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Li X, Hernandez I, Koyuncu S, Kis B, Häggblad M, Lidemalm L, Abbas AA, Bendegúz S, Göblös A, Brautigam L, Lucas JJ, Carreras-Puigvert J, Hühn D, Pircs K, Vilchez D, Fernandez-Capetillo O. The anti-leprosy drug clofazimine reduces polyQ toxicity through activation of PPARγ. EBioMedicine 2024; 103:105124. [PMID: 38701619 PMCID: PMC11088276 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.105124] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND PolyQ diseases are autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorders caused by the expansion of CAG repeats. While of slow progression, these diseases are ultimately fatal and lack effective therapies. METHODS A high-throughput chemical screen was conducted to identify drugs that lower the toxicity of a protein containing the first exon of Huntington's disease (HD) protein huntingtin (HTT) harbouring 94 glutamines (Htt-Q94). Candidate drugs were tested in a wide range of in vitro and in vivo models of polyQ toxicity. FINDINGS The chemical screen identified the anti-leprosy drug clofazimine as a hit, which was subsequently validated in several in vitro models. Computational analyses of transcriptional signatures revealed that the effect of clofazimine was due to the stimulation of mitochondrial biogenesis by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). In agreement with this, clofazimine rescued mitochondrial dysfunction triggered by Htt-Q94 expression. Importantly, clofazimine also limited polyQ toxicity in developing zebrafish and neuron-specific worm models of polyQ disease. INTERPRETATION Our results support the potential of repurposing the antimicrobial drug clofazimine for the treatment of polyQ diseases. FUNDING A full list of funding sources can be found in the acknowledgments section.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuexin Li
- Science for Life Laboratory, Division of Genome Biology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, S-171 21, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ivó Hernandez
- Genomic Instability Group, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, 28029, Spain
| | - Seda Koyuncu
- Cologne Excellence Cluster for Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Balázs Kis
- HCEMM-SU, Neurobiology and Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Group, Budapest, Hungary; Institute of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Maria Häggblad
- Science for Life Laboratory, Division of Genome Biology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, S-171 21, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Louise Lidemalm
- Science for Life Laboratory, Division of Genome Biology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, S-171 21, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna A Abbas
- HCEMM-SU, Neurobiology and Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Group, Budapest, Hungary; Institute of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sramkó Bendegúz
- HCEMM-SU, Neurobiology and Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Group, Budapest, Hungary; Institute of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anikó Göblös
- Centre of Excellence for Interdisciplinary Research, Development and Innovation, University of Szeged, H-6720, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Lars Brautigam
- Zebrafish Core Facility, Karolinska Institute, S-171 21, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jose J Lucas
- Center for Molecular Biology, "Severo Ochoa" (CBMSO) CSIC/UAM, Madrid, 28049, Spain; Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Carreras-Puigvert
- Science for Life Laboratory, Division of Genome Biology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, S-171 21, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Daniela Hühn
- Science for Life Laboratory, Division of Genome Biology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, S-171 21, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karolina Pircs
- HCEMM-SU, Neurobiology and Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Group, Budapest, Hungary; Institute of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, BMC A11, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - David Vilchez
- Cologne Excellence Cluster for Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Oscar Fernandez-Capetillo
- Science for Life Laboratory, Division of Genome Biology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, S-171 21, Stockholm, Sweden; Genomic Instability Group, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, 28029, Spain.
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2
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Ferlazzo GM, Gambetta AM, Amato S, Cannizzaro N, Angiolillo S, Arboit M, Diamante L, Carbognin E, Romani P, La Torre F, Galimberti E, Pflug F, Luoni M, Giannelli S, Pepe G, Capocci L, Di Pardo A, Vanzani P, Zennaro L, Broccoli V, Leeb M, Moro E, Maglione V, Martello G. Genome-wide screening in pluripotent cells identifies Mtf1 as a suppressor of mutant huntingtin toxicity. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3962. [PMID: 37407555 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39552-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by CAG-repeat expansions in the huntingtin (HTT) gene. The resulting mutant HTT (mHTT) protein induces toxicity and cell death via multiple mechanisms and no effective therapy is available. Here, we employ a genome-wide screening in pluripotent mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) to identify suppressors of mHTT toxicity. Among the identified suppressors, linked to HD-associated processes, we focus on Metal response element binding transcription factor 1 (Mtf1). Forced expression of Mtf1 counteracts cell death and oxidative stress caused by mHTT in mouse ESCs and in human neuronal precursor cells. In zebrafish, Mtf1 reduces malformations and apoptosis induced by mHTT. In R6/2 mice, Mtf1 ablates motor defects and reduces mHTT aggregates and oxidative stress. Our screening strategy enables a quick in vitro identification of promising suppressor genes and their validation in vivo, and it can be applied to other monogenic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Maria Ferlazzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, University of Padua, 35131, Padua, Italy
- Aptuit (Verona) S.r.l., an Evotec Company, Campus Levi-Montalcini, 37135, Verona, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Gambetta
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, University of Padua, 35131, Padua, Italy
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58B, 35131, Padua, Italy
| | - Sonia Amato
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58B, 35131, Padua, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Via Belzoni, 160, 35131, Padua, Italy
| | - Noemi Cannizzaro
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, University of Padua, 35131, Padua, Italy
| | - Silvia Angiolillo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, University of Padua, 35131, Padua, Italy
| | - Mattia Arboit
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, University of Padua, 35131, Padua, Italy
| | - Linda Diamante
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58B, 35131, Padua, Italy
| | - Elena Carbognin
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58B, 35131, Padua, Italy
| | - Patrizia Romani
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, University of Padua, 35131, Padua, Italy
| | - Federico La Torre
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58B, 35131, Padua, Italy
| | - Elena Galimberti
- Max Perutz Laboratories Vienna, University of Vienna, Vienna Biocenter, Dr Bohr Gasse 9, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Florian Pflug
- Max Perutz Laboratories Vienna, University of Vienna, Vienna Biocenter, Dr Bohr Gasse 9, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mirko Luoni
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Serena Giannelli
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Paola Vanzani
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, University of Padua, 35131, Padua, Italy
| | - Lucio Zennaro
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, University of Padua, 35131, Padua, Italy
| | - Vania Broccoli
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
- CNR Institute of Neuroscience, 20854, Vedrano al Lambro, Italy
| | - Martin Leeb
- Max Perutz Laboratories Vienna, University of Vienna, Vienna Biocenter, Dr Bohr Gasse 9, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Enrico Moro
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, University of Padua, 35131, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Graziano Martello
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58B, 35131, Padua, Italy.
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3
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Liu Y. Zebrafish as a Model Organism for Studying Pathologic Mechanisms of Neurodegenerative Diseases and other Neural Disorders. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023:10.1007/s10571-023-01340-w. [PMID: 37004595 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-023-01340-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
Zebrafish are widely considered an excellent vertebrate model for studying the pathogenesis of human diseases because of their transparency of embryonic development, easy breeding, high similarity with human genes, and easy gene manipulation. Previous studies have shown that zebrafish as a model organism provides an ideal operating platform for clarifying the pathological and molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases and related human diseases. This review mainly summarizes the achievements and prospects of zebrafish used as model organisms in the research of neurodegenerative diseases and other human diseases related to the nervous system in recent years. In the future study of human disease mechanisms, the application of the zebrafish model will continue to provide a valuable operating platform and technical support for investigating and finding better prevention and treatment of these diseases, which has broad application prospects and practical significance. Zebrafish models used in neurodegenerative diseases and other diseases related to the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanying Liu
- Department of Basic Medicine, School of Nursing and Health, Qingdao Huanghai University, Qingdao, 266427, China.
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4
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Chia K, Klingseisen A, Sieger D, Priller J. Zebrafish as a model organism for neurodegenerative disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:940484. [PMID: 36311026 PMCID: PMC9606821 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.940484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The zebrafish is increasingly recognized as a model organism for translational research into human neuropathology. The zebrafish brain exhibits fundamental resemblance with human neuroanatomical and neurochemical pathways, and hallmarks of human brain pathology such as protein aggregation, neuronal degeneration and activation of glial cells, for example, can be modeled and recapitulated in the fish central nervous system. Genetic manipulation, imaging, and drug screening are areas where zebrafish excel with the ease of introducing mutations and transgenes, the expression of fluorescent markers that can be detected in vivo in the transparent larval stages overtime, and simple treatment of large numbers of fish larvae at once followed by automated screening and imaging. In this review, we summarize how zebrafish have successfully been employed to model human neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Huntington’s disease. We discuss advantages and disadvantages of choosing zebrafish as a model for these neurodegenerative conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelda Chia
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- United Kingdom Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Klingseisen
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- United Kingdom Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Dirk Sieger
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Dirk Sieger,
| | - Josef Priller
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- United Kingdom Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Neuropsychiatry and Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, DZNE, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Josef Priller,
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5
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Karwacka M, Olejniczak M. Advances in Modeling Polyglutamine Diseases Using Genome Editing Tools. Cells 2022; 11:cells11030517. [PMID: 35159326 PMCID: PMC8834129 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases, including Huntington’s disease, are a group of late-onset progressive neurological disorders caused by CAG repeat expansions. Although recently, many studies have investigated the pathological features and development of polyQ diseases, many questions remain unanswered. The advancement of new gene-editing technologies, especially the CRISPR-Cas9 technique, has undeniable value for the generation of relevant polyQ models, which substantially support the research process. Here, we review how these tools have been used to correct disease-causing mutations or create isogenic cell lines with different numbers of CAG repeats. We characterize various cellular models such as HEK 293 cells, patient-derived fibroblasts, human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and animal models generated with the use of genome-editing technology.
