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Buchholz S, Zempel H. Suppression of mature TAU isoforms prevents Alzheimer's disease-like amyloid-beta oligomer-induced spine loss in rodent neurons. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1655-1657. [PMID: 38103227 PMCID: PMC10960270 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.389644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Buchholz
- Institute of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Hans Zempel
- Institute of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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2
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Kon T, Forrest SL, Lee S, Li J, Chasiotis H, Nassir N, Uddin MJ, Lang AE, Kovacs GG. SNCA and TPPP transcripts increase in oligodendroglial cytoplasmic inclusions in multiple system atrophy. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 198:106551. [PMID: 38839023 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is characterized by glial cytoplasmic inclusions (GCIs) containing aggregated α-synuclein (α-syn) in oligodendrocytes. The origin of α-syn accumulation in GCIs is unclear, in particular whether abnormal α-syn aggregates result from the abnormal elevation of endogenous α-syn expression in MSA or ingested from the neuronal source. Tubulin polymerization promoting protein (TPPP) has been reported to play a crucial role in developing GCI pathology. Here, the total cell body, nucleus, and cytoplasmic area density of SNCA and TPPP transcripts in neurons and oligodendrocytes with and without various α-syn pathologies in the pontine base in autopsy cases of MSA (n = 4) and controls (n = 2) were evaluated using RNAscope with immunofluorescence. Single-nucleus RNA-sequencing data for TPPP was evaluated using control frontal cortex (n = 3). SNCA and TPPP transcripts were present in the nucleus and cytoplasm of oligodendrocytes in both controls and diseased, with higher area density in GCIs and glial nuclear inclusions in MSA. Area densities of SNCA and TPPP transcripts were lower in neurons showing cytoplasmic inclusions in MSA. Indeed, TPPP transcripts were unexpectedly found in neurons, while the anti-TPPP antibody failed to detect immunoreactivity. Single-nucleus RNA-sequencing revealed significant TPPP transcript expression predominantly in oligodendrocytes, but also in excitatory and inhibitory neurons. This study addressed the unclear origin of accumulated α-syn in GCIs, proposing that the elevation of SNCA transcripts may supply templates for misfolded α-syn. In addition, the parallel behavior of TPPP and SNCA transcripts in GCI development highlights their potential synergistic contribution to inclusion formation. In conclusion, this study advances our understanding of MSA pathogenesis, offers insights into the dynamics of SNCA and TPPP transcripts in inclusion formation, and proposes regulating their transcripts for future molecular therapy to MSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoya Kon
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Neurology, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Japan.
| | - Shelley L Forrest
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Dementia Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia; Laboratory Medicine Program and Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Seojin Lee
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Jun Li
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Helen Chasiotis
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Nasna Nassir
- Centre for Applied and Translational Genomics, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Mohammed J Uddin
- Centre for Applied and Translational Genomics, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates; GenomeArc Inc, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Anthony E Lang
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Edmund J Safra Program in Parkinson's Disease and Rossy Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Centre, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Gabor G Kovacs
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Dementia Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia; Laboratory Medicine Program and Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Edmund J Safra Program in Parkinson's Disease and Rossy Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Centre, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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3
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Raj A, Torok J, Ranasinghe K. Understanding the complex interplay between tau, amyloid and the network in the spatiotemporal progression of Alzheimer's Disease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.05.583407. [PMID: 38559176 PMCID: PMC10979926 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.05.583407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The interaction of amyloid and tau in neurodegenerative diseases is a central feature of AD pathophysiology. While experimental studies point to various interaction mechanisms, their causal direction and mode (local, remote or network-mediated) remain unknown in human subjects. The aim of this study was to compare mathematical reaction-diffusion models encoding distinct cross-species couplings to identify which interactions were key to model success. METHODS We tested competing mathematical models of network spread, aggregation, and amyloid-tau interactions on publicly available data from ADNI. RESULTS Although network spread models captured the spatiotemporal evolution of tau and amyloid in human subjects, the model including a one-way amyloid-to-tau aggregation interaction performed best. DISCUSSION This mathematical exposition of the "pas de deux" of co-evolving proteins provides quantitative, whole-brain support to the concept of amyloid-facilitated-tauopathy rather than the classic amyloid-cascade or pure-tau hypotheses, and helps explain certain known but poorly understood aspects of AD.
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4
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Barrett E, Ivey G, Cunningham A, Coffman G, Pemberton T, Lee C, Patra P, Day JB, Lee PHU, Shim JW. Reduced GLP-1R availability in the caudate nucleus with Alzheimer's disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 16:1350239. [PMID: 38915346 PMCID: PMC11194438 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1350239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists reduce glycated hemoglobin in patients with type 2 diabetes. Mounting evidence indicates that the potential of GLP-1R agonists, mimicking a 30 amino acid ligand, GLP-1, extends to the treatment of neurodegenerative conditions, with a particular focus on Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the mechanism that underlies regulation of GLP-1R availability in the brain with AD remains poorly understood. Here, using whole transcriptome RNA-Seq of the human postmortem caudate nucleus with AD and chronic hydrocephalus (CH) in the elderly, we found that GLP-1R and select mRNAs expressed in glucose dysmetabolism and dyslipidemia were significantly altered. Furthermore, we detected human RNA indicating a deficiency in doublecortin (DCX) levels and the presence of ferroptosis in the caudate nucleus impacted by AD. Using the genome data viewer, we assessed mutability of GLP-1R and 39 other genes by two factors associated with high mutation rates in chromosomes of four species. Surprisingly, we identified that nucleotide sizes of GLP-1R transcript exceptionally differed in all four species of humans, chimpanzees, rats, and mice by up to 6-fold. Taken together, the protein network database analysis suggests that reduced GLP-1R in the aged human brain is associated with glucose dysmetabolism, ferroptosis, and reduced DCX+ neurons, that may contribute to AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Barrett
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, United States
| | - Gabrielle Ivey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, United States
| | - Adam Cunningham
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, United States
| | - Gary Coffman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, United States
| | - Tyera Pemberton
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, United States
| | - Chan Lee
- Department of Anesthesia, Indiana University Health Arnett Hospital, Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Prabir Patra
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, United States
| | - James B. Day
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Cabell Huntington Hospital and Marshall University School of Medicine, Huntington, WV, United States
| | - Peter H. U. Lee
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Southcoast Health, Fall River, MA, United States
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Joon W. Shim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, United States
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5
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Ellis MJ, Lekka C, Holden KL, Tulmin H, Seedat F, O'Brien DP, Dhayal S, Zeissler ML, Knudsen JG, Kessler BM, Morgan NG, Todd JA, Richardson SJ, Stefana MI. Identification of high-performing antibodies for the reliable detection of Tau proteoforms by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Acta Neuropathol 2024; 147:87. [PMID: 38761203 PMCID: PMC11102361 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-024-02729-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Antibodies are essential research tools whose performance directly impacts research conclusions and reproducibility. Owing to its central role in Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, hundreds of distinct antibody clones have been developed against the microtubule-associated protein Tau and its multiple proteoforms. Despite this breadth of offer, limited understanding of their performance and poor antibody selectivity have hindered research progress. Here, we validate a large panel of Tau antibodies by Western blot (79 reagents) and immunohistochemistry (35 reagents). We address the reagents' ability to detect the target proteoform, selectivity, the impact of protein phosphorylation on antibody binding and performance in human brain samples. While most antibodies detected Tau at high levels, many failed to detect it at lower, endogenous levels. By WB, non-selective binding to other proteins affected over half of the antibodies tested, with several cross-reacting with the related MAP2 protein, whereas the "oligomeric Tau" T22 antibody reacted with monomeric Tau by WB, thus calling into question its specificity to Tau oligomers. Despite the presumption that "total" Tau antibodies are agnostic to post-translational modifications, we found that phosphorylation partially inhibits binding for many such antibodies, including the popular Tau-5 clone. We further combine high-sensitivity reagents, mass-spectrometry proteomics and cDNA sequencing to demonstrate that presumptive Tau "knockout" human cells continue to express residual protein arising through exon skipping, providing evidence of previously unappreciated gene plasticity. Finally, probing of human brain samples with a large panel of antibodies revealed the presence of C-term-truncated versions of all main Tau brain isoforms in both control and tauopathy donors. Ultimately, we identify a validated panel of Tau antibodies that can be employed in Western blotting and/or immunohistochemistry to reliably detect even low levels of Tau expression with high selectivity. This work represents an extensive resource that will enable the re-interpretation of published data, improve reproducibility in Tau research, and overall accelerate scientific progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Ellis
- JDRF/Wellcome Diabetes and Inflammation Laboratory, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, UK
| | - Christiana Lekka
- Islet Biology Group, Department of Clinical & Biomedical Sciences, Exeter Centre of Excellence in Diabetes (EXCEED), University of Exeter, RILD Building, Exeter, UK
| | - Katie L Holden
- JDRF/Wellcome Diabetes and Inflammation Laboratory, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, UK
| | - Hanna Tulmin
- JDRF/Wellcome Diabetes and Inflammation Laboratory, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, UK
| | - Faheem Seedat
- JDRF/Wellcome Diabetes and Inflammation Laboratory, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, UK
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, Women's Centre, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Level 3, Oxford, UK
| | - Darragh P O'Brien
- Target Discovery Institute, Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, UK
| | - Shalinee Dhayal
- Islet Biology Group, Department of Clinical & Biomedical Sciences, Exeter Centre of Excellence in Diabetes (EXCEED), University of Exeter, RILD Building, Exeter, UK
| | - Marie-Louise Zeissler
- Islet Biology Group, Department of Clinical & Biomedical Sciences, Exeter Centre of Excellence in Diabetes (EXCEED), University of Exeter, RILD Building, Exeter, UK
| | - Jakob G Knudsen
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Radcliffe, UK
- Section for Cell Biology and Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Benedikt M Kessler
- Target Discovery Institute, Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, UK
| | - Noel G Morgan
- Islet Biology Group, Department of Clinical & Biomedical Sciences, Exeter Centre of Excellence in Diabetes (EXCEED), University of Exeter, RILD Building, Exeter, UK
| | - John A Todd
- JDRF/Wellcome Diabetes and Inflammation Laboratory, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, UK
| | - Sarah J Richardson
- Islet Biology Group, Department of Clinical & Biomedical Sciences, Exeter Centre of Excellence in Diabetes (EXCEED), University of Exeter, RILD Building, Exeter, UK
| | - M Irina Stefana
- JDRF/Wellcome Diabetes and Inflammation Laboratory, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, UK.
