1
|
Zhou Y, Zhang Q, Zhao Z, Hu X, You Q, Jiang Z. Targeting kelch-like (KLHL) proteins: achievements, challenges and perspectives. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 269:116270. [PMID: 38490062 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Kelch-like proteins (KLHLs) are a large family of BTB-containing proteins. KLHLs function as the substrate adaptor of Cullin 3-RING ligases (CRL3) to recognize substrates. KLHLs play pivotal roles in regulating various physiological and pathological processes by modulating the ubiquitination of their respective substrates. Mounting evidence indicates that mutations or abnormal expression of KLHLs are associated with various human diseases. Targeting KLHLs is a viable strategy for deciphering the KLHLs-related pathways and devising therapies for associated diseases. Here, we comprehensively review the known KLHLs inhibitors to date and the brilliant ideas underlying their development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yangguo Zhou
- Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Qiong Zhang
- Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Ziquan Zhao
- Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Xiuqi Hu
- Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Qidong You
- Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Zhengyu Jiang
- Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Battaglia RA, Faridounnia M, Beltran A, Robinson J, Kinghorn K, Ezzell JA, Bharucha-Goebel D, Bönnemann CG, Hooper JE, Opal P, Bouldin TW, Armao D, Snider NT. Intermediate filament dysregulation in astrocytes in the human disease model of KLHL16 mutation in giant axonal neuropathy (GAN). Mol Biol Cell 2023; 34:mbcE23030094. [PMID: 37672338 PMCID: PMC10846626 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e23-03-0094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Giant Axonal Neuropathy (GAN) is a pediatric neurodegenerative disease caused by KLHL16 mutations. KLHL16 encodes gigaxonin, which regulates intermediate filament (IF) turnover. Previous neuropathological studies and examination of postmortem brain tissue in the current study revealed involvement of astrocytes in GAN. To develop a clinically-relevant model, we reprogrammed skin fibroblasts from seven GAN patients to pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which were used to generate neural progenitor cells (NPCs), astrocytes, and brain organoids. Multiple isogenic control clones were derived via CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing of one patient line carrying the G332R gigaxonin mutation. All GAN iPSCs were deficient for gigaxonin and displayed patient-specific increased vimentin expression. GAN NPCs had lower nestin expression and fewer nestin-positive cells compared to isogenic controls, but nestin morphology was unaffected. GAN brain organoids were marked by the presence of neurofilament and GFAP aggregates. GAN iPSC-astrocytes displayed striking dense perinuclear vimentin and GFAP accumulations and abnormal nuclear morphology. In over-expression systems, GFAP oligomerization and perinuclear aggregation were augmented in the presence of vimentin. GAN patient cells with large perinuclear vimentin aggregates accumulated significantly more nuclear KLHL16 mRNA compared to cells without vimentin aggregates. As an early effector of KLHL16 mutations, vimentin may be a potential target in GAN.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A. Battaglia
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Maryam Faridounnia
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Adriana Beltran
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Jasmine Robinson
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Karina Kinghorn
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - J. Ashley Ezzell
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | | | | | - Jody E. Hooper
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94305
| | - Puneet Opal
- Departments of Neurology and Cell and Developmental Biology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611
| | - Thomas W. Bouldin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Diane Armao
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
- Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Natasha T. Snider
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Battaglia R, Faridounnia M, Beltran A, Robinson J, Kinghorn K, Ezzell JA, Bharucha-Goebel D, Bonnemann C, Hooper JE, Opal P, Bouldin TW, Armao D, Snider N. Intermediate filament dysregulation and astrocytopathy in the human disease model of KLHL16 mutation in giant axonal neuropathy (GAN). BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.13.532440. [PMID: 36993491 PMCID: PMC10054982 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.13.532440] [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: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Giant Axonal Neuropathy (GAN) is a pediatric neurodegenerative disease caused by KLHL16 mutations. KLHL16 encodes gigaxonin, a regulator of intermediate filament (IF) protein turnover. Previous neuropathological studies and our own examination of postmortem GAN brain tissue in the current study revealed astrocyte involvement in GAN. To study the underlying mechanisms, we reprogrammed skin fibroblasts from seven GAN patients carrying different KLHL16 mutations to iPSCs. Isogenic controls with restored IF phenotypes were derived via CRISPR/Cas9 editing of one patient carrying a homozygous missense mutation (G332R). Neural progenitor cells (NPCs), astrocytes, and brain organoids were generated through directed differentiation. All GAN iPSC lines were deficient for gigaxonin, which was restored in the isogenic control. GAN iPSCs displayed patient-specific increased vimentin expression, while GAN NPCs had decreased nestin expression compared to isogenic control. The most striking phenotypes were observed in GAN iPSC-astrocytes and brain organoids, which exhibited dense perinuclear IF accumulations and abnormal nuclear morphology. GAN patient cells with large perinuclear vimentin aggregates accumulated nuclear KLHL16 mRNA. In over-expression studies, GFAP oligomerization and perinuclear aggregation were potentiated in the presence of vimentin. As an early effector of KLHL16 mutations, vimentin may serve as a potential therapeutic target in GAN.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Battaglia
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Maryam Faridounnia
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Adriana Beltran
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Jasmine Robinson
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Karina Kinghorn
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - J. Ashley Ezzell
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | | | - Carsten Bonnemann
- National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke, Bethesda, MD
| | - Jody E. Hooper
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Puneet Opal
- Departments of Neurology and Cell and Developmental Biology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Thomas W. Bouldin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Diane Armao
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Natasha Snider
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Shirakaki S, Roshmi RR, Yokota T. Genetic Approaches for the Treatment of Giant Axonal Neuropathy. J Pers Med 2022; 13:jpm13010091. [PMID: 36675752 PMCID: PMC9865904 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13010091] [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: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Giant axonal neuropathy (GAN) is a pediatric, hereditary, neurodegenerative disorder that affects both the central and peripheral nervous systems. It is caused by mutations in the GAN gene, which codes for the gigaxonin protein. Gigaxonin plays a role in intermediate filament (IF) turnover hence loss of function of this protein leads to IF aggregates in various types of cells. These aggregates can lead to abnormal cellular function that manifests as a diverse set of symptoms in persons with GAN including nerve degeneration, cognitive issues, skin diseases, vision loss, and muscle weakness. GAN has no cure at this time. Currently, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) 9-mediated gene replacement therapy is being tested in a phase I clinical trial for the treatment of GAN. This review paper aims to provide an overview of giant axonal neuropathy and the current efforts at developing a treatment for this devastating disease.
Collapse
|
5
|
Matos-Nieves A, Manivannan S, Majumdar U, McBride KL, White P, Garg V. A Multi-Omics Approach Using a Mouse Model of Cardiac Malformations for Prioritization of Human Congenital Heart Disease Contributing Genes. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:683074. [PMID: 34504875 PMCID: PMC8421733 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.683074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common type of birth defect, affecting ~1% of all live births. Malformations of the cardiac outflow tract (OFT) account for ~30% of all CHD and include a range of CHDs from bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) to tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). We hypothesized that transcriptomic profiling of a mouse model of CHD would highlight disease-contributing genes implicated in congenital cardiac malformations in humans. To test this hypothesis, we utilized global transcriptional profiling differences from a mouse model of OFT malformations to prioritize damaging, de novo variants identified from exome sequencing datasets from published cohorts of CHD patients. Notch1 +/- ; Nos3 -/- mice display a spectrum of cardiac OFT malformations ranging from BAV, semilunar valve (SLV) stenosis to TOF. Global transcriptional profiling of the E13.5 Notch1 +/- ; Nos3 -/- mutant mouse OFTs and wildtype controls was performed by RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). Analysis of the RNA-Seq dataset demonstrated genes belonging to the Hif1α, Tgf-β, Hippo, and Wnt signaling pathways were differentially expressed in the mutant OFT. Mouse to human comparative analysis was then performed to determine if patients with TOF and SLV stenosis display an increased burden of damaging, genetic variants in gene homologs that were dysregulated in Notch1 +/- ; Nos3 -/- OFT. We found an enrichment of de novo variants in the TOF population among the 1,352 significantly differentially expressed genes in Notch1 +/- ; Nos3 -/- mouse OFT but not the SLV population. This association was not significant when comparing only highly expressed genes in the murine OFT to de novo variants in the TOF population. These results suggest that transcriptomic datasets generated from the appropriate temporal, anatomic and cellular tissues from murine models of CHD may provide a novel approach for the prioritization of disease-contributing genes in patients with CHD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrianna Matos-Nieves
- Center for Cardiovascular Research and Heart Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Sathiyanarayanan Manivannan
- Center for Cardiovascular Research and Heart Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Uddalak Majumdar
- Center for Cardiovascular Research and Heart Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Kim L. McBride
- Center for Cardiovascular Research and Heart Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Peter White
- Department of Pediatrics, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- The Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Vidu Garg
- Center for Cardiovascular Research and Heart Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Armao D, Bouldin TW, Bailey RM, Gray SJ. Extensive rod and cone photoreceptor-cell degeneration in rat models of giant axonal neuropathy: implications for gene therapy of human disease. Ophthalmic Genet 2021; 42:600-603. [PMID: 33955818 DOI: 10.1080/13816810.2021.1923036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Background: Giant axonal neuropathy (GAN; ORPHA: 643; OMIM# 256850) is a rare, hereditary, pediatric neurodegenerative disorder associated with intracellular accumulations of intermediate filaments (IFs). Validation of therapeutic efficacy and viral vector delivery systems with GAN knockout (KO) mouse models has provided the springboard for the development of a viral vector being delivered intrathecally in an ongoing Phase I gene therapy clinical trial for the treatment of children with GAN (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02362438).Purpose: To characterize the ocular pathologic phenotype of newly developed GAN rat models.Materials and Methods: Microscopic examination of eyes at various timepoints.Results: We noted the unexpected finding of progressive and extensive degeneration of rod and cone photoreceptor (PR) cells in the retinas of GAN rat models.Conclusion: This PR-cell loss in rat models of GAN raises the possibility that PR-cell loss may contribute to the visual impairment observed in human GAN. The intrathecal viral vector employed in the ongoing Phase I gene therapy clinical trial for the treatment of children with GAN was not specifically designed to address PR-cell degeneration. If GAN-associated PR-cell loss is present and clinically significant in humans, then future treatment protocols for GAN may need to include a gene transfer approach or combinatorial treatment strategy that also targets retinal PR cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diane Armao
