1
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Lancaster CL, Yalamanchili PS, Goldy JN, Leung SW, Corbett AH, Moberg KH. The RNA-binding protein Nab2 regulates levels of the RhoGEF Trio to govern axon and dendrite morphology. Mol Biol Cell 2024; 35:ar109. [PMID: 38985523 PMCID: PMC11321036 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e24-04-0150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The Drosophila RNA-binding protein (RBP) Nab2 acts in neurons to regulate neurodevelopment and is orthologous to the human intellectual disability-linked RBP, ZC3H14. Nab2 governs axon projection in mushroom body neurons and limits dendritic arborization of class IV sensory neurons in part by regulating splicing events in ∼150 mRNAs. Analysis of the Sex-lethal (Sxl) mRNA revealed that Nab2 promotes an exon-skipping event and regulates m6A methylation on Sxl pre-mRNA by the Mettl3 methyltransferase. Mettl3 heterozygosity broadly rescues Nab2null phenotypes implying that Nab2 acts through similar mechanisms on other RNAs, including unidentified targets involved in neurodevelopment. Here, we show that Nab2 and Mettl3 regulate the removal of a 5'UTR (untranslated region) intron in the trio pre-mRNA. Trio utilizes two GEF domains to balance Rac and RhoGTPase activity. Intriguingly, an isoform of Trio containing only the RhoGEF domain, GEF2, is depleted in Nab2null nervous tissue. Expression of Trio-GEF2 rescues projection defects in Nab2null axons and dendrites, while the GEF1 Rac1-regulatory domain exacerbates these defects, suggesting Nab2-mediated regulation Trio-GEF activities. Collectively, these data indicate that Nab2-regulated processing of trio is critical for balancing Trio-GEF1 and -GEF2 activity and show that Nab2, Mettl3, and Trio function in a common pathway that shapes axon and dendrite morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly L. Lancaster
- Department of Biology, Emory College of Arts and Sciences, Atlanta, GA 30322
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Cell and Developmental Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Pranav S. Yalamanchili
- Department of Biology, Emory College of Arts and Sciences, Atlanta, GA 30322
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Jordan N. Goldy
- Department of Biology, Emory College of Arts and Sciences, Atlanta, GA 30322
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Cell and Developmental Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Sara W. Leung
- Department of Biology, Emory College of Arts and Sciences, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Anita H. Corbett
- Department of Biology, Emory College of Arts and Sciences, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Kenneth H. Moberg
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322
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2
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Lester E, Parker R. Tau, RNA, and RNA-Binding Proteins: Complex Interactions in Health and Neurodegenerative Diseases. Neuroscientist 2024; 30:458-472. [PMID: 36892034 DOI: 10.1177/10738584231154551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
The tau protein is a key contributor to multiple neurodegenerative diseases. The pathology of tau is thought to be related to tau's propensity to form self-templating fibrillar structures that allow tau fibers to propagate in the brain by prion-like mechanisms. Unresolved issues with respect to tau pathology are how the normal function of tau and its misregulation contribute to disease, how cofactors and cellular organelles influence the initiation and propagation of tau fibers, and determining the mechanism of tau toxicity. Herein, we review the connection between tau and degenerative diseases, the basis for tau fibrilization, and how that process interacts with cellular molecules and organelles. One emerging theme is that tau interacts with RNA and RNA-binding proteins, normally and in pathologic aggregates, which may provide insight into alterations in RNA regulation observed in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan Lester
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Roy Parker
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
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3
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Waldherr SM, Han M, Saxton AD, Vadset TA, McMillan PJ, Wheeler JM, Liachko NF, Kraemer BC. Endoplasmic reticulum unfolded protein response transcriptional targets of XBP-1s mediate rescue from tauopathy. Commun Biol 2024; 7:903. [PMID: 39060347 PMCID: PMC11282107 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06570-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Pathological tau disrupts protein homeostasis (proteostasis) within neurons in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related disorders. We previously showed constitutive activation of the endoplasmic reticulum unfolded protein response (UPRER) transcription factor XBP-1s rescues tauopathy-related proteostatic disruption in a tau transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) model of human tauopathy. XBP-1s promotes clearance of pathological tau, and loss of function of the ATF-6 branch of the UPRER prevents XBP-1s rescue of tauopathy in C. elegans. We conducted transcriptomic analysis of tau transgenic and xbp-1s transgenic C. elegans and found 116 putative target genes significantly upregulated by constitutively active XBP-1s. Among these were five candidate XBP-1s target genes with human orthologs and a previously known association with ATF6 (csp-1, dnj-28, hsp-4, ckb-2, and lipl-3). We examined the functional involvement of these targets in XBP-1s-mediated tauopathy suppression and found loss of function in any one of these genes completely disrupts XBP-1s suppression of tauopathy. Further, we demonstrate upregulation of HSP-4, C. elegans BiP, partially rescues tauopathy independent of other changes in the transcriptional network. Understanding how the UPRER modulates pathological tau accumulation will inform neurodegenerative disease mechanisms and direct further study in mammalian systems with the long-term goal of identifying therapeutic targets in human tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Waldherr
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, 98108, USA
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | - Marina Han
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Aleen D Saxton
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, 98108, USA
| | - Taylor A Vadset
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Pamela J McMillan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Jeanna M Wheeler
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, 98108, USA
| | - Nicole F Liachko
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, 98108, USA
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Brian C Kraemer
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, 98108, USA.
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA.
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
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4
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Xu H, Qiu Q, Hu P, Hoxha K, Jang E, O'Reilly M, Kim C, He Z, Marotta N, Changolkar L, Zhang B, Wu H, Schellenberg GD, Kraemer B, Luk KC, Lee EB, Trojanowski JQ, Brunden KR, Lee VMY. MSUT2 regulates tau spreading via adenosinergic signaling mediated ASAP1 pathway in neurons. Acta Neuropathol 2024; 147:55. [PMID: 38472475 PMCID: PMC10933148 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-024-02703-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Inclusions comprised of microtubule-associated protein tau (tau) are implicated in a group of neurodegenerative diseases, collectively known as tauopathies, that include Alzheimer's disease (AD). The spreading of misfolded tau "seeds" along neuronal networks is thought to play a crucial role in the progression of tau pathology. Consequently, restricting the release or uptake of tau seeds may inhibit the spread of tau pathology and potentially halt the advancement of the disease. Previous studies have demonstrated that the Mammalian Suppressor of Tauopathy 2 (MSUT2), an RNA binding protein, modulates tau pathogenesis in a transgenic mouse model. In this study, we investigated the impact of MSUT2 on tau pathogenesis using tau seeding models. Our findings indicate that the loss of MSUT2 mitigates human tau seed-induced pathology in neuron cultures and mouse models. In addition, MSUT2 regulates many gene transcripts, including the Adenosine Receptor 1 (A1AR), and we show that down regulation or inhibition of A1AR modulates the activity of the "ArfGAP with SH3 Domain, Ankyrin Repeat, and PH Domain 1 protein" (ASAP1), thereby influencing the internalization of pathogenic tau seeds into neurons resulting in reduction of tau pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Xu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Qi Qiu
- Department of Genetics, Penn Epigenetics Institute, Institute of Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Peng Hu
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kevt'her Hoxha
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Elliot Jang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mia O'Reilly
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Christopher Kim
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Zhuohao He
- Interdisciplinary Research Center On Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201210, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Nicholas Marotta
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lakshmi Changolkar
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Genetics, Penn Epigenetics Institute, Institute of Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gerard D Schellenberg
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Penn Neurodegeneration Genomics Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Brian Kraemer
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, 98108, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | - Kelvin C Luk
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Edward B Lee
- Translational Neuropathology Research Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - John Q Trojanowski
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kurt R Brunden
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Virginia M-Y Lee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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5
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Zuniga G, Frost B. Selective neuronal vulnerability to deficits in RNA processing. Prog Neurobiol 2023; 229:102500. [PMID: 37454791 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2023.102500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Emerging evidence indicates that errors in RNA processing can causally drive neurodegeneration. Given that RNA produced from expressed genes of all cell types undergoes processing (splicing, polyadenylation, 5' capping, etc.), the particular vulnerability of neurons to deficits in RNA processing calls for careful consideration. The activity-dependent transcriptome remodeling associated with synaptic plasticity in neurons requires rapid, multilevel post-transcriptional RNA processing events that provide additional opportunities for dysregulation and consequent introduction or persistence of errors in RNA transcripts. Here we review the accumulating evidence that neurons have an enhanced propensity for errors in RNA processing alongside grossly insufficient defenses to clear misprocessed RNA compared to other cell types. Additionally, we explore how tau, a microtubule-associated protein implicated in Alzheimer's disease and related tauopathies, contributes to deficits in RNA processing and clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Zuniga
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA; Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer's and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA; Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Bess Frost
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA; Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer's and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA; Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.
