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Yang J, Zhi W, Wang L. Role of Tau Protein in Neurodegenerative Diseases and Development of Its Targeted Drugs: A Literature Review. Molecules 2024; 29:2812. [PMID: 38930877 PMCID: PMC11206543 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122812] [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: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Tau protein is a microtubule-associated protein that is widely distributed in the central nervous system and maintains and regulates neuronal morphology and function. Tau protein aggregates abnormally and forms neurofibrillary tangles in neurodegenerative diseases, disrupting the structure and function of neurons and leading to neuronal death, which triggers the initiation and progression of neurological disorders. The aggregation of tau protein in neurodegenerative diseases is associated with post-translational modifications, which may affect the hydrophilicity, spatial conformation, and stability of tau protein, promoting tau protein aggregation and the formation of neurofibrillary tangles. Therefore, studying the role of tau protein in neurodegenerative diseases and the mechanism of aberrant aggregation is important for understanding the mechanism of neurodegenerative diseases and finding therapeutic approaches. This review describes the possible mechanisms by which tau protein promotes neurodegenerative diseases, the post-translational modifications of tau protein and associated influencing factors, and the current status of drug discovery and development related to tau protein, which may contribute to the development of new therapeutic approaches to alleviate or treat neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiakai Yang
- Graduate Collaborative Training Base of Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China;
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Weijia Zhi
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Lifeng Wang
- Graduate Collaborative Training Base of Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China;
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing 100850, China
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2
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Bocheva G, Bakalov D, Iliev P, Tafradjiiska-Hadjiolova R. The Vital Role of Melatonin and Its Metabolites in the Neuroprotection and Retardation of Brain Aging. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5122. [PMID: 38791160 PMCID: PMC11121732 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105122] [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: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
While primarily produced in the pineal gland, melatonin's influence goes beyond its well-known role in regulating sleep, nighttime metabolism, and circadian rhythms, in the field of chronobiology. A plethora of new data demonstrates melatonin to be a very powerful molecule, being a potent ROS/RNS scavenger with anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory, and oncostatic properties. Melatonin and its metabolites exert multiple beneficial effects in cutaneous and systemic aging. This review is focused on the neuroprotective role of melatonin during aging. Melatonin has an anti-aging capacity, retarding the rate of healthy brain aging and the development of age-related neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, etc. Melatonin, as well as its metabolites, N1-acetyl-N2-formyl-5-methoxykynuramine (AFMK) and N1-acetyl-5-methoxykynuramine (AMK), can reduce oxidative brain damage by shielding mitochondria from dysfunction during the aging process. Melatonin could also be implicated in the treatment of neurodegenerative conditions, by modifying their characteristic low-grade neuroinflammation. It can either prevent the initiation of inflammatory responses or attenuate the ongoing inflammation. Drawing on the current knowledge, this review discusses the potential benefits of melatonin supplementation in preventing and managing cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgeta Bocheva
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical University of Sofia, 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Dimitar Bakalov
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Sofia, 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Petar Iliev
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Sofia, 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria
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3
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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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4
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Li W, Li JY. Overlaps and divergences between tauopathies and synucleinopathies: a duet of neurodegeneration. Transl Neurodegener 2024; 13:16. [PMID: 38528629 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-024-00407-y] [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: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Proteinopathy, defined as the abnormal accumulation of proteins that eventually leads to cell death, is one of the most significant pathological features of neurodegenerative diseases. Tauopathies, represented by Alzheimer's disease (AD), and synucleinopathies, represented by Parkinson's disease (PD), show similarities in multiple aspects. AD manifests extrapyramidal symptoms while dementia is also a major sign of advanced PD. We and other researchers have sequentially shown the cross-seeding phenomenon of α-synuclein (α-syn) and tau, reinforcing pathologies between synucleinopathies and tauopathies. The highly overlapping clinical and pathological features imply shared pathogenic mechanisms between the two groups of disease. The diagnostic and therapeutic strategies seemingly appropriate for one distinct neurodegenerative disease may also apply to a broader spectrum. Therefore, a clear understanding of the overlaps and divergences between tauopathy and synucleinopathy is critical for unraveling the nature of the complicated associations among neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we discuss the shared and diverse characteristics of tauopathies and synucleinopathies from aspects of genetic causes, clinical manifestations, pathological progression and potential common therapeutic approaches targeting the pathology, in the aim to provide a timely update for setting the scheme of disease classification and provide novel insights into the therapeutic development for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Li
- Health Sciences Institute, Key Laboratory of Major Chronic Diseases of Nervous System of Liaoning Province, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China
| | - Jia-Yi Li
- Health Sciences Institute, Key Laboratory of Major Chronic Diseases of Nervous System of Liaoning Province, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China.
- Neural Plasticity and Repair Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund University, BMC A10, 22184, Lund, Sweden.
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Foressi NN, Rodríguez LC, Celej MS. Heterotypic liquid-liquid phase separation of tau and α-synuclein: Implications for overlapping neuropathologies. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2023; 1871:140950. [PMID: 37574035 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2023.140950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Tauopathies and synucleinopathies are characterized by the aggregation of Tau and α-synuclein (AS) into amyloid structures, respectively. Individuals with these neuropathies have an elevated risk of developing subsequent neurodegenerative or comorbid disorders. Intriguingly, post-mortem brain examinations have revealed co-localization of Tau and AS aggregates, suggesting a synergistic pathological relationship with an adverse prognosis. The role of liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) in the development of neurodegenerative diseases is currently receiving significant attention, as it can contribute to the aggregation and co-deposition of amyloidogenic proteins. In this study, we investigated the phase separation behavior of Tau and AS under various insults, some of which are implicated in disease progression. Our findings demonstrate the formation of heterotypic droplets composed of Tau and AS at physiologically relevant mole ratios that mimic neurons' soma and terminal buttons. Importantly, these heterotypic droplets exhibit increased resistance to electrostatic screening compared to homotypic condensates. Moreover, we observed that biologically relevant biomolecules, known to be dysregulated in disease, exert different effects on these droplets. Additionally, we provide evidence that phase separation itself influences the amyloid aggregation of Tau and AS, underscoring the significance of this process in the development of aggregopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahuel N Foressi
- Departamento de Química Biológica Ranwel Caputto, Centro de Investigaciones en Química Biológica de Córdoba (CIQUIBIC, CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Haya de la Torre y Medina Allende, Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Leandro Cruz Rodríguez
- Departamento de Química Biológica Ranwel Caputto, Centro de Investigaciones en Química Biológica de Córdoba (CIQUIBIC, CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Haya de la Torre y Medina Allende, Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA Córdoba, Argentina
| | - M Soledad Celej
- Departamento de Química Biológica Ranwel Caputto, Centro de Investigaciones en Química Biológica de Córdoba (CIQUIBIC, CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Haya de la Torre y Medina Allende, Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA Córdoba, Argentina.
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6
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Marwaha B. Role of Tau protein in long COVID and potential therapeutic targets. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1280600. [PMID: 37953801 PMCID: PMC10634420 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1280600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Long COVID is an emerging public health burden and has been defined as a syndrome with common symptoms of fatigue, shortness of breath, cognitive dysfunction, and others impacting day-to-day life, fluctuating or relapsing over, occurring for at least two months in patients with a history of probable or confirmed SARS CoV-2 infection; usually three months from the onset of illness and cannot be explained by an alternate diagnosis. The actual prevalence of long-term COVID-19 is unknown, but it is believed that more than 17 million patients in Europe may have suffered from it during pandemic. Pathophysiology Currently, there is limited understanding of the pathophysiology of this syndrome, and multiple hypotheses have been proposed. Our literature review has shown studies reporting tau deposits in tissue samples of the brain from autopsies of COVID-19 patients compared to the control group, and the in-vitro human brain organoid model has shown aberrant phosphorylation of tau protein in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Tauopathies, a group of neurodegenerative disorders with the salient features of tau deposits, can manifest different symptoms based on the anatomical region of brain involvement and have been shown to affect the peripheral nervous system as well and explained even in rat model studies. Long COVID has more than 203 symptoms, with predominant symptoms of fatigue, dyspnea, and cognitive dysfunction, which tauopathy-induced CNS and peripheral nervous system dysfunction can explain. There have been no studies up till now to reveal the pathophysiology of long COVID. Based on our literature review, aberrant tau phosphorylation is a promising hypothesis that can be explored in future studies. Therapeutic approaches for tauopathies have multidimensional aspects, including targeting post-translational modifications, tau aggregation, and tau clearance through the autophagy process with the help of lysosomes, which can be potential targets for developing therapeutic interventions for the long COVID. In addition, future studies can attempt to find the tau proteins in CSF and use those as biomarkers for the long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bharat Marwaha
- Department of Cardiology, Adena Health System, Chillicothe, OH, United States
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7
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Kulichikhin KY, Malikova OA, Zobnina AE, Zalutskaya NM, Rubel AA. Interaction of Proteins Involved in Neuronal Proteinopathies. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1954. [PMID: 37895336 PMCID: PMC10608209 DOI: 10.3390/life13101954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteinopathy is characterized by the accumulation of aggregates of a specific protein in a target organ, tissue, or cell. The aggregation of the same protein can cause different pathologies as single protein can adopt various amyloidogenic, disease-specific conformations. The conformation governs the interaction of amyloid aggregates with other proteins that are prone to misfolding and, thus, determines disease-specific spectrum of concomitant pathologies. In this regard, a detailed description of amyloid protein conformation as well as spectrum of its interaction with other proteins become a key point for drafting of precise description of the disease. The majority of clinical cases of neuronal proteinopathies is caused by the aggregation of rather limited range of amyloidogenic proteins. Here, we provided the characterization of pathologies, related to the aggregation of amyloid β peptide, tau protein, α-synuclein, TDP-43, and amylin, giving a short description of pathologies themselves, recent advances in elucidation of misfolded protein conformation, with emphasis on those protein aggregates extracted from biological samples, what is known about the interaction of this proteins, and the influence of this interaction on the progression of underlying disease and comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin Y. Kulichikhin
- Laboratory of Amyloid Biology, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia; (O.A.M.); (A.E.Z.)
| | - Oksana A. Malikova
- Laboratory of Amyloid Biology, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia; (O.A.M.); (A.E.Z.)
| | - Anastasia E. Zobnina
- Laboratory of Amyloid Biology, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia; (O.A.M.); (A.E.Z.)
| | - Natalia M. Zalutskaya
- V.M. Bekhterev National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Neurology, 192019 St. Petersburg, Russia;
| | - Aleksandr A. Rubel
- Laboratory of Amyloid Biology, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia; (O.A.M.); (A.E.Z.)
