1
|
Ben-Hur S, Sernik S, Afar S, Kolpakova A, Politi Y, Gal L, Florentin A, Golani O, Sivan E, Dezorella N, Morgenstern D, Pietrokovski S, Schejter E, Yacobi-Sharon K, Arama E. Egg multivesicular bodies elicit an LC3-associated phagocytosis-like pathway to degrade paternal mitochondria after fertilization. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5715. [PMID: 38977659 PMCID: PMC11231261 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50041-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are maternally inherited, but the mechanisms underlying paternal mitochondrial elimination after fertilization are far less clear. Using Drosophila, we show that special egg-derived multivesicular body vesicles promote paternal mitochondrial elimination by activating an LC3-associated phagocytosis-like pathway, a cellular defense pathway commonly employed against invading microbes. Upon fertilization, these egg-derived vesicles form extended vesicular sheaths around the sperm flagellum, promoting degradation of the sperm mitochondrial derivative and plasma membrane. LC3-associated phagocytosis cascade of events, including recruitment of a Rubicon-based class III PI(3)K complex to the flagellum vesicular sheaths, its activation, and consequent recruitment of Atg8/LC3, are all required for paternal mitochondrial elimination. Finally, lysosomes fuse with strings of large vesicles derived from the flagellum vesicular sheaths and contain degrading fragments of the paternal mitochondrial derivative. Given reports showing that in some mammals, the paternal mitochondria are also decorated with Atg8/LC3 and surrounded by multivesicular bodies upon fertilization, our findings suggest that a similar pathway also mediates paternal mitochondrial elimination in other flagellated sperm-producing organisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Ben-Hur
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Shoshana Sernik
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Sara Afar
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Alina Kolpakova
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yoav Politi
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Liron Gal
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Anat Florentin
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ofra Golani
- Department of Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ehud Sivan
- Department of Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Nili Dezorella
- Department of Chemical Research Support, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - David Morgenstern
- de Botton Institute for Protein Profiling, The Nancy and Stephen Grand Israel National Center for Personalised Medicine, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Shmuel Pietrokovski
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Eyal Schejter
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Keren Yacobi-Sharon
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Eli Arama
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tao X, Liu J, Diaz-Perez Z, Foley JR, Nwafor A, Stewart TM, Casero RA, Zhai RG. Reduction of spermine synthase enhances autophagy to suppress Tau accumulation. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:333. [PMID: 38740758 PMCID: PMC11091227 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06720-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Precise polyamine metabolism regulation is vital for cells and organisms. Mutations in spermine synthase (SMS) cause Snyder-Robinson intellectual disability syndrome (SRS), characterized by significant spermidine accumulation and autophagy blockage in the nervous system. Emerging evidence connects polyamine metabolism with other autophagy-related diseases, such as Tauopathy, however, the functional intersection between polyamine metabolism and autophagy in the context of these diseases remains unclear. Here, we altered SMS expression level to investigate the regulation of autophagy by modulated polyamine metabolism in Tauopathy in Drosophila and human cellular models. Interestingly, while complete loss of Drosophila spermine synthase (dSms) impairs lysosomal function and blocks autophagic flux recapitulating SRS disease phenotype, partial loss of dSms enhanced autophagic flux, reduced Tau protein accumulation, and led to extended lifespan and improved climbing performance in Tauopathy flies. Measurement of polyamine levels detected a mild elevation of spermidine in flies with partial loss of dSms. Similarly, in human neuronal or glial cells, partial loss of SMS by siRNA-mediated knockdown upregulated autophagic flux and reduced Tau protein accumulation. Importantly, proteomics analysis of postmortem brain tissue from Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients showed a significant albeit modest elevation of SMS level. Taken together, our study uncovers a functional correlation between polyamine metabolism and autophagy in AD: SMS reduction upregulates autophagy, suppresses Tau accumulation, and ameliorates neurodegeneration and cell death. These findings provide a new potential therapeutic target for AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xianzun Tao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Jiaqi Liu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Zoraida Diaz-Perez
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Jackson R Foley
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ashley Nwafor
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Tracy Murray Stewart
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Robert A Casero
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - R Grace Zhai
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Xu Y, Liu W, Sun Z, Yu Y, Yang T, Lu X, Zhang G, Jiao J, Duan X. The two autophagy-related proteins 8a and 8b play distinct physiological roles in Drosophila. Genomics 2024; 116:110853. [PMID: 38701988 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2024.110853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Atg8 family proteins play crucial roles in autophagy to maintain cellular homeostasis. However, the physiological roles of Atg8 family proteins have not been systematically determined. In this study, we generated Atg8a and Atg8b (homologs of Atg8 in Drosophila melanogaster) knockout flies. We found that the loss of Atg8a affected autophagy and resulted in partial lethality, abnormal wings, decreased lifespan, and decreased climbing ability in flies. Furthermore, the loss of Atg8a resulted in reduced muscle integrity and the progressive degeneration of the neuron system. We also found that the phosphorylation at Ser88 of Atg8a is important for autophagy and neuronal integrity. The loss of Atg8b did not affect autophagy but induced male sterility in flies. Here, we take full advantage of the fly system to elucidate the physiological function of Atg8a and Atg8b in Drosophila.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, China
| | - Wei Liu
- College of Basic Medicine, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Zhaolin Sun
- School of Life Sciences, Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, China
| | - Yurun Yu
- School of Life Sciences, Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, China
| | - Tianhao Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, China
| | - Xirui Lu
- School of Life Sciences, Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, China
| | - Guiqiang Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, China
| | - Jianwei Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Xiuying Duan
- School of Life Sciences, Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhang S, Wang Z, Jiang J, Feng G, Fan S. Lactobacillus reuteri's multifaceted role in mitigating ionizing radiation-induced injury in Drosophila melanogaster. Food Funct 2024; 15:3522-3538. [PMID: 38465872 DOI: 10.1039/d3fo05422e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
The numerous beneficial probiotic properties of Lactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri) include decreasing metabolic syndrome, preventing disorders linked to oxidative stress, improving gut flora imbalances, controlling immunological function, and extending life span. Exposure to ionizing radiation is closely associated with several disorders. We examined the protective and salvaging effects of L. reuteri on ionizing radiation-induced injury to the intestinal tract, reproductive system, and nervous system of Drosophila melanogaster. We also examined its effects on lifespan, antioxidant capacity, progeny development, and behavioral aspects to assess the interaction between L. reuteri and ionizing radiation-induced injury. The findings demonstrated that L. reuteri improved the median survival time following irradiation and greatly extended its lifespan. In addition, it raised SOD activity, reduced ROS levels in intestinal epithelial cells, and increased the quantity of intestinal stem cells. Furthermore, L. reuteri enhanced the adult male flies' capacity to move. It also successfully safeguarded the generations' growth and development. L. reuteri dramatically enhanced expression of the AMPKα gene and regulated expression of its pathway-related gene, mTOR, as well as the autophagy-related genes Atg1 and Atg5 in female Drosophila exposed to irradiation. Notably, no prior reports have been made on the possible effects of L. reuteri on injuries caused by irradiation. As a result, our research offers important new information regarding L. reuteri's possible role as a shield against ionizing radiation-induced injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Songling Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300192, P.R. China.