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6
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Buchholz S, Zempel H. The six brain-specific TAU isoforms and their role in Alzheimer's disease and related neurodegenerative dementia syndromes. Alzheimers Dement 2024; 20:3606-3628. [PMID: 38556838 PMCID: PMC11095451 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13784] [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: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alternative splicing of the human MAPT gene generates six brain-specific TAU isoforms. Imbalances in the TAU isoform ratio can lead to neurodegenerative diseases, underscoring the need for precise control over TAU isoform balance. Tauopathies, characterized by intracellular aggregates of hyperphosphorylated TAU, exhibit extensive neurodegeneration and can be classified by the TAU isoforms present in pathological accumulations. METHODS A comprehensive review of TAU and related dementia syndromes literature was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and preprint server. RESULTS While TAU is recognized as key driver of neurodegeneration in specific tauopathies, the contribution of the isoforms to neuronal function and disease development remains largely elusive. DISCUSSION In this review we describe the role of TAU isoforms in health and disease, and stress the importance of comprehending and studying TAU isoforms in both, physiological and pathological context, in order to develop targeted therapeutic interventions for TAU-associated diseases. HIGHLIGHTS MAPT splicing is tightly regulated during neuronal maturation and throughout life. TAU isoform expression is development-, cell-type and brain region specific. The contribution of TAU to neurodegeneration might be isoform-specific. Ineffective TAU-based therapies highlight the need for specific targeting strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Buchholz
- Institute of Human GeneticsFaculty of Medicine and University Hospital CologneUniversity of CologneCologneGermany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC)University of CologneCologneGermany
- Present address:
Department Schaefer, Neurobiology of AgeingMax Planck Institute for Biology of AgeingCologneGermany
| | - Hans Zempel
- Institute of Human GeneticsFaculty of Medicine and University Hospital CologneUniversity of CologneCologneGermany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC)University of CologneCologneGermany
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7
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Kumar NH, Kluever V, Barth E, Krautwurst S, Furlan M, Pelizzola M, Marz M, Fornasiero EF. Comprehensive transcriptome analysis reveals altered mRNA splicing and post-transcriptional changes in the aged mouse brain. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:2865-2885. [PMID: 38471806 PMCID: PMC11014377 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
A comprehensive understanding of molecular changes during brain aging is essential to mitigate cognitive decline and delay neurodegenerative diseases. The interpretation of mRNA alterations during brain aging is influenced by the health and age of the animal cohorts studied. Here, we carefully consider these factors and provide an in-depth investigation of mRNA splicing and dynamics in the aging mouse brain, combining short- and long-read sequencing technologies with extensive bioinformatic analyses. Our findings encompass a spectrum of age-related changes, including differences in isoform usage, decreased mRNA dynamics and a module showing increased expression of neuronal genes. Notably, our results indicate a reduced abundance of mRNA isoforms leading to nonsense-mediated RNA decay and suggest a regulatory role for RNA-binding proteins, indicating that their regulation may be altered leading to the reshaping of the aged brain transcriptome. Collectively, our study highlights the importance of studying mRNA splicing events during brain aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisha Hemandhar Kumar
- Department of Neuro- and Sensory Physiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Verena Kluever
- Department of Neuro- and Sensory Physiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Emanuel Barth
- Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Bioinformatics Core Facility, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Sebastian Krautwurst
- Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Mattia Furlan
- Center for Genomic Science of IIT@SEMM, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Mattia Pelizzola
- Center for Genomic Science of IIT@SEMM, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 20139 Milan, Italy
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Manja Marz
- Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Leibniz Institute for Age Research, FLI, Beutenbergstraße 11, Jena 07743, Germany
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, Friedrich Schiller University, Leutragraben 1, Jena 07743, Germany
- German Center for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv), Puschstraße 4, Leipzig 04103, Germany
- Michael Stifel Center Jena, Friedrich Schiller University, Ernst-Abbe-Platz 2, Jena 07743, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse, Friedrich Schiller University, Fuerstengraben 1, Jena 07743, Germany
| | - Eugenio F Fornasiero
- Department of Neuro- and Sensory Physiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
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8
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Rinaldi M, Pezone A, Quadrini GI, Abbadessa G, Laezza MP, Passaro ML, Porcellini A, Costagliola C. Targeting shared pathways in tauopathies and age-related macular degeneration: implications for novel therapies. Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 16:1371745. [PMID: 38633983 PMCID: PMC11021713 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1371745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The intricate parallels in structure and function between the human retina and the central nervous system designate the retina as a prospective avenue for understanding brain-related processes. This review extensively explores the shared physiopathological mechanisms connecting age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and proteinopathies, with a specific focus on tauopathies. The pivotal involvement of oxidative stress and cellular senescence emerges as key drivers of pathogenesis in both conditions. Uncovering these shared elements not only has the potential to enhance our understanding of intricate neurodegenerative diseases but also sets the stage for pioneering therapeutic approaches in AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Rinaldi
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Pezone
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Gaia Italia Quadrini
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Gianmarco Abbadessa
- Division of Neurology, Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Laezza
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences “V. Tiberio”, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Maria Laura Passaro
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences “V. Tiberio”, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | | | - Ciro Costagliola
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Kon T, Lee S, Martinez-Valbuena I, Yoshida K, Tanikawa S, Lang AE, Kovacs GG. Molecular Behavior of α-Synuclein Is Associated with Membrane Transport, Lipid Metabolism, and Ubiquitin-Proteasome Pathways in Lewy Body Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2676. [PMID: 38473923 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Lewy body diseases (LBDs) feature α-synuclein (α-syn)-containing Lewy bodies, with misfolded α-syn potentially propagating as seeds. Using a seeding amplification assay, we previously reported distinct α-syn seeding in LBD cases based on the area under seeding curves. This study revealed that LBD cases showing different α-syn seeding kinetics have distinct proteomics profiles, emphasizing disruptions in mitochondria and lipid metabolism in high-seeder cases. Though the mechanisms underlying LBD development are intricate, the factors influencing α-syn seeding activity remain elusive. To address this and complement our previous findings, we conducted targeted transcriptome analyses in the substantia nigra using the nanoString nCounter assay together with histopathological evaluations in high (n = 4) and low (n = 3) nigral α-syn seeders. Neuropathological findings (particularly the substantia nigra) were consistent between these groups and were characterized by neocortical LBD associated with Alzheimer's disease neuropathologic change. Among the 1811 genes assessed, we identified the top 20 upregulated and downregulated genes and pathways in α-syn high seeders compared with low seeders. Notably, alterations were observed in genes and pathways related to transmembrane transporters, lipid metabolism, and the ubiquitin-proteasome system in the high α-syn seeders. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the molecular behavior of α-syn is the driving force in the neurodegenerative process affecting the substantia nigra through these identified pathways. These insights highlight their potential as therapeutic targets for attenuating LBD progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoya Kon
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Toronto, 60 Leonard Ave., Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Neurology, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu, Hirosaki 036-8562, Japan
| | - Seojin Lee
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Toronto, 60 Leonard Ave., Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, 200 Elizabeth St., Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Ivan Martinez-Valbuena
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Toronto, 60 Leonard Ave., Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
| | - Koji Yoshida
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Toronto, 60 Leonard Ave., Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Satoshi Tanikawa
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Toronto, 60 Leonard Ave., Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
| | - Anthony E Lang
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Toronto, 60 Leonard Ave., Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Edmond J Safra Program in Parkinson's Disease and Rossy Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Centre, Toronto Western Hospital, 399 Bathurst St., Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada
| | - Gabor G Kovacs
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Toronto, 60 Leonard Ave., Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, 200 Elizabeth St., Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
- Edmond J Safra Program in Parkinson's Disease and Rossy Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Centre, Toronto Western Hospital, 399 Bathurst St., Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada
- Laboratory Medicine Program, University Health Network, 200 Elizabeth St., Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
- Krembil Brain Institute, University of Toronto, 60 Leonard Ave., Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
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10
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Ifediora N, Canoll P, Hargus G. Human stem cell transplantation models of Alzheimer's disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 16:1354164. [PMID: 38450383 PMCID: PMC10915253 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1354164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most frequent form of dementia. It is characterized by pronounced neuronal degeneration with formation of neurofibrillary tangles and deposition of amyloid β throughout the central nervous system. Animal models have provided important insights into the pathogenesis of AD and they have shown that different brain cell types including neurons, astrocytes and microglia have important functions in the pathogenesis of AD. However, there are difficulties in translating promising therapeutic observations in mice into clinical application in patients. Alternative models using human cells such as human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) may provide significant advantages, since they have successfully been used to model disease mechanisms in neurons and in glial cells in neurodegenerative diseases in vitro and in vivo. In this review, we summarize recent studies that describe the transplantation of human iPSC-derived neurons, astrocytes and microglial cells into the forebrain of mice to generate chimeric transplantation models of AD. We also discuss opportunities, challenges and limitations in using differentiated human iPSCs for in vivo disease modeling and their application for biomedical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nkechime Ifediora
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Peter Canoll
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Gunnar Hargus
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
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Zheng L, Rubinski A, Denecke J, Luan Y, Smith R, Strandberg O, Stomrud E, Ossenkoppele R, Svaldi DO, Higgins IA, Shcherbinin S, Pontecorvo MJ, Hansson O, Franzmeier N, Ewers M. Combined Connectomics, MAPT Gene Expression, and Amyloid Deposition to Explain Regional Tau Deposition in Alzheimer Disease. Ann Neurol 2024; 95:274-287. [PMID: 37837382 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to test whether region-specific factors, including spatial expression patterns of the tau-encoding gene MAPT and regional levels of amyloid positron emission tomography (PET), enhance connectivity-based modeling of the spatial variability in tau-PET deposition in the Alzheimer disease (AD) spectrum. METHODS We included 685 participants (395 amyloid-positive participants within AD spectrum and 290 amyloid-negative controls) with tau-PET and amyloid-PET from 3 studies (Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, 18 F-AV-1451-A05, and BioFINDER-1). Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging was obtained in healthy controls (n = 1,000) from the Human Connectome Project, and MAPT gene expression from the Allen Human Brain Atlas. Based on a brain-parcellation atlas superimposed onto all modalities, we obtained region of interest (ROI)-to-ROI functional connectivity, ROI-level PET values, and MAPT gene expression. In stepwise regression analyses, we tested connectivity, MAPT gene expression, and amyloid-PET as predictors of group-averaged and individual tau-PET ROI values in amyloid-positive participants. RESULTS Connectivity alone explained 21.8 to 39.2% (range across 3 studies) of the variance in tau-PET ROI values averaged across amyloid-positive participants. Stepwise addition of MAPT gene expression and amyloid-PET increased the proportion of explained variance to 30.2 to 46.0% and 45.0 to 49.9%, respectively. Similarly, for the prediction of patient-level tau-PET ROI values, combining all 3 predictors significantly improved the variability explained (mean adjusted R2 range across studies = 0.118-0.148, 0.156-0.196, and 0.251-0.333 for connectivity alone, connectivity plus MAPT expression, and all 3 modalities combined, respectively). INTERPRETATION Across 3 study samples, combining the functional connectome and molecular properties substantially enhanced the explanatory power compared to single modalities, providing a valuable tool to explain regional susceptibility to tau deposition in AD. ANN NEUROL 2024;95:274-287.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukai Zheng
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research, University Hospital, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Anna Rubinski
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research, University Hospital, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Jannis Denecke
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research, University Hospital, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Ying Luan
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research, University Hospital, LMU, Munich, Germany
- Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ruben Smith
- Clinical Memory Research Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Olof Strandberg
- Clinical Memory Research Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Erik Stomrud
- Clinical Memory Research Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Memory Clinic, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Rik Ossenkoppele
- Clinical Memory Research Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Neurology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC Location VUmc, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Michael J Pontecorvo
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Avid Radiopharmaceuticals, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Oskar Hansson
- Clinical Memory Research Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Memory Clinic, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Nicolai Franzmeier
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research, University Hospital, LMU, Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology, Munich, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Michael Ewers
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research, University Hospital, LMU, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany
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12
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Bartosch AMW, Youth EHH, Hansen S, Wu Y, Buchanan HM, Kaufman ME, Xiao H, Koo SY, Ashok A, Sivakumar S, Soni RK, Dumitrescu LC, Lam TG, Ropri AS, Lee AJ, Klein HU, Vardarajan BN, Bennett DA, Young-Pearse TL, De Jager PL, Hohman TJ, Sproul AA, Teich AF. ZCCHC17 Modulates Neuronal RNA Splicing and Supports Cognitive Resilience in Alzheimer's Disease. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e2324222023. [PMID: 38050142 PMCID: PMC10860597 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2324-22.2023] [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: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
ZCCHC17 is a putative master regulator of synaptic gene dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease (AD), and ZCCHC17 protein declines early in AD brain tissue, before significant gliosis or neuronal loss. Here, we investigate the function of ZCCHC17 and its role in AD pathogenesis using data from human autopsy tissue (consisting of males and females) and female human cell lines. Co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) of ZCCHC17 followed by mass spectrometry analysis in human iPSC-derived neurons reveals that ZCCHC17's binding partners are enriched for RNA-splicing proteins. ZCCHC17 knockdown results in widespread RNA-splicing changes that significantly overlap with splicing changes found in AD brain tissue, with synaptic genes commonly affected. ZCCHC17 expression correlates with cognitive resilience in AD patients, and we uncover an APOE4-dependent negative correlation of ZCCHC17 expression with tangle burden. Furthermore, a majority of ZCCHC17 interactors also co-IP with known tau interactors, and we find a significant overlap between alternatively spliced genes in ZCCHC17 knockdown and tau overexpression neurons. These results demonstrate ZCCHC17's role in neuronal RNA processing and its interaction with pathology and cognitive resilience in AD, and suggest that the maintenance of ZCCHC17 function may be a therapeutic strategy for preserving cognitive function in the setting of AD pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Marie W Bartosch
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032
| | - Elliot H H Youth
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032
| | - Shania Hansen
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt Memory & Alzheimer's Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232
| | - Yiyang Wu