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Thomas W Bouldin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Rachel M Bailey
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas; Viral Vector Facility Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Steven J Gray
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas; Viral Vector Facility Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.,Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.,Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Singh M, Singh SP, Yadav D, Agarwal M, Agarwal S, Agarwal V, Swargiary G, Srivastava S, Tyagi S, Kaur R, Mani S. Targeted Delivery for Neurodegenerative Disorders Using Gene Therapy Vectors: Gene Next Therapeutic Goals. Curr Gene Ther 2021; 21:23-42. [PMID: 32811395 DOI: 10.2174/1566523220999200817164907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The technique of gene therapy, ever since its advent nearly fifty years ago, has been utilized by scientists as a potential treatment option for various disorders. This review discusses some of the major neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) like Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's Disease (PD), Motor neuron diseases (MND), Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), Huntington's Disease (HD), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), etc. and their underlying genetic mechanisms along with the role that gene therapy can play in combating them. The pathogenesis and the molecular mechanisms specifying the altered gene expression of each of these NDDs have also been discussed in elaboration. The use of gene therapy vectors can prove to be an effective tool in the field of curative modern medicine for the generations to come. Therefore, consistent efforts and progressive research towards its implementation can provide us with powerful treatment options for disease conditions that have so far been considered as incurable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manisha Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology (JIIT) Noida, U.P, India
| | - Surinder P Singh
- Bhartiya Nirdeshak Dravya Division, CSIR-National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi, India
| | - Deepshikha Yadav
- Bhartiya Nirdeshak Dravya Division, CSIR-National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi, India
| | - Mugdha Agarwal
- Department of Biotechnology, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology (JIIT) Noida, U.P., India
| | - Shriya Agarwal
- Department of Biotechnology, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology (JIIT) Noida, U.P., India
| | - Vinayak Agarwal
- Department of Biotechnology, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology (JIIT) Noida, U.P., India
| | - Geeta Swargiary
- Department of Biotechnology, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology (JIIT) Noida, U.P., India
| | - Sahil Srivastava
- Department of Biotechnology, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology (JIIT) Noida, U.P., India
| | - Sakshi Tyagi
- Department of Biotechnology, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology (JIIT) Noida, U.P., India
| | - Ramneek Kaur
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Shalini Mani
- Department of Biotechnology, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology (JIIT) Noida, U.P., India
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lescouzères L, Bomont P. E3 Ubiquitin Ligases in Neurological Diseases: Focus on Gigaxonin and Autophagy. Front Physiol 2020; 11:1022. [PMID: 33192535 PMCID: PMC7642974 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.01022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitination is a dynamic post-translational modification that regulates the fate of proteins and therefore modulates a myriad of cellular functions. At the last step of this sophisticated enzymatic cascade, E3 ubiquitin ligases selectively direct ubiquitin attachment to specific substrates. Altogether, the ∼800 distinct E3 ligases, combined to the exquisite variety of ubiquitin chains and types that can be formed at multiple sites on thousands of different substrates confer to ubiquitination versatility and infinite possibilities to control biological functions. E3 ubiquitin ligases have been shown to regulate behaviors of proteins, from their activation, trafficking, subcellular distribution, interaction with other proteins, to their final degradation. Largely known for tagging proteins for their degradation by the proteasome, E3 ligases also direct ubiquitinated proteins and more largely cellular content (organelles, ribosomes, etc.) to destruction by autophagy. This multi-step machinery involves the creation of double membrane autophagosomes in which engulfed material is degraded after fusion with lysosomes. Cooperating in sustaining homeostasis, actors of ubiquitination, proteasome and autophagy pathways are impaired or mutated in wide range of human diseases. From initial discovery of pathogenic mutations in the E3 ligase encoding for E6-AP in Angelman syndrome and Parkin in juvenile forms of Parkinson disease, the number of E3 ligases identified as causal gene for neurological diseases has considerably increased within the last years. In this review, we provide an overview of these diseases, by classifying the E3 ubiquitin ligase types and categorizing the neurological signs. We focus on the Gigaxonin-E3 ligase, mutated in giant axonal neuropathy and present a comprehensive analysis of the spectrum of mutations and the recent biological models that permitted to uncover novel mechanisms of action. Then, we discuss the common functions shared by Gigaxonin and the other E3 ligases in cytoskeleton architecture, cell signaling and autophagy. In particular, we emphasize their pivotal roles in controlling multiple steps of the autophagy pathway. In light of the various targets and extending functions sustained by a single E3 ligase, we finally discuss the challenge in understanding the complex pathological cascade underlying disease and in designing therapeutic approaches that can apprehend this complexity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Léa Lescouzères
- ATIP-Avenir Team, INM, INSERM, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Pascale Bomont
- ATIP-Avenir Team, INM, INSERM, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Xu X, Yang X, Su Z, Wang H, Li X, Sun C, Wang W, Chen Y, Zhang C, Zhang H, Jin F, Zheng J. Identification of Novel Compound Heterozygous Mutations in the GAN Gene of a Chinese Patient Diagnosed With Giant Axonal Neuropathy. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:85. [PMID: 32158379 PMCID: PMC7052293 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Giant axonal neuropathy (GAN) is a very rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by abnormally large and dysfunctional neuronal axons. Mutations in the GAN gene have been identified as the cause of this disorder. In this report, we performed a detailed phenotypic assessment of a Chinese patient with GAN. An array-based exon capture test and targeted next-generation sequencing were used to detect the suspected mutation sites. Compound heterozygous mutations of p.S79L (c.236C > T) in the BTB domain and p.T489S (c.1466C > G) in the kelch domain were identified in the proband’s genome. S79L was a known mutation, and T489S was reported for the first time. The p.S79L and p.T489S were confirmed in the proband’s mother and father, respectively. Both mutations were located in highly conserved regions and affected the predicted protein crystal structures. The proband’s sural biopsy revealed the classical GAN phenotype of swollen axons filled with closely packed neurofilaments. The combined application of the next-generation sequencing platform and bioinformatics analyses was an effective method for diagnosing GAN. The novel compound mutations of S79L and T489S in the GAN gene were likely the cause of the patient’s GAN symptoms. Our findings enrich the spectrum of mutations associated with this rare type of axonopathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomin Xu
- Wenzhou People's Hospital, Wenzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, The Third Clinical Institute Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Wenzhou City Key Laboratory of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiaokai Yang
- Wenzhou People's Hospital, Wenzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, The Third Clinical Institute Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zhongliang Su
- Wenzhou People's Hospital, Wenzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, The Third Clinical Institute Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Hai Wang
- Wenzhou People's Hospital, Wenzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, The Third Clinical Institute Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Wenzhou City Key Laboratory of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiaoqing Li
- Wenzhou People's Hospital, Wenzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, The Third Clinical Institute Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Wenzhou City Key Laboratory of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Wenzhou, China
| | - Congcong Sun
- Wenzhou People's Hospital, Wenzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, The Third Clinical Institute Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Wenzhou City Key Laboratory of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Wenzhou, China
| | - Wenhuan Wang
- Wenzhou People's Hospital, Wenzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, The Third Clinical Institute Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Wenzhou City Key Laboratory of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yao Chen
- Hangzhou Fuyang Women and Children Hospital, Fuyang, China
| | - Chenhui Zhang
- Wenzhou People's Hospital, Wenzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, The Third Clinical Institute Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Wenzhou City Key Laboratory of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Wenzhou, China
| | - Hongping Zhang
- Wenzhou People's Hospital, Wenzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, The Third Clinical Institute Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Fan Jin
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiayong Zheng
- Wenzhou People's Hospital, Wenzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, The Third Clinical Institute Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Wenzhou City Key Laboratory of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Wenzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Shi M, Chen X, Zeng L, Li Z, Liang D, Wu L. The rare Alus element-mediated chimerism of multiple de novo complex rearrangement sequences in GAN result in giant axonal neuropathy. Clin Chim Acta 2019; 502:91-98. [PMID: 31877298 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2019.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Giant axonal neuropathy (GAN) is a rare and grievous autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disease due to loss-of-function mutation in GAN. However, the chimerism of complex rearrangement sequences of GAN has not been reported so far, and the mechanism for its complex rearrangements remains to be determined. We identified a family with clinical symptoms of GAN and aimed to reveal a genetic cause underlying this disease. By whole-exome sequencing in the patient we identified a novel homozygous frameshift mutation with 1 bp deletion (c.27delC) in GAN. However, when analyzed the patient's genomic DNA (gDNA) by quantitative real-time PCR and breakpoint DNA sequencing, we found the chimerism of multiple complex rearrangement sequences encompassing exon 1 of GAN in the patient's genome. The microhomology and localization of the breakpoint indicated that they may be caused by Alu repeat elements. We also found that the mRNA expression level of GAN in patient's lymphocyte was decreased, confirming the pathogenicity of these mutations. Our study is the first reported on many complex rearrangement sequences mosaic in GAN mediated by Alu element. The patient here is not a simple homozygous frameshift mutation, but a compound heterozygous paternal c.27delC mutation and the chimerism of multiple de novo complex rearrangement sequences in GAN. Our results may also provide new insights into the formation and pathogenicity of complex rearrangement in GAN, and may be helpful to genetic counseling and genetic testing. It also enriches the Alu-mediated disease-associated database which are important for correct clinical interpretation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meizhen Shi
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, 110 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan 410078, PR China
| | - Xin Chen
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, 110 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan 410078, PR China
| | - Lanlan Zeng
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, 110 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan 410078, PR China
| | - Zhuo Li
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, 110 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan 410078, PR China
| | - Desheng Liang
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, 110 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan 410078, PR China.