| | - Zhaoyu Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300192, P.R. China.
| | - Jin Jiang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300192, P.R. China.
| | - Guoxing Feng
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300192, P.R. China.
| | - Saijun Fan
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300192, P.R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Shang JN, Yu CG, Li R, Xi Y, Jian YJ, Xu N, Chen S. The nonautophagic functions of autophagy-related proteins. Autophagy 2024; 20:720-734. [PMID: 37682088 PMCID: PMC11062363 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2023.2254664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
ABBREVIATIONS ATG: autophagy related; BECN1: beclin 1; cAMP: cyclic adenosine monophosphate; dsDNA: double-stranded DNA; EMT: epithelial-mesenchymal transition; IFN: interferon; ISCs: intestinal stem cells; MAP1LC3/LC3: microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3; MAPK/JNK: mitogen-activated protein kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinases; MTOR: mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase; STING1: stimulator of interferon response cGAMP interactor 1; UVRAG: UV radiation resistance associated; VPS: vacuolar protein sorting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Ni Shang
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Institute of Metabolism and Health, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University School of Medicine, Kaifeng, Henan, PR China
| | - Chen-Ge Yu
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Institute of Metabolism and Health, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University School of Medicine, Kaifeng, Henan, PR China
| | - Rui Li
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Institute of Metabolism and Health, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University School of Medicine, Kaifeng, Henan, PR China
| | - Yan Xi
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Institute of Metabolism and Health, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University School of Medicine, Kaifeng, Henan, PR China
| | - Yue Jenny Jian
- Nanjing Foreign Language School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Nan Xu
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Institute of Metabolism and Health, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University School of Medicine, Kaifeng, Henan, PR China
| | - Su Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Institute of Metabolism and Health, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University School of Medicine, Kaifeng, Henan, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Tan JYK, Chew LY, Juhász G, Yu F. Interplay between autophagy and CncC regulates dendrite pruning in Drosophila. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2310740121. [PMID: 38408233 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2310740121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is essential for the turnover of damaged organelles and long-lived proteins. It is responsible for many biological processes such as maintaining brain functions and aging. Impaired autophagy is often linked to neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases in humans. However, the role of autophagy in neuronal pruning during development remains poorly understood. Here, we report that autophagy regulates dendrite-specific pruning of ddaC sensory neurons in parallel to local caspase activation. Impaired autophagy causes the formation of ubiquitinated protein aggregates in ddaC neurons, dependent on the autophagic receptor Ref(2)P. Furthermore, the metabolic regulator AMP-activated protein kinase and the insulin-target of rapamycin pathway act upstream to regulate autophagy during dendrite pruning. Importantly, autophagy is required to activate the transcription factor CncC (Cap "n" collar isoform C), thereby promoting dendrite pruning. Conversely, CncC also indirectly affects autophagic activity via proteasomal degradation, as impaired CncC results in the inhibition of autophagy through sequestration of Atg8a into ubiquitinated protein aggregates. Thus, this study demonstrates the important role of autophagy in activating CncC prior to dendrite pruning, and further reveals an interplay between autophagy and CncC in neuronal pruning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jue Yu Kelly Tan
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117604, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Liang Yuh Chew
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117604, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Gábor Juhász
- Department of Anatomy, Cell and Developmental Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest H-1117, Hungary
- Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Centre, Szeged H-6726, Hungary
| | - Fengwei Yu
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117604, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Chen X, Qi Y, Huang Q, Sun C, Zheng Y, Ji L, Shi Y, Cheng X, Li Z, Zheng S, Cao Y, Gu Z, Yu J. Single-cell transcriptome characteristics of testicular terminal epithelium lineages during aging in the Drosophila. Aging Cell 2024; 23:e14057. [PMID: 38044573 PMCID: PMC10928582 DOI: 10.1111/acel.14057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is a complex biological process leading to impaired functions, with a variety of hallmarks. In the testis of Drosophila, the terminal epithelium region is involved in spermatid release and maturation, while its functional diversity and regulatory mechanism remain poorly understood. In this study, we performed single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis (scRNA-seq) to characterize the transcriptomes of terminal epithelium in Drosophila testes at 2-, 10 and 40-Days. Terminal epithelium populations were defined with Metallothionein A (MtnA) and subdivided into six novel sub-cell clusters (EP0-EP5), and a series of marker genes were identified based on their expressions. The data revealed the functional characteristics of terminal epithelium populations, such as tight junction, focal adhesion, bacterial invasion, oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, proteasome, apoptosis and metabolism. Interestingly, we also found that disrupting genes for several relevant pathways in terminal epithelium led to male fertility disorders. Moreover, we also discovered a series of age-biased genes and pseudotime trajectory mediated state-biased genes during terminal epithelium aging. Differentially expressed genes during terminal epithelium aging were mainly participated in the regulation of several common signatures, e.g. mitochondria-related events, protein synthesis and degradation, and metabolic processes. We further explored the Drosophila divergence and selection in the functional constraints of age-biased genes during aging, revealing that age-biased genes in epithelial cells of 2 Days group evolved rapidly and were endowed with greater evolutionary advantages. scRNA-seq analysis revealed the diversity of testicular terminal epithelium populations, providing a gene target resource for further systematic research of their functions during aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xia Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nantong First People's HospitalAffiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University; Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong UniversityNantongJiangsuChina
| | - Yujuan Qi
- Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, Xuzhou Central HospitalXuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhouChina
| | - Qiuru Huang