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt Memory & Alzheimer's Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232
| | - Heather M Buchanan
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032
| | - Maria E Kaufman
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032
| | - Harrison Xiao
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032
| | - So Yeon Koo
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032
| | - Archana Ashok
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032
| | - Sharanya Sivakumar
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032
| | - Rajesh K Soni
- Proteomics and Macromolecular Crystallography Shared Resource, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, New York, New York 10032
| | - Logan C Dumitrescu
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt Memory & Alzheimer's Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232
| | - Tiffany G Lam
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032
| | - Ali S Ropri
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032
| | - Annie J Lee
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032
- Department of Neurology, Center for Translational & Computational Neuroimmunology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York 10032
| | - Hans-Ulrich Klein
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032
- Department of Neurology, Center for Translational & Computational Neuroimmunology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York 10032
| | - Badri N Vardarajan
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York 10032
| | - David A Bennett
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois 60612
| | - Tracy L Young-Pearse
- Department of Neurology, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
| | - Philip L De Jager
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032
- Department of Neurology, Center for Translational & Computational Neuroimmunology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York 10032
| | - Timothy J Hohman
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt Memory & Alzheimer's Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232
| | - Andrew A Sproul
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032
| | - Andrew F Teich
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York 10032
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13
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Quesnel-Vallières M, Jewell S, Lynch KW, Thomas-Tikhonenko A, Barash Y. MAJIQlopedia: an encyclopedia of RNA splicing variations in human tissues and cancer. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:D213-D221. [PMID: 37953365 PMCID: PMC10767883 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad1043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Quantification of RNA splicing variations based on RNA-Sequencing can reveal tissue- and disease-specific splicing patterns. To study such splicing variations, we introduce MAJIQlopedia, an encyclopedia of splicing variations that encompasses 86 human tissues and 41 cancer datasets. MAJIQlopedia reports annotated and unannotated splicing events for a total of 486 175 alternative splice junctions in normal tissues and 338 317 alternative splice junctions in cancer. This database, available at https://majiq.biociphers.org/majiqlopedia/, includes a user-friendly interface that provides graphical representations of junction usage quantification for each junction across all tissue or cancer types. To demonstrate case usage of MAJIQlopedia, we review splicing variations in genes WT1, MAPT and BIN1, which all have known tissue or cancer-specific splicing variations. We also use MAJIQlopedia to highlight novel splicing variations in FDX1 and MEGF9 in normal tissues, and we uncover a novel exon inclusion event in RPS6KA6 that only occurs in two cancer types. Users can download the database, request the addition of data to the webtool, or install a MAJIQlopedia server to integrate proprietary data. MAJIQlopedia can serve as a reference database for researchers seeking to understand what splicing variations exist in genes of interest, and those looking to understand tissue- or cancer-specific splice isoform usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Quesnel-Vallières
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - San Jewell
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kristen W Lynch
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Andrei Thomas-Tikhonenko
- Division of Cancer Pathobiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Division of Oncology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Yoseph Barash
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Computer and Information Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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14
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Denorme F, Ajanel A, Campbell RA. Immunothrombosis in neurovascular disease. Res Pract Thromb Haemost 2024; 8:102298. [PMID: 38292352 PMCID: PMC10825058 DOI: 10.1016/j.rpth.2023.102298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
A State of the Art lecture titled "Immunothrombosis in Neurovascular Diseases" was presented at the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis Congress in 2023. Despite significant clinical advancements in stroke therapy, stroke remains a prominent contributor to both mortality and disability worldwide. Brain injury resulting from an ischemic stroke is a dynamic process that unfolds over time. Initially, an infarct core forms due to the abrupt and substantial blockage of blood flow. In the subsequent hours to days, the surrounding tissue undergoes gradual deterioration, primarily driven by sustained hypoperfusion, programmed cell death, and inflammation. While anti-inflammatory strategies have proven highly effective in experimental models of stroke, their successful translation to clinical use has proven challenging. To overcome this translational hurdle, a better understanding of the distinct immune response driving ischemic stroke brain injury is needed. In this review article, we give an overview of current knowledge regarding the immune response in ischemic stroke and the contribution of immunothrombosis to this process. We discuss therapeutic approaches to overcome detrimental immunothrombosis in ischemic stroke and how these can be extrapolated to other neurovascular diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis. Finally, we summarize relevant new data on this topic presented during the 2023 International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis Congress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederik Denorme
- University of Utah Molecular Medicine Program, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- Division of Vascular Neurology, Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Abigail Ajanel
- University of Utah Molecular Medicine Program, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- Division of Microbiology and Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Robert A. Campbell
- University of Utah Molecular Medicine Program, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- Division of Microbiology and Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- Division of Hematology and Hematologic Malignancies, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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15
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Zainuddin MS, Bhuvanendran S, Radhakrishnan AK, Azman AS. Alzheimer's Disease-Related Proteins Targeted by Secondary Metabolite Compounds from Streptomyces: A Scoping Review. J Alzheimers Dis Rep 2023; 7:1335-1350. [PMID: 38143777 PMCID: PMC10741902 DOI: 10.3233/adr-230065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that is characterized as rapid and progressive cognitive decline affecting 26 million people worldwide. Although immunotherapies are ideal, its clinical safety and effectiveness are controversial, hence, treatments are still reliant on symptomatic medications. Concurrently, the Streptomyces genus has attracted attention given its pharmaceutically beneficial secondary metabolites to treat neurodegenerative diseases. Objective To present secondary metabolites from Streptomyces sp. with regulatory effects on proteins and identified prospective target proteins for AD treatment. Methods Research articles published between 2010 and 2021 were collected from five databases and 83 relevant research articles were identified. Post-screening, only 12 research articles on AD-related proteins were selected for further review. Bioinformatics analyses were performed through the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING) network, PANTHER Go-Slim classification system (PANTHER17.0), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) Mapper. Results A total of 20 target proteins were identified from the 12 shortlisted articles. Amyloid-β, BACE1, Nrf-2, Beclin-1, and ATG5 were identified as the potential target proteins, given their role in initiating AD, mitigating neuroinflammation, and autophagy. Besides, 10 compounds from Streptomyces sp., including rapamycin, alborixin, enterocin, bonnevillamides D and E, caniferolide A, anhydroexfoliamycin, rhizolutin, streptocyclinone A and B, were identified to exhibit considerable regulatory effects on these target proteins. Conclusions The review highlights several prospective target proteins that can be regulated through treatments with Streptomyces sp. compounds to prevent AD's early stages and progression. Further identification of Streptomyces sp. compounds with potential anti-AD properties is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ammu K. Radhakrishnan
- Jeffery Cheah School of Medicine and Health Science, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
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16
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Lomoio S, Pandey RS, Rouleau N, Menicacci B, Kim W, Cantley WL, Haydon PG, Bennett DA, Young-Pearse TL, Carter GW, Kaplan DL, Tesco G. 3D bioengineered neural tissue generated from patient-derived iPSCs mimics time-dependent phenotypes and transcriptional features of Alzheimer's disease. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:5390-5401. [PMID: 37365240 PMCID: PMC11164539 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02147-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Several iPSC-derived three-dimensional (3D) cultures have been generated to model Alzheimer's disease (AD). While some AD-related phenotypes have been identified across these cultures, none of them could recapitulate multiple AD-related hallmarks in one model. To date, the transcriptomic features of these 3D models have not been compared with those of human AD brains. However, these data are crucial to understanding the pertinency of these models for studying AD-related pathomechanisms over time. We developed a 3D bioengineered model of iPSC-derived neural tissue that combines a porous scaffold composed of silk fibroin protein with an intercalated collagen hydrogel to support the growth of neurons and glial cells into complex and functional networks for an extended time, a fundamental requisite for aging studies. Cultures were generated from iPSC lines obtained from two subjects carrying the familial AD (FAD) APP London mutation, two well-studied control lines, and an isogenic control. Cultures were analyzed at 2 and 4.5 months. At both time points, an elevated Aβ42/40 ratio was detected in conditioned media from FAD cultures. However, extracellular Aβ42 deposition and enhanced neuronal excitability were observed in FAD culture only at 4.5 months, suggesting that extracellular Aβ deposition may trigger enhanced network activity. Remarkably, neuronal hyperexcitability has been described in AD patients early in the disease. Transcriptomic analysis revealed the deregulation of multiple gene sets in FAD samples. Such alterations were strikingly similar to those observed in human AD brains. These data provide evidence that our patient-derived FAD model develops time-dependent AD-related phenotypes and establishes a temporal relation among them. Furthermore, FAD iPSC-derived cultures recapitulate transcriptomic features of AD patients. Thus, our bioengineered neural tissue represents a unique tool to model AD in vitro over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selene Lomoio
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ravi S Pandey
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Nicolas Rouleau
- Department of Health Sciences, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Beatrice Menicacci
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - WonHee Kim
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - William L Cantley
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Philip G Haydon
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David A Bennett
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Tracy L Young-Pearse
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gregory W Carter
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, USA
| | - David L Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Giuseppina Tesco
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
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Marei HE, Khan MUA, Hasan A. Potential use of iPSCs for disease modeling, drug screening, and cell-based therapy for Alzheimer's disease. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2023; 28:98. [PMID: 38031028 PMCID: PMC10687886 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-023-00504-2] [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: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic illness marked by increasing cognitive decline and nervous system deterioration. At this time, there is no known medication that will stop the course of Alzheimer's disease; instead, most symptoms are treated. Clinical trial failure rates for new drugs remain high, highlighting the urgent need for improved AD modeling for improving understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of disease and improving drug development. The development of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) has made it possible to model neurological diseases like AD, giving access to an infinite number of patient-derived cells capable of differentiating neuronal fates. This advance will accelerate Alzheimer's disease research and provide an opportunity to create more accurate patient-specific models of Alzheimer's disease to support pathophysiological research, drug development, and the potential application of stem cell-based therapeutics. This review article provides a complete summary of research done to date on the potential use of iPSCs from AD patients for disease modeling, drug discovery, and cell-based therapeutics. Current technological developments in AD research including 3D modeling, genome editing, gene therapy for AD, and research on familial (FAD) and sporadic (SAD) forms of the disease are discussed. Finally, we outline the issues that need to be elucidated and future directions for iPSC modeling in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hany E Marei
- Department of Cytology and Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35116, Egypt.
| | - Muhammad Umar Aslam Khan
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, 2713, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Anwarul Hasan
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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18
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Kon T, Forrest SL, Lee S, Martinez-Valbuena I, Li J, Nassir N, Uddin MJ, Lang AE, Kovacs GG. Neuronal SNCA transcription during Lewy body formation. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2023; 11:185. [PMID: 37996943 PMCID: PMC10666428 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-023-01687-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Misfolded α-synuclein (α-syn) is believed to contribute to neurodegeneration in Lewy body disease (LBD) based on considerable evidence including a gene-dosage effect observed in relation to point mutations and multiplication of SNCA in familial Parkinson's disease. A contradictory concept proposes early loss of the physiological α-syn as the major driver of neurodegeneration. There is a paucity of data on SNCA transcripts in various α-syn immunoreactive cytopathologies. Here, the total cell body, nuclear, and cytoplasmic area density of SNCA transcripts in neurons without and with various α-syn immunoreactive cytopathologies in the substantia nigra and amygdala in autopsy cases of LBD (n = 5) were evaluated using RNAscope combined with immunofluorescence for disease-associated α-syn. Single-nucleus RNA sequencing was performed to elucidate cell-type specific SNCA expression in non-diseased frontal cortex (n = 3). SNCA transcripts were observed in the neuronal nucleus and cytoplasm in neurons without α-syn, those containing punctate α-syn immunoreactivity, irregular-shaped compact inclusion, and brainstem-type and cortical-type LBs. However, SNCA transcripts were only rarely found in the α-syn immunoreactive LB areas. The total cell body SNCA transcript area densities in neurons with punctate α-syn immunoreactivity were preserved but were significantly reduced in neurons with compact α-syn inclusions both in the substantia nigra and amygdala. This reduction was also observed in the cytoplasm but not in the nucleus. Only single SNCA transcripts were detected in astrocytes with or without disease-associated α-syn immunoreactivity in the amygdala. Single-nucleus RNA sequencing revealed that excitatory and inhibitory neurons, oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, oligodendrocytes, and homeostatic microglia expressed SNCA transcripts, while expression was largely absent in astrocytes and microglia. The preserved cellular SNCA expression in the more abundant non-Lewy body type α-syn cytopathologies might provide a pool for local protein production that can aggregate and serve as a seed for misfolded α-syn. Successful segregation of disease-associated α-syn is associated with the exhaustion of SNCA production in the terminal cytopathology, the Lewy body. Our observations inform therapy development focusing on targeting SNCA transcription in LBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoya Kon
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Toronto, 60 Leonard Ave., Rm 6KD414, Tanz CRND, Krembil Discovery Tower, Toronto, ON, M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Neurology, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Japan
| | - Shelley L Forrest
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Toronto, 60 Leonard Ave., Rm 6KD414, Tanz CRND, Krembil Discovery Tower, Toronto, ON, M5T 0S8, Canada
- Dementia Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
- Laboratory Medicine Program and Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Seojin Lee
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Toronto, 60 Leonard Ave., Rm 6KD414, Tanz CRND, Krembil Discovery Tower, Toronto, ON, M5T 0S8, Canada
| | - Ivan Martinez-Valbuena
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Toronto, 60 Leonard Ave., Rm 6KD414, Tanz CRND, Krembil Discovery Tower, Toronto, ON, M5T 0S8, Canada
| | - Jun Li
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Toronto, 60 Leonard Ave., Rm 6KD414, Tanz CRND, Krembil Discovery Tower, Toronto, ON, M5T 0S8, Canada
| | | | - Mohammed J Uddin
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, UAE
- GenomeArc Inc, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Anthony E Lang
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Toronto, 60 Leonard Ave., Rm 6KD414, Tanz CRND, Krembil Discovery Tower, Toronto, ON, M5T 0S8, Canada
- Edmund J Safra Program in Parkinson's Disease and Rossy Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Centre, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gabor G Kovacs
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Toronto, 60 Leonard Ave., Rm 6KD414, Tanz CRND, Krembil Discovery Tower, Toronto, ON, M5T 0S8, Canada.
- Dementia Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.