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Ramezani M, Wagenknecht-Wiesner A, Wang T, Holowka DA, Eliezer D, Baird BA. Alpha synuclein modulates mitochondrial Ca 2+ uptake from ER during cell stimulation and under stress conditions. NPJ Parkinsons Dis 2023; 9:137. [PMID: 37741841 PMCID: PMC10518018 DOI: 10.1038/s41531-023-00578-x] [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: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Alpha synuclein (a-syn) is an intrinsically disordered protein prevalent in neurons, and aggregated forms are associated with synucleinopathies including Parkinson's disease (PD). Despite the biomedical importance and extensive studies, the physiological role of a-syn and its participation in etiology of PD remain uncertain. We showed previously in model RBL cells that a-syn colocalizes with mitochondrial membranes, depending on formation of N-terminal helices and increasing with mitochondrial stress1. We have now characterized this colocalization and functional correlates in RBL, HEK293, and N2a cells. We find that expression of a-syn enhances stimulated mitochondrial uptake of Ca2+ from the ER, depending on formation of its N-terminal helices but not on its disordered C-terminal tail. Our results are consistent with a-syn acting as a tether between mitochondria and ER, and we show increased contacts between these two organelles using structured illumination microscopy. We tested mitochondrial stress caused by toxins related to PD, 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP/MPP+) and carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazone (CCCP) and found that a-syn prevents recovery of stimulated mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake. The C-terminal tail, and not N-terminal helices, is involved in this inhibitory activity, which is abrogated when phosphorylation site serine-129 is mutated (S129A). Correspondingly, we find that MPTP/MPP+ and CCCP stress is accompanied by both phosphorylation (pS129) and aggregation of a-syn. Overall, our results indicate that a-syn can participate as a tethering protein to modulate Ca2+ flux between ER and mitochondria, with potential physiological significance. A-syn can also prevent cellular recovery from toxin-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, which may represent a pathological role of a-syn in the etiology of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meraj Ramezani
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | | | - Tong Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - David A Holowka
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - David Eliezer
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
| | - Barbara A Baird
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.
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Brembati V, Faustini G, Longhena F, Bellucci A. Alpha synuclein post translational modifications: potential targets for Parkinson's disease therapy? Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1197853. [PMID: 37305556 PMCID: PMC10248004 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1197853] [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: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder with motor symptoms. The neuropathological alterations characterizing the brain of patients with PD include the loss of dopaminergic neurons of the nigrostriatal system and the presence of Lewy bodies (LB), intraneuronal inclusions that are mainly composed of alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) fibrils. The accumulation of α-Syn in insoluble aggregates is a main neuropathological feature in PD and in other neurodegenerative diseases, including LB dementia (LBD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA), which are therefore defined as synucleinopathies. Compelling evidence supports that α-Syn post translational modifications (PTMs) such as phosphorylation, nitration, acetylation, O-GlcNAcylation, glycation, SUMOylation, ubiquitination and C-terminal cleavage, play important roles in the modulation α-Syn aggregation, solubility, turnover and membrane binding. In particular, PTMs can impact on α-Syn conformational state, thus supporting that their modulation can in turn affect α-Syn aggregation and its ability to seed further soluble α-Syn fibrillation. This review focuses on the importance of α-Syn PTMs in PD pathophysiology but also aims at highlighting their general relevance as possible biomarkers and, more importantly, as innovative therapeutic targets for synucleinopathies. In addition, we call attention to the multiple challenges that we still need to face to enable the development of novel therapeutic approaches modulating α-Syn PTMs.
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10
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Ramezani M, Wagenknecht-Wiesner A, Wang T, Holowka DA, Eliezer D, Baird BA. Alpha Synuclein Modulates Mitochondrial Ca 2+ Uptake from ER During Cell Stimulation and Under Stress Conditions. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.23.537965. [PMID: 37163091 PMCID: PMC10168219 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.23.537965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Alpha synuclein (a-syn) is an intrinsically disordered protein prevalent in neurons, and aggregated forms are associated with synucleinopathies including Parkinson' disease (PD). Despite the biomedical importance and extensive studies, the physiological role of a-syn and its participation in etiology of PD remain uncertain. We showed previously in model RBL cells that a-syn colocalizes with mitochondrial membranes, depending on formation of N-terminal helices and increasing with mitochondrial stress. 1 We have now characterized this colocalization and functional correlates in RBL, HEK293, and N2a cells. We find that expression of a-syn enhances stimulated mitochondrial uptake of Ca 2+ from the ER, depending on formation of its N-terminal helices but not on its disordered C-terminal tail. Our results are consistent with a-syn acting as a tether between mitochondria and ER, and we show increased contacts between these two organelles using structured illumination microscopy. We tested mitochondrial stress caused by toxins related to PD, 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP/MPP+) and carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazone (CCCP), and found that a-syn prevents recovery of stimulated mitochondrial Ca 2+ uptake. The C-terminal tail, and not N-terminal helices, is involved in this inhibitory activity, which is abrogated when phosphorylation site serine-129 is mutated (S129A). Correspondingly, we find that MPTP/MPP+ and CCCP stress is accompanied by both phosphorylation (pS129) and aggregation of a-syn. Overall, our results indicate that a-syn can participate as a tethering protein to modulate Ca 2+ flux between ER and mitochondria, with potential physiological significance. A-syn can also prevent cellular recovery from toxin-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, which may represent a pathological role of a-syn in the etiology of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meraj Ramezani
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853
| | | | - Tong Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853
| | - David A. Holowka
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853
| | - David Eliezer
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065
| | - Barbara A. Baird
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853
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11
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Ferrara F, Zovi A, Masi M, Langella R, Trama U, Boccellino M, Vitiello A. Long COVID could become a widespread post-pandemic disease? A debate on the organs most affected. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2023:10.1007/s00210-023-02417-5. [PMID: 36773054 PMCID: PMC9918819 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02417-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Long COVID is an emerging problem in the current health care scenario. It is a syndrome with common symptoms of shortness of breath, fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and other conditions that have a high impact on daily life. They are fluctuating or relapsing states that occur in patients with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection for at least 2 months. They are usually conditions that at 3 months after onset cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis. Currently very little is known about this syndrome. A thorough review of the literature highlights that the cause is attributable to deposits of tau protein. Massive phosphorylation of tau protein in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection occurred in brain samples from autopsies of people previously affected with COVID-19. The neurological disorders resulting from this clinical condition are termed tauopathies and can give different pathological symptoms depending on the involved anatomical region of the brain. Peripheral small-fiber neuropathies are also evident among patients with Long COVID leading to fatigue, which is the main symptom of this syndrome. Certainly more research studies could confirm the association between tau protein and Long COVID by defining the main role of tau protein as a biomarker for the diagnosis of this syndrome that is widespread in the post-pandemic period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Ferrara
- Pharmaceutical Department, Asl Napoli 3 Sud, Dell’amicizia street 22, 80035 Nola, Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Zovi
- Ministry of Health, Viale Giorgio Ribotta 5, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Masi
- Pharmaceutical Department, Asl Napoli 3 Sud, Dell’amicizia street 22, 80035 Nola, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberto Langella
- Italian Society of Hospital Pharmacy (SIFO), SIFO Secretariat of the Lombardy Region, Via Carlo Farini, 81, 20159 Milan, Italy
- Pharmacy Department, Agency for Health Protection (ATS) of Milan, Via Ippocrate, 45, 20161 Milan, Italy
| | - Ugo Trama
- General Direction for Health Protection and Coordination of the Campania Regional Health System, Naples, Italy
| | - Mariarosaria Boccellino
- Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
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12
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Gao V, Briano JA, Komer LE, Burré J. Functional and Pathological Effects of α-Synuclein on Synaptic SNARE Complexes. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:167714. [PMID: 35787839 PMCID: PMC10472340 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
α-Synuclein is an abundant protein at the neuronal synapse that has been implicated in Parkinson's disease for over 25 years and characterizes the hallmark pathology of a group of neurodegenerative diseases now known as the synucleinopathies. Physiologically, α-synuclein exists in an equilibrium between a synaptic vesicle membrane-bound α-helical multimer and a cytosolic largely unstructured monomer. Through its membrane-bound state, α-synuclein functions in neurotransmitter release by modulating several steps in the synaptic vesicle cycle, including synaptic vesicle clustering and docking, SNARE complex assembly, and homeostasis of synaptic vesicle pools. These functions have been ascribed to α-synuclein's interactions with the synaptic vesicle SNARE protein VAMP2/synaptobrevin-2, the synaptic vesicle-attached synapsins, and the synaptic vesicle membrane itself. How α-synuclein affects these processes, and whether disease is due to loss-of-function or gain-of-toxic-function of α-synuclein remains unclear. In this review, we provide an in-depth summary of the existing literature, discuss possible reasons for the discrepancies in the field, and propose a working model that reconciles the findings in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Gao
- Appel Alzheimer's Disease Research Institute & Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Neurology, New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Juan A Briano
- Appel Alzheimer's Disease Research Institute & Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lauren E Komer
- Appel Alzheimer's Disease Research Institute & Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA. https://www.twitter.com/lauren_komer
| | - Jacqueline Burré
- Appel Alzheimer's Disease Research Institute & Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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13
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Ge WY, Deng X, Shi WP, Lin WJ, Chen LL, Liang H, Wang XT, Zhang TD, Zhao FZ, Guo WH, Yin DC. Amyloid Protein Cross-Seeding Provides a New Perspective on Multiple Diseases In Vivo. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:1-18. [PMID: 36507729 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c01233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Amyloid protein cross-seeding is a peculiar phenomenon of cross-spreading among different diseases. Unlike traditional infectious ones, diseases caused by amyloid protein cross-seeding are spread by misfolded proteins instead of pathogens. As a consequence of the interactions among misfolded heterologous proteins or polypeptides, amyloid protein cross-seeding is considered to be the crucial cause of overlapping pathological transmission between various protein misfolding disorders (PMDs) in multiple tissues and cells. Here, we briefly review the phenomenon of cross-seeding among amyloid proteins. As an interesting example worth mentioning, the potential links between the novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) and some neurodegenerative diseases might be related to the amyloid protein cross-seeding, thus may cause an undesirable trend in the incidence of PMDs around the world. We then summarize the theoretical models as well as the experimental techniques for studying amyloid protein cross-seeding. Finally, we conclude with an outlook on the challenges and opportunities for basic research in this field. Cross-seeding of amyloid opens up a new perspective in our understanding of the process of amyloidogenesis, which is crucial for the development of new treatments for diseases. It is therefore valuable but still challenging to explore the cross-seeding system of amyloid protein as well as to reveal the structural basis and the intricate processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Yi Ge
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
| | - Xudong Deng
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
| | - Wen-Pu Shi
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
| | - Wen-Juan Lin
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
| | - Liang-Liang Chen
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
| | - Huan Liang
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
| | - Xue-Ting Wang
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
| | - Tuo-Di Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China.,Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Feng-Zhu Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China.,Non-commissioned Officer School, Army Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050081, China
| | - Wei-Hong Guo
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
| | - Da-Chuan Yin
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
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14