- Institute of Reproductive MedicineMedical School of Nantong University, Nantong UniversityNantongChina
| | - Chi Sun
- Department of GeriatricsAffiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong UniversityNantongChina
| | - Yanli Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nantong First People's HospitalAffiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University; Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong UniversityNantongJiangsuChina
| | - Li Ji
- Institute of Reproductive MedicineMedical School of Nantong University, Nantong UniversityNantongChina
| | - Yi Shi
- Institute of Reproductive MedicineMedical School of Nantong University, Nantong UniversityNantongChina
| | - Xinmeng Cheng
- Institute of Reproductive MedicineMedical School of Nantong University, Nantong UniversityNantongChina
| | - Zhenbei Li
- Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, Xuzhou Central HospitalXuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhouChina
| | - Sen Zheng
- Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, Xuzhou Central HospitalXuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhouChina
| | - Yijuan Cao
- Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, Xuzhou Central HospitalXuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhouChina
| | - Zhifeng Gu
- Department of RheumatologyAffiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong UniversityNantongChina
| | - Jun Yu
- Institute of Reproductive MedicineMedical School of Nantong University, Nantong UniversityNantongChina
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Rogov VV, Nezis IP, Tsapras P, Zhang H, Dagdas Y, Noda NN, Nakatogawa H, Wirth M, Mouilleron S, McEwan DG, Behrends C, Deretic V, Elazar Z, Tooze SA, Dikic I, Lamark T, Johansen T. Atg8 family proteins, LIR/AIM motifs and other interaction modes. AUTOPHAGY REPORTS 2023; 2:27694127.2023.2188523. [PMID: 38214012 PMCID: PMC7615515 DOI: 10.1080/27694127.2023.2188523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
The Atg8 family of ubiquitin-like proteins play pivotal roles in autophagy and other processes involving vesicle fusion and transport where the lysosome/vacuole is the end station. Nuclear roles of Atg8 proteins are also emerging. Here, we review the structural and functional features of Atg8 family proteins and their protein-protein interaction modes in model organisms such as yeast, Arabidopsis, C. elegans and Drosophila to humans. Although varying in number of homologs, from one in yeast to seven in humans, and more than ten in some plants, there is a strong evolutionary conservation of structural features and interaction modes. The most prominent interaction mode is between the LC3 interacting region (LIR), also called Atg8 interacting motif (AIM), binding to the LIR docking site (LDS) in Atg8 homologs. There are variants of these motifs like "half-LIRs" and helical LIRs. We discuss details of the binding modes and how selectivity is achieved as well as the role of multivalent LIR-LDS interactions in selective autophagy. A number of LIR-LDS interactions are known to be regulated by phosphorylation. New methods to predict LIR motifs in proteins have emerged that will aid in discovery and analyses. There are also other interaction surfaces than the LDS becoming known where we presently lack detailed structural information, like the N-terminal arm region and the UIM-docking site (UDS). More interaction modes are likely to be discovered in future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir V. Rogov
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Goethe University, 60438 Frankfurt, am Main, and Structural Genomics Consortium, Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe University, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Ioannis P. Nezis
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, CV4 7AL Coventry, UK
| | | | - Hong Zhang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China and College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yasin Dagdas
- Gregor Mendel Institute, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna BioCenter, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nobuo N. Noda
- Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 15, Nishi 7, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0815, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Nakatogawa
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Martina Wirth
- Molecular Cell Biology of Autophagy, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Stephane Mouilleron
- Structural Biology Science Technology Platform, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | | | - Christian Behrends
- Munich Cluster of Systems Neurology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, München, Germany
| | - Vojo Deretic
- Autophagy, Inflammation and Metabolism Center of Biochemical Research Excellence, Albuquerque, NM and Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM
| | - Zvulun Elazar
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Sharon A. Tooze
- Molecular Cell Biology of Autophagy, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Ivan Dikic
- Institute of Biochemistry II, Medical Faculty, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, and Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Trond Lamark
- Autophagy Research Group, Department of Medical Biology, University of Tromsø - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Terje Johansen
- Autophagy Research Group, Department of Medical Biology, University of Tromsø - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wu W, Lin L, Zhao Y, Li H, Zhang R. Protein modification regulated autophagy in Bombyx mori and Drosophila melanogaster. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1281555. [PMID: 38028759 PMCID: PMC10665574 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1281555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-translational modifications refer to the chemical alterations of proteins following their biosynthesis, leading to changes in protein properties. These modifications, which encompass acetylation, phosphorylation, methylation, SUMOylation, ubiquitination, and others, are pivotal in a myriad of cellular functions. Macroautophagy, also known as autophagy, is a major degradation of intracellular components to cope with stress conditions and strictly regulated by nutrient depletion, insulin signaling, and energy production in mammals. Intriguingly, in insects, 20-hydroxyecdysone signaling predominantly stimulates the expression of most autophagy-related genes while concurrently inhibiting mTOR activity, thereby initiating autophagy. In this review, we will outline post-translational modification-regulated autophagy in insects, including Bombyx mori and Drosophila melanogaster, in brief. A more profound understanding of the biological significance of post-translational modifications in autophagy machinery not only unveils novel opportunities for autophagy intervention strategies but also illuminates their potential roles in development, cell differentiation, and the process of learning and memory processes in both insects and mammals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenmei Wu
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceuticals, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Luobin Lin
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceuticals, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuntao Zhao
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceuticals, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Huaqin Li
- Guangzhou Xinhua University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Rongxin Zhang