- Laboratory Medicine Program and Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Edmund J Safra Program in Parkinson's Disease and Rossy Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Centre, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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19
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Whitney K, Song WM, Sharma A, Dangoor DK, Farrell K, Krassner MM, Ressler HW, Christie TD, Walker RH, Nirenberg MJ, Zhang B, Frucht SJ, Riboldi GM, Crary JF, Pereira AC. Single-cell transcriptomic and neuropathologic analysis reveals dysregulation of the integrated stress response in progressive supranuclear palsy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.17.567587. [PMID: 38014079 PMCID: PMC10680842 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.17.567587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a sporadic neurodegenerative tauopathy variably affecting brainstem and cortical structures and characterized by tau inclusions in neurons and glia. The precise mechanism whereby these protein aggregates lead to cell death remains unclear. To investigate the contribution of these different cellular abnormalities to PSP pathogenesis, we performed single-nucleus RNA sequencing and analyzed 45,559 high quality nuclei targeting the subthalamic nucleus and adjacent structures from human post-mortem PSP brains with varying degrees of pathology compared to controls. Cell-type specific differential expression and pathway analysis identified both common and discrete changes in numerous pathways previously implicated in PSP and other neurodegenerative disorders. This included EIF2 signaling, an adaptive pathway activated in response to diverse stressors, which was the top activated pathway in vulnerable cell types. Using immunohistochemistry, we found that activated eIF2α was positively correlated with tau pathology burden in vulnerable brain regions. Multiplex immunofluorescence localized activated eIF2α positivity to hyperphosphorylated tau (p-tau) positive neurons and ALDH1L1-positive astrocytes, supporting the increased transcriptomic EIF2 activation observed in these vulnerable cell types. In conclusion, these data provide insights into cell-type-specific pathological changes in PSP and support the hypothesis that failure of adaptive stress pathways play a mechanistic role in the pathogenesis and progression of PSP.
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20
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Passaro ML, Matarazzo F, Abbadessa G, Pezone A, Porcellini A, Tranfa F, Rinaldi M, Costagliola C. Glaucoma as a Tauopathy-Is It the Missing Piece in the Glaucoma Puzzle? J Clin Med 2023; 12:6900. [PMID: 37959365 PMCID: PMC10650423 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12216900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder affecting the visual system which can result in vision loss and blindness. The pathogenetic mechanisms underlying glaucomatous optic neuropathy are ultimately enigmatic, prompting ongoing investigations into its potential shared pathogenesis with other neurodegenerative neurological disorders. Tauopathies represent a subclass of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by the abnormal deposition of tau protein within the brain and consequent microtubule destabilization. The extended spectrum of tauopathies includes conditions such as frontotemporal dementias, progressive supranuclear palsy, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and Alzheimer's disease. Notably, recent decades have witnessed emerging documentation of tau inclusion among glaucoma patients, providing substantiation that this ocular disease may similarly manifest features of tauopathies. These studies found that: (i) aggregated tau inclusions are present in the somatodendritic compartment of RGCs in glaucoma patients; (ii) the etiology of the disease may affect tau splicing, phosphorylation, oligomerization, and subcellular localization; and (iii) short interfering RNA against tau, administered intraocularly, significantly decreased retinal tau accumulation and enhanced RGC somas and axon survival, demonstrating a crucial role for tau modifications in ocular hypertension-induced neuronal injury. Here, we examine the most recent evidence surrounding the interplay between tau protein dysregulation and glaucomatous neurodegeneration. We explore the novel perspective of glaucoma as a tau-associated disorder and open avenues for cross-disciplinary collaboration and new treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Laura Passaro
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.L.P.); (F.T.); (C.C.)
| | | | - Gianmarco Abbadessa
- Division of Neurology, Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Antonio Pezone
- Department of Biology, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80126 Naples, Italy; (A.P.); (A.P.)
| | - Antonio Porcellini
- Department of Biology, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80126 Naples, Italy; (A.P.); (A.P.)
| | - Fausto Tranfa
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.L.P.); (F.T.); (C.C.)
| | - Michele Rinaldi
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.L.P.); (F.T.); (C.C.)
| | - Ciro Costagliola
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.L.P.); (F.T.); (C.C.)
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21
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Li X, Zhao Y, Kong H, Song C, Liu J, Xia J. Identification of region-specific splicing QTLs in human hippocampal tissue and its distinctive role in brain disorders. iScience 2023; 26:107958. [PMID: 37810239 PMCID: PMC10558811 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing (AS) regulation has an essential role in complex diseases. However, the AS profiles in the hippocampal (HIPPO) region of human brain are underexplored. Here, we investigated cis-acting sQTLs of HIPPO region in 264 samples and identified thousands of significant sQTLs. By enrichment analysis and functional characterization of these sQTLs, we found that the HIPPO sQTLs were enriched among histone-marked regions, transcription factors binding sites, RNA binding proteins sites, and brain disorders-associated loci. Comparative analyses with the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex revealed the importance of AS regulation in HIPPO (rg = 0.87). Furthermore, we performed a transcriptome-wide association study of Alzheimer's disease and identified 16 significant genes whose genetically regulated splicing levels may have a causal role in Alzheimer. Overall, our study improves our knowledge of the transcriptome gene regulation in the HIPPO region and provides novel insights into elucidating the pathogenesis of potential genes associated with brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Li
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province and Key Laboratory of Intelligent Computing and Signal Processing of Ministry of Education, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| | - Yiran Zhao
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province and Key Laboratory of Intelligent Computing and Signal Processing of Ministry of Education, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| | - Hui Kong
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province and Key Laboratory of Intelligent Computing and Signal Processing of Ministry of Education, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| | - Chengcheng Song
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province and Key Laboratory of Intelligent Computing and Signal Processing of Ministry of Education, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province and Key Laboratory of Intelligent Computing and Signal Processing of Ministry of Education, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| | - Junfeng Xia
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province and Key Laboratory of Intelligent Computing and Signal Processing of Ministry of Education, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
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22
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Bitra VR, Challa SR, Adiukwu PC, Rapaka D. Tau trajectory in Alzheimer's disease: Evidence from the connectome-based computational models. Brain Res Bull 2023; 203:110777. [PMID: 37813312 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2023.110777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with an impairment of cognition and memory. Current research on connectomics have now related changes in the network organization in AD to the patterns of accumulation and spread of amyloid and tau, providing insights into the neurobiological mechanisms of the disease. In addition, network analysis and modeling focus on particular use of graphs to provide intuition into key organizational principles of brain structure, that stipulate how neural activity propagates along structural connections. The utility of connectome-based computational models aids in early predicting, tracking the progression of biomarker-directed AD neuropathology. In this article, we present a short review of tau trajectory, the connectome changes in tau pathology, and the dependent recent connectome-based computational modelling approaches for tau spreading, reproducing pragmatic findings, and developing significant novel tau targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veera Raghavulu Bitra
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Botswana, P/Bag-0022, Gaborone, Botswana.
| | - Siva Reddy Challa
- Department of Cancer Biology and Pharmacology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Peoria, IL 61614, USA; KVSR Siddartha College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Paul C Adiukwu
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Botswana, P/Bag-0022, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Deepthi Rapaka
- Pharmacology Division, D.D.T. College of Medicine, Gaborone, Botswana.
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23
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Necarsulmer JC, Simon JM, Evangelista BA, Chen Y, Tian X, Nafees S, Marquez AB, Jiang H, Wang P, Ajit D, Nikolova VD, Harper KM, Ezzell JA, Lin FC, Beltran AS, Moy SS, Cohen TJ. RNA-binding deficient TDP-43 drives cognitive decline in a mouse model of TDP-43 proteinopathy. eLife 2023; 12:RP85921. [PMID: 37819053 PMCID: PMC10567115 DOI: 10.7554/elife.85921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
TDP-43 proteinopathies including frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are neurodegenerative disorders characterized by aggregation and mislocalization of the nucleic acid-binding protein TDP-43 and subsequent neuronal dysfunction. Here, we developed endogenous models of sporadic TDP-43 proteinopathy based on the principle that disease-associated TDP-43 acetylation at lysine 145 (K145) alters TDP-43 conformation, impairs RNA-binding capacity, and induces downstream mis-regulation of target genes. Expression of acetylation-mimic TDP-43K145Q resulted in stress-induced nuclear TDP-43 foci and loss of TDP-43 function in primary mouse and human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived cortical neurons. Mice harboring the TDP-43K145Q mutation recapitulated key hallmarks of FTLD, including progressive TDP-43 phosphorylation and insolubility, TDP-43 mis-localization, transcriptomic and splicing alterations, and cognitive dysfunction. Our study supports a model in which TDP-43 acetylation drives neuronal dysfunction and cognitive decline through aberrant splicing and transcription of critical genes that regulate synaptic plasticity and stress response signaling. The neurodegenerative cascade initiated by TDP-43 acetylation recapitulates many aspects of human FTLD and provides a new paradigm to further interrogate TDP-43 proteinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie C Necarsulmer
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
- Department of Neurology, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | - Jeremy M Simon
- UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
- Department of Genetics, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | - Baggio A Evangelista
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
- Department of Neurology, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | - Youjun Chen
- Department of Neurology, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | - Xu Tian
- Department of Neurology, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | - Sara Nafees
- Department of Neurology, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | - Ariana B Marquez
- Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Core, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | - Huijun Jiang
- Department of Biostatistics, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Neurology, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | - Deepa Ajit
- Department of Neurology, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | - Viktoriya D Nikolova
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | - Kathryn M Harper
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | - J Ashley Ezzell
- Department of Cell Biology & Physiology, Histology Research Core Facility, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | - Feng-Chang Lin
- Department of Biostatistics, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | - Adriana S Beltran
- Department of Genetics, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
- Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Core, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | - Sheryl S Moy
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | - Todd J Cohen
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
- Department of Neurology, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
- UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
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24
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Waheed Z, Choudhary J, Jatala FH, Fatimah, Noor A, Zerr I, Zafar S. The Role of Tau Proteoforms in Health and Disease. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:5155-5166. [PMID: 37266762 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03387-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Tau is a microtubule-associated binding protein in the nervous system that is known for its role in stabilizing microtubules throughout the nerve cell. It accumulates as β-sheet-rich aggregates and neurofibrillary tangles, leading to an array of different pathologies. Six splice variants of this protein, generated from the microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) gene, are expressed in the brain. Amongst these variants, 0N3R, is prominent during fetal development, while the rest, 0N4R, 1N3R, 1N4R, 2N3R, and 2N4R, are expressed in postnatal stages. Tau isoforms play their role separately or in combination with others to contribute to one or multiple neurodegenerative disorders and clinical syndromes. For instance, in Alzheimer's disease and a subset of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD)-MAPT (i.e., R406W and V337M), both 3R and 4R isoforms are involved; therefore, they are called 3R/4R mix tauopathies. On the other hand, 4R isoforms are aggregated in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), corticobasal degeneration (CBD), and a majority of FTLD-MAPT and these diseases are called 4R tauopathies. Similarly, Pick's disease has an association with 3R tau isoforms and is thereby referred to as 3R tauopathy. Unlike 3R isoforms, the 4R variants have a faster rate of aggregation that accelerates the associated neurodegenerative mechanisms. Moreover, post-translational modifications of each isoform occur at a different rate and dictate their physiological and pathological attributes. The smallest tau isoform (0N3R) is highly phosphorylated in the fetal brain but does not lead to the generation of aggregates. On the other hand, proteoforms in the adult human brain undergo aggregation upon their phosphorylation and glycation. Expanding on this knowledge, this article aims to review the physiological and pathological roles of tau isoforms and their underlying mechanisms that result in neurological deficits. Physiological and pathological relevance of microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT): Tau exists as six splice variants in the brain, each differing with respect to expression, post-translational modifications (PTMs), and aggregation kinetics. Physiologically, they are involved in the stabilization of microtubules that form the molecular highways for axonal transport. However, an imbalance in their expression and the associated PTMs leads to a disruption in their physiological function through the formation of neurofibrillary tangles that accumulate in various regions of the brain and contribute to several types of tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuha Waheed
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (SMME), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Bolan Road, Sector H-12, Islamabad, 46000, Pakistan
| | - Jawaria Choudhary
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (SMME), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Bolan Road, Sector H-12, Islamabad, 46000, Pakistan
| | - Faria Hasan Jatala
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (SMME), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Bolan Road, Sector H-12, Islamabad, 46000, Pakistan
| | - Fatimah
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (SMME), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Bolan Road, Sector H-12, Islamabad, 46000, Pakistan
| | - Aneeqa Noor
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (SMME), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Bolan Road, Sector H-12, Islamabad, 46000, Pakistan.