| | - Lingqian Wu
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, 110 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan 410078, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kelch-like proteins: Physiological functions and relationships with diseases. Pharmacol Res 2019; 148:104404. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.104404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
12
|
Armao D, Bouldin TW, Bailey RM, Hooper JE, Bharucha DX, Gray SJ. Advancing the pathologic phenotype of giant axonal neuropathy: early involvement of the ocular lens. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2019; 14:27. [PMID: 30709364 PMCID: PMC6359799 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-018-0957-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 11/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Giant axonal neuropathy (GAN; ORPHA: 643; OMIM# 256850) is a rare, hereditary, pediatric neurodegenerative disorder associated with intracellular accumulations of intermediate filaments (IFs). GAN knockout (KO) mouse models mirror the IF dysregulation and widespread nervous system pathology seen in human GAN. Validation of therapeutic efficacy and viral vector delivery systems with these GAN KO models has provided the springboard for the development of a viral vector being delivered intrathecally in an ongoing Phase I gene therapy clinical trial for the treatment of children with GAN (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02362438). During the course of a comprehensive pathologic characterization of the GAN KO mouse, we discovered the very early and unexpected involvement of the ocular lens. Light microscopy revealed the presence of intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies within lens epithelial cells. The inclusion bodies showed strong immunohistochemical positivity for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). We confirmed that intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies are also present within lens epithelial cells in human GAN. These IF inclusion bodies in lens epithelial cells are unique to GAN. Similar IF inclusion bodies in lens epithelial cells have not been reported previously in experimental animal models or human diseases. Since current paradigms in drug discovery and drug repurposing for IF-associated disorders are often hindered by lack of validated targets, our findings suggest that lens epithelial cells in the GAN KO mouse may provide a potential target, in vivo and in vitro, for evaluating drug efficacy and alternative therapeutic approaches in promoting the clearance of IF inclusions in GAN and other diseases characterized by intracellular IF accumulations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diane Armao
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Thomas W Bouldin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Rachel M Bailey
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jody E Hooper
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Diana X Bharucha
- Department of Neurology and Pediatrics, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, USA.,National Institutes of Health NINDS/ Neurogenetics Branch, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Steven J Gray
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA. .,Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA. .,Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA. .,Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA. .,Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Two novel mutations in the GAN gene causing giant axonal neuropathy. World J Pediatr 2018; 14:298-304. [PMID: 29876741 DOI: 10.1007/s12519-018-0140-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Revised: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Giant axonal neuropathy (GAN) is a rare neurodegenerative disease transmitted in an autosomal recessive mode. This disorder presents motor and sensitive symptoms with an onset in early childhood. Progressive neurodegeneration makes the patients wheelchair dependent by the end of the second decade of life. Affected individuals do not survive beyond the third decade of life. Molecular analysis has identified mutations in the gene GAN in patients with this disorder. This gene produces a protein called gigaxonin which is presumably involved in protein degradation via the ubiquitin-proteasome system. However, the underlying molecular mechanism is not clearly understood yet. METHODS Here we present the first patient from Mexico with clinical data suggesting GAN. Sequencing of the GAN gene was carried out. Changes in the nucleotide sequence were investigated for their possible impact on protein function and structure using the publicly available prediction tools PolyPhen-2 and PANTHER. RESULTS The patient is a compound heterozygous carrying two novel mutations in the GAN gene. The sequence analysis revealed two missense mutations in the Kelch repeats domain. In one allele, a C>T transition was found in exon 9 at the nucleotide position 55393 (g.55393C>T). In the other allele, a transversion G>T in exon 11 at the nucleotide position 67471 (g.67471G>T) was observed. Both of the bioinformatic tools predicted that these amino acid substitutions would have a negative impact on gigaxonin's function. CONCLUSION This work provides useful information for health professionals and expands the spectrum of disease-causing mutations in the GAN gene and it is the first documented case in Mexican population.
Collapse
|
14
|
Bailey RM, Armao D, Nagabhushan Kalburgi S, Gray SJ. Development of Intrathecal AAV9 Gene Therapy for Giant Axonal Neuropathy. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2018; 9:160-171. [PMID: 29766026 PMCID: PMC5948230 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2018.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
An NIH-sponsored phase I clinical trial is underway to test a potential treatment for giant axonal neuropathy (GAN) using viral-mediated GAN gene replacement (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02362438). This trial marks the first instance of intrathecal (IT) adeno-associated viral (AAV) gene transfer in humans. GAN is a rare pediatric neurodegenerative disorder caused by autosomal recessive loss-of-function mutations in the GAN gene, which encodes the gigaxonin protein. Gigaxonin is involved in the regulation, turnover, and degradation of intermediate filaments (IFs). The pathologic signature of GAN is giant axonal swellings filled with disorganized accumulations of IFs. Herein, we describe the development and characterization of the AAV vector carrying a normal copy of the human GAN transgene (AAV9/JeT-GAN) currently employed in the clinical trial. Treatment with AAV/JeT-GAN restored the normal configuration of IFs in patient fibroblasts within days in cell culture and by 4 weeks in GAN KO mice. IT delivery of AAV9/JeT-GAN in aged GAN KO mice preserved sciatic nerve ultrastructure, reduced neuronal IF accumulations and attenuated rotarod dysfunction. This strategy conferred sustained wild-type gigaxonin expression across the PNS and CNS for at least 1 year in mice. These results support the clinical evaluation of AAV9/JeT-GAN for potential therapeutic outcomes and treatment for GAN patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M Bailey
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Diane Armao
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | | | - Steven J Gray
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Hardcastle N, Boulis NM, Federici T. AAV gene delivery to the spinal cord: serotypes, methods, candidate diseases, and clinical trials. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2017; 18:293-307. [PMID: 29249183 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2018.1416089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector-mediated gene delivery to the spinal cord has finally entered the pathway towards regulatory approval. Phase 1 clinical trials using AAV gene therapy for pediatric disorders - spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and giant axonal neuropathy (GAN) - are now underway. AREAS COVERED This review addresses the latest progress in the field of AAV gene delivery to the spinal cord, particularly focusing on the most prominent AAV serotypes and delivery methodologies to the spinal cord. Candidate diseases and scaling up experiments in large animals are also discussed. EXPERT OPINION Intravenous (IV) and intrathecal (IT) deliveries seem to undoubtedly be the preferred routes of administration for diffuse spinal cord delivery of therapeutic AAV vectors that can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and correct inherited genetic disorders. Conversely, intraparenchymal delivery is still an undervalued but very viable approach for segmental therapy in afflictions such as ALS or Pompe Disease as a means to prevent respiratory dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Hardcastle
- a Department of Neurosurgery , Emory University , Atlanta , GA , USA
| | - Nicholas M Boulis
- a Department of Neurosurgery , Emory University , Atlanta , GA , USA
| | - Thais Federici
- a Department of Neurosurgery , Emory University , Atlanta , GA , USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Functional analysis of Cullin 3 E3 ligases in tumorigenesis. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2017; 1869:11-28. [PMID: 29128526 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2017.11.001] [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: 10/18/2017] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cullin 3-RING ligases (CRL3) play pivotal roles in the regulation of various physiological and pathological processes, including neoplastic events. The substrate adaptors of CRL3 typically contain a BTB domain that mediates the interaction between Cullin 3 and target substrates to promote their ubiquitination and subsequent degradation. The biological implications of CRL3 adaptor proteins have been well described where they have been found to play a role as either an oncogene, tumor suppressor, or can mediate either of these effects in a context-dependent manner. Among the extensively studied CRL3-based E3 ligases, the role of the adaptor protein SPOP (speckle type BTB/POZ protein) in tumorigenesis appears to be tissue or cellular context dependent. Specifically, SPOP acts as a tumor suppressor via destabilizing downstream oncoproteins in many malignancies, especially in prostate cancer. However, SPOP has largely an oncogenic role in kidney cancer. Keap1, another well-characterized CRL3 adaptor protein, likely serves as a tumor suppressor within diverse malignancies, mainly due to its specific turnover of its downstream oncogenic substrate, NRF2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2). In accordance with the physiological role the various CRL3 adaptors exhibit, several pharmacological agents have been developed to disrupt its E3 ligase activity, therefore blocking its potential oncogenic activity to mitigate tumorigenesis.
Collapse
|
17
|
MAP1B Light Chain Modulates Synaptic Transmission via AMPA Receptor Intracellular Trapping. J Neurosci 2017; 37:9945-9963. [PMID: 28904092 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0505-17.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Revised: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The regulated transport of AMPA-type glutamate receptors (AMPARs) to the synaptic membrane is a key mechanism to determine the strength of excitatory synaptic transmission in the brain. In this work, we uncovered a new role for the microtubule-associated protein MAP1B in modulating access of AMPARs to the postsynaptic membrane. Using mice and rats of either sex, we show that MAP1B light chain (LC) accumulates in the somatodendritic compartment of hippocampal neurons, where it forms immobile complexes on microtubules that limit vesicular transport. These complexes restrict AMPAR dendritic mobility, leading to the intracellular trapping of receptors and impairing their access to the dendritic surface and spines. Accordingly, increasing MAP1B-LC expression depresses AMPAR-mediated synaptic transmission. This effect is specific for the GluA2 subunit of the AMPAR and requires glutamate receptor interacting protein 1 (GRIP1) interaction with MAP1B-LC. Therefore, MAP1B-LC represents an alternative link between GRIP1-AMPARs and microtubules that does not result in productive transport, but rather limits AMPAR availability for synaptic insertion, with a direct impact on synaptic transmission.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The ability of neurons to modify their synaptic connections, known as synaptic plasticity, is accepted as the cellular basis for learning and memory. One mechanism for synaptic plasticity is the regulated addition and removal of AMPA-type glutamate receptors (AMPARs) at excitatory synapses. In this study, we found that a microtubule-associated protein, MAP1B light chain (MAP1B-LC), participates in this process. MAP1B-LC forms immobile complexes along dendrites. These complexes limit intracellular vesicular trafficking and trap AMPARs inside the dendritic shaft. In this manner, MAP1B restricts the access of AMPARs to dendritic spines and the postsynaptic membrane, contributing to downregulating synaptic transmission.