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6
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Currey HN, Kraemer BC, Liachko NF. sut-2 loss of function mutants protect against tau-driven shortened lifespan and hyperactive pharyngeal pumping in a C. elegans model of tau toxicity. MICROPUBLICATION BIOLOGY 2023; 2023:10.17912/micropub.biology.000844. [PMID: 37602280 PMCID: PMC10432939 DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.000844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Expression of human tau in C. elegans neurons causes progressive, age-associated loss of motor coordination, selective neurodegeneration, and shortened lifespan. Loss of function (LOF) mutations in the conserved gene sut-2 protects against progressive motor uncoordination and neurodegeneration in models of tauopathy. To determine whether sut-2 LOF also protects against shortened lifespan of tau transgenic C. elegans , we conducted lifespan assays comparing four different alleles of sut-2 . We found that sut-2 LOF robustly suppresses the shortened lifespan of tau transgenic animals. We also demonstrate that tau transgenic C. elegans exhibit hyperactive pharyngeal pumping, which is restored by sut-2 LOF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather N Currey
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Brian C. Kraemer
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington, United States
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Nicole F Liachko
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington, United States
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
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7
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McMillan PJ, Benbow SJ, Uhrich R, Saxton A, Baum M, Strovas T, Wheeler JM, Baker J, Liachko NF, Keene CD, Latimer CS, Kraemer BC. Tau-RNA complexes inhibit microtubule polymerization and drive disease-relevant conformation change. Brain 2023; 146:3206-3220. [PMID: 36732296 PMCID: PMC10393409 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease and related disorders feature neurofibrillary tangles and other neuropathological lesions composed of detergent-insoluble tau protein. In recent structural biology studies of tau proteinopathy, aggregated tau forms a distinct set of conformational variants specific to the different types of tauopathy disorders. However, the constituents driving the formation of distinct pathological tau conformations on pathway to tau-mediated neurodegeneration remain unknown. Previous work demonstrated RNA can serve as a driver of tau aggregation, and RNA associates with tau containing lesions, but tools for evaluating tau/RNA interactions remain limited. Here, we employed molecular interaction studies to measure the impact of tau/RNA binding on tau microtubule binding and aggregation. To investigate the importance of tau/RNA complexes (TRCs) in neurodegenerative disease, we raised a monoclonal antibody (TRC35) against aggregated tau/RNA complexes. We showed that native tau binds RNA with high affinity but low specificity, and tau binding to RNA competes with tau-mediated microtubule assembly functions. Tau/RNA interaction in vitro promotes the formation of higher molecular weight tau/RNA complexes, which represent an oligomeric tau species. Coexpression of tau and poly(A)45 RNA transgenes in Caenorhabditis elegans exacerbates tau-related phenotypes including neuronal dysfunction and pathological tau accumulation. TRC35 exhibits specificity for Alzheimer's disease-derived detergent-insoluble tau relative to soluble recombinant tau. Immunostaining with TRC35 labels a wide variety of pathological tau lesions in animal models of tauopathy, which are reduced in mice lacking the RNA binding protein MSUT2. TRC-positive lesions are evident in many human tauopathies including Alzheimer's disease, progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal degeneration and Pick's disease. We also identified ocular pharyngeal muscular dystrophy as a novel tauopathy disorder, where loss of function in the poly(A) RNA binding protein (PABPN1) causes accumulation of pathological tau in tissue from post-mortem human brain. Tau/RNA binding drives tau conformational change and aggregation inhibiting tau-mediated microtubule assembly. Our findings implicate cellular tau/RNA interactions as modulators of both normal tau function and pathological tau toxicity in tauopathy disorders and suggest feasibility for novel therapeutic approaches targeting TRCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela J McMillan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA
| | - Sarah J Benbow
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
| | - Rikki Uhrich
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA
| | - Aleen Saxton
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA
| | - Misa Baum
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA
| | - Timothy Strovas
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA
| | - Jeanna M Wheeler
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA
| | - Jeremy Baker
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
| | - Nicole F Liachko
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
| | - C Dirk Keene
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Caitlin S Latimer
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Brian C Kraemer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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8
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Arnold ML, Cooper J, Androwski R, Ardeshna S, Melentijevic I, Smart J, Guasp RJ, Nguyen KCQ, Bai G, Hall DH, Grant BD, Driscoll M. Intermediate filaments associate with aggresome-like structures in proteostressed C. elegans neurons and influence large vesicle extrusions as exophers. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4450. [PMID: 37488107 PMCID: PMC10366101 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39700-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxic protein aggregates can spread among neurons to promote human neurodegenerative disease pathology. We found that in C. elegans touch neurons intermediate filament proteins IFD-1 and IFD-2 associate with aggresome-like organelles and are required cell-autonomously for efficient production of neuronal exophers, giant vesicles that can carry aggregates away from the neuron of origin. The C. elegans aggresome-like organelles we identified are juxtanuclear, HttPolyQ aggregate-enriched, and dependent upon orthologs of mammalian aggresome adaptor proteins, dynein motors, and microtubule integrity for localized aggregate collection. These key hallmarks indicate that conserved mechanisms drive aggresome formation. Furthermore, we found that human neurofilament light chain (NFL) can substitute for C. elegans IFD-2 in promoting exopher extrusion. Taken together, our results suggest a conserved influence of intermediate filament association with aggresomes and neuronal extrusions that eject potentially toxic material. Our findings expand understanding of neuronal proteostasis and suggest implications for neurodegenerative disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan Lee Arnold
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08855, USA
| | - Jason Cooper
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08855, USA
| | - Rebecca Androwski
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08855, USA
| | - Sohil Ardeshna
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08855, USA
| | - Ilija Melentijevic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08855, USA
| | - Joelle Smart
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08855, USA
| | - Ryan J Guasp
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08855, USA
| | - Ken C Q Nguyen
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Rose F. Kennedy Center, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Ge Bai
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08855, USA
| | - David H Hall
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Rose F. Kennedy Center, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Barth D Grant
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08855, USA.
| | - Monica Driscoll
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08855, USA.
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9
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Cordeiro LM, Soares MV, da Silva AF, Dos Santos LV, de Souza LI, da Silveira TL, Baptista FBO, de Oliveira GV, Pappis C, Dressler VL, Arantes LP, Zheng F, Soares FAA. Toxicity of Copper and Zinc alone and in combination in Caenorhabditis elegans model of Huntington's disease and protective effects of rutin. Neurotoxicology 2023:S0161-813X(23)00085-2. [PMID: 37302585 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2023.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Copper (Cu) and Zinc (Zn) are required in small concentrations for metabolic functions, but are also toxic. There is a great concern about soil pollution by heavy metals, which may exposure the population to these toxicants, either by inhalation of dust or exposure to toxicants through ingestion of food derived from contaminated soils. In addition, the toxicity of metals in combination is questionable, as soil quality guidelines only assess them separately. It is well known that metal accumulation is often found in the pathologically affected regions of many neurodegenerative diseases, including Huntington's disease (HD). HD is caused by an autosomal dominantly inherited CAG trinucleotide repeat expansion in the huntingtin (HTT) gene. This results in the formation of a mutant huntingtin (mHTT) protein with an abnormally long polyglutamine (polyQ) repeat. The pathology of HD results in loss of neuronal cells, motor changes, and dementia. Rutin is a flavonoid found in various food sources, and previous studies indicate it has protective effects in HD models and acts as a metal chelator. However, further studies are needed to unravel its effects on metal dyshomeostasis and to discern the underlying mechanisms. In the present study, we investigated the toxic effects of long-term exposure to copper, zinc, and their mixture, and the relationship with the progression of neurotoxicity and neurodegeneration in a C. elegans-based HD model. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of rutin post metal exposure. Overall, we demonstrate that chronic exposure to the metals and their mixture altered body parameters, locomotion, and developmental delay, in addition to increasing polyQ protein aggregates in muscles and neurons causing neurodegeneration. We also propose that rutin has protective effects acting through mechanisms involving antioxidant and chelating properties. Altogether, our data provides new indications about the higher toxicity of metals in combination, the chelating potential of rutin in the C. elegans model of HD and possible strategies for future treatments of neurodegenerative diseases caused by the aggregation of proteins related to metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Marafiga Cordeiro
- Federal University of Santa Maria, Center for Natural and Exact Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Camobi, Zip code 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Marcell Valandro Soares
- Federal University of Santa Maria, Center for Natural and Exact Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Camobi, Zip code 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Aline Franzen da Silva
- Federal University of Santa Maria, Center for Natural and Exact Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Camobi, Zip code 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Luiza Venturini Dos Santos
- Federal University of Santa Maria, Center for Natural and Exact Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Camobi, Zip code 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Larissa Ilha de Souza
- Federal University of Santa Maria, Center for Natural and Exact Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Camobi, Zip code 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Tássia Limana da Silveira
- Federal University of Santa Maria, Center for Natural and Exact Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Camobi, Zip code 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Fabiane Bicca Obetine Baptista
- Federal University of Santa Maria, Center for Natural and Exact Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Camobi, Zip code 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Vitória de Oliveira
- Federal University of Santa Maria, Center for Natural and Exact Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Camobi, Zip code 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Cristiane Pappis
- Federal University of Santa Maria, Center for Natural and Exact Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Valderi Luiz Dressler
- Federal University of Santa Maria, Center for Natural and Exact Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Leticia Priscilla Arantes
- State University of Minas Gerais, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Health, Zip code 37900-106, Passos, MG, Brazil
| | - Fuli Zheng
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian Province, China
| | - Felix Alexandre Antunes Soares
- Federal University of Santa Maria, Center for Natural and Exact Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Camobi, Zip code 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
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10
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Caenorhabditis elegans as a Model System to Study Human Neurodegenerative Disorders. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13030478. [PMID: 36979413 PMCID: PMC10046667 DOI: 10.3390/biom13030478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, advances in science and technology have improved our quality of life, enabling us to tackle diseases and increase human life expectancy. However, longevity is accompanied by an accretion in the frequency of age-related neurodegenerative diseases, creating a growing burden, with pervasive social impact for human societies. The cost of managing such chronic disorders and the lack of effective treatments highlight the need to decipher their molecular and genetic underpinnings, in order to discover new therapeutic targets. In this effort, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans serves as a powerful tool to recapitulate several disease-related phenotypes and provides a highly malleable genetic model that allows the implementation of multidisciplinary approaches, in addition to large-scale genetic and pharmacological screens. Its anatomical transparency allows the use of co-expressed fluorescent proteins to track the progress of neurodegeneration. Moreover, the functional conservation of neuronal processes, along with the high homology between nematode and human genomes, render C. elegans extremely suitable for the study of human neurodegenerative disorders. This review describes nematode models used to study neurodegeneration and underscores their contribution in the effort to dissect the molecular basis of human diseases and identify novel gene targets with therapeutic potential.
