly, we found redundancy between three AUG codons necessary for poly-PG translation. Further, the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2D (EIF2D), which was previously implicated in sense DPR synthesis, is not required for AUG-dependent poly-PR or poly-PG translation, suggesting that distinct translation initiation factors control DPR synthesis from sense and antisense transcripts. Our findings on DPR synthesis from the C9ORF72 locus may be broadly applicable to many other nucleotide repeat expansion disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshifumi Sonobe
- University of Chicago Medical CenterChicagoUnited States
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago Medical CenterChicagoUnited States
- Neuroscience Institute, University of ChicagoChicagoUnited States
| | - Soojin Lee
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterUnited States
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterUnited States
| | - Gopinath Krishnan
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterUnited States
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterUnited States
| | - Yuanzheng Gu
- Neuromuscular & Movement Disorders, BiogenCambridgeUnited States
| | - Deborah Y Kwon
- Neuromuscular & Movement Disorders, BiogenCambridgeUnited States
| | - Fen-Biao Gao
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterUnited States
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterUnited States
| | - Raymond P Roos
- University of Chicago Medical CenterChicagoUnited States
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago Medical CenterChicagoUnited States
- Neuroscience Institute, University of ChicagoChicagoUnited States
| | - Paschalis Kratsios
- Neuroscience Institute, University of ChicagoChicagoUnited States
- Department of Neurobiology, University of ChicagoChicagoUnited States
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35
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McGoldrick P, Robertson J. Unraveling the impact of disrupted nucleocytoplasmic transport systems in C9orf72-associated ALS. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1247297. [PMID: 37720544 PMCID: PMC10501458 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1247297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are two adult-onset neurodegenerative diseases that are part of a common disease spectrum due to clinical, genetic, and pathological overlap. A prominent genetic factor contributing to both diseases is a hexanucleotide repeat expansion in a non-coding region of the C9orf72 gene. This mutation in C9orf72 leads to nuclear depletion and cytoplasmic aggregation of Tar DNA-RNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43). TDP-43 pathology is characteristic of the majority of ALS cases, irrespective of disease causation, and is present in ~50% of FTD cases. Defects in nucleocytoplasmic transport involving the nuclear pore complex, the Ran-GTPase cycle, and nuclear transport factors have been linked with the mislocalization of TDP-43. Here, we will explore and discuss the implications of these system abnormalities of nucleocytoplasmic transport in C9orf72-ALS/FTD, as well as in other forms of familial and sporadic ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip McGoldrick
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Janice Robertson
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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36
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Liu X, Zhao X, He J, Wang S, Shen X, Liu Q, Wang S. Advances in the Structure of GGGGCC Repeat RNA Sequence and Its Interaction with Small Molecules and Protein Partners. Molecules 2023; 28:5801. [PMID: 37570771 PMCID: PMC10420822 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28155801] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The aberrant expansion of GGGGCC hexanucleotide repeats within the first intron of the C9orf72 gene represent the predominant genetic etiology underlying amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontal temporal dementia (FTD). The transcribed r(GGGGCC)n RNA repeats form RNA foci, which recruit RNA binding proteins and impede their normal cellular functions, ultimately resulting in fatal neurodegenerative disorders. Furthermore, the non-canonical translation of the r(GGGGCC)n sequence can generate dipeptide repeats, which have been postulated as pathological causes. Comprehensive structural analyses of r(GGGGCC)n have unveiled its polymorphic nature, exhibiting the propensity to adopt dimeric, hairpin, or G-quadruplex conformations, all of which possess the capacity to interact with RNA binding proteins. Small molecules capable of binding to r(GGGGCC)n have been discovered and proposed as potential lead compounds for the treatment of ALS and FTD. Some of these molecules function in preventing RNA-protein interactions or impeding the phase transition of r(GGGGCC)n. In this review, we present a comprehensive summary of the recent advancements in the structural characterization of r(GGGGCC)n, its propensity to form RNA foci, and its interactions with small molecules and proteins. Specifically, we emphasize the structural diversity of r(GGGGCC)n and its influence on partner binding. Given the crucial role of r(GGGGCC)n in the pathogenesis of ALS and FTD, the primary objective of this review is to facilitate the development of therapeutic interventions targeting r(GGGGCC)n RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaole Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; (X.L.); (X.Z.); (J.H.); (S.W.); (X.S.); (Q.L.)
| | - Xinyue Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; (X.L.); (X.Z.); (J.H.); (S.W.); (X.S.); (Q.L.)
| | - Jinhan He
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; (X.L.); (X.Z.); (J.H.); (S.W.); (X.S.); (Q.L.)
| | - Sishi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; (X.L.); (X.Z.); (J.H.); (S.W.); (X.S.); (Q.L.)
| | - Xinfei Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; (X.L.); (X.Z.); (J.H.); (S.W.); (X.S.); (Q.L.)
| | - Qingfeng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; (X.L.); (X.Z.); (J.H.); (S.W.); (X.S.); (Q.L.)
| | - Shenlin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; (X.L.); (X.Z.); (J.H.); (S.W.); (X.S.); (Q.L.)