Collapse
|
18
|
Armao D, Bailey RM, Bouldin TW, Kim Y, Gray SJ. Autonomic nervous system involvement in the giant axonal neuropathy (GAN) KO mouse: implications for human disease. Clin Auton Res 2016; 26:307-13. [PMID: 27369358 PMCID: PMC5057391 DOI: 10.1007/s10286-016-0365-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Giant axonal neuropathy (GAN) is an inherited severe sensorimotor neuropathy. The aim of this research was to investigate the neuropathologic features and clinical autonomic nervous system (ANS) phenotype in two GAN knockout (KO) mouse models. Little is known about ANS involvement in GAN in humans, but autonomic signs and symptoms are commonly reported in early childhood. METHODS Routine histology and immunohistochemistry was performed on GAN KO mouse specimens taken at various ages. Enteric dysfunction was assessed by quantifying the frequency, weight, and water content of defecation in GAN KO mice. RESULTS Histological examination of the enteric, parasympathetic and sympathetic ANS of GAN KO mice revealed pronounced and widespread neuronal perikaryal intermediate filament inclusions. These neuronal inclusions served as an easily identifiable, early marker of GAN in young GAN KO mice. Functional studies identified an age-dependent alteration in fecal weight and defecation frequency in GAN KO mice. CONCLUSIONS For the first time in the GAN KO mouse model, we described the early, pronounced and widespread neuropathologic features involving the ANS. In addition, we provided evidence for a clinical autonomic phenotype in GAN KO mice, reflected in abnormal gastrointestinal function. These findings in GAN KO mice suggest that consideration should be given to ANS involvement in human GAN, especially when considering treatments and patient care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diane Armao
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Rachel M Bailey
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 7119 Thurston Bowles, Campus Box 7352, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7352, USA
| | - Thomas W Bouldin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Yongbaek Kim
- Research Institute for Veterinary Sciences and Laboratory of Clinical Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Steven J Gray
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 7119 Thurston Bowles, Campus Box 7352, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7352, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Israeli E, Dryanovski DI, Schumacker PT, Chandel NS, Singer JD, Julien JP, Goldman RD, Opal P. Intermediate filament aggregates cause mitochondrial dysmotility and increase energy demands in giant axonal neuropathy. Hum Mol Genet 2016; 25:2143-2157. [PMID: 27000625 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddw081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Intermediate filaments (IFs) are cytoskeletal polymers that extend from the nucleus to the cell membrane, giving cells their shape and form. Abnormal accumulation of IFs is involved in the pathogenesis of number neurodegenerative diseases, but none as clearly as giant axonal neuropathy (GAN), a ravaging disease caused by mutations in GAN, encoding gigaxonin. Patients display early and severe degeneration of the peripheral nervous system along with IF accumulation, but it has been difficult to link GAN mutations to any particular dysfunction, in part because GAN null mice have a very mild phenotype. We therefore established a robust dorsal root ganglion neuronal model that mirrors key cellular events underlying GAN. We demonstrate that gigaxonin is crucial for ubiquitin-proteasomal degradation of neuronal IF. Moreover, IF accumulation impairs mitochondrial motility and is associated with metabolic and oxidative stress. These results have implications for other neurological disorders whose pathology includes IF accumulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Navdeep S Chandel
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Singer
- Department of Biology, Portland State University, Portland, OR, USA and
| | - Jean P Julien
- Research Centre of IUSMQ, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Laval University, Quebec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | | | - Puneet Opal
- Davee Department of Neurology, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology,
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
|
21
|
Johnson-Kerner BL, Garcia Diaz A, Ekins S, Wichterle H. Kelch Domain of Gigaxonin Interacts with Intermediate Filament Proteins Affected in Giant Axonal Neuropathy. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0140157. [PMID: 26460568 PMCID: PMC4604155 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0140157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with giant axonal neuropathy (GAN) show progressive loss of motor and sensory function starting in childhood and typically live for less than 30 years. GAN is caused by autosomal recessive mutations leading to low levels of gigaxonin (GIG), a ubiquitously-expressed BTB/Kelch cytoplasmic protein believed to be an E3 ligase substrate adaptor. GAN pathology is characterized by aggregates of intermediate filaments (IFs) in multiple tissues. To delineate the molecular pathway between GIG deficiency and IF pathology, we undertook a proteomic screen to identify the normal binding partners of GIG. Prominent among them were several classes of IFs, including the neurofilament subunits whose accumulation leads to the axonal swellings for which GAN is named. We showed these interactions were dependent on the Kelch domain of GIG. Furthermore, we identified the E3 ligase MYCBP2 and the heat shock proteins HSP90AA1/AB1 as interactors with the BTB domain that may result in the ubiquitination and subsequent degradation of intermediate filaments. Our open-ended proteomic screen provides support to GIG’s role as an adaptor protein, linking IF proteins through its Kelch domain to the ubiquitin pathway proteins via its BTB domain, and points to future approaches for reversing the phenotype in human patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bethany L. Johnson-Kerner
- Project A.L.S./Jenifer Estess Laboratory for Stem Cell Research, New York, New York, United States of America
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
- Departments of Pathology and Cell Biology, Neurology, and Neuroscience, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
- Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Alejandro Garcia Diaz
- Project A.L.S./Jenifer Estess Laboratory for Stem Cell Research, New York, New York, United States of America
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Sean Ekins
- Collaborations in Chemistry, Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Hynek Wichterle
- Project A.L.S./Jenifer Estess Laboratory for Stem Cell Research, New York, New York, United States of America
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
- Departments of Pathology and Cell Biology, Neurology, and Neuroscience, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
- Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Stent A, Gosbell M, Tatarczuch L, Summers BA. Giant axonal neuropathy-like disease in an Alexandrine parrot (Psittacula eupatria). J Vet Diagn Invest 2015; 27:611-5. [PMID: 26330398 DOI: 10.1177/1040638715603423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A chronic progressive neurological condition in an Alexandrine parrot (Psittacula eupatria) was manifest as intention tremors, incoordination, and seizure activity. Histology revealed large eosinophilic bodies throughout the central nervous system, and electron microscopy demonstrated that these bodies were greatly expanded axons distended by short filamentous structures that aggregated to form long strands. The presence of periodic acid-Schiff-positive material within the neuronal bodies of Purkinje cells and ganglionic neurons is another distinctive feature of this disease. The histological features of this case display some features consistent with giant axonal neuropathy as reported in humans and dogs. Based on investigation of the lineage in this case, an underlying inherited defect is suspected, but some additional factor appears to have altered the specific disease presentation in this bird.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Stent
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia (Stent, Tatarczuch, Summers)Greencross Springvale Animal Hospital, Springvale South, Victoria, Australia (Gosbell)
| | - Matthew Gosbell
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia (Stent, Tatarczuch, Summers)Greencross Springvale Animal Hospital, Springvale South, Victoria, Australia (Gosbell)
| | - Liliana Tatarczuch
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia (Stent, Tatarczuch, Summers)Greencross Springvale Animal Hospital, Springvale South, Victoria, Australia (Gosbell)
| | - Brian A Summers
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia (Stent, Tatarczuch, Summers)Greencross Springvale Animal Hospital, Springvale South, Victoria, Australia (Gosbell)
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Johnson-Kerner BL, Ahmad FS, Diaz AG, Greene JP, Gray SJ, Samulski RJ, Chung WK, Van Coster R, Maertens P, Noggle SA, Henderson CE, Wichterle H. Intermediate filament protein accumulation in motor neurons derived from giant axonal neuropathy iPSCs rescued by restoration of gigaxonin. Hum Mol Genet 2014; 24:1420-31. [PMID: 25398950 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddu556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Giant axonal neuropathy (GAN) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease caused by autosomal recessive mutations in the GAN gene resulting in a loss of a ubiquitously expressed protein, gigaxonin. Gene replacement therapy is a promising strategy for treatment of the disease; however, the effectiveness and safety of gigaxonin reintroduction have not been tested in human GAN nerve cells. Here we report the derivation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from three GAN patients with different GAN mutations. Motor neurons differentiated from GAN iPSCs exhibit accumulation of neurofilament (NF-L) and peripherin (PRPH) protein and formation of PRPH aggregates, the key pathological phenotypes observed in patients. Introduction of gigaxonin either using a lentiviral vector or as a stable transgene resulted in normalization of NEFL and PRPH levels in GAN neurons and disappearance of PRPH aggregates. Importantly, overexpression of gigaxonin had no adverse effect on survival of GAN neurons, supporting the feasibility of gene replacement therapy. Our findings demonstrate that GAN iPSCs provide a novel model for studying human GAN neuropathologies and for the development and testing of new therapies in relevant cell types.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bethany L Johnson-Kerner
- Project A.L.S./Jenifer Estess Laboratory for Stem Cell Research, New York, NY 10032, USA, Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Departments of Pathology and Cell Biology, Neurology, and Neuroscience, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative
| | | | - Alejandro Garcia Diaz
- Project A.L.S./Jenifer Estess Laboratory for Stem Cell Research, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - John Palmer Greene
- Project A.L.S./Jenifer Estess Laboratory for Stem Cell Research, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Steven J Gray
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Richard Jude Samulski
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Wendy K Chung
- Department of Pediatrics and Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Rudy Van Coster
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolism, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Paul Maertens
- Departments of Pediatric Neurology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, USA
| | | | - Christopher E Henderson
- Project A.L.S./Jenifer Estess Laboratory for Stem Cell Research, New York, NY 10032, USA, Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Departments of Pathology and Cell Biology, Neurology, and Neuroscience, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Department of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine
| | - Hynek Wichterle
- Project A.L.S./Jenifer Estess Laboratory for Stem Cell Research, New York, NY 10032, USA, Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Departments of Pathology and Cell Biology, Neurology, and Neuroscience, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative,