| | - Inga Zerr
- Clinical Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen and the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Robert-Koch-Straße 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Saima Zafar
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (SMME), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Bolan Road, Sector H-12, Islamabad, 46000, Pakistan
- Clinical Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen and the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Robert-Koch-Straße 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
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25
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Forrest SL, Lee S, Nassir N, Martinez-Valbuena I, Sackmann V, Li J, Ahmed A, Tartaglia MC, Ittner LM, Lang AE, Uddin M, Kovacs GG. Cell-specific MAPT gene expression is preserved in neuronal and glial tau cytopathologies in progressive supranuclear palsy. Acta Neuropathol 2023; 146:395-414. [PMID: 37354322 PMCID: PMC10412651 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-023-02604-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) aggregates in neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes in a number of neurodegenerative diseases, including progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). Tau is a target of therapy and the strategy includes either the elimination of pathological tau aggregates or reducing MAPT expression, and thus the amount of tau protein made to prevent its aggregation. Disease-associated tau affects brain regions in a sequential manner that includes cell-to-cell spreading. Involvement of glial cells that show tau aggregates is interpreted as glial cells taking up misfolded tau assuming that glial cells do not express enough MAPT. Although studies have evaluated MAPT expression in human brain tissue homogenates, it is not clear whether MAPT expression is compromised in cells accumulating pathological tau. To address these perplexing aspects of disease pathogenesis, this study used RNAscope combined with immunofluorescence (AT8), and single-nuclear(sn) RNAseq to systematically map and quantify MAPT expression dynamics across different cell types and brain regions in controls (n = 3) and evaluated whether tau cytopathology affects MAPT expression in PSP (n = 3). MAPT transcripts were detected in neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, and varied between brain regions and within each cell type, and were preserved in all cell types with tau aggregates in PSP. These results propose a complex scenario in all cell types, where, in addition to the ingested misfolded tau, the preserved cellular MAPT expression provides a pool for local protein production that can (1) be phosphorylated and aggregated, or (2) feed the seeding of ingested misfolded tau by providing physiological tau, both accentuating the pathological process. Since tau cytopathology does not compromise MAPT gene expression in PSP, a complete loss of tau protein expression as an early pathogenic component is less likely. These observations provide rationale for a dual approach to therapy by decreasing cellular MAPT expression and targeting removal of misfolded tau.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelley L Forrest
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease (CRND), University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Tower, 60 Leonard Ave, Toronto, ON, M5T 0S8, Canada
- Dementia Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
- Laboratory Medicine Program and Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Seojin Lee
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease (CRND), University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Tower, 60 Leonard Ave, Toronto, ON, M5T 0S8, Canada
| | - Nasna Nassir
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, UAE
| | - Ivan Martinez-Valbuena
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease (CRND), University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Tower, 60 Leonard Ave, Toronto, ON, M5T 0S8, Canada
| | - Valerie Sackmann
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease (CRND), University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Tower, 60 Leonard Ave, Toronto, ON, M5T 0S8, Canada
| | - Jun Li
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease (CRND), University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Tower, 60 Leonard Ave, Toronto, ON, M5T 0S8, Canada
| | - Awab Ahmed
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, UAE
| | - Maria Carmela Tartaglia
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease (CRND), University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Tower, 60 Leonard Ave, Toronto, ON, M5T 0S8, Canada
- University Health Network Memory Clinic, Krembil Brain Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lars M Ittner
- Dementia Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Anthony E Lang
- Edmond J. Safra Program in Parkinson's Disease, Rossy PSP Centre and the Morton and Gloria Shulman Movement Disorders Clinic, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mohammed Uddin
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, UAE
- Cellular Intelligence (Ci) Lab, GenomeArc Inc., Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gabor G Kovacs
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease (CRND), University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Tower, 60 Leonard Ave, Toronto, ON, M5T 0S8, Canada.
- Dementia Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.
- Laboratory Medicine Program and Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Edmond J. Safra Program in Parkinson's Disease, Rossy PSP Centre and the Morton and Gloria Shulman Movement Disorders Clinic, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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26
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Brackhan M, Arribas-Blazquez M, Lastres-Becker I. Aging, NRF2, and TAU: A Perfect Match for Neurodegeneration? Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1564. [PMID: 37627559 PMCID: PMC10451380 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12081564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the trigger for the neurodegenerative disease process is unknown, the relevance of aging stands out as a major risk for the development of neurodegeneration. In this review, we highlighted the relationship between the different cellular mechanisms that occur as a consequence of aging and transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (NRF2) and the connection with the TAU protein. We focused on the relevance of NRF2 in the main processes involved in neurodegeneration and associated with aging, such as genomic instability, protein degradation systems (proteasomes/autophagy), cellular senescence, and stem cell exhaustion, as well as inflammation. We also analyzed the effect of aging on TAU protein levels and its aggregation and spread process. Finally, we investigated the interconnection between NRF2 and TAU and the relevance of alterations in the NRF2 signaling pathway in both primary and secondary tauopathies. All these points highlight NRF2 as a possible therapeutic target for tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjam Brackhan
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Paz (IdiPaz), 28029 Madrid, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas “Alberto Sols” UAM-CSIC, c/Arturo Duperier 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marina Arribas-Blazquez
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Lastres-Becker
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas “Alberto Sols” UAM-CSIC, c/Arturo Duperier 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Institute Teófilo Hernando for Drug Discovery, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain
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27
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Cario A, Berger CL. Tau, microtubule dynamics, and axonal transport: New paradigms for neurodegenerative disease. Bioessays 2023; 45:e2200138. [PMID: 37489532 PMCID: PMC10630968 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202200138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
The etiology of Tauopathies, a diverse class of neurodegenerative diseases associated with the Microtubule Associated Protein (MAP) Tau, is usually described by a common mechanism in which Tau dysfunction results in the loss of axonal microtubule stability. Here, we reexamine and build upon the canonical disease model to encompass other Tau functions. In addition to regulating microtubule dynamics, Tau acts as a modulator of motor proteins, a signaling hub, and a scaffolding protein. This diverse array of functions is related to the dynamic nature of Tau isoform expression, post-translational modification (PTM), and conformational flexibility. Thus, there is no single mechanism that can describe Tau dysfunction. The effects of specific pathogenic mutations or aberrant PTMs need to be examined on all of the various functions of Tau in order to understand the unique etiology of each disease state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisa Cario
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Christopher L. Berger
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405
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28
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Jiang X, Gatt A, Lashley T. HnRNP Pathologies in Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration. Cells 2023; 12:1633. [PMID: 37371103 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is the second most common form of young-onset (<65 years) dementia. Clinically, it primarily manifests as a disorder of behavioural, executive, and/or language functions. Pathologically, frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) is the predominant cause of FTD. FTLD is a proteinopathy, and the main pathological proteins identified so far are tau, TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43), and fused in sarcoma (FUS). As TDP-43 and FUS are members of the heterogeneous ribonucleic acid protein (hnRNP) family, many studies in recent years have expanded the research on the relationship between other hnRNPs and FTLD pathology. Indeed, these studies provide evidence for an association between hnRNP abnormalities and FTLD. In particular, several studies have shown that multiple hnRNPs may exhibit nuclear depletion and cytoplasmic mislocalisation within neurons in FTLD cases. However, due to the diversity and complex association of hnRNPs, most studies are still at the stage of histological discovery of different hnRNP abnormalities in FTLD. We herein review the latest studies relating hnRNPs to FTLD. Together, these studies outline an important role of multiple hnRNPs in the pathogenesis of FTLD and suggest that future research into FTLD should include the whole spectrum of this protein family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinwa Jiang
- Queen Square Brain Bank for Neurological Disorders, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 1PJ, UK
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Ariana Gatt
- Queen Square Brain Bank for Neurological Disorders, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 1PJ, UK
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Tammaryn Lashley
- Queen Square Brain Bank for Neurological Disorders, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 1PJ, UK
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
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29
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Bowles KR, Pugh DA, Pedicone C, Oja L, Weitzman SA, Liu Y, Chen JL, Disney MD, Goate AM. Development of MAPT S305 mutation models exhibiting elevated 4R tau expression, resulting in altered neuronal and astrocytic function. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.02.543224. [PMID: 37333200 PMCID: PMC10274740 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.02.543224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Due to the importance of 4R tau in the pathogenicity of primary tauopathies, it has been challenging to model these diseases in iPSC-derived neurons, which express very low levels of 4R tau. To address this problem we have developed a panel of isogenic iPSC lines carrying the MAPT splice-site mutations S305S, S305I or S305N, derived from four different donors. All three mutations significantly increased the proportion of 4R tau expression in iPSC-neurons and astrocytes, with up to 80% 4R transcripts in S305N neurons from as early as 4 weeks of differentiation. Transcriptomic and functional analyses of S305 mutant neurons revealed shared disruption in glutamate signaling and synaptic maturity, but divergent effects on mitochondrial bioenergetics. In iPSC-astrocytes, S305 mutations induced lysosomal disruption and inflammation and exacerbated internalization of exogenous tau that may be a precursor to the glial pathologies observed in many tauopathies. In conclusion, we present a novel panel of human iPSC lines that express unprecedented levels of 4R tau in neurons and astrocytes. These lines recapitulate previously characterized tauopathy-relevant phenotypes, but also highlight functional differences between the wild type 4R and mutant 4R proteins. We also highlight the functional importance of MAPT expression in astrocytes. These lines will be highly beneficial to tauopathy researchers enabling a more complete understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying 4R tauopathies across different cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- KR Bowles
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer’s disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - DA Pugh
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer’s disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - C Pedicone
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer’s disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - L Oja
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer’s disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - SA Weitzman
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer’s disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Y Liu
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer’s disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - JL Chen
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL, United States of America
| | - MD Disney
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL, United States of America
| | - AM Goate
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer’s disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
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30
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Pinzi L, Bisi N, Sorbi C, Franchini S, Tonali N, Rastelli G. Insights into the Structural Conformations of the Tau Protein in Different Aggregation Status. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28114544. [PMID: 37299020 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28114544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Tau is a protein characterized by large structural portions displaying extended conformational changes. Unfortunately, the accumulation of this protein into toxic aggregates in neuronal cells leads to a number of severe pathologies, collectively named tauopathies. In the last decade, significant research advancements were achieved, including a better understanding of Tau structures and their implication in different tauopathies. Interestingly, Tau is characterized by a high structural variability depending on the type of disease, the crystallization conditions, and the formation of pathologic aggregates obtained from in vitro versus ex vivo samples. In this review, we reported an up-to-date and comprehensive overview of Tau structures reported in the Protein Data Bank, with a special focus on discussing the connections between structural features, different tauopathies, different crystallization conditions, and the use of in vitro or ex vivo samples. The information reported in this article highlights very interesting links between all these aspects, which we believe may be of particular relevance for a more informed structure-based design of compounds able to modulate Tau aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Pinzi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Giuseppe Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Nicolò Bisi
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université de Paris-Saclay, BioCIS, Bat. Henri Moissan, 17 Av. des Sciences, 91400 Orsay, France
| | - Claudia Sorbi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Giuseppe Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Silvia Franchini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Giuseppe Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Nicolò Tonali
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université de Paris-Saclay, BioCIS, Bat. Henri Moissan, 17 Av. des Sciences, 91400 Orsay, France
| | - Giulio Rastelli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Giuseppe Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy
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31
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Qu W, Canoll P, Hargus G. Molecular Insights into Cell Type-specific Roles in Alzheimer's Disease: Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-based Disease Modelling. Neuroscience 2023; 518:10-26. [PMID: 35569647 PMCID: PMC9974106 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia resulting in widespread degeneration of the central nervous system with severe cognitive impairment. Despite the devastating toll of AD, the incomplete understanding of the complex molecular mechanisms hinders the expeditious development of effective cures. Emerging evidence from animal studies has shown that different brain cell types play distinct roles in the pathogenesis of AD. Glutamatergic neurons are preferentially affected in AD and pronounced gliosis contributes to the progression of AD in both a cell-autonomous and a non-cell-autonomous manner. Much has been discovered through genetically modified animal models, yet frequently failed translational attempts to clinical applications call for better disease models. Emerging evidence supports the significance of human-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) derived brain cells in modeling disease development and progression, opening new avenues for the discovery of molecular mechanisms. This review summarizes the function of different cell types in the pathogenesis of AD, such as neurons, microglia, and astrocytes, and recognizes the potential of utilizing the rapidly growing iPSC technology in modeling AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhui Qu
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States; Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Peter Canoll
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Gunnar Hargus
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States; Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States.
