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Hay A, Popichak K, Moreno J, Zabel M. The Role of Glial Cells in Neurobiology and Prion Neuropathology. Cells 2024; 13:832. [PMID: 38786054 PMCID: PMC11119027 DOI: 10.3390/cells13100832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases are rare and neurodegenerative diseases that are characterized by the misfolding and infectious spread of the prion protein in the brain, causing progressive and irreversible neuronal loss and associated clinical and behavioral manifestations in humans and animals, ultimately leading to death. The brain has a complex network of neurons and glial cells whose crosstalk is critical for function and homeostasis. Although it is established that prion infection of neurons is necessary for clinical disease to occur, debate remains in the field as to the role played by glial cells, namely astrocytes and microglia, and whether these cells are beneficial to the host or further accelerate disease. Here, we review the current literature assessing the complex morphologies of astrocytes and microglia, and the crosstalk between these two cell types, in the prion-infected brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arielle Hay
- Division of Intramural Research, Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA
| | - Katriana Popichak
- Prion Research Center, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (K.P.); (J.M.); (M.Z.)
| | - Julie Moreno
- Prion Research Center, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (K.P.); (J.M.); (M.Z.)
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Mark Zabel
- Prion Research Center, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (K.P.); (J.M.); (M.Z.)
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2
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Cracco L, Cali I, Cohen ML, Aslam R, Notari S, Kong Q, Newell KL, Ghetti B, Appleby BS, Gambetti P. Efficient transmission of human prion diseases to a glycan-free prion protein-expressing host. Brain 2024; 147:1539-1552. [PMID: 38000783 PMCID: PMC10994570 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
It is increasingly evident that the association of glycans with the prion protein (PrP), a major post-translational modification, significantly impacts the pathogenesis of prion diseases. A recent bioassay study has provided evidence that the presence of PrP glycans decreases spongiform degeneration and disease-related PrP (PrPD) deposition in a murine model. We challenged (PRNPN181Q/197Q) transgenic (Tg) mice expressing glycan-free human PrP (TgGlyc-), with isolates from sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease subtype MM2 (sCJDMM2), sporadic fatal insomnia and familial fatal insomnia, three human prion diseases that are distinct but share histotypic and PrPD features. TgGlyc- mice accurately replicated the basic histotypic features associated with the three diseases but the transmission was characterized by high attack rates, shortened incubation periods and a greatly increased severity of the histopathology, including the presence of up to 40 times higher quantities of PrPD that formed prominent deposits. Although the engineered protease-resistant PrPD shared at least some features of the secondary structure and the presence of the anchorless PrPD variant with the wild-type PrPD, it exhibited different density gradient profiles of the PrPD aggregates and a higher stability index. The severity of the histopathological features including PrP deposition appeared to be related to the incubation period duration. These findings are clearly consistent with the protective role of the PrP glycans but also emphasize the complexity of the conformational changes that impact PrPD following glycan knockout. Future studies will determine whether these features apply broadly to other human prion diseases or are PrPD-type dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Cracco
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University, School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Ignazio Cali
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- National Prion Disease Pathology Surveillance Center, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Mark L Cohen
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Rabail Aslam
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Silvio Notari
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Qingzhong Kong
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- National Prion Disease Pathology Surveillance Center, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Department of Neurology, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Kathy L Newell
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University, School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Bernardino Ghetti
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University, School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Brian S Appleby
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- National Prion Disease Pathology Surveillance Center, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Department of Neurology, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Pierluigi Gambetti
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