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Han Y, He Z. Concomitant protein pathogenesis in Parkinson's disease and perspective mechanisms. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1189809. [PMID: 37181621 PMCID: PMC10174460 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1189809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Comorbidity is a common phenotype in Parkinson's disease (PD). Patients with PD not only have motor deficit symptoms, but also have heterogeneous non-motor symptoms, including cognitive impairment and emotional changes, which are the featured symptoms observed in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and cerebrovascular disease. Moreover, autopsy studies have also confirmed the concomitant protein pathogenesis, such as the co-existences of α-synuclein, amyloid-β and tau pathologies in PD and AD patients' brains. Here, we briefly summarize the recent reports regarding the comorbidity issues in PD from both clinical observations and neuropathological evidences. Furthermore, we provide some discussion about the perspective potential mechanisms underlying such comorbidity phenomenon, with a focus on PD and related neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuliang Han
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuohao He
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Zhuohao He,
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15
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Mazzetti S, Calogero AM, Pezzoli G, Cappelletti G. Cross-talk between α-synuclein and the microtubule cytoskeleton in neurodegeneration. Exp Neurol 2023; 359:114251. [PMID: 36243059 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.114251] [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: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Looking at the puzzle that depicts the molecular determinants in neurodegeneration, many pieces are lacking and multiple interconnections among key proteins and intracellular pathways still remain unclear. Here we focus on the concerted action of α-synuclein and the microtubule cytoskeleton, whose interplay, indeed, is emerging but remains largely unexplored in both its physiology and pathology. α-Synuclein is a key protein involved in neurodegeneration, underlying those diseases termed synucleinopathies. Its propensity to interact with other proteins and structures renders the identification of neuronal death trigger extremely difficult. Conversely, the unbalance of microtubule cytoskeleton in terms of structure, dynamics and function is emerging as a point of convergence in neurodegeneration. Interestingly, α-synuclein and microtubules have been shown to interact and mediate cross-talks with other intracellular structures. This is supported by an increasing amount of evidence ranging from their direct interaction to the engagement of in-common partners and culminating with their respective impact on microtubule-dependent neuronal functions. Last, but not least, it is becoming even more clear that α-synuclein and tubulin work synergically towards pathological aggregation, ultimately resulting in neurodegeneration. In this respect, we supply a novel perspective towards the understanding of α-synuclein biology and, most importantly, of the link between α-synuclein with microtubule cytoskeleton and its impact for neurodegeneration and future development of novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samanta Mazzetti
- Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Fondazione Grigioni per il Morbo di Parkinson, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Gianni Pezzoli
- Fondazione Grigioni per il Morbo di Parkinson, Milan, Italy
| | - Graziella Cappelletti
- Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
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16
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Shim KH, Kang MJ, Youn YC, An SSA, Kim S. Alpha-synuclein: a pathological factor with Aβ and tau and biomarker in Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimers Res Ther 2022; 14:201. [PMID: 36587215 PMCID: PMC9805257 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-022-01150-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alpha-synuclein (α-syn) is considered the main pathophysiological protein component of Lewy bodies in synucleinopathies. α-Syn is an intrinsically disordered protein (IDP), and several types of structural conformations have been reported, depending on environmental factors. Since IDPs may have distinctive functions depending on their structures, α-syn can play different roles and interact with several proteins, including amyloid-beta (Aβ) and tau, in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative disorders. MAIN BODY In previous studies, α-syn aggregates in AD brains suggested a close relationship between AD and α-syn. In addition, α-syn directly interacts with Aβ and tau, promoting mutual aggregation and exacerbating the cognitive decline. The interaction of α-syn with Aβ and tau presented different consequences depending on the structural forms of the proteins. In AD, α-syn and tau levels in CSF were both elevated and revealed a high positive correlation. Especially, the CSF α-syn concentration was significantly elevated in the early stages of AD. Therefore, it could be a diagnostic marker of AD and help distinguish AD from other neurodegenerative disorders by incorporating other biomarkers. CONCLUSION The overall physiological and pathophysiological functions, structures, and genetics of α-syn in AD are reviewed and summarized. The numerous associations of α-syn with Aβ and tau suggested the significance of α-syn, as a partner of the pathophysiological roles in AD. Understanding the involvements of α-syn in the pathology of Aβ and tau could help address the unresolved issues of AD. In particular, the current status of the CSF α-syn in AD recommends it as an additional biomarker in the panel for AD diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyu Hwan Shim
- grid.256155.00000 0004 0647 2973Department of Bionano Technology, Gachon University, Seongnam-Si, Gyeonggi-Do Republic of Korea
| | - Min Ju Kang
- Department of Neurology, Veterans Health Service Medical Center, Veterans Medical Research Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Chul Youn
- grid.411651.60000 0004 0647 4960Department of Neurology, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Soo A. An
- grid.256155.00000 0004 0647 2973Department of Bionano Technology, Gachon University, Seongnam-Si, Gyeonggi-Do Republic of Korea
| | - SangYun Kim
- grid.412480.b0000 0004 0647 3378Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital and Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam-Si, Gyeonggi-Do Republic of Korea
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17
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Lehrer S, Rheinstein PH. α-synuclein enfolds tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine ß-hydroxylase, potentially reducing dopamine and norepinephrine synthesis. JOURNAL OF PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2022; 13:109-115. [PMID: 36277464 PMCID: PMC9585989 DOI: 10.1007/s42485-022-00088-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parkinson's disease (PD) results from degeneration of dopamine and norepinephrine neurons due to α-synuclein aggregates that likely have their origin in the gut. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) catalyses the formation of L-DOPA, the rate-limiting step in the biosynthesis of dopamine. A second enzyme, DOPA decarboxylase (DDC), catalyzes the conversion of L-DOPA to dopamine. A third enzyme, dopamine ß-hydroxylase (DBH), catalyzes the conversion of dopamine to norepinephrine. To analyze possible interactions of α-synuclein with TH, DDC and DBH, we performed in silico protein-protein docking. METHODS Protein data bank (pdb) entries were searched on the RCSB Protein Data Bank. We identified four structures that allowed us to examine the relationship of α-synuclein with TH, DDC, and DBH: (1) Human micelle-bound alpha-synuclein, (2) solution structure of the regulatory domain of tyrosine hydroxylase (Rattus norvegicus), (3) crystal structure of human aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (DOPA decarboxylase) in the apo form and (4) crystal structure of human dopamine ß-hydroxylase at 2.9 angstrom resolution. We used the ClusPro server (https://cluspro.org) for protein-protein docking. The protein structures were visualized with PyMOL v 2.3.4. RESULTS α-synuclein partially enfolds tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine ß-hydroxylase, potentially reducing dopamine and norepinephrine synthesis. α-synuclein may dock too far away from DOPA decarboxylase to affect its function directly. CONCLUSIONS Our in silico finding of α-synuclein partly enfolding tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine ß-hydroxylase suggests that α-synuclein docking inhibition could increase dopamine and norepinephrine biosynthesis, ameliorating PD symptoms. Small molecules that bind to α-synuclein have already been identified. Further studies may lead to new small molecule drugs that block α-synuclein enfolding of tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine ß-hydroxylase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Lehrer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai Medical Center, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1236, New York, NY 10029, USA
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18
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Kawahata I, Finkelstein DI, Fukunaga K. Pathogenic Impact of α-Synuclein Phosphorylation and Its Kinases in α-Synucleinopathies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116216. [PMID: 35682892 PMCID: PMC9181156 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
α-Synuclein is a protein with a molecular weight of 14.5 kDa and consists of 140 amino acids encoded by the SNCA gene. Missense mutations and gene duplications in the SNCA gene cause hereditary Parkinson’s disease. Highly phosphorylated and abnormally aggregated α-synuclein is a major component of Lewy bodies found in neuronal cells of patients with sporadic Parkinson’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and glial cytoplasmic inclusion bodies in oligodendrocytes with multiple system atrophy. Aggregated α-synuclein is cytotoxic and plays a central role in the pathogenesis of the above-mentioned synucleinopathies. In a healthy brain, most α-synuclein is unphosphorylated; however, more than 90% of abnormally aggregated α-synuclein in Lewy bodies of patients with Parkinson’s disease is phosphorylated at Ser129, which is presumed to be of pathological significance. Several kinases catalyze Ser129 phosphorylation, but the role of phosphorylation enzymes in disease pathogenesis and their relationship to cellular toxicity from phosphorylation are not fully understood in α-synucleinopathy. Consequently, this review focuses on the pathogenic impact of α-synuclein phosphorylation and its kinases during the neurodegeneration process in α-synucleinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ichiro Kawahata
- Department of CNS Drug Innovation, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
- Correspondence: (I.K.); (K.F.); Tel.: +81-22-795-6838 (I.K.); +81-22-795-6836 (K.F.); Fax: +81-22-795-6835 (I.K. & K.F.)
| | - David I. Finkelstein
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia;
| | - Kohji Fukunaga
- Department of CNS Drug Innovation, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
- BRI Pharma Inc., Sendai 982-0804, Japan
- Correspondence: (I.K.); (K.F.); Tel.: +81-22-795-6838 (I.K.); +81-22-795-6836 (K.F.); Fax: +81-22-795-6835 (I.K. & K.F.)
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19
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Calabrese G, Molzahn C, Mayor T. Protein interaction networks in neurodegenerative diseases: from physiological function to aggregation. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102062. [PMID: 35623389 PMCID: PMC9234719 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The accumulation of protein inclusions is linked to many neurodegenerative diseases that typically develop in older individuals, due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. In rare familial neurodegenerative disorders, genes encoding for aggregation-prone proteins are often mutated. While the underlying mechanism leading to these diseases still remains to be fully elucidated, efforts in the past 20 years revealed a vast network of protein–protein interactions that play a major role in regulating the aggregation of key proteins associated with neurodegeneration. Misfolded proteins that can oligomerize and form insoluble aggregates associate with molecular chaperones and other elements of the proteolytic machineries that are the frontline workers attempting to protect the cells by promoting clearance and preventing aggregation. Proteins that are normally bound to aggregation-prone proteins can become sequestered and mislocalized in protein inclusions, leading to their loss of function. In contrast, mutations, posttranslational modifications, or misfolding of aggregation-prone proteins can lead to gain of function by inducing novel or altered protein interactions, which in turn can impact numerous essential cellular processes and organelles, such as vesicle trafficking and the mitochondria. This review examines our current knowledge of protein–protein interactions involving several key aggregation-prone proteins that are associated with Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. We aim to provide an overview of the protein interaction networks that play a central role in driving or mitigating inclusion formation, while highlighting some of the key proteomic studies that helped to uncover the extent of these networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaetano Calabrese
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, V6T 1Z4 Vancouver BC, Canada.
| | - Cristen Molzahn
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, V6T 1Z4 Vancouver BC, Canada
| | - Thibault Mayor
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, V6T 1Z4 Vancouver BC, Canada.
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20
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Macromolecular structures and proteins interacting with the microtubule associated tau protein. Neuroscience 2022; 518:70-82. [PMID: 35609757 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
It is well established that neurodegenerative diseases known as tauopathies are characterized by the presence of filamentous forms of phosphorylated tau protein inside neurons. However, the causal relationship between the initial symptoms of a particular disease and the molecular events affecting tau and leading to the appearance of tangles of filamentous forms of this protein remains unknown. Even the main function (or functions) of tau inside neurons is debatable and controversial. Tau seems to be a multifunctional protein. I review here some of the most studied interactions of tau with different macromolecules and proteins, which can be classified according to the structural o functional unit within which the interaction works: Microtubule, Nuclear localization and DNA, Synaptic activity, RNA metabolism, Fats transport, Proteostasis, Amyloid Cascade Hypothesis, Mitochondria and Phosphorylation. Although this seems to be a broad spectrum of tau functions, interactome studies of tau reveal hundreds of plausible partners of tau, suggesting that it engages in an extensive network of interconnected regulatory interactions by means of its high capability to interact with all kinds of proteins and complex structures, combined with its vast number of post-translational modifications. I include also some thermodynamic data concerning the interaction of tau with some partners.