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32
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Jan SM, Fahira A, Shi Y, Khan MI, Jamal A, Mahmood A, Shams S, Parveen Z, Hu J, Umair M, Wadood A. Integrative Genomic Analysis of m6a-SNPs Identifies Potential Functional Variants Associated with Alzheimer's Disease. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:13332-13341. [PMID: 37065064 PMCID: PMC10099436 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c00696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects 35 million people worldwide. However, no potential therapeutics currently are available for AD because of the multiple factors involved in it, such as regulatory factors with their candidate genes, factors associated with the expression levels of its corresponding genes, and many others. To date, 29 novel loci from GWAS have been reported for AD by the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (PGC2). Nevertheless, the main challenge of the post-GWAS era, namely to detect significant variants of the target disease, has not been conducted for AD. N6-methyladenosine (m6a) is reported as the most prevalent mRNA modification that exists in eukaryotes and that influences mRNA nuclear export, translation, splicing, and the stability of mRNA. Furthermore, studies have also reported m6a's association with neurogenesis and brain development. We carried out an integrative genomic analysis of AD variants from GWAS and m6a-SNPs from m6AVAR to identify the effects of m6a-SNPs on AD and identified the significant variants using the statistically significance value (p-value <0.05). The cis-regularity variants with their corresponding genes and their influence on gene expression in the gene expression profiles of AD patients were determined, and showed 1458 potential m6a-SNPs (based on p-value <0.05) associated with AD. eQTL analysis showed that 258 m6a-SNPs had cis-eQTL signals that overlapped with six significant differentially expressed genes based on p-value <0.05 in two datasets of AD gene expression profiles. A follow-up study to elucidate the impact of our identified m6a-SNPs in the experimental study would validate our findings for AD, which would contribute to the etiology of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Mansoor Jan
- Department
of Biochemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan 23200, Pakistan
| | - Aamir Fahira
- Bio-X
Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric
Disorders (Ministry of Education), Collaborative Innovation Center
for Brain Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yongyong Shi
- Bio-X
Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric
Disorders (Ministry of Education), Collaborative Innovation Center
for Brain Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Mohammad Imran Khan
- Department
of Biochemistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Centre for
Artificial Intelligence in Precision Medicines, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alam Jamal
- Department
of Biochemistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Arif Mahmood
- Center
for
Medical Genetics and Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School
of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Sulaiman Shams
- Department
of Biochemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan 23200, Pakistan
| | - Zahida Parveen
- Department
of Biochemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan 23200, Pakistan
| | - Junjian Hu
- Department
of Central Laboratory, SSL, Central Hospital of Gongguan City, Affiliated Dongguan Shilong People’s Hospital
of Southern Medical University, Dongguan 523000, China
| | - Muhammad Umair
- Department
of Life Sciences, School of Science, University
of Management and Technology (UMT), Lahore 54770, Pakistan
| | - Abdul Wadood
- Department
of Biochemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan 23200, Pakistan
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33
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Pandey RS, Kotredes KP, Sasner M, Howell GR, Carter GW. Differential splicing of neuronal genes in a Trem2*R47H mouse model mimics alterations associated with Alzheimer's disease. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:172. [PMID: 37016304 PMCID: PMC10074678 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09280-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Molecular characterization of late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD), the leading cause of age-related dementia, has revealed transcripts, proteins, and pathway alterations associated with disease. Assessing these postmortem signatures of LOAD in experimental model systems can further elucidate their relevance to disease origins and progression. Model organisms engineered with human genetic factors further link these signatures to disease-associated variants, especially when studies are designed to leverage homology across species. Here we assess differential gene splicing patterns in aging mouse models carrying humanized APOE4 and/or the Trem2*R47H variant on a C57BL/6J background. We performed a differential expression of gene (DEG) and differential splicing analyses on whole brain transcriptomes at multiple ages. To better understand the difference between differentially expressed and differentially spliced genes, we evaluated enrichment of KEGG pathways and cell-type specific gene signatures of the adult brain from each alteration type. To determine LOAD relevance, we compared differential splicing results from mouse models with multiple human AD splicing studies. RESULTS We found that differentially expressed genes in Trem2*R47H mice were significantly enriched in multiple AD-related pathways, including immune response, osteoclast differentiation, and metabolism, whereas differentially spliced genes were enriched for neuronal related functions, including GABAergic synapse and glutamatergic synapse. These results were reinforced by the enrichment of microglial genes in DEGs and neuronal genes in differentially spliced genes in Trem2*R47H mice. We observed significant overlap between differentially spliced genes in Trem2*R47H mice and brains from human AD subjects. These effects were absent in APOE4 mice and suppressed in APOE4.Trem2*R47H double mutant mice relative to Trem2*R47H mice. CONCLUSIONS The cross-species observation that alternative splicing observed in LOAD are present in Trem2*R47H mouse models suggests a novel link between this candidate risk gene and molecular signatures of LOAD in neurons and demonstrates how deep molecular analysis of new genetic models links molecular disease outcomes to a human candidate gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi S Pandey
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, 10 Discovery Drive, Farmington, CT, 06032, USA
| | - Kevin P Kotredes
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME, 04609, USA
| | - Michael Sasner
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME, 04609, USA
| | - Gareth R Howell
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME, 04609, USA
| | - Gregory W Carter
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, 10 Discovery Drive, Farmington, CT, 06032, USA.
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME, 04609, USA.
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34
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Bartosch AMW, Youth EHH, Hansen S, Kaufman ME, Xiao H, Koo SY, Ashok A, Sivakumar S, Soni RK, Dumitrescu LC, Lam TG, Ropri AS, Lee AJ, Klein HU, Vardarajan BN, Bennett DA, Young-Pearse TL, De Jager PL, Hohman TJ, Sproul AA, Teich AF. ZCCHC17 modulates neuronal RNA splicing and supports cognitive resilience in Alzheimer's disease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.21.533654. [PMID: 36993746 PMCID: PMC10055234 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.21.533654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
ZCCHC17 is a putative master regulator of synaptic gene dysfunction in Alzheimer's Disease (AD), and ZCCHC17 protein declines early in AD brain tissue, before significant gliosis or neuronal loss. Here, we investigate the function of ZCCHC17 and its role in AD pathogenesis. Co-immunoprecipitation of ZCCHC17 followed by mass spectrometry analysis in human iPSC-derived neurons reveals that ZCCHC17's binding partners are enriched for RNA splicing proteins. ZCCHC17 knockdown results in widespread RNA splicing changes that significantly overlap with splicing changes found in AD brain tissue, with synaptic genes commonly affected. ZCCHC17 expression correlates with cognitive resilience in AD patients, and we uncover an APOE4 dependent negative correlation of ZCCHC17 expression with tangle burden. Furthermore, a majority of ZCCHC17 interactors also co-IP with known tau interactors, and we find significant overlap between alternatively spliced genes in ZCCHC17 knockdown and tau overexpression neurons. These results demonstrate ZCCHC17's role in neuronal RNA processing and its interaction with pathology and cognitive resilience in AD, and suggest that maintenance of ZCCHC17 function may be a therapeutic strategy for preserving cognitive function in the setting of AD pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Marie W. Bartosch
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
| | - Elliot H. H. Youth
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
| | - Shania Hansen
- Vanderbilt Memory & Alzheimer’s Center, Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232
| | - Maria E. Kaufman
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
| | - Harrison Xiao
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
| | - So Yeon Koo
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
| | - Archana Ashok
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
| | - Sharanya Sivakumar
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
| | - Rajesh K. Soni
- Proteomics and Macromolecular Crystallography Shared Resource, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, New York, NY 10032
| | - Logan C. Dumitrescu
- Vanderbilt Memory & Alzheimer’s Center, Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232
| | - Tiffany G. Lam
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
| | - Ali S. Ropri
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
| | - Annie J. Lee
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
- Center for Translational & Computational Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10032
| | - Hans-Ulrich Klein
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
- Center for Translational & Computational Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10032
| | - Badri N. Vardarajan
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10032
| | - David A. Bennett
- Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612
| | - Tracy L. Young-Pearse
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
| | - Philip L. De Jager
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
- Center for Translational & Computational Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10032
| | - Timothy J. Hohman
- Vanderbilt Memory & Alzheimer’s Center, Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232
| | - Andrew A. Sproul
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
| | - Andrew F. Teich
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10032
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35
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Tauber CV, Schwarz SC, Rösler TW, Arzberger T, Gentleman S, Windl O, Krumbiegel M, Reis A, Ruf VC, Herms J, Höglinger GU. Different MAPT haplotypes influence expression of total MAPT in postmortem brain tissue. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2023; 11:40. [PMID: 36906636 PMCID: PMC10008602 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-023-01534-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The MAPT gene, encoding the microtubule-associated protein tau on chromosome 17q21.31, is result of an inversion polymorphism, leading to two allelic variants (H1 and H2). Homozygosity for the more common haplotype H1 is associated with an increased risk for several tauopathies, but also for the synucleinopathy Parkinson's disease (PD). In the present study, we aimed to clarify whether the MAPT haplotype influences expression of MAPT and SNCA, encoding the protein α-synuclein (α-syn), on mRNA and protein levels in postmortem brains of PD patients and controls. We also investigated mRNA expression of several other MAPT haplotype-encoded genes. Postmortem tissues from cortex of fusiform gyrus (ctx-fg) and of the cerebellar hemisphere (ctx-cbl) of neuropathologically confirmed PD patients (n = 95) and age- and sex-matched controls (n = 81) were MAPT haplotype genotyped to identify cases homozygous for either H1 or H2. Relative expression of genes was quantified using real-time qPCR; soluble and insoluble protein levels of tau and α-syn were determined by Western blotting. Homozygosity for H1 versus H2 was associated with increased total MAPT mRNA expression in ctx-fg regardless of disease state. Inversely, H2 homozygosity was associated with markedly increased expression of the corresponding antisense MAPT-AS1 in ctx-cbl. PD patients had higher levels of insoluble 0N3R and 1N4R tau isoforms regardless of the MAPT genotype. The increased presence of insoluble α-syn in PD patients in ctx-fg validated the selected postmortem brain tissue. Our findings in this small, but well controlled cohort of PD and controls support a putative biological relevance of tau in PD. However, we did not identify any link between the disease-predisposing H1/H1 associated overexpression of MAPT with PD status. Further studies are required to gain a deeper understanding of the potential regulatory role of MAPT-AS1 and its association to the disease-protective H2/H2 condition in the context of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina V Tauber
- Department of Translational Neurodegeneration, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany.,Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ludiwgs-Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sigrid C Schwarz
- Department of Translational Neurodegeneration, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas W Rösler
- Department of Translational Neurodegeneration, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany.,Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Arzberger
- Center for Neuropathology and Prion Research, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Steve Gentleman
- Parkinson's UK Brain Bank, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Neuropathology Unit, Department of Brain Sciences, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Otto Windl
- Center for Neuropathology and Prion Research, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Mandy Krumbiegel
- Institute of Human Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - André Reis
- Institute of Human Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Viktoria C Ruf
- Center for Neuropathology and Prion Research, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jochen Herms
- Center for Neuropathology and Prion Research, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Günter U Höglinger
- Department of Translational Neurodegeneration, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany. .,Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany. .,Department of Neurology, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
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36
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Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is clinically, pathologically, and genetically heterogeneous, resisting distillation to a single, cohesive disorder. Instead, each affected individual develops a virtually unique form of Parkinson's syndrome. Clinical manifestations consist of variable motor and nonmotor features, and myriad overlaps are recognized with other neurodegenerative conditions. Although most commonly characterized by alpha-synuclein protein pathology throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems, the distribution varies and other pathologies commonly modify PD or trigger similar manifestations. Nearly all PD is genetically influenced. More than 100 genes or genetic loci have been identified, and most cases likely arise from interactions among many common and rare genetic variants. Despite its complex architecture, insights from experimental genetic dissection coalesce to reveal unifying biological themes, including synaptic, lysosomal, mitochondrial, andimmune-mediated mechanisms of pathogenesis. This emerging understanding of Parkinson's syndrome, coupled with advances in biomarkers and targeted therapies, presages successful precision medicine strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Ye
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA; ,
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Laurie A Robak
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA;
| | - Meigen Yu
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA;
| | - Matthew Cykowski
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA;
- Department of Neurology, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Joshua M Shulman
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA; ,
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA;
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA;
- Center for Alzheimer's and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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Corsi A, Bombieri C, Valenti MT, Romanelli MG. Tau Isoforms: Gaining Insight into MAPT Alternative Splicing. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315383. [PMID: 36499709 PMCID: PMC9735940 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tau microtubule-associated proteins, encoded by the MAPT gene, are mainly expressed in neurons participating in axonal transport and synaptic plasticity. Six major isoforms differentially expressed during cell development and differentiation are translated by alternative splicing of MAPT transcripts. Alterations in the expression of human Tau isoforms and their aggregation have been linked to several neurodegenerative diseases called tauopathies, including Alzheimer's disease, progressive supranuclear palsy, Pick's disease, and frontotemporal dementia with parkinsonism linked to chromosome 17. Great efforts have been dedicated in recent years to shed light on the complex regulatory mechanism of Tau splicing, with a perspective to developing new RNA-based therapies. This review summarizes the most recent contributions to the knowledge of Tau isoform expression and experimental models, highlighting the role of cis-elements and ribonucleoproteins that regulate the alternative splicing of Tau exons.