- Beijing NMR Center, Peking University, Beijing 100087, China
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37
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Li Y, Dou X, Liu J, Xiao Y, Zhang Z, Hayes L, Wu R, Fu X, Ye Y, Yang B, Ostrow LW, He C, Sun S. Globally reduced N 6-methyladenosine (m 6A) in C9ORF72-ALS/FTD dysregulates RNA metabolism and contributes to neurodegeneration. Nat Neurosci 2023; 26:1328-1338. [PMID: 37365312 PMCID: PMC11361766 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-023-01374-9] [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: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Repeat expansion in C9ORF72 is the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Here we show that N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most prevalent internal mRNA modification, is downregulated in C9ORF72-ALS/FTD patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-differentiated neurons and postmortem brain tissues. The global m6A hypomethylation leads to transcriptome-wide mRNA stabilization and upregulated gene expression, particularly for genes involved in synaptic activity and neuronal function. Moreover, the m6A modification in the C9ORF72 intron sequence upstream of the expanded repeats enhances RNA decay via the nuclear reader YTHDC1, and the antisense RNA repeats can also be regulated through m6A modification. The m6A reduction increases the accumulation of repeat RNAs and the encoded poly-dipeptides, contributing to disease pathogenesis. We further demonstrate that, by elevating m6A methylation, we could significantly reduce repeat RNA levels from both strands and the derived poly-dipeptides, rescue global mRNA homeostasis and improve survival of C9ORF72-ALS/FTD patient iPSC-derived neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yini Li
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Xiaoyang Dou
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chicago, IL, USA
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Xiao
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lindsey Hayes
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rong Wu
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Xiujuan Fu
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yingzhi Ye
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology Graduate Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Bing Yang
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, NIDDK Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lyle W Ostrow
- Department of Neurology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Chuan He
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Shuying Sun
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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38
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Seidel M, Rajkumar S, Steffke C, Noeth V, Agarwal S, Roger K, Lipecka J, Ludolph A, Guerrera CI, Boeckers T, Catanese A. Propranolol reduces the accumulation of cytotoxic aggregates in C9orf72-ALS/FTD in vitro models. CURRENT RESEARCH IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 5:100105. [PMID: 37576491 PMCID: PMC10412779 DOI: 10.1016/j.crneur.2023.100105] [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: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the C9orf72 gene are the most common cause of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The pathogenetic mechanisms linked to this gene are a direct consequence of an aberrant intronic expansion of a GGGGCC hexanucleotide located between the 1a and 1b non-coding exons, which can be transcribed to form cytotoxic RNA foci or even translated into aggregation-prone dipeptide repeat proteins. Importantly, the abnormal length of these repeats affects also the expression levels of C9orf72 itself, which suggests haploinsufficiency as additional pathomechanism. Thus, it appears that both toxic gain of function and loss of function are distinct but still coexistent features contributing to the insurgence of the disease in case of C9orf72 mutations. In this study, we aimed at identifying a strategy to address both aspects of the C9orf72-related pathobiochemistry and provide proof-of-principle information for a better understanding of the mechanisms leading to neuronal loss. By using primary neurons overexpressing toxic poly(GA), the most abundant protein product of the GGGGCC repeats, we found that the antiarrhythmic drug propranolol could efficiently reduce the accumulation of aberrant aggregates and increase the survival of C9orf72-related cultures. Interestingly, the improved catabolism appeared to not depend on major degradative pathways such as autophagy and the proteasome. By analyzing the proteome of poly(GA)-expressing neurons after exposure to propranolol, we found that the drug increased lysosomal degradation through a mechanism directly involving C9orf72 protein, whose levels were increased after treatment. Further confirmation of the beneficial effect of the beta blocker on aggregates' accumulation and survival of hiPSC-derived C9orf72-mutant motoneurons strengthened the finding that addressing both facets of C9orf72 pathology might represent a valid strategy for the treatment of these ALS/FTD cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mira Seidel
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University School of Medicine, Ulm, Germany
| | - Sandeep Rajkumar
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University School of Medicine, Ulm, Germany
| | - Christina Steffke
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University School of Medicine, Ulm, Germany
| | - Vivien Noeth
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University School of Medicine, Ulm, Germany
- International Graduate School in Molecular Medicine, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Shreya Agarwal
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University School of Medicine, Ulm, Germany
- International Graduate School in Molecular Medicine, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Kevin Roger
- Proteomics Platform Necker, Université Paris Cité - Structure Fédérative de Recherche Necker, INSERM US24/CNRS UAR3633, Paris, France
| | - Joanna Lipecka
- Proteomics Platform Necker, Université Paris Cité - Structure Fédérative de Recherche Necker, INSERM US24/CNRS UAR3633, Paris, France
| | - Albert Ludolph
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University School of Medicine, Ulm, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Ulm site, Ulm, Germany
| | - Chiara Ida Guerrera
- Proteomics Platform Necker, Université Paris Cité - Structure Fédérative de Recherche Necker, INSERM US24/CNRS UAR3633, Paris, France
| | - Tobias Boeckers