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11
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Lester E, Van Alstyne M, McCann KL, Reddy S, Cheng LY, Kuo J, Pratt J, Parker R. Cytosolic condensates rich in polyserine define subcellular sites of tau aggregation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2217759120. [PMID: 36626563 PMCID: PMC9934293 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2217759120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Tau aggregates are a hallmark of multiple neurodegenerative diseases and can contain RNAs and RNA-binding proteins, including serine/arginine repetitive matrix protein 2 (SRRM2) and pinin (PNN). However, how these nuclear proteins mislocalize and their influence on the prion-like propagation of tau aggregates is unknown. We demonstrate that polyserine repeats in SRRM2 and PNN are necessary and sufficient for recruitment to tau aggregates. Moreover, we show tau aggregates preferentially grow in association with endogenous cytoplasmic assemblies-mitotic interchromatin granules and cytoplasmic speckles (CSs)-which contain SRRM2 and PNN. Polyserine overexpression in cells nucleates assemblies that are sites of tau aggregate growth. Further, modulating the levels of polyserine-containing proteins results in a corresponding change in tau aggregation. These findings define a specific protein motif, and cellular condensates, that promote tau aggregate propagation. As CSs form in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) derived neurons under inflammatory or hyperosmolar stress, they may affect tau aggregate propagation in neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan Lester
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO80045
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO80303
| | - Meaghan Van Alstyne
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO80303
- HHMI, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO80303
| | - Kathleen L. McCann
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO80303
- HHMI, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO80303
| | - Spoorthy Reddy
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO80303
| | - Li Yi Cheng
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO80303
| | - Jeff Kuo
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO80303
| | - James Pratt
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO80303
| | - Roy Parker
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO80303
- HHMI, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO80303
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12
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Eck RJ, Kow RL, Black AH, Liachko NF, Kraemer BC. SPOP loss of function protects against tauopathy. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2207250120. [PMID: 36574656 PMCID: PMC9910588 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2207250120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathological accumulation of the microtubule binding protein tau drives age-related neurodegeneration in a variety of disorders, collectively called tauopathies. In the most common tauopathy, Alzheimer's disease (AD), the accumulation of pathological tau strongly correlates with cognitive decline. The underlying molecular mechanisms that drive neurodegeneration in tauopathies remain incompletely understood and no effective disease modifying pharmacological interventions currently exist. Here, we show that tau toxicity depends on the highly conserved nuclear E3 ubiquitin ligase adaptor protein SPOP in a Caenorhabditis elegans model of tauopathy. Loss of function mutations in the C. elegans spop-1 gene significantly improves behavioral deficits in tau transgenic animals, while neuronal overexpression of SPOP-1 protein significantly worsens behavioral deficits. In addition, loss of spop-1 rescues a variety of tau-related phenotypes including the accumulation of total and phosphorylated tau protein, neurodegeneration, and shortened lifespan. Knockdown of SPOP-1's E3 ubiquitin ligase cul-3/Cullin3 does not improve tauopathy suggesting a non-degradative mechanism of action for SPOP-1. Suppression of disease-related phenotypes occurs independently of the nuclear speckle resident poly(A)-binding protein SUT-2/MSUT2. MSUT2 modifies tauopathy in mammalian neurons and in AD. Our work identifies SPOP as a novel modifier of tauopathy and a conceptual pathway for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randall J. Eck
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98104
| | - Rebecca L. Kow
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98104
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA98108
| | - Aristide H. Black
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA98108
| | - Nicole F. Liachko
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98104
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA98108
| | - Brian C. Kraemer
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98104
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA98108
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington98195
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington98195
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13
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Latimer CS, Stair JG, Hincks JC, Currey HN, Bird TD, Keene CD, Kraemer BC, Liachko NF. TDP-43 promotes tau accumulation and selective neurotoxicity in bigenic Caenorhabditis elegans. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:275149. [PMID: 35178571 PMCID: PMC9066518 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Although amyloid β (Aβ) and tau aggregates define the neuropathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD), TDP-43 has recently emerged as a co-morbid pathology in more than half of patients with AD. Individuals with concomitant Aβ, tau and TDP-43 pathology experience accelerated cognitive decline and worsened brain atrophy, but the molecular mechanisms of TDP-43 neurotoxicity in AD are unknown. Synergistic interactions among Aβ, tau and TDP-43 may be responsible for worsened disease outcomes. To study the biology underlying this process, we have developed new models of protein co-morbidity using the simple animal Caenorhabditis elegans. We demonstrate that TDP-43 specifically enhances tau but not Aβ neurotoxicity, resulting in neuronal dysfunction, pathological tau accumulation and selective neurodegeneration. Furthermore, we find that synergism between tau and TDP-43 is rescued by loss-of-function of the robust tau modifier sut-2. Our results implicate enhanced tau neurotoxicity as the primary driver underlying worsened clinical and neuropathological phenotypes in AD with TDP-43 pathology, and identify cell-type specific sensitivities to co-morbid tau and TDP-43. Determining the relationship between co-morbid TDP-43 and tau is crucial to understand, and ultimately treat, mixed pathology AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin S. Latimer
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Jade G. Stair
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA
| | - Joshua C. Hincks
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA
| | - Heather N. Currey
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA
| | - Thomas D. Bird
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA,Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98104, USA,Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
| | - C. Dirk Keene
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Brian C. Kraemer
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA,Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA,Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
| | - Nicole F. Liachko
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA,Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98104, USA,Author for correspondence ()
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14
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Kuffner MTC, Koch SP, Kirchner M, Mueller S, Lips J, An J, Mertins P, Dirnagl U, Endres M, Boehm-Sturm P, Harms C, Hoffmann CJ. Paracrine Interleukin 6 Induces Cerebral Remodeling at Early Stages After Unilateral Common Carotid Artery Occlusion in Mice. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 8:805095. [PMID: 35155612 PMCID: PMC8830347 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.805095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims Carotid artery disease is frequent and can result in chronic modest hypoperfusion of the brain. If no transient ischemic attack or stroke occur, it is classified asymptomatic. In the long-term, though, it can lead to cognitive impairment. Fostering cerebral remodeling after carotid artery occlusion might be a new concept of treatment. Paracrine Interleukin 6 (IL-6) can induce such remodeling processes at early stages. However, it has neurodegenerative long-term effects. With this exploratory study, we investigated the effect of paracrine IL-6 on cerebral remodeling in early stages after asymptomatic carotid artery occlusion to identify new treatment targets. Methods and Results To mimic a human asymptomatic carotid artery disease, we used a mouse model of unilateral common carotid artery (CCA) occlusion. We developed a mouse model for inducible paracrine cerebral IL-6 expression (Cx30-Cre-ERT2;FLEX-IL6) and induced IL-6 2 days after CCA occlusion. We studied the effects of paracrine IL-6 after CCA occlusion on neuronal connectivity using diffusion tensor imaging and on local proteome regulations of the hypo-perfused striatum and contralateral motor cortex using mass spectrometry of laser capture micro-dissected tissues. Paracrine IL-6 induced cerebral remodeling leading to increased inter-hemispheric connectivity and changes in motor system connectivity. We identified changes in local protein abundance which might have adverse effects on functional outcome such as upregulation of Synuclein gamma (Sncg) or downregulation of Proline Dehydrogenase 1 (Prodh). However, we also identified changes in local protein abundance having potentially beneficial effects such as upregulation of Caprin1 or downregulation of GABA transporter 1 (Gat1). Conclusions Paracrine cerebral IL-6 at early stages induces changes in motor system connectivity and the proteome after asymptomatic CCA occlusion. Our results may help to distinguish unfavorable from beneficial IL-6 dependent protein regulations. Focusing on these targets might generate new treatments to improve long-term outcome in patients with carotid artery disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie T. C. Kuffner
- Klinik und Hochschulambulanz für Neurologie mit Experimenteller Neurologie, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan P. Koch
- Klinik und Hochschulambulanz für Neurologie mit Experimenteller Neurologie, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence and Charité Core Facility 7T Experimental MRIs, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marieluise Kirchner
- Core Unit Proteomics, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité- Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Susanne Mueller
- Klinik und Hochschulambulanz für Neurologie mit Experimenteller Neurologie, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence and Charité Core Facility 7T Experimental MRIs, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Janet Lips
- Klinik und Hochschulambulanz für Neurologie mit Experimenteller Neurologie, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jeehye An
- Klinik und Hochschulambulanz für Neurologie mit Experimenteller Neurologie, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence and Charité Core Facility 7T Experimental MRIs, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Philipp Mertins
- Core Unit Proteomics, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité- Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrich Dirnagl
- Klinik und Hochschulambulanz für Neurologie mit Experimenteller Neurologie, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Einstein Center for Neuroscience, Berlin, Germany
- QUEST Quality, Ethics, Open Science, Translation, Center for Transforming Biomedical Research, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Matthias Endres
- Klinik und Hochschulambulanz für Neurologie mit Experimenteller Neurologie, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Einstein Center for Neuroscience, Berlin, Germany
| | - Philipp Boehm-Sturm
- Klinik und Hochschulambulanz für Neurologie mit Experimenteller Neurologie, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence and Charité Core Facility 7T Experimental MRIs, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christoph Harms
- Klinik und Hochschulambulanz für Neurologie mit Experimenteller Neurologie, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Einstein Center for Neuroscience, Berlin, Germany
- Christoph Harms
| | - Christian J. Hoffmann
- Klinik und Hochschulambulanz für Neurologie mit Experimenteller Neurologie, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- *Correspondence: Christian J. Hoffmann
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15
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Modeling Alzheimer's Disease in Caenorhabditis elegans. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020288. [PMID: 35203497 PMCID: PMC8869312 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most frequent cause of dementia. After decades of research, we know the importance of the accumulation of protein aggregates such as β-amyloid peptide and phosphorylated tau. We also know that mutations in certain proteins generate early-onset Alzheimer’s disease (EOAD), and many other genes modulate the disease in its sporadic form. However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying AD pathology are still unclear. Because of ethical limitations, we need to use animal models to investigate these processes. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has received considerable attention in the last 25 years, since the first AD models overexpressing Aβ peptide were described. We review here the main results obtained using this model to study AD. We include works studying the basic molecular mechanisms of the disease, as well as those searching for new therapeutic targets. Although this model also has important limitations, the ability of this nematode to generate knock-out or overexpression models of any gene, single or combined, and to carry out toxicity, recovery or survival studies in short timeframes with many individuals and at low cost is difficult to overcome. We can predict that its use as a model for various diseases will certainly continue to increase.
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16
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Giong HK, Subramanian M, Yu K, Lee JS. Non-Rodent Genetic Animal Models for Studying Tauopathy: Review of Drosophila, Zebrafish, and C. elegans Models. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:8465. [PMID: 34445171 PMCID: PMC8395099 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tauopathy refers to a group of progressive neurodegenerative diseases, including frontotemporal lobar degeneration and Alzheimer's disease, which correlate with the malfunction of microtubule-associated protein Tau (MAPT) due to abnormal hyperphosphorylation, leading to the formation of intracellular aggregates in the brain. Despite extensive efforts to understand tauopathy and develop an efficient therapy, our knowledge is still far from complete. To find a solution for this group of devastating diseases, several animal models that mimic diverse disease phenotypes of tauopathy have been developed. Rodents are the dominating tauopathy models because of their similarity to humans and established disease lines, as well as experimental approaches. However, powerful genetic animal models using Drosophila, zebrafish, and C. elegans have also been developed for modeling tauopathy and have contributed to understanding the pathophysiology of tauopathy. The success of these models stems from the short lifespans, versatile genetic tools, real-time in-vivo imaging, low maintenance costs, and the capability for high-throughput screening. In this review, we summarize the main findings on mechanisms of tauopathy and discuss the current tauopathy models of these non-rodent genetic animals, highlighting their key advantages and limitations in tauopathy research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoi-Khoanh Giong
- Disease Target Structure Research Center, KRIBB, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea; (H.-K.G.); (M.S.)