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Liu P, Lapcinski IP, Hlynialuk CJ, Steuer EL, Loude TJ, Shapiro SL, Kemper LJ, Ashe KH. Aβ∗56 is a stable oligomer that impairs memory function in mice. iScience 2024; 27:109239. [PMID: 38433923 PMCID: PMC10905009 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyloid-β (Aβ) oligomers consist of fibrillar and non-fibrillar soluble assemblies of the Aβ peptide. Aβ∗56 is a non-fibrillar Aβ assembly that is linked to memory deficits. Previous studies did not decipher specific forms of Aβ present in Aβ∗56. Here, we confirmed the memory-impairing characteristics of Aβ∗56 and extended its biochemical characterization. We used anti-Aβ(1-x), anti-Aβ(x-40), anti-Aβ(x-42), and A11 anti-oligomer antibodies in conjunction with western blotting, immunoaffinity purification, and size-exclusion chromatography to probe aqueous brain extracts from Tg2576, 5xFAD, and APP/TTA mice. In Tg2576, Aβ∗56 is a ∼56-kDa, SDS-stable, A11-reactive, non-plaque-dependent, water-soluble, brain-derived oligomer containing canonical Aβ(1-40). In 5xFAD, Aβ∗56 is composed of Aβ(1-42), whereas in APP/TTA, it contains both Aβ(1-40) and Aβ(1-42). When injected into the hippocampus of wild-type mice, Aβ∗56 derived from Tg2576 mice impairs memory. The unusual stability of this oligomer renders it an attractive candidate for studying relationships between molecular structure and effects on brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Liu
- N. Bud Grossman Center for Memory Research and Care, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Ian P. Lapcinski
- N. Bud Grossman Center for Memory Research and Care, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Chris J.W. Hlynialuk
- N. Bud Grossman Center for Memory Research and Care, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Elizabeth L. Steuer
- N. Bud Grossman Center for Memory Research and Care, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Thomas J. Loude
- N. Bud Grossman Center for Memory Research and Care, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Samantha L. Shapiro
- N. Bud Grossman Center for Memory Research and Care, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Lisa J. Kemper
- N. Bud Grossman Center for Memory Research and Care, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Karen H. Ashe
- N. Bud Grossman Center for Memory Research and Care, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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Polido SA, Stuani C, Voigt A, Banik P, Kamps J, Bader V, Grover P, Krause LJ, Zerr I, Matschke J, Glatzel M, Winklhofer KF, Buratti E, Tatzelt J. Cross-seeding by prion protein inactivates TDP-43. Brain 2024; 147:240-254. [PMID: 37669322 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad289] [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: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A common pathological denominator of various neurodegenerative diseases is the accumulation of protein aggregates. Neurotoxic effects are caused by a loss of the physiological activity of the aggregating protein and/or a gain of toxic function of the misfolded protein conformers. In transmissible spongiform encephalopathies or prion diseases, neurodegeneration is caused by aberrantly folded isoforms of the prion protein (PrP). However, it is poorly understood how pathogenic PrP conformers interfere with neuronal viability. Employing in vitro approaches, cell culture, animal models and patients' brain samples, we show that misfolded PrP can induce aggregation and inactivation of TAR DNA-binding protein-43 (TDP-43). Purified PrP aggregates interact with TDP-43 in vitro and in cells and induce the conversion of soluble TDP-43 into non-dynamic protein assemblies. Similarly, mislocalized PrP conformers in the cytosol bind to and sequester TDP-43 in cytosolic aggregates. As a consequence, TDP-43-dependent splicing activity in the nucleus is significantly decreased, leading to altered protein expression in cells with cytosolic PrP aggregates. Finally, we present evidence for cytosolic TDP-43 aggregates in neurons of transgenic flies expressing mammalian PrP and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease patients. Our study identified a novel mechanism of how aberrant PrP conformers impair physiological pathways by cross-seeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella A Polido
- Department of Biochemistry of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Cristiana Stuani
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Aaron Voigt
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Papiya Banik
- Department of Biochemistry of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Janine Kamps
- Department of Biochemistry of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence RESOLV, Ruhr University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Verian Bader
- Department of Biochemistry of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Prerna Grover
- Department of Biochemistry of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Laura J Krause
- Cluster of Excellence RESOLV, Ruhr University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Inga Zerr
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jakob Matschke
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Markus Glatzel
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Konstanze F Winklhofer
- Cluster of Excellence RESOLV, Ruhr University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Emanuele Buratti
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Jörg Tatzelt
- Department of Biochemistry of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence RESOLV, Ruhr University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
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5