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceuticals, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Torres AY, Nano M, Campanale JP, Deak S, Montell DJ. Activated Src kinase promotes cell cannibalism in Drosophila. J Cell Biol 2023; 222:e202302076. [PMID: 37747450 PMCID: PMC10518265 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202302076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Src family kinases (SFKs) are evolutionarily conserved proteins acting downstream of receptors and regulating cellular processes including proliferation, adhesion, and migration. Elevated SFK expression and activity correlate with progression of a variety of cancers. Here, using the Drosophila melanogaster border cells as a model, we report that localized activation of a Src kinase promotes an unusual behavior: engulfment of one cell by another. By modulating Src expression and activity in the border cell cluster, we found that increased Src kinase activity, either by mutation or loss of a negative regulator, is sufficient to drive one cell to engulf another living cell. We elucidate a molecular mechanism that requires integrins, the kinases SHARK and FAK, and Rho family GTPases, but not the engulfment receptor Draper. We propose that cell cannibalism is a result of aberrant phagocytosis, where cells with dysregulated Src activity fail to differentiate between living and dead or self versus non-self, thus driving this malignant behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alba Yurani Torres
- Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Department, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Maddalena Nano
- Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Department, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Joseph P. Campanale
- Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Department, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Sierra Deak
- Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Department, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Denise J. Montell
- Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Department, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Mabuchi Y, Cui X, Xie L, Kim H, Jiang T, Yapici N. Visual feedback neurons fine-tune Drosophila male courtship via GABA-mediated inhibition. Curr Biol 2023; 33:3896-3910.e7. [PMID: 37673068 PMCID: PMC10529139 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.08.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Many species of animals use vision to regulate their social behaviors. However, the molecular and circuit mechanisms underlying visually guided social interactions remain largely unknown. Here, we show that the Drosophila ortholog of the human GABAA-receptor-associated protein (GABARAP) is required in a class of visual feedback neurons, lamina tangential (Lat) cells, to fine-tune male courtship. GABARAP is a ubiquitin-like protein that maintains cell-surface levels of GABAA receptors. We demonstrate that knocking down GABARAP or GABAAreceptors in Lat neurons or hyperactivating them induces male courtship toward other males. Inhibiting Lat neurons, on the other hand, delays copulation by impairing the ability of males to follow females. Remarkably, the fly GABARAP protein and its human ortholog share a strong sequence identity, and the fly GABARAP function in Lat neurons can be rescued by its human ortholog. Using in vivo two-photon imaging and optogenetics, we reveal that Lat neurons are functionally connected to neural circuits that mediate visually guided courtship pursuits in males. Our work identifies a novel physiological function for GABARAP in regulating visually guided courtship pursuits in Drosophila males. Reduced GABAA signaling has been linked to social deficits observed in the autism spectrum and bipolar disorders. The functional similarity between the human and the fly GABARAP raises the possibility of a conserved role for this gene in regulating social behaviors across insects and mammals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Mabuchi
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Xinyue Cui
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Lily Xie
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Haein Kim
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Tianxing Jiang
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Nilay Yapici
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Sanchez-Martinez A, Martinez A, Whitworth AJ. FBXO7/ntc and USP30 antagonistically set the ubiquitination threshold for basal mitophagy and provide a target for Pink1 phosphorylation in vivo. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3002244. [PMID: 37535686 PMCID: PMC10427020 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Functional analyses of genes linked to heritable forms of Parkinson's disease (PD) have revealed fundamental insights into the biological processes underpinning pathogenic mechanisms. Mutations in PARK15/FBXO7 cause autosomal recessive PD and FBXO7 has been shown to regulate mitochondrial homeostasis. We investigated the extent to which FBXO7 and its Drosophila orthologue, ntc, share functional homology and explored its role in mitophagy in vivo. We show that ntc mutants partially phenocopy Pink1 and parkin mutants and ntc overexpression supresses parkin phenotypes. Furthermore, ntc can modulate basal mitophagy in a Pink1- and parkin-independent manner by promoting the ubiquitination of mitochondrial proteins, a mechanism that is opposed by the deubiquitinase USP30. This basal ubiquitination serves as the substrate for Pink1-mediated phosphorylation that triggers stress-induced mitophagy. We propose that FBXO7/ntc works in equilibrium with USP30 to provide a checkpoint for mitochondrial quality control in basal conditions in vivo and presents a new avenue for therapeutic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alvaro Sanchez-Martinez
- MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Aitor Martinez
- MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander J. Whitworth
- MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Szabó Á, Vincze V, Chhatre AS, Jipa A, Bognár S, Varga KE, Banik P, Harmatos-Ürmösi A, Neukomm LJ, Juhász G. LC3-associated phagocytosis promotes glial degradation of axon debris after injury in Drosophila models. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3077. [PMID: 37248218 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38755-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Glial engulfment of neuron-derived debris after trauma, during development, and in neurodegenerative diseases supports nervous system functions. However, mechanisms governing the efficiency of debris degradation in glia have remained largely unexplored. Here we show that LC3-associated phagocytosis (LAP), an engulfment pathway assisted by certain autophagy factors, promotes glial phagosome maturation in the Drosophila wing nerve. A LAP-specific subset of autophagy-related genes is required in glia for axon debris clearance, encoding members of the Atg8a (LC3) conjugation system and the Vps34 lipid kinase complex including UVRAG and Rubicon. Phagosomal Rubicon and Atg16 WD40 domain-dependent conjugation of Atg8a mediate proper breakdown of internalized axon fragments, and Rubicon overexpression in glia accelerates debris elimination. Finally, LAP promotes survival following traumatic brain injury. Our results reveal a role of glial LAP in the clearance of neuronal debris in vivo, with potential implications for the recovery of the injured nervous system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Áron Szabó
- Biological Research Center, Institute of Genetics, Eötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH), Szeged, H-6726, Hungary.