- KRIBB School, University of Science and Technology, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea
- Dementia DTC R&D Convergence Program, KIST, Hwarang-ro 14 gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Korea
| | - Manivannan Subramanian
- Disease Target Structure Research Center, KRIBB, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea; (H.-K.G.); (M.S.)
- Dementia DTC R&D Convergence Program, KIST, Hwarang-ro 14 gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Korea
| | - Kweon Yu
- Disease Target Structure Research Center, KRIBB, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea; (H.-K.G.); (M.S.)
- KRIBB School, University of Science and Technology, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea
- Dementia DTC R&D Convergence Program, KIST, Hwarang-ro 14 gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Korea
| | - Jeong-Soo Lee
- Disease Target Structure Research Center, KRIBB, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea; (H.-K.G.); (M.S.)
- KRIBB School, University of Science and Technology, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea
- Dementia DTC R&D Convergence Program, KIST, Hwarang-ro 14 gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Korea
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17
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McMillan PJ, Strovas TJ, Baum M, Mitchell BK, Eck RJ, Hendricks N, Wheeler JM, Latimer CS, Keene CD, Kraemer BC. Pathological tau drives ectopic nuclear speckle scaffold protein SRRM2 accumulation in neuron cytoplasm in Alzheimer's disease. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2021; 9:117. [PMID: 34187600 PMCID: PMC8243890 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-021-01219-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Several conserved nuclear RNA binding proteins (sut-1, sut-2, and parn-2) control tau aggregation and toxicity in C. elegans, mice, and human cells. MSUT2 protein normally resides in nuclear speckles, membraneless organelles composed of phase-separated RNAs and RNA-binding proteins that mediate critical steps in mRNA processing including mRNA splicing. We used human pathological tissue and transgenic mice to identify Alzheimer’s disease-specific cellular changes related to nuclear speckles. We observed that nuclear speckle constituent scaffold protein SRRM2 is mislocalized and accumulates in cytoplasmic lesions in AD brain tissue. Furthermore, progression of tauopathy in transgenic mice is accompanied by increasing mislocalization of SRRM2 from the neuronal nucleus to the soma. In AD brain tissue, SRRM2 mislocalization associates with increased severity of pathological tau deposition. These findings suggest potential mechanisms by which pathological tau impacts nuclear speckle function in diverse organisms ranging from C. elegans to mice to humans. Future translational studies aimed at restoring nuclear speckle homeostasis may provide novel candidate therapeutic targets for pharmacological intervention.
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18
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Lester E, Ooi FK, Bakkar N, Ayers J, Woerman AL, Wheeler J, Bowser R, Carlson GA, Prusiner SB, Parker R. Tau aggregates are RNA-protein assemblies that mislocalize multiple nuclear speckle components. Neuron 2021; 109:1675-1691.e9. [PMID: 33848474 PMCID: PMC8141031 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2021.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Tau aggregates contribute to neurodegenerative diseases, including frontotemporal dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although RNA promotes tau aggregation in vitro, whether tau aggregates in cells contain RNA is unknown. We demonstrate, in cell culture and mouse brains, that cytosolic and nuclear tau aggregates contain RNA with enrichment for small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs) and small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs). Nuclear tau aggregates colocalize with and alter the composition, dynamics, and organization of nuclear speckles, membraneless organelles involved in pre-mRNA splicing. Moreover, several nuclear speckle components, including SRRM2, mislocalize to cytosolic tau aggregates in cells, mouse brains, and brains of individuals with AD, frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and corticobasal degeneration (CBD). Consistent with these alterations, we observe that the presence of tau aggregates is sufficient to alter pre-mRNA splicing. This work identifies tau alteration of nuclear speckles as a feature of tau aggregation that may contribute to the pathology of tau aggregates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan Lester
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Felicia K Ooi
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Nadine Bakkar
- Department of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Jacob Ayers
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Amanda L Woerman
- Department of Biology and Institute for Applied Life Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Joshua Wheeler
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Robert Bowser
- Department of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - George A Carlson
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Stanley B Prusiner
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Roy Parker
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA.
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19
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Baker JD, Uhrich RL, Strovas TJ, Saxton AD, Kraemer BC. AlphaScreen Identifies MSUT2 Inhibitors for Tauopathy-Targeting Therapeutic Discovery. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2021; 26:400-409. [PMID: 32981422 PMCID: PMC8592089 DOI: 10.1177/2472555220958387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Tauopathies are neurological disorders characterized by intracellular tau deposits forming neurofibrillary tangles, neuropil threads, or other disease-specific aggregates composed of the protein tau. Tauopathy disorders include frontotemporal lobar degeneration, corticobasal degeneration, Pick's disease, and the largest cause of dementia, Alzheimer's disease. The lack of disease-modifying therapeutic strategies to address tauopathies remains a critical unmet need in dementia care. Thus, novel broad-spectrum tau-targeted therapeutics could have a profound impact in multiple tauopathy disorders, including Alzheimer's disease. Here we have designed a drug discovery paradigm to identify inhibitors of the pathological tau-enabling protein, MSUT2. We previously showed that activity of the RNA-binding protein MSUT2 drives tauopathy, including tau-mediated neurodegeneration and cognitive dysfunction, in mouse models. Thus, we hypothesized that MSUT2 inhibitors could be therapeutic for tauopathy disorders. Our pipeline for MSUT2 inhibitory compound identification included a primary AlphaScreen, followed by dose-response validation, a secondary fluorescence polarization orthogonal assay, a tertiary specificity screen, and a preliminary toxicity screen. Our work here serves as a proof-of-principle methodology for finding specific inhibitors of the poly(A) RNA-binding protein MSUT2 interaction. Here we identify 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-sulfonic acid (DIDS) as a potential tool compound for future work probing the mechanism of MSUT2-induced tau pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy D. Baker
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Rikki L. Uhrich
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Timothy J. Strovas
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Aleen D. Saxton
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Brian C. Kraemer
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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20
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A Genetic Screen Links the Disease-Associated Nab2 RNA-Binding Protein to the Planar Cell Polarity Pathway in Drosophila melanogaster. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2020; 10:3575-3583. [PMID: 32817074 PMCID: PMC7534439 DOI: 10.1534/g3.120.401637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in the gene encoding the ubiquitously expressed RNA-binding protein ZC3H14 result in a non-syndromic form of autosomal recessive intellectual disability in humans. Studies in Drosophila have defined roles for the ZC3H14 ortholog, Nab2 (aka Drosophila Nab2 or dNab2), in axon guidance and memory due in part to interaction with a second RNA-binding protein, the fly Fragile X homolog Fmr1, and coregulation of shared Nab2-Fmr1 target mRNAs. Despite these advances, neurodevelopmental mechanisms that underlie defective axonogenesis in Nab2 mutants remain undefined. Nab2 null phenotypes in the brain mushroom bodies (MBs) resemble defects caused by alleles that disrupt the planar cell polarity (PCP) pathway, which regulates planar orientation of static and motile cells via a non-canonical arm of the Wnt/Wg pathway. A kinked bristle phenotype in surviving Nab2 mutant adults additionally suggests a defect in F-actin polymerization and bundling, a PCP-regulated processes. To test for Nab2-PCP genetic interactions, a collection of PCP mutant alleles was screened for modification of a rough-eye phenotype produced by Nab2 overexpression in the eye (GMR> Nab2) and, subsequently, for modification of a viability defect among Nab2 nulls. Multiple PCP alleles dominantly modify GMR> Nab2 eye roughening and a subset rescue low survival and thoracic bristle kinking in Nab2 zygotic nulls. Collectively, these genetic interactions identify the PCP pathway as a potential target of the Nab2 RNA-binding protein in developing eye and wing tissues and suggest that altered PCP signaling could contribute to neurological defects that result from loss of Drosophila Nab2 or its vertebrate ortholog ZC3H14.