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University School of Medicine, Ulm, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Ulm site, Ulm, Germany
| | - Alberto Catanese
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University School of Medicine, Ulm, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Ulm site, Ulm, Germany
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39
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Fujino Y, Ueyama M, Ishiguro T, Ozawa D, Ito H, Sugiki T, Murata A, Ishiguro A, Gendron T, Mori K, Tokuda E, Taminato T, Konno T, Koyama A, Kawabe Y, Takeuchi T, Furukawa Y, Fujiwara T, Ikeda M, Mizuno T, Mochizuki H, Mizusawa H, Wada K, Ishikawa K, Onodera O, Nakatani K, Petrucelli L, Taguchi H, Nagai Y. FUS regulates RAN translation through modulating the G-quadruplex structure of GGGGCC repeat RNA in C9orf72-linked ALS/FTD. eLife 2023; 12:RP84338. [PMID: 37461319 PMCID: PMC10393046 DOI: 10.7554/elife.84338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormal expansions of GGGGCC repeat sequence in the noncoding region of the C9orf72 gene is the most common cause of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia (C9-ALS/FTD). The expanded repeat sequence is translated into dipeptide repeat proteins (DPRs) by noncanonical repeat-associated non-AUG (RAN) translation. Since DPRs play central roles in the pathogenesis of C9-ALS/FTD, we here investigate the regulatory mechanisms of RAN translation, focusing on the effects of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) targeting GGGGCC repeat RNAs. Using C9-ALS/FTD model flies, we demonstrated that the ALS/FTD-linked RBP FUS suppresses RAN translation and neurodegeneration in an RNA-binding activity-dependent manner. Moreover, we found that FUS directly binds to and modulates the G-quadruplex structure of GGGGCC repeat RNA as an RNA chaperone, resulting in the suppression of RAN translation in vitro. These results reveal a previously unrecognized regulatory mechanism of RAN translation by G-quadruplex-targeting RBPs, providing therapeutic insights for C9-ALS/FTD and other repeat expansion diseases.
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Grants
- Scientific Research on Innovative Areas (Brain Protein Aging and Dementia Control) 17H05699 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- Scientific Research on Innovative Areas (Brain Protein Aging and Dementia Control) 17H05705 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- Transformative Research Areas (A) (Multifaceted Proteins) 20H05927 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- Strategic Research Program for Brain Sciences 11013026 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- Scientific Research (B) 21H02840 Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
- Scientific Research (B) 20H03602 Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
- Scientific Research (C) 15K09331 Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
- Scientific Research (C) 19K07823 Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
- Scientific Research (C) 17K07291 Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
- Young Scientists (A) 17H05091 Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
- Young Scientists (B) 25860733 Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
- Challenging Exploratory Research 24659438 Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
- Challenging Exploratory Research 18K19515 Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
- Health Labor Sciences Research Grant for Research on Development of New Drugs H24-Soyaku-Sogo-002 Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, Japan
- Strategic Research Program for Brain Sciences JP15dm0107026 Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development
- Strategic Research Program for Brain Sciences JP20dm0107061 Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development
- Practical Research Projects for Rare/Intractable Diseases JP16ek0109018 Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development
- Practical Research Projects for Rare/Intractable Diseases JP19ek0109222 Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development
- Practical Research Projects for Rare/Intractable Diseases JP20ek0109316 Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development
- Platform Project for Supporting Drug Discovery and Life Science Research JP19am0101072 Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development
- Intramural Research Grants for Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders 27-7 National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry
- Intramural Research Grants for Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders 27-9 National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry
- Intramural Research Grants for Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders 30-3 National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry
- Intramural Research Grants for Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders 30-9 National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry
- Intramural Research Grants for Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders 3-9 National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry
- IBC Grant H28 Japan Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association
- 2017 Takeda Science Foundation
- 2016 Takeda Science Foundation
- 2018 SENSHIN Medical Research Foundation
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuzo Fujino
- Department of Neurology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
- Department of Neurology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Morio Ueyama
- Department of Neurology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
- Department of Neurotherapeutics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
- Department of Degenerative Neurological Diseases, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Taro Ishiguro
- Department of Degenerative Neurological Diseases, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daisaku Ozawa
- Department of Neurology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
- Department of Neurotherapeutics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Hayato Ito
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Toshihiko Sugiki
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Asako Murata
- Department of Regulatory Bioorganic Chemistry, The Institute of Scientific and28 Industrial Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Akira Ishiguro
- Research Center for Micro-nano Technology, Hosei University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tania Gendron
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, United States