| | - Virág Vincze
- Biological Research Center, Institute of Genetics, Eötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH), Szeged, H-6726, Hungary
| | - Aishwarya Sanjay Chhatre
- Biological Research Center, Institute of Genetics, Eötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH), Szeged, H-6726, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Biology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - András Jipa
- Biological Research Center, Institute of Genetics, Eötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH), Szeged, H-6726, Hungary
| | - Sarolta Bognár
- Biological Research Center, Institute of Genetics, Eötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH), Szeged, H-6726, Hungary
| | - Katalin Eszter Varga
- Biological Research Center, Institute of Genetics, Eötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH), Szeged, H-6726, Hungary
| | - Poulami Banik
- Biological Research Center, Institute of Genetics, Eötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH), Szeged, H-6726, Hungary
| | - Adél Harmatos-Ürmösi
- Biological Research Center, Institute of Genetics, Eötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH), Szeged, H-6726, Hungary
| | - Lukas J Neukomm
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, CH-1005, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Gábor Juhász
- Biological Research Center, Institute of Genetics, Eötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH), Szeged, H-6726, Hungary.
- Department of Anatomy, Cell and Developmental Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, H-1117, Hungary.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Tao X, Liu J, Diaz-Perez Z, Foley JR, Stewart TM, Casero RA, Zhai RG. Reduction of Spermine Synthase Suppresses Tau Accumulation Through Autophagy Modulation in Tauopathy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.17.533015. [PMID: 36993333 PMCID: PMC10055309 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.17.533015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Tauopathy, including Alzheimer Disease (AD), is characterized by Tau protein accumulation and autophagy dysregulation. Emerging evidence connects polyamine metabolism with the autophagy pathway, however the role of polyamines in Tauopathy remains unclear. In the present study we investigated the role of spermine synthase (SMS) in autophagy regulation and tau protein processing in Drosophila and human cellular models of Tauopathy. Our previous study showed that Drosophila spermine synthase (dSms) deficiency impairs lysosomal function and blocks autophagy flux. Interestingly, partial loss-of-function of SMS in heterozygous dSms flies extends lifespan and improves the climbing performance of flies with human Tau (hTau) overexpression. Mechanistic analysis showed that heterozygous loss-of-function mutation of dSms reduces hTau protein accumulation through enhancing autophagic flux. Measurement of polyamine levels detected a mild elevation of spermidine in flies with heterozygous loss of dSms. SMS knock-down in human neuronal or glial cells also upregulates autophagic flux and reduces Tau protein accumulation. Proteomics analysis of postmortem brain tissue from AD patients showed a significant albeit modest elevation of SMS protein level in AD-relevant brain regions compared to that of control brains consistently across several datasets. Taken together, our study uncovers a correlation between SMS protein level and AD pathogenesis and reveals that SMS reduction upregulates autophagy, promotes Tau clearance, and reduces Tau protein accumulation. These findings provide a new potential therapeutic target of Tauopathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xianzun Tao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Jiaqi Liu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Zoraida Diaz-Perez
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Jackson R Foley
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Tracy Murray Stewart
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Robert A Casero
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - R Grace Zhai
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Kwarteng DO, Gangoda M, Kooijman EE. The effect of methylated phosphatidylethanolamine derivatives on the ionization properties of signaling phosphatidic acid. Biophys Chem 2023; 296:107005. [PMID: 36934676 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2023.107005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and Phosphatidylcholine (PC) are the most abundant glycerophospholipids in eukaryotic membranes. The differences in the physicochemical properties of their headgroups have contrasting modulatory effects on their interaction with intracellular macromolecules. As such, their overall impact on membrane structure and function differs significantly. Enzymatic methylation of PE's amine headgroup produces two methylated derivatives namely monomethyl PE (MMPE) and dimethyl PE (DMPE) which have physicochemical properties that generally range between that of PE and PC. Additionally, their influence on membrane properties differs from both PE and PC. Although variations in headgroup methylation have been reported to affect signaling pathways, the direct influence that these differences exert on the ionization properties of signaling phospholipids have not been investigated. Here, we briefly review membrane function and structure that are mediated by the differences in headgroup methylation between PE, MMPE, DMPE and PC. In addition, using 31P MAS NMR, we investigate the effect of these four phospholipids on the ionization properties of the ubiquitous signaling anionic lipid phosphatidic acid (PA). Our results show that PA's ionization properties are differentially affected by changes in phospholipid headgroup methylation. This could have important implications for PA-protein binding and hence physiological functions in cells where signaling events lead to changes in abundance of methylated PE derivatives in the membrane.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Desmond Owusu Kwarteng
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, P.O. Box 5190, Kent, OH 44242, USA.
