1
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Bowhay CR, Hanington PC. Animal granulins: In the GRN scheme of things. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2024; 152:105115. [PMID: 38101714 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2023.105115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Granulins are conserved in nearly all metazoans, with an intriguing loss in insects. These pleiotropic peptides are involved in numerous physiological and pathological processes yet have been overwhelmingly examined in mammalian systems. While work in other animal models has been informative, a richer understanding of the proteins should be obtained by integrating knowledge from all available contexts. The main bodies of work described here include 1) the structure-function relationships of progranulin and its cleavage products, 2) the role of expanded granulin gene families and different isoforms in fish immunology, 3) the release of granulin peptides to promote host angiogenesis by parasitic worms, 4) a diversity of molluscan uses for granulins, including immune activation in intermediate hosts to trematodes, 5) knowledge gained on lysosomal functions from C. elegans and the stress-related activities of granulins. We provide an overview of functional reports across the Metazoa to inform much-needed future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina R Bowhay
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Patrick C Hanington
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2R3, Canada.
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2
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Doyle JJ, Parker JA. Genetic Interactions of Progranulin Across the ALS-FTD Spectrum and Beyond. MICROPUBLICATION BIOLOGY 2023; 2023:10.17912/micropub.biology.000304. [PMID: 38188422 PMCID: PMC10767572 DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.000304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Progranulin (PGRN) is a growth factor in which mutations are one of the leading causes of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and has been implicated in an assortment of neurodegenerative diseases. Conversely, higher levels of the protein have shown potential as a general neuronal protective factor. While examining its neuroprotective applications on a broader scale would be unfeasible in mammalian models, we turned to the nematode C. elegans to map the interactions of PGRN across multiple genetic models of neurodegenerative diseases. Our results indicate that while the overexpression of PGRN appears to be protective across all models tested, the loss of PGRN exacerbated the disease phenotypes of all but three of the models tested. Given the ease of genetic analysis in nematodes, we propose this model organism as an efficient tool to build a comprehensive map of PGRN's genetic interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- James J. Doyle
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Metabolic Disorders and Complications, RI-MUHC, Montreal, McGill, Canada
| | - J Alex Parker
- CRCHUM and Department of Neuroscience, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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3
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Song J. Molecular mechanisms of phase separation and amyloidosis of ALS/FTD-linked FUS and TDP-43. Aging Dis 2023:AD.2023.1118. [PMID: 38029395 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.1118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
FUS and TDP-43, two RNA-binding proteins from the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein family, have gained significant attention in the field of neurodegenerative diseases due to their association with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal degeneration (FTD). They possess folded domains for binding ATP and various nucleic acids including DNA and RNA, as well as substantial intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) including prion-like domains (PLDs) and RG-/RGG-rich regions. They play vital roles in various cellular processes, including transcription, splicing, microRNA maturation, RNA stability and transport and DNA repair. In particular, they are key components for forming ribonucleoprotein granules and stress granules (SGs) through homotypic or heterotypic liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). Strikingly, liquid-like droplets formed by FUS and TDP-43 may undergo aging to transform into less dynamic assemblies such as hydrogels, inclusions, and amyloid fibrils, which are the pathological hallmarks of ALS and FTD. This review aims to synthesize and consolidate the biophysical knowledge of the sequences, structures, stability, dynamics, and inter-domain interactions of FUS and TDP-43 domains, so as to shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying their liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) and amyloidosis. The review further delves into the mechanisms through which ALS-causing mutants of the well-folded hPFN1 disrupt the dynamics of LLPS of FUS prion-like domain, providing key insights into a potential mechanism for misfolding/aggregation-prone proteins to cause neurodegenerative diseases and aging by gain of functions. With better understanding of different biophysical aspects of FUS and TDP-43, the ultimate goal is to develop drugs targeting LLPS and amyloidosis, which could mediate protein homeostasis within cells and lead to new treatments for currently intractable diseases, particularly neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS, FTD and aging. However, the study of membrane-less organelles and condensates is still in its infancy and therefore the review also highlights key questions that require future investigation.