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21
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Beatino MF, De Luca C, Campese N, Belli E, Piccarducci R, Giampietri L, Martini C, Perugi G, Siciliano G, Ceravolo R, Vergallo A, Hampel H, Baldacci F. α-synuclein as an emerging pathophysiological biomarker of Alzheimer's disease. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2022; 22:411-425. [PMID: 35443850 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2022.2068952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION α-syn aggregates represent the pathological hallmark of synucleinopathies as well as a frequent copathology (almost 1/3 of cases) in AD. Recent research indicates a potential role of α-syn species, measured in CSF with conventional analytical techniques, in the differential diagnosis between AD and synucleinopathies (such as DLB). Pioneering studies report the detection of α-syn in blood, however, conclusive investigations are controversial. Ultrasensitive seed amplification techniques, enabling the selective quantification of α-syn seeds, may represent an effective solution to identify the α-syn component in AD and facilitate a biomarker-guided stratification. AREAS COVERED We performed a PubMed-based review of the latest findings on α-syn-related biomarkers for AD, focusing on bodily fluids. A dissertation on the role of ultrasensitive seed amplification assays, detecting α-syn seeds from different biological samples, was conducted. EXPERT OPINION α-syn may contribute to progressive AD neurodegeneration through cross-seeding especially with tau protein. Ultrasensitive seed amplification techniques may support a biomarker-drug co-development pathway and may be a pathophysiological candidate biomarker for the evolving ATX(N) system to classify AD and the spectrum of primary NDDs. This would contribute to a precise approach to AD, aimed at implementing disease-modifying treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ciro De Luca
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Nicole Campese
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Belli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Linda Giampietri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Giulio Perugi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gabriele Siciliano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Roberto Ceravolo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Andrea Vergallo
- GRC N° 21, Alzheimer Precision Medicine (APM), AP-HP, Sorbonne University, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Boulevard De l'Hôpital, Paris, France
| | - Harald Hampel
- GRC N° 21, Alzheimer Precision Medicine (APM), AP-HP, Sorbonne University, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Boulevard De l'Hôpital, Paris, France
| | - Filippo Baldacci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,GRC N° 21, Alzheimer Precision Medicine (APM), AP-HP, Sorbonne University, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Boulevard De l'Hôpital, Paris, France
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22
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Torres-Garcia L, P Domingues JM, Brandi E, Haikal C, Mudannayake JM, Brás IC, Gerhardt E, Li W, Svanbergsson A, Outeiro TF, Gouras GK, Li JY. Monitoring the interactions between alpha-synuclein and Tau in vitro and in vivo using bimolecular fluorescence complementation. Sci Rep 2022; 12:2987. [PMID: 35194057 PMCID: PMC8863885 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-06846-9] [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: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are characterized by pathological accumulation and aggregation of different amyloidogenic proteins, α-synuclein (aSyn) in PD, and amyloid-β (Aβ) and Tau in AD. Strikingly, few PD and AD patients' brains exhibit pure pathology with most cases presenting mixed types of protein deposits in the brain. Bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) is a technique based on the complementation of two halves of a fluorescent protein, which allows direct visualization of protein-protein interactions. In the present study, we assessed the ability of aSyn and Tau to interact with each other. For in vitro evaluation, HEK293 and human neuroblastoma cells were used, while in vivo studies were performed by AAV6 injection in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) of mice and rats. We observed that the co-expression of aSyn and Tau led to the emergence of fluorescence, reflecting the interaction of the proteins in cell lines, as well as in mouse and rat SNpc. Thus, our data indicates that aSyn and Tau are able to interact with each other in a biologically relevant context, and that the BiFC assay is an effective tool for studying aSyn-Tau interactions in vitro and in different rodent models in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Torres-Garcia
- Experimental Dementia Research Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Neural Plasticity and Repair Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Joana M P Domingues
- Neural Plasticity and Repair Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, The Clifford Albbutt Building, Cambridge, UK
| | - Edoardo Brandi
- Neural Plasticity and Repair Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Caroline Haikal
- Neural Plasticity and Repair Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Janitha M Mudannayake
- Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Department of Experimental Medical Science, and Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Inês C Brás
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ellen Gerhardt
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Wen Li
- Neural Plasticity and Repair Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Institute of Health Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Alexander Svanbergsson
- Neural Plasticity and Repair Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Tiago F Outeiro
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Scientific Employee With an Honorary Contract at German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Gunnar K Gouras
- Experimental Dementia Research Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Jia-Yi Li
- Neural Plasticity and Repair Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
- Institute of Health Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
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23
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Brain regions susceptible to alpha-synuclein spreading. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:758-770. [PMID: 34561613 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01296-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The spreading of misfolded alpha-synuclein (α-syn) protein has been observed in animal models of Parkinson's disease (PD) and other α-synucleinopathies that mimic human PD pathologies. In animal models, the spreading of α-syn has been associated with motor dysfunction and neuronal death. However, variability in both susceptible brain regions and cellular populations limits our understanding of the consequences of α-syn spreading and the development of associated therapies. Here, we have reviewed the physiological and pathological functions of α-syn and summarized the susceptible brain regions and cell types identified from human postmortem studies and exogenous α-syn injection-based animal models. We have reviewed the methods for inducing α-syn aggregation, the specific hosts, the inoculation sites, the routes of propagation, and other experimental settings that may affect the spreading pattern of α-syn, as reported in current studies. Understanding the spread of α-syn to produce a consistent PD animal model is vital for future drug discovery.
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24
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miR-200a-3p Regulates PRKACB and Participates in Aluminium-Induced Tau Phosphorylation in PC12 Cells. Neurotox Res 2022; 40:1963-1978. [PMID: 36459375 PMCID: PMC9797464 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-022-00609-0] [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: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Aluminium (Al) is an environmental neurotoxin that humans are widely exposed to, but the molecular mechanism of its toxic effects is not fully understood. Many studies have shown that exposure to Al can cause abnormal phosphorylation of the tau protein that is believed as one of pathological features of Alzheimer's disease. Increasing evidence indicates that microRNAs (miRNAs) may be involved in the pathological processes of neurodegenerative diseases and are potential regulatory factors for related target genes. Phosphorylation at Ser-133 of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) is one of the major pathways of CREB activation, and phosphorylation at this site is controlled by protein kinase A (PKA). The catalytic subunit of PKA, cAMP-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit beta (PRKACB), phosphorylates CREB. The target gene prediction software TargetScan showed that PRKACB was one of the target mRNAs of miR-200a-3p. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether miR-200a-3p regulates the PKA/CREB pathway by targeting PRKACB and leads to abnormal phosphorylation of the tau protein in nerve cells. The results showed that Al exposure increased the expression level of miR-200a-3p, and miR-200a-3p increased the expression of targeted downregulated PRKACB, and then decreased the PKA/CREB signalling pathway activity, leading to abnormal hyperphosphorylation of tau.
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Mehra S, Gadhe L, Bera R, Sawner AS, Maji SK. Structural and Functional Insights into α-Synuclein Fibril Polymorphism. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1419. [PMID: 34680054 PMCID: PMC8533119 DOI: 10.3390/biom11101419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal accumulation of aggregated α-synuclein (α-Syn) is seen in a variety of neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple system atrophy (MSA), dementia with Lewy body (DLB), Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD), and even subsets of Alzheimer's disease (AD) showing Lewy-body-like pathology. These synucleinopathies exhibit differences in their clinical and pathological representations, reminiscent of prion disorders. Emerging evidence suggests that α-Syn self-assembles and polymerizes into conformationally diverse polymorphs in vitro and in vivo, similar to prions. These α-Syn polymorphs arising from the same precursor protein may exhibit strain-specific biochemical properties and the ability to induce distinct pathological phenotypes upon their inoculation in animal models. In this review, we discuss clinical and pathological variability in synucleinopathies and several aspects of α-Syn fibril polymorphism, including the existence of high-resolution molecular structures and brain-derived strains. The current review sheds light on the recent advances in delineating the structure-pathogenic relationship of α-Syn and how diverse α-Syn molecular polymorphs contribute to the existing clinical heterogeneity in synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surabhi Mehra
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, India; (L.G.); (R.B.); (A.S.S.)
| | | | | | | | - Samir K. Maji
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, India; (L.G.); (R.B.); (A.S.S.)
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Evans SR, West C, Klein-Seetharaman J. Similarity of the non-amyloid-β component and C-terminal tail of monomeric and tetrameric alpha-synuclein with 14-3-3 sigma. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 19:5348-5359. [PMID: 34667532 PMCID: PMC8495038 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Alpha-synuclein (αSyn) is often described as a predominantly disordered protein that has a propensity to self-assemble into toxic oligomers that are found in patients with Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. αSyn's chaperone behavior and tetrameric structure are proposed to be protective against toxic oligomerization. In this paper, we extended the previously proposed similarity between αSyn and 14-3-3 proteins to the α-helical tetrameric species of αSyn in detail. 14-3-3 proteins are a family of well-folded proteins with seven human isoforms, and function in signal transduction and as molecular chaperones. We investigated protein homology, using sequence alignment, amyloid, and disorder prediction, as well as three-dimensional visualization and protein-interaction networks. Our results show sequence homology and structural similarity between the aggregation-prone non-amyloid-β component (NAC) residues Val-52 to Gly-111 in αSyn and 14-3-3 sigma residues Leu-12 to Gly-78. We identified an additional region of sequence homology in the C-terminal region of αSyn (residues Ser-129 to Asp-135) and a C-terminal loop of 14-3-3 between helix αH and αI (residues Ser-209 to Asp-215). This data indicates αSyn shares conserved domain architecture with small heat shock proteins. We show predicted regions of high amyloidogenic propensity and intrinsic structural disorder in αSyn coincide with amyloidogenic and disordered predictions for 14-3-3 proteins. The homology in the NAC region aligns with residues involved in dimer- and tetramerization of the non-amyloidogenic 14-3-3 proteins. Because 14-3-3 proteins are generally not prone to misfolding, our results lend further support to the hypothesis that the NAC region is critical to the assembly of αSyn into the non-toxic tetrameric state.