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Johnson-Kerner BL, Roth L, Greene JP, Wichterle H, Sproule DM. Giant axonal neuropathy: An updated perspective on its pathology and pathogenesis. Muscle Nerve 2014; 50:467-76. [DOI: 10.1002/mus.24321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bethany L. Johnson-Kerner
- Project A.L.S./Jenifer Estess Laboratory for Stem Cell Research; Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons; New York New York USA
| | - Lisa Roth
- Project A.L.S./Jenifer Estess Laboratory for Stem Cell Research; Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons; New York New York USA
| | - J. Palmer Greene
- Project A.L.S./Jenifer Estess Laboratory for Stem Cell Research; Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons; New York New York USA
| | - Hynek Wichterle
- Project A.L.S./Jenifer Estess Laboratory for Stem Cell Research; Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons; New York New York USA
| | - Douglas M. Sproule
- Division of Pediatric Neurosciences, Department of Neurology; SMA Clinical Research Center, Columbia University Medical Center; Harkness Pavilion, HP-519, 180 Fort Washington Avenue New York New York 10032-3791 USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Gupta VA, Beggs AH. Kelch proteins: emerging roles in skeletal muscle development and diseases. Skelet Muscle 2014; 4:11. [PMID: 24959344 PMCID: PMC4067060 DOI: 10.1186/2044-5040-4-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2014] [Accepted: 05/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Our understanding of genes that cause skeletal muscle disease has increased tremendously over the past three decades. Advances in approaches to genetics and genomics have aided in the identification of new pathogenic mechanisms in rare genetic disorders and have opened up new avenues for therapeutic interventions by identification of new molecular pathways in muscle disease. Recent studies have identified mutations of several Kelch proteins in skeletal muscle disorders. The Kelch superfamily is one of the largest evolutionary conserved gene families. The 66 known family members all possess a Kelch-repeat containing domain and are implicated in diverse biological functions. In skeletal muscle development, several Kelch family members regulate the processes of proliferation and/or differentiation resulting in normal functioning of mature muscles. Importantly, many Kelch proteins function as substrate-specific adaptors for Cullin E3 ubiquitin ligase (Cul3), a core component of the ubiquitin-proteasome system to regulate the protein turnover. This review discusses the emerging roles of Kelch proteins in skeletal muscle function and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vandana A Gupta
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, The Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Ave., Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Alan H Beggs
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, The Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Ave., Boston, MA 02115, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Wang L, Zhao D, Wang Z, Zhang W, Lv H, Liu X, Meng L, Yuan Y. Heterogeneity of axonal pathology in chinese patients with giant axonal neuropathy. Muscle Nerve 2014; 50:200-5. [PMID: 24273072 DOI: 10.1002/mus.24130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 11/01/2013] [Accepted: 11/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wang
- Department of Neurology; Peking University First Hospital; 8 Xishiku Street, Xicheng District Beijing 100034 China
| | - Danhua Zhao
- Department of Neurology; Peking University First Hospital; 8 Xishiku Street, Xicheng District Beijing 100034 China
| | - Zhaoxia Wang
- Department of Neurology; Peking University First Hospital; 8 Xishiku Street, Xicheng District Beijing 100034 China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Neurology; Peking University First Hospital; 8 Xishiku Street, Xicheng District Beijing 100034 China
| | - He Lv
- Department of Neurology; Peking University First Hospital; 8 Xishiku Street, Xicheng District Beijing 100034 China
| | - Xiao Liu
- Department of Neurology; Peking University First Hospital; 8 Xishiku Street, Xicheng District Beijing 100034 China
| | - Lingchao Meng
- Department of Neurology; Peking University First Hospital; 8 Xishiku Street, Xicheng District Beijing 100034 China
| | - Yun Yuan
- Department of Neurology; Peking University First Hospital; 8 Xishiku Street, Xicheng District Beijing 100034 China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Cytoplasmic dynein: a key player in neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2014; 57:372-7. [PMID: 24664850 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-014-4639-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2014] [Accepted: 02/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Cytoplasmic dynein is the most important molecular motor driving the movement of a wide range of cargoes towards the minus ends of microtubules. As a molecular motor protein, dynein performs a variety of basic cellular functions including organelle transport and centrosome assembly. In the nervous system, dynein has been demonstrated to be responsible for axonal retrograde transport. Many studies have revealed direct or indirect evidence of dynein in neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease. Among them, a number of mutant proteins involved in various neurodegenerative diseases interact with dynein. Axonal transport disruption is presented as a common feature occurring in neurodegenerative diseases. Dynein heavy chain mutant mice also show features of neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, defects of dynein-dependent processes such as autophagy or clearance of aggregation-prone proteins are found in most of these diseases. Lines of evidence have also shown that dynein is associated with neurodevelopmental diseases. In this review, we focus on dynein involvement in different neurological diseases and discuss potential underlying mechanisms.
Collapse
|
28
|
Li Y, Yang M, Huang Z, Chen X, Maloney MT, Zhu L, Liu J, Yang Y, Du S, Jiang X, Wu JY. AxonQuant: A Microfluidic Chamber Culture-Coupled Algorithm That Allows High-Throughput Quantification of Axonal Damage. Neurosignals 2014; 22:14-29. [PMID: 24603552 DOI: 10.1159/000358092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2013] [Accepted: 12/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Published methods for imaging and quantitatively analyzing morphological changes in neuronal axons have serious limitations because of their small sample sizes, and their time-consuming and nonobjective nature. Here we present an improved microfluidic chamber design suitable for fast and high-throughput imaging of neuronal axons. We developed the AxonQuant algorithm, which is suitable for automatic processing of axonal imaging data. This microfluidic chamber-coupled algorithm allows calculation of an 'axonal continuity index' that quantitatively measures axonal health status in a manner independent of neuronal or axonal density. This method allows quantitative analysis of axonal morphology in an automatic and nonbiased manner. Our method will facilitate large-scale high-throughput screening for genes or therapeutic compounds for neurodegenerative diseases involving axonal damage. When combined with imaging technologies utilizing different gene markers, this method will provide new insights into the mechanistic basis for axon degeneration. Our microfluidic chamber culture-coupled AxonQuant algorithm will be widely useful for studying axonal biology and neurodegenerative disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Shi Y, Wang J, Li JD, Ren H, Guan W, He M, Yan W, Zhou Y, Hu Z, Zhang J, Xiao J, Su Z, Dai M, Wang J, Jiang H, Guo J, Zhou Y, Zhang F, Li N, Du J, Xu Q, Hu Y, Pan Q, Shen L, Wang G, Xia K, Zhang Z, Tang B. Identification of CHIP as a novel causative gene for autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxia. PLoS One 2013; 8:e81884. [PMID: 24312598 PMCID: PMC3846781 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0081884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2013] [Accepted: 10/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxias are a group of neurodegenerative disorders that are characterized by complex clinical and genetic heterogeneity. Although more than 20 disease-causing genes have been identified, many patients are still currently without a molecular diagnosis. In a two-generation autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxia family, we mapped a linkage to a minimal candidate region on chromosome 16p13.3 flanked by single-nucleotide polymorphism markers rs11248850 and rs1218762. By combining the defined linkage region with the whole-exome sequencing results, we identified a homozygous mutation (c.493CT) in CHIP (NM_005861) in this family. Using Sanger sequencing, we also identified two compound heterozygous mutations (c.389AT/c.441GT; c.621C>G/c.707GC) in CHIP gene in two additional kindreds. These mutations co-segregated exactly with the disease in these families and were not observed in 500 control subjects with matched ancestry. CHIP colocalized with NR2A, a subunit of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor, in the cerebellum, pons, medulla oblongata, hippocampus and cerebral cortex. Wild-type, but not disease-associated mutant CHIPs promoted the degradation of NR2A, which may underlie the pathogenesis of ataxia. In conclusion, using a combination of whole-exome sequencing and linkage analysis, we identified CHIP, encoding a U-box containing ubiquitin E3 ligase, as a novel causative gene for autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Shi
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Junling Wang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- The State Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Changsha, China
- The Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jia-Da Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Changsha, China
| | - Haigang Ren
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Wenjuan Guan
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Miao He
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Weiqian Yan
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhengmao Hu
- The State Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Changsha, China
| | - Jianguo Zhang
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
- T-Life Research Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | | | | | | | - Jun Wang
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Centre for iSequencing, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- The State Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Changsha, China
- The Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jifeng Guo
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- The State Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Changsha, China
- The Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yafang Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Fufeng Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Nan Li
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Juan Du
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qian Xu
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yacen Hu
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qian Pan
- The State Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Changsha, China
| | - Lu Shen
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- The State Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Changsha, China
- The Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Guanghui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Kun Xia
- The State Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Changsha, China
| | - Zhuohua Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Changsha, China
| | - Beisha Tang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- The State Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Changsha, China
- The Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Wubben TJ, Eghrari AO, McCoy AN, Ramsey DJ. Optic Atrophy in End-Stage Giant Axonal Neuropathy: A Case Report. Neuroophthalmology 2013; 37:209-213. [PMID: 28167990 DOI: 10.3109/01658107.2013.814149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2013] [Revised: 05/31/2013] [Accepted: 06/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A 32-year-old woman with a history of biopsy-proven giant axonal neuropathy (GAN) and no past ocular history presented after failing a vision-screening test conducted by her primary doctor. Bilateral optic atrophy was observed on fundus examination with cup-to-disc ratio of 0.7. Kinetic visual fields showed moderate constriction in both eyes. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) exhibited diffuse thinning, a pattern atypical of glaucomatous or nutritional optic atrophy and most likely secondary to the optic atrophy associated with GAN. Serial OCT to monitor RNFL thickness may offer a non-invasive means of monitoring progression in GAN for future therapeutic studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T J Wubben