| | - Kohji Mori
- Department of Psychiatry, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Eiichi Tokuda
- Department of Chemistry, Keio University, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Tomoya Taminato
- Department of Neurology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
- Department of Neurotherapeutics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Takuya Konno
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Neuroscience Branch, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Akihide Koyama
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Neuroscience Branch, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Yuya Kawabe
- Department of Psychiatry, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Toshihide Takeuchi
- Department of Neurotherapeutics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
- Life Science Research Institute, Kindai University, Osaka, Japan
| | | | - Toshimichi Fujiwara
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Manabu Ikeda
- Department of Psychiatry, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Toshiki Mizuno
- Department of Neurology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hideki Mochizuki
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hidehiro Mizusawa
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keiji Wada
- Department of Degenerative Neurological Diseases, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kinya Ishikawa
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Osamu Onodera
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Neuroscience Branch, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Nakatani
- Department of Regulatory Bioorganic Chemistry, The Institute of Scientific and28 Industrial Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | | | - Hideki Taguchi
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan
- Cell Biology Center, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Nagai
- Department of Neurology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
- Department of Neurotherapeutics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
- Department of Degenerative Neurological Diseases, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
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40
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Jun YW, Lee S, Ban BK, Lee JA, Gao FB. Non-muscle MYH10/myosin IIB recruits ESCRT-III to participate in autophagosome closure to maintain neuronal homeostasis. Autophagy 2023; 19:2045-2061. [PMID: 36849436 PMCID: PMC10283425 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2023.2169309] [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: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysfunction of the endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) has been linked to frontotemporal dementia (FTD) due in part to the accumulation of unsealed autophagosomes. However, the mechanisms of ESCRT-mediated membrane closure events on phagophores remain largely unknown. In this study, we found that partial knockdown of non-muscle MYH10/myosin IIB/zip rescues neurodegeneration in both Drosophila and human iPSC-derived cortical neurons expressing FTD-associated mutant CHMP2B, a subunit of ESCRT-III. We also found that MYH10 binds and recruits several autophagy receptor proteins during autophagosome formation induced by mutant CHMP2B or nutrient starvation. Moreover, MYH10 interacted with ESCRT-III to regulate phagophore closure by recruiting ESCRT-III to damaged mitochondria during PRKN/parkin-mediated mitophagy. Evidently, MYH10 is involved in the initiation of induced but not basal autophagy and also links ESCRT-III to mitophagosome sealing, revealing novel roles of MYH10 in the autophagy pathway and in ESCRT-related FTD pathogenesis.Abbreviations: ALS: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; AP: autophagosome; Atg: autophagy-related; ESCRT: endosomal sorting complex required for transport; FTD: frontotemporal dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Woo Jun
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Soojin Lee
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Byung-Kwan Ban
- Department of Biotechnology and Biological Sciences, Hannam University, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-A Lee
- Department of Biotechnology and Biological Sciences, Hannam University, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Fen-Biao Gao
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
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41
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Arnold FJ, Nguyen AD, Bedlack RS, Bennett CL, La Spada AR. Intercellular transmission of pathogenic proteins in ALS: Exploring the pathogenic wave. Neurobiol Dis 2023:106218. [PMID: 37394036 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106218] [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: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), disease symptoms and pathology typically spread in a predictable spatiotemporal pattern beginning at a focal site of onset and progressing along defined neuroanatomical tracts. Like other neurodegenerative diseases, ALS is characterized by the presence of protein aggregates in postmortem patient tissue. Cytoplasmic, ubiquitin-positive aggregates of TDP-43 are observed in approximately 97% of sporadic and familial ALS patients, while SOD1 inclusions are likely specific to cases of SOD1-ALS. Additionally, the most common subtype of familial ALS, caused by a hexanucleotide repeat expansion in the first intron of the C9orf72 gene (C9-ALS), is further characterized by the presence of aggregated dipeptide repeat proteins (DPRs). As we will describe, cell-to-cell propagation of these pathological proteins tightly correlates with the contiguous spread of disease. While TDP-43 and SOD1 are capable of seeding protein misfolding and aggregation in a prion-like manner, C9orf72 DPRs appear to induce (and transmit) a 'disease state' more generally. Multiple mechanisms of intercellular transport have been described for all of these proteins, including anterograde and retrograde axonal transport, extracellular vesicle secretion, and macropinocytosis. In addition to neuron-to-neuron transmission, transmission of pathological proteins occurs between neurons and glia. Given that the spread of ALS disease pathology corresponds with the spread of symptoms in patients, the various mechanisms by which ALS-associated protein aggregates propagate through the central nervous system should be closely examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- F J Arnold
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - A D Nguyen