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Key Words
- 14-3-3 proteins
- Alpha-synuclein
- BAD, BCL2 associated agonist of cell death gene name
- Homology
- IDP, Intrinsically disorder protein(s)
- MAPT, microtubule-associated protein tau gene name
- PPI, Protein-Protein interactions
- Prediction
- Protein structure
- SIP, shared interaction partner
- SNCA, alpha-synuclein gene name
- TH, tyrosine hydroxylase gene name
- Tetramer
- YWHAB, 14-3-3 protein beta isoform gene name
- YWHAE, 14-3-3 protein epsilon isoform gene name
- YWHAH, 14-3-3 protein eta isoform gene name
- pHSPB6, phosphorylated Heat Shock Protein beta-6
- sHSP, small heat shock protein
- αSyn, alpha-synuclein
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah R. Evans
- Colorado School of Mines, Quantitative Biosciences and Engineering, 1012 14 St, Chemistry, Golden, CO 80401, USA
| | - Colista West
- Colorado School of Mines, Department of Chemistry, 1012 14 St, Chemistry, Golden, CO 80401, USA
| | - Judith Klein-Seetharaman
- Colorado School of Mines, Quantitative Biosciences and Engineering, 1012 14 St, Chemistry, Golden, CO 80401, USA
- Colorado School of Mines, Department of Chemistry, 1012 14 St, Chemistry, Golden, CO 80401, USA
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Robbins M, Clayton E, Kaminski Schierle GS. Synaptic tau: A pathological or physiological phenomenon? Acta Neuropathol Commun 2021; 9:149. [PMID: 34503576 PMCID: PMC8428049 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-021-01246-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we discuss the synaptic aspects of Tau pathology occurring during Alzheimer's disease (AD) and how this may relate to memory impairment, a major hallmark of AD. Whilst the clinical diagnosis of AD patients is a loss of working memory and long-term declarative memory, the histological diagnosis is the presence of neurofibrillary tangles of hyperphosphorylated Tau and Amyloid-beta plaques. Tau pathology spreads through synaptically connected neurons to impair synaptic function preceding the formation of neurofibrillary tangles, synaptic loss, axonal retraction and cell death. Alongside synaptic pathology, recent data suggest that Tau has physiological roles in the pre- or post- synaptic compartments. Thus, we have seen a shift in the research focus from Tau as a microtubule-stabilising protein in axons, to Tau as a synaptic protein with roles in accelerating spine formation, dendritic elongation, and in synaptic plasticity coordinating memory pathways. We collate here the myriad of emerging interactions and physiological roles of synaptic Tau, and discuss the current evidence that synaptic Tau contributes to pathology in AD.
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Mroczek K, Fernando S, Fisher PR, Annesley SJ. Interactions and Cytotoxicity of Human Neurodegeneration- Associated Proteins Tau and α-Synuclein in the Simple Model Dictyostelium discoideum. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:741662. [PMID: 34552934 PMCID: PMC8450459 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.741662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The abnormal accumulation of the tau protein into aggregates is a hallmark in neurodegenerative diseases collectively known as tauopathies. In normal conditions, tau binds off and on microtubules aiding in their assembly and stability dependent on the phosphorylation state of the protein. In disease-affected neurons, hyperphosphorylation leads to the accumulation of the tau protein into aggregates, mainly neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) which have been seen to colocalise with other protein aggregates in neurodegeneration. One such protein is α-synuclein, the main constituent of Lewy bodies (LB), a hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD). In many neurodegenerative diseases, including PD, the colocalisation of tau and α-synuclein has been observed, suggesting possible interactions between the two proteins. To explore the cytotoxicity and interactions between these two proteins, we expressed full length human tau and α-synuclein in Dictyostelium discoideum alone, and in combination. We show that tau is phosphorylated in D. discoideum and colocalises closely (within 40 nm) with tubulin throughout the cytoplasm of the cell as well as with α-synuclein at the cortex. Expressing wild type α-synuclein alone caused inhibited growth on bacterial lawns, phagocytosis and intracellular Legionella proliferation rates, but activated mitochondrial respiration and non-mitochondrial oxygen consumption. The expression of tau alone impaired multicellular morphogenesis, axenic growth and phototaxis, while enhancing intracellular Legionella proliferation. Direct respirometric assays showed that tau impairs mitochondrial ATP synthesis and increased the "proton leak," while having no impact on respiratory complex I or II function. In most cases depending on the phenotype, the coexpression of tau and α-synuclein exacerbated (phototaxis, fruiting body morphology), or reversed (phagocytosis, growth on plates, mitochondrial respiratory function, Legionella proliferation) the defects caused by either tau or α-synuclein expressed individually. Proteomics data revealed distinct patterns of dysregulation in strains ectopically expressing tau or α-synuclein or both, but down regulation of expression of cytoskeletal proteins was apparent in all three groups and most evident in the strain expressing both proteins. These results indicate that tau and α-synuclein exhibit different but overlapping patterns of intracellular localisation, that they individually exert distinct but overlapping patterns of cytotoxic effects and that they interact, probably physically in the cell cortex as well as directly or indirectly in affecting some phenotypes. The results show the efficacy of using D. discoideum as a model to study the interaction of proteins involved in neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sarah J. Annesley
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
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29
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Bassil F, Meymand ES, Brown HJ, Xu H, Cox TO, Pattabhiraman S, Maghames CM, Wu Q, Zhang B, Trojanowski JQ, Lee VMY. α-Synuclein modulates tau spreading in mouse brains. J Exp Med 2021; 218:211481. [PMID: 33091110 PMCID: PMC7588140 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20192193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
α-Synuclein (α-syn) and tau aggregates are the neuropathological hallmarks of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), respectively, although both pathologies co-occur in patients with these diseases, suggesting possible crosstalk between them. To elucidate the interactions of pathological α-syn and tau, we sought to model these interactions. We show that increased accumulation of tau aggregates occur following simultaneous introduction of α-syn mousepreformed fibrils (mpffs) and AD lysate–derived tau seeds (AD-tau) both in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, the absence of endogenous mouse α-syn in mice reduces the accumulation and spreading of tau, while the absence of tau did not affect the seeding or spreading capacity of α-syn. These in vivo results are consistent with our in vitro data wherein the presence of tau has no synergistic effects on α-syn. Our results point to the important role of α-syn as a modulator of tau pathology burden and spreading in the brains of AD, PDD, and DLB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fares Bassil
- The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA.,AbbVie, Foundational Neuroscience Center, Cambridge, MA
| | - Emily S Meymand
- The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Hannah J Brown
- The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Hong Xu
- The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Timothy O Cox
- The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Shankar Pattabhiraman
- The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Chantal M Maghames
- The Department of Cancer Biology and Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Qihui Wu
- The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Bin Zhang
- The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - John Q Trojanowski
- The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Virginia M-Y Lee
- The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
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30
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Sinsky J, Pichlerova K, Hanes J. Tau Protein Interaction Partners and Their Roles in Alzheimer's Disease and Other Tauopathies. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9207. [PMID: 34502116 PMCID: PMC8431036 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Tau protein plays a critical role in the assembly, stabilization, and modulation of microtubules, which are important for the normal function of neurons and the brain. In diseased conditions, several pathological modifications of tau protein manifest. These changes lead to tau protein aggregation and the formation of paired helical filaments (PHF) and neurofibrillary tangles (NFT), which are common hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies. The accumulation of PHFs and NFTs results in impairment of physiological functions, apoptosis, and neuronal loss, which is reflected as cognitive impairment, and in the late stages of the disease, leads to death. The causes of this pathological transformation of tau protein haven't been fully understood yet. In both physiological and pathological conditions, tau interacts with several proteins which maintain their proper function or can participate in their pathological modifications. Interaction partners of tau protein and associated molecular pathways can either initiate and drive the tau pathology or can act neuroprotective, by reducing pathological tau proteins or inflammation. In this review, we focus on the tau as a multifunctional protein and its known interacting partners active in regulations of different processes and the roles of these proteins in Alzheimer's disease and tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jozef Hanes
- Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska Cesta 9, 845 10 Bratislava, Slovakia; (J.S.); (K.P.)
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31
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Are Parkinson's Disease Patients the Ideal Preclinical Population for Alzheimer's Disease Therapeutics? J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11090834. [PMID: 34575610 PMCID: PMC8472048 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11090834] [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: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Concomitant neuropathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) are common in the brains of people with Parkinson's disease (PD). Furthermore, AD biomarkers are associated with cognitive decline and dementia in PD patients during life. Here, we highlight the considerable overlap between AD and PD, emphasizing neuropathological, biomarker, and mechanistic studies. We suggest that precision medicine approaches may successfully identify PD patients most likely to develop concomitant AD. The ability to identify PD patients at high risk for future concomitant AD in turn provides an ideal cohort for trials of AD-directed therapies in PD patients, aimed at delaying or preventing cognitive symptoms.
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32
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Kayed R, Dettmer U, Lesné SE. Soluble endogenous oligomeric α-synuclein species in neurodegenerative diseases: Expression, spreading, and cross-talk. JOURNAL OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE 2021; 10:791-818. [PMID: 32508330 PMCID: PMC7458533 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-201965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
There is growing recognition in the field of neurodegenerative diseases that mixed proteinopathies are occurring at greater frequency than originally thought. This is particularly true for three amyloid proteins defining most of these neurological disorders, amyloid-beta (Aβ), tau, and alpha-synuclein (αSyn). The co-existence and often co-localization of aggregated forms of these proteins has led to the emergence of concepts positing molecular interactions and cross-seeding between Aβ, tau, and αSyn aggregates. Amongst this trio, αSyn has received particular attention in this context during recent years due to its ability to modulate Aβ and tau aggregation in vivo, to interact at a molecular level with Aβ and tau in vivo and to cross-seed tau in mice. Here we provide a comprehensive, critical, and accessible review about the expression, role and nature of endogenous soluble αSyn oligomers because of recent developments in the understanding of αSyn multimerization, misfolding, aggregation, cross-talk, spreading and cross-seeding in neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, multiple system atrophy, Alzheimer's disease, and Huntington's disease. We will also discuss our current understanding about the relative toxicity of endogenous αSyn oligomers in vivo and in vitro, and introduce potential opportunities to counter their deleterious effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakez Kayed
- Departments of Neurology & Neuroscience & Cell Biology & Anatomy, University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA,George and Cynthia Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Ulf Dettmer
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA,Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sylvain E. Lesné
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA,Institute of Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA,Correspondence to: Sylvain E. Lesné, PhD, University of Minnesota, Wallin Medical Biosciences Building (Room 4-114), 2101 Sixth Street SE, CDC 2641, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA. Tel.: +1 612 626 8341; E-mail: ; Website: https://lesnelab.org
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Krzystek TJ, Banerjee R, Thurston L, Huang J, Swinter K, Rahman SN, Falzone TL, Gunawardena S. Differential mitochondrial roles for α-synuclein in DRP1-dependent fission and PINK1/Parkin-mediated oxidation. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:796. [PMID: 34404758 PMCID: PMC8371151 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-04046-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles with strict quality control processes that maintain cellular homeostasis. Within axons, coordinated cycles of fission-fusion mediated by dynamin related GTPase protein (DRP1) and mitofusins (MFN), together with regulated motility of healthy mitochondria anterogradely and damaged/oxidized mitochondria retrogradely, control mitochondrial shape, distribution and size. Disruption of this tight regulation has been linked to aberrant oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction causing mitochondrial disease and neurodegeneration. Although pharmacological induction of Parkinson's disease (PD) in humans/animals with toxins or in mice overexpressing α-synuclein (α-syn) exhibited mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, mice lacking α-syn showed resistance to mitochondrial toxins; yet, how α-syn influences mitochondrial dynamics and turnover is unclear. Here, we isolate the mechanistic role of α-syn in mitochondrial homeostasis in vivo in a humanized Drosophila model of Parkinson's disease (PD). We show that excess α-syn causes fragmented mitochondria, which persists with either truncation of the C-terminus (α-syn1-120) or deletion of the NAC region (α-synΔNAC). Using in vivo oxidation reporters Mito-roGFP2-ORP1/GRX1 and MitoTimer, we found that α-syn-mediated fragments were oxidized/damaged, but α-syn1-120-induced fragments were healthy, suggesting that the C-terminus is required for oxidation. α-syn-mediated oxidized fragments showed biased retrograde motility, but α-syn1-120-mediated healthy fragments did not, demonstrating that the C-terminus likely mediates the retrograde motility of oxidized mitochondria. Depletion/inhibition or excess DRP1-rescued α-syn-mediated fragmentation, oxidation, and the biased retrograde motility, indicating that DRP1-mediated fragmentation is likely upstream of oxidation and motility changes. Further, excess PINK/Parkin, two PD-associated proteins that function to coordinate mitochondrial turnover via induction of selective mitophagy, rescued α-syn-mediated membrane depolarization, oxidation and cell death in a C-terminus-dependent manner, suggesting a functional interaction between α-syn and PINK/Parkin. Taken together, our findings identify distinct roles for α-syn in mitochondrial homeostasis, highlighting a previously unknown pathogenic pathway for the initiation of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Krzystek
- Department of Biological Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14260, USA
| | - Rupkatha Banerjee
- Department of Biological Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14260, USA
| | - Layne Thurston
- Department of Biological Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14260, USA
| | - JianQiao Huang
- Department of Biological Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14260, USA
| | - Kelsey Swinter
- Department of Biological Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14260, USA
| | - Saad Navid Rahman
- Department of Biological Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14260, USA
| | - Tomas L Falzone
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencias IBCN (CONICET-UBA), Universidad De Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Investigación en Biomedicina de Buenos Aires (IBioBA), Partner Institute of the Max Planck Society, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Shermali Gunawardena
- Department of Biological Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14260, USA.
