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Stavgiannoudaki I, Goulielmaki E, Garinis GA. Broken strands, broken minds: Exploring the nexus of DNA damage and neurodegeneration. DNA Repair (Amst) 2024; 140:103699. [PMID: 38852477 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2024.103699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders are primarily characterized by neuron loss progressively leading to cognitive decline and the manifestation of incurable and debilitating conditions, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases. Loss of genome maintenance causally contributes to age-related neurodegeneration, as exemplified by the premature appearance of neurodegenerative features in a growing family of human syndromes and mice harbouring inborn defects in DNA repair. Here, we discuss the relevance of persistent DNA damage, key DNA repair mechanisms and compromised genome integrity in age-related neurodegeneration highlighting the significance of investigating these connections to pave the way for the development of rationalized intervention strategies aimed at delaying the onset of neurodegenerative disorders and promoting healthy aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioanna Stavgiannoudaki
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB), Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Crete, Heraklion, Greece; Department of Biology, University of Crete, Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Evi Goulielmaki
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB), Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - George A Garinis
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB), Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Crete, Heraklion, Greece; Department of Biology, University of Crete, Crete, Heraklion, Greece.
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2
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Sharma H, Koirala S, Chew YL, Konopka A. DNA Damage and Chromatin Rearrangement Work Together to Promote Neurodegeneration. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04331-0. [PMID: 38977621 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04331-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases have a complex origin and are composed of genetic and environmental factors. Both DNA damage and chromatin rearrangement are important processes that occur under pathological conditions and in neurons functioning properly. While numerous studies have demonstrated the inseparable relationship between DNA damage and chromatin organization, understanding of this relationship, especially in neurodegenerative diseases, requires further study. Interestingly, recent studies revealed that known hallmark proteins involved in neurodegenerative diseases function in both DNA damage and chromatin reorganization, and this review discusses the current knowledge of this relationship. This review focused on hallmark proteins involved in various neurodegenerative diseases, such as the microtubule-associated protein tau, TAR DNA/RNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43), superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), fused in sarcoma (FUS), huntingtin (HTT), α-synuclein, and β-amyloid precursor protein (APP). Hence, DNA damage and chromatin rearrangement are associated with disease mechanisms in distinct neurodegenerative diseases. Targeting common modulators of DNA repair and chromatin reorganization may lead to promising therapies for treating neurodegeneration.
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3
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Burré J, Edwards RH, Halliday G, Lang AE, Lashuel HA, Melki R, Murayama S, Outeiro TF, Papa SM, Stefanis L, Woerman AL, Surmeier DJ, Kalia LV, Takahashi R. Research Priorities on the Role of α-Synuclein in Parkinson's Disease Pathogenesis. Mov Disord 2024. [PMID: 38946200 DOI: 10.1002/mds.29897] [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: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Various forms of Parkinson's disease, including its common sporadic form, are characterized by prominent α-synuclein (αSyn) aggregation in affected brain regions. However, the role of αSyn in the pathogenesis and evolution of the disease remains unclear, despite vast research efforts of more than a quarter century. A better understanding of the role of αSyn, either primary or secondary, is critical for developing disease-modifying therapies. Previous attempts to hone this research have been challenged by experimental limitations, but recent technological advances may facilitate progress. The Scientific Issues Committee of the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society (MDS) charged a panel of experts in the field to discuss current scientific priorities and identify research strategies with potential for a breakthrough. © 2024 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Burré
- Appel Institute for Alzheimer's Disease Research and Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Robert H Edwards
- Department of Physiology and Neurology, University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Glenda Halliday
- Brain and Mind Centre, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anthony E Lang
- Edmond J. Safra Program in Parkinson's Disease, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hilal A Lashuel
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Neurodegeneration, Brain Mind Institute, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ronald Melki
- Institut Francois Jacob (MIRCen), CEA and Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, CNRS, Fontenay-Aux-Roses, France
| | - Shigeo Murayama
- Department of Neuropathology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan
- The Brain Bank for Neurodevelopmental, Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tiago F Outeiro
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Stella M Papa
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, and Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Leonidas Stefanis
- First Department of Neurology, Eginitio Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Amanda L Woerman
- Department of Biology, Institute for Applied Life Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Prion Research Center, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Dalton James Surmeier
- Department of Neuroscience, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, Maryland, USA
| | - Lorraine V Kalia
- Edmond J. Safra Program in Parkinson's Disease, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ryosuke Takahashi
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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4
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Belur NR, Bustos BI, Lubbe SJ, Mazzulli JR. Nuclear aggregates of NONO/SFPQ and A-to-I-edited RNA in Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies. Neuron 2024:S0896-6273(24)00328-3. [PMID: 38761794 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.05.003] [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: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are commonly classified as proteinopathies that are defined by the aggregation of a specific protein. Parkinson's disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) are classified as synucleinopathies since α-synuclein (α-syn)-containing inclusions histopathologically define these diseases. Unbiased biochemical analysis of PD and DLB patient material unexpectedly revealed novel pathological inclusions in the nucleus comprising adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I)-edited mRNAs and NONO and SFPQ proteins. These inclusions showed no colocalization with Lewy bodies and accumulated at levels comparable to α-syn. NONO and SFPQ aggregates reduced the expression of the editing inhibitor ADAR3, increasing A-to-I editing mainly within human-specific, Alu-repeat regions of axon, synaptic, and mitochondrial transcripts. Inosine-containing transcripts aberrantly accumulated in the nucleus, bound tighter to recombinant purified SFPQ in vitro, and potentiated SFPQ aggregation in human dopamine neurons, resulting in a self-propagating pathological state. Our data offer new insight into the inclusion composition and pathophysiology of PD and DLB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nandkishore R Belur
- The Ken and Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Bernabe I Bustos
- The Ken and Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Steven J Lubbe
- The Ken and Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Simpson Querrey Center for Neurogenetics, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Joseph R Mazzulli
- The Ken and Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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5
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Ali NH, Al-Kuraishy HM, Al-Gareeb AI, Alnaaim SA, Hetta HF, Saad HM, Batiha GES. A Mutual Nexus Between Epilepsy and α-Synuclein: A Puzzle Pathway. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04204-6. [PMID: 38703341 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04204-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) is a specific neuronal protein that regulates neurotransmitter release and trafficking of synaptic vesicles. Exosome-associated α-Syn which is specific to the central nervous system (CNS) is involved in the pathogenesis of epilepsy. Therefore, this review aimed to elucidate the possible link between α-Syn and epilepsy, and how it affects the pathophysiology of epilepsy. A neurodegenerative protein such as α-Syn is implicated in the pathogenesis of epilepsy. Evidence from preclinical and clinical studies revealed that upregulation of α-Syn induces progressive neuronal dysfunctions through induction of oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and inhibition of autophagy in a vicious cycle with subsequent development of severe epilepsy. In addition, accumulation of α-Syn in epilepsy could be secondary to the different cellular alterations including oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, reduction of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and progranulin (PGN), and failure of the autophagy pathway. However, the mechanism of α-Syn-induced-epileptogenesis is not well elucidated. Therefore, α-Syn could be a secondary consequence of epilepsy. Preclinical and clinical studies are warranted to confirm this causal relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naif H Ali
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical College, Najran University, Najran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Hayder M Al-Kuraishy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Medicine, College of Medicine, Mustansiriyah University, M.B.Ch.B, FRCP, P.O. Box 14132, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Ali I Al-Gareeb
- Jabir Ibn Hayyan Medical University, Al-Ameer Qu, P.O. Box 13, Kufa, Najaf, Iraq
| | - Saud A Alnaaim
- Clinical Neurosciences Department, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Hofuf, Saudi Arabia
| | - Helal F Hetta
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, 71515, Egypt
| | - Hebatallah M Saad
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Matrouh University, Matrouh, 51744, Egypt.
| | - Gaber El-Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, 22511, AlBeheira, Egypt.
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6
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Gallagher E, Hou C, Zhu Y, Hsieh CJ, Lee H, Li S, Xu K, Henderson P, Chroneos R, Sheldon M, Riley S, Luk KC, Mach RH, McManus MJ. Positron Emission Tomography with [ 18F]ROStrace Reveals Progressive Elevations in Oxidative Stress in a Mouse Model of Alpha-Synucleinopathy. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4943. [PMID: 38732162 PMCID: PMC11084161 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094943] [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: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The synucleinopathies are a diverse group of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by the accumulation of aggregated alpha-synuclein (aSyn) in vulnerable populations of brain cells. Oxidative stress is both a cause and a consequence of aSyn aggregation in the synucleinopathies; however, noninvasive methods for detecting oxidative stress in living animals have proven elusive. In this study, we used the reactive oxygen species (ROS)-sensitive positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracer [18F]ROStrace to detect increases in oxidative stress in the widely-used A53T mouse model of synucleinopathy. A53T-specific elevations in [18F]ROStrace signal emerged at a relatively early age (6-8 months) and became more widespread within the brain over time, a pattern which paralleled the progressive development of aSyn pathology and oxidative damage in A53T brain tissue. Systemic administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) also caused rapid and long-lasting elevations in [18F]ROStrace signal in A53T mice, suggesting that chronic, aSyn-associated oxidative stress may render these animals more vulnerable to further inflammatory insult. Collectively, these results provide novel evidence that oxidative stress is an early and chronic process during the development of synucleinopathy and suggest that PET imaging with [18F]ROStrace holds promise as a means of detecting aSyn-associated oxidative stress noninvasively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan Gallagher
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (E.G.)
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (C.H.); (R.H.M.)
| | - Catherine Hou
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (C.H.); (R.H.M.)
| | - Yi Zhu
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (E.G.)
| | - Chia-Ju Hsieh
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (C.H.); (R.H.M.)
| | - Hsiaoju Lee
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (C.H.); (R.H.M.)
| | - Shihong Li
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (C.H.); (R.H.M.)
| | - Kuiying Xu
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (C.H.); (R.H.M.)
| | - Patrick Henderson
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (E.G.)
| | - Rea Chroneos
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (E.G.)
| | - Malkah Sheldon
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (E.G.)
| | - Shaipreeah Riley
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (E.G.)
| | - Kelvin C. Luk
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Robert H. Mach
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (C.H.); (R.H.M.)
| | - Meagan J. McManus
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (E.G.)