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - R S Bedlack
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - C L Bennett
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
| | - A R La Spada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Departments of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Neurology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; UCI Center for Neurotherapeutics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
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42
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Jiang X, Gatt A, Lashley T. HnRNP Pathologies in Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration. Cells 2023; 12:1633. [PMID: 37371103 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is the second most common form of young-onset (<65 years) dementia. Clinically, it primarily manifests as a disorder of behavioural, executive, and/or language functions. Pathologically, frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) is the predominant cause of FTD. FTLD is a proteinopathy, and the main pathological proteins identified so far are tau, TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43), and fused in sarcoma (FUS). As TDP-43 and FUS are members of the heterogeneous ribonucleic acid protein (hnRNP) family, many studies in recent years have expanded the research on the relationship between other hnRNPs and FTLD pathology. Indeed, these studies provide evidence for an association between hnRNP abnormalities and FTLD. In particular, several studies have shown that multiple hnRNPs may exhibit nuclear depletion and cytoplasmic mislocalisation within neurons in FTLD cases. However, due to the diversity and complex association of hnRNPs, most studies are still at the stage of histological discovery of different hnRNP abnormalities in FTLD. We herein review the latest studies relating hnRNPs to FTLD. Together, these studies outline an important role of multiple hnRNPs in the pathogenesis of FTLD and suggest that future research into FTLD should include the whole spectrum of this protein family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinwa Jiang
- Queen Square Brain Bank for Neurological Disorders, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 1PJ, UK
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Ariana Gatt
- Queen Square Brain Bank for Neurological Disorders, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 1PJ, UK
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Tammaryn Lashley
- Queen Square Brain Bank for Neurological Disorders, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 1PJ, UK
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
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43
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Garcia-Guerra A, Ellerington R, Gaitzsch J, Bath J, Kye M, Varela MA, Battaglia G, Wood MJA, Manzano R, Rinaldi C, Turberfield AJ. A modular RNA delivery system comprising spherical nucleic acids built on endosome-escaping polymeric nanoparticles. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2023; 5:2941-2949. [PMID: 37260495 PMCID: PMC10228346 DOI: 10.1039/d2na00846g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acid therapeutics require delivery systems to reach their targets. Key challenges to be overcome include avoidance of accumulation in cells of the mononuclear phagocyte system and escape from the endosomal pathway. Spherical nucleic acids (SNAs), in which a gold nanoparticle supports a corona of oligonucleotides, are promising carriers for nucleic acids with valuable properties including nuclease resistance, sequence-specific loading and control of receptor-mediated endocytosis. However, SNAs accumulate in the endosomal pathway and are thus vulnerable to lysosomal degradation or recycling exocytosis. Here, an alternative SNA core based on diblock copolymer PMPC25-PDPA72 is investigated. This pH-sensitive polymer self-assembles into vesicles with an intrinsic ability to escape endosomes via osmotic shock triggered by acidification-induced disassembly. DNA oligos conjugated to PMPC25-PDPA72 molecules form vesicles, or polymersomes, with DNA coronae on luminal and external surfaces. Nucleic acid cargoes or nucleic acid-tagged targeting moieties can be attached by hybridization to the coronal DNA. These polymeric SNAs are used to deliver siRNA duplexes against C9orf72, a genetic target with therapeutic potential for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, to motor neuron-like cells. By attaching a neuron-specific targeting peptide to the PSNA corona, effective knock-down is achieved at doses of 2 particles per cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Garcia-Guerra
- Department of Physics, Clarendon Laboratory, University of Oxford Parks Road Oxford OX1 3PU UK
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford Le Gros Clark Building, South Parks Road Oxford OX1 3QX UK
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, South Parks Road Oxford OX1 3QU UK +44-1865-272359
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM) IMS-Tetsuya Nakamura Building, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Dr, Headington Oxford OX3 7TY UK +44-1865-272166
| | - Ruth Ellerington
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford Le Gros Clark Building, South Parks Road Oxford OX1 3QX UK
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM) IMS-Tetsuya Nakamura Building, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Dr, Headington Oxford OX3 7TY UK +44-1865-272166
| | - Jens Gaitzsch
- Department of Chemistry, University College London London WC1H 0AJ UK
- Leibniz Institute for Polymer Research Dresden Hohe Str. 6 01069 Dresden Germany
| | - Jonathan Bath
- Department of Physics, Clarendon Laboratory, University of Oxford Parks Road Oxford OX1 3PU UK
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, South Parks Road Oxford OX1 3QU UK +44-1865-272359
| | - Mahnseok Kye
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford Le Gros Clark Building, South Parks Road Oxford OX1 3QX UK
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM) IMS-Tetsuya Nakamura Building, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Dr, Headington Oxford OX3 7TY UK +44-1865-272166
| | - Miguel A Varela
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford Le Gros Clark Building, South Parks Road Oxford OX1 3QX UK
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM) IMS-Tetsuya Nakamura Building, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Dr, Headington Oxford OX3 7TY UK +44-1865-272166
| | - Giuseppe Battaglia
- Department of Chemistry, University College London London WC1H 0AJ UK
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology Baldiri Reixac, 10-12 08028 Barcelona Spain