| | - Mahinda Gangoda
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Kent State University, P.O. Box 5190, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - Edgar E Kooijman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, P.O. Box 5190, Kent, OH 44242, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Mabuchi Y, Cui X, Xie L, Kim H, Jiang T, Yapici N. GABA-mediated inhibition in visual feedback neurons fine-tunes Drosophila male courtship. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.25.525544. [PMID: 36747836 PMCID: PMC9900824 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.25.525544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Vision is critical for the regulation of mating behaviors in many species. Here, we discovered that the Drosophila ortholog of human GABA A -receptor-associated protein (GABARAP) is required to fine-tune male courtship by modulating the activity of visual feedback neurons, lamina tangential cells (Lat). GABARAP is a ubiquitin-like protein that regulates cell-surface levels of GABA A receptors. Knocking down GABARAP or GABA A receptors in Lat neurons or hyperactivating them induces male courtship toward other males. Inhibiting Lat neurons, on the other hand, delays copulation by impairing the ability of males to follow females. Remarkably, the human ortholog of Drosophila GABARAP restores function in Lat neurons. Using in vivo two-photon imaging and optogenetics, we show that Lat neurons are functionally connected to neural circuits that mediate visually-guided courtship pursuits in males. Our work reveals a novel physiological role for GABARAP in fine-tuning the activity of a visual circuit that tracks a mating partner during courtship.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Mabuchi
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, 14853, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Xinyue Cui
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, 14853, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Lily Xie
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, 14853, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Haein Kim
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, 14853, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Tianxing Jiang
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, 14853, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Nilay Yapici
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, 14853, Ithaca, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Varga VB, Keresztes F, Sigmond T, Vellai T, Kovács T. The evolutionary and functional divergence of the Atg8 autophagy protein superfamily. Biol Futur 2022; 73:375-384. [PMID: 35731422 DOI: 10.1007/s42977-022-00123-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy is a highly conserved self-degradation process of eukaryotic cells which is required for the effective elimination of damaged and unnecessary cytosolic constituents. Defects in the process can cause the intracellular accumulation of such damages, thereby leading to the senescence and subsequent loss of the affected cell. Defective autophagy hence is implicated in the development of various degenerative processes, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, tissue atrophy and fibrosis, and immune deficiency, as well as in accelerated aging. The autophagic process is mediated by numerous autophagy-related (ATG) proteins, among which the ATG8/LC3/GABARAP (Microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3/Gammaaminobutyric acid receptor-associated protein) superfamily has a pivotal role in the formation and maturation of autophagosome, a key (macro) autophagic structure (the autophagosome sequesters parts of the cytoplasm which are destined for breakdown). While in the unicellular yeast there is only a single ATG8 protein, metazoan systems usually contain more ATG8 paralogs. ATG8 paralogs generally display tissue-specific expression patterns and their functions are not strictly restricted to autophagy. For example, GABARAP proteins also play a role in intracellular vesicle transport, and, in addition to autophagosome formation, ATG8 also functions in selective autophagy. In this review, we summarize the functional diversity of ATG8/LC3/GABARAP proteins, using tractable genetic models applied in autophagy research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Virginia B Varga
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Biology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/C, Budapest, H-1117, Hungary
| | - Fanni Keresztes
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Biology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/C, Budapest, H-1117, Hungary
| | - Tímea Sigmond
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Biology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/C, Budapest, H-1117, Hungary
| | - Tibor Vellai
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Biology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/C, Budapest, H-1117, Hungary.,ELKH-ELTE Genetics Research Group, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/C, Budapest, H-1117, Hungary
| | - Tibor Kovács
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Biology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/C, Budapest, H-1117, Hungary.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Zhang S, Yazaki E, Sakamoto H, Yamamoto H, Mizushima N. Evolutionary diversification of the autophagy-related ubiquitin-like conjugation systems. Autophagy 2022; 18:2969-2984. [PMID: 35427200 PMCID: PMC9673942 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2022.2059168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Two autophagy-related (ATG) ubiquitin-like conjugation systems, the ATG12 and ATG8 systems, play important roles in macroautophagy. While multiple duplications and losses of the ATG conjugation system proteins are found in different lineages, the extent to which the underlying systems diversified across eukaryotes is not fully understood. Here, in order to understand the evolution of the ATG conjugation systems, we constructed a transcriptome database consisting of 94 eukaryotic species covering major eukaryotic clades and systematically identified ATG conjugation system components. Both ATG10 and the C-terminal glycine of ATG12 are essential for the canonical ubiquitin-like conjugation of ATG12 and ATG5. However, loss of ATG10 or the C-terminal glycine of ATG12 occurred at least 16 times in a wide range of lineages, suggesting that possible covalent-to-non-covalent transition is not limited to the species that we previously reported such as Alveolata and some yeast species. Some species have only the ATG8 system (with conjugation enzymes) or only ATG8 (without conjugation enzymes). More than 10 species have ATG8 homologs without the conserved C-terminal glycine, and Tetrahymena has an ATG8 homolog with a predicted transmembrane domain, which may be able to anchor to the membrane independent of the ATG conjugation systems. We discuss the possibility that the ancestor of the ATG12 and ATG8 systems is more similar to ATG8. Overall, our study offers a whole picture of the evolution and diversity of the ATG conjugation systems among eukaryotes, and provides evidence that functional diversifications of the systems are more common than previously thought.Abbreviations: APEAR: ATG8-PE association region; ATG: autophagy-related; LIR: LC3-interacting region; NEDD8: neural precursor cell expressed, developmentally down-regulated gene 8; PE: phosphatidylethanolamine; SAMP: small archaeal modifier protein; SAR: Stramenopiles, Alveolata, and Rhizaria; SMC: structural maintenance of chromosomes; SUMO: small ubiquitin like modifier; TACK: Thaumarchaeota, Aigarchaeota, Crenarchaeota, and Korarchaeota; UBA: ubiquitin like modifier activating enzyme; UFM: ubiquitin fold modifier; URM: ubiquitin related modifier.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sidi Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Euki Yazaki