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Kumar V, Singh C, Singh A. Zebrafish an experimental model of Huntington's disease: molecular aspects, therapeutic targets and current challenges. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:8181-8194. [PMID: 34665402 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06787-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Huntington disease (HD) is a lethal autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease whose exact causative mechanism is still unknown. It can transform from one generation to another generation. The CAG triplet expansion on polyglutamine (PolyQ) tract on Huntingtin protein primarily contributes in HD pathogenesis. Apart from this some another molecular mechanisms are also involved in HD pathology such as loss of Brain derived neurotrophic factor in medium spiny neurons, mitochondrial dysfunction, and alterations in synaptic plasticity are briefly discussed in this review. However, several chemicals (3-nitropropionic acid, and Quinolinic acid) and genetic (mHTT-ΔN17-97Q over expression) experimental models are used to explore the exact pathogenic mechanism and finding of new drug targets for the development of novel therapeutic approaches. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is widely used in in-vivo screening of several central nervous system (CNS) diseases such as HD, Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and in memory deficits. Thus, this makes zebrafish as an excellent animal model for the development of new therapeutic strategies against various CNS disorders. We had reviewed several publications utilizing zebrafish and rodents to explore the disease pathology. Studies suggested that zebrafish genes and their human homologues have conserved functions. Zebrafish advantages and their characteristics over the other experimental animals make it an excellent tool for the disease study. This review explains the possible pathogenic mechanism of HD and also discusses about possible treatment therapies, apart from this we also discussed about possible potential therapeutic targets which will helps in designing of novel therapeutic approaches to overcome the disease progression. Diagrammatic depiction shows prevention of HD pathogenesis through attenuation of various biochemical alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishal Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, 142001, India
| | - Charan Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutics, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, 142001, India
- Affiliated to IK Gujral Punjab Technical University, Jalandhar, Punjab, 144603, India
| | - Arti Singh
- Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, 142001, India.
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7
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Wang J, Cao H. Zebrafish and Medaka: Important Animal Models for Human Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10766. [PMID: 34639106 PMCID: PMC8509648 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal models of human neurodegenerative disease have been investigated for several decades. In recent years, zebrafish (Danio rerio) and medaka (Oryzias latipes) have become popular in pathogenic and therapeutic studies about human neurodegenerative diseases due to their small size, the optical clarity of embryos, their fast development, and their suitability to large-scale therapeutic screening. Following the emergence of a new generation of molecular biological technologies such as reverse and forward genetics, morpholino, transgenesis, and gene knockout, many human neurodegenerative disease models, such as Parkinson's, Huntington's, and Alzheimer's, were constructed in zebrafish and medaka. These studies proved that zebrafish and medaka genes are functionally conserved in relation to their human homologues, so they exhibit similar neurodegenerative phenotypes to human beings. Therefore, fish are a suitable model for the investigation of pathologic mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases and for the large-scale screening of drugs for potential therapy. In this review, we summarize the studies in modelling human neurodegenerative diseases in zebrafish and medaka in recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Donghu South Road 7#, Wuhan 430072, China;
- College of Advanced Agriculture Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hong Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Donghu South Road 7#, Wuhan 430072, China;
- College of Advanced Agriculture Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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8
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Robinson KJ, Yuan K, Plenderleith SK, Watchon M, Laird AS. A Novel Calpain Inhibitor Compound Has Protective Effects on a Zebrafish Model of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3. Cells 2021; 10:cells10102592. [PMID: 34685571 PMCID: PMC8533844 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is a hereditary ataxia caused by inheritance of a mutated form of the human ATXN3 gene containing an expanded CAG repeat region, encoding a human ataxin-3 protein with a long polyglutamine (polyQ) repeat region. Previous studies have demonstrated that ataxin-3 containing a long polyQ length is highly aggregation prone. Cleavage of the ataxin-3 protein by calpain proteases has been demonstrated to be enhanced in SCA3 models, leading to an increase in the aggregation propensity of the protein. Here, we tested the therapeutic potential of a novel calpain inhibitor BLD-2736 for the treatment of SCA3 by testing its efficacy on a transgenic zebrafish model of SCA3. We found that treatment with BLD-2736 from 1 to 6 days post-fertilisation (dpf) improves the swimming of SCA3 zebrafish larvae and decreases the presence of insoluble protein aggregates. Furthermore, delaying the commencement of treatment with BLD-2736, until a timepoint when protein aggregates were already known to be present in the zebrafish larvae, was still successful at removing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) fused-ataxin-3 aggregates and improving the zebrafish swimming. Finally, we demonstrate that treatment with BLD-2736 increased the synthesis of LC3II, increasing the activity of the autophagy protein quality control pathway. Together, these findings suggest that BLD-2736 warrants further investigation as a treatment for SCA3 and related neurodegenerative diseases.
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Wang X, Zhang JB, He KJ, Wang F, Liu CF. Advances of Zebrafish in Neurodegenerative Disease: From Models to Drug Discovery. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:713963. [PMID: 34335276 PMCID: PMC8317260 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.713963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disease (NDD), including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, are characterized by the progressive loss of neurons which leads to the decline of motor and/or cognitive function. Currently, the prevalence of NDD is rapidly increasing in the aging population. However, valid drugs or treatment for NDD are still lacking. The clinical heterogeneity and complex pathogenesis of NDD pose a great challenge for the development of disease-modifying therapies. Numerous animal models have been generated to mimic the pathological conditions of these diseases for drug discovery. Among them, zebrafish (Danio rerio) models are progressively emerging and becoming a powerful tool for in vivo study of NDD. Extensive use of zebrafish in pharmacology research or drug screening is due to the high conserved evolution and 87% homology to humans. In this review, we summarize the zebrafish models used in NDD studies, and highlight the recent findings on pharmacological targets for NDD treatment. As high-throughput platforms in zebrafish research have rapidly developed in recent years, we also discuss the application prospects of these new technologies in future NDD research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobo Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jin-Bao Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Kai-Jie He
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Fen Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Chun-Feng Liu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Department of Neurology, Suqian First Hospital, Suqian, China
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10
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Minakawa EN, Nagai Y. Protein Aggregation Inhibitors as Disease-Modifying Therapies for Polyglutamine Diseases. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:621996. [PMID: 33642983 PMCID: PMC7907447 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.621996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases are a group of inherited neurodegenerative diseases caused by the abnormal expansion of a CAG trinucleotide repeat that are translated into an expanded polyQ stretch in the disease-causative proteins. The expanded polyQ stretch itself plays a critical disease-causative role in the pathomechanisms underlying polyQ diseases. Notably, the expanded polyQ stretch undergoes a conformational transition from the native monomer into the β-sheet-rich monomer, followed by the formation of soluble oligomers and then insoluble aggregates with amyloid fibrillar structures. The intermediate soluble species including the β-sheet-rich monomer and oligomers exhibit substantial neurotoxicity. Therefore, protein conformation stabilization and aggregation inhibition that target the upstream of the insoluble aggregate formation would be a promising approach toward the development of disease-modifying therapies for polyQ diseases. PolyQ aggregation inhibitors of different chemical categories, such as intrabodies, peptides, and small chemical compounds, have been identified through intensive screening methods. Among them, recent advances in the brain delivery methods of several peptides and the screening of small chemical compounds have brought them closer to clinical utility. Notably, the recent discovery of arginine as a potent conformation stabilizer and aggregation inhibitor of polyQ proteins both in vitro and in vivo have paved way to the clinical trial for the patients with polyQ diseases. Meanwhile, expression reduction of expanded polyQ proteins per se would be another promising approach toward disease modification of polyQ diseases. Gene silencing, especially by antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), have succeeded in reducing the expression of polyQ proteins in the animal models of various polyQ diseases by targeting the aberrant mRNA with expanded CAG repeats. Of note, some of these ASOs have recently been translated into clinical trials. Here we overview and discuss these recent advances toward the development of disease modifying therapies for polyQ diseases. We envision that combination therapies using aggregation inhibitors and gene silencing would meet the needs of the patients with polyQ diseases and their caregivers in the near future to delay or prevent the onset and progression of these currently intractable diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eiko N Minakawa
- Department of Degenerative Neurological Diseases, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Nagai
- Department of Degenerative Neurological Diseases, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan.,Department of Neurotherapeutics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
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11
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Jiang H, Pederson SM, Newman M, Dong Y, Barthelson K, Lardelli M. Transcriptome analysis indicates dominant effects on ribosome and mitochondrial function of a premature termination codon mutation in the zebrafish gene psen2. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0232559. [PMID: 32658922 PMCID: PMC7357760 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0232559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
PRESENILIN 2 (PSEN2) is one of the genes mutated in early onset familial Alzheimer’s disease (EOfAD). PSEN2 shares significant amino acid sequence identity with another EOfAD-related gene PRESENILIN 1 (PSEN1), and partial functional redundancy is seen between these two genes. However, the complete range of functions of PSEN1 and PSEN2 is not yet understood. In this study, we performed targeted mutagenesis of the zebrafish psen2 gene to generate a premature termination codon close downstream of the translation start with the intention of creating a null mutation. Homozygotes for this mutation, psen2S4Ter, are viable and fertile, and adults do not show any gross psen2-dependent pigmentation defects, arguing against significant loss of γ-secretase activity. Also, assessment of the numbers of Dorsal Longitudinal Ascending (DoLA) interneurons that are responsive to psen2 but not psen1 activity during embryogenesis did not reveal decreased psen2 function. Transcripts containing the S4Ter mutation show no evidence of destabilization by nonsense-mediated decay. Forced expression in zebrafish embryos of fusions of psen2S4Ter 5’ mRNA sequences with sequence encoding enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) indicated that the psen2S4Ter mutation permits utilization of cryptic, novel downstream translation start codons. These likely initiate translation of N-terminally truncated Psen2 proteins lacking late endosomal/lysosomal localization sequences and that obey the “reading frame preservation rule” of PRESENILIN EOfAD mutations. Transcriptome analysis of entire brains from a 6-month-old family of wild type, heterozygous and homozygous psen2S4Ter female siblings revealed profoundly dominant effects on gene expression likely indicating changes in ribosomal, mitochondrial, and anion transport functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haowei Jiang
- Alzheimer’s Disease Genetics Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Stephen Martin Pederson
- Bioinformatics Hub, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Morgan Newman
- Alzheimer’s Disease Genetics Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Yang Dong
- Alzheimer’s Disease Genetics Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Karissa Barthelson
- Alzheimer’s Disease Genetics Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Michael Lardelli
- Alzheimer’s Disease Genetics Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- * E-mail:
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12
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Chandel TI, Afghani M, Masroor A, Siddique IA, Zakariya SM, Ali M, Khan RH. An insight into the inhibition of fibrillation process verses disaggregation of preformed fibrils of bovine serum albumin by isoprenaline hydrochloride. Int J Biol Macromol 2019; 154:1448-1459. [PMID: 31778695 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
This study is based on the analysis of the recent trend of medication in neurodegenerative diseases. Due to the asymptomatic nature of the diseases, medication delays. Therefore, mechanism of medication assists in removal of the symptoms. Therefore, in order to find out remedy for complete prevention of the disease we have considered "inhibition verses disaggregation" study. Various biophysical techniques such as turbidity measurement (TM), Thioflavin T (ThT) binding assays, circular dichroism (CD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) etc. has been performed. Isoprenaline hydrochloride (ISO) was a good candidate for inhibition and disaggregation of preformed fibrils of BSA. Therefore, it is concluded that inhibition of fibrillation process was more momentous, effective procedure in restricting the aggregation by stabilizing the native conformation of BSA than the removal of preformed amyloid fibrils under in vitro condition. Forwarding ahead, to understand the efficiency of the two processes under in vivo condition, this study can be applied on animal models so that we can look forward on human beings as well for the development of vaccines. This study is concerned about the applied aspect of research in future so that we can hope for prevention of the disease instead of only removal of the symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tajalli Ilm Chandel
- Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, U.P., India
| | - Mariyam Afghani
- Schools of Life Sciences, Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Takshila campus, Bhawarkua, Khandwa road, Indore, M.P., India
| | - Aiman Masroor
- Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, U.P., India
| | | | | | - Maroof Ali
- Moradabad Institutes of Technology, Moradabad, U.P., India
| | - Rizwan Hasan Khan
- Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, U.P., India.