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies Passeig de Lluís Companys, 23 08010 Barcelona Spain
| | - Matthew J A Wood
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford Le Gros Clark Building, South Parks Road Oxford OX1 3QX UK
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM) IMS-Tetsuya Nakamura Building, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Dr, Headington Oxford OX3 7TY UK +44-1865-272166
| | - Raquel Manzano
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford Le Gros Clark Building, South Parks Road Oxford OX1 3QX UK
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Animal Genetics, University of Zaragoza Zaragoza 50013 Spain
| | - Carlo Rinaldi
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford Le Gros Clark Building, South Parks Road Oxford OX1 3QX UK
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM) IMS-Tetsuya Nakamura Building, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Dr, Headington Oxford OX3 7TY UK +44-1865-272166
| | - Andrew J Turberfield
- Department of Physics, Clarendon Laboratory, University of Oxford Parks Road Oxford OX1 3PU UK
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, South Parks Road Oxford OX1 3QU UK +44-1865-272359
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44
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Themistokleous C, Bagnoli E, Parulekar R, M K Muqit M. Role of autophagy pathway in Parkinson's disease and related Genetic Neurological disorders. J Mol Biol 2023:168144. [PMID: 37182812 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The elucidation of the function of the PINK1 protein kinase and Parkin ubiquitin E3 ligase in the elimination of damaged mitochondria by autophagy (mitophagy) has provided unprecedented understanding of the mechanistic pathways underlying Parkinson's disease (PD). We provide a comprehensive overview of the general importance of autophagy in Parkinson's disease and related disorders of the central nervous system. This reveals a critical link between autophagy and neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders and suggests that strategies to modulate mitophagy may have greater relevance in the CNS beyond PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Themistokleous
- MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, Sir James Black Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK; Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
| | - Enrico Bagnoli
- MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, Sir James Black Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK; Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
| | - Ramaa Parulekar
- MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, Sir James Black Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Miratul M K Muqit
- MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, Sir James Black Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK; Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA.
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45
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Banerjee P, Mehta AR, Nirujogi RS, Cooper J, James OG, Nanda J, Longden J, Burr K, McDade K, Salzinger A, Paza E, Newton J, Story D, Pal S, Smith C, Alessi DR, Selvaraj BT, Priller J, Chandran S. Cell-autonomous immune dysfunction driven by disrupted autophagy in C9orf72-ALS iPSC-derived microglia contributes to neurodegeneration. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eabq0651. [PMID: 37083530 PMCID: PMC10121169 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abq0651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Although microglial activation is widely found in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), the underlying mechanism(s) are poorly understood. Here, using human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived microglia-like cells (hiPSC-MG) harboring the most common ALS/FTD mutation (C9orf72, mC9-MG), gene-corrected isogenic controls (isoC9-MG), and C9orf72 knockout hiPSC-MG (C9KO-MG), we show that reduced C9ORF72 protein is associated with impaired phagocytosis and an exaggerated immune response upon stimulation with lipopolysaccharide. Analysis of the C9ORF72 interactome revealed that C9ORF72 interacts with regulators of autophagy and functional studies showed impaired initiation of autophagy in mC9-MG and C9KO-MG. Coculture studies with motor neurons (MNs) demonstrated that the autophagy deficit in mC9-MG drives increased vulnerability of mC9-MNs to excitotoxic stimulus. Pharmacological activation of autophagy ameliorated both cell-autonomous functional deficits in hiPSC-MG and MN death in MG-MN coculture. Together, these findings reveal an important role for C9ORF72 in regulating immune homeostasis and identify dysregulation in myeloid cells as a contributor to neurodegeneration in ALS/FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poulomi Banerjee
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Arpan R. Mehta
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Raja S. Nirujogi
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - James Cooper
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Owen G. James
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Jyoti Nanda
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - James Longden
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Karen Burr
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Karina McDade
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Edinburgh Brain Bank, Academic Department of Neuropathology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Edinburgh Pathology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Andrea Salzinger
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Evdokia Paza
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Judith Newton
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - David Story
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Suvankar Pal
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Colin Smith
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Edinburgh Brain Bank, Academic Department of Neuropathology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Edinburgh Pathology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Dario R. Alessi
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Bhuvaneish T. Selvaraj
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Josef Priller
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy; School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675 Munich, Germany
- Neuropsychiatry, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin and DZNE, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Siddharthan Chandran