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Shoup D, Priola SA. Full-length prion protein incorporated into prion aggregates is a marker for prion strain-specific destabilization of aggregate structure following cellular uptake. J Biochem 2023; 174:165-181. [PMID: 37099550 PMCID: PMC10506170 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvad032] [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: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulation of insoluble aggregates of infectious, partially protease-resistant prion protein (PrPD) generated via the misfolding of protease sensitive prion protein (PrPC) into the same infectious conformer, is a hallmark of prion diseases. Aggregated PrPD is taken up and degraded by cells, a process likely involving changes in aggregate structure that can be monitored by accessibility of the N-terminus of full-length PrPD to cellular proteases. We therefore tracked the protease sensitivity of full-length PrPD before and after cellular uptake for two murine prion strains, 22L and 87V. For both strains, PrPD aggregates were less stable following cellular uptake with increased accessibility of the N-terminus to cellular proteases across most aggregate sizes. However, a limited size range of aggregates was able to better protect the N-termini of full-length PrPD, with the N-terminus of 22L-derived PrPD more protected than that of 87V. Interestingly, changes in aggregate structure were associated with minimal changes to the protease-resistant core of PrPD. Our data show that cells destabilize the aggregate quaternary structure protecting PrPD from proteases in a strain-dependent manner, with structural changes exposing protease sensitive PrPD having little effect on the protease-resistant core, and thus conformation, of aggregated PrPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Shoup
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 903 S. 4th Str, Hamilton, MT 59840 USA
| | - Suzette A Priola
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 903 S. 4th Str, Hamilton, MT 59840 USA
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Foliaki ST, Wood A, Williams K, Smith A, Walters RO, Baune C, Groveman BR, Haigh CL. Temporary alteration of neuronal network communication is a protective response to redox imbalance that requires GPI-anchored prion protein. Redox Biol 2023; 63:102733. [PMID: 37172395 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102733] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular prion protein (PrPC) protects neurons against oxidative stress damage. This role is lost upon its misfolding into insoluble prions in prion diseases, and correlated with cytoskeletal breakdown and neurophysiological deficits. Here we used mouse neuronal models to assess how PrPC protects the neuronal cytoskeleton, and its role in network communication, from oxidative stress damage. Oxidative stress was induced extrinsically by potassium superoxide (KO2) or intrinsically by Mito-Paraquat (MtPQ), targeting the mitochondria. In mouse neural lineage cells, KO2 was damaging to the cytoskeleton, with cells lacking PrPC (PrP-/-) damaged more than wild-type (WT) cells. In hippocampal slices, KO2 acutely inhibited neuronal communication in WT controls without damaging the cytoskeleton. This inhibition was not observed in PrP-/- slices. Neuronal communication and the cytoskeleton of PrP-/- slices became progressively disrupted and degenerated post-recovery, whereas the dysfunction in WT slices recovered in 5 days. This suggests that the acute inhibition of neuronal activity in WT slices in response to KO2 was a neuroprotective role of PrPC, which PrP-/- slices lacked. Heterozygous expression of PrPC was sufficient for this neuroprotection. Further, hippocampal slices from mice expressing PrPC without its GPI anchor (PrPGPI-/-) displayed acute inhibition of neuronal activity by KO2. However, they failed to restore normal activity and cytoskeletal formation post-recovery. This suggests that PrPC facilitates the depressive response to KO2 and its GPI anchoring is required to restore KO2-induced damages. Immuno spin-trapping showed increased radicals formed on the filamentous actin of PrP-/- and PrPGPI-/- slices, but not WT and PrP+/- slices, post-recovery suggesting ongoing dysregulation of redox balance in the slices lacking GPI-anchored PrPC. The MtPQ treatment of hippocampal slices temporarily inhibited neuronal communication independent of PrPC expression. Overall, GPI-anchored PrPC alters synapses and neurotransmission to protect and repair the neuronal cytoskeleton, and neuronal communication, from extrinsically induced oxidative stress damages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simote T Foliaki
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Division of Intramural Research, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA.
| | - Aleksandar Wood
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Division of Intramural Research, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Katie Williams
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Division of Intramural Research, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Anna Smith
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Division of Intramural Research, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Ryan O Walters
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Division of Intramural Research, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Chase Baune
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Division of Intramural Research, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Bradley R Groveman
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Division of Intramural Research, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Cathryn L Haigh
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Division of Intramural Research, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA.