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7
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Surguchov A. Nuclear α-synuclein regulates transcription and affects neuronal differentiation. FEBS J 2024; 291:1886-1888. [PMID: 38297983 DOI: 10.1111/febs.17072] [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: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
α-Synuclein is a member of the synuclein family well known for its involvement in Parkinson's disease and other synucleinopathies. Most studies investigate the mechanism of its involvement in pathology within the cell cytoplasm and extracellular space. However, despite a continuing interest in α-synuclein, two questions about this protein remain poorly understood. What is the normal physiological function of α-synuclein, and what does it do in the cell nucleus? A recent article by Takaaki Nakamura and colleagues contains at least a partial answer to both questions. The authors identified previously unknown α-synuclein-interacting proteins in the nucleus and showed that the protein complex containing α-synuclein modulates transcriptional profiles controlling the process of epigenetic alterations and neural differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei Surguchov
- Department of Neurology, Kansas University Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
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Abioye A, Akintade D, Mitchell J, Olorode S, Adejare A. Nonintuitive Immunogenicity and Plasticity of Alpha-Synuclein Conformers: A Paradigm for Smart Delivery of Neuro-Immunotherapeutics. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:609. [PMID: 38794271 PMCID: PMC11124533 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16050609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the extensive research successes and continuous developments in modern medicine in terms of diagnosis, prevention, and treatment, the lack of clinically useful disease-modifying drugs or immunotherapeutic agents that can successfully treat or prevent neurodegenerative diseases is an ongoing challenge. To date, only one of the 244 drugs in clinical trials for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases has been approved in the past decade, indicating a failure rate of 99.6%. In corollary, the approved monoclonal antibody did not demonstrate significant cognitive benefits. Thus, the prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases is increasing rapidly. Therefore, there is an urgent need for creative approaches to identifying and testing biomarkers for better diagnosis, prevention, and disease-modifying strategies for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Overexpression of the endogenous α-synuclein has been identified as the driving force for the formation of the pathogenic α-synuclein (α-Syn) conformers, resulting in neuroinflammation, hypersensitivity, endogenous homeostatic responses, oxidative dysfunction, and degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the conformational plasticity of α-Syn proffers that a certain level of α-Syn is essential for the survival of neurons. Thus, it exerts both neuroprotective and neurotoxic (regulatory) functions on neighboring neuronal cells. Furthermore, the aberrant metastable α-Syn conformers may be subtle and difficult to detect but may trigger cellular and molecular events including immune responses. It is well documented in literature that the misfolded α-Syn and its conformers that are released into the extracellular space from damaged or dead neurons trigger the innate and adaptive immune responses in PD. Thus, in this review, we discuss the nonintuitive plasticity and immunogenicity of the α-Syn conformers in the brain immune cells and their physiological and pathological consequences on the neuroimmune responses including neuroinflammation, homeostatic remodeling, and cell-specific interactions that promote neuroprotection in PD. We also critically reviewed the novel strategies for immunotherapeutic delivery interventions in PD pathogenesis including immunotherapeutic targets and potential nanoparticle-based smart drug delivery systems. It is envisioned that a greater understanding of the nonintuitive immunogenicity of aberrant α-Syn conformers in the brain's microenvironment would provide a platform for identifying valid therapeutic targets and developing smart brain delivery systems for clinically effective disease-modifying immunotherapeutics that can aid in the prevention and treatment of PD in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amos Abioye
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Belmont University, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
| | - Damilare Akintade
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds LS1 3HE, UK; (D.A.); (J.M.); (S.O.)
| | - James Mitchell
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds LS1 3HE, UK; (D.A.); (J.M.); (S.O.)
| | - Simisade Olorode
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds LS1 3HE, UK; (D.A.); (J.M.); (S.O.)
| | - Adeboye Adejare
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, Saint Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, PA 19131, USA;
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Litberg TJ, Horowitz S. Roles of Nucleic Acids in Protein Folding, Aggregation, and Disease. ACS Chem Biol 2024; 19:809-823. [PMID: 38477936 PMCID: PMC11149768 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.3c00695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
The role of nucleic acids in protein folding and aggregation is an area of continued research, with relevance to understanding both basic biological processes and disease. In this review, we provide an overview of the trajectory of research on both nucleic acids as chaperones and their roles in several protein misfolding diseases. We highlight key questions that remain on the biophysical and biochemical specifics of how nucleic acids have large effects on multiple proteins' folding and aggregation behavior and how this pertains to multiple protein misfolding diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodore J. Litberg
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and The Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging, University of Denver, Denver, CO, 80208, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Scott Horowitz
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and The Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging, University of Denver, Denver, CO, 80208, USA
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Xie J, Cheng J, Ko H, Tang Y. Cytosolic DNA sensors in neurodegenerative diseases: from physiological defenders to pathological culprits. EMBO Mol Med 2024; 16:678-699. [PMID: 38467840 PMCID: PMC11018843 DOI: 10.1038/s44321-024-00046-w] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Cytosolic DNA sensors are a group of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that vary in structures, molecular mechanisms, and origins but share a common function to detect intracellular microbial DNA and trigger the innate immune response like type 1 interferon production and autophagy. Cytosolic DNA sensors have been proven as indispensable defenders against the invasion of many pathogens; however, growing evidence shows that self-DNA misplacement to cytoplasm also frequently occurs in non-infectious circumstances. Accumulation of cytosolic DNA causes improper activation of cytosolic DNA sensors and triggers an abnormal autoimmune response, that significantly promotes pathological progression. Neurodegenerative diseases are a group of neurological disorders characterized by neuron loss and still lack effective treatments due to a limited understanding of pathogenesis. But current research has found a solid relationship between neurodegenerative diseases and cytosolic DNA sensing pathways. This review summarizes profiles of several major cytosolic DNA sensors and their common adaptor protein STING. It also discusses both the beneficial and detrimental roles of cytosolic DNA sensors in the genesis and progression of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiatian Xie
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat‑sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan, 528200, China
| | - Jinping Cheng
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat‑sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan, 528200, China
| | - Ho Ko
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics & Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yamei Tang
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat‑sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan, 528200, China.
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11
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Jin M, Wang S, Gao X, Zou Z, Hirotsune S, Sun L. Pathological and physiological functional cross-talks of α-synuclein and tau in the central nervous system. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:855-862. [PMID: 37843221 PMCID: PMC10664117 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.382231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
α-Synuclein and tau are abundant multifunctional brain proteins that are mainly expressed in the presynaptic and axonal compartments of neurons, respectively. Previous works have revealed that intracellular deposition of α-synuclein and/or tau causes many neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Despite intense investigation, the normal physiological functions and roles of α-synuclein and tau are still unclear, owing to the fact that mice with knockout of either of these proteins do not present apparent phenotypes. Interestingly, the co-occurrence of α-synuclein and tau aggregates was found in post-mortem brains with synucleinopathies and tauopathies, some of which share similarities in clinical manifestations. Furthermore, the direct interaction of α-synuclein with tau is considered to promote the fibrillization of each of the proteins in vitro and in vivo. On the other hand, our recent findings have revealed that α-synuclein and tau are cooperatively involved in brain development in a stage-dependent manner. These findings indicate strong cross-talk between the two proteins in physiology and pathology. In this review, we provide a summary of the recent findings on the functional roles of α-synuclein and tau in the physiological conditions and pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. A deep understanding of the interplay between α-synuclein and tau in physiological and pathological conditions might provide novel targets for clinical diagnosis and therapeutic strategies to treat neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyue Jin
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Neuroscience, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
- Department of Genetic Disease Research, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shengming Wang
- Department of Genetic Disease Research, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Xiaodie Gao
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Neuroscience, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Zhenyou Zou
- Department of Scientific Research, Brain Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Liuzhou, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Shinji Hirotsune
- Department of Genetic Disease Research, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Liyuan Sun
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Neuroscience, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
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Goralski TM, Meyerdirk L, Breton L, Brasseur L, Kurgat K, DeWeerd D, Turner L, Becker K, Adams M, Newhouse DJ, Henderson MX. Spatial transcriptomics reveals molecular dysfunction associated with cortical Lewy pathology. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2642. [PMID: 38531900 PMCID: PMC10966039 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47027-8] [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: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
A key hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD) is Lewy pathology. Composed of α-synuclein, Lewy pathology is found both in dopaminergic neurons that modulate motor function, and cortical regions that control cognitive function. Recent work has established the molecular identity of dopaminergic neurons susceptible to death, but little is known about cortical neurons susceptible to Lewy pathology or molecular changes induced by aggregates. In the current study, we use spatial transcriptomics to capture whole transcriptome signatures from cortical neurons with α-synuclein pathology compared to neurons without pathology. We find, both in PD and related PD dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies and in the pre-formed fibril α-synucleinopathy mouse model, that specific classes of excitatory neurons are vulnerable to developing Lewy pathology. Further, we identify conserved gene expression changes in aggregate-bearing neurons that we designate the Lewy-associated molecular dysfunction from aggregates (LAMDA) signature. Neurons with aggregates downregulate synaptic, mitochondrial, ubiquitin-proteasome, endo-lysosomal, and cytoskeletal genes and upregulate DNA repair and complement/cytokine genes. Our results identify neurons vulnerable to Lewy pathology in the PD cortex and describe a conserved signature of molecular dysfunction in both mice and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M Goralski
- Department of Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Lindsay Meyerdirk
- Department of Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Libby Breton
- Department of Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Laura Brasseur
- Department of Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Kevin Kurgat
- Department of Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Daniella DeWeerd
- Department of Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Lisa Turner
- Van Andel Institute Pathology Core, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
| | - Katelyn Becker
- Van Andel Institute Genomics Core, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
| | - Marie Adams
- Van Andel Institute Genomics Core, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
| | | | - Michael X Henderson
- Department of Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA.
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, USA.
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13
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Rose EP, Osterberg VR, Banga JS, Gorbunova V, Unni VK. Alpha-synuclein regulates the repair of genomic DNA double-strand breaks in a DNA-PK cs-dependent manner. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.29.582819. [PMID: 38496612 PMCID: PMC10942394 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.29.582819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
α-synuclein (αSyn) is a presynaptic and nuclear protein that aggregates in important neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's Disease (PD), Parkinson's Disease Dementia (PDD) and Lewy Body Dementia (LBD). Our past work suggests that nuclear αSyn may regulate forms of DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair in HAP1 cells after DNA damage induction with the chemotherapeutic agent bleomycin1. Here, we report that genetic deletion of αSyn specifically impairs the non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) pathway of DSB repair using an extrachromosomal plasmid-based repair assay in HAP1 cells. Importantly, induction of a single DSB at a precise genomic location using a CRISPR/Cas9 lentiviral approach also showed the importance of αSyn in regulating NHEJ in HAP1 cells and primary mouse cortical neuron cultures. This modulation of DSB repair is dependent on the activity of the DNA damage response signaling kinase DNA-PKcs, since the effect of αSyn loss-of-function is reversed by DNA-PKcs inhibition. Using in vivo multiphoton imaging in mouse cortex after induction of αSyn pathology, we find an increase in longitudinal cell survival of inclusion-bearing neurons after Polo-like kinase (PLK) inhibition, which is associated with an increase in the amount of aggregated αSyn within inclusions. Together, these findings suggest that αSyn plays an important physiologic role in regulating DSB repair in both a transformed cell line and in primary cortical neurons. Loss of this nuclear function may contribute to the neuronal genomic instability detected in PD, PDD and DLB and points to DNA-PKcs and PLK as potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth P. Rose
- Jungers Center for Neurosciences Research, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239
| | - Valerie R. Osterberg
- Jungers Center for Neurosciences Research, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239
| | - Jovin S. Banga
- Jungers Center for Neurosciences Research, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239
| | - Vera Gorbunova
- Departments of Biology and Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14620
| | - Vivek K. Unni
- Jungers Center for Neurosciences Research, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239
- OHSU Parkinson Center, Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239
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14
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Muwanigwa MN, Modamio-Chamarro J, Antony PMA, Gomez-Giro G, Krüger R, Bolognin S, Schwamborn JC. Alpha-synuclein pathology is associated with astrocyte senescence in a midbrain organoid model of familial Parkinson's disease. Mol Cell Neurosci 2024; 128:103919. [PMID: 38307302 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2024.103919] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex, progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta in the midbrain. Despite extensive research efforts, the molecular and cellular changes that precede neurodegeneration in PD are poorly understood. To address this, here we describe the use of patient specific human midbrain organoids harboring the SNCA triplication to investigate mechanisms underlying dopaminergic degeneration. Our midbrain organoid model recapitulates key pathological hallmarks of PD, including the aggregation of α-synuclein and the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons. We found that these pathological hallmarks are associated with an increase in senescence associated cellular phenotypes in astrocytes including nuclear lamina defects, the presence of senescence associated heterochromatin foci, and the upregulation of cell cycle arrest genes. These results suggest a role of pathological α-synuclein in inducing astrosenescence which may, in turn, increase the vulnerability of dopaminergic neurons to degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mudiwa N Muwanigwa
- Developmental and Cellular Biology, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, L-4367 Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Jennifer Modamio-Chamarro
- Developmental and Cellular Biology, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, L-4367 Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Paul M A Antony
- Bioimaging Platform, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, L-4367 Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Gemma Gomez-Giro
- Developmental and Cellular Biology, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, L-4367 Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Rejko Krüger
- Translational Neuroscience, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, L-4367 Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Silvia Bolognin
- Developmental and Cellular Biology, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, L-4367 Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Jens C Schwamborn
- Developmental and Cellular Biology, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, L-4367 Belvaux, Luxembourg.