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan,Interdisciplinary Theoretical and Mathematical Sciences (iTHEMS), RIKEN, Saitama, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Sakamoto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan,Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan,Department of Infection and Host Defense, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Hayashi Yamamoto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Noboru Mizushima
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan,CONTACT Noboru Mizushima Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo113-0033, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Hargitai D, Kenéz L, Al-Lami M, Szenczi G, Lőrincz P, Juhász G. Autophagy controls Wolbachia infection upon bacterial damage and in aging Drosophila. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:976882. [PMID: 36299486 PMCID: PMC9589277 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.976882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a conserved catabolic process in eukaryotic cells that degrades intracellular components in lysosomes, often in an organelle-specific selective manner (mitophagy, ERphagy, etc). Cells also use autophagy as a defense mechanism, eliminating intracellular pathogens via selective degradation known as xenophagy. Wolbachia pipientis is a Gram-negative intracellular bacterium, which is one of the most common parasites on Earth affecting approximately half of terrestrial arthropods. Interestingly, infection grants the host resistance against other pathogens and modulates lifespan, so this bacterium resembles an endosymbiont. Here we demonstrate that Drosophila somatic cells normally degrade a subset of these bacterial cells, and autophagy is required for selective elimination of Wolbachia upon antibiotic damage. In line with these, Wolbachia overpopulates in autophagy-compromised animals during aging while its presence fails to affect host lifespan unlike in case of control flies. The autophagic degradation of Wolbachia thus represents a novel antibacterial mechanism that controls the propagation of this unique bacterium, behaving both as parasite and endosymbiont at the same time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dávid Hargitai
- Department of Anatomy, Cell and Developmental Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Lili Kenéz
- Department of Anatomy, Cell and Developmental Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Muna Al-Lami
- Department of Anatomy, Cell and Developmental Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Győző Szenczi
- Department of Anatomy, Cell and Developmental Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Péter Lőrincz
- Department of Anatomy, Cell and Developmental Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- *Correspondence: Péter Lőrincz, ; Gábor Juhász,
| | - Gábor Juhász
- Department of Anatomy, Cell and Developmental Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
- *Correspondence: Péter Lőrincz, ; Gábor Juhász,
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Bhattacharjee A, Ürmösi A, Jipa A, Kovács L, Deák P, Szabó Á, Juhász G. Loss of ubiquitinated protein autophagy is compensated by persistent cnc/NFE2L2/Nrf2 antioxidant responses. Autophagy 2022; 18:2385-2396. [PMID: 35184662 PMCID: PMC9543161 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2022.2037852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
SQSTM1/p62-type selective macroautophagy/autophagy receptors cross-link poly-ubiquitinated cargo and autophagosomal LC3/Atg8 proteins to deliver them for lysosomal degradation. Consequently, loss of autophagy leads to accumulation of polyubiquitinated protein aggregates that are also frequently seen in various human diseases, but their physiological relevance is incompletely understood. Here, using a genetically non-redundant Drosophila model, we show that specific disruption of ubiquitinated protein autophagy and concomitant formation of polyubiquitinated aggregates has hardly any effect on bulk autophagy, proteasome activity and fly healthspan. We find that accumulation of ref(2)P/SQSTM1 due to a mutation that disrupts its binding to Atg8a results in the co-sequestering of Keap1 and thus activates the cnc/NFE2L2/Nrf2 antioxidant pathway. These mutant flies have increased tolerance to oxidative stress and reduced levels of aging-associated mitochondrial superoxide. Interestingly, ubiquitin overexpression in ref(2)P point mutants prevents the formation of large aggregates and restores the cargo recognition ability of ref(2)P, although it does not prevent the activation of antioxidant responses. Taken together, potential detrimental effects of impaired ubiquitinated protein autophagy are compensated by the aggregation-induced antioxidant response.Abbreviations: Atg8a: Autophagy-related 8a; cnc: cap-n-collar; IFM: indirect flight muscle; KEAP1: kelch like ECH associated protein 1; LIR: LC3-interacting region; NFE2L2/Nrf2: NFE2 like bZIP transcription factor 2; PB1: Phox and Bem1; ref(2)P: refractory to sigma P; SAR: selective autophagy receptor; UBA: ubiquitin-associated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Adél Ürmösi
- Institute of Genetics; Biological Research Centre; Szeged, Hungary,Doctoral School of Biology; University of Szeged; Szeged, Hungary
| | - András Jipa
- Institute of Genetics; Biological Research Centre; Szeged, Hungary
| | - Levente Kovács
- Department of Genetics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary,Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Péter Deák
- Department of Genetics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Áron Szabó
- Institute of Genetics; Biological Research Centre; Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gábor Juhász
- Institute of Genetics; Biological Research Centre; Szeged, Hungary,Department of Anatomy, Cell and Developmental Biology; Eötvös Loránd University; Budapest, Hungary,CONTACT Gábor Juhász Institute of Genetics; Biological Research Centre; Szeged, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
The PH Domain and C-Terminal polyD Motif of Phafin2 Exhibit a Unique Concurrence in Animals. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:membranes12070696. [PMID: 35877899 PMCID: PMC9324892 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12070696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Phafin2, a member of the Phafin family of proteins, contributes to a plethora of cellular activities including autophagy, endosomal cargo transportation, and macropinocytosis. The PH and FYVE domains of Phafin2 play key roles in membrane binding, whereas the C-terminal poly aspartic acid (polyD) motif specifically autoinhibits the PH domain binding to the membrane phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PtdIns3P). Since the Phafin2 FYVE domain also binds PtdIns3P, the role of the polyD motif remains unclear. In this study, bioinformatics tools and resources were employed to determine the concurrence of the PH-FYVE module with the polyD motif among Phafin2 and PH-, FYVE-, or polyD-containing proteins from bacteria to humans. FYVE was found to be an ancient domain of Phafin2 and is related to proteins that are present in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Interestingly, the polyD motif only evolved in Phafin2 and PH- or both PH-FYVE-containing proteins in animals. PolyD motifs are absent in PH domain-free FYVE-containing proteins, which usually display cellular trafficking or autophagic functions. Moreover, the prediction of the Phafin2-interacting network indicates that Phafin2 primarily cross-talks with proteins involved in autophagy, protein trafficking, and neuronal function. Taken together, the concurrence of the polyD motif with the PH domain may be associated with complex cellular functions that evolved specifically in animals.