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Liu P, Lapcinski IP, Shapiro SL, Kemper LJ, Ashe KH. Aβ*56 is a stable oligomer that correlates with age-related memory loss in Tg2576 mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.20.533414. [PMID: 36993768 PMCID: PMC10055265 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.20.533414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Amyloid-β (Aβ) oligomers consist of fibrillar and non-fibrillar soluble assemblies of the Aβ peptide. Tg2576 human amyloid precursor protein (APP)-expressing transgenic mice modeling Alzheimer's disease produce Aβ*56, a non-fibrillar Aβ assembly that has been shown by several groups to relate more closely to memory deficits than plaques. Previous studies did not decipher specific forms of Aβ present in Aβ*56. Here, we confirm and extend the biochemical characterization of Aβ*56. We used anti-Aβ(1-x), anti-Aβ(x-40), and A11 anti-oligomer antibodies in conjunction with western blotting, immunoaffinity purification, and size-exclusion chromatography to probe aqueous brain extracts from Tg2576 mice of different ages. We found that Aβ*56 is a ∼56-kDa, SDS-stable, A11-reactive, non-plaque-related, water-soluble, brain-derived oligomer containing canonical Aβ(1-40) that correlates with age-related memory loss. The unusual stability of this high molecular-weight oligomer renders it an attractive candidate for studying relationships between molecular structure and effects on brain function.
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Efremenko E, Aslanli A, Lyagin I. Advanced Situation with Recombinant Toxins: Diversity, Production and Application Purposes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054630. [PMID: 36902061 PMCID: PMC10003545 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Today, the production and use of various samples of recombinant protein/polypeptide toxins is known and is actively developing. This review presents state-of-the-art in research and development of such toxins and their mechanisms of action and useful properties that have allowed them to be implemented into practice to treat various medical conditions (including oncology and chronic inflammation applications) and diseases, as well as to identify novel compounds and to detoxify them by diverse approaches (including enzyme antidotes). Special attention is given to the problems and possibilities of the toxicity control of the obtained recombinant proteins. The recombinant prions are discussed in the frame of their possible detoxification by enzymes. The review discusses the feasibility of obtaining recombinant variants of toxins in the form of protein molecules modified with fluorescent proteins, affine sequences and genetic mutations, allowing us to investigate the mechanisms of toxins' bindings to their natural receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Efremenko
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-(495)-939-3170; Fax: +7-(495)-939-5417
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9
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Essential Components of Synthetic Infectious Prion Formation De Novo. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12111694. [DOI: 10.3390/biom12111694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases are a class of neurodegenerative diseases that are uniquely infectious. Whilst their general replication mechanism is well understood, the components required for the formation and propagation of highly infectious prions are poorly characterized. The protein-only hypothesis posits that the prion protein (PrP) is the only component of the prion; however, additional co-factors are required for its assembly into infectious prions. These can be provided by brain homogenate, but synthetic lipids and non-coding RNA have also been used in vitro. Here, we review a range of experimental approaches, which generate PrP amyloid assemblies de novo. These synthetic PrP assemblies share some, but not necessarily all, properties of genuine infectious prions. We will discuss the different experimental approaches, how a prion is defined, the non-protein requirements of a prion, and provide an overview of the current state of prion amplification and generation in vitro.
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10
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Bradford BM, McGuire LI, Hume DA, Pridans C, Mabbott NA. Microglia deficiency accelerates prion disease but does not enhance prion accumulation in the brain. Glia 2022; 70:2169-2187. [PMID: 35852018 PMCID: PMC9544114 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Prion diseases are transmissible, neurodegenerative disorders associated with misfolding of the prion protein. Previous studies show that reduction of microglia accelerates central nervous system (CNS) prion disease and increases the accumulation of prions in the brain, suggesting that microglia provide neuroprotection by phagocytosing and destroying prions. In Csf1rΔFIRE mice, the deletion of an enhancer within Csf1r specifically blocks microglia development, however, their brains develop normally and show none of the deficits reported in other microglia-deficient models. Csf1rΔFIRE mice were used as a refined model in which to study the impact of microglia-deficiency on CNS prion disease. Although Csf1rΔFIRE mice succumbed to CNS prion disease much earlier than wild-type mice, the accumulation of prions in their brains was reduced. Instead, astrocytes displayed earlier, non-polarized reactive activation with enhanced phagocytosis of neuronal contents and unfolded protein responses. Our data suggest that rather than simply phagocytosing and destroying prions, the microglia instead provide host-protection during CNS prion disease and restrict the harmful activities of reactive astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry M. Bradford
- The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVSUniversity of Edinburgh, Easter Bush CampusMidlothianUK
| | - Lynne I. McGuire
- The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVSUniversity of Edinburgh, Easter Bush CampusMidlothianUK
| | - David A. Hume
- Mater Research Institute‐University of Queensland, Translational Research InstituteWoolloongabbaQueenslandAustralia
| | - Clare Pridans
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, Centre for Discovery Brain SciencesUniversity of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson BuildingEdinburghUK