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34
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Gregersen E, Betzer C, Kim WS, Kovacs G, Reimer L, Halliday GM, Thiel S, Jensen PH. Alpha-synuclein activates the classical complement pathway and mediates complement-dependent cell toxicity. J Neuroinflammation 2021; 18:177. [PMID: 34399786 PMCID: PMC8369722 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-021-02225-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Synucleinopathies are characterized by neurodegeneration and deposition of the presynaptic protein α-synuclein in pathological protein inclusions. Growing evidence suggests the complement system not only has physiological functions in the central nervous system, but also is involved in mediating the pathological loss of synapses in Alzheimer’s disease. However, it is not established whether the complement system has a similar role in the diseases Parkinson's disease, Dementia with Lewy bodies, and multiple system atrophy (MSA) that are associated with α-synuclein aggregate pathology. Methods To investigate if the complement system has a pathological role in synucleinopathies, we assessed the effect of the complement system on the viability of an α-synuclein expressing cell model and examined direct activation of the complement system by α-synuclein in a plate-based activation assay. Finally, we investigated the levels of the initiator of the classical pathway, C1q, in postmortem brain samples from MSA patients. Results We demonstrate that α-synuclein activates the classical complement pathway and mediates complement-dependent toxicity in α-synuclein expressing SH-SY5Y cells. The α-synuclein-dependent cellular toxicity was rescued by the complement inhibitors RaCI (inhibiting C5) and Cp20 (inhibiting C3). Furthermore, we observed a trend for higher levels of C1q in the putamen of MSA subjects than that of controls. Conclusion α-Synuclein can activate the classical complement pathway, and the complement system is involved in α-synuclein-dependent cellular cytotoxicity suggesting the system could play a prodegenerative role in synucleinopathies. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12974-021-02225-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emil Gregersen
- DANDRITE, The Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark.,Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Cristine Betzer
- DANDRITE, The Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark.,Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Woojin S Kim
- Brain and Mind Centre & Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gergo Kovacs
- DANDRITE, The Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark.,Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Lasse Reimer
- DANDRITE, The Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark.,Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Glenda M Halliday
- Brain and Mind Centre & Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Steffen Thiel
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Poul Henning Jensen
- DANDRITE, The Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark. .,Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark.
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35
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Verma A, Ebanks K, Fok CY, Lewis PA, Bettencourt C, Bandopadhyay R. In silico comparative analysis of LRRK2 interactomes from brain, kidney and lung. Brain Res 2021; 1765:147503. [PMID: 33915162 PMCID: PMC8212912 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2021.147503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in LRRK2 are the most frequent cause of familial Parkinson's disease (PD), with common LRRK2 non-coding variants also acting as risk factors for idiopathic PD. Currently, therapeutic agents targeting LRRK2 are undergoing advanced clinical trials in humans, however, it is important to understand the wider implications of LRRK2 targeted treatments given that LRRK2 is expressed in diverse tissues including the brain, kidney and lungs. This presents challenges to treatment in terms of effects on peripheral organ functioning, thus, protein interactors of LRRK2 could be targeted in lieu to optimize therapeutic effects. Herein an in-silico analysis of LRRK2 direct interactors in brain tissue from various brain regionswas conducted along with a comparative analysis of the LRRK2 interactome in the brain, kidney, and lung tissues. This was carried out based on curated protein-protein interaction (PPI) data from protein interaction databases such as HIPPIE, human gene/protein expression databases and Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis using Bingo. Seven targets (MAP2K6, MATK, MAPT, PAK6, SH3GL2, CDC42EP3 and CHGB) were found to be viable objectives for LRRK2 based investigations for PD that would have minimal impact on optimal functioning within peripheral organs. Specifically, MAPT, CHGB, PAK6, and SH3GL2 interacted with LRRK2 in the brain and kidney but not in lung tissue whilst LRRK2-MAP2K6 interacted only in the cerebellum and MATK-LRRK2 interaction was absent in kidney tissues. CDC42EP3 expression levels were low in brain tissues compared to kidney/lung. The results of this computational analysis suggest new avenues for experimental investigations towards LRRK2-targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrita Verma
- Reta Lila Weston Institute of Neurological Studies, Department of Clinical and Movement Neuroscience, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 1PJ, United Kingdom
| | - Kirsten Ebanks
- Reta Lila Weston Institute of Neurological Studies, Department of Clinical and Movement Neuroscience, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 1PJ, United Kingdom
| | - Chi-Yee Fok
- Reta Lila Weston Institute of Neurological Studies, Department of Clinical and Movement Neuroscience, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 1PJ, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick A Lewis
- Royal Veterinary College, Royal College Street, London NW10TV, United Kingdom; Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and Queen Square Brain Bank, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 1PJ, United Kingdom; Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, United States
| | - Conceicao Bettencourt
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and Queen Square Brain Bank, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 1PJ, United Kingdom
| | - Rina Bandopadhyay
- Reta Lila Weston Institute of Neurological Studies, Department of Clinical and Movement Neuroscience, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 1PJ, United Kingdom.
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Roles for α-Synuclein in Gene Expression. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12081166. [PMID: 34440340 PMCID: PMC8393936 DOI: 10.3390/genes12081166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
α-Synuclein (α-Syn) is a small cytosolic protein associated with a range of cellular compartments, including synaptic vesicles, the nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and lysosomes. In addition to its physiological role in regulating presynaptic function, the protein plays a central role in both sporadic and familial Parkinson’s disease (PD) via a gain-of-function mechanism. Because of this, several recent strategies propose to decrease α-Syn levels in PD patients. While these therapies may offer breakthroughs in PD management, the normal functions of α-Syn and potential side effects of its depletion require careful evaluation. Here, we review recent evidence on physiological and pathological roles of α-Syn in regulating activity-dependent signal transduction and gene expression pathways that play fundamental role in synaptic plasticity.
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Takaichi Y, Chambers JK, Ano Y, Takashima A, Nakayama H, Uchida K. Deposition of Phosphorylated α-Synuclein and Activation of GSK-3β and PP2A in the PS19 Mouse Model of Tauopathy. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2021; 80:731-740. [PMID: 34151989 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlab054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The simultaneous accumulation of multiple pathological proteins, such as hyperphosphorylated tau (hp-tau) and phosphorylated α-synuclein (p-αSyn), has been reported in the brains of patients with various neurodegenerative diseases. We previously demonstrated that hp-tau-dependent p-αSyn accumulation was associated with the activation of GSK-3β in the brains of P301L tau transgenic mice. To confirm the effects of another mutant tau on p-αSyn accumulation in vivo, we herein examined the brains of PS19 mice that overexpress human P301S mutant tau. Immunohistochemically, hp-tau and p-αSyn aggregates were detected in the same neuronal cells in the cerebrum and brain stem of aged PS19 mice. A semiquantitative analysis showed a positive correlation between hp-tau and p-αSyn accumulation. Furthermore, an activated form of GSK-3β was detected within cells containing both hp-tau and p-αSyn aggregates in PS19 mice. Western blotting showed a decrease in inactivated PP2A levels in PS19 mice. The present results suggest that the overexpression of human P301S mutant tau induces p-αSyn accumulation that is accompanied by not only GSK-3β, but also PP2A activation in PS19 mice, and highlight the synergic effects between tau and αSyn in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases that show the codeposition of tau and αSyn.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - James K Chambers
- From the Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo (YT, JKC, HN, KU); Research Laboratories for Health Science & Food Technologies and the Central Laboratories for Key Technologies, Kirin Company Ltd, Kanagawa (YA); Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science, Gakushuin University, Tokyo (AT), Japan
| | - Yasuhisa Ano
- From the Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo (YT, JKC, HN, KU); Research Laboratories for Health Science & Food Technologies and the Central Laboratories for Key Technologies, Kirin Company Ltd, Kanagawa (YA); Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science, Gakushuin University, Tokyo (AT), Japan
| | - Akihiko Takashima
- From the Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo (YT, JKC, HN, KU); Research Laboratories for Health Science & Food Technologies and the Central Laboratories for Key Technologies, Kirin Company Ltd, Kanagawa (YA); Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science, Gakushuin University, Tokyo (AT), Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Nakayama
- From the Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo (YT, JKC, HN, KU); Research Laboratories for Health Science & Food Technologies and the Central Laboratories for Key Technologies, Kirin Company Ltd, Kanagawa (YA); Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science, Gakushuin University, Tokyo (AT), Japan
| | - Kazuyuki Uchida
- From the Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo (YT, JKC, HN, KU); Research Laboratories for Health Science & Food Technologies and the Central Laboratories for Key Technologies, Kirin Company Ltd, Kanagawa (YA); Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science, Gakushuin University, Tokyo (AT), Japan
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Motyl JA, Strosznajder JB, Wencel A, Strosznajder RP. Recent Insights into the Interplay of Alpha-Synuclein and Sphingolipid Signaling in Parkinson's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126277. [PMID: 34207975 PMCID: PMC8230587 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular studies have provided increasing evidence that Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a protein conformational disease, where the spread of alpha-synuclein (ASN) pathology along the neuraxis correlates with clinical disease outcome. Pathogenic forms of ASN evoke oxidative stress (OS), neuroinflammation, and protein alterations in neighboring cells, thereby intensifying ASN toxicity, neurodegeneration, and neuronal death. A number of evidence suggest that homeostasis between bioactive sphingolipids with opposing function—e.g., sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and ceramide—is essential in pro-survival signaling and cell defense against OS. In contrast, imbalance of the “sphingolipid biostat” favoring pro-oxidative/pro-apoptotic ceramide-mediated changes have been indicated in PD and other neurodegenerative disorders. Therefore, we focused on the role of sphingolipid alterations in ASN burden, as well as in a vast range of its neurotoxic effects. Sphingolipid homeostasis is principally directed by sphingosine kinases (SphKs), which synthesize S1P—a potent lipid mediator regulating cell fate and inflammatory response—making SphK/S1P signaling an essential pharmacological target. A growing number of studies have shown that S1P receptor modulators, and agonists are promising protectants in several neurological diseases. This review demonstrates the relationship between ASN toxicity and alteration of SphK-dependent S1P signaling in OS, neuroinflammation, and neuronal death. Moreover, we discuss the S1P receptor-mediated pathways as a novel promising therapeutic approach in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna A. Motyl
- Department of Hybrid Microbiosystems Engineering, Nalecz Institute of Biocybernetics and Biomedical Engineering, Polish Academy of Sciences, Ks. Trojdena 4 St., 02-109 Warsaw, Poland; (J.A.M.); (A.W.)