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21
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Wheeler JM, McMillan P, Strovas TJ, Liachko NF, Amlie-Wolf A, Kow RL, Klein RL, Szot P, Robinson L, Guthrie C, Saxton A, Kanaan NM, Raskind M, Peskind E, Trojanowski JQ, Lee VMY, Wang LS, Keene CD, Bird T, Schellenberg GD, Kraemer B. Activity of the poly(A) binding protein MSUT2 determines susceptibility to pathological tau in the mammalian brain. Sci Transl Med 2020; 11:11/523/eaao6545. [PMID: 31852801 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aao6545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Brain lesions composed of pathological tau help to drive neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related tauopathies. Here, we identified the mammalian suppressor of tauopathy 2 (MSUT2) gene as a modifier of susceptibility to tau toxicity in two mouse models of tauopathy. Transgenic PS19 mice overexpressing tau, a model of AD, and lacking the Msut2 gene exhibited decreased learning and memory deficits, reduced neurodegeneration, and reduced accumulation of pathological tau compared to PS19 tau transgenic mice expressing Msut2 Conversely, Msut2 overexpression in 4RTauTg2652 tau transgenic mice increased pathological tau deposition and promoted the neuroinflammatory response to pathological tau. MSUT2 is a poly(A) RNA binding protein that antagonizes the canonical nuclear poly(A) binding protein PABPN1. In individuals with AD, MSUT2 abundance in postmortem brain tissue predicted an earlier age of disease onset. Postmortem AD brain tissue samples with normal amounts of MSUT2 showed elevated neuroinflammation associated with tau pathology. We observed co-depletion of MSUT2 and PABPN1 in postmortem brain samples from a subset of AD cases with higher tau burden and increased neuronal loss. This suggested that MSUT2 and PABPN1 may act together in a macromolecular complex bound to poly(A) RNA. Although MSUT2 and PABPN1 had opposing effects on both tau aggregation and poly(A) RNA tail length, we found that increased poly(A) tail length did not ameliorate tauopathy, implicating other functions of the MSUT2/PABPN1 complex in tau proteostasis. Our findings implicate poly(A) RNA binding proteins both as modulators of pathological tau toxicity in AD and as potential molecular targets for interventions to slow neurodegeneration in tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanna M Wheeler
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA
| | - Pamela McMillan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Timothy J Strovas
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA
| | - Nicole F Liachko
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA.,Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
| | - Alexandre Amlie-Wolf
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Rebecca L Kow
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA.,Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
| | - Ronald L Klein
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Neuroscience, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA 71130, USA
| | - Patricia Szot
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.,Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA
| | - Linda Robinson
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA
| | - Chris Guthrie
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA
| | - Aleen Saxton
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA
| | - Nicholas M Kanaan
- Department of Translational Sciences and Molecular Medicine, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Murray Raskind
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.,Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA
| | - Elaine Peskind
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.,Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA
| | - John Q Trojanowski
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Virginia M Y Lee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Li-San Wang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - C Dirk Keene
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Thomas Bird
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA.,Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.,Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
| | - Gerard D Schellenberg
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Brian Kraemer
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA. .,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.,Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98104, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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22
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Baker JD, Uhrich RL, Strovas TJ, Saxton AD, Kraemer BC. Targeting Pathological Tau by Small Molecule Inhibition of the Poly(A):MSUT2 RNA-Protein Interaction. ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:2277-2285. [PMID: 32589834 PMCID: PMC8629322 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurofibrillary tangles composed of aberrantly aggregating tau protein are a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease and related dementia disorders. Recent work has shown that mammalian suppressor of tauopathy 2 (MSUT2), also named ZC3H14 (Zinc Finger CCCH-Type Containing 14), controls accumulation of pathological tau in cultured human cells and mice. Knocking out MSUT2 protects neurons from neurodegenerative tauopathy and preserves learning and memory. MSUT2 protein functions to bind polyadenosine [poly(A)] tails of mRNA through its C-terminal CCCH type zinc finger domains, and loss of CCCH domain function suppresses tauopathy in Caenorhabditis elegans and mice. Thus, we hypothesized that inhibiting the poly(A):MSUT2 RNA-protein interaction would ameliorate pathological tau accumulation. Here we present a high-throughput screening method for the identification of small molecules inhibiting the poly(A):MSUT2 RNA-protein interaction. We employed a fluorescent polarization assay for initial small molecule discovery with the intention to repurpose hits identified from the NIH Clinical Collection (NIHCC). Our drug repurposing development workflow included validation of hits by dose-response analysis, specificity testing, orthogonal assays of activity, and cytotoxicity. Validated compounds passing through this screening funnel will be evaluated for translational effectiveness in future studies. This preclinical drug development pipeline identified diverse FDA approved drugs duloxetine, saquinavir, and clofazimine as potential repurposing candidates for reducing pathological tau accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy D Baker
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98104, United States
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington 98108, United States
| | - Rikki L Uhrich
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington 98108, United States
| | - Timothy J Strovas
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington 98108, United States
| | - Aleen D Saxton
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington 98108, United States
| | - Brian C Kraemer
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98104, United States
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington 98108, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
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23
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Benbow SJ, Strovas TJ, Darvas M, Saxton A, Kraemer BC. Synergistic toxicity between tau and amyloid drives neuronal dysfunction and neurodegeneration in transgenic C. elegans. Hum Mol Genet 2020; 29:495-505. [PMID: 31943011 PMCID: PMC7015844 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddz319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Aggregates of Aβ peptide and the microtubule-associated protein tau are key molecular hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the interaction between these two pathologies and the mechanisms underlying disease progression have remained unclear. Numerous failed clinical trials suggest the necessity for greater mechanistic understanding in order to refine strategies for therapeutic discovery and development. To this end, we have generated a transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans model expressing both human Aβ1-42 peptide and human tau protein pan-neuronally. We observed exacerbated behavioral dysfunction and age-dependent neurodegenerative changes in the Aβ;tau transgenic animals. Further, these changes occurred in the Aβ;tau transgenic animals at greater levels than worms harboring either the Aβ1-42 or tau transgene alone and interestingly without changes to the levels of tau expression, phosphorylation or aggregation. Functional changes were partially rescued with the introduction of a genetic suppressor of tau pathology. Taken together, the data herein support a synergistic role for both Aβ and tau in driving neuronal dysfunction seen in AD. Additionally, we believe that the utilization of the genetically tractable C. elegans model will provide a key resource for dissecting mechanisms driving AD molecular pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Benbow
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
| | - Timothy J Strovas
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA
| | - Martin Darvas
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
| | - Aleen Saxton
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA
| | - Brian C Kraemer
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
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24
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Markaki M, Tavernarakis N. Caenorhabditis elegans as a model system for human diseases. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2020; 63:118-125. [PMID: 31951916 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2019.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 12/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans offers unique advantages that enable a comprehensive delineation of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying devastating human pathologies such as stroke, ischemia and age-associated neurodegenerative disorders. Genetic models of human diseases that closely simulate several disease-related phenotypes have been established in the worm. These models allow the implementation of multidisciplinary approaches, in addition to large-scale genetic and pharmacological screenings, designed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms mediating pathogenesis and to identify targets and drugs for emergent therapeutic interventions. Such strategies have already provided valuable insights, highly relevant to human health and quality of life. This article considers the potential of C. elegans as a versatile platform for systematic dissection of the molecular basis of human disease, focusing on neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Markaki
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion 70013, Crete, Greece
| | - Nektarios Tavernarakis
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion 70013, Crete, Greece; Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion 70013, Crete, Greece.
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25
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Structural insights into pro-aggregation effects of C. elegans CRAM-1 and its human ortholog SERF2. Sci Rep 2018; 8:14891. [PMID: 30291272 PMCID: PMC6173753 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-33143-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxic protein aggregates are key features of progressive neurodegenerative diseases. In addition to “seed” proteins diagnostic for each neuropathy (e.g., Aβ1–42 and tau in Alzheimer’s disease), aggregates contain numerous other proteins, many of which are common to aggregates from diverse diseases. We reported that CRAM-1, discovered in insoluble aggregates of C. elegans expressing Q40::YFP, blocks proteasomal degradation of ubiquitinated proteins and thus promotes aggregation. We now show that CRAM-1 contains three α-helical segments forming a UBA-like domain, structurally similar to those of mammalian adaptor proteins (e.g. RAD23, SQSTM1/p62) that shuttle ubiquitinated cargos to proteasomes or autophagosomes for degradation. Molecular modeling indicates that CRAM-1, through this UBA-like domain, can form tight complexes with mono- and di-ubiquitin and may thus prevent tagged proteins from interacting with adaptor/shuttle proteins required for degradation. A human ortholog of CRAM-1, SERF2 (also largely disordered), promotes aggregation in SH-SY5Y-APPSw human neuroblastoma cells, since SERF2 knockdown protects these cells from amyloid formation. Atomistic molecular-dynamic simulations predict spontaneous unfolding of SERF2, and computational large-scale protein-protein interactions predict its stable binding to ubiquitins. SERF2 is also predicted to bind to most proteins screened at random, although with lower average stability than to ubiquitins, suggesting roles in aggregation initiation and/or progression.
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26
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Shen P, Yue Y, Zheng J, Park Y. Caenorhabditis elegans: A Convenient In Vivo Model for Assessing the Impact of Food Bioactive Compounds on Obesity, Aging, and Alzheimer's Disease. Annu Rev Food Sci Technol 2018; 9:1-22. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-food-030117-012709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Peiyi Shen
- Department of Food Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA
| | - Yiren Yue
- Department of Food Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA
| | | | - Yeonhwa Park
- Department of Food Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA
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27
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Rha J, Jones SK, Fidler J, Banerjee A, Leung SW, Morris KJ, Wong JC, Inglis GAS, Shapiro L, Deng Q, Cutler AA, Hanif AM, Pardue MT, Schaffer A, Seyfried NT, Moberg KH, Bassell GJ, Escayg A, García PS, Corbett AH. The RNA-binding protein, ZC3H14, is required for proper poly(A) tail length control, expression of synaptic proteins, and brain function in mice. Hum Mol Genet 2018; 26:3663-3681. [PMID: 28666327 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddx248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A number of mutations in genes that encode ubiquitously expressed RNA-binding proteins cause tissue specific disease. Many of these diseases are neurological in nature revealing critical roles for this class of proteins in the brain. We recently identified mutations in a gene that encodes a ubiquitously expressed polyadenosine RNA-binding protein, ZC3H14 (Zinc finger CysCysCysHis domain-containing protein 14), that cause a nonsyndromic, autosomal recessive form of intellectual disability. This finding reveals the molecular basis for disease and provides evidence that ZC3H14 is essential for proper brain function. To investigate the role of ZC3H14 in the mammalian brain, we generated a mouse in which the first common exon of the ZC3H14 gene, exon 13 is removed (Zc3h14Δex13/Δex13) leading to a truncated ZC3H14 protein. We report here that, as in the patients, Zc3h14 is not essential in mice. Utilizing these Zc3h14Δex13/Δex13mice, we provide the first in vivo functional characterization of ZC3H14 as a regulator of RNA poly(A) tail length. The Zc3h14Δex13/Δex13 mice show enlarged lateral ventricles in the brain as well as impaired working memory. Proteomic analysis comparing the hippocampi of Zc3h14+/+ and Zc3h14Δex13/Δex13 mice reveals dysregulation of several pathways that are important for proper brain function and thus sheds light onto which pathways are most affected by the loss of ZC3H14. Among the proteins increased in the hippocampi of Zc3h14Δex13/Δex13 mice compared to control are key synaptic proteins including CaMK2a. This newly generated mouse serves as a tool to study the function of ZC3H14 in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Rha
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.,Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Cell, and Developmental Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Stephanie K Jones
- Department of Biology.,Graduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Jonathan Fidler
- Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine & Research Division, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | | | | | - Kevin J Morris
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Cell, and Developmental Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.,Department of Biology
| | - Jennifer C Wong
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - George Andrew S Inglis
- Graduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.,Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Lindsey Shapiro
- Graduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.,Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Qiudong Deng
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Alicia A Cutler
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Cell, and Developmental Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Adam M Hanif
- Department of Opthamology, Emory University School of Medicine & Research Division, & Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Machelle T Pardue
- Department of Opthamology, Emory University School of Medicine & Research Division, & Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Ashleigh Schaffer
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106-4955, USA
| | - Nicholas T Seyfried
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Kenneth H Moberg
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Gary J Bassell
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Andrew Escayg
- Graduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Paul S García
- Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine & Research Division, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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28
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Abstract
Numerous approaches have been taken in the hunt for human disease genes. The identification of such genes not only provides a great deal of information about the mechanism of disease development, but also provides potential avenues for better diagnosis and treatment. In this chapter, we review the use of the nonmammalian model organism C. elegans for the identification of human disease genes. Studies utilizing this relatively simple organism offer a good balance between the ability to recapitulate many aspects of human disease, while still offering an abundance of powerful cell biological, genetic, and genomic tools for disease gene discovery. C. elegans and other nonmammalian models have produced, and will continue to produce, key insights into human disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Apfeld
- Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Scott Alper
- Department of Biomedical Research, Center for Genes, Environment and Health, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, 80206, USA.