- Centre for Inflammation ResearchThe Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarterEdinburghUK
| | - Neil A. Mabbott
- The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVSUniversity of Edinburgh, Easter Bush CampusMidlothianUK
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11
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Manka SW, Wenborn A, Collinge J, Wadsworth JDF. Prion strains viewed through the lens of cryo-EM. Cell Tissue Res 2022; 392:167-178. [PMID: 36028585 PMCID: PMC10113314 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-022-03676-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian prions are lethal transmissible pathogens that cause fatal neurodegenerative diseases in humans and animals. They consist of fibrils of misfolded, host-encoded prion protein (PrP) which propagate through templated protein polymerisation. Prion strains produce distinct clinicopathological phenotypes in the same host and appear to be encoded by distinct misfolded PrP conformations and assembly states. Despite fundamental advances in our understanding of prion biology, key knowledge gaps remain. These include precise delineation of prion replication mechanisms, detailed explanation of the molecular basis of prion strains and inter-species transmission barriers, and the structural definition of neurotoxic PrP species. Central to addressing these questions is the determination of prion structure. While high-resolution definition of ex vivo prion fibrils once seemed unlikely, recent advances in cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and computational methods for 3D reconstruction of amyloids have now made this possible. Recently, near-atomic resolution structures of highly infectious, ex vivo prion fibrils from hamster 263K and mouse RML prion strains were reported. The fibrils have a comparable parallel in-register intermolecular β-sheet (PIRIBS) architecture that now provides a structural foundation for understanding prion strain diversity in mammals. Here, we review these new findings and discuss directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szymon W Manka
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, Institute of Prion Diseases, University College London, 33 Cleveland Street, London, W1W 7FF, UK
| | - Adam Wenborn
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, Institute of Prion Diseases, University College London, 33 Cleveland Street, London, W1W 7FF, UK
| | - John Collinge
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, Institute of Prion Diseases, University College London, 33 Cleveland Street, London, W1W 7FF, UK.
| | - Jonathan D F Wadsworth
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, Institute of Prion Diseases, University College London, 33 Cleveland Street, London, W1W 7FF, UK.
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12
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Nikolić L, Ferracin C, Legname G. Recent advances in cellular models for discovering prion disease therapeutics. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2022; 17:985-996. [PMID: 35983689 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2022.2113773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Prion diseases are a group of rare and lethal rapidly progressive neurodegenerative diseases arising due to conversion of the physiological cellular prion protein into its pathological counterparts, denoted as "prions". These agents are resistant to inactivation by standard decontamination procedures and can be transmitted between individuals, consequently driving the irreversible brain damage typical of the diseases. AREAS COVERED Since its infancy, prion research has mainly depended on animal models for untangling the pathogenesis of the disease as well as for the drug development studies. With the advent of prion-infected cell lines, relevant animal models have been complemented by a variety of cell-based models presenting a much faster, ethically acceptable alternative. EXPERT OPINION To date, there are still either no effective prophylactic regimens or therapies for human prion diseases. Therefore, there is an urgent need for more relevant cellular models that best approximate in vivo models. Each cellular model presented and discussed in detail in this review has its own benefits and limitations. Once embarking in a drug screening campaign for the identification of molecules that could interfere with prion conversion and replication, one should carefully consider the ideal cellular model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Nikolić
- PhD Student in Functional and Structural Genomics, Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy,
| | - Chiara Ferracin
- PhD Student in Functional and Structural Genomics, Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Legname
- D.Phil., Full Professor of Biochemistry, Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
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Naeimi WR, Serio TR. Beyond Amyloid Fibers: Accumulation, Biological Relevance, and Regulation of Higher-Order Prion Architectures. Viruses 2022; 14:v14081635. [PMID: 35893700 PMCID: PMC9332770 DOI: 10.3390/v14081635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The formation of amyloid fibers is associated with a diverse range of disease and phenotypic states. These amyloid fibers often assemble into multi-protofibril, high-order architectures in vivo and in vitro. Prion propagation in yeast, an amyloid-based process, represents an attractive model to explore the link between these aggregation states and the biological consequences of amyloid dynamics. Here, we integrate the current state of knowledge, highlight opportunities for further insight, and draw parallels to more complex systems in vitro. Evidence suggests that high-order fibril architectures are present ex vivo from disease relevant environments and under permissive conditions in vivo in yeast, including but not limited to those leading to prion formation or instability. The biological significance of these latter amyloid architectures or how they may be regulated is, however, complicated by inconsistent experimental conditions and analytical methods, although the Hsp70 chaperone Ssa1/2 is likely involved. Transition between assembly states could form a mechanistic basis to explain some confounding observations surrounding prion regulation but is limited by a lack of unified methodology to biophysically compare these assembly states. Future exciting experimental entryways may offer opportunities for further insight.