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15
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Skou LD, Johansen SK, Okarmus J, Meyer M. Pathogenesis of DJ-1/PARK7-Mediated Parkinson's Disease. Cells 2024; 13:296. [PMID: 38391909 PMCID: PMC10887164 DOI: 10.3390/cells13040296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common movement disorder associated with the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Mutations in the PD-associated gene PARK7 alter the structure and function of the encoded protein DJ-1, and the resulting autosomal recessively inherited disease increases the risk of developing PD. DJ-1 was first discovered in 1997 as an oncogene and was associated with early-onset PD in 2003. Mutations in DJ-1 account for approximately 1% of all recessively inherited early-onset PD occurrences, and the functions of the protein have been studied extensively. In healthy subjects, DJ-1 acts as an antioxidant and oxidative stress sensor in several neuroprotective mechanisms. It is also involved in mitochondrial homeostasis, regulation of apoptosis, chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA), and dopamine homeostasis by regulating various signaling pathways, transcription factors, and molecular chaperone functions. While DJ-1 protects neurons against damaging reactive oxygen species, neurotoxins, and mutant α-synuclein, mutations in the protein may lead to inefficient neuroprotection and the progression of PD. As current therapies treat only the symptoms of PD, the development of therapies that directly inhibit oxidative stress-induced neuronal cell death is critical. DJ-1 has been proposed as a potential therapeutic target, while oxidized DJ-1 could operate as a biomarker for PD. In this paper, we review the role of DJ-1 in the pathogenesis of PD by highlighting some of its key neuroprotective functions and the consequences of its dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Line Duborg Skou
- Department of Neurobiology Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense, Denmark; (L.D.S.); (S.K.J.); (J.O.)
| | - Steffi Krudt Johansen
- Department of Neurobiology Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense, Denmark; (L.D.S.); (S.K.J.); (J.O.)
| | - Justyna Okarmus
- Department of Neurobiology Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense, Denmark; (L.D.S.); (S.K.J.); (J.O.)
| | - Morten Meyer
- Department of Neurobiology Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense, Denmark; (L.D.S.); (S.K.J.); (J.O.)
- Department of Neurology, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark
- BRIDGE—Brain Research Inter-Disciplinary Guided Excellence, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
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16
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Sturchio A, Rocha EM, Kauffman MA, Marsili L, Mahajan A, Saraf AA, Vizcarra JA, Guo Z, Espay AJ. Recalibrating the Why and Whom of Animal Models in Parkinson Disease: A Clinician's Perspective. Brain Sci 2024; 14:151. [PMID: 38391726 PMCID: PMC10887152 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14020151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Animal models have been used to gain pathophysiologic insights into Parkinson's disease (PD) and aid in the translational efforts of interventions with therapeutic potential in human clinical trials. However, no disease-modifying therapy for PD has successfully emerged from model predictions. These translational disappointments warrant a reappraisal of the types of preclinical questions asked of animal models. Besides the limitations of experimental designs, the one-size convergence and oversimplification yielded by a model cannot recapitulate the molecular diversity within and between PD patients. Here, we compare the strengths and pitfalls of different models, review the discrepancies between animal and human data on similar pathologic and molecular mechanisms, assess the potential of organoids as novel modeling tools, and evaluate the types of questions for which models can guide and misguide. We propose that animal models may be of greatest utility in the evaluation of molecular mechanisms, neural pathways, drug toxicity, and safety but can be unreliable or misleading when used to generate pathophysiologic hypotheses or predict therapeutic efficacy for compounds with potential neuroprotective effects in humans. To enhance the translational disease-modification potential, the modeling must reflect the biology not of a diseased population but of subtypes of diseased humans to distinguish What data are relevant and to Whom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Sturchio
- James J. and Joan A. Gardner Family Center for Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA
| | - Emily M Rocha
- Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Marcelo A Kauffman
- Consultorio y Laboratorio de Neurogenética, Centro Universitario de Neurología José María Ramos Mejía, Buenos Aires C1221ADC, Argentina
| | - Luca Marsili
- James J. and Joan A. Gardner Family Center for Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA
| | - Abhimanyu Mahajan
- James J. and Joan A. Gardner Family Center for Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA
| | - Ameya A Saraf
- James J. and Joan A. Gardner Family Center for Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA
| | - Joaquin A Vizcarra
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 15213, USA
| | - Ziyuan Guo
- Center for Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine (CuSTOM), Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Alberto J Espay
- James J. and Joan A. Gardner Family Center for Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA
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17
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Batzu L, Podlewska A, Gibson L, Chaudhuri KR, Aarsland D. A general clinical overview of the non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease: Neuropsychiatric symptoms. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 174:59-97. [PMID: 38341232 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2023.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
The heterogeneity of non-motor features observed in people with Parkinson's disease (PD) is often dominated by one or more symptoms belonging to the neuropsychiatric spectrum, such as cognitive impairment, psychosis, depression, anxiety, and apathy. Due to their high prevalence in people with PD (PwP) and their occurrence in every stage of the disease, from the prodromal to the advanced stage, it is not surprising that PD can be conceptualised as a complex neuropsychiatric disorder. Despite progress in understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the neuropsychiatric signs and symptoms in PD, and better identification and diagnosis of these symptoms, effective treatments are still a major unmet need. The impact of these symptoms on the quality of life of PwP and caregivers, as well as their contribution to the overall non-motor symptom burden can be greater than that of motor symptoms and require a personalised, holistic approach. In this chapter, we provide a general clinical overview of the major neuropsychiatric symptoms of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Batzu
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neurosciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; Parkinson's Foundation Centre of Excellence, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Aleksandra Podlewska
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neurosciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; Parkinson's Foundation Centre of Excellence, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy Gibson
- Department of Old Age Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - K Ray Chaudhuri
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neurosciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; Parkinson's Foundation Centre of Excellence, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dag Aarsland
- Department of Old Age Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; Centre for Age-Related Diseases, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway.
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18
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Arnold MR, Cohn GM, Oxe KC, Elliott SN, Moore C, Laraia PV, Shekoohi S, Brownell D, Meshul CK, Witt SN, Larsen DH, Unni VK. Alpha-synuclein regulates nucleolar DNA double-strand break repair in melanoma. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.13.575526. [PMID: 38260370 PMCID: PMC10802588 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.13.575526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Although an increased risk of the skin cancer melanoma in people with Parkinson's Disease (PD) has been shown in multiple studies, the mechanisms involved are poorly understood, but increased expression of the PD-associated protein alpha-synuclein (αSyn) in melanoma cells may be important. Our previous work suggests that αSyn can facilitate DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair, promoting genomic stability. We now show that αSyn is preferentially enriched within the nucleolus in the SK-MEL28 melanoma cell line, where it colocalizes with DNA damage markers and DSBs. Inducing DSBs specifically within nucleolar ribosomal DNA (rDNA) increases αSyn levels near sites of damage. αSyn knockout increases DNA damage within the nucleolus at baseline, after specific rDNA DSB induction, and prolongs the rate of recovery from this induced damage. αSyn is important downstream of ATM signaling to facilitate 53BP1 recruitment to DSBs, reducing micronuclei formation and promoting cellular proliferation, migration, and invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moriah R. Arnold
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Department of Neurology and Jungers Center for Neurosciences Research, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Gabriel M. Cohn
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Kezia Catharina Oxe
- Danish Cancer Institute, Nucleolar Stress and Disease Group, Strandboulevarden 49, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Somarr N. Elliott
- Department of Neurology and Jungers Center for Neurosciences Research, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Cynthia Moore
- Research Services, Neurocytology Laboratory, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Portland, OR, USA
| | | | - Sahar Shekoohi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Dillon Brownell
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Charles K. Meshul
- Research Services, Neurocytology Laboratory, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Portland, OR, USA
- Departments of Behavioral Neuroscience and Pathology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Stephan N. Witt
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Dorthe H. Larsen
- Danish Cancer Institute, Nucleolar Stress and Disease Group, Strandboulevarden 49, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Vivek K. Unni
- Department of Neurology and Jungers Center for Neurosciences Research, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- OHSU Parkinson’s Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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19
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Saramowicz K, Siwecka N, Galita G, Kucharska-Lusina A, Rozpędek-Kamińska W, Majsterek I. Alpha-Synuclein Contribution to Neuronal and Glial Damage in Parkinson's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:360. [PMID: 38203531 PMCID: PMC10778752 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and the widespread accumulation of alpha-synuclein (αSyn) protein aggregates. αSyn aggregation disrupts critical cellular processes, including synaptic function, mitochondrial integrity, and proteostasis, which culminate in neuronal cell death. Importantly, αSyn pathology extends beyond neurons-it also encompasses spreading throughout the neuronal environment and internalization by microglia and astrocytes. Once internalized, glia can act as neuroprotective scavengers, which limit the spread of αSyn. However, they can also become reactive, thereby contributing to neuroinflammation and the progression of PD. Recent advances in αSyn research have enabled the molecular diagnosis of PD and accelerated the development of targeted therapies. Nevertheless, despite more than two decades of research, the cellular function, aggregation mechanisms, and induction of cellular damage by αSyn remain incompletely understood. Unraveling the interplay between αSyn, neurons, and glia may provide insights into disease initiation and progression, which may bring us closer to exploring new effective therapeutic strategies. Herein, we provide an overview of recent studies emphasizing the multifaceted nature of αSyn and its impact on both neuron and glial cell damage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Ireneusz Majsterek
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (K.S.); (N.S.); (G.G.); (A.K.-L.); (W.R.-K.)