Collapse
|
22
|
Rahman A, Lőrincz P, Gohel R, Nagy A, Csordás G, Zhang Y, Juhász G, Nezis IP. GMAP is an Atg8a-interacting protein that regulates Golgi turnover in Drosophila. Cell Rep 2022; 39:110903. [PMID: 35649355 PMCID: PMC9637997 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Selective autophagy receptors and adapters contain short linear motifs called LIR motifs (LC3-interacting region), which are required for the interaction with the Atg8-family proteins. LIR motifs bind to the hydrophobic pockets of the LIR motif docking site (LDS) of the respective Atg8-family proteins. The physiological significance of LDS docking sites has not been clarified in vivo. Here, we show that Atg8a-LDS mutant Drosophila flies accumulate autophagy substrates and have reduced lifespan. Using quantitative proteomics to identify the proteins that accumulate in Atg8a-LDS mutants, we identify the cis-Golgi protein GMAP (Golgi microtubule-associated protein) as a LIR motif-containing protein that interacts with Atg8a. GMAP LIR mutant flies exhibit accumulation of Golgi markers and elongated Golgi morphology. Our data suggest that GMAP mediates the turnover of Golgi by selective autophagy to regulate its morphology and size via its LIR motif-mediated interaction with Atg8a. Atg8a-LDS mutants accumulate autophagy substrates and have reduced lifespan Quantitative proteomics identifies accumulation of GMAP in Atg8a-LDS mutants GMAP interacts with Atg8a via a LIR motif Atg8a-LDS and GMAP LIR motif mutants exhibit elongated Golgi morphology
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashrafur Rahman
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, CV4 7AL Coventry, UK
| | - Peter Lőrincz
- Department of Anatomy, Cell and Developmental Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Raksha Gohel
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, CV4 7AL Coventry, UK
| | - Anikó Nagy
- Department of Anatomy, Cell and Developmental Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Csordás
- Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Yan Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, CV4 7AL Coventry, UK; State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Gábor Juhász
- Department of Anatomy, Cell and Developmental Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary; Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Ioannis P Nezis
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, CV4 7AL Coventry, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Lemus L, Goder V. Membrane trafficking: ESCRTs act here, there, and everywhere. Curr Biol 2022; 32:R292-R294. [PMID: 35349820 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.02.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) proteins can promote extreme membrane deformations, including scission and sealing. New work uncovers a link between these proteins and the early secretory pathway that is functionally important for programmed autophagy during Drosophila development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leticia Lemus
- Department of Genetics, University of Seville, Av. Reina Mercedes 6, 41012 Seville, Spain.
| | - Veit Goder
- Department of Genetics, University of Seville, Av. Reina Mercedes 6, 41012 Seville, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Zhu Y, Lobato AG, Zhai RG, Pinto M. Human Nmnat1 Promotes Autophagic Clearance of Amyloid Plaques in a Drosophila Model of Alzheimer’s Disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:852972. [PMID: 35401143 PMCID: PMC8988035 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.852972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by irreversible cognitive decline with limited therapeutic approaches. We characterized a Drosophila model of amyloid pathology that expresses human amyloid-beta precursor protein (APP695) and β-site APP cleaving enzyme (BACE) in the nervous system. Our model recapitulates in vivo the age-dependent accumulation of BACE-derived C-terminal fragment (CTF) and amyloid plaques in the brain, one of the key pathological hallmarks of AD. Using this model, we assessed the effects on plaque formation of Nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase (Nmnat), an evolutionarily conserved nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) synthase involved in cellular metabolism and neuroprotection. We compared the effects of overexpression of Drosophila Nmnat (dNmnat), human Nmnat1 (hNmnat1), human Nmnat2 (hNmnat2), and human Nmnat3 (hNmnat3), and observed that hNmnat1 has the highest efficacy in reducing amyloid aggregation and APP-CTF accumulation. Interestingly, we demonstrated that overexpression of hNmnat1 reduces amyloid plaques by promoting autophagic clearance. Our findings uncover a role of hNmnat1 in amyloid clearance and suggest an exciting neuroprotective potential of hNmnat1 in amyloid pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Amanda G. Lobato
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - R. Grace Zhai
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
- *Correspondence: Milena Pinto,
| | - Milena Pinto
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
- *Correspondence: Milena Pinto,
| |
Collapse
|