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, Illinois USA
| | - A O Eghrari
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, Maryland USA
| | - A N McCoy
- Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Ann Arbor, Michigan USA
| | - D J Ramsey
- Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School Boston, Massachusetts USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Mussche S, Devreese B, Nagabhushan Kalburgi S, Bachaboina L, Fox JC, Shih HJ, Van Coster R, Samulski RJ, Gray SJ. Restoration of cytoskeleton homeostasis after gigaxonin gene transfer for giant axonal neuropathy. Hum Gene Ther 2013; 24:209-19. [PMID: 23316953 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2012.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Giant axonal neuropathy (GAN) is caused by loss of function of the gigaxonin protein. On a cellular level GAN is characterized by intermediate filament (IF) aggregation, leading to a progressive and fatal peripheral neuropathy in humans. This study sought to determine if re-introduction of the GAN gene into GAN-deficient cells and mice would restore proper cytoskeleton IF homeostasis. Treatment of primary skin fibroblast cultures from three different GAN patients with an adeno-associated virus type 2 (AAV2) vector containing a normal human GAN transgene significantly reduced the number of cells displaying vimentin IF aggregates. A proteomic analysis of these treated cells was also performed, wherein the abundance of 32 of 780 identified proteins significantly changed in response to gigaxonin gene transfer. While 29 of these responding proteins have not been directly described in association with gigaxonin, three were previously identified as being disregulated in GAN and were now shifted toward normal levels. To assess the potential application of this approach in vivo and eventually in humans, GAN mice received an intracisternal injection of an AAV9/GAN vector to globally deliver the GAN gene to the brainstem and spinal cord. The treated mice showed a nearly complete clearance of peripherin IF accumulations at 3 weeks post-injection. These studies demonstrate that gigaxonin gene transfer can reverse the cellular IF aggregate pathology associated with GAN.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silke Mussche
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolism, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Sousounis K, Looso M, Maki N, Ivester CJ, Braun T, Tsonis PA. Transcriptome analysis of newt lens regeneration reveals distinct gradients in gene expression patterns. PLoS One 2013; 8:e61445. [PMID: 23613853 PMCID: PMC3628982 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0061445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2013] [Accepted: 03/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Regeneration of the lens in newts is quite a unique process. The lens is removed in its entirety and regeneration ensues from the pigment epithelial cells of the dorsal iris via transdifferentiation. The same type of cells from the ventral iris are not capable of regenerating a lens. It is, thus, expected that differences between dorsal and ventral iris during the process of regeneration might provide important clues pertaining to the mechanism of regeneration. In this paper, we employed next generation RNA-seq to determine gene expression patterns during lens regeneration in Notophthalmus viridescens. The expression of more than 38,000 transcripts was compared between dorsal and ventral iris. Although very few genes were found to be dorsal- or ventral-specific, certain groups of genes were up-regulated specifically in the dorsal iris. These genes are involved in cell cycle, gene regulation, cytoskeleton and immune response. In addition, the expression of six highly regulated genes, TBX5, FGF10, UNC5B, VAX2, NR2F5, and NTN1, was verified using qRT-PCR. These graded gene expression patterns provide insight into the mechanism of lens regeneration, the markers that are specific to dorsal or ventral iris, and layout a map for future studies in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Sousounis
- Department of Biology and Center for Tissue Regeneration and Engineering at Dayton, University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Mario Looso
- Department of Bioinformatics, Max-Planck-Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Nobuyasu Maki
- Department of Biology and Center for Tissue Regeneration and Engineering at Dayton, University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Clifford J. Ivester
- Department of Biology and Center for Tissue Regeneration and Engineering at Dayton, University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Thomas Braun
- Department of Cardiac Development and Remodeling, Max-Planck-Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
- * E-mail: (TB); (PAT)
| | - Panagiotis A. Tsonis
- Department of Biology and Center for Tissue Regeneration and Engineering at Dayton, University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio, United States of America
- * E-mail: (TB); (PAT)
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Mahammad S, Murthy SNP, Didonna A, Grin B, Israeli E, Perrot R, Bomont P, Julien JP, Kuczmarski E, Opal P, Goldman RD. Giant axonal neuropathy-associated gigaxonin mutations impair intermediate filament protein degradation. J Clin Invest 2013; 123:1964-75. [PMID: 23585478 DOI: 10.1172/jci66387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2013] [Accepted: 02/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Giant axonal neuropathy (GAN) is an early-onset neurological disorder caused by mutations in the GAN gene (encoding for gigaxonin), which is predicted to be an E3 ligase adaptor. In GAN, aggregates of intermediate filaments (IFs) represent the main pathological feature detected in neurons and other cell types, including patients' dermal fibroblasts. The molecular mechanism by which these mutations cause IFs to aggregate is unknown. Using fibroblasts from patients and normal individuals, as well as Gan-/- mice, we demonstrated that gigaxonin was responsible for the degradation of vimentin IFs. Gigaxonin was similarly involved in the degradation of peripherin and neurofilament IF proteins in neurons. Furthermore, proteasome inhibition by MG-132 reversed the clearance of IF proteins in cells overexpressing gigaxonin, demonstrating the involvement of the proteasomal degradation pathway. Together, these findings identify gigaxonin as a major factor in the degradation of cytoskeletal IFs and provide an explanation for IF aggregate accumulation, the subcellular hallmark of this devastating human disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saleemulla Mahammad
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
|
35
|
Fuhrmann-Stroissnigg H, Noiges R, Descovich L, Fischer I, Albrecht DE, Nothias F, Froehner SC, Propst F. The light chains of microtubule-associated proteins MAP1A and MAP1B interact with α1-syntrophin in the central and peripheral nervous system. PLoS One 2012; 7:e49722. [PMID: 23152929 PMCID: PMC3496707 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0049722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2012] [Accepted: 10/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Microtubule-associated proteins of the MAP1 family (MAP1A, MAP1B, and MAP1S) share, among other features, a highly conserved COOH-terminal domain approximately 125 amino acids in length. We conducted a yeast 2-hybrid screen to search for proteins interacting with this domain and identified α1-syntrophin, a member of a multigene family of adapter proteins involved in signal transduction. We further demonstrate that the interaction between the conserved COOH-terminal 125-amino acid domain (which is located in the light chains of MAP1A, MAP1B, and MAP1S) and α1-syntrophin is direct and occurs through the pleckstrin homology domain 2 (PH2) and the postsynaptic density protein 95/disk large/zonula occludens-1 protein homology domain (PDZ) of α1-syntrophin. We confirmed the interaction of MAP1B and α1-syntrophin by co-localization of the two proteins in transfected cells and by co-immunoprecipitation experiments from mouse brain. In addition, we show that MAP1B and α1-syntrophin partially co-localize in Schwann cells of the murine sciatic nerve during postnatal development and in the adult. However, intracellular localization of α1-syntrophin and other Schwann cell proteins such as ezrin and dystrophin-related protein 2 (DRP2) and the localization of the axonal node of Ranvier-associated protein Caspr1/paranodin were not affected in MAP1B null mice. Our findings add to a growing body of evidence that classical MAPs are likely to be involved in signal transduction not only by directly modulating microtubule function, but also through their interaction with signal transduction proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heike Fuhrmann-Stroissnigg
- Max F. Perutz Laboratories, University of Vienna, Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rainer Noiges
- Max F. Perutz Laboratories, University of Vienna, Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Luise Descovich
- Max F. Perutz Laboratories, University of Vienna, Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Irmgard Fischer
- Max F. Perutz Laboratories, University of Vienna, Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Douglas E. Albrecht
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Fatiha Nothias
- INSERM U952, CNRS UMR 7224, Université Pierre et Marie Curie (UPMC) - Paris-06, Paris, France
| | - Stanley C. Froehner
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Friedrich Propst
- Max F. Perutz Laboratories, University of Vienna, Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Vienna, Austria
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Mussche S, De Paepe B, Smet J, Devreese K, Lissens W, Rasic VM, Murnane M, Devreese B, Van Coster R. Proteomic analysis in giant axonal neuropathy: new insights into disease mechanisms. Muscle Nerve 2012; 46:246-56. [PMID: 22806374 DOI: 10.1002/mus.23306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Giant axonal neuropathy (GAN) is a progressive hereditary disease that affects the peripheral and central nervous systems. It is characterized morphologically by aggregates of intermediate filaments in different tissues. Mutations have been reported in the gene that codes for gigaxonin. Nevertheless, the underlying molecular mechanism remains obscure. METHODS Cell lines from 4 GAN patients and 4 controls were analyzed by iTRAQ. RESULTS Among the dysregulated proteins were ribosomal protein L29, ribosomal protein L37, galectin-1, glia-derived nexin, and aminopeptidase N. Also, nuclear proteins linked to formin-binding proteins were found to be dysregulated. Although the major role of gigaxonin is reported to be degradation of cytoskeleton-associated proteins, the amount of 76 structural cytoskeletal proteins was unaltered. CONCLUSIONS Several of the dysregulated proteins play a role in cytoskeletal reorganization. Based on these findings, we speculate that disturbed cytoskeletal regulation is responsible for formation of aggregates of intermediate filaments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silke Mussche
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolism, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Kapur M, Wang W, Maloney MT, Millan I, Lundin VF, Tran TA, Yang Y. Calcium tips the balance: a microtubule plus end to lattice binding switch operates in the carboxyl terminus of BPAG1n4. EMBO Rep 2012; 13:1021-9. [PMID: 22995871 DOI: 10.1038/embor.2012.140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2012] [Revised: 08/28/2012] [Accepted: 08/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Microtubules (MTs) are integral to numerous cellular functions, such as cell adhesion, differentiation and intracellular transport. Their dynamics are largely controlled by diverse MT-interacting proteins, but the signalling mechanisms that regulate these interactions remain elusive. In this report, we identify a rapid, calcium-regulated switch between MT plus end interaction and lattice binding within the carboxyl terminus of BPAG1n4. This switch is EF-hand dependent, and mutations of the EF-hands abolish this dynamic behaviour. Our study thus uncovers a new, calcium-dependent regulatory mechanism for a spectraplakin, BPAG1n4, at the MT plus end.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mridu Kapur