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
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46
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Parameswaran J, Zhang N, Braems E, Tilahun K, Pant DC, Yin K, Asress S, Heeren K, Banerjee A, Davis E, Schwartz SL, Conn GL, Bassell GJ, Van Den Bosch L, Jiang J. Antisense, but not sense, repeat expanded RNAs activate PKR/eIF2α-dependent ISR in C9ORF72 FTD/ALS. eLife 2023; 12:e85902. [PMID: 37073950 PMCID: PMC10188109 DOI: 10.7554/elife.85902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
GGGGCC (G4C2) hexanucleotide repeat expansion in the C9ORF72 gene is the most common genetic cause of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The repeat is bidirectionally transcribed and confers gain of toxicity. However, the underlying toxic species is debated, and it is not clear whether antisense CCCCGG (C4G2) repeat expanded RNAs contribute to disease pathogenesis. Our study shows that C9ORF72 antisense C4G2 repeat expanded RNAs trigger the activation of the PKR/eIF2α-dependent integrated stress response independent of dipeptide repeat proteins that are produced through repeat-associated non-AUG-initiated translation, leading to global translation inhibition and stress granule formation. Reducing PKR levels with either siRNA or morpholinos mitigates integrated stress response and toxicity caused by the antisense C4G2 RNAs in cell lines, primary neurons, and zebrafish. Increased phosphorylation of PKR/eIF2α is also observed in the frontal cortex of C9ORF72 FTD/ALS patients. Finally, only antisense C4G2, but not sense G4C2, repeat expanded RNAs robustly activate the PKR/eIF2α pathway and induce aberrant stress granule formation. These results provide a mechanism by which antisense C4G2 repeat expanded RNAs elicit neuronal toxicity in FTD/ALS caused by C9ORF72 repeat expansions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nancy Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory UniversityAtlantaUnited States
| | - Elke Braems
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute, KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Campus GasthuisbergLeuvenBelgium
| | | | - Devesh C Pant
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory UniversityAtlantaUnited States
| | - Keena Yin
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory UniversityAtlantaUnited States
| | - Seneshaw Asress
- Department of Neurology, Emory UniversityAtlantaUnited States
| | - Kara Heeren
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute, KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Campus GasthuisbergLeuvenBelgium
| | - Anwesha Banerjee
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory UniversityAtlantaUnited States
| | - Emma Davis
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory UniversityAtlantaUnited States
| | | | - Graeme L Conn
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory UniversityAtlantaUnited States
| | - Gary J Bassell
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory UniversityAtlantaUnited States
| | - Ludo Van Den Bosch
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute, KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Campus GasthuisbergLeuvenBelgium
| | - Jie Jiang
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory UniversityAtlantaUnited States
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47
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Liu Y, Huang Z, Liu H, Ji Z, Arora A, Cai D, Wang H, Liu M, Simko EAJ, Zhang Y, Periz G, Liu Z, Wang J. DNA-initiated epigenetic cascades driven by C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat. Neuron 2023; 111:1205-1221.e9. [PMID: 36822200 PMCID: PMC10121948 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
The C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion (HRE) is the most frequent genetic cause of the neurodegenerative diseases amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Here, we describe the pathogenic cascades that are initiated by the C9orf72 HRE DNA. The HRE DNA binds to its protein partner DAXX and promotes its liquid-liquid phase separation, which is capable of reorganizing genomic structures. An HRE-dependent nuclear accumulation of DAXX drives chromatin remodeling and epigenetic changes such as histone hypermethylation and hypoacetylation in patient cells. While regulating global gene expression, DAXX plays a key role in the suppression of basal and stress-inducible expression of C9orf72 via chromatin remodeling and epigenetic modifications of the promoter of the major C9orf72 transcript. Downregulation of DAXX or rebalancing the epigenetic modifications mitigates the stress-induced sensitivity of C9orf72-patient-derived motor neurons. These studies reveal a C9orf72 HRE DNA-dependent regulatory mechanism for both local and genomic architectural changes in the relevant diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Zhiyuan Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Honghe Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Zhicheng Ji
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Amit Arora
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Danfeng Cai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Oncology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA; Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Hongjin Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Mingming Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Eric A J Simko
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Yanjun Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Goran Periz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Zhe Liu
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Jiou Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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48
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Liu F, Rossoll W. The DAXX tax: C9orf72 DNA repeat expansions drive gain- and loss-of-function pathology in c9FTD/ALS. Neuron 2023; 111:1165-1167. [PMID: 37080165 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.03.028] [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: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
In this issue of Neuron, Liu et al.1 identify DAXX as a C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion DNA-binding protein that initiates epigenetic modifications and chromatin remodeling, contributing to C9orf72 haploinsufficiency by inhibiting its stress-inducible expression and mediating both loss- and toxic gain-of-function pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feilin Liu
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Wilfried Rossoll
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA.