| | - Joanna B. Strosznajder
- Department of Cellular Signalling, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5 Pawinskiego St., 02-106 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Agnieszka Wencel
- Department of Hybrid Microbiosystems Engineering, Nalecz Institute of Biocybernetics and Biomedical Engineering, Polish Academy of Sciences, Ks. Trojdena 4 St., 02-109 Warsaw, Poland; (J.A.M.); (A.W.)
| | - Robert P. Strosznajder
- Laboratory of Preclinical Research and Environmental Agents, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5 Pawinskiego St., 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
- Correspondence:
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Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration in Various Forms of Parkinsonism-Similarities and Differences. Cells 2021; 10:cells10030656. [PMID: 33809527 PMCID: PMC7999195 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD), dementia with Lewy body (DLB), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), corticobasal degeneration (CBD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA) belong to a group of neurodegenerative diseases called parkinsonian syndromes. They share several clinical, neuropathological and genetic features. Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the progressive dysfunction of specific populations of neurons, determining clinical presentation. Neuronal loss is associated with extra- and intracellular accumulation of misfolded proteins. The parkinsonian diseases affect distinct areas of the brain. PD and MSA belong to a group of synucleinopathies that are characterized by the presence of fibrillary aggregates of α-synuclein protein in the cytoplasm of selected populations of neurons and glial cells. PSP is a tauopathy associated with the pathological aggregation of the microtubule associated tau protein. Although PD is common in the world’s aging population and has been extensively studied, the exact mechanisms of the neurodegeneration are still not fully understood. Growing evidence indicates that parkinsonian disorders to some extent share a genetic background, with two key components identified so far: the microtubule associated tau protein gene (MAPT) and the α-synuclein gene (SNCA). The main pathways of parkinsonian neurodegeneration described in the literature are the protein and mitochondrial pathways. The factors that lead to neurodegeneration are primarily environmental toxins, inflammatory factors, oxidative stress and traumatic brain injury.
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40
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Siegert A, Rankovic M, Favretto F, Ukmar-Godec T, Strohäker T, Becker S, Zweckstetter M. Interplay between tau and α-synuclein liquid-liquid phase separation. Protein Sci 2021; 30:1326-1336. [PMID: 33452693 PMCID: PMC8197422 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
In Parkinson's disease with dementia, up to 50% of patients develop a high number of tau‐containing neurofibrillary tangles. Tau‐based pathologies may thus act synergistically with the α‐synuclein pathology to confer a worse prognosis. A better understanding of the relationship between the two distinct pathologies is therefore required. Liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) of proteins has recently been shown to be important for protein aggregation involved in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, whereas tau phase separation has been linked to Alzheimer's disease. We therefore investigated the interaction of α‐synuclein with tau and its consequences on tau LLPS. We find α‐synuclein to have a low propensity for both, self‐coacervation and RNA‐mediated LLPS at pH 7.4. However, full‐length but not carboxy‐terminally truncated α‐synuclein efficiently partitions into tau/RNA droplets. We further demonstrate that Cdk2‐phosphorylation promotes the concentration of tau into RNA‐induced droplets, but at the same time decreases the amount of α‐synuclein inside the droplets. NMR spectroscopy reveals that the interaction of the carboxy‐terminal domain of α‐synuclein with the proline‐rich region P2 of tau is required for the recruitment of α‐synuclein into tau droplets. The combined data suggest that the concentration of α‐synuclein into tau‐associated condensates can contribute to synergistic aSyn/tau pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Siegert
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Marija Rankovic
- Department for NMR-based Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Filippo Favretto
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Tina Ukmar-Godec
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Timo Strohäker
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Becker
- Department for NMR-based Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Markus Zweckstetter
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany.,Department for NMR-based Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
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41
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Hadi F, Akrami H, Totonchi M, Barzegar A, Nabavi SM, Shahpasand K. α-synuclein abnormalities trigger focal tau pathology, spreading to various brain areas in Parkinson disease. J Neurochem 2021; 157:727-751. [PMID: 33264426 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, whose prevalence is 2~3% in the population over 65. α-Synuclein aggregation is the major pathological hallmark of PD. However, recent studies have demonstrated enhancing evidence of tau pathology in PD. Despite extensive considerations, thus far, the actual spreading mechanism of neurodegeneration has remained elusive in a PD brain. This study aimed to further investigate the development of α-synuclein and tau pathology. We employed various PD models, including cultured neurons treated with either 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) or with recombinant α-synuclein. Also, we studied dopaminergic neurons of cytokine Interferon-β knock-out. Moreover, we examined rats treated with 6-hydroxydopamine, Rhesus monkeys administrated with MPTP neurotoxin, and finally, human post-mortem brains. We found the α-synuclein phosphorylation triggers tau pathogenicity. Also, we observed more widespread phosphorylated tau than α-synuclein with prion-like nature in various brain areas. We optionally removed P-tau or P-α-synuclein from cytokine interferon-β knock out with respective monoclonal antibodies. We found that tau immunotherapy suppressed neurodegeneration more than α-synuclein elimination. Our findings indicate that the pathogenic tau could be one of the leading causes of comprehensive neurodegeneration triggered by PD. Thus, we can propose an efficient therapeutic target to fight the devastating disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Hadi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Hassan Akrami
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Mehdi Totonchi
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Seyed Massood Nabavi
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Koorosh Shahpasand
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
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42
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Fricova D, Harsanyiova J, Kralova Trancikova A. Alpha-Synuclein in the Gastrointestinal Tract as a Potential Biomarker for Early Detection of Parkinson's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8666. [PMID: 33212934 PMCID: PMC7698349 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The primary pathogenesis associated with Parkinson's disease (PD) occurs in peripheral tissues several years before the onset of typical motor symptoms. Early and reliable diagnosis of PD could provide new treatment options for PD patients and improve their quality of life. At present, however, diagnosis relies mainly on clinical symptoms, and definitive diagnosis is still based on postmortem pathological confirmation of dopaminergic neuronal degeneration. In addition, the similarity of the clinical, cognitive, and neuropathological features of PD with other neurodegenerative diseases calls for new biomarkers, suitable for differential diagnosis. Alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) is a potential PD biomarker, due to its close connection with the pathogenesis of the disease. Here we summarize the currently available information on the possible use of α-Syn as a biomarker of early stages of PD in gastrointestinal (GI) tissues, highlight its potential to distinguish PD and other neurodegenerative diseases, and suggest alternative methods (primarily developed for other tissue analysis) that could improve α-Syn detection procedures or diagnostic methods in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Fricova
- Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 814 38 Bratislava, Slovakia;
| | - Jana Harsanyiova
- Department of Pathophysiology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University, 814 99 Bratislava, Slovakia;
| | - Alzbeta Kralova Trancikova
- Biomedical Center Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University, 814 99 Bratislava, Slovakia
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43
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Pivotal Role of Fyn Kinase in Parkinson's Disease and Levodopa-Induced Dyskinesia: a Novel Therapeutic Target? Mol Neurobiol 2020; 58:1372-1391. [PMID: 33175322 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-020-02201-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The exact etiology of Parkinson's disease (PD) remains obscure, although many cellular mechanisms including α-synuclein aggregation, oxidative damage, excessive neuroinflammation, and dopaminergic neuronal apoptosis are implicated in its pathogenesis. There is still no disease-modifying treatment for PD and the gold standard therapy, chronic use of levodopa is usually accompanied by severe side effects, mainly levodopa-induced dyskinesia (LID). Hence, the elucidation of the precise underlying molecular mechanisms is of paramount importance. Fyn is a tyrosine phospho-transferase of the Src family nonreceptor kinases that is highly implicated in immune regulation, cell proliferation and normal brain development. Accumulating preclinical evidence highlights the emerging role of Fyn in key aspects of PD and LID pathogenesis: it may regulate α-synuclein phosphorylation, oxidative stress-induced dopaminergic neuronal death, enhanced neuroinflammation and glutamate excitotoxicity by mediating key signaling pathways, such as BDNF/TrkB, PKCδ, MAPK, AMPK, NF-κB, Nrf2, and NMDAR axes. These findings suggest that therapeutic targeting of Fyn or Fyn-related pathways may represent a novel approach in PD treatment. Saracatinib, a nonselective Fyn inhibitor, has already been tested in clinical trials for Alzheimer's disease, and novel selective Fyn inhibitors are under investigation. In this comprehensive review, we discuss recent evidence on the role of Fyn in the pathogenesis of PD and LID and provide insights on additional Fyn-related molecular mechanisms to be explored in PD and LID pathology that could aid in the development of future Fyn-targeted therapeutic approaches.
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44
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Fernando S, Allan CY, Mroczek K, Pearce X, Sanislav O, Fisher PR, Annesley SJ. Cytotoxicity and Mitochondrial Dysregulation Caused by α-Synuclein in Dictyostelium discoideum. Cells 2020; 9:E2289. [PMID: 33066427 PMCID: PMC7602147 DOI: 10.3390/cells9102289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alpha synuclein has been linked to both sporadic and familial forms of Parkinson's disease (PD) and is the most abundant protein in Lewy bodies a hallmark of Parkinson's disease. The function of this protein and the molecular mechanisms underlying its toxicity are still unclear, but many studies have suggested that the mechanism of α-synuclein toxicity involves alterations to mitochondrial function. Here we expressed human α-synuclein and two PD-causing α-synuclein mutant proteins (with a point mutation, A53T, and a C-terminal 20 amino acid truncation) in the eukaryotic model Dictyostelium discoideum. Mitochondrial disease has been well studied in D. discoideum and, unlike in mammals, mitochondrial dysfunction results in a clear set of defective phenotypes. These defective phenotypes are caused by the chronic hyperactivation of the cellular energy sensor, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Expression of α-synuclein wild type and mutant forms was toxic to the cells and mitochondrial function was dysregulated. Some but not all of the defective phenotypes could be rescued by down regulation of AMPK revealing both AMPK-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Importantly, we also show that the C-terminus of α-synuclein is required and sufficient for the localisation of the protein to the cell cortex in D. discoideum.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Sarah J. Annesley
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora 3086, Melbourne, Australia; (S.F.); (C.Y.A.); (K.M.); (X.P.); (O.S.); (P.R.F.)