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
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29
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Pir GJ, Choudhary B, Mandelkow E. Caenorhabditis elegans models of tauopathy. FASEB J 2017; 31:5137-5148. [PMID: 29191965 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201701007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
One of the hallmarks of the tauopathies, which include the neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer disease (AD), corticobasal degeneration, frontotemporal dementia, and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), is the abnormal accumulation of post-translationally modified, insoluble tau. The result is a loss of neurons, decreased mental function, and complete dependence of patients on others. Aggregation of tau, which under physiologic conditions is a highly soluble protein, is thought to be central to the pathogenesis of these diseases. Indeed one of the strongest lines of evidence is the MAPT gene polymorphisms that lead to the familial forms of tauopathy. Extensive research in animal models over the years has contributed some of the most important findings regarding the pathogenesis of these diseases. Despite this, the precise molecular mechanisms that lead to abnormal tau folding, accumulation, and spreading remain unknown. Owing to the fact that most of the biochemical pathways are conserved, Caenorhabditis elegans provides an alternative approach to identify cellular mechanisms and druggable genes that operate in such disorders. Many human genes implicated in neurodegenerative diseases have counterparts in C. elegans, making it an excellent model in which to study their pathogenesis. In this article, we review some of the important findings gained from C. elegans tauopathy models.-Pir, G. J., Choudhary, B., Mandelkow, E. Caenorhabditiselegans models of tauopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghulam Jeelani Pir
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany; .,Max-Planck-Institute for Metabolism Research-Cologne, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Bikash Choudhary
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany.,Max-Planck-Institute for Metabolism Research-Cologne, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Eckhard Mandelkow
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany.,Max-Planck-Institute for Metabolism Research-Cologne, Hamburg, Germany.,Caesar Research Center, Bonn, Germany
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30
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Galasso A, Cameron CS, Frenguelli BG, Moffat KG. An AMPK-dependent regulatory pathway in tau-mediated toxicity. Biol Open 2017; 6:1434-1444. [PMID: 28808138 PMCID: PMC5665459 DOI: 10.1242/bio.022863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative tauopathies are characterised by accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau aggregates primarily degraded by autophagy. The 5′AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is expressed in most cells, including neurons. Alongside its metabolic functions, it is also known to be activated in Alzheimer's brains, phosphorylate tau, and be a critical autophagy activator. Whether it plays a neurotoxic or neuroprotective role remains unclear. In tauopathies stress conditions can result in AMPK activation, enhancing tau-mediated toxicity. Paradoxically, in these cases AMPK activation does not always lead to protective autophagic responses. Using a Drosophila in vivo quantitative approach, we have analysed the impact of AMPK and autophagy on tau-mediated toxicity, recapitulating the AMPK-mediated tauopathy condition: increased tau phosphorylation, without corresponding autophagy activation. We have demonstrated that AMPK binding to and phosphorylating tau at Ser-262, a site reported to facilitate soluble tau accumulation, affects its degradation. This phosphorylation results in exacerbation of tau toxicity and is ameliorated via rapamycin-induced autophagy stimulation. Our findings support the development of combinatorial therapies effective at reducing tau toxicity targeting tau phosphorylation and AMPK-independent autophagic induction. The proposed in vivo tool represents an ideal readout to perform preliminary screening for drugs promoting this process. Summary: Dissection of the impact of AMPK and autophagy on tau-mediated toxicity by using an in vivo Drosophila tool as readout to perform preliminary drug screening supported by quantitative analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Galasso
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Charles S Cameron
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | | | - Kevin G Moffat
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
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31
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Fasken MB, Corbett AH. Links between mRNA splicing, mRNA quality control, and intellectual disability. RNA & DISEASE 2016; 3:e1448. [PMID: 27868086 PMCID: PMC5113822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the impairment of RNA binding proteins that play key roles in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression has been linked to numerous neurological diseases. These RNA binding proteins perform critical mRNA processing steps in the nucleus, including splicing, polyadenylation, and export. In many cases, these RNA binding proteins are ubiquitously expressed raising key questions about why only brain function is impaired. Recently, mutations in the ZC3H14 gene, encoding an evolutionarily conserved, polyadenosine RNA binding protein, have been linked to a nonsyndromic form of autosomal recessive intellectual disability. Thus far, research on ZC3H14 and its Nab2 orthologs in budding yeast and Drosophila reveals that ZC3H14/Nab2 is important for mRNA processing and neuronal patterning. Two recent studies now provide evidence that ZC3H14/Nab2 may function in the quality control of mRNA splicing and export and could help to explain the molecular defects that cause neuronal dysfunction and lead to an inherited form of intellectual disability. These studies on ZC3H14/Nab2 reveal new clues to the puzzle of why loss of the ubiquitously expressed ZC3H14 protein specifically affects neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milo B Fasken
- Department of Biology, Emory University, 1510 Clifton Rd., NE RRC 1021, Atlanta, GA 30322, U.S.A
| | - Anita H Corbett
- Department of Biology, Emory University, 1510 Clifton Rd., NE RRC 1021, Atlanta, GA 30322, U.S.A
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32
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Wigington CP, Morris KJ, Newman LE, Corbett AH. The Polyadenosine RNA-binding Protein, Zinc Finger Cys3His Protein 14 (ZC3H14), Regulates the Pre-mRNA Processing of a Key ATP Synthase Subunit mRNA. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:22442-22459. [PMID: 27563065 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.754069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Revised: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyadenosine RNA-binding proteins (Pabs) regulate multiple steps in gene expression. This protein family includes the well studied Pabs, PABPN1 and PABPC1, as well as the newly characterized Pab, zinc finger CCCH-type containing protein 14 (ZC3H14). Mutations in ZC3H14 are linked to a form of intellectual disability. To probe the function of ZC3H14, we performed a transcriptome-wide analysis of cells depleted of either ZC3H14 or the control Pab, PABPN1. Depletion of PABPN1 affected ∼17% of expressed transcripts, whereas ZC3H14 affected only ∼1% of expressed transcripts. To assess the function of ZC3H14 in modulating target mRNAs, we selected the gene encoding the ATP synthase F0 subunit C (ATP5G1) transcript. Knockdown of ZC3H14 significantly reduced ATP5G1 steady-state mRNA levels. Consistent with results suggesting that ATP5G1 turnover increases upon depletion of ZC3H14, double knockdown of ZC3H14 and the nonsense-mediated decay factor, UPF1, rescues ATP5G1 transcript levels. Furthermore, fractionation reveals an increase in the amount of ATP5G1 pre-mRNA that reaches the cytoplasm when ZC3H14 is depleted and that ZC3H14 binds to ATP5G1 pre-mRNA in the nucleus. These data support a role for ZC3H14 in ensuring proper nuclear processing and retention of ATP5G1 pre-mRNA. Consistent with the observation that ATP5G1 is a rate-limiting component for ATP synthase activity, knockdown of ZC3H14 decreases cellular ATP levels and causes mitochondrial fragmentation. These data suggest that ZC3H14 modulates pre-mRNA processing of select mRNA transcripts and plays a critical role in regulating cellular energy levels, observations that have broad implications for proper neuronal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Callie P Wigington
- From the Department of Biochemistry and.,the Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Cell and Developmental Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322
| | - Kevin J Morris
- From the Department of Biochemistry and.,the Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Cell and Developmental Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322
| | - Laura E Newman
- From the Department of Biochemistry and.,the Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Cell and Developmental Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322
| | - Anita H Corbett
- From the Department of Biochemistry and .,the Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Cell and Developmental Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322
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33
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The Evolutionarily-conserved Polyadenosine RNA Binding Protein, Nab2, Cooperates with Splicing Machinery to Regulate the Fate of pre-mRNA. Mol Cell Biol 2016; 36:2697-2714. [PMID: 27528618 PMCID: PMC5064217 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00402-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous RNA binding proteins are deposited onto an mRNA transcript to modulate post-transcriptional processing events ensuring proper mRNA maturation. Defining the interplay between RNA binding proteins that couple mRNA biogenesis events is crucial for understanding how gene expression is regulated. To explore how RNA binding proteins control mRNA processing, we investigated a role for the evolutionarily conserved polyadenosine RNA binding protein, Nab2, in mRNA maturation within the nucleus. This work reveals that nab2 mutant cells accumulate intron-containing pre-mRNA in vivo We extend this analysis to identify genetic interactions between mutant alleles of nab2 and genes encoding the splicing factor, MUD2, and the RNA exosome, RRP6, with in vivo consequences of altered pre-mRNA splicing and poly(A) tail length control. As further evidence linking Nab2 proteins to splicing, an unbiased proteomic analysis of vertebrate Nab2, ZC3H14, identifies physical interactions with numerous components of the spliceosome. We validated the interaction between ZC3H14 and U2AF2/U2AF65 Taking all the findings into consideration, we present a model where Nab2/ZC3H14 interacts with spliceosome components to allow proper coupling of splicing with subsequent mRNA processing steps contributing to a kinetic proofreading step that allows properly processed mRNA to exit the nucleus and escape Rrp6-dependent degradation.