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13
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DNA repair and neurological disease: From molecular understanding to the development of diagnostics and model organisms. DNA Repair (Amst) 2019; 81:102669. [PMID: 31331820 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2019.102669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In both replicating and non-replicating cells, the maintenance of genomic stability is of utmost importance. Dividing cells can repair DNA damage during cell division, tolerate the damage by employing potentially mutagenic DNA polymerases or die via apoptosis. However, the options for accurate DNA repair are more limited in non-replicating neuronal cells. If DNA damage is left unresolved, neuronal cells die causing neurodegenerative disorders. A number of pathogenic variants of DNA repair proteins have been linked to multiple neurological diseases. The current challenge is to harness our knowledge of fundamental properties of DNA repair to improve diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of such debilitating disorders. In this perspective, we will focus on recent efforts in identifying novel DNA repair biomarkers for the diagnosis of neurological disorders and their use in monitoring the patient response to therapy. These efforts are greatly facilitated by the development of model organisms such as zebrafish, which will also be summarised.
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14
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Pitchai A, Rajaretinam RK, Freeman JL. Zebrafish as an Emerging Model for Bioassay-Guided Natural Product Drug Discovery for Neurological Disorders. MEDICINES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2019; 6:E61. [PMID: 31151179 PMCID: PMC6631710 DOI: 10.3390/medicines6020061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 05/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Most neurodegenerative diseases are currently incurable, with large social and economic impacts. Recently, there has been renewed interest in investigating natural products in the modern drug discovery paradigm as novel, bioactive small molecules. Moreover, the discovery of potential therapies for neurological disorders is challenging and involves developing optimized animal models for drug screening. In contemporary biomedicine, the growing need to develop experimental models to obtain a detailed understanding of malady conditions and to portray pioneering treatments has resulted in the application of zebrafish to close the gap between in vitro and in vivo assays. Zebrafish in pharmacogenetics and neuropharmacology are rapidly becoming a widely used organism. Brain function, dysfunction, genetic, and pharmacological modulation considerations are enhanced by both larval and adult zebrafish. Bioassay-guided identification of natural products using zebrafish presents as an attractive strategy for generating new lead compounds. Here, we see evidence that the zebrafish's central nervous system is suitable for modeling human neurological disease and we review and evaluate natural product research using zebrafish as a vertebrate model platform to systematically identify bioactive natural products. Finally, we review recently developed zebrafish models of neurological disorders that have the potential to be applied in this field of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Pitchai
- Molecular and Nanomedicine Research Unit (MNRU), Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (CNSNT), Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai 600119, Tamil Nadu, India.
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
| | - Rajesh Kannan Rajaretinam
- Molecular and Nanomedicine Research Unit (MNRU), Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (CNSNT), Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai 600119, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Jennifer L Freeman
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
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15
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Lin Y, Cai X, Wang G, Ouyang G, Cao H. Model construction of Niemann-Pick type C disease in zebrafish. Biol Chem 2019; 399:903-910. [PMID: 29897878 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2018-0118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Niemann-Pick type C disease (NPC) is a rare human disease, with limited effective treatment options. Most cases of NPC disease are associated with inactivating mutations of the NPC1 gene. However, cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for the NPC1 pathogenesis remain poorly defined. This is partly due to the lack of a suitable animal model to monitor the disease progression. In this study, we used CRISPR to construct an NPC1-/- zebrafish model, which faithfully reproduced the cardinal pathological features of this disease. In contrast to the wild type (WT), the deletion of NPC1 alone caused significant hepatosplenomegaly, ataxia, Purkinje cell death, increased lipid storage, infertility and reduced body length and life span. Most of the NPC1-/- zebrafish died within the first month post fertilization, while the remaining specimens developed slower than the WT and died before reaching 8 months of age. Filipin-stained hepatocytes of the NPC1-/- zebrafish were clear, indicating abnormal accumulation of unesterified cholesterol. Lipid profiling showed a significant difference between NPC1-/- and WT zebrafish. An obvious accumulation of seven sphingolipids was detected in livers of NPC1-/- zebrafish. In summary, our results provide a valuable model system that could identify promising therapeutic targets and treatments for the NPC disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusheng Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Donghu South Road 7#, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Xiaolian Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Donghu South Road 7#, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Guiping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Donghu South Road 7#, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Gang Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Donghu South Road 7#, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Hong Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Donghu South Road 7#, Wuhan 430072, China
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16
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Prisingkorn W, Jakovlić I, Yi SK, Deng FY, Zhao YH, Wang WM. Gene expression patterns indicate that a high-fat–high-carbohydrate diet causes mitochondrial dysfunction in fish. Genome 2019; 62:53-67. [DOI: 10.1139/gen-2018-0159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Expensive and unsustainable fishmeal is increasingly being replaced with cheaper lipids and carbohydrates as sources of energy in aquaculture. Although it is known that the excess of lipids and carbohydrates has negative effects on nutrient utilization, growth, metabolic homeostasis, and health of fish, our current understanding of mechanisms behind these effects is limited. To improve the understanding of diet-induced metabolic disorders (both in fish and other vertebrates), we conducted an eight-week high-fat–high-carbohydrate diet feeding trial on blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala), and studied gene expression changes (transcriptome and qPCR) in the liver. Disproportionately large numbers of differentially expressed genes were associated with mitochondrial metabolism, neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, and Parkinson’s), and functional categories indicative of liver dysfunction. A high-fat–high-carbohydrate diet may have caused mitochondrial dysfunction, and possibly downregulated the mitochondrial biogenesis in the liver. While the relationship between diet and neurodegenerative disorders is well-established in mammals, this is the first report of this connection in fish. We propose that fishes should be further explored as a potentially promising model to study the mechanisms of diet-associated neurodegenerative disorders in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wassana Prisingkorn
- College of Fisheries Huazhong Agricultural University, Key Lab of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Freshwater Aquaculture Collaborative Innovation Center of Hubei Province, Wuhan 430070, P.R. China
| | - Ivan Jakovlić
- Bio-Transduction Lab, Wuhan Institute of Biotechnology, Wuhan 430075, P.R. China
| | - Shao-Kui Yi
- College of Fisheries Huazhong Agricultural University, Key Lab of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Freshwater Aquaculture Collaborative Innovation Center of Hubei Province, Wuhan 430070, P.R. China
| | - Fang-Yu Deng
- College of Fisheries Huazhong Agricultural University, Key Lab of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Freshwater Aquaculture Collaborative Innovation Center of Hubei Province, Wuhan 430070, P.R. China
| | - Yu-Hua Zhao
- College of Fisheries Huazhong Agricultural University, Key Lab of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Freshwater Aquaculture Collaborative Innovation Center of Hubei Province, Wuhan 430070, P.R. China
| | - Wei-Min Wang
- College of Fisheries Huazhong Agricultural University, Key Lab of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Freshwater Aquaculture Collaborative Innovation Center of Hubei Province, Wuhan 430070, P.R. China
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17
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Gerszon J, Rodacka A. Oxidatively modified glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase in neurodegenerative processes and the role of low molecular weight compounds in counteracting its aggregation and nuclear translocation. Ageing Res Rev 2018; 48:21-31. [PMID: 30254002 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2018.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
A number of independent studies have shown the contribution of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative disorders. Indeed, GAPDH aggregates have been found in many post-mortem samples of brains of patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's and Parkinson disease. Currently, it is accepted that GAPDH-mediated cell death pathways in the neurodegenerative processes are associated with apoptosis caused by GAPDH nuclear translocation and excessive aggregation under oxidative stress conditions. Also the role of GAPDH in neurodegenerative diseases is linked to it directly binding to specific amyloidogenic proteins and petides such as β-amyloid precursor protein, β-amyloid peptide and tau protein in Alzheimer's disease, huntingtin in Huntington's disease and α-synuclein in Parkinson disease. One of the latest studies indicated that GAPDH aggregates significantly accelerate amyloidogenesis of the β-amyloid peptide, which implies that aggregates of GAPDH may act as a specific aggregation "seed" in vitro. Previous detailed studies revealed that the active-site cysteine (Cys152) of GAPDH plays an essential role in the oxidative stress-induced aggregation of GAPDH associated with cell death. Furthermore, oxidative modification of this cysteine residue initiates the translocation of the enzyme to the nucleus, subsequently leading to apoptosis. The crystallographic structure of GAPDH shows that the Cys152 residue is located close to the surface of the molecule in a hydrophilic environment, which means that it can react with low molecular weight compounds such as hydroxynonenal or piceatannol. Therefore, it is highly possible that GAPDH may serve as a target for small molecule compounds with the potential to slow down or prevent the progression of neurodegenerative disorders. Recently appearing new evidence has highlighted the significance of low molecular weight compounds in counteracting the oxidation of GAPDH and consequently its aggregation and other unfavourable pathological processes. Hence, this review aims to present all recent findings concerning molecules that are able to interact with GAPDH and counteract its aggregation and translocation to the nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Gerszon
- Department of Molecular Biophysics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland; Bionanopark Ltd., Lodz, Poland.