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A high-content neuron imaging assay demonstrates inhibition of prion disease-associated neurotoxicity by an anti-prion protein antibody. Sci Rep 2022; 12:9493. [PMID: 35680944 PMCID: PMC9184462 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13455-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an urgent need to develop disease-modifying therapies to treat neurodegenerative diseases which pose increasing challenges to global healthcare systems. Prion diseases, although rare, provide a paradigm to study neurodegenerative dementias as similar disease mechanisms involving propagation and spread of multichain assemblies of misfolded protein ("prion-like" mechanisms) are increasingly recognised in the commoner conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. However, studies of prion disease pathogenesis in mouse models showed that prion propagation and neurotoxicity can be mechanistically uncoupled and in vitro assays confirmed that highly purified prions are indeed not directly neurotoxic. To aid development of prion disease therapeutics we have therefore developed a cell-based assay for the specific neurotoxicity seen in prion diseases rather than to simply assess inhibition of prion propagation. We applied this assay to examine an anti-prion protein mouse monoclonal antibody (ICSM18) known to potently cure prion-infected cells and to delay onset of prion disease in prion-infected mice. We demonstrate that whilst ICSM18 itself lacks inherent neurotoxicity in this assay, it potently blocks prion disease-associated neurotoxicity.
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Dexter E, Kong Q. Neuroprotective effect and potential of cellular prion protein and its cleavage products for treatment of neurodegenerative disorders part I. a literature review. Expert Rev Neurother 2021; 21:969-982. [PMID: 34470561 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2021.1965881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The cellular prion protein (PrPC) is well known for its pathogenic roles in prion diseases, several other neurodegenerative diseases (such as Alzheimer's disease), and multiple types of cancer, but the beneficial aspects of PrPC and its cleavage products received much less attention. AREAS COVERED Here the authors will systematically review the literatures on the negative as well as protective aspects of PrPC and its derivatives (especially PrP N-terminal N1 peptide and shed PrP). The authors will dissect the current findings on N1 and shed PrP, including evidence for their neuroprotective effects, the categories of PrPC cleavage, and numerous cleavage enzymes involved. The authors will also discuss the protective effects and therapeutic potentials of PrPC-rich exosomes. The cited articles were obtained from extensive PubMed searches of recent literature, including peer-reviewed original articles and review articles. EXPERT OPINION PrP and its N-terminal fragments have strong neuroprotective activities that should be explored for therapeutics and prophylactics development against prion disease, Alzheimer's disease and a few other neurodegenerative diseases. The strategies to develop PrP-based therapeutics and prophylactics for these neurodegenerative diseases will be discussed in a companion article (Part II).