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34
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Clavaguera F, Hench J, Goedert M, Tolnay M. Invited review: Prion-like transmission and spreading of tau pathology. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2015; 41:47-58. [PMID: 25399729 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2014] [Accepted: 11/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Filaments made of hyperphosphorylated tau protein are encountered in a number of neurodegenerative diseases referred to as 'tauopathies'. In the most prevalent tauopathy, Alzheimer's disease, tau pathology progresses in a stereotypical manner with the first lesions appearing in the locus coeruleus and the entorhinal cortex from where they appear to spread to the hippocampus and neocortex. Propagation of tau pathology is also characteristic of argyrophilic grain disease, where the tau lesions appear to spread throughout distinct regions of the limbic system. These findings strongly implicate neurone-to-neurone propagation of tau aggregates. Isoform composition and morphology of tau filaments can differ between tauopathies suggesting the existence of conformationally diverse tau strains. Altogether, this points to prion-like mechanisms in the pathogenesis of tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Clavaguera
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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35
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Kelly SM, Bienkowski R, Banerjee A, Melicharek DJ, Brewer ZA, Marenda DR, Corbett AH, Moberg KH. The Drosophila ortholog of the Zc3h14 RNA binding protein acts within neurons to pattern axon projection in the developing brain. Dev Neurobiol 2015; 76:93-106. [PMID: 25980665 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Revised: 05/07/2015] [Accepted: 05/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The dNab2 polyadenosine RNA binding protein is the D. melanogaster ortholog of the vertebrate ZC3H14 protein, which is lost in a form of inherited intellectual disability (ID). Human ZC3H14 can rescue D. melanogaster dNab2 mutant phenotypes when expressed in all neurons of the developing nervous system, suggesting that dNab2/ZC3H14 performs well-conserved roles in neurons. However, the cellular and molecular requirements for dNab2/ZC3H14 in the developing nervous system have not been defined in any organism. Here we show that dNab2 is autonomously required within neurons to pattern axon projection from Kenyon neurons into the mushroom bodies, which are required for associative olfactory learning and memory in insects. Mushroom body axons lacking dNab2 project aberrantly across the brain midline and also show evidence of defective branching. Coupled with the prior finding that ZC3H14 is highly expressed in rodent hippocampal neurons, this requirement for dNab2 in mushroom body neurons suggests that dNab2/ZC3H14 has a conserved role in supporting axon projection and branching. Consistent with this idea, loss of dNab2 impairs short-term memory in a courtship conditioning assay. Taken together these results reveal a cell-autonomous requirement for the dNab2 RNA binding protein in mushroom body development and provide a window into potential neurodevelopmental functions of the human ZC3H14 protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth M Kelly
- Department of Biology, College of Wooster, Wooster, Ohio, 44691
| | - Rick Bienkowski
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, 30322.,Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, 30322.,Graduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, 30322
| | - Ayan Banerjee
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, 30322
| | - David J Melicharek
- Department of Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104
| | | | - Daniel R Marenda
- Department of Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104.,Departments of Neurobiology & Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104
| | - Anita H Corbett
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, 30322
| | - Kenneth H Moberg
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, 30322
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36
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Herrmann L, Wiegmann C, Arsalan-Werner A, Hilbrich I, Jäger C, Flach K, Suttkus A, Lachmann I, Arendt T, Holzer M. Hook proteins: association with Alzheimer pathology and regulatory role of hook3 in amyloid beta generation. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0119423. [PMID: 25799409 PMCID: PMC4370497 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0119423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2014] [Accepted: 01/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Defects in intracellular transport are implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Hook proteins are a family of cytoplasmic linker proteins that participate in endosomal transport. In this study we show that Hook1 and Hook3 are expressed in neurons while Hook2 is predominantly expressed in astrocytes. Furthermore, Hook proteins are associated with pathological hallmarks in AD; Hook1 and Hook3 are localized to tau aggregates and Hook2 to glial components within amyloid plaques. Additionally, the expression of Hook3 is reduced in AD. Modelling of Hook3 deficiency in cultured cells leads to slowing of endosomal transport and increases β-amyloid production. We propose that Hook3 plays a role in pathogenic events exacerbating AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Herrmann
- Paul Flechsig Institute of Brain Research, Department of Molecular and Cellular Mechanism of Neurodegeneration, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Caspar Wiegmann
- Paul Flechsig Institute of Brain Research, Department of Molecular and Cellular Mechanism of Neurodegeneration, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Annika Arsalan-Werner
- Paul Flechsig Institute of Brain Research, Department of Molecular and Cellular Mechanism of Neurodegeneration, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Isabel Hilbrich
- Paul Flechsig Institute of Brain Research, Department of Molecular and Cellular Mechanism of Neurodegeneration, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Carsten Jäger
- Paul Flechsig Institute of Brain Research, Department of Molecular and Cellular Mechanism of Neurodegeneration, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Katharina Flach
- Paul Flechsig Institute of Brain Research, Department of Molecular and Cellular Mechanism of Neurodegeneration, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Anne Suttkus
- Paul Flechsig Institute of Brain Research, Department of Molecular and Cellular Mechanism of Neurodegeneration, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Thomas Arendt
- Paul Flechsig Institute of Brain Research, Department of Molecular and Cellular Mechanism of Neurodegeneration, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Max Holzer
- Paul Flechsig Institute of Brain Research, Department of Molecular and Cellular Mechanism of Neurodegeneration, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- * E-mail:
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37
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Ayyadevara S, Balasubramaniam M, Gao Y, Yu L, Alla R, Shmookler Reis R. Proteins in aggregates functionally impact multiple neurodegenerative disease models by forming proteasome-blocking complexes. Aging Cell 2015; 14:35-48. [PMID: 25510159 PMCID: PMC4326912 DOI: 10.1111/acel.12296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-dependent neurodegenerative diseases progressively form aggregates containing both shared components (e.g., TDP-43, phosphorylated tau) and proteins specific to each disease. We investigated whether diverse neuropathies might have additional aggregation-prone proteins in common, discoverable by proteomics. Caenorhabditis elegans expressing unc-54p/Q40::YFP, a model of polyglutamine array diseases such as Huntington's, accrues aggregates in muscle 2–6 days posthatch. These foci, isolated on antibody-coupled magnetic beads, were characterized by high-resolution mass spectrometry. Three Q40::YFP-associated proteins were inferred to promote aggregation and cytotoxicity, traits reduced or delayed by their RNA interference knockdown. These RNAi treatments also retarded aggregation/cytotoxicity in Alzheimer's disease models, nematodes with muscle or pan-neuronal Aβ1–42 expression and behavioral phenotypes. The most abundant aggregated proteins are glutamine/asparagine-rich, favoring hydrophobic interactions with other random-coil domains. A particularly potent modulator of aggregation, CRAM-1/HYPK, contributed < 1% of protein aggregate peptides, yet its knockdown reduced Q40::YFP aggregates 72–86% (P < 10−6). In worms expressing Aβ1–42, knockdown of cram-1 reduced β-amyloid 60% (P < 0.002) and slowed age-dependent paralysis > 30% (P < 10−6). In wild-type worms, cram-1 knockdown reduced aggregation and extended lifespan, but impaired early reproduction. Protection against seeded aggregates requires proteasome function, implying that normal CRAM-1 levels promote aggregation by interfering with proteasomal degradation of misfolded proteins. Molecular dynamic modeling predicts spontaneous and stable interactions of CRAM-1 (or human orthologs) with ubiquitin, and we verified that CRAM-1 reduces degradation of a tagged-ubiquitin reporter. We propose that CRAM-1 exemplifies a class of primitive chaperones that are initially protective and highly beneficial for early reproduction, but ultimately impair aggregate clearance and limit longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srinivas Ayyadevara
- McClellan Veterans Medical Center Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare Service Little Rock AR 72205USA
- Department of Geriatrics University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Little Rock AR 72205USA
| | - Meenakshisundaram Balasubramaniam
- Department of Geriatrics University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Little Rock AR 72205USA
- BioInformatics Program University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and University of Arkansas at Little Rock Little Rock AR 72205 USA
| | - Yuan Gao
- National Center for Toxicological Research Food & Drug Administration Jefferson AR 72079USA
| | - Li‐Rong Yu
- National Center for Toxicological Research Food & Drug Administration Jefferson AR 72079USA
| | - Ramani Alla
- McClellan Veterans Medical Center Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare Service Little Rock AR 72205USA
| | - Robert Shmookler Reis
- McClellan Veterans Medical Center Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare Service Little Rock AR 72205USA
- Department of Geriatrics University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Little Rock AR 72205USA
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Little Rock AR 72205USA
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38
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Alexander AG, Marfil V, Li C. Use of Caenorhabditis elegans as a model to study Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. Front Genet 2014; 5:279. [PMID: 25250042 PMCID: PMC4155875 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2014.00279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2014] [Accepted: 07/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in research and technology has increased our quality of life, allowed us to combat diseases, and achieve increased longevity. Unfortunately, increased longevity is accompanied by a rise in the incidences of age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). AD is the sixth leading cause of death, and one of the leading causes of dementia amongst the aged population in the USA. It is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by the prevalence of extracellular Aβ plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles, derived from the proteolysis of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and the hyperphosphorylation of microtubule-associated protein tau, respectively. Despite years of extensive research, the molecular mechanisms that underlie the pathology of AD remain unclear. Model organisms, such as the nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans, present a complementary approach to addressing these questions. C. elegans has many advantages as a model system to study AD and other neurodegenerative diseases. Like their mammalian counterparts, they have complex biochemical pathways, most of which are conserved. Genes in which mutations are correlated with AD have counterparts in C. elegans, including an APP-related gene, apl-1, a tau homolog, ptl-1, and presenilin homologs, such as sel-12 and hop-1. Since the neuronal connectivity in C. elegans has already been established, C. elegans is also advantageous in modeling learning and memory impairments seen during AD. This article addresses the insights C. elegans provide in studying AD and other neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, we explore the advantages and drawbacks associated with using this model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adanna G Alexander
- Department of Biology, City College of New York New York, NY, USA ; Department of Biology, The Graduate Center, City University of New York New York, NY, USA
| | - Vanessa Marfil
- Department of Biology, City College of New York New York, NY, USA
| | - Chris Li
- Department of Biology, City College of New York New York, NY, USA ; Department of Biology, The Graduate Center, City University of New York New York, NY, USA
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39