| | - Aleksandra Rodacka
- Department of Molecular Biophysics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
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18
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Acosta JR, Watchon M, Yuan KC, Fifita JA, Svahn AJ, Don EK, Winnick CG, Blair IP, Nicholson GA, Cole NJ, Goldsbury C, Laird AS. Neuronal cell culture from transgenic zebrafish models of neurodegenerative disease. Biol Open 2018; 7:bio.036475. [PMID: 30190267 PMCID: PMC6215410 DOI: 10.1242/bio.036475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe a protocol for culturing neurons from transgenic zebrafish embryos to investigate the subcellular distribution and protein aggregation status of neurodegenerative disease-causing proteins. The utility of the protocol was demonstrated on cell cultures from zebrafish that transgenically express disease-causing variants of human fused in sarcoma (FUS) and ataxin-3 proteins, in order to study amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinocerebellar ataxia type-3 (SCA3), respectively. A mixture of neuronal subtypes, including motor neurons, exhibited differentiation and neurite outgrowth in the cultures. As reported previously, mutant human FUS was found to be mislocalized from nuclei to the cytosol, mimicking the pathology seen in human ALS and the zebrafish FUS model. In contrast, neurons cultured from zebrafish expressing human ataxin-3 with disease-associated expanded polyQ repeats did not accumulate within nuclei in a manner often reported to occur in SCA3. Despite this, the subcellular localization of the human ataxin-3 protein seen in cell cultures was similar to that found in the SCA3 zebrafish themselves. The finding of similar protein localization and aggregation status in the neuronal cultures and corresponding transgenic zebrafish models confirms that this cell culture model is a useful tool for investigating the cell biology and proteinopathy signatures of mutant proteins for the study of neurodegenerative disease. Summary: This article describes the optimization and validation of a protocol for culturing of neurons from transgenic zebrafish for the study of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie R Acosta
- The Brain & Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2050, Australia.,The Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia.,Discipline of Anatomy and Histology, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Maxinne Watchon
- Discipline of Anatomy and Histology, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia.,Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia.,Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Kristy C Yuan
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Jennifer A Fifita
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Adam J Svahn
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Emily K Don
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Claire G Winnick
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Ian P Blair
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Garth A Nicholson
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia.,Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia.,ANZAC Research Institute, Concord Repatriation Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales 2139, Australia
| | - Nicholas J Cole
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Claire Goldsbury
- The Brain & Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2050, Australia.,The Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia.,Discipline of Anatomy and Histology, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Angela S Laird
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
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19
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Vaz RL, Outeiro TF, Ferreira JJ. Zebrafish as an Animal Model for Drug Discovery in Parkinson's Disease and Other Movement Disorders: A Systematic Review. Front Neurol 2018; 9:347. [PMID: 29910763 PMCID: PMC5992294 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Movement disorders can be primarily divided into hypokinetic and hyperkinetic. Most of the hypokinetic syndromes are associated with the neurodegenerative disorder Parkinson’s disease (PD). By contrast, hyperkinetic syndromes encompass a broader array of diseases, including dystonia, essential tremor, or Huntington’s disease. The discovery of effective therapies for these disorders has been challenging and has also involved the development and characterization of accurate animal models for the screening of new drugs. Zebrafish constitutes an alternative vertebrate model for the study of movement disorders. The neuronal circuitries involved in movement in zebrafish are well characterized, and most of the associated molecular mechanisms are highly conserved. Particularly, zebrafish models of PD have contributed to a better understanding of the role of several genes implicated in the disease. Furthermore, zebrafish is a vertebrate model particularly suited for large-scale drug screenings. The relatively small size of zebrafish, optical transparency, and lifecycle, are key characteristics that facilitate the study of multiple compounds at the same time. Several transgenic, knockdown, and mutant zebrafish lines have been generated and characterized. Therefore, it is central to critically analyze these zebrafish lines and understand their suitability as models of movement disorders. Here, we revise the pathogenic mechanisms, phenotypes, and responsiveness to pharmacotherapies of zebrafish lines of the most common movement disorders. A systematic review of the literature was conducted by including all studies reporting the characterization of zebrafish models of the movement disorders selected from five bibliographic databases. A total of 63 studies were analyzed, and the most relevant data within the scope of this review were gathered. The majority (62%) of the studies were focused in the characterization of zebrafish models of PD. Overall, the zebrafish models included display conserved biochemical and neurobehavioral features of the phenomenology in humans. Nevertheless, in light of what is known for all animal models available, the use of zebrafish as a model for drug discovery requires further optimization. Future technological developments alongside with a deeper understanding of the molecular bases of these disorders should enable the development of novel zebrafish lines that can prove useful for drug discovery for movement disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita L Vaz
- TechnoPhage, SA, Lisboa, Portugal.,Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Tiago F Outeiro
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NOVA Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.,The Medical School, Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Joaquim J Ferreira
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.,Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.,CNS-Campus Neurológico Sénior, Torres Vedras, Portugal
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20
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de Abreu MS, Giacomini ACVV, Zanandrea R, Dos Santos BE, Genario R, de Oliveira GG, Friend AJ, Amstislavskaya TG, Kalueff AV. Psychoneuroimmunology and immunopsychiatry of zebrafish. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2018; 92:1-12. [PMID: 29609110 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Despite the high prevalence of neural and immune disorders, their etiology and molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. As the zebrafish (Danio rerio) is increasingly utilized as a powerful model organism in biomedical research, mounting evidence suggests these fish as a useful tool to study neural and immune mechanisms and their interplay. Here, we discuss zebrafish neuro-immune mechanisms and their pharmacological and genetic modulation, the effect of stress on cytokines, as well as relevant models of microbiota-brain interplay. As many human brain diseases are based on complex interplay between the neural and the immune system, here we discuss zebrafish models, as well as recent successes and challenges, in this rapidly expanding field. We particularly emphasize the growing utility of zebrafish models in translational immunopsychiatry research, as they improve our understanding of pathogenetic neuro-immune interactions, thereby fostering future discovery of potential therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murilo S de Abreu
- Bioscience Institute, University of Passo Fundo (UPF), Passo Fundo, RS, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, Brazil; The International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), Slidell, LA, USA
| | - Ana C V V Giacomini
- Bioscience Institute, University of Passo Fundo (UPF), Passo Fundo, RS, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Environmental Sciences, University of Passo Fundo (UPF), Passo Fundo, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Zanandrea
- Bioscience Institute, University of Passo Fundo (UPF), Passo Fundo, RS, Brazil
| | - Bruna E Dos Santos
- Bioscience Institute, University of Passo Fundo (UPF), Passo Fundo, RS, Brazil
| | - Rafael Genario
- Bioscience Institute, University of Passo Fundo (UPF), Passo Fundo, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Ashton J Friend
- Tulane University School of Science and Engineering, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Tamara G Amstislavskaya
- Research Institute of Physiology and Basic Medicine SB RAS, and Department of Neuroscience, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Allan V Kalueff
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest University, Chongqing, China; Ural Federal University, Ekaterinburg, Russia; ZENEREI Research Center, Slidell, LA, USA; Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia; Institute of Experimental Medicine, Almazov National Medical Research Center, St. Petersburg, Russia; Russian Research Center for Radiology and Surgical Technologies, Pesochny, Russia; Laboratory of Translational Biopsychiatry, Research Institute of Physiology and Basic Medicine SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia.
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21
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Chongtham A, Barbaro B, Filip T, Syed A, Huang W, Smith MR, Marsh JL. Nonmammalian Models of Huntington's Disease. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1780:75-96. [PMID: 29856015 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7825-0_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Flies, worms, yeast and more recently zebra fish have all been engineered to express expanded polyglutamine repeat versions of Huntingtin with various resulting pathologies including early death, neurodegeneration, and loss of motor function. Each of these models present particular features that make it useful in studying the mechanisms of polyglutamine pathology. However, one particular unbiased readout of mHTT pathology is functional loss of motor control. Loss of motor control is prominent in patients, but it remains unresolved whether pathogenic symptoms in patients result from overt degeneration and loss of neurons or from malfunctioning of surviving neurons as the pathogenic insult builds up. This is why a functional assay such as motor control can be uniquely powerful in revealing early as well as late neurological deficits and does not rely on assumptions such as that the level of inclusions or the degree of neuronal loss can be equated with the level of pathology. Drosophila is well suited for such assays because it contains a functioning nervous system with many parallels to the human condition. In addition, the ability to readily express mHTT transgenes in different tissues and subsets of neurons allows one the possibility of isolating a particular effect to a subset of neurons where one can correlate subcellular events in response to mHTT challenge with pathology at both the cellular and organismal levels. Here we describe methods to monitor the degree of motor function disruption in Drosophila models of HD and we include a brief summary of other nonmammalian models of HD and discussion of their unique strengths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjalika Chongtham
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, 92697, CA, USA
| | - Brett Barbaro
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, 92697, CA, USA.,The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Tomas Filip
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, 92697, CA, USA.,Biology Centre Czech Acad. Sci., Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Adeela Syed
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, 92697, CA, USA
| | - Weijian Huang
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, 92697, CA, USA
| | - Marianne R Smith
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, 92697, CA, USA.,University Advancement, UC Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - J Lawrence Marsh
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, 92697, CA, USA.