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, MSLS Building, Room P259, 1201 Welch Road, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Yiu EM, Ryan MM. Genetic axonal neuropathies and neuronopathies of pre-natal and infantile onset. J Peripher Nerv Syst 2012; 17:285-300. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1529-8027.2012.00412.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
|
39
|
Wang W, Lundin VF, Millan I, Zeng A, Chen X, Yang J, Allen E, Chen N, Bach G, Hsu A, Maloney MT, Kapur M, Yang Y. Nemitin, a novel Map8/Map1s interacting protein with Wd40 repeats. PLoS One 2012; 7:e33094. [PMID: 22523538 PMCID: PMC3327699 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0033094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2011] [Accepted: 02/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In neurons, a highly regulated microtubule cytoskeleton is essential for many cellular functions. These include axonal transport, regional specialization and synaptic function. Given the critical roles of microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) in maintaining and regulating microtubule stability and dynamics, we sought to understand how this regulation is achieved. Here, we identify a novel LisH/WD40 repeat protein, tentatively named nemitin (neuronal enriched MAP interacting protein), as a potential regulator of MAP8-associated microtubule function. Based on expression at both the mRNA and protein levels, nemitin is enriched in the nervous system. Its protein expression is detected as early as embryonic day 11 and continues through adulthood. Interestingly, when expressed in non-neuronal cells, nemitin displays a diffuse pattern with puncta, although at the ultrastructural level it localizes along the microtubule network in vivo in sciatic nerves. These results suggest that the association of nemitin to microtubules may require an intermediary protein. Indeed, co-expression of nemitin with microtubule-associated protein 8 (MAP8) results in nemitin losing its diffuse pattern, instead decorating microtubules uniformly along with MAP8. Together, these results imply that nemitin may play an important role in regulating the neuronal cytoskeleton through an interaction with MAP8.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Department of Neurology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Victor F. Lundin
- Department of Neurology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Ivan Millan
- Department of Neurology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Anne Zeng
- Department of Neurology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Xinyu Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Elizabeth Allen
- Department of Neurology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Ningna Chen
- Department of Neurology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Gillian Bach
- Department of Neurology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Andrew Hsu
- Department of Neurology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Michael T. Maloney
- Department of Neurology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Mridu Kapur
- Department of Neurology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Yanmin Yang
- Department of Neurology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Abstract
MNDs (motorneuron diseases) are neurodegenerative disorders in which motorneurons located in the motor cortex, in the brainstem and in the spinal cord are affected. These diseases in their inherited or sporadic forms are mainly characterized by motor dysfunctions, occasionally associated with cognitive and behavioural alterations. Although these diseases show high variability in onset, progression and clinical symptoms, they share common pathological features, and motorneuronal loss invariably leads to muscle weakness and atrophy. One of the most relevant aspect of these disorders is the occurrence of defects in axonal transport, which have been postulated to be either a direct cause, or a consequence, of motorneuron degeneration. In fact, due to their peculiar morphology and high energetic metabolism, motorneurons deeply rely on efficient axonal transport processes. Dysfunction of axonal transport is known to adversely affect motorneuronal metabolism, inducing progressive degeneration and cell death. In this regard, the understanding of the fine mechanisms at the basis of the axonal transport process and of their possible alterations may help shed light on MND pathological processes. In the present review, we will summarize what is currently known about the alterations of axonal transport found to be either causative or a consequence of MNDs.
Collapse
|
41
|
Ganay T, Boizot A, Burrer R, Chauvin JP, Bomont P. Sensory-motor deficits and neurofilament disorganization in gigaxonin-null mice. Mol Neurodegener 2011; 6:25. [PMID: 21486449 PMCID: PMC3094382 DOI: 10.1186/1750-1326-6-25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2011] [Accepted: 04/12/2011] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Giant Axonal Neuropathy (GAN) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder with early onset characterized by a severe deterioration of the peripheral and central nervous system, involving both the motor and the sensory tracts and leading to ataxia, speech defect and intellectual disabilities. The broad deterioration of the nervous system is accompanied by a generalized disorganization of the intermediate filaments, including neurofilaments in neurons, but the implication of this defect in disease onset or progression remains unknown. The identification of gigaxonin, the substrate adaptor of an E3 ubiquitin ligase, as the defective protein in GAN allows us to now investigate the crucial role of the gigaxonin-E3 ligase in sustaining neuronal and intermediate filament integrity. To study the mechanisms controlled by gigaxonin in these processes and to provide a relevant model to test the therapeutic approaches under development for GAN, we generated a Gigaxonin-null mouse by gene targeting. Results We investigated for the first time in Gigaxonin-null mice the deterioration of the motor and sensory functions over time as well as the spatial disorganization of neurofilaments. We showed that gigaxonin depletion in mice induces mild but persistent motor deficits starting at 60 weeks of age in the 129/SvJ-genetic background, while sensory deficits were demonstrated in C57BL/6 animals. In our hands, another gigaxonin-null mouse did not display the early and severe motor deficits reported previously. No apparent neurodegeneration was observed in our knock-out mice, but dysregulation of neurofilaments in proximal and distal axons was massive. Indeed, neurofilaments were not only more abundant but they also showed the abnormal increase in diameter and misorientation that are characteristics of the human pathology. Conclusions Together, our results show that gigaxonin depletion in mice induces mild motor and sensory deficits but recapitulates the severe neurofilament dysregulation seen in patients. Our model will allow investigation of the role of the gigaxonin-E3 ligase in organizing neurofilaments and may prove useful in understanding the pathological processes engaged in other neurodegenerative disorders characterized by accumulation of neurofilaments and dysfunction of the Ubiquitin Proteasome System, such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Huntington's, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
Collapse
|
42
|
Eschbach J, Dupuis L. Cytoplasmic dynein in neurodegeneration. Pharmacol Ther 2011; 130:348-63. [PMID: 21420428 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2011.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2011] [Accepted: 03/01/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cytoplasmic dynein 1 (later referred to as dynein) is the major molecular motor moving cargoes such as mitochondria, organelles and proteins towards the minus end of microtubules. Dynein is involved in multiple basic cellular functions, such as mitosis, autophagy and structure of endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi, but also in neuron specific functions in particular retrograde axonal transport. Dynein is regulated by a number of protein complexes, notably by dynactin. Several studies have supported indirectly the involvement of dynein in neurodegeneration associated with Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease and motor neuron diseases. First, axonal transport disruption represents a common feature occurring in neurodegenerative diseases. Second, a number of dynein-dependent processes, including autophagy or clearance of aggregation-prone proteins, are found defective in most of these diseases. Third, a number of mutant genes in various neurodegenerative diseases are involved in the regulation of dynein transport. This includes notably mutations in the P150Glued subunit of dynactin that are found in Perry syndrome and motor neuron diseases. Interestingly, gene products that are mutant in Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, motor neuron disease or spino-cerebellar ataxia are also involved in the regulation of dynein motor activity or of cargo binding. Despite a constellation of indirect evidence, direct links between the motor itself and neurodegeneration are few, and this might be due to the requirement of fully active dynein for development. Here, we critically review the evidence of dynein involvement in different neurodegenerative diseases and discuss potential underlying mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Judith Eschbach
- Inserm U692, Laboratoire de Signalisations Moléculaires et Neurodégénérescence, Strasbourg, F-67085, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Taylor AM, Jeon NL. Micro-scale and microfluidic devices for neurobiology. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2010; 20:640-7. [PMID: 20739175 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2010.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2010] [Revised: 07/22/2010] [Accepted: 07/27/2010] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The precise spatial and temporal control afforded by microfluidic devices make them uniquely suited as experimental tools for cellular neuroscience. Micro-structures have been developed to direct the placement of cells and small organisms within a device. Microfluidics can precisely define pharmacological microenvironments, mimicking conditions found in vivo with the advantage of defined parameters which are usually difficult to control and manipulate in vivo. These devices are compatible with high-resolution microscopy, are simple to assemble, and are reproducible. In this review we will focus on microfluidic devices that have recently been developed for small, whole organisms such as C. elegans and dissociated cultured neurons. These devices have improved control over the placement of cells or organisms and allowed unprecedented experimental access, enabling novel investigations in neurobiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne M Taylor