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45
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Michalicova A, Majerova P, Kovac A. Tau Protein and Its Role in Blood-Brain Barrier Dysfunction. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:570045. [PMID: 33100967 PMCID: PMC7554615 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.570045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) plays a crucial role in maintaining the specialized microenvironment of the central nervous system (CNS). In aging, the stability of the BBB declines and the permeability increases. The list of CNS pathologies involving BBB dysfunction is growing. The opening of the BBB and subsequent infiltration of serum components to the brain can lead to a host of processes resulting in progressive synaptic, neuronal dysfunction, and detrimental neuroinflammatory changes. Such processes have been implicated in different diseases, including vascular dementia, stroke, Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, hypoxia, ischemia, and diabetes mellitus. The BBB damage is also observed in tauopathies that lack amyloid-β overproduction, suggesting a role for tau in BBB damage. Tauopathies represent a heterogeneous group of around 20 different neurodegenerative diseases characterized by abnormal deposition of the MAPT in cells of the nervous system. Neuropathology of tauopathies is defined as intracellular accumulation of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) consisting of aggregated hyper- and abnormal phosphorylation of tau protein and neuroinflammation. Disruption of the BBB found in tauopathies is driven by chronic neuroinflammation. Production of pro-inflammatory signaling molecules such as cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecules by glial cells, neurons, and endothelial cells determine the integrity of the BBB and migration of immune cells into the brain. The inflammatory processes promote structural changes in capillaries such as fragmentation, thickening, atrophy of pericytes, accumulation of laminin in the basement membrane, and increased permeability of blood vessels to plasma proteins. Here, we summarize the knowledge about the role of tau protein in BBB structural and functional changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alena Michalicova
- Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Petra Majerova
- Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Andrej Kovac
- Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Kosice, Slovakia
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46
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Jęśko H, Cieślik M, Gromadzka G, Adamczyk A. Dysfunctional proteins in neuropsychiatric disorders: From neurodegeneration to autism spectrum disorders. Neurochem Int 2020; 141:104853. [PMID: 32980494 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2020.104853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Despite fundamental differences in disease course and outcomes, neurodevelopmental (autism spectrum disorders - ASD) and neurodegenerative disorders (Alzheimer's disease - AD and Parkinson's disease - PD) present surprising, common traits in their molecular pathomechanisms. Uncontrolled oligomerization and aggregation of amyloid β (Aβ), microtubule-associated protein (MAP) tau, or α-synuclein (α-syn) contribute to synaptic impairment and the ensuing neuronal death in both AD and PD. Likewise, the pathogenesis of ASD may be attributed, at least in part, to synaptic dysfunction; attention has also been recently paid to irregularities in the metabolism and function of the Aβ precursor protein (APP), tau, or α-syn. Commonly affected elements include signaling pathways that regulate cellular metabolism and survival such as insulin/insulin-like growth factor (IGF) - PI3 kinase - Akt - mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and a number of key synaptic proteins critically involved in neuronal communication. Understanding how these shared pathomechanism elements operate in different conditions may help identify common targets and therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henryk Jęśko
- Department of Cellular Signalling, M. Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5 Pawińskiego Str., 02-106, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Magdalena Cieślik
- Department of Cellular Signalling, M. Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5 Pawińskiego Str., 02-106, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Grażyna Gromadzka
- Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University, Faculty of Medicine. Collegium Medicum, Wóycickiego 1/3, 01-938, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Agata Adamczyk
- Department of Cellular Signalling, M. Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5 Pawińskiego Str., 02-106, Warsaw, Poland.
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47
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Ding Y, Lei L, Lai C, Tang Z. Tau Protein and Zebrafish Models for Tau-Induced Neurodegeneration. J Alzheimers Dis 2020; 69:339-353. [PMID: 31006683 DOI: 10.3233/jad-180917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Tauopathies are a specific type of slow and progressive neurodegeneration, which involves intracellular deposition of fibrillar material composed of abnormal hyperphosphorylation of the microtubule associated protein (MAP) tau. Despite many years of intensive research, our understanding of the molecular events that lead to neurodegeneration is far from complete. No effective therapeutic treatments have been defined, and questions surround the validity and utility of existing animal models. It is an urgent need to develop a novel animal model to study the underlying neurodegenerative mechanisms of tauopathies. Zebrafish models of tauopathies could complement existing models by providing an in vivo platform for genetic and chemical screens in order to identify new therapeutic targets and compounds, meanwhile zebrafish models have permitted discovery of unique characteristics of these genes that could have been difficultly observed in other models. Novel transgenic zebrafish models expressing wild-type or mutant forms of human 4R-tau in neurons have recently been reported. These studies show disease-relevant changes including tau hyperphosphorylation, aggregation and somato-dendritic relocalization. This review highlights the availability of transgenic tau zebrafish models that allow more detailed biochemical studies of tau in the zebrafish CNS to characterize solubility, fibril morphology and further clarify phosphorylation proceedings. Furthermore, a deeper knowledge of the zebrafish brain and a better characterization of tau caused by alterations in neurodegenerative disorders are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanting Ding
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Lijuan Lei
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Chencen Lai
- Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Zhi Tang
- Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
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Relevance of Electrostatic Charges in Compactness, Aggregation, and Phase Separation of Intrinsically Disordered Proteins. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21176208. [PMID: 32867340 PMCID: PMC7503639 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The abundance of intrinsic disorder in the protein realm and its role in a variety of physiological and pathological cellular events have strengthened the interest of the scientific community in understanding the structural and dynamical properties of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) and regions (IDRs). Attempts at rationalizing the general principles underlying both conformational properties and transitions of IDPs/IDRs must consider the abundance of charged residues (Asp, Glu, Lys, and Arg) that typifies these proteins, rendering them assimilable to polyampholytes or polyelectrolytes. Their conformation strongly depends on both the charge density and distribution along the sequence (i.e., charge decoration) as highlighted by recent experimental and theoretical studies that have introduced novel descriptors. Published experimental data are revisited herein in the frame of this formalism, in a new and possibly unitary perspective. The physicochemical properties most directly affected by charge density and distribution are compaction and solubility, which can be described in a relatively simplified way by tools of polymer physics. Dissecting factors controlling such properties could contribute to better understanding complex biological phenomena, such as fibrillation and phase separation. Furthermore, this knowledge is expected to have enormous practical implications for the design, synthesis, and exploitation of bio-derived materials and the control of natural biological processes.
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Tau and Alpha Synuclein Synergistic Effect in Neurodegenerative Diseases: When the Periphery Is the Core. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21145030. [PMID: 32708732 PMCID: PMC7404325 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21145030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In neuronal cells, tau is a microtubule-associated protein placed in axons and alpha synuclein is enriched at presynaptic terminals. They display a propensity to form pathologic aggregates, which are considered the underlying cause of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Their functional impairment induces loss of axonal transport, synaptic and mitochondrial disarray, leading to a "dying back" pattern of degeneration, which starts at the periphery of cells. In addition, pathologic spreading of alpha-synuclein from the peripheral nervous system to the brain through anatomical connectivity has been demonstrated for Parkinson's disease. Thus, examination of the extent and types of tau and alpha-synuclein in peripheral tissues and their relation to brain neurodegenerative diseases is of relevance since it may provide insights into patterns of protein aggregation and neurodegeneration. Moreover, peripheral nervous tissues are easily accessible in-vivo and can play a relevant role in the early diagnosis of these conditions. Up-to-date investigations of tau species in peripheral tissues are scant and have mainly been restricted to rodents, whereas, more evidence is available on alpha synuclein in peripheral tissues. Here we aim to review the literature on the functional role of tau and alpha synuclein in physiological conditions and disease at the axonal level, their distribution in peripheral tissues, and discuss possible commonalities/diversities as well as their interaction in proteinopathies.
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Shim KH, Kang MJ, Suh JW, Pyun JM, Ryoo N, Park YH, Youn YC, Jang JW, Jeong JH, Park KW, Choi SH, Suk K, Lee HW, Ko PW, Lee CN, Lim TS, An SSA, Kim S. CSF total tau/α-synuclein ratio improved the diagnostic performance for Alzheimer's disease as an indicator of tau phosphorylation. ALZHEIMERS RESEARCH & THERAPY 2020; 12:83. [PMID: 32660565 PMCID: PMC7359621 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-020-00648-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background Recently, several studies suggested potential involvements of α-synuclein in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathophysiology. Higher concentrations of α-synuclein were reported in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of AD patients with a positive correlation towards CSF tau, indicating its possible role in AD. We analyzed the CSF biomarkers to verify whether α-synuclein could be an additional supported biomarker in AD diagnosis. Methods In this cross-sectional study, CSF samples of 71 early-onset AD, 34 late-onset AD, 11 mild cognitive impairment, 17 subjective cognitive decline, 45 Parkinson’s disease, and 32 healthy control (HC) were collected. CSF amyloid-β1-42 (A), total tau (N), and phosphorylated tau181 (T) were measured by commercial ELISA kits, and in-house ELISA kit was developed to quantify α-synuclein. The cognitive assessments and amyloid-PET imaging were also performed. Results CSF α-synuclein manifested a tendency to increase in AD and to decreased in Parkinson’s disease compared to HC. The equilibrium states of total tau and α-synuclein concentrations were changed significantly in AD, and the ratio of total tau/α-synuclein (N/αS) was dramatically increased in AD than HC. Remarkably, N/αS revealed a strong positive correlation with tau phosphorylation rate. Also, the combination of N/αS with amyloid-β1-42/phosphorylated tau181 ratio had the best diagnosis performance (AUC = 0.956, sensitivity = 96%, specificity = 87%). In concordance analysis, N/αS showed the higher diagnostic agreement with amyloid-β1-42 and amyloid-PET. Analysis of biomarker profiling with N/αS had distinctive characteristics and clustering of each group. Especially, among the group of suspected non-Alzheimer’s disease pathophysiology, all A−T+N+ patients with N/αS+ were reintegrated into AD. Conclusions The high correlation of α-synuclein with tau and the elevated N/αS in AD supported the involvement of α-synuclein in AD pathophysiology. Importantly, N/αS improved the diagnostic performance, confirming the needs of incorporating α-synuclein as a biomarker for neurodegenerative disorders. The incorporation of a biomarker group [N/αS] could contribute to provide better understanding and diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyu Hwan Shim
- Department of Neurology, Veterans Medical Research Institute, Veterans Health Service Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Ju Kang
- Department of Neurology, Veterans Medical Research Institute, Veterans Health Service Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jee Won Suh
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital and Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Min Pyun
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital and Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Nayoung Ryoo
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital and Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Ho Park
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital and Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Chul Youn
- Department of Neurology, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Won Jang
- Department of Neurology, Kangwon National University Hospital, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chouncheon, South Korea
| | - Jee Hyang Jeong
- Department of Neurology, Ewha Womans University Mokdong HospitalEwha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Won Park
- Department of Neurology, Dong-A University College of Medicine and Institute of Convergence Bio-Health, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Hye Choi
- Department of Neurology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoungho Suk
- Department of Pharmacology, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho-Won Lee
- Department of Neurology, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Pan-Woo Ko
- Department of Neurology, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan-Nyoung Lee
- Department of Neurology, Korea University Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Sung Lim
- Department of Neurology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Soo A An
- Department of Bionano Technology, Gachon University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea.
| | - SangYun Kim
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital and Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea.
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