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20
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Younas N, Zafar S, Saleem T, Fernandez Flores LC, Younas A, Schmitz M, Zerr I. Differential interactome mapping of aggregation prone/prion-like proteins under stress: novel links to stress granule biology. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:221. [PMID: 38041189 PMCID: PMC10693047 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01164-7] [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: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aberrant stress granules (SGs) are emerging as prime suspects in the nucleation of toxic protein aggregates. Understanding the molecular networks linked with aggregation-prone proteins (prion protein, synuclein, and tau) under stressful environments is crucial to understand pathophysiological cascades associated with these proteins. METHODS We characterized and validated oxidative stress-induced molecular network changes of endogenous aggregation-prone proteins (prion protein, synuclein, and tau) by employing immunoprecipitation coupled with mass spectrometry analysis under basal and oxidative stress conditions. We used two different cell models (SH-SY5Y: human neuroblastoma and HeLa cell line) to induce oxidative stress using a well-known inducer (sodium arsenite) of oxidative stress. RESULTS Overall, we identified 597 proteins as potential interaction partners. Our comparative interactome mapping provides comprehensive network reorganizations of three aggregation-prone hallmark proteins, establish novel interacting partners and their dysregulation, and validates that prion protein and synuclein localize in cytoplasmic SGs. Localization of prion protein and synuclein in TIA1-positive SGs provides an important link between SG pathobiology and aggregation-prone proteins. In addition, dysregulation (downregulation) of prion protein and exportin-5 protein, and translocation of exportin-5 into the nucleus under oxidative stress shed light on nucleocytoplasmic transport defects during the stress response. CONCLUSIONS The current study contributes to our understanding of stress-mediated network rearrangements and posttranslational modifications of prion/prion-like proteins. Localization of prion protein and synuclein in the cytoplasmic SGs provides an important link between stress granule pathobiology and aggregation-prone proteins. In addition, our findings demonstrate nucleocytoplasmic transport defects after oxidative stress via dysregulation and nuclear accumulation of exportin-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neelam Younas
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center, Georg-August-Universität, Robert-Koch-Strasse 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany.
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Robert-Koch-Straße 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Saima Zafar
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center, Georg-August-Universität, Robert-Koch-Strasse 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Robert-Koch-Straße 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
- Biomedical Engineering and Sciences Department, School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (SMME), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Tayyaba Saleem
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center, Georg-August-Universität, Robert-Koch-Strasse 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Robert-Koch-Straße 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Leticia Camila Fernandez Flores
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center, Georg-August-Universität, Robert-Koch-Strasse 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Robert-Koch-Straße 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Abrar Younas
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center, Georg-August-Universität, Robert-Koch-Strasse 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Robert-Koch-Straße 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Matthias Schmitz
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center, Georg-August-Universität, Robert-Koch-Strasse 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Robert-Koch-Straße 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Inga Zerr
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center, Georg-August-Universität, Robert-Koch-Strasse 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Robert-Koch-Straße 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
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21
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Rupert J, Monti M, Zacco E, Tartaglia G. RNA sequestration driven by amyloid formation: the alpha synuclein case. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:11466-11478. [PMID: 37870427 PMCID: PMC10681735 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad857] [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: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acids can act as potent modulators of protein aggregation, and RNA has the ability to either hinder or facilitate protein assembly, depending on the molecular context. In this study, we utilized a computational approach to characterize the physico-chemical properties of regions involved in amyloid aggregation. In various experimental datasets, we observed that while the core is hydrophobic and highly ordered, external regions, which are more disordered, display a distinct tendency to interact with nucleic acids. To validate our predictions, we performed aggregation assays with alpha-synuclein (aS140), a non-nucleic acid-binding amyloidogenic protein, and a mutant truncated at the acidic C-terminus (aS103), which is predicted to have a higher tendency to interact with RNA. For both aS140 and aS103, we observed an acceleration of aggregation upon RNA addition, with a significantly stronger effect for aS103. Due to favorable electrostatics, we noted an enhanced nucleic acid sequestration ability for the aggregated aS103, allowing it to entrap a larger amount of RNA compared to the aggregated wild-type counterpart. Overall, our research suggests that RNA sequestration might be a common phenomenon linked to protein aggregation, constituting a gain-of-function mechanism that warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Rupert
- Centre for Human Technologies (CHT), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Via Enrico Melen, 83, 16152, Genova, Italy
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies ‘Charles Darwin’, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Michele Monti
- Centre for Human Technologies (CHT), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Via Enrico Melen, 83, 16152, Genova, Italy
| | - Elsa Zacco
- Centre for Human Technologies (CHT), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Via Enrico Melen, 83, 16152, Genova, Italy
| | - Gian Gaetano Tartaglia
- Centre for Human Technologies (CHT), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Via Enrico Melen, 83, 16152, Genova, Italy
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies ‘Charles Darwin’, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies, ICREA, Passeig Lluís Companys 23, 08010, Barcelona, Spain
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22
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Casey M, Zou D, Pera RAR, Cabin DE. Alpha-synuclein null mutation exacerbates the phenotype of a model of Menkes disease in female mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.15.567255. [PMID: 38014334 PMCID: PMC10680713 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.15.567255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Genetic modifier screens provide a useful tool, in diverse organisms from Drosophila to C. elegans and mice, for recovering new genes of interest that may reduce or enhance a phenotype of interest. This study reports a modifier screen, based on N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) mutagenesis and outcrossing, designed to increase understanding of the normal function of murine α-synuclein ( Snca ). Human SNCA was the first gene linked to familial Parkinson's disease. Since the discovery of the genetic link of SNCA to Parkinson's nearly three decades ago, numerous studies have investigated the normal function of SNCA protein with divergent roles associated with different cellular compartments. Understanding of the normal function of murine Snca is complicated by the fact that mice with homozygous null mutations live a normal lifespan and have only subtle synaptic deficits. Here, we report that the first genetic modifier (a sensitized mutation) that was identified in our screen was the X-linked gene, ATPase copper transporting alpha (Atp7a). In humans, mutations in Atp7a are linked to to Menkes disease, a disease with pleiotropic phenotypes that include a severe neurological component. Atp7a encodes a trans-Golgi copper transporter that supplies the copper co-factor to enzymes that pass through the ER-Golgi network. Male mice that carry a mutation in Atp7a die within 3 weeks of age regardless of Snca genotype. In contrast, here we show that Snca disruption modifies the phenotype of Atp7a in female mice. Female mice that carry the Atp7a mutation, on an Snca null background, die earlier (prior to 35 days) at a significantly higher rate than those that carry the Atp7a mutation on a wildtype Snca background ATPase copper transporting alpha. Thus, Snca null mutations sensitize female mice to mutations in Atp7a, suggesting that Snca protein may have a protective effect in females, perhaps in neurons, given the co-expression patterns. Although data has suggested diverse functions for human and mouse α-synuclein proteins in multiple cell compartments, this is the first demonstration via use of genetic screening to demonstrate that Snca protein may function in the ER-Golgi system in the mammalian brain in a sex-dependent manner. Author summary This study sought to probe the normal function(s) of a protein associated with Parkinson's disease, the second most common neurodegenerative disease in humans. We used a genetic modifier approach to uncover aspects of normal protein function, via mutagenesis of mice and screening for neurological problems that are decreased or enhanced in mice that are null for α-synuclein ( Snca) . Through these studies, we identified the X-linked gene that is mutated in Menkes disease in humans as a modifier of the null Snca phenotype, specifically in female mice. The gene mutated in Menkes disease, ATP7a , encodes a copper transporter that is known to act in the trans-Golgi sub-cellular compartment. Genetic modifier effects suggest that Snca may also play a role in that compartment, potentially in the mammalian brain.
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Passaro ML, Matarazzo F, Abbadessa G, Pezone A, Porcellini A, Tranfa F, Rinaldi M, Costagliola C. Glaucoma as a Tauopathy-Is It the Missing Piece in the Glaucoma Puzzle? J Clin Med 2023; 12:6900. [PMID: 37959365 PMCID: PMC10650423 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12216900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder affecting the visual system which can result in vision loss and blindness. The pathogenetic mechanisms underlying glaucomatous optic neuropathy are ultimately enigmatic, prompting ongoing investigations into its potential shared pathogenesis with other neurodegenerative neurological disorders. Tauopathies represent a subclass of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by the abnormal deposition of tau protein within the brain and consequent microtubule destabilization. The extended spectrum of tauopathies includes conditions such as frontotemporal dementias, progressive supranuclear palsy, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and Alzheimer's disease. Notably, recent decades have witnessed emerging documentation of tau inclusion among glaucoma patients, providing substantiation that this ocular disease may similarly manifest features of tauopathies. These studies found that: (i) aggregated tau inclusions are present in the somatodendritic compartment of RGCs in glaucoma patients; (ii) the etiology of the disease may affect tau splicing, phosphorylation, oligomerization, and subcellular localization; and (iii) short interfering RNA against tau, administered intraocularly, significantly decreased retinal tau accumulation and enhanced RGC somas and axon survival, demonstrating a crucial role for tau modifications in ocular hypertension-induced neuronal injury. Here, we examine the most recent evidence surrounding the interplay between tau protein dysregulation and glaucomatous neurodegeneration. We explore the novel perspective of glaucoma as a tau-associated disorder and open avenues for cross-disciplinary collaboration and new treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Laura Passaro
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.L.P.); (F.T.); (C.C.)
| | | | - Gianmarco Abbadessa
- Division of Neurology, Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Antonio Pezone
- Department of Biology, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80126 Naples, Italy; (A.P.); (A.P.)
| | - Antonio Porcellini
- Department of Biology, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80126 Naples, Italy; (A.P.); (A.P.)
| | - Fausto Tranfa
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.L.P.); (F.T.); (C.C.)
| | - Michele Rinaldi
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.L.P.); (F.T.); (C.C.)
| | - Ciro Costagliola
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.L.P.); (F.T.); (C.C.)
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24
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Wysocki R, Rodrigues JI, Litwin I, Tamás MJ. Mechanisms of genotoxicity and proteotoxicity induced by the metalloids arsenic and antimony. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:342. [PMID: 37904059 PMCID: PMC10616229 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04992-5] [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: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
Arsenic and antimony are metalloids with profound effects on biological systems and human health. Both elements are toxic to cells and organisms, and exposure is associated with several pathological conditions including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. At the same time, arsenic- and antimony-containing compounds are used in the treatment of multiple diseases. Although these metalloids can both cause and cure disease, their modes of molecular action are incompletely understood. The past decades have seen major advances in our understanding of arsenic and antimony toxicity, emphasizing genotoxicity and proteotoxicity as key contributors to pathogenesis. In this review, we highlight mechanisms by which arsenic and antimony cause toxicity, focusing on their genotoxic and proteotoxic effects. The mechanisms used by cells to maintain proteostasis during metalloid exposure are also described. Furthermore, we address how metalloid-induced proteotoxicity may promote neurodegenerative disease and how genotoxicity and proteotoxicity may be interrelated and together contribute to proteinopathies. A deeper understanding of cellular toxicity and response mechanisms and their links to pathogenesis may promote the development of strategies for both disease prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Wysocki
- Department of Genetics and Cell Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Wroclaw, 50-328, Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Joana I Rodrigues
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Box 462, 405 30, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Ireneusz Litwin
- Academic Excellence Hub - Research Centre for DNA Repair and Replication, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Wroclaw, 50-328, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Markus J Tamás
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Box 462, 405 30, Göteborg, Sweden.