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Cirak S, von Deimling F, Sachdev S, Errington WJ, Herrmann R, Bönnemann C, Brockmann K, Hinderlich S, Lindner TH, Steinbrecher A, Hoffmann K, Privé GG, Hannink M, Nürnberg P, Voit T. Kelch-like homologue 9 mutation is associated with an early onset autosomal dominant distal myopathy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 133:2123-35. [PMID: 20554658 PMCID: PMC2892937 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awq108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Distal myopathies are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by progressive weakness and muscular atrophy, beginning in distal limb muscles and affecting proximal limb muscles at a later stage. We studied a large German kindred with 10 affected members. Weakness and atrophy of the anterior tibial muscles started between the ages of 8 and 16 years, followed by atrophy of intrinsic hand muscles. Progression was slow, and patients retained the ability to walk until the seventh decade. Serum creatinine kinase levels were increased in the range of 150–1400 U/l. Muscle biopsies showed myopathic changes, whereas immunohistochemistry showed normal expression of marker proteins for muscular dystrophies. Patients had reduced sensation with stocking-glove distribution in the distal limbs in later life. Nerve conduction studies revealed no evidence of neuropathy. Genome-wide linkage analysis in this family revealed a new locus for distal myopathy at 9p21.2-p22.3 (multipoint logarithm of the odds ratio = 4.21). By positional cloning we found a heterozygous mutation L95F in the Kelch-like homologue 9 gene, encoding a bric-a-brac Kelch protein. Molecular modelling indicated that the mutation may interfere with the interaction of the bric-a-brac domain with Cullin 3. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments confirmed that the mutation reduces association with Cullin 3 in the Kelch-like homologue 9-Cullin 3–E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, which is involved in ubiquitin-dependent protein degradation. We identified a unique form of early onset autosomal dominant distal myopathy which is associated with a Kelch-like homologue 9 mutation and interferes with normal skeletal muscle through a novel pathogenetic mechanism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sebahattin Cirak
- Institute of Child Health, Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N1EH, UK.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Vasudev M, Bhat M, Bharath R, Prasad C, Arvinda H, Kulkarni G, Gayathri N. Giant Axonal Neuropathy: A Pictorial Essay and Review of Literature. Neuroradiol J 2010; 23:119-25. [DOI: 10.1177/197140091002300120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2010] [Accepted: 01/26/2010] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Giant axonal neuropathy (GAN) is a neurodegenerative disorder classified within the hereditary motor and sensory neuropathies, affecting both the peripheral and central nervous systems. GAN typically presents in early childhood before the age of five years and progresses to death usually by early adulthood. Various imaging findings in giant axonal neuropathy have been described and documented in literature in the form multiple case reports. We here present a pictorial essay of all the major imaging GAN findings described in the literature. In addition, involvement of the dentate nucleus hitherto not described in the literature was noted in the present case.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M.K. Vasudev
- Neuro Imaging and Interventional Radiology, National Institute of Mental Health and NeuroSciences; Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - M.D. Bhat
- Neuro Imaging and Interventional Radiology, National Institute of Mental Health and NeuroSciences; Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - R.D. Bharath
- Neuro Imaging and Interventional Radiology, National Institute of Mental Health and NeuroSciences; Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - C. Prasad
- Neuro Imaging and Interventional Radiology, National Institute of Mental Health and NeuroSciences; Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - H. Arvinda
- Neuro Imaging and Interventional Radiology, National Institute of Mental Health and NeuroSciences; Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - G. Kulkarni
- Neuro Imaging and Interventional Radiology, National Institute of Mental Health and NeuroSciences; Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - N. Gayathri
- Neuro Imaging and Interventional Radiology, National Institute of Mental Health and NeuroSciences; Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Shmueli A, Segal M, Sapir T, Tsutsumi R, Noritake J, Bar A, Sapoznik S, Fukata Y, Orr I, Fukata M, Reiner O. Ndel1 palmitoylation: a new mean to regulate cytoplasmic dynein activity. EMBO J 2009; 29:107-19. [PMID: 19927128 DOI: 10.1038/emboj.2009.325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2009] [Accepted: 10/09/2009] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulated activity of the retrograde molecular motor, cytoplasmic dynein, is crucial for multiple biological activities, and failure to regulate this activity can result in neuronal migration retardation or neuronal degeneration. The activity of dynein is controlled by the LIS1-Ndel1-Nde1 protein complex that participates in intracellular transport, mitosis, and neuronal migration. These biological processes are subject to tight multilevel modes of regulation. Palmitoylation is a reversible posttranslational lipid modification, which can dynamically regulate protein trafficking. We found that both Ndel1 and Nde1 undergo palmitoylation in vivo and in transfected cells by specific palmitoylation enzymes. Unpalmitoylated Ndel1 interacts better with dynein, whereas the interaction between Nde1 and cytoplasmic dynein is unaffected by palmitoylation. Furthermore, palmitoylated Ndel1 reduced cytoplasmic dynein activity as judged by Golgi distribution, VSVG and short microtubule trafficking, transport of endogenous Ndel1 and LIS1 from neurite tips to the cell body, retrograde trafficking of dynein puncta, and neuronal migration. Our findings indicate, to the best of our knowledge, for the first time that Ndel1 palmitoylation is a new mean for fine-tuning the activity of the retrograde motor cytoplasmic dynein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anat Shmueli
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Dorsey SG, Leitch CC, Renn CL, Lessans S, Smith BA, Wang XM, Dionne RA. Genome-wide screen identifies drug-induced regulation of the gene giant axonal neuropathy (Gan) in a mouse model of antiretroviral-induced painful peripheral neuropathy. Biol Res Nurs 2009; 11:7-16. [PMID: 19398414 DOI: 10.1177/1099800409332726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Painful peripheral neuropathy is a debilitating complication of the treatment of HIV with nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). Patients are living longer with these drugs; however many develop excruciating, unremitting, and often treatment-limiting neuropathy that is resistant to conventional pain management therapies. Improving patient comfort and quality of life is paramount and depends on a clearer understanding of this devastating side effect. The mechanisms underlying the development of NRTI-induced neuropathy, however, remain unclear. Using a mouse model of NRTI-induced neuropathy, the authors conducted an unbiased whole-genome microarray screen to identify molecular targets in the spinal dorsal horn, which is the location where integration of ascending sensory transmission and descending modulatory effects occur. Analysis of the microarray data identified a change in the gene giant axonal neuropathy 1 (Gan1). Mutation of this gene has been linked to the development of giant axonal neuropathy (GAN), a rare autosomal recessive condition characterized by a progressive sensorimotor neuropathy. Gan1 has not been previously linked to nerve pathologies in other populations. In this study, downregulation of the Gan1 gene and the gene protein product, gigaxonin, was validated via quantitative polymerase chain reaction ([qPCR] gene expression) and Western blot analyses (protein level). Our report is the first to suggest that Gan1 might be a novel molecular target in the development of NRTI-induced peripheral neuropathy with implications for new therapeutic approaches to preventing or reducing a significant side effect of HIV treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susan G Dorsey
- University of Maryland School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Perrot R, Eyer J. Neuronal intermediate filaments and neurodegenerative disorders. Brain Res Bull 2009; 80:282-95. [PMID: 19539727 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2009.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2009] [Revised: 06/05/2009] [Accepted: 06/05/2009] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Intermediate filaments represent the most abundant cytoskeletal element in mature neurons. Mutations and/or accumulations of neuronal intermediate filament proteins are frequently observed in several human neurodegenerative disorders. Although it is now admitted that disorganization of the neurofilament network may be directly involved in neurodegeneration, certain type of perikaryal intermediate filament aggregates confer protection in motor neuron disease. The use of various mouse models provided a better knowledge of the role played by the disorganization of intermediate filaments in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders, but the mechanisms leading to the formation of these aggregates remain elusive. Here, we will review some neurodegenerative diseases involving intermediate filaments abnormalities and possible mechanisms susceptible to provoke them.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rodolphe Perrot
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology of Laval University, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Quebec, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Onset of human cytomegalovirus replication in fibroblasts requires the presence of an intact vimentin cytoskeleton. J Virol 2009; 83:7015-28. [PMID: 19403668 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00398-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Like all viruses, herpesviruses extensively interact with the host cytoskeleton during entry. While microtubules and microfilaments appear to facilitate viral capsid transport toward the nucleus, evidence for a role of intermediate filaments in herpesvirus entry is lacking. Here, we examined the function of vimentin intermediate filaments in fibroblasts during the initial phase of infection of two genotypically distinct strains of human cytomegalovirus (CMV), one with narrow (AD169) and one with broad (TB40/E) cell tropism. Chemical disruption of the vimentin network with acrylamide, intermediate filament bundling in cells from a patient with giant axonal neuropathy, and absence of vimentin in fibroblasts from vimentin(-/-) mice severely reduced entry of either strain. In vimentin null cells, viral particles remained in the cytoplasm longer than in vimentin(+/+) cells. TB40/E infection was consistently slower than that of AD169 and was more negatively affected by the disruption or absence of vimentin. These findings demonstrate that an intact vimentin network is required for CMV infection onset, that intermediate filaments may function during viral entry to facilitate capsid trafficking and/or docking to the nuclear envelope, and that maintenance of a broader cell tropism is associated with a higher degree of dependence on the vimentin cytoskeleton.
Collapse
|
50
|
Cleveland DW, Yamanaka K, Bomont P. Gigaxonin controls vimentin organization through a tubulin chaperone-independent pathway. Hum Mol Genet 2009; 18:1384-94. [PMID: 19168853 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddp044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Gigaxonin mutations cause the fatal human neurodegenerative disorder giant axonal neuropathy (GAN). Broad deterioration of the nervous system in GAN patients is accompanied by massive disorganization of intermediate filaments (IFs) both in neurons and many non-neuronal cells. With newly developed antibodies, gigaxonin is now shown to be expressed at extremely low levels throughout the nervous system. In lymphoblast cell lines derived from severe and mild forms of GAN, mutations in gigaxonin are shown to yield highly unstable proteins, thereby permitting a rapid diagnostic test for the spectrum of GAN mutations as an alternative to invasive nerve biopsy or systematic sequencing of the GAN gene. Gigaxonin has been proposed as a substrate adaptor for an E3 ubiquitin ligase, which affects proteasome-dependent degradation of microtubule-related proteins including MAP1B, MAP8 and the tubulin folding chaperone TBCB. We demonstrate that, unlike its counterpart TBCE, TBCB only moderately destabilizes microtubules. Neither TBCB abundance nor microtubule organization or densities are altered in GAN mutant fibroblasts, thus demonstrating that altered TBCB levels are not primary determinants of IF disorganization in GAN. Characteristic GAN mutant-induced ovoid aggregates of vimentin are not produced in normal fibroblasts after disrupting microtubule assembly, either by TBCE overexpression or depolymerizing drugs. Thus, IF disorganization in GAN fibroblasts is independent of TBCB and microtubule loss and must be regulated by a yet unidentified mechanism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Don W Cleveland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|