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22
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Bhattarai P, Thomas AK, Cosacak MI, Papadimitriou C, Mashkaryan V, Zhang Y, Kizil C. Modeling Amyloid-β42 Toxicity and Neurodegeneration in Adult Zebrafish Brain. J Vis Exp 2017. [PMID: 29155703 DOI: 10.3791/56014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a debilitating neurodegenerative disease in which accumulation of toxic amyloid-β42 (Aβ42) peptides leads to synaptic degeneration, inflammation, neuronal death, and learning deficits. Humans cannot regenerate lost neurons in the case of AD in part due to impaired proliferative capacity of the neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) and reduced neurogenesis. Therefore, efficient regenerative therapies should also enhance the proliferation and neurogenic capacity of NSPCs. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a regenerative organism, and we can learn the basic molecular programs with which we could design therapeutic approaches to tackle AD. For this reason, the generation of an AD-like model in zebrafish was necessary. Using our methodology, we can introduce synthetic derivatives of Aβ42 peptide with tissue penetrating capability into the adult zebrafish brain, and analyze the disease pathology and the regenerative response. The advantage over the existing methods or animal models is that zebrafish can teach us how a vertebrate brain can naturally regenerate, and thus help us to treat human neurodegenerative diseases better by targeting endogenous NSPCs. Therefore, the amyloid-toxicity model established in the adult zebrafish brain may open new avenues for research in the field of neuroscience and clinical medicine. Additionally, the simple execution of this method allows for cost-effective and efficient experimental assessment. This manuscript describes the synthesis and injection of Aβ42 peptides into zebrafish brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prabesh Bhattarai
- German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Dresden within Helmholtz Association
| | | | - Mehmet Ilyas Cosacak
- German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Dresden within Helmholtz Association
| | - Christos Papadimitriou
- German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Dresden within Helmholtz Association
| | | | - Yixin Zhang
- B CUBE, Center for Molecular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden
| | - Caghan Kizil
- German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Dresden within Helmholtz Association; Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), TU Dresden;
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Aggregation-prone GFAP mutation in Alexander disease validated using a zebrafish model. BMC Neurol 2017; 17:175. [PMID: 28882119 PMCID: PMC5590178 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-017-0938-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Alexander disease (AxD) is an astrogliopathy that predominantly affects the white matter of the central nervous system (CNS), and is caused by a mutation in the gene encoding the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), an intermediate filament primarily expressed in astrocytes and ependymal cells. The main pathologic feature of AxD is the presence of Rosenthal fibers (RFs), homogeneous eosinophilic inclusions found in astrocytes. Because of difficulties in procuring patient’ CNS tissues and the presence of RFs in other pathologic conditions, there is a need to develop an in vivo assay that can determine whether a mutation in the GFAP results in aggregation and is thus disease-causing. Methods We found a GFAP mutation (c.382G > A, p.Asp128Asn) in a 68-year-old man with slowly progressive gait disturbance with tendency to fall. The patient was tentatively diagnosed with AxD based on clinical and radiological findings. To develop a vertebrate model to assess the aggregation tendency of GFAP, we expressed several previously reported mutant GFAPs and p.Asp128Asn GFAP in zebrafish embryos. Results The most common GFAP mutations in AxD, p.Arg79Cys, p.Arg79His, p.Arg239Cys and p.Arg239His, and p.Asp128Asn induced a significantly higher number of GFAP aggregates in zebrafish embryos than wild-type GFAP. Conclusions The p.Asp128Asn GFAP mutation is likely to be a disease-causing mutation. Although it needs to be tested more extensively in larger case series, the zebrafish assay system presented here would help clinicians determine whether GFAP mutations identified in putative AxD patients are disease-causing.
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Calpain Inhibition Is Protective in Machado-Joseph Disease Zebrafish Due to Induction of Autophagy. J Neurosci 2017; 37:7782-7794. [PMID: 28687604 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1142-17.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Revised: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The neurodegenerative disease Machado-Joseph disease (MJD), also known as spinocerebellar ataxin-3, affects neurons of the brain and spinal cord, disrupting control of the movement of muscles. We have successfully established the first transgenic zebrafish (Danio rerio) model of MJD by expressing human ataxin-3 protein containing either 23 glutamines (23Q, wild-type) or 84Q (MJD-causing) within neurons. Phenotypic characterization of the zebrafish (male and female) revealed that the ataxin-3-84Q zebrafish have decreased survival compared with ataxin-3-23Q and develop ataxin-3 neuropathology, ataxin-3 cleavage fragments and motor impairment. Ataxin-3-84Q zebrafish swim shorter distances than ataxin-3-23Q zebrafish as early as 6 days old, even if expression of the human ataxin-3 protein is limited to motor neurons. This swimming phenotype provides a valuable readout for drug treatment studies. Treating the EGFP-ataxin-3-84Q zebrafish with the calpain inhibitor compound calpeptin decreased levels of ataxin-3 cleavage fragments, but also removed all human ataxin-3 protein (confirmed by ELISA) and prevented the early MJD zebrafish motor phenotype. We identified that this clearance of ataxin-3 protein by calpeptin treatment resulted from an increase in autophagic flux (indicated by decreased p62 levels and increased LC3II). Cotreatment with the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine blocked the decrease in human ataxin-3 levels and the improved movement produced by calpeptin treatment. This study demonstrates that this first transgenic zebrafish model of MJD is a valuable tool for testing potential treatments for MJD. Calpeptin treatment is protective in this model of MJD and removal of human ataxin-3 through macro-autophagy plays an important role in this beneficial effect.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT We have established the first transgenic zebrafish model of the neurodegenerative disease MJD, and identified relevant disease phenotypes, including impaired movement from an early age, which can be used in rapid drug testing studies. We have found that treating the MJD zebrafish with the calpain inhibitor compound calpeptin produces complete removal of human ataxin-3 protein, due to induction of the autophagy quality control pathway. This improves the movement of the MJD zebrafish. Artificially blocking the autophagy pathway prevents the removal of human ataxin-3 and improved movement produced by calpeptin treatment. These findings indicate that induction of autophagy, and removal of ataxin-3 protein, plays an important role in the protective effects of calpain inhibition for the treatment of MJD.
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Veldman MB, Rios-Galdamez Y, Lu XH, Gu X, Qin W, Li S, Yang XW, Lin S. The N17 domain mitigates nuclear toxicity in a novel zebrafish Huntington's disease model. Mol Neurodegener 2015; 10:67. [PMID: 26645399 PMCID: PMC4673728 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-015-0063-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although the genetic cause for Huntington’s disease (HD) has been known for over 20 years, the mechanisms that cause the neurotoxicity and behavioral symptoms of this disease are not well understood. One hypothesis is that N-terminal fragments of the HTT protein are the causative agents in HD and that peptide sequences adjacent to the poly-glutamine (Q) repeats modify its toxicity. Here we test the function of the N-terminal 17 amino acids (N17) in the context of the exon 1 fragment of HTT in a novel, inducible zebrafish model of HD. Results Deletion of N17 coupled with 97Q expansion (mHTT-ΔN17-exon1) resulted in a robust, rapidly progressing movement deficit, while fish with intact N17 and 97Q expansion (mHTT-exon1) have more delayed-onset movement deficits with slower progression. The level of mHTT-ΔN17-exon1 protein was significantly higher than mHTT-exon1, although the mRNA level of each transgene was marginally different, suggesting that N17 may regulate HTT protein stability in vivo. In addition, cell lineage specific induction of the mHTT-ΔN17-exon1 transgene in neurons was sufficient to recapitulate the consequences of ubiquitous transgene expression. Within neurons, accelerated nuclear accumulation of the toxic HTT fragment was observed in mHTT-ΔN17-exon1 fish, demonstrating that N17 also plays an important role in sub-cellular localization in vivo. Conclusions We have developed a novel, inducible zebrafish model of HD. These animals exhibit a progressive movement deficit reminiscent of that seen in other animal models and human patients. Deletion of the N17 terminal amino acids of the huntingtin fragment results in an accelerated HD-like phenotype that may be due to enhanced protein stability and nuclear accumulation of HTT. These transgenic lines will provide a valuable new tool to study mechanisms of HD at the behavioral, cellular, and molecular levels. Future experiments will be focused on identifying genetic modifiers, mechanisms and therapeutics that alleviate polyQ aggregation in the nucleus of neurons. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13024-015-0063-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew B Veldman
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California-Los Angeles, 621 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Yesenia Rios-Galdamez
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California-Los Angeles, 621 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Xiao-Hong Lu
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Los Angeles, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, USA.,Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Xiaofeng Gu
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Los Angeles, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, USA.,Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Wei Qin
- Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Song Li
- Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - X William Yang
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Los Angeles, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, USA.,Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Shuo Lin
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California-Los Angeles, 621 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA. .,Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
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Liu G, Hu Y, Tunnacliffe A, Zheng Y. A plant cell model of polyglutamine aggregation: Identification and characterisation of macromolecular and small-molecule anti-protein aggregation activity in vivo. J Biotechnol 2015; 207:39-46. [PMID: 26003885 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2015.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2014] [Revised: 05/07/2015] [Accepted: 05/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In vitro studies have shown that LEA proteins from plants and invertebrates protect and stabilise other proteins under conditions of water stress, suggesting a role in stress tolerance. However, there is little information on LEA protein function in whole plants or plant cells, particularly with respect to their anti-aggregation activity. To address this, we expressed in tobacco BY-2 suspension cells an aggregation-prone protein based on that responsible for Huntington's disease (HD). In HD, abnormally long stretches of polyglutamine (polyQ) in huntingtin (Htt) protein cause aggregation of Htt fragments within cells. We constructed stably transformed BY-2 cell lines expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-HttQ23 or EGFP-HttQ52 fusion proteins (encoding 23 or 52 glutamine residues, pertaining to the normal and disease states, respectively), as well as an EGFP control. EGFP-HttQ52 protein aggregated in the cytoplasm of transformed tobacco cells, which showed slow growth kinetics; in contrast, EGFP-HttQ23 or EGFP did not form aggregates and cells expressing these constructs grew normally. To test the effect of LEA proteins on protein aggregation in plant cells, we constructed cell lines expressing both EGFP-HttQ52 and LEA proteins (PM1, PM18, ZLDE-2 or AavLEA1) or a sHSP (PM31). Of these, AavLEA1 and PM31 reduced intracellular EGFP-HttQ52 aggregation and alleviated the associated growth inhibition, while PM18 and ZLDE-2 partially restored growth rates. Treatment of EGFP-HttQ52-expressing BY2 cells with the polyphenol epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) also reduced EGFP-HttQ52 aggregation and improved cell growth rate. The EGFP-HttQ52 cell line therefore has potential for characterising both macromolecular and small molecule inhibitors of protein aggregation in plant cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guobao Liu
- College of Life Science, Key Laboratory of Microorganism and Genetic Engineering of Shenzhen City, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, PR China.