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49
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Dane TL, Gill AL, Vieira FG, Denton KR. Reduced C9orf72 expression exacerbates polyGR toxicity in patient iPSC-derived motor neurons and a Type I protein arginine methyltransferase inhibitor reduces that toxicity. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1134090. [PMID: 37138766 PMCID: PMC10149854 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1134090] [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: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Intronic repeat expansions in the C9orf72 gene are the most frequent known single genetic causes of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). These repeat expansions are believed to result in both loss-of-function and toxic gain-of-function. Gain-of-function results in the production of toxic arginine-rich dipeptide repeat proteins (DPRs), namely polyGR and polyPR. Small-molecule inhibition of Type I protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) has been shown to protect against toxicity resulting from polyGR and polyPR challenge in NSC-34 cells and primary mouse-derived spinal neurons, but the effect in human motor neurons (MNs) has not yet been explored. Methods To study this, we generated a panel of C9orf72 homozygous and hemizygous knockout iPSCs to examine the contribution of C9orf72 loss-of-function toward disease pathogenesis. We differentiated these iPSCs into spinal motor neurons (sMNs). Results We found that reduced levels of C9orf72 exacerbate polyGR15 toxicity in a dose-dependent manner. Type I PRMT inhibition was able to partially rescue polyGR15 toxicity in both wild-type and C9orf72-expanded sMNs. Discussion This study explores the interplay of loss-of-function and gain-of-function toxicity in C9orf72 ALS. It also implicates type I PRMT inhibitors as a possible modulator of polyGR toxicity.
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50
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Ma L, Liang C, Wang J, Chang Q, Wang Y, Zhang W, Du Y, Sadan J, Chen JF. Reversing lysosome-ribosome circuit dysregulation mitigates C9FTD/ALS neurodegeneration and behaviors. Hum Mol Genet 2023; 32:1252-1265. [PMID: 36322143 PMCID: PMC10077508 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddac271] [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: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
G4C2 repeat expansion in C9orf72 causes the most common familial frontotemporal dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (C9FTD/ALS). The pathogenesis includes haploinsufficiency of C9orf72, which forms a protein complex with Smcr8, as well as G4C2 repeat-induced gain of function including toxic dipeptide repeats (DPRs). The key in vivo disease-driving mechanisms and how loss- and gain-of-function interplay remain poorly understood. Here, we identified dysregulation of a lysosome-ribosome biogenesis circuit as an early and key disease mechanism using a physiologically relevant mouse model with combined loss- and gain-of-function across the aging process. C9orf72 deficiency exacerbates FTD/ALS-like pathologies and behaviors in C9ORF72 bacterial artificial chromosome (C9-BAC) mice with G4C2 repeats under endogenous regulatory elements from patients. Single nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) and bulk RNA-seq revealed that C9orf72 depletion disrupts lysosomes in neurons and leads to transcriptional dysregulation of ribosomal protein genes, which are likely due to the proteotoxic stress response and resemble ribosomopathy defects. Importantly, ectopic expression of C9orf72 or its partner Smcr8 in C9FTD/ALS mutant mice promotes lysosomal functions and restores ribosome biogenesis gene transcription, resulting in the mitigation of DPR accumulation, neurodegeneration as well as FTD/ALS-like motor and cognitive behaviors. Therefore, we conclude that loss- and gain-of-function crosstalk in C9FTD/ALS converges on neuronal dysregulation of a lysosome-ribosome biogenesis circuit leading to proteotoxicity, neurodegeneration and behavioral defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Ma
- Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Chen Liang
- Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Qing Chang
- Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Yuan Wang
- Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Wei Zhang
- Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Yuanning Du
- Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Jotham Sadan
- Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Jian-Fu Chen
- Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
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