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Wigington CP, Williams KR, Meers MP, Bassell GJ, Corbett AH. Poly(A) RNA-binding proteins and polyadenosine RNA: new members and novel functions. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2014; 5:601-22. [PMID: 24789627 PMCID: PMC4332543 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2013] [Revised: 02/07/2014] [Accepted: 03/06/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Poly(A) RNA-binding proteins (Pabs) bind with high affinity and specificity to polyadenosine RNA. Textbook models show a nuclear Pab, PABPN1, and a cytoplasmic Pab, PABPC, where the nuclear PABPN1 modulates poly(A) tail length and the cytoplasmic PABPC stabilizes poly(A) RNA in the cytoplasm and also enhances translation. While these conventional roles are critically important, the Pab family has expanded recently both in number and in function. A number of novel roles have emerged for both PAPBPN1 and PABPC that contribute to the fine-tuning of gene expression. Furthermore, as the characterization of the nucleic acid binding properties of RNA-binding proteins advances, additional proteins that show high affinity and specificity for polyadenosine RNA are being discovered. With this expansion of the Pab family comes a concomitant increase in the potential for Pabs to modulate gene expression. Further complication comes from an expansion of the potential binding sites for Pab proteins as revealed by an analysis of templated polyadenosine stretches present within the transcriptome. Thus, Pabs could influence mRNA fate and function not only by binding to the nontemplated poly(A) tail but also to internal stretches of adenosine. Understanding the diverse functions of Pab proteins is not only critical to understand how gene expression is regulated but also to understand the molecular basis for tissue-specific diseases that occur when Pab proteins are altered. Here we describe both conventional and recently emerged functions for PABPN1 and PABPC and then introduce and discuss three new Pab family members, ZC3H14, hnRNP-Q1, and LARP4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Callie P. Wigington
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kathryn R. Williams
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Michael P. Meers
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Gary J. Bassell
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Anita H. Corbett
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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40
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Kelly SM, Leung SW, Pak C, Banerjee A, Moberg KH, Corbett AH. A conserved role for the zinc finger polyadenosine RNA binding protein, ZC3H14, in control of poly(A) tail length. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2014; 20:681-688. [PMID: 24671764 PMCID: PMC3988569 DOI: 10.1261/rna.043984.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2013] [Accepted: 02/10/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The ZC3H14 gene, which encodes a ubiquitously expressed, evolutionarily conserved, nuclear, zinc finger polyadenosine RNA-binding protein, was recently linked to autosomal recessive, nonsyndromic intellectual disability. Although studies have been carried out to examine the function of putative orthologs of ZC3H14 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, where the protein is termed Nab2, and Drosophila, where the protein has been designated dNab2, little is known about the function of mammalian ZC3H14. Work from both budding yeast and flies implicates Nab2/dNab2 in poly(A) tail length control, while a role in poly(A) RNA export from the nucleus has been reported only for budding yeast. Here we provide the first functional characterization of ZC3H14. Analysis of ZC3H14 function in a neuronal cell line as well as in vivo complementation studies in a Drosophila model identify a role for ZC3H14 in proper control of poly(A) tail length in neuronal cells. Furthermore, we show here that human ZC3H14 can functionally substitute for dNab2 in fly neurons and can rescue defects in development and locomotion that are present in dNab2 null flies. These rescue experiments provide evidence that this zinc finger-containing class of nuclear polyadenosine RNA-binding proteins plays an evolutionarily conserved role in controlling the length of the poly(A) tail in neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth M. Kelly
- Department of Biology, College of Wooster, Wooster, Ohio 44691, USA
| | - Sara W. Leung
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
| | - ChangHui Pak
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
| | - Ayan Banerjee
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
| | - Kenneth H. Moberg
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
| | - Anita H. Corbett
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
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41
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Abstract
Similar to other organisms, necrotic cell death in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is manifested as the catastrophic collapse of cellular homeostasis, in response to overwhelming stress that is inflicted either in the form of extreme environmental stimuli or by intrinsic insults such as the expression of proteins carrying deleterious mutations. Remarkably, necrotic cell death in C. elegans and pathological cell death in humans share multiple fundamental features and mechanistic aspects. Therefore, mechanisms mediating necrosis are also conserved across the evolutionary spectrum and render the worm a versatile tool, with the capacity to facilitate studies of human pathologies. Here, we overview necrotic paradigms that have been characterized in the nematode and outline the cellular and molecular mechanisms that mediate this mode of cell demise. In addition, we discuss experimental approaches that utilize C. elegans to elucidate the molecular underpinnings of devastating human disorders that entail necrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vassiliki Nikoletopoulou
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Nektarios Tavernarakis
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Greece.
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42
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Li J, Le W. Modeling neurodegenerative diseases in Caenorhabditis elegans. Exp Neurol 2013; 250:94-103. [PMID: 24095843 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2013.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2013] [Revised: 09/18/2013] [Accepted: 09/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases which include Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Huntington disease (HD), and others are becoming an increasing threat to human health worldwide. The degeneration and death of certain specific groups of neurons are the hallmarks of these diseases. Despite the research progress in identification of several disease-related genes, the mechanisms underlying the neurodegeneration in these diseases remain unclear. Given the molecular conservation in neuronal signaling between Caenorhabditis elegans and vertebrates, an increasing number of research scientists have used the nematode to study this group of diseases. This review paper will focus on the model system that has been established in C. elegans to investigate the pathogenetic roles of those reported disease-related genes in AD, PD, ALS, HD and others. The progress in C. elegans provides useful information of the genetic interactions and molecular pathways that are critical in the disease process, and may help better our understanding of the disease mechanisms and search for new therapeutics for these devastating diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Li
- Institute of Health Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200025, P.R. China
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Ramachandran PS, Keiser MS, Davidson BL. Recent advances in RNA interference therapeutics for CNS diseases. Neurotherapeutics 2013; 10:473-85. [PMID: 23589092 PMCID: PMC3701762 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-013-0183-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last decade, RNA interference technology has shown therapeutic promise in rodent models of dominantly inherited brain diseases, including those caused by polyglutamine repeat expansions in the coding region of the affected gene. For some of these diseases, proof-of concept studies in model organisms have transitioned to safety testing in larger animal models, such as the nonhuman primate. Here, we review recent progress on RNA interference-based therapies in various model systems. We also highlight outstanding questions or concerns that have emerged as a result of an improved (and ever advancing) understanding of the technologies employed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Megan S. Keiser
- />Interdisciplinary program in Neuroscience, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA USA
| | - Beverly L. Davidson
- />Interdisciplinary program in Genetics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242 USA
- />Interdisciplinary program in Neuroscience, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA USA
- />Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA
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Korvatska O, Strand NS, Berndt JD, Strovas T, Chen DH, Leverenz JB, Kiianitsa K, Mata IF, Karakoc E, Greenup JL, Bonkowski E, Chuang J, Moon RT, Eichler EE, Nickerson DA, Zabetian CP, Kraemer BC, Bird TD, Raskind WH. Altered splicing of ATP6AP2 causes X-linked parkinsonism with spasticity (XPDS). Hum Mol Genet 2013; 22:3259-68. [PMID: 23595882 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddt180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a novel gene for a parkinsonian disorder. X-linked parkinsonism with spasticity (XPDS) presents either as typical adult onset Parkinson's disease or earlier onset spasticity followed by parkinsonism. We previously mapped the XPDS gene to a 28 Mb region on Xp11.2-X13.3. Exome sequencing of one affected individual identified five rare variants in this region, of which none was missense, nonsense or frame shift. Using patient-derived cells, we tested the effect of these variants on expression/splicing of the relevant genes. A synonymous variant in ATP6AP2, c.345C>T (p.S115S), markedly increased exon 4 skipping, resulting in the overexpression of a minor splice isoform that produces a protein with internal deletion of 32 amino acids in up to 50% of the total pool, with concomitant reduction of isoforms containing exon 4. ATP6AP2 is an essential accessory component of the vacuolar ATPase required for lysosomal degradative functions and autophagy, a pathway frequently affected in Parkinson's disease. Reduction of the full-size ATP6AP2 transcript in XPDS cells and decreased level of ATP6AP2 protein in XPDS brain may compromise V-ATPase function, as seen with siRNA knockdown in HEK293 cells, and may ultimately be responsible for the pathology. Another synonymous mutation in the same exon, c.321C>T (p.D107D), has a similar molecular defect of exon inclusion and causes X-linked mental retardation Hedera type (MRXSH). Mutations in XPDS and MRXSH alter binding sites for different splicing factors, which may explain the marked differences in age of onset and manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olena Korvatska
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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Chen S, Ge X, Chen Y, Lv N, Liu Z, Yuan W. Advances with RNA interference in Alzheimer's disease research. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2013; 7:117-25. [PMID: 23459401 PMCID: PMC3582316 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s40229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized clinically by memory and cognitive dysfunction. Unfortunately, there is no effective therapeutic method for AD treatment or ways to halt disease progression. Many mechanisms are involved in the disease, including genes mutation and protein dysfunction. RNA interference (RNAi) technology may potentially be able to control AD. It can inhibit the protein expression of specific genes by activating a sequence-specific RNA degradation process. This is a powerful tool with which to study gene function, investigate the mechanism of the disease, and validate drug targets. In this review, we highlight the advances in RNAi technology in the investigation and treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun Chen
- Department of Neurology, Xinhua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai
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Abstract
Tauopathies are neurodegenerative diseases, including AD (Alzheimer's disease) and FTLD-T (tau-positive frontotemporal lobar degeneration), with shared pathology presenting as accumulation of detergent-insoluble hyperphosphorylated tau deposits in the central nervous system. The currently available treatments for AD address only some of the symptoms, and do not significantly alter the progression of the disease, namely the development of protein aggregates and loss of functional neurons. The development of effective treatments for various tauopathies will require the identification of common mechanisms of tau neurotoxicity, and pathways that can be modulated to protect against neurodegeneration. Model organisms, such as Caenorhabditis elegans, provide methods for identifying novel genes and pathways that are involved in tau pathology and may be exploited for treatment of various tauopathies. In the present paper, we summarize data regarding characterization of MSUT2 (mammalian suppressor of tau pathology 2), a protein identified in a C. elegans tauopathy model and subsequently shown to modify tau toxicity in mammalian cell culture via the effects on autophagy pathways. MSUT2 represents a potential drug target for prevention of tau-related neurodegeneration.
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Hanger DP, Noble W. Functional implications of glycogen synthase kinase-3-mediated tau phosphorylation. Int J Alzheimers Dis 2011; 2011:352805. [PMID: 21776376 PMCID: PMC3139124 DOI: 10.4061/2011/352805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2011] [Accepted: 05/06/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Tau is primarily a neuronal microtubule-associated protein that has functions related to the stabilisation of microtubules. Phosphorylation of tau is an important dynamic and regulatory element involved in the binding of tau to tubulin. Thus, highly phosphorylated tau is more likely to be present in the cytosolic compartment of neurons, whereas reduced phosphate burden allows tau to bind to and stabilise the microtubule cytoskeleton. Highly phosphorylated forms of tau are deposited in the brain in a range of neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease, progressive supranuclear palsy, and frontotemporal lobar degeneration associated with Pick bodies. A key candidate kinase for both physiological and pathological tau phosphorylation is glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3). Multiple phosphorylation sites have been identified on tau exposed to GSK-3 in vitro and in cells. In this review, we highlight recent data suggesting a role for GSK-3 activity on physiological tau function and on tau dysfunction in neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane P Hanger
- Department of Neuroscience (P037), MRC Centre for Neurodegeneration Research, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK
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