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Dexter
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA
| | - Qingzhong Kong
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA.,Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA
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The degree of astrocyte activation is predictive of the incubation time to prion disease. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2021; 9:87. [PMID: 33980286 PMCID: PMC8114720 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-021-01192-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and prion diseases, astrocytes acquire disease-associated reactive phenotypes. With growing appreciation of their role in chronic neurodegeneration, the questions whether astrocytes lose their ability to perform homeostatic functions in the reactive states and whether the reactive phenotypes are neurotoxic or neuroprotective remain unsettled. The current work examined region-specific changes in expression of genes, which report on astrocyte physiological functions and their reactive states, in C57Black/6J mice challenged with four prion strains via two inoculation routes. Unexpectedly, strong reverse correlation between the incubation time to the diseases and the degree of astrocyte activation along with disturbance in functional pathways was observed. The animal groups with the most severe astrocyte response and degree of activation showed the most rapid disease progression. The degree of activation tightly intertwined with the global transformation of the homeostatic state, characterized by disturbances in multiple gene sets responsible for normal physiological functions producing a neurotoxic, reactive phenotype as a net result. The neurotoxic reactive phenotype exhibited a universal gene signature regardless of the prion strain. The current work suggests that the degree of astrocyte activation along with the disturbance in their physiological pathways contribute to the faster progression of disease and perhaps even drive prion pathogenesis.
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Zanier ER, Barzago MM, Vegliante G, Romeo M, Restelli E, Bertani I, Natale C, Colnaghi L, Colombo L, Russo L, Micotti E, Fioriti L, Chiesa R, Diomede L. C. elegans detects toxicity of traumatic brain injury generated tau. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 153:105330. [PMID: 33711491 PMCID: PMC8039186 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with widespread tau pathology in about 30% of patients surviving late after injury. We previously found that TBI in mice induces the formation of an abnormal form of tau (tauTBI) which progressively spreads from the site of injury to remote brain regions. Intracerebral inoculation of TBI brain homogenates into naïve mice induced progressive tau pathology, synaptic loss and late cognitive decline, suggesting a pivotal role of tauTBI in post-TBI neurodegeneration. However, the possibility that tauTBI was a marker of TBI-associated neurodegeneration rather than a toxic driver of functional decline could not be excluded. Here we employed the nematode C. elegans as a biosensor to test the pathogenic role of TBI generated tau. The motility of this nematode depends on efficient neuromuscular transmission and is exceptionally sensitive to the toxicity of amyloidogenic proteins, providing a tractable model for our tests. We found that worms exposed to brain homogenates from chronic but not acute TBI mice, or from mice in which tauTBI had been transmitted by intracerebral inoculation, had impaired motility and neuromuscular synaptic transmission. Results were similar when worms were given brain homogenates from transgenic mice overexpressing tau P301L, a tauopathy mouse model, suggesting that TBI-induced and mutant tau have similar toxic properties. P301L brain homogenate toxicity was similar in wild-type and ptl-1 knock-out worms, indicating that the nematode tau homolog protein PTL-1 was not required to mediate the toxic effect. Harsh protease digestion to eliminate the protein component of the homogenates, pre-incubation with anti-tau antibodies or tau depletion by immunoprecipitation, abolished the toxicity. Homogenates of chronic TBI brains from tau knock-out mice were not toxic to C. elegans, whereas oligomeric recombinant tau was sufficient to impair their motility. This study indicates that tauTBI impairs motor activity and synaptic transmission in C. elegans and supports a pathogenic role of tauTBI in the long-term consequences of TBI. It also sets the groundwork for the development of a C. elegans-based platform for screening anti-tau compounds. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) in mice induces a progressive tau pathology. Brain-injured tissue from chronic but not acute TBI mice impairs C. elegans motility. TBI tissue immunodepleted of tau or from tau knock-out mice has no toxic effect. Brain-injured tissue from TBI mice impairs neuromuscular transmission in worms. C. elegans is a tractable model for investigating tau toxicity generated by TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa R Zanier
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
| | - Maria Monica Barzago
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Gloria Vegliante
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Margherita Romeo
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Restelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Ilaria Bertani
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Carmina Natale
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy; Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Colnaghi
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy; Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Colombo
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Russo
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Edoardo Micotti
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Luana Fioriti
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Chiesa
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
| | - Luisa Diomede
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
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Kushwaha R, Sinha A, Makarava N, Molesworth K, Baskakov IV. Non-cell autonomous astrocyte-mediated neuronal toxicity in prion diseases. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2021; 9:22. [PMID: 33546775 PMCID: PMC7866439 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-021-01123-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Under normal conditions, astrocytes perform a number of important physiological functions centered around neuronal support and synapse maintenance. In neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and prion diseases, astrocytes acquire reactive phenotypes, which are sustained throughout the disease progression. It is not known whether in the reactive states associated with prion diseases, astrocytes lose their ability to perform physiological functions and whether the reactive states are neurotoxic or, on the contrary, neuroprotective. The current work addresses these questions by testing the effects of reactive astrocytes isolated from prion-infected C57BL/6J mice on primary neuronal cultures. We found that astrocytes isolated at the clinical stage of the disease exhibited reactive, pro-inflammatory phenotype, which also showed downregulation of genes involved in neurogenic and synaptogenic functions. In astrocyte-neuron co-cultures, astrocytes from prion-infected animals impaired neuronal growth, dendritic spine development and synapse maturation. Toward examining the role of factors secreted by reactive astrocytes, astrocyte-conditioned media was found to have detrimental effects on neuronal viability and synaptogenic functions via impairing synapse integrity, and by reducing spine size and density. Reactive microglia isolated from prion-infected animals were found to induce phenotypic changes in primary astrocytes reminiscent to those observed in prion-infected mice. In particular, astrocytes cultured with reactive microglia-conditioned media displayed hypertrophic morphology and a downregulation of genes involved in neurogenic and synaptogenic functions. In summary, the current study provided experimental support toward the non-cell autonomous mechanisms behind neurotoxicity in prion diseases and demonstrated that the astrocyte reactive phenotype associated with prion diseases is synaptotoxic.