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25
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Brembati V, Faustini G, Longhena F, Outeiro TF, Bellucci A. Changes in α-Synuclein Posttranslational Modifications in an AAV-Based Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13435. [PMID: 37686236 PMCID: PMC10488235 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713435] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) pathology is characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons of the nigrostriatal system and accumulation of Lewy bodies (LB) and Lewy neurites (LN), inclusions mainly composed of alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) fibrils. Studies linking the occurrence of mutations and multiplications of the α-Syn gene (SNCA) to the onset of PD support that α-Syn deposition may play a causal role in the disease, in line with the hypothesis that disease progression may correlate with the spreading of LB pathology in the brain. Interestingly, LB accumulate posttranslationally modified forms of α-Syn, suggesting that α-Syn posttranslational modifications impinge on α-Syn aggregation and/or toxicity. Here, we aimed at investigating changes in α-Syn phosphorylation, nitration and acetylation in mice subjected to nigral stereotaxic injections of adeno-associated viral vectors inducing overexpression of human α-Syn (AAV-hα-Syn), that model genetic PD with SNCA multiplications. We detected a mild increase of serine (Ser) 129 phosphorylated α-Syn in the substantia nigra (SN) of AAV-hα-Syn-injected mice in spite of the previously described marked accumulation of this PTM in the striatum. Following AAV-hα-Syn injection, tyrosine (Tyr) 125/136 nitrated α-Syn accumulation in the absence of general 3-nitrotirosine (3NT) or nitrated-Tyr39 α-Syn changes and augmented protein acetylation abundantly overlapping with α-Syn immunopositivity were also detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Brembati
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy (F.L.)
| | - Gaia Faustini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy (F.L.)
| | - Francesca Longhena
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy (F.L.)
| | - Tiago Fleming Outeiro
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Goettingen, 37073 Goettingen, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, 37075 Goettingen, Germany
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Arianna Bellucci
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy (F.L.)
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26
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Boutros SW, Zimmerman B, Nagy SC, Unni VK, Raber J. Age, sex, and apolipoprotein E isoform alter contextual fear learning, neuronal activation, and baseline DNA damage in the hippocampus. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:3343-3354. [PMID: 36732588 PMCID: PMC10618101 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-01966-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Age, female sex, and apolipoprotein E4 (E4) are risk factors to develop Alzheimer's disease (AD). There are three major human apoE isoforms: E2, E3, and E4. Compared to E3, E4 increases while E2 decreases AD risk. However, E2 is associated with increased risk and severity of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In cognitively healthy adults, E4 carriers have greater brain activation during learning and memory tasks in the absence of behavioral differences. Human apoE targeted replacement (TR) mice display differences in fear extinction that parallel human data: E2 mice show impaired extinction, mirroring heightened PTSD symptoms in E2 combat veterans. Recently, an adaptive role of DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) in immediate early gene expression (IEG) has been described. Age and disease synergistically increase DNA damage and decrease DNA repair. As the mechanisms underlying the relative risks of apoE, sex, and their interactions in aging are unclear, we used young (3 months) and middle-aged (12 months) male and female TR mice to investigate the influence of these factors on DSBs and IEGs at baseline and following contextual fear conditioning. We assessed brain-wide changes in neural activation following fear conditioning using whole-brain cFos imaging in young female TR mice. E4 mice froze more during fear conditioning and had lower cFos immunoreactivity across regions important for somatosensation and contextual encoding compared to E2 mice. E4 mice also showed altered co-activation compared to E3 mice, corresponding to human MRI and cognitive data, and indicating that there are differences in brain activity and connectivity at young ages independent of fear learning. There were increased DSB markers in middle-aged animals and alterations to cFos levels dependent on sex and isoform, as well. The increase in hippocampal DSB markers in middle-aged animals and female E4 mice may play a role in the risk for developing AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney Weber Boutros
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, OHSU, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Boise State University, 2133 W Cesar Chavez Ln, Boise, ID, 83725, USA
| | - Benjamin Zimmerman
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, OHSU, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
- Advanced Imaging Research Center, OHSU, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
- Helfgott Research Institute, NUNM, 2201 SW First Avenue, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 405 N, Matthews Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Sydney C Nagy
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, OHSU, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Vivek K Unni
- Department of Neurology, OHSU, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
- Jungers Center for Neurosciences Research, OHSU; and OHSU Parkinson Center, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Jacob Raber
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, OHSU, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
- Department of Neurology, OHSU, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
- Departments of Psychiatry and Radiation Medicine, OHSU, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
- Division of Neuroscience, ONPRC, 505 NW 185th Ave, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA.
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27
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Cordeiro Y, Freire MHO, Wiecikowski AF, do Amaral MJ. (Dys)functional insights into nucleic acids and RNA-binding proteins modulation of the prion protein and α-synuclein phase separation. Biophys Rev 2023; 15:577-589. [PMID: 37681103 PMCID: PMC10480379 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-023-01067-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases are prototype of infectious diseases transmitted by a protein, the prion protein (PrP), and are still not understandable at the molecular level. Heterogenous species of aggregated PrP can be generated from its monomer. α-synuclein (αSyn), related to Parkinson's disease, has also shown a prion-like pathogenic character, and likewise PrP interacts with nucleic acids (NAs), which in turn modulate their aggregation. Recently, our group and others have characterized that NAs and/or RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) modulate recombinant PrP and/or αSyn condensates formation, and uncontrolled condensation might precede pathological aggregation. Tackling abnormal phase separation of neurodegenerative disease-related proteins has been proposed as a promising therapeutic target. Therefore, understanding the mechanism by which polyanions, like NAs, modulate phase transitions intracellularly, is key to assess their role on toxicity promotion and neuronal death. Herein we discuss data on the nucleic acids binding properties and phase separation ability of PrP and αSyn with a special focus on their modulation by NAs and RBPs. Furthermore, we provide insights into condensation of PrP and/or αSyn in the light of non-trivial subcellular locations such as the nuclear and cytosolic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yraima Cordeiro
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av Carlos Chagas Filho 373, bloco B, subsolo Sala 36, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902 Brazil
| | - Maria Heloisa O. Freire
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av Carlos Chagas Filho 373, bloco B, subsolo Sala 36, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902 Brazil
| | - Adalgisa Felippe Wiecikowski
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av Carlos Chagas Filho 373, bloco B, subsolo Sala 36, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902 Brazil
| | - Mariana Juliani do Amaral
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av Carlos Chagas Filho 373, bloco B, subsolo Sala 36, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902 Brazil
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28
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Siwecka N, Saramowicz K, Galita G, Rozpędek-Kamińska W, Majsterek I. Inhibition of Protein Aggregation and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress as a Targeted Therapy for α-Synucleinopathy. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2051. [PMID: 37631265 PMCID: PMC10459316 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15082051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
α-synuclein (α-syn) is an intrinsically disordered protein abundant in the central nervous system. Physiologically, the protein regulates vesicle trafficking and neurotransmitter release in the presynaptic terminals. Pathologies related to misfolding and aggregation of α-syn are referred to as α-synucleinopathies, and they constitute a frequent cause of neurodegeneration. The most common α-synucleinopathy, Parkinson's disease (PD), is caused by abnormal accumulation of α-syn in the dopaminergic neurons of the midbrain. This results in protein overload, activation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and, ultimately, neural cell apoptosis and neurodegeneration. To date, the available treatment options for PD are only symptomatic and rely on dopamine replacement therapy or palliative surgery. As the prevalence of PD has skyrocketed in recent years, there is a pending issue for development of new disease-modifying strategies. These include anti-aggregative agents that target α-syn directly (gene therapy, small molecules and immunization), indirectly (modulators of ER stress, oxidative stress and clearance pathways) or combine both actions (natural compounds). Herein, we provide an overview on the characteristic features of the structure and pathogenic mechanisms of α-syn that could be targeted with novel molecular-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ireneusz Majsterek
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (N.S.); (K.S.); (G.G.); (W.R.-K.)
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29
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Wong ET, Rosenberg H, Dawood O, Hertan L, Vega RA, Anderson M, Uhlmann EJ. Lewy body disease as a potential negative outcome modifier of glioblastoma treatment: a case report. BMC Neurol 2023; 23:257. [PMID: 37403078 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-023-03313-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elderly patients with glioblastoma are particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of ionizing radiation to the brain. This population also has an increasing prevalence of dementia in the successive seventh, eighth and nineth decade of life, and dementia with Lewy bodies is characterized by pathologic α-synucleins, proteins that take part in neuronal DNA damage repair. CASE PRESENTATION We report a 77-year-old man, with a history of coronary artery disease and mild cognitive impairment, who experienced subacute behavioral changes over 3 months with wording-finding difficulty, memory loss, confusion, perseveration, and irritable mood. Neuroimaging studies disclosed a 2.5 × 2.4 × 2.7 cm cystic enhancing mass with central necrosis in the left temporal lobe of the brain. Gross total resection of the tumor revealed IDH-1 wild-type glioblastoma. After treatment with radiation and temozolomide chemotherapy, his cognitive status deteriorated rapidly, and he died from unexpected sudden death 2 months after radiation. Autopsy of his brain revealed (i) tumor cells with atypical nuclei and small lymphocytes, (ii) neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions and Lewy bodies that were positive for α-synuclein in the midbrain, pons, amygdala, putamen and globus pallidus, and (iii) no amyloid plaques and only rare neurofibrillary tangles near the hippocampi. CONCLUSIONS This patient most likely had pre-clinical limbic subtype of dementia with Lewy bodies prior to his diagnosis of glioblastoma. The radiation and temozolomide that was used to treat his tumor may have accelerated neuronal damage due to induction of DNA breakage when his brain was already compromised by pathologic α-synucleins. α-Synucleinopathy could be a negative outcome modifier in glioblastoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric T Wong
- Brain Tumor Center & Neuro-Oncology Unit, Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, 02215, United States.