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Fischer I. Evolutionary perspective of Big tau structure: 4a exon variants of MAPT. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1019999. [PMID: 36533137 PMCID: PMC9755724 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1019999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The MAPT gene encoding the microtubule-associated protein tau can generate multiple isoforms by alternative splicing giving rise to proteins which are differentially expressed in specific areas of the nervous system and at different developmental stages. Tau plays important roles in modulating microtubule dynamics, axonal transport, synaptic plasticity, and DNA repair, and has also been associated with neurodegenerative diseases (tauopathies) including Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia. A unique high-molecular-weight isoform of tau, originally found to be expressed in the peripheral nervous system and projecting neurons, has been termed Big tau and has been shown to uniquely contain the large exon 4a that significantly increases the size and 3D structure of tau. With little progress since the original discovery of Big tau, more than 25 years ago, we have now completed a comprehensive comparative study to analyze the structure of the MAPT gene against available databases with respect to the composition of the tau exons as they evolved from early vertebrates to primates and human. We focused the analysis on the evolution of the 4a exon variants and their homology relative to humans. We discovered that the 4a exon defining Big tau appears to be present early in vertebrate evolution as a large insert that dramatically changed the size of the tau protein with low sequence conservation despite a stable size range of about 250aa, and in some species a larger 4a-L exon of 355aa. We suggest that 4a exon variants evolved independently in different species by an exonization process using new alternative splicing to address the growing complexities of the evolving nervous systems. Thus, the appearance of a significantly larger isoform of tau independently repeated itself multiple times during evolution, accentuating the need across vertebrate species for an elongated domain that likely endows Big tau with novel physiological functions as well as properties related to neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itzhak Fischer
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Mori H, Yoshino Y, Ueno M, Funahashi Y, Kumon H, Ozaki Y, Yamazaki K, Ochi S, Iga J, Ueno S. Blood MAPT expression and methylation status in Alzheimer's disease. PCN REPORTS : PSYCHIATRY AND CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCES 2022; 1:e65. [PMID: 38868661 PMCID: PMC11114303 DOI: 10.1002/pcn5.65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Aim This study aimed to investigate the expression levels and methylation status of microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) in the blood of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients and age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Methods Fifty AD outpatients and 50 healthy contorls were enrolled. Blood samples were collected for processing of complementary DNA and genomic DNA. MAPT messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression was analyzed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The methylation rates of four cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) sites in the upstream region of MAPT exon1 were evaluated by the pyrosequencing method. Results No significant differences in MAPT mRNA expression levels were found between AD and control subjects (AD 0.97 ± 0.49 vs. control 1.0 ± 0.64, p = 0.62). MAPT mRNA expression levels were not correlated with any other clinical characteristics or results of psychological tests. MAPT mRNA expression levels were significantly higher in AD subjects treated with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AchEIs) (n = 25) than in subjects not treated with AChEIs (n = 25) (unmedicated 0.83 ± 0.33 vs. medicated 1.12 ± 0.59, p = 0.049). The AD subjects did not differ from the control subjects in methylation rates at selected CpG sites. MAPT methylation status were not correlated with clinical characteristics, the results of psychological tests, or MAPT mRNA expression. Conclusion MAPT mRNA expression levels and methylation status in blood do not appear useful as biomarkers for AD or the examined CpG sites were not genetically significant for MAPT gene expression or AD pathology. However, AChEIs may alter MAPT mRNA expression. Further studies are needed to explore blood biomarkers that can discriminate AD patients from controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Mori
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Molecules and FunctionEhime University Graduate School of Medicine, ShitsukawaToonEhimeJapan
| | - Yuta Yoshino
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Molecules and FunctionEhime University Graduate School of Medicine, ShitsukawaToonEhimeJapan
| | - Mariko Ueno
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Molecules and FunctionEhime University Graduate School of Medicine, ShitsukawaToonEhimeJapan
| | - Yu Funahashi
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Molecules and FunctionEhime University Graduate School of Medicine, ShitsukawaToonEhimeJapan
| | - Hiroshi Kumon
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Molecules and FunctionEhime University Graduate School of Medicine, ShitsukawaToonEhimeJapan
| | - Yuki Ozaki
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Molecules and FunctionEhime University Graduate School of Medicine, ShitsukawaToonEhimeJapan
| | - Kiyohiro Yamazaki
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Molecules and FunctionEhime University Graduate School of Medicine, ShitsukawaToonEhimeJapan
| | - Shinichiro Ochi
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Molecules and FunctionEhime University Graduate School of Medicine, ShitsukawaToonEhimeJapan
| | - Jun‐ichi Iga
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Molecules and FunctionEhime University Graduate School of Medicine, ShitsukawaToonEhimeJapan
| | - Shu‐ichi Ueno
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Molecules and FunctionEhime University Graduate School of Medicine, ShitsukawaToonEhimeJapan
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White H, Webb R, McKnight I, Legg K, Lee C, Lee PH, Spicer OS, Shim JW. TRPV4 mRNA is elevated in the caudate nucleus with NPH but not in Alzheimer's disease. Front Genet 2022; 13:936151. [PMID: 36406122 PMCID: PMC9670164 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.936151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Symptoms of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are somewhat similar, and it is common to misdiagnose these two conditions. Although there are fluid markers detectable in humans with NPH and AD, determining which biomarker is optimal in representing genetic characteristics consistent throughout species is poorly understood. Here, we hypothesize that NPH can be differentiated from AD with mRNA biomarkers of unvaried proximity to telomeres. We examined human caudate nucleus tissue samples for the expression of transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 4 (TRPV4) and amyloid precursor protein (APP). Using the genome data viewer, we analyzed the mutability of TRPV4 and other genes in mice, rats, and humans through matching nucleotides of six genes of interest and one house keeping gene with two factors associated with high mutation rate: 1) proximity to telomeres or 2) high adenine and thymine (A + T) content. We found that TRPV4 and microtubule associated protein tau (MAPT) mRNA were elevated in NPH. In AD, mRNA expression of TRPV4 was unaltered unlike APP and other genes. In mice, rats, and humans, the nucleotide size of TRPV4 did not vary, while in other genes, the sizes were inconsistent. Proximity to telomeres in TRPV4 was <50 Mb across species. Our analyses reveal that TRPV4 gene size and mutability are conserved across three species, suggesting that TRPV4 can be a potential link in the pathophysiology of chronic hydrocephalus in aged humans (>65 years) and laboratory rodents at comparable ages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hunter White
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, United States
| | - Ryan Webb
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, United States
| | - Ian McKnight
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, United States
| | - Kaitlyn Legg
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, United States
| | - Chan Lee
- Department of Anesthesia, Indiana University Health Arnett Hospital, Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Peter H.U. Lee
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Southcoast Health, Fall River, MA, United States,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Olivia Smith Spicer
- National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Joon W. Shim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, United States,*Correspondence: Joon W. Shim,
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Kavanagh T, Halder A, Drummond E. Tau interactome and RNA binding proteins in neurodegenerative diseases. Mol Neurodegener 2022; 17:66. [PMID: 36253823 PMCID: PMC9575286 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-022-00572-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathological tau aggregation is a primary neuropathological feature of many neurodegenerative diseases. Intriguingly, despite the common presence of tau aggregates in these diseases the affected brain regions, clinical symptoms, and morphology, conformation, and isoform ratio present in tau aggregates varies widely. The tau-mediated disease mechanisms that drive neurodegenerative disease are still unknown. Tau interactome studies are critically important for understanding tauopathy. They reveal the interacting partners that define disease pathways, and the tau interactions present in neuropathological aggregates provide potential insight into the cellular environment and protein interactions present during pathological tau aggregation. Here we provide a combined analysis of 12 tau interactome studies of human brain tissue, human cell culture models and rodent models of disease. Together, these studies identified 2084 proteins that interact with tau in human tissue and 1152 proteins that interact with tau in rodent models of disease. Our combined analysis of the tau interactome revealed consistent enrichment of interactions between tau and proteins involved in RNA binding, ribosome, and proteasome function. Comparison of human and rodent tau interactome studies revealed substantial differences between the two species. We also performed a second analysis to identify the tau interacting proteins that are enriched in neurons containing granulovacuolar degeneration or neurofibrillary tangle pathology. These results revealed a timed dysregulation of tau interactions as pathology develops. RNA binding proteins, particularly HNRNPs, emerged as early disease-associated tau interactors and therefore may have an important role in driving tau pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomas Kavanagh
- Brain and Mind Centre and School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Aditi Halder
- Brain and Mind Centre and School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Eleanor Drummond
- Brain and Mind Centre and School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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Truncated Tau caused by intron retention is enriched in Alzheimer's disease cortex and exhibits altered biochemical properties. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2204179119. [PMID: 36067305 PMCID: PMC9477417 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2204179119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-β plaques and Tau tangles in brain tissues. Recent studies indicate that aberrant splicing and increased level of intron retention is linked to AD pathogenesis. Bioinformatic analysis revealed increased retention of intron 11 at the Tau gene in AD female dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex as compared to healthy controls, an observation validated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction using different brain tissues. Retention of intron 11 introduces a premature stop codon, resulting in the production of truncated Tau11i protein. Probing with customized antibodies designed against amino acids encoded by intron 11 showed that Tau11i protein is more enriched in AD hippocampus, amygdala, parietal, temporal, and frontal lobe than in healthy controls. This indicates that Tau messenger RNA with the retained intron is translated in vivo instead of being subjected to nonsense-mediated decay. Compared to full-length Tau441 isoform, ectopically expressed Tau11i forms higher molecular weight species, is enriched in Sarkosyl-insoluble fraction, and exhibits greater protein stability in cycloheximide assay. Stably expressed Tau11i also shows weaker colocalization with α-tubulin of microtubule network in human mature cortical neurons as compared to Tau441. Endogenous Tau11i is enriched in Sarkosyl-insoluble fraction in AD hippocampus and forms aggregates that colocalize weakly with Tau4R fibril-like structure in AD temporal lobe. The elevated level of Tau11i protein in AD brain tissues tested, coupled with biochemical properties resembling pathological Tau species suggest that retention of intron 11 of Tau gene might be an early biomarker of AD pathology.