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Kawahara M, Kato-Negishi M, Tanaka KI. Neurometals in the Pathogenesis of Prion Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22031267. [PMID: 33525334 PMCID: PMC7866166 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases are progressive and transmissive neurodegenerative diseases. The conformational conversion of normal cellular prion protein (PrPC) into abnormal pathogenic prion protein (PrPSc) is critical for its infection and pathogenesis. PrPC possesses the ability to bind to various neurometals, including copper, zinc, iron, and manganese. Moreover, increasing evidence suggests that PrPC plays essential roles in the maintenance of homeostasis of these neurometals in the synapse. In addition, trace metals are critical determinants of the conformational change and toxicity of PrPC. Here, we review our studies and other new findings that inform the current understanding of the links between trace elements and physiological functions of PrPC and the neurotoxicity of PrPSc.
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Forloni G, La Vitola P, Cerovic M, Balducci C. Inflammation and Parkinson's disease pathogenesis: Mechanisms and therapeutic insight. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2020; 177:175-202. [PMID: 33453941 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2020.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
After Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease is the most frequent neurodegenerative disorder. Although numerous treatments have been developed to control the disease symptomatology, with some successes, an efficacious therapy affecting the causes of PD is still a goal to pursue. The genetic evidence and the identification of α-synuclein as the main component of intracellular Lewy bodies, the neuropathological hallmark of PD and related disorders, have changed the approach to these disorders. More recently, the detrimental role of α-synuclein has been further extended to explain the wide spread of cerebral pathology through its oligomers. To emphasize the central pathogenic role of these soluble aggregates, we have defined synucleinopathies and other neurodegenerative disorders associated with protein misfolding as oligomeropathies. Another common element in the pathogenesis of oligomeropathies is the role played by inflammation, both at the peripheral and cerebral levels. In the brain parenchyma, inflammatory reaction has been considered an obvious consequence of neuronal degeneration, but recent observations indicate a direct contribution of glial alteration in the early phase of the disease. Furthermore, systemic inflammation also influences the development of neuronal dysfunction caused by specific elements, β amyloid, α-synuclein, tau or prion. However, each disorder has its own specific pathological process and within the same pathological condition, it is possible to find inter-individual differences. This heterogeneity might explain the difficulties developing efficacious therapeutic approaches, even though the possibility of intervention is supported by robust biological evidence. We have recently demonstrated that peripheral inflammation can amplify the neuronal dysfunction induced by α-synuclein oligomers and the neuropathological consequences observed in a Parkinson's disease model. In both cases, activation of microglia was incremented by the "double hit" process, compared to the single treatment. In contrast, astrocyte activation was attenuated and these cells appeared damaged when chronic inflammation was combined with α-synuclein exposure. This evidence might indicate a more specific anti-inflammatory strategy rather than the generic anti-inflammatory treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluigi Forloni
- Biology of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy.
| | - Pietro La Vitola
- Biology of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Milica Cerovic
- Biology of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Claudia Balducci
- Biology of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy
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