- Department of Neurology, Medicine (Division of Hematology/Oncology), Neurosurgery & Radiation Oncology, Rhode Island Hospital, 593 Eddy St, Providence, 02903, United States.
| | - Harry Rosenberg
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, 02215, United States
| | - Olivia Dawood
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, 02215, United States
| | - Lauren Hertan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, 02215, United States
| | - Rafael A Vega
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, 02215, United States
| | - Matthew Anderson
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, 02215, United States
- Present Address: Regeneron Pharmaceutical Company, 777 Old Saw Mill Rive Road, Tarrytown, NY, 10591, United States
| | - Erik J Uhlmann
- Brain Tumor Center & Neuro-Oncology Unit, Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, 02215, United States
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30
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Pauwels EKJ, Boer GJ. Parkinson's Disease: A Tale of Many Players. Med Princ Pract 2023; 32:155-165. [PMID: 37285828 PMCID: PMC10601631 DOI: 10.1159/000531422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2020, more than 9 million patients suffering from Parkinson's disease (PD) were reported worldwide, and studies predict that the burden of this disease will grow substantially in industrial countries. In the last decade, there has been a better understanding of this neurodegenerative disorder, clinically characterized by motor disturbances, impaired balance, coordination, memory difficulties, and behavioral changes. Various preclinical investigations and studies on human postmortem brains suggest that local oxidative stress and inflammation promote misfolding and aggregation of alpha-synuclein within Lewy bodies and cause nerve cell damage. Parallel to these investigations, the familial contribution to the disease became evident from studies on genome-wide association in which specific genetic defects were linked to neuritic alpha-synuclein pathology. As for treatment, currently available pharmacological and surgical interventions may improve the quality of life but do not stop the progress of neurodegeneration. However, numerous preclinical studies have provided insights into the pathogenesis of PD. Their results provide a solid base for clinical trials and further developments. In this review, we discuss the pathogenesis, the prospects, and challenges of synolytic therapy, CRISPR, gene editing, and gene- and cell-based therapy. We also throw light on the recent observation that targeted physiotherapy may help improve the gait and other motor impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gerard J. Boer
- Netherlands Institute for Brain Research, Royal Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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31
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Gajendran N, Rajasekaran S, Witt SN. Knocking out alpha-synuclein in melanoma cells downregulates L1CAM and decreases motility. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9243. [PMID: 37286800 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36451-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The Parkinson's disease (PD) associated protein, alpha-synuclein (α-syn/SNCA), is highly expressed in aggressive melanomas. The goal of this study was to reveal possible mechanism(s) of α-syn involvement in melanoma pathogenesis. Herein, we asked whether α-syn modulates the expression of the pro-oncogenic adhesion molecules L1CAM and N-cadherin. We used two human melanoma cell lines (SK-MEL-28, SK-MEL-29), SNCA-knockout (KO) clones, and two human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell lines. In the melanoma lines, loss of α-syn expression resulted in significant decreases in the expression of L1CAM and N-cadherin and concomitant significant decreases in motility. On average, there was a 75% reduction in motility in the four SNCA-KOs tested compared to control cells. Strikingly, comparing neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells that have no detectable α-syn to SH-SY5Y cells that stably express α-syn (SH/+αS), we found that expressing α-syn increased L1CAM and single-cell motility by 54% and 597%, respectively. The reduction in L1CAM level in SNCA-KO clones was not due to a transcriptional effect, rather we found that L1CAM is more efficiently degraded in the lysosome in SNCA-KO clones than in control cells. We propose that α-syn is pro-survival to melanoma (and possibly neuroblastoma) because it promotes the intracellular trafficking of L1CAM to the plasma membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nithya Gajendran
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, USA
| | - Santhanasabapathy Rajasekaran
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, USA
| | - Stephan N Witt
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, USA.
- Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Shreveport, Shreveport, USA.
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32
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Maor G, Dubreuil RR, Feany MB. α-synuclein promotes neuronal dysfunction and death by disrupting the binding of ankyrin to ß-spectrin. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.02.543481. [PMID: 37333277 PMCID: PMC10274672 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.02.543481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
α-synuclein plays a key role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease and related disorders, but critical interacting partners and molecular mechanisms mediating neurotoxicity are incompletely understood. We show that α-synuclein binds directly to ß-spectrin. Using males and females in a Drosophila model of α-synuclein-related disorders we demonstrate that ß-spectrin is critical for α-synuclein neurotoxicity. Further, the ankyrin binding domain of ß-spectrin is required for α-synuclein binding and neurotoxicity. A key plasma membrane target of ankyrin, Na+/K+ ATPase, is mislocalized when human α-synuclein is expressed in Drosophila. Accordingly, membrane potential is depolarized in α-synuclein transgenic fly brains. We examine the same pathway in human neurons and find that Parkinson's disease patient-derived neurons with a triplication of the α-synuclein locus show disruption of the spectrin cytoskeleton, mislocalization of ankyrin and Na+/K+ ATPase, and membrane potential depolarization. Our findings define a specific molecular mechanism by which elevated levels of α-synuclein in Parkinson's disease and related α-synucleinopathies leads to neuronal dysfunction and death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gali Maor
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Ronald R. Dubreuil
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60607
| | - Mel B. Feany
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815
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Goralski T, Meyerdirk L, Breton L, Brasseur L, Kurgat K, DeWeerd D, Turner L, Becker K, Adams M, Newhouse D, Henderson MX. Spatial transcriptomics reveals molecular dysfunction associated with Lewy pathology. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.17.541144. [PMID: 37292685 PMCID: PMC10245657 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.17.541144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Lewy pathology composed of α-synuclein is the key pathological hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD), found both in dopaminergic neurons that control motor function, and throughout cortical regions that control cognitive function. Recent work has investigated which dopaminergic neurons are most susceptible to death, but little is known about which neurons are vulnerable to developing Lewy pathology and what molecular changes an aggregate induces. In the current study, we use spatial transcriptomics to selectively capture whole transcriptome signatures from cortical neurons with Lewy pathology compared to those without pathology in the same brains. We find, both in PD and in a mouse model of PD, that there are specific classes of excitatory neurons that are vulnerable to developing Lewy pathology in the cortex. Further, we identify conserved gene expression changes in aggregate-bearing neurons that we designate the Lewy-associated molecular dysfunction from aggregates (LAMDA) signature. This gene signature indicates that neurons with aggregates downregulate synaptic, mitochondrial, ubiquitin-proteasome, endo-lysosomal, and cytoskeletal genes and upregulate DNA repair and complement/cytokine genes. However, beyond DNA repair gene upregulation, we find that neurons also activate apoptotic pathways, suggesting that if DNA repair fails, neurons undergo programmed cell death. Our results identify neurons vulnerable to Lewy pathology in the PD cortex and identify a conserved signature of molecular dysfunction in both mice and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Goralski
- Department of Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD
| | - Lindsay Meyerdirk
- Department of Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD
| | - Libby Breton
- Department of Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD
| | - Laura Brasseur
- Department of Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
| | - Kevin Kurgat
- Department of Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD
| | - Daniella DeWeerd
- Department of Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD
| | | | | | | | | | - Michael X. Henderson
- Department of Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD
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34
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Khare P, Edgecomb SX, Hamadani CM, E L Tanner E, Manickam DS. Lipid nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery to the brain. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 197:114861. [PMID: 37150326 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have revolutionized the field of drug delivery through their applications in siRNA delivery to the liver (Onpattro) and their use in the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. While LNPs have been extensively studied for the delivery of RNA drugs to muscle and liver targets, their potential to deliver drugs to challenging tissue targets such as the brain remains underexplored. Multiple brain disorders currently lack safe and effective therapies and therefore repurposing LNPs could potentially be a game changer for improving drug delivery to cellular targets both at and across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). In this review, we will discuss (1) the rationale and factors involved in optimizing LNPs for brain delivery, (2) ionic liquid-coated LNPs as a potential approach for increasing LNP accumulation in the brain tissue and (3) considerations, open questions and potential opportunities in the development of LNPs for delivery to the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Purva Khare
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Sara X Edgecomb
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Mississippi, MS
| | | | - Eden E L Tanner
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Mississippi, MS.
| | - Devika S Manickam
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA.
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Jeacock K, Chappard A, Gallagher KJ, Mackay CL, Kilgour DPA, Horrocks MH, Kunath T, Clarke DJ. Determining the Location of the α-Synuclein Dimer Interface Using Native Top-Down Fragmentation and Isotope Depletion-Mass Spectrometry. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY 2023; 34:847-856. [PMID: 36976861 PMCID: PMC10161212 DOI: 10.1021/jasms.2c00339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
α-Synuclein (αSyn), a 140-residue intrinsically disordered protein, comprises the primary proteinaceous component of pathology-associated Lewy body inclusions in Parkinson's disease (PD). Due to its association with PD, αSyn is studied extensively; however, the endogenous structure and physiological roles of this protein are yet to be fully understood. Here, ion mobility-mass spectrometry and native top-down electron capture dissociation fragmentation have been used to elucidate the structural properties associated with a stable, naturally occurring dimeric species of αSyn. This stable dimer appears in both wild-type (WT) αSyn and the PD-associated variant A53E. Furthermore, we integrated a novel method for generating isotopically depleted protein into our native top-down workflow. Isotope depletion increases signal-to-noise ratio and reduces the spectral complexity of fragmentation data, enabling the monoisotopic peak of low abundant fragment ions to be observed. This enables the accurate and confident assignment of fragments unique to the αSyn dimer to be assigned and structural information about this species to be inferred. Using this approach, we were able to identify fragments unique to the dimer, which demonstrates a C-terminal to C-terminal interaction between the monomer subunits. The approach in this study holds promise for further investigation into the structural properties of endogenous multimeric species of αSyn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiani Jeacock
- The EastCHEM School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FJ, U.K
| | - Alexandre Chappard
- The EastCHEM School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FJ, U.K
| | - Kelly J Gallagher
- The EastCHEM School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FJ, U.K
| | - C Logan Mackay
- The EastCHEM School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FJ, U.K
| | - David P A Kilgour
- Chemistry and Forensics, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG11 8NS, U.K
| | - Mathew H Horrocks
- The EastCHEM School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FJ, U.K
| | - Tilo Kunath
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, U.K
| | - David J Clarke
- The EastCHEM School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FJ, U.K
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36
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Shadfar S, Parakh S, Jamali MS, Atkin JD. Redox dysregulation as a driver for DNA damage and its relationship to neurodegenerative diseases. Transl Neurodegener 2023; 12:18. [PMID: 37055865 PMCID: PMC10103468 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-023-00350-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Redox homeostasis refers to the balance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as reactive nitrogen species (RNS), and their elimination by antioxidants. It is linked to all important cellular activities and oxidative stress is a result of imbalance between pro-oxidants and antioxidant species. Oxidative stress perturbs many cellular activities, including processes that maintain the integrity of DNA. Nucleic acids are highly reactive and therefore particularly susceptible to damage. The DNA damage response detects and repairs these DNA lesions. Efficient DNA repair processes are therefore essential for maintaining cellular viability, but they decline considerably during aging. DNA damage and deficiencies in DNA repair are increasingly described in age-related neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Huntington's disease. Furthermore, oxidative stress has long been associated with these conditions. Moreover, both redox dysregulation and DNA damage increase significantly during aging, which is the biggest risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases. However, the links between redox dysfunction and DNA damage, and their joint contributions to pathophysiology in these conditions, are only just emerging. This review will discuss these associations and address the increasing evidence for redox dysregulation as an important and major source of DNA damage in neurodegenerative disorders. Understanding these connections may facilitate a better understanding of disease mechanisms, and ultimately lead to the design of better therapeutic strategies based on preventing both redox dysregulation and DNA damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina Shadfar
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia.
| | - Sonam Parakh
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Md Shafi Jamali
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Julie D Atkin
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia.