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43
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Braems E, Bercier V, Van Schoor E, Heeren K, Beckers J, Fumagalli L, Dedeene L, Moisse M, Geudens I, Hersmus N, Mehta AR, Selvaraj BT, Chandran S, Ho R, Thal DR, Van Damme P, Swinnen B, Van Den Bosch L. HNRNPK alleviates RNA toxicity by counteracting DNA damage in C9orf72 ALS. Acta Neuropathol 2022; 144:465-488. [PMID: 35895140 PMCID: PMC9381635 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-022-02471-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A 'GGGGCC' repeat expansion in the first intron of the C9orf72 gene is the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The exact mechanism resulting in these neurodegenerative diseases remains elusive, but C9 repeat RNA toxicity has been implicated as a gain-of-function mechanism. Our aim was to use a zebrafish model for C9orf72 RNA toxicity to identify modifiers of the ALS-linked phenotype. We discovered that the RNA-binding protein heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (HNRNPK) reverses the toxicity of both sense and antisense repeat RNA, which is dependent on its subcellular localization and RNA recognition, and not on C9orf72 repeat RNA binding. We observed HNRNPK cytoplasmic mislocalization in C9orf72 ALS patient fibroblasts, induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived motor neurons and post-mortem motor cortex and spinal cord, in line with a disrupted HNRNPK function in C9orf72 ALS. In C9orf72 ALS/FTD patient tissue, we discovered an increased nuclear translocation, but reduced expression of ribonucleotide reductase regulatory subunit M2 (RRM2), a downstream target of HNRNPK involved in the DNA damage response. Last but not least, we showed that increasing the expression of HNRNPK or RRM2 was sufficient to mitigate DNA damage in our C9orf72 RNA toxicity zebrafish model. Overall, our study strengthens the relevance of RNA toxicity as a pathogenic mechanism in C9orf72 ALS and demonstrates its link with an aberrant DNA damage response, opening novel therapeutic avenues for C9orf72 ALS/FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elke Braems
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Campus Gasthuisberg, O&N5, Herestraat 49, PB 602, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Valérie Bercier
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
- Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Campus Gasthuisberg, O&N5, Herestraat 49, PB 602, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Evelien Van Schoor
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Campus Gasthuisberg, O&N5, Herestraat 49, PB 602, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, Laboratory of Neuropathology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kara Heeren
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Campus Gasthuisberg, O&N5, Herestraat 49, PB 602, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jimmy Beckers
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Campus Gasthuisberg, O&N5, Herestraat 49, PB 602, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Laura Fumagalli
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Campus Gasthuisberg, O&N5, Herestraat 49, PB 602, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lieselot Dedeene
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Campus Gasthuisberg, O&N5, Herestraat 49, PB 602, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, Laboratory of Neuropathology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Neurosciences, Laboratory for Molecular Neurobiomarker Research and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Matthieu Moisse
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Campus Gasthuisberg, O&N5, Herestraat 49, PB 602, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ilse Geudens
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Campus Gasthuisberg, O&N5, Herestraat 49, PB 602, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nicole Hersmus
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Campus Gasthuisberg, O&N5, Herestraat 49, PB 602, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Arpan R Mehta
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Bhuvaneish T Selvaraj
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Siddharthan Chandran
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ritchie Ho
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Dietmar R Thal
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, Laboratory of Neuropathology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Philip Van Damme
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Campus Gasthuisberg, O&N5, Herestraat 49, PB 602, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bart Swinnen
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Campus Gasthuisberg, O&N5, Herestraat 49, PB 602, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ludo Van Den Bosch
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
- Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Campus Gasthuisberg, O&N5, Herestraat 49, PB 602, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
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Campoy E, Puig M, Yakymenko I, Lerga-Jaso J, Cáceres M. Genomic architecture and functional effects of potential human inversion supergenes. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20210209. [PMID: 35694745 PMCID: PMC9189494 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Supergenes are involved in adaptation in multiple organisms, but they are little known in humans. Genomic inversions are the most common mechanism of supergene generation and maintenance. Here, we review the information about two large inversions that are the best examples of potential human supergenes. In addition, we do an integrative analysis of the newest data to understand better their functional effects and underlying genetic changes. We have found that the highly divergent haplotypes of the 17q21.31 inversion of approximately 1.5 Mb have multiple phenotypic associations, with consistent effects in brain-related traits, red and white blood cells, lung function, male and female characteristics and disease risk. By combining gene expression and nucleotide variation data, we also analysed the molecular differences between haplotypes, including gene duplications, amino acid substitutions and regulatory changes, and identify CRHR1, KANLS1 and MAPT as good candidates to be responsible for these phenotypes. The situation is more complex for the 8p23.1 inversion, where there is no clear genetic differentiation. However, the inversion is associated with several related phenotypes and gene expression differences that could be linked to haplotypes specific of one orientation. Our work, therefore, contributes to the characterization of both exceptional variants and illustrates the important role of inversions. This article is part of the theme issue 'Genomic architecture of supergenes: causes and evolutionary consequences'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Campoy
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Barcelona), Spain
| | - Marta Puig
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Barcelona), Spain.,Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Barcelona), Spain
| | - Illya Yakymenko
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Barcelona), Spain
| | - Jon Lerga-Jaso
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Barcelona), Spain
| | - Mario Cáceres
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Barcelona), Spain.,ICREA, Barcelona, Spain
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Petry S, Nateghi B, Keraudren R, Sergeant N, Planel E, Hébert SS, St-Amour I. Differential Regulation of Tau Exon 2 and 10 Isoforms in Huntington's Disease Brain. Neuroscience 2022; 518:54-63. [PMID: 35868517 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder caused by an expansion of CAG repeats in the Huntingtin (HTT) gene. Accumulating evidence suggests that the microtubule-associated tau protein participates in the pathogenesis of HD. Recently, we have identified changes in tau alternative splicing of exons 2, 3 and 10 in the putamen of HD patients (St-Amour et al, 2018). In this study, we sought to determine whether tau mis-splicing events were equally observed in other brain regions that are less prone to neurodegeneration. Using Western blot and PCR, we characterized the relationship between MAPT splicing of exons 2, 3 and 10, tauopathy and Htt pathologies, as well as neurodegeneration markers in matching putamen and cortical samples from HD (N = 48) and healthy control (N = 25) subjects. We first show that levels of 4R-tau (exon 10 inclusion) isoforms are higher in both the putamen and the cortex of individuals with HD, consistent with earlier findings. On the other hand, higher 0N-tau (exclusion of exons 2 and 3) and lower 1N-tau (exclusion of exon 3) isoforms were seen exclusively in the putamen of HD individuals. Interestingly, investigated splicing factors were deregulated in both regions whereas exon 2 differences coincided with increased tau hyperphosphorylation, aggregation and markers of neurodegeneration. Overall, these results imply a differential regulation of tau exon 2 and exon 10 alternative splicing in HD putamen that could provide a useful biomarker or therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Petry
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, CHUL, Axe Neurosciences, Québec, Canada
| | - Behnaz Nateghi
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, CHUL, Axe Neurosciences, Québec, Canada
| | - Rémi Keraudren
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, CHUL, Axe Neurosciences, Québec, Canada
| | - Nicolas Sergeant
- Inserm, CHU Lille, University of Lille, Lille, France; Alzheimer and Tauopathies, LabEx DISTALZ, Lille France
| | - Emmanuel Planel
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, CHUL, Axe Neurosciences, Québec, Canada; Faculté de médecine, Département de psychiatrie et de neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Sébastien S Hébert
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, CHUL, Axe Neurosciences, Québec, Canada; Faculté de médecine, Département de psychiatrie et de neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, Canada.
| | - Isabelle St-Amour
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, CHUL, Axe Neurosciences, Québec, Canada; CERVO Brain Research Centre, Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et des Services Sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Québec, Canada; Faculté de pharmacie, Université Laval, Québec, Canada.
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46
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Hwang K, Vaknalli RN, Addo-Osafo K, Vicente M, Vossel K. Tauopathy and Epilepsy Comorbidities and Underlying Mechanisms. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:903973. [PMID: 35923547 PMCID: PMC9340804 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.903973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tau is a microtubule-associated protein known to bind and promote assembly of microtubules in neurons under physiological conditions. However, under pathological conditions, aggregation of hyperphosphorylated tau causes neuronal toxicity, neurodegeneration, and resulting tauopathies like Alzheimer's disease (AD). Clinically, patients with tauopathies present with either dementia, movement disorders, or a combination of both. The deposition of hyperphosphorylated tau in the brain is also associated with epilepsy and network hyperexcitability in a variety of neurological diseases. Furthermore, pharmacological and genetic targeting of tau-based mechanisms can have anti-seizure effects. Suppressing tau phosphorylation decreases seizure activity in acquired epilepsy models while reducing or ablating tau attenuates network hyperexcitability in both Alzheimer's and epilepsy models. However, it remains unclear whether tauopathy and epilepsy comorbidities are mediated by convergent mechanisms occurring upstream of epileptogenesis and tau aggregation, by feedforward mechanisms between the two, or simply by coincident processes. In this review, we investigate the relationship between tauopathies and seizure disorders, including temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Dravet syndrome, Nodding syndrome, Niemann-Pick type C disease (NPC), Lafora disease, focal cortical dysplasia, and tuberous sclerosis complex. We also explore potential mechanisms implicating the role of tau kinases and phosphatases as well as the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in the promotion of co-pathology. Understanding the role of these co-pathologies could lead to new insights and therapies targeting both epileptogenic mechanisms and cognitive decline.
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Ruiz-Gabarre D, Carnero-Espejo A, Ávila J, García-Escudero V. What's in a Gene? The Outstanding Diversity of MAPT. Cells 2022; 11:840. [PMID: 35269461 PMCID: PMC8909800 DOI: 10.3390/cells11050840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Tau protein is a microtubule-associated protein encoded by the MAPT gene that carries out a myriad of physiological functions and has been linked to certain pathologies collectively termed tauopathies, including Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, Huntington's disease, progressive supranuclear palsy, etc. Alternative splicing is a physiological process by which cells generate several transcripts from one single gene and may in turn give rise to different proteins from the same gene. MAPT transcripts have been proven to be subjected to alternative splicing, generating six main isoforms in the central nervous system. Research throughout the years has demonstrated that the splicing landscape of the MAPT gene is far more complex than that, including at least exon skipping events, the use of 3' and 5' alternative splice sites and, as has been recently discovered, also intron retention. In addition, MAPT alternative splicing has been showed to be regulated spatially and developmentally, further evidencing the complexity of the gene's splicing regulation. It is unclear what would drive the need for the existence of so many isoforms encoded by the same gene, but a wide range of functions have been ascribed to these Tau isoforms, both in physiology and pathology. In this review we offer a comprehensive up-to-date exploration of the mechanisms leading to the outstanding diversity of isoforms expressed from the MAPT gene and the functions in which such isoforms are involved, including their potential role in the onset and development of tauopathies such as Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Ruiz-Gabarre
- Anatomy, Histology and Neuroscience Department, School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (D.R.-G.); (A.C.-E.)
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (UAM-CSIC), 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Almudena Carnero-Espejo
- Anatomy, Histology and Neuroscience Department, School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (D.R.-G.); (A.C.-E.)
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús Ávila
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (UAM-CSIC), 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Vega García-Escudero
- Anatomy, Histology and Neuroscience Department, School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (D.R.-G.); (A.C.-E.)
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (UAM-CSIC), 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), 28029 Madrid, Spain
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48
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Shahpasand‐Kroner H, Portillo J, Lantz C, Seidler PM, Sarafian N, Loo JA, Bitan G. Three-repeat and four-repeat tau isoforms form different oligomers. Protein Sci 2022; 31:613-627. [PMID: 34902187 PMCID: PMC8862439 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Different tauopathies are characterized by the isoform-specific composition of the aggregates found in the brain and by structurally distinct tau strains. Although tau oligomers have been implicated as important neurotoxic species, little is known about how the primary structures of the six human tau isoforms affect tau oligomerization because the oligomers are metastable and difficult to analyze. To address this knowledge gap, here, we analyzed the initial oligomers formed by the six tau isoforms in the absence of posttranslational modifications or other manipulations using dot blots probed by an oligomer-specific antibody, native-PAGE/western blots, photo-induced cross-linking of unmodified proteins, mass-spectrometry, and ion-mobility spectroscopy. We found that under these conditions, three-repeat (3R) isoforms are more prone than four-repeat (4R) isoforms to form oligomers. We also tested whether known inhibitors of tau aggregation affect its oligomerization using three small molecules representing different classes of tau aggregation inhibitors, Methylene Blue (MB), the molecular tweezer CLR01, and the all-D peptide TLKIVW, for their ability to inhibit or modulate the oligomerization of the six tau isoforms. Unlike their reported inhibitory effect on tau fibrillation, the inhibitors had little or no effect on the initial oligomerization. Our study provides novel insight into the primary-quaternary structure relationship of human tau and suggests that 3R-tau oligomers may be an important target for future development of compounds targeting pathological tau assemblies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hedieh Shahpasand‐Kroner
- Department of NeurologyDavid Geffen School of Medicine, University of CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Jennifer Portillo
- Department of NeurologyDavid Geffen School of Medicine, University of CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Carter Lantz
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Paul M. Seidler
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of Southern California School of PharmacyLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Natalie Sarafian
- Department of NeurologyDavid Geffen School of Medicine, University of CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Joseph A. Loo
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA,Molecular Biology InstituteUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA,Department of Biological ChemistryUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Gal Bitan
- Department of NeurologyDavid Geffen School of Medicine, University of CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA,Molecular Biology InstituteUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA,Brain Research InstituteUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
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49
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Bowles KR, Pugh DA, Oja LM, Jadow BM, Farrell K, Whitney K, Sharma A, Cherry JD, Raj T, Pereira AC, Crary JF, Goate AM. Dysregulated coordination of MAPT exon 2 and exon 10 splicing underlies different tau pathologies in PSP and AD. Acta Neuropathol 2022; 143:225-243. [PMID: 34874463 PMCID: PMC8809109 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-021-02392-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Understanding regulation of MAPT splicing is important to the etiology of many nerurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer disease (AD) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), in which different tau isoforms accumulate in pathologic inclusions. MAPT, the gene encoding the tau protein, undergoes complex alternative pre-mRNA splicing to generate six isoforms. Tauopathies can be categorized by the presence of tau aggregates containing either 3 (3R) or 4 (4R) microtubule-binding domain repeats (determined by inclusion/exclusion of exon 10), but the role of the N-terminal domain of the protein, determined by inclusion/exclusion of exons 2 and 3 has been less well studied. Using a correlational screen in human brain tissue, we observed coordination of MAPT exons 2 and 10 splicing. Expressions of exon 2 splicing regulators and subsequently exon 2 inclusion are differentially disrupted in PSP and AD brain, resulting in the accumulation of 1N4R isoforms in PSP and 0N isoforms in AD temporal cortex. Furthermore, we identified different N-terminal isoforms of tau present in neurofibrillary tangles, dystrophic neurites and tufted astrocytes, indicating a role for differential N-terminal splicing in the development of disparate tau neuropathologies. We conclude that N-terminal splicing and combinatorial regulation with exon 10 inclusion/exclusion is likely to be important to our understanding of tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn R Bowles
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Derian A Pugh
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Laura-Maria Oja
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Benjamin M Jadow
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kurt Farrell
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pathology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kristen Whitney
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pathology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Abhijeet Sharma
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jonathan D Cherry
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease and CTE Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- VA Boston Healthcare System, 150 S. Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Towfique Raj
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ana C Pereira
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - John F Crary
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pathology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Neuropathology Brain Bank and Research Core, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alison M Goate
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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50
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Tau mRNA Metabolism in Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Tangle Journey. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020241. [PMID: 35203451 PMCID: PMC8869323 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Tau proteins are known to be mainly involved in regulation of microtubule dynamics. Besides this function, which is critical for axonal transport and signal transduction, tau proteins also have other roles in neurons. Moreover, tau proteins are turned into aggregates and consequently trigger many neurodegenerative diseases termed tauopathies, of which Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the figurehead. Such pathological aggregation processes are critical for the onset of these diseases. Among the various causes of tau protein pathogenicity, abnormal tau mRNA metabolism, expression and dysregulation of tau post-translational modifications are critical steps. Moreover, the relevance of tau function to general mRNA metabolism has been highlighted recently in tauopathies. In this review, we mainly focus on how mRNA metabolism impacts the onset and development of tauopathies. Thus, we intend to portray how mRNA metabolism of, or mediated by, tau is associated with neurodegenerative diseases.
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