| | - Yueming Hu
- College of Life Science, Key Laboratory of Microorganism and Genetic Engineering of Shenzhen City, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, PR China.
| | - Alan Tunnacliffe
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3RA, United Kingdom.
| | - Yizhi Zheng
- College of Life Science, Key Laboratory of Microorganism and Genetic Engineering of Shenzhen City, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, PR China.
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Deeg AA, Reiner AM, Schmidt F, Schueder F, Ryazanov S, Ruf VC, Giller K, Becker S, Leonov A, Griesinger C, Giese A, Zinth W. Anle138b and related compounds are aggregation specific fluorescence markers and reveal high affinity binding to α-synuclein aggregates. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2015; 1850:1884-90. [PMID: 26028294 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2015.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Revised: 04/26/2015] [Accepted: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Special diphenyl-pyrazole compounds and in particular anle138b were found to reduce the progression of prion and Parkinson's disease in animal models. The therapeutic impact of these compounds was attributed to the modulation of α-synuclein and prion-protein aggregation related to these diseases. METHODS Photophysical and photochemical properties of the diphenyl-pyrazole compounds anle138b, anle186b and sery313b and their interaction with monomeric and aggregated α-synuclein were studied by fluorescence techniques. RESULTS The fluorescence emission of diphenyl-pyrazole is strongly increased upon incubation with α-synuclein fibrils, while no change in fluorescence emission is found when brought in contact with monomeric α-synuclein. This points to a distinct interaction between diphenyl-pyrazole and the fibrillar structure with a high binding affinity (Kd=190±120nM) for anle138b. Several α-synuclein proteins form a hydrophobic binding pocket for the diphenyl-pyrazole compound. A UV-induced dehalogenation reaction was observed for anle138b which is modulated by the hydrophobic environment of the fibrils. CONCLUSION Fluorescence of the investigated diphenyl-pyrazole compounds strongly increases upon binding to fibrillar α-synuclein structures. Binding at high affinity occurs to hydrophobic pockets in the fibrils. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE The observed particular fluorescence properties of the diphenyl-pyrazole molecules open new possibilities for the investigation of the mode of action of these compounds in neurodegenerative diseases. The high binding affinity to aggregates and the strong increase in fluorescence upon binding make the compounds promising fluorescence markers for the analysis of aggregation-dependent epitopes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas A Deeg
- BioMolekulare Optik and Center for Integrated Protein Science CIPSM, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Oettingenstr. 67, 80538 Munich, Germany
| | - Anne M Reiner
- BioMolekulare Optik and Center for Integrated Protein Science CIPSM, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Oettingenstr. 67, 80538 Munich, Germany
| | - Felix Schmidt
- Zentrum für Neuropathologie und Prionforschung, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 23, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Florian Schueder
- BioMolekulare Optik and Center for Integrated Protein Science CIPSM, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Oettingenstr. 67, 80538 Munich, Germany
| | - Sergey Ryazanov
- NMR-based Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Viktoria C Ruf
- Zentrum für Neuropathologie und Prionforschung, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 23, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Karin Giller
- NMR-based Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Becker
- NMR-based Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Andrei Leonov
- NMR-based Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Christian Griesinger
- NMR-based Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; DFG Research Center Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Armin Giese
- Zentrum für Neuropathologie und Prionforschung, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 23, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Zinth
- BioMolekulare Optik and Center for Integrated Protein Science CIPSM, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Oettingenstr. 67, 80538 Munich, Germany.
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28
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Lazarev VF, Benken KA, Semenyuk PI, Sarantseva SV, Bolshakova OI, Mikhaylova ER, Muronetz VI, Guzhova IV, Margulis BA. GAPDH binders as potential drugs for the therapy of polyglutamine diseases: Design of a new screening assay. FEBS Lett 2015; 589:581-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2015.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2014] [Revised: 01/12/2015] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Oosterhof N, Boddeke E, van Ham TJ. Immune cell dynamics in the CNS: Learning from the zebrafish. Glia 2014; 63:719-35. [PMID: 25557007 DOI: 10.1002/glia.22780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2014] [Accepted: 12/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
A major question in research on immune responses in the brain is how the timing and nature of these responses influence physiology, pathogenesis or recovery from pathogenic processes. Proper understanding of the immune regulation of the human brain requires a detailed description of the function and activities of the immune cells in the brain. Zebrafish larvae allow long-term, noninvasive imaging inside the brain at high-spatiotemporal resolution using fluorescent transgenic reporters labeling specific cell populations. Together with recent additional technical advances this allows an unprecedented versatility and scope of future studies. Modeling of human physiology and pathology in zebrafish has already yielded relevant insights into cellular dynamics and function that can be translated to the human clinical situation. For instance, in vivo studies in the zebrafish have provided new insight into immune cell dynamics in granuloma formation in tuberculosis and the mechanisms involving treatment resistance. In this review, we highlight recent findings and novel tools paving the way for basic neuroimmunology research in the zebrafish. GLIA 2015;63:719-735.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nynke Oosterhof
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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31
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C9orf72 FTLD/ALS-associated Gly-Ala dipeptide repeat proteins cause neuronal toxicity and Unc119 sequestration. Acta Neuropathol 2014; 128:485-503. [PMID: 25120191 PMCID: PMC4159571 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-014-1329-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 248] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2014] [Revised: 07/09/2014] [Accepted: 07/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hexanucleotide repeat expansion in C9orf72 is the most common pathogenic mutation in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). Despite the lack of an ATG start codon, the repeat expansion is translated in all reading frames into dipeptide repeat (DPR) proteins, which form insoluble, ubiquitinated, p62-positive aggregates that are most abundant in the cerebral cortex and cerebellum. To specifically analyze DPR toxicity and aggregation, we expressed DPR proteins from synthetic genes containing a start codon but lacking extensive GGGGCC repeats. Poly-Gly-Ala (GA) formed p62-positive cytoplasmic aggregates, inhibited dendritic arborization and induced apoptosis in primary neurons. Quantitative mass spectrometry analysis to identify poly-GA co-aggregating proteins revealed a significant enrichment of proteins of the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Among the other interacting proteins, we identified the transport factor Unc119, which has been previously linked to neuromuscular and axonal function, as a poly-GA co-aggregating protein. Strikingly, the levels of soluble Unc119 are strongly reduced upon poly-GA expression in neurons, suggesting a loss of function mechanism. Similar to poly-GA expression, Unc119 knockdown inhibits dendritic branching and causes neurotoxicity. Unc119 overexpression partially rescues poly-GA toxicity suggesting that poly-GA expression causes Unc119 loss of function. In C9orf72 patients, Unc119 is detectable in 9.5 % of GA inclusions in the frontal cortex, but only in 1.6 % of GA inclusions in the cerebellum, an area largely spared of neurodegeneration. A fraction of neurons with Unc119 inclusions shows loss of cytosolic staining. Poly-GA-induced Unc119 loss of function may thereby contribute to selective vulnerability of neurons with DPR protein inclusions in the pathogenesis of C9orf72 FTLD/ALS.
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Sumbre G, de Polavieja GG. The world according to zebrafish: how neural circuits generate behavior. Front Neural Circuits 2014; 8:91. [PMID: 25126059 PMCID: PMC4115616 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2014.00091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2014] [Accepted: 07/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Germán Sumbre
- Ecole Normale Supérieure, Institut de Biologie de l'ENS Paris, France ; Inserm, U1024 Paris, France ; CNRS, UMR 8197 Paris, France
| | - Gonzalo G de Polavieja
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas Madrid, Spain ; Champalimaud Neuroscience Programme, Champalimaud Center for the Unknown Lisbon, Portugal
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Das S, Rajanikant GK. Huntington disease: can a zebrafish trail leave more than a ripple? Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2014; 45:258-61. [PMID: 25003805 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2014.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2013] [Revised: 06/22/2014] [Accepted: 06/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decade, zebrafish has proved to be very useful in modeling neurodegenerative conditions. It poses a number of advantages and has been accepted as one of the best models for elucidating pathophysiological mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases, including Huntington disease (HD). HD is a debilitating neurodegenerative genetic disorder that affects a person's ability to think, talk, and move. The pathophysiology of HD is not completely understood, which prevents the development of effective therapeutic approaches. Using zebrafish as a model organism, scientific advancements can be made in understanding the HD pathology/mechanisms with the hope of developing potential therapies in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sambit Das
- School of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology Calicut, NITC Campus PO, Calicut 673601, Kerala, India
| | - G K Rajanikant
- School of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology Calicut, NITC Campus PO, Calicut 673601, Kerala, India.