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia.
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Sugeno N, Hasegawa T. Unraveling the Complex Interplay between Alpha-Synuclein and Epigenetic Modification. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076645. [PMID: 37047616 PMCID: PMC10094812 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Alpha-synuclein (αS) is a small, presynaptic neuronal protein encoded by the SNCA gene. Point mutations and gene multiplication of SNCA cause rare familial forms of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Misfolded αS is cytotoxic and is a component of Lewy bodies, which are a pathological hallmark of PD. Because SNCA multiplication is sufficient to cause full-blown PD, gene dosage likely has a strong impact on pathogenesis. In sporadic PD, increased SNCA expression resulting from a minor genetic background and various environmental factors may contribute to pathogenesis in a complementary manner. With respect to genetic background, several risk loci neighboring the SNCA gene have been identified, and epigenetic alterations, such as CpG methylation and regulatory histone marks, are considered important factors. These alterations synergistically upregulate αS expression and some post-translational modifications of αS facilitate its translocation to the nucleus. Nuclear αS interacts with DNA, histones, and their modifiers to alter epigenetic status; thereby, influencing the stability of neuronal function. Epigenetic changes do not affect the gene itself but can provide an appropriate transcriptional response for neuronal survival through DNA methylation or histone modifications. As a new approach, publicly available RNA sequencing datasets from human midbrain-like organoids may be used to compare transcriptional responses through epigenetic alterations. This informatic approach combined with the vast amount of transcriptomics data will lead to the discovery of novel pathways for the development of disease-modifying therapies for PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoto Sugeno
- Division of Neurology, Department of Neuroscience & Sensory Organs, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8574, Japan
| | - Takafumi Hasegawa
- Division of Neurology, Department of Neuroscience & Sensory Organs, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8574, Japan
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38
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Wang ZX, Li YL, Pu JL, Zhang BR. DNA Damage-Mediated Neurotoxicity in Parkinson’s Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076313. [PMID: 37047285 PMCID: PMC10093980 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease around the world; however, its pathogenesis remains unclear so far. Recent advances have shown that DNA damage and repair deficiency play an important role in the pathophysiology of PD. There is growing evidence suggesting that DNA damage is involved in the propagation of cellular damage in PD, leading to neuropathology under different conditions. Here, we reviewed the current work on DNA damage repair in PD. First, we outlined the evidence and causes of DNA damage in PD. Second, we described the potential pathways by which DNA damage mediates neurotoxicity in PD and discussed the precise mechanisms that drive these processes by DNA damage. In addition, we looked ahead to the potential interventions targeting DNA damage and repair. Finally, based on the current status of research, key problems that need to be addressed in future research were proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jia-Li Pu
- Correspondence: (J.-L.P.); (B.-R.Z.); Tel./Fax: +86-571-87784752 (J.-L.P. & B.-R.Z.)
| | - Bao-Rong Zhang
- Correspondence: (J.-L.P.); (B.-R.Z.); Tel./Fax: +86-571-87784752 (J.-L.P. & B.-R.Z.)
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Development of Small Molecules Targeting α-Synuclein Aggregation: A Promising Strategy to Treat Parkinson’s Disease. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15030839. [PMID: 36986700 PMCID: PMC10059018 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15030839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease, the second most common neurodegenerative disorder worldwide, is characterized by the accumulation of protein deposits in the dopaminergic neurons. These deposits are primarily composed of aggregated forms of α-Synuclein (α-Syn). Despite the extensive research on this disease, only symptomatic treatments are currently available. However, in recent years, several compounds, mainly of an aromatic character, targeting α-Syn self-assembly and amyloid formation have been identified. These compounds, discovered by different approaches, are chemically diverse and exhibit a plethora of mechanisms of action. This work aims to provide a historical overview of the physiopathology and molecular aspects associated with Parkinson’s disease and the current trends in small compound development to target α-Syn aggregation. Although these molecules are still under development, they constitute an important step toward discovering effective anti-aggregational therapies for Parkinson’s disease.
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40
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Lim SM, Nahm M, Kim SH. Proteostasis and Ribostasis Impairment as Common Cell Death Mechanisms in Neurodegenerative Diseases. J Clin Neurol 2023; 19:101-114. [PMID: 36854331 PMCID: PMC9982182 DOI: 10.3988/jcn.2022.0379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The cellular homeostasis of proteins (proteostasis) and RNA metabolism (ribostasis) are essential for maintaining both the structure and function of the brain. However, aging, cellular stress conditions, and genetic contributions cause disturbances in proteostasis and ribostasis that lead to protein misfolding, insoluble aggregate deposition, and abnormal ribonucleoprotein granule dynamics. In addition to neurons being primarily postmitotic, nondividing cells, they are more susceptible to the persistent accumulation of abnormal aggregates. Indeed, defects associated with the failure to maintain proteostasis and ribostasis are common pathogenic components of age-related neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Furthermore, the neuronal deposition of misfolded and aggregated proteins can cause both increased toxicity and impaired physiological function, which lead to neuronal dysfunction and cell death. There is recent evidence that irreversible liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is responsible for the pathogenic aggregate formation of disease-related proteins, including tau, α-synuclein, and RNA-binding proteins, including transactive response DNA-binding protein 43, fused in sarcoma, and heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1. Investigations of LLPS and its control therefore suggest that chaperone/disaggregase, which reverse protein aggregation, are valuable therapeutic targets for effective treatments for neurological diseases. Here we review and discuss recent studies to highlight the importance of understanding the common cell death mechanisms of proteostasis and ribostasis in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Min Lim
- Cell Therapy Center and Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Minyeop Nahm
- Dementia Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu, Korea
| | - Seung Hyun Kim
- Cell Therapy Center and Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea.
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41
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Maor G, Dubreuil RR, Feany MB. α-Synuclein Promotes Neuronal Dysfunction and Death by Disrupting the Binding of Ankyrin to β-Spectrin. J Neurosci 2023; 43:1614-1626. [PMID: 36653193 PMCID: PMC10008058 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1922-22.2022] [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: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
α-Synuclein plays a key role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease and related disorders, but critical interacting partners and molecular mechanisms mediating neurotoxicity are incompletely understood. We show that α-synuclein binds directly to β-spectrin. Using males and females in a Drosophila model of α-synuclein-related disorders, we demonstrate that β-spectrin is critical for α-synuclein neurotoxicity. Further, the ankyrin binding domain of β-spectrin is required for α-synuclein binding and neurotoxicity. A key plasma membrane target of ankyrin, Na+/K+ ATPase, is mislocalized when human α-synuclein is expressed in Drosophila Accordingly, membrane potential is depolarized in α-synuclein transgenic fly brains. We examine the same pathway in human neurons and find that Parkinson's disease patient-derived neurons with a triplication of the α-synuclein locus show disruption of the spectrin cytoskeleton, mislocalization of ankyrin and Na+/K+ ATPase, and membrane potential depolarization. Our findings define a specific molecular mechanism by which elevated levels of α-synuclein in Parkinson's disease and related α-synucleinopathies lead to neuronal dysfunction and death.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The small synaptic vesicle associate protein α-synuclein plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease and related disorders, but the disease-relevant binding partners of α-synuclein and proximate pathways critical for neurotoxicity require further definition. We show that α-synuclein binds directly to β-spectrin, a key cytoskeletal protein required for localization of plasma membrane proteins and maintenance of neuronal viability. Binding of α-synuclein to β-spectrin alters the organization of the spectrin-ankyrin complex, which is critical for localization and function of integral membrane proteins, including Na+/K+ ATPase. These finding outline a previously undescribed mechanism of α-synuclein neurotoxicity and thus suggest potential new therapeutic approaches in Parkinson's disease and related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gali Maor
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Ronald R Dubreuil
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60607
| | - Mel B Feany
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
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42
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Canever JB, Soares ES, de Avelar NCP, Cimarosti HI. Targeting α-synuclein post-translational modifications in Parkinson's disease. Behav Brain Res 2023; 439:114204. [PMID: 36372243 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.114204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the nigrostriatal pathway. Although the exact mechanisms underlying PD are still not completely understood, it is well accepted that α-synuclein plays key pathophysiological roles as the main constituent of the cytoplasmic inclusions known as Lewy bodies. Several post-translational modifications (PTMs), such as the best-known phosphorylation, target α-synuclein and are thus implicated in its physiological and pathological functions. In this review, we present (1) an overview of the pathophysiological roles of α-synuclein, (2) a descriptive analysis of α-synuclein PTMs, including phosphorylation, ubiquitination, SUMOylation, acetylation, glycation, truncation, and O-GlcNAcylation, as well as (3) a brief summary on α-synuclein PTMs as potential biomarkers for PD. A better understanding of α-synuclein PTMs is of paramount importance for elucidating the mechanisms underlying PD and can thus be expected to improve early detection and monitoring disease progression, as well as identify promising new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaquelini B Canever
- Post-Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil; Laboratory of Aging, Resources and Rheumatology, UFSC, Araranguá, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Ericks Sousa Soares
- Post-Graduate Program in Pharmacology, UFSC, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Núbia C P de Avelar
- Laboratory of Aging, Resources and Rheumatology, UFSC, Araranguá, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Helena I Cimarosti
- Post-Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil; Post-Graduate Program in Pharmacology, UFSC, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
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Martin-Lopez E, Vidyadhara DJ, Liberia T, Meller SJ, Harmon LE, Hsu RM, Spence N, Brennan B, Han K, Yücel B, Chandra SS, Greer CA. α-Synuclein Pathology and Reduced Neurogenesis in the Olfactory System Affect Olfaction in a Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease. J Neurosci 2023; 43:1051-1071. [PMID: 36596700 PMCID: PMC9908323 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1526-22.2022] [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: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by multiple symptoms including olfactory dysfunction, whose underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we explored pathologic changes in the olfactory pathway of transgenic (Tg) mice of both sexes expressing the human A30P mutant α-synuclein (α-syn; α-syn-Tg mice) at 6-7 and 12-14 months of age, representing early and late-stages of motor progression, respectively. α-Syn-Tg mice at late stages exhibited olfactory behavioral deficits, which correlated with severe α-syn pathology in projection neurons (PNs) of the olfactory pathway. In parallel, olfactory bulb (OB) neurogenesis in α-syn-Tg mice was reduced in the OB granule cells at six to seven months and OB periglomerular cells at 12-14 months, respectively, both of which could contribute to olfactory dysfunction. Proteomic analyses showed a disruption in endocytic and exocytic pathways in the OB during the early stages which appeared exacerbated at the synaptic terminals when the mice developed olfactory deficits at 12-14 months. Our data suggest that (1) the α-syn-Tg mice recapitulate the olfactory functional deficits seen in PD; (2) olfactory structures exhibit spatiotemporal disparities for vulnerability to α-syn pathology; (3) α-syn pathology is restricted to projection neurons in the olfactory pathway; (4) neurogenesis in adult α-syn-Tg mice is reduced in the OB; and (5) synaptic endocytosis and exocytosis defects in the OB may further explain olfactory deficits.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Olfactory dysfunction is a characteristic symptom of Parkinson's disease (PD). Using the human A30P mutant α-synuclein (α-syn)-expressing mouse model, we demonstrated the appearance of olfactory deficits at late stages of the disease, which was accompanied by the accumulation of α-syn pathology in projection neurons (PNs) of the olfactory system. This dysfunction included a reduction in olfactory bulb (OB) neurogenesis as well as changes in synaptic vesicular transport affecting synaptic function, both of which are likely contributing to olfactory behavioral deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Martin-Lopez