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35
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SiO2 nanoparticles change colour preference and cause Parkinson's-like behaviour in zebrafish. Sci Rep 2014; 4:3810. [PMID: 24448416 PMCID: PMC3898208 DOI: 10.1038/srep03810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2013] [Accepted: 12/31/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
With advances in the development of various disciplines, there is a need to decipher bio-behavioural mechanisms via interdisciplinary means. Here, we present an interdisciplinary study of the role of silica nanoparticles (SiO2-NPs) in disturbing the neural behaviours of zebrafish and a possible physiological mechanism for this phenomenon. We used adult zebrafish as an animal model to evaluate the roles of size (15-nm and 50-nm) and concentration (300 μg/mL and 1000 μg/mL) in SiO2-NP neurotoxicity via behavioural and physiological analyses. With the aid of video tracking and data mining, we detected changes in behavioural phenotypes. We found that compared with 50-nm nanosilica, 15-nm SiO2-NPs produced greater significant changes in advanced cognitive neurobehavioural patterns (colour preference) and caused potentially Parkinson's disease-like behaviour. Analyses at the tissue, cell and molecular levels corroborated the behavioural results, demonstrating that nanosilica acted on the retina and dopaminergic (DA) neurons to change colour preference and to cause potentially Parkinson's disease-like behaviour.
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A network of genes connects polyglutamine toxicity to ploidy control in yeast. Nat Commun 2013; 4:1571. [PMID: 23481379 PMCID: PMC3615466 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms2575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2012] [Accepted: 02/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegeneration is linked to protein aggregation in several human disorders. In Huntington’s disease, the length of a polyglutamine stretch in Huntingtin is correlated to neuronal death. Here we utilize a model based on glutamine stretches of 0, 30 or 56 residues in Saccharomyces cerevisiae to understand how such toxic proteins interfere with cellular physiology. A toxicity-mimicking cytostatic effect is evident from compromised colony formation upon expression of polyglutamines. Interestingly, diploid cells are insensitive to polyglutamines and haploid cells can escape cytostasis by hyperploidization. Using a genome-wide screen for genes required to obtain the cytostatic effect, we identify a network related to the budding process and cellular division. We observe a striking mislocalization of the septins Cdc10 and Shs1 in cells arrested by polyglutamines, suggesting that the septin ring may be a pivotal structure connecting polyglutamine toxicity and ploidy. Expansion of polyglutamines correlates with neuronal death in Huntington’s disease. Here the authors show that, in haploid yeast cells, the toxic effect of polyglutamine expression is associated with the disruption of the septin ring and cells may escape from toxicity by hyperploidization.
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Caldwell KA, Shu Y, Roberts NB, Caldwell GA, O’Donnell JM. Invertebrate models of dystonia. Curr Neuropharmacol 2013; 11:16-29. [PMID: 23814534 PMCID: PMC3580786 DOI: 10.2174/157015913804999504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2012] [Revised: 06/02/2012] [Accepted: 07/03/2012] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The neurological movement disorder dystonia is an umbrella term for a heterogeneous group of related conditions where at least 20 monogenic forms have been identified. Despite the substantial advances resulting from the identification of these loci, the function of many DYT gene products remains unclear. Comparative genomics using simple animal models to examine the evolutionarily conserved functional relationships with monogenic dystonias represents a rapid route toward a comprehensive understanding of these movement disorders. Current studies using the invertebrate animal models Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster are uncovering cellular functions and mechanisms associated with mutant forms of the well-conserved gene products corresponding to DYT1, DYT5a, DYT5b, and DYT12 dystonias. Here we review recent findings from the invertebrate literature pertaining to molecular mechanisms of these gene products, torsinA, GTP cyclohydrolase I, tyrosine hydroxylase, and the alpha subunit of Na+/K ATPase, respectively. In each study, the application of powerful genetic tools developed over decades of intensive work with both of these invertebrate systems has led to mechanistic insights into these human disorders. These models are particularly amenable to large-scale genetic screens for modifiers or additional alleles, which are bolstering our understanding of the molecular functions associated with these gene products. Moreover, the use of invertebrate models for the evaluation of DYT genetic loci and their genetic interaction networks has predictive value and can provide a path forward for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim A Caldwell
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA
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Trueman R, Dunnett S, Brooks S. Operant-based instrumental learning for analysis of genetically modified models of Huntington's disease. Brain Res Bull 2012; 88:261-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2011.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2010] [Revised: 03/15/2011] [Accepted: 03/18/2011] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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Högen T, Levin J, Schmidt F, Caruana M, Vassallo N, Kretzschmar H, Bötzel K, Kamp F, Giese A. Two different binding modes of α-synuclein to lipid vesicles depending on its aggregation state. Biophys J 2012; 102:1646-55. [PMID: 22500765 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2012.01.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2011] [Revised: 12/05/2011] [Accepted: 01/30/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aggregation of α-synuclein is involved in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Studies of in vitro aggregation of α-synuclein are rendered complex because of the formation of a heterogeneous population of oligomers. With the use of confocal single-molecule fluorescence techniques, we demonstrate that small aggregates (oligomers) of α-synuclein formed from unbound monomeric species in the presence of organic solvent (DMSO) and iron (Fe(3+)) ions have a high affinity to bind to model membranes, regardless of the lipid-composition or membrane curvature. This binding mode contrasts with the well-established membrane binding of α-synuclein monomers, which is accompanied with α-helix formation and requires membranes with high curvature, defects in the lipid packing, and/or negatively charged lipids. Additionally, we demonstrate that membrane-bound α-synuclein monomers are protected from aggregation. Finally, we identified compounds that potently dissolved vesicle-bound α-synuclein oligomers into monomers, leaving the lipid vesicles intact. As it is commonly believed that formation of oligomers is related PD progression, such compounds may provide a promising strategy for the design of novel therapeutic drugs in Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Högen
- Neurologische Klinik, Klinikum Großhadern, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
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40
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Walters RH, Jacobson KH, Pedersen JA, Murphy RM. Elongation kinetics of polyglutamine peptide fibrils: a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation study. J Mol Biol 2012; 421:329-47. [PMID: 22459263 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2012.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2011] [Revised: 02/08/2012] [Accepted: 03/20/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Abnormally expanded polyglutamine domains in proteins are associated with several neurodegenerative diseases, including Huntington's disease. Expansion of the polyglutamine (polyQ) domain facilitates aggregation of the affected protein, and several studies directly link aggregation to neurotoxicity. Studies of synthetic polyQ peptides have contributed substantially to our understanding of the mechanism of aggregation. In this report, polyQ fibrils were immobilized onto a sensor, and their elongation by polyQ peptides of various length and conformation was examined using quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D). The rate of elongation increased as the peptide length increased from 8 to 24 glutamines (Q8, Q20, and Q24). Monomer conformation affected elongation rates: insertion of a β-turn template d-Pro-Gly in the center of the peptide increased elongation rates several-fold, while insertion of Pro-Pro dramatically slowed elongation. Dissipation measurements of the QCM-D provided qualitative information about mechanical properties of the elongating fibrils. These data showed clear differences in the characteristics of the elongating aggregates, depending on the specific identity of the associating polyQ peptide. Elongation rates were sensitive to the pH and ionic strength of the buffer. Comparison of QCM-D data with those obtained by optical waveguide lightmode spectroscopy revealed that very little water was associated with the elongation of fibrils by the peptide containing d-Pro-Gly, but a significant amount of water was associated when the fibrils were elongated by Q20. Together, the data indicate that elongation of polyQ fibrils can occur without full consolidation to the fibril structure, resulting in variations to the aggregate structure during elongation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert H Walters
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1415 Engineering Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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Mikhailova EV, Artemov AV, Snigirevskaya ES, Artamonova TO, Khodorkovskii MA, Soidla TR, Nevzglyadova OV. Effect of red pigment on insulin fibril formation in vitro. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.1134/s1990519x11060095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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42
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Abstract
The zebrafish, Danio rerio, has been established as an excellent vertebrate model for the study of developmental biology and gene function. It also has proven to be a valuable model to study human diseases. Here, we reviewed recent publications using zebrafish to study the pathology of human neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson's, Huntington's, and Alzheimer's. These studies indicate that zebrafish genes and their human homologues have conserved functions with respect to the etiology of neurodegenerative diseases. The characteristics of the zebrafish and the experimental approaches to which it is amenable make this species a useful complement to other animal models for the study of pathologic mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases and for the screening of compounds with therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanwei Xi
- Department of Biology, Center for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, University of Ottawa, 30 Marie Curie, Ottawa, Ontario K1N6N5, Canada
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43
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Walters RH, Murphy RM. Aggregation kinetics of interrupted polyglutamine peptides. J Mol Biol 2011; 412:505-19. [PMID: 21821045 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2011.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2011] [Revised: 06/02/2011] [Accepted: 07/04/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Abnormally expanded polyglutamine domains are associated with at least nine neurodegenerative diseases, including Huntington's disease. Expansion of the glutamine region facilitates aggregation of the impacted protein, and aggregation has been linked to neurotoxicity. Studies of synthetic peptides have contributed substantially to our understanding of the mechanism of aggregation because the underlying biophysics of polyglutamine-mediated association can be probed independent of their context within a larger protein. In this report, interrupting residues were inserted into polyglutamine peptides (Q20), and the impact on conformational and aggregation properties was examined. A peptide with two alanine residues formed laterally aligned fibrillar aggregates that were similar to the uninterrupted Q20 peptide. Insertion of two proline residues resulted in soluble, nonfibrillar aggregates, which did not mature into insoluble aggregates. In contrast, insertion of a β-turn template (D)PG rapidly accelerated aggregation and resulted in a fibrillar aggregate morphology with little lateral alignment between fibrils. These results are interpreted to indicate that (a) long-range nonspecific interactions lead to the formation of soluble oligomers, while maturation of oligomers into fibrils requires conformational conversion and (b) that soluble oligomers dynamically interact with each other, while insoluble aggregates are relatively inert. Kinetic analysis revealed that the increase in aggregation caused by the (D)PG insert is inconsistent with the nucleation-elongation mechanism of aggregation featuring a monomeric β-sheet nucleus. Rather, the data support a mechanism of polyglutamine aggregation by which monomers associate into soluble oligomers, which then undergo slow structural rearrangement to form sedimentable aggregates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert H Walters
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 1415 Engineering Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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Geissen M, Leidel F, Eiden M, Hirschberger T, Fast C, Bertsch U, Tavan P, Giese A, Kretzschmar H, Schatzl HM, Groschup MH. From high-throughput cell culture screening to mouse model: identification of new inhibitor classes against prion disease. ChemMedChem 2011; 6:1928-37. [PMID: 21755599 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201100119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2011] [Revised: 06/21/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE) or prion diseases belong to a category of fatal and so far untreatable neurodegenerative conditions. All prion diseases are characterized by both degeneration in the central nervous system (CNS) in humans and animals and the deposition and accumulation of Proteinase K-resistant prion protein (PrP(res)). Until now, no pharmaceutical product has been available to cure these diseases or to alleviate their associated symptoms. Here, a cell-culture screening system is described that allows for the large-scale analysis of the PrP(res) inhibitory potential of a library of compounds and the identification of structural motifs leading potent compounds able to cause PrP(res) clearance at the cellular level. Based on different scrapie-infected cell lines, 10,000 substances were tested, out of which 530 potential inhibitors were identified. After re-screening and validation using a series of dilutions, 14 compounds were identified as the most effective. These 14 compounds were then used for therapeutic studies in a mouse bioassay to test and verify their in vivo potency. Two compounds exhibited therapeutic potential in the mouse model by significantly extending the survival time of intracerebrally infected mice, when treated 90 days after infection with scrapie.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Geissen
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute for Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Suedufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
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Şişman T. Early life stage and genetic toxicity of stannous chloride on zebrafish embryos and adults: toxic effects of tin on zebrafish. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2011; 26:240-249. [PMID: 20014007 DOI: 10.1002/tox.20550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Humans are exposed to stannous chloride (SnCl(2)), known as tin chloride, present in packaged food, soft drinks, biocides, dentifrices, etc. Health effects in children exposed to tin and tin compounds have not been investigated yet. Therefore, we evaluated the possible teratogenic effects and genotoxic of SnCl(2) in zebrafish (Danio rerio) adults and their embryos. In the embryo-larval study, SnCl(2) showed embryo toxicity and developmental delay after exposure to the various concentrations of 10-250 μM for 120 h. Teratogenic effects including morphological malformations of the embryos and larvae were observed. The embryos exposed to 100 μM displayed tail deformation at 28 hpf and the larvae exposed to 50 μM showed reduced body growth, smaller head and eyes, bent trunk, mild pericardial edema, and smaller caudal fin at 96 hpf. The results of the teratological study show that SnCl(2) induced a significant decrease in the number of living embryos and larvae. Regarding the chromosome analysis, SnCl(2) induced a dose-dependent increase in the micronucleus (MN) frequency in peripheral erythrocytes of adult zebrafish. In blood cells, the 25 μM dose of SnCl(2) caused a nonsignificant increase in the total chromosomal aberrations, but the high doses significantly increased the total number of chromosomal aberrations compared with the control groups. Overall, the results clearly indicate that SnCl(2) is teratogenic and genotoxic to zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Turgay Şişman
- Biology Department, Science Faculty, Atatürk University, 25240 Erzurum, Turkey.
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Fleming A, Rubinsztein DC. Zebrafish as a model to understand autophagy and its role in neurological disease. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2011; 1812:520-6. [PMID: 21256213 PMCID: PMC3060341 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2011.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2009] [Revised: 11/10/2010] [Accepted: 01/03/2011] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In the past decade, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) has become a popular model system for the study of vertebrate development, since the embryos and larvae of this species are small, transparent and undergo rapid development ex utero, allowing in vivo analysis of embryogenesis and organogenesis. These characteristics can also be exploited by researchers interested in signaling pathways and disease processes and, accordingly, there is a growing literature on the use of zebrafish to model human disease. This model holds great potential for exploring how autophagy, an evolutionarily conserved mechanism for protein degradation, influences the pathogeneses of a range of different human diseases and for the evaluation of this pathway as a potential therapeutic strategy. Here we summarize what is known about the regulation of autophagy in eukaryotic cells and its role in neurodegenerative disease and highlight how research using zebrafish has helped further our understanding of these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angeleen Fleming
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - David C. Rubinsztein
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK
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Abstract
It has been more than 17 years since the causative mutation for Huntington's disease was discovered as the expansion of the triplet repeat in the N-terminal portion of the Huntingtin (HTT) gene. In the intervening time, researchers have discovered a great deal about Huntingtin's involvement in a number of cellular processes. However, the role of Huntingtin in the key pathogenic mechanism leading to neurodegeneration in the disease process has yet to be discovered. Here, we review the body of knowledge that has been uncovered since gene discovery and include discussions of the HTT gene, CAG triplet repeat expansion, HTT expression, protein features, posttranslational modifications, and many of its known protein functions and interactions. We also highlight potential pathogenic mechanisms that have come to light in recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen N McFarland
- Department of Neurology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610-0236, USA.
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48
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Abstract
Although the zebrafish (Danio rerio) has been used extensively for many years in neurodevelopmental studies, use of this teleost to study neurological diseases has evolved only recently. Being a vertebrate, this animal offers advantages for the study of human disease over other small animals, such as the fly or worm. Genetic, as well as nongenetic, disorders can be modeled in both the adult organism and the embryo. Genetic manipulation of the embryo to generate stable and transiently expressing transgenic fish, and to knockdown genes to study loss of their function, can be easily achieved. Because of large offspring numbers screening studies can also be readily performed. Here, we describe some of the protocols useful for modeling neurodegenerative disease in zebrafish embryos, with particular emphasis on models to study motor neuron phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela S Laird
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, K.U. Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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49
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Hands SL, Wyttenbach A. Neurotoxic protein oligomerisation associated with polyglutamine diseases. Acta Neuropathol 2010; 120:419-37. [PMID: 20514488 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-010-0703-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2010] [Revised: 05/20/2010] [Accepted: 05/23/2010] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases are associated with a CAG/polyQ expansion mutation in unrelated proteins. Upon elongation of the glutamine tract, disease proteins aggregate within cells, mainly in the central nervous system (CNS) and this aggregation process is associated with neurotoxicity. However, it remains unclear to what extent and how this aggregation causes neuronal dysfunction in the CNS. Aiming at preventing neuronal dysfunction, it will be crucial to determine the links between aggregation and cellular dysfunction, understand the folding pathway of polyQ proteins and discover the relative neurotoxicity of polyQ protein species formed along the aggregation pathway. Here, we review what is known about conformations of polyQ peptides and proteins in their monomeric state from experimental and modelling data, how conformational changes of polyQ proteins relate to their oligomerisation and morphology of aggregates and which cellular function are impaired by oligomers, in vitro and in vivo. We also summarise the key modulatory cellular mechanisms and co-factors, which could affect the folding pathway and kinetics of polyQ aggregation. Although many studies have investigated the relationship between polyQ aggregation and toxicity, these have mainly focussed on investigating changes in the formation of the classical hallmark of polyQ diseases, i.e. microscopically visible inclusion bodies. However, recent studies in which oligomeric species have been considered start to shed light on the identity of neurotoxic oligomeric species. Initial evidence suggests that conformational changes induced by polyQ expansions and their surrounding sequence lead to the formation of particular oligomeric intermediates that may differentially affect neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L Hands
- Southampton Neuroscience Group, School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 7PX, UK
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50
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Kabashi E, Brustein E, Champagne N, Drapeau P. Zebrafish models for the functional genomics of neurogenetic disorders. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2010; 1812:335-45. [PMID: 20887784 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2010.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2009] [Accepted: 09/22/2010] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In this review, we consider recent work using zebrafish to validate and study the functional consequences of mutations of human genes implicated in a broad range of degenerative and developmental disorders of the brain and spinal cord. Also we present technical considerations for those wishing to study their own genes of interest by taking advantage of this easily manipulated and clinically relevant model organism. Zebrafish permit mutational analyses of genetic function (gain or loss of function) and the rapid validation of human variants as pathological mutations. In particular, neural degeneration can be characterized at genetic, cellular, functional, and behavioral levels. Zebrafish have been used to knock down or express mutations in zebrafish homologs of human genes and to directly express human genes bearing mutations related to neurodegenerative disorders such as spinal muscular atrophy, ataxia, hereditary spastic paraplegia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), epilepsy, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, fronto-temporal dementia, and Alzheimer's disease. More recently, we have been using zebrafish to validate mutations of synaptic genes discovered by large-scale genomic approaches in developmental disorders such as autism, schizophrenia, and non-syndromic mental retardation. Advances in zebrafish genetics such as multigenic analyses and chemical genetics now offer a unique potential for disease research. Thus, zebrafish hold much promise for advancing the functional genomics of human diseases, the understanding of the genetics and cell biology of degenerative and developmental disorders, and the discovery of therapeutics. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Zebrafish Models of Neurological Diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edor Kabashi
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
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