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510
| | - D J Vidyadhara
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510
| | - Teresa Liberia
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510
| | - Sarah J Meller
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510
| | - Leah E Harmon
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510
| | - Ryan M Hsu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510
| | - Natalie Spence
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510
| | - Bowen Brennan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510
| | - Kimberly Han
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510
| | - Betül Yücel
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510
| | - Sreeganga S Chandra
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510
| | - Charles A Greer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510
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Spencer H, Gorecki A, Foley H, Phillips L, Abonnel MY, Meloni BP, Anderton RS. Poly-Arginine R18 Peptide Inhibits Heat-Induced Lysozyme Protein Aggregation: Implications for a Possible Therapeutic Role in Parkinson’s Disease. APPL BIOCHEM MICRO+ 2023. [DOI: 10.1134/s0003683823010118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2023]
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45
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Harati M, Tayarani-Najaran Z, Javadi B. Dietary flavonoids: Promising compounds for targeting α-synucleinopathy in Parkinson’s disease. PHARMANUTRITION 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phanu.2023.100334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
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Surguchov A. α-Synuclein and Mechanisms of Epigenetic Regulation. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13010150. [PMID: 36672131 PMCID: PMC9857298 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13010150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Synucleinopathies are a group of neurodegenerative diseases with common pathological lesions associated with the excessive accumulation and abnormal intracellular deposition of toxic species of α-synuclein. The shared clinical features are chronic progressive decline of motor, cognitive, and behavioral functions. These disorders include Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy body, and multiple system atrophy. Vigorous research in the mechanisms of pathology of these illnesses is currently under way to find disease-modifying treatment and molecular markers for early diagnosis. α-Synuclein is a prone-to-aggregate, small amyloidogenic protein with multiple roles in synaptic vesicle trafficking, neurotransmitter release, and intracellular signaling events. Its expression is controlled by several mechanisms, one of which is epigenetic regulation. When transmitted to the nucleus, α-synuclein binds to DNA and histones and participates in epigenetic regulatory functions controlling specific gene transcription. Here, we discuss the various aspects of α-synuclein involvement in epigenetic regulation in health and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei Surguchov
- Department of Neurology, Kansas University Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
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A Multi-Trait Association Analysis of Brain Disorders and Platelet Traits Identifies Novel Susceptibility Loci for Major Depression, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease. Cells 2023; 12:cells12020245. [PMID: 36672180 PMCID: PMC9856280 DOI: 10.3390/cells12020245] [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: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Among candidate neurodegenerative/neuropsychiatric risk-predictive biomarkers, platelet count, mean platelet volume and platelet distribution width have been associated with the risk of major depressive disorder (MDD), Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) through epidemiological and genomic studies, suggesting partial co-heritability. We exploited these relationships for a multi-trait association analysis, using publicly available summary statistics of genome-wide association studies (GWASs) of all traits reported above. Gene-based enrichment tests were carried out, as well as a network analysis of significantly enriched genes. We analyzed 4,540,326 single nucleotide polymorphisms shared among the analyzed GWASs, observing 149 genome-wide significant multi-trait LD-independent associations (p < 5 × 10-8) for AD, 70 for PD and 139 for MDD. Among these, 27 novel associations were detected for AD, 34 for PD and 40 for MDD. Out of 18,781 genes with annotated variants within ±10 kb, 62 genes were enriched for associations with AD, 70 with PD and 125 with MDD (p < 2.7 × 10-6). Of these, seven genes were novel susceptibility loci for AD (EPPK1, TTLL1, PACSIN2, TPM4, PIF1, ZNF689, AZGP1P1), two for PD (SLC26A1, EFNA3) and two for MDD (HSPH1, TRMT61A). The resulting network showed a significant excess of interactions (enrichment p = 1.0 × 10-16). The novel genes that were identified are involved in the organization of cytoskeletal architecture (EPPK1, TTLL1, PACSIN2, TPM4), telomere shortening (PIF1), the regulation of cellular aging (ZNF689, AZGP1P1) and neurodevelopment (EFNA3), thus, providing novel insights into the shared underlying biology of brain disorders and platelet parameters.
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Ramos A, Granzotto N, Kremer R, Boeder AM, de Araújo JFP, Pereira AG, Izídio GS. Hunting for Genes Underlying Emotionality in the Laboratory Rat: Maps, Tools and Traps. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:1840-1863. [PMID: 36056863 PMCID: PMC10514530 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666220901154034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Scientists have systematically investigated the hereditary bases of behaviors since the 19th century, moved by either evolutionary questions or clinically-motivated purposes. The pioneer studies on the genetic selection of laboratory animals had already indicated, one hundred years ago, the immense complexity of analyzing behaviors that were influenced by a large number of small-effect genes and an incalculable amount of environmental factors. Merging Mendelian, quantitative and molecular approaches in the 1990s made it possible to map specific rodent behaviors to known chromosome regions. From that point on, Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) analyses coupled with behavioral and molecular techniques, which involved in vivo isolation of relevant blocks of genes, opened new avenues for gene mapping and characterization. This review examines the QTL strategy applied to the behavioral study of emotionality, with a focus on the laboratory rat. We discuss the challenges, advances and limitations of the search for Quantitative Trait Genes (QTG) playing a role in regulating emotionality. For the past 25 years, we have marched the long journey from emotionality-related behaviors to genes. In this context, our experiences are used to illustrate why and how one should move forward in the molecular understanding of complex psychiatric illnesses. The promise of exploring genetic links between immunological and emotional responses are also discussed. New strategies based on humans, rodents and other animals (such as zebrafish) are also acknowledged, as they are likely to allow substantial progress to be made in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Ramos
- Behavior Genetics Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, Embryology and Genetics, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Brazil
| | - Natalli Granzotto
- Behavior Genetics Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, Embryology and Genetics, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Brazil
- Graduate Program of Pharmacology, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Brazil
| | - Rafael Kremer
- Behavior Genetics Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, Embryology and Genetics, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Brazil
- Graduate Program of Developmental and Cellular Biology, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Brazil
| | - Ariela Maína Boeder
- Behavior Genetics Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, Embryology and Genetics, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Brazil
- Graduate Program of Pharmacology, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Brazil
| | - Julia Fernandez Puñal de Araújo
- Behavior Genetics Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, Embryology and Genetics, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Brazil
- Graduate Program of Developmental and Cellular Biology, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Brazil
| | - Aline Guimarães Pereira
- Behavior Genetics Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, Embryology and Genetics, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Brazil
- Graduate Program of Developmental and Cellular Biology, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Brazil
| | - Geison Souza Izídio
- Behavior Genetics Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, Embryology and Genetics, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Brazil
- Graduate Program of Pharmacology, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Brazil
- Graduate Program of Developmental and Cellular Biology, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Brazil
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Weston LJ, Bowman AM, Osterberg VR, Meshul CK, Woltjer RL, Unni VK. Aggregated Alpha-Synuclein Inclusions within the Nucleus Predict Impending Neuronal Cell Death in a Mouse Model of Parkinsonism. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315294. [PMID: 36499619 PMCID: PMC9736441 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alpha-synuclein (aSyn) is a 14 kD protein encoded by the SNCA gene that is expressed in vertebrates and normally localizes to presynaptic terminals and the nucleus. aSyn forms pathological intracellular aggregates that typify a group of important neurodegenerative diseases called synucleinopathies. Previous work in human tissue and model systems indicates that some of these aggregates can be intranuclear, but the significance of aSyn aggregation within the nucleus is not clear. We used a mouse model that develops aggregated aSyn nuclear inclusions. Using aSyn preformed fibril injections in GFP-tagged aSyn transgenic mice, we were able to induce the formation of nuclear aSyn inclusions and study their properties in fixed tissue and in vivo using multiphoton microscopy. In addition, we analyzed human synucleinopathy patient tissue to better understand this pathology. Our data demonstrate that nuclear aSyn inclusions may form through the transmission of aSyn between neurons, and these intranuclear aggregates bear the hallmarks of cytoplasmic Lewy pathology. Neuronal nuclear aSyn inclusions can form rod-like structures that do not contain actin, excluding them from being previously described nuclear actin rods. Longitudinal, in vivo multiphoton imaging indicates that certain morphologies of neuronal nuclear aSyn inclusions predict cell death within 14 days. Human multiple system atrophy cases contain neurons and glia with similar nuclear inclusions, but we were unable to detect such inclusions in Lewy body dementia cases. This study suggests that the dysregulation of a nuclear aSyn function associated with nuclear inclusion formation could play a role in the forms of neurodegeneration associated with synucleinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah J. Weston
- Department of Neurology & Jungers Center for Neurosciences Research, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Anna M. Bowman
- Department of Neurology & Jungers Center for Neurosciences Research, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Valerie R. Osterberg
- Department of Neurology & Jungers Center for Neurosciences Research, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Charles K. Meshul
- Research Services, Neurocytology Laboratory, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Departments of Behavioral Neuroscience and Pathology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Randall L. Woltjer
- Department of Pathology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Vivek K. Unni
- Department of Neurology & Jungers Center for Neurosciences Research, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- OHSU Parkinson Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Correspondence:
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Pan Y, Zong Q, Li G, Wu Z, Du T, Huang Z, Zhang Y, Ma K. Nuclear localization of alpha-synuclein affects the cognitive and motor behavior of mice by inducing DNA damage and abnormal cell cycle of hippocampal neurons. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1015881. [PMID: 36438187 PMCID: PMC9684191 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1015881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Nuclear accumulation of alpha-synuclein (α-syn) in neurons can promote neurotoxicity, which is considered the key factor in the pathogenesis of synucleinopathy. The damage to hippocampus neurons driven by α-syn pathology is also the potential cause of memory impairment in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. In this study, we examined the role of α-syn nuclear translocation in the cognition and motor ability of mice by overexpressing α-syn in cell nuclei in the hippocampus. The results showed that the overexpression of α-syn in nuclei was able to cause significant pathological accumulation of α-syn in the hippocampus, and quickly lead to memory and motor impairments in mice. It might be that nuclear overexpression of α-syn may cause DNA damage of hippocampal neurons, thereby leading to activation and abnormal blocking of cell cycle, and further inducing apoptosis of hippocampal neurons and inflammatory reaction. Meanwhile, the inflammatory reaction further aggravated DNA damage and formed a vicious circle. Therefore, the excessive nuclear translocation of α-syn in hippocampal neurons may be one of the main reasons for cognitive decline in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Zhangqiong Huang
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China
| | - Kaili Ma
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China
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