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4
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Chen R, Yang T, Jin B, Xu W, Yan Y, Wood N, Lehmann HI, Wang S, Zhu X, Yuan W, Chen H, Liu Z, Li G, Bowen TS, Li J, Xiao J. CircTmeff1 Promotes Muscle Atrophy by Interacting with TDP-43 and Encoding A Novel TMEFF1-339aa Protein. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2206732. [PMID: 37088818 PMCID: PMC10265041 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202206732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Skeletal muscle atrophy is a common clinical feature of many acute and chronic conditions. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are covalently closed RNA transcripts that are involved in various physiological and pathological processes, but their role in muscle atrophy remains unknown. Global circRNA expression profiling indicated that circRNAs are involved in the pathophysiological processes of muscle atrophy. circTmeff1 is identified as a potential circRNA candidate that influences muscle atrophy. It is further identified that circTmeff1 is highly expressed in multiple types of muscle atrophy in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, the overexpression of circTmeff1 triggers muscle atrophy in vitro and in vivo, while the knockdown of circTmeff1 expression rescues muscle atrophy in vitro and in vivo. In particular, the knockdown of circTmeff1 expression partially rescues muscle mass in mice during established atrophic settings. Mechanistically, circTmeff1 directly interacts with TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) and promotes aggregation of TDP-43 in mitochondria, which triggers the release of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) into cytosol and activation of the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)/ stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway. Unexpectedly, TMEFF1-339aa is identified as a novel protein encoded by circTmeff1 that mediates its pro-atrophic effects. Collectively, the inhibition of circTmeff1 represents a novel therapeutic approach for multiple types of skeletal muscle atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Chen
- Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University)Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong)School of MedicineShanghai UniversityNantong226011China
- Cardiac Regeneration and Ageing LabInstitute of Cardiovascular SciencesShanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ RepairSchool of Life SciencesShanghai UniversityShanghai200444China
| | - Tingting Yang
- Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University)Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong)School of MedicineShanghai UniversityNantong226011China
- Cardiac Regeneration and Ageing LabInstitute of Cardiovascular SciencesShanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ RepairSchool of Life SciencesShanghai UniversityShanghai200444China
| | - Bing Jin
- Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University)Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong)School of MedicineShanghai UniversityNantong226011China
- Cardiac Regeneration and Ageing LabInstitute of Cardiovascular SciencesShanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ RepairSchool of Life SciencesShanghai UniversityShanghai200444China
| | - Wanru Xu
- Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University)Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong)School of MedicineShanghai UniversityNantong226011China
- Cardiac Regeneration and Ageing LabInstitute of Cardiovascular SciencesShanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ RepairSchool of Life SciencesShanghai UniversityShanghai200444China
| | - Yuwei Yan
- Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University)Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong)School of MedicineShanghai UniversityNantong226011China
- Cardiac Regeneration and Ageing LabInstitute of Cardiovascular SciencesShanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ RepairSchool of Life SciencesShanghai UniversityShanghai200444China
| | - Nathanael Wood
- School of Biomedical SciencesFaculty of Biological SciencesUniversity of LeedsLeedsLS2 9JTUK
| | - H. Immo Lehmann
- Cardiovascular Division of the Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA02114USA
| | - Siqi Wang
- Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University)Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong)School of MedicineShanghai UniversityNantong226011China
- Cardiac Regeneration and Ageing LabInstitute of Cardiovascular SciencesShanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ RepairSchool of Life SciencesShanghai UniversityShanghai200444China
| | - Xiaolan Zhu
- Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University)Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong)School of MedicineShanghai UniversityNantong226011China
- Cardiac Regeneration and Ageing LabInstitute of Cardiovascular SciencesShanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ RepairSchool of Life SciencesShanghai UniversityShanghai200444China
| | - Weilin Yuan
- Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University)Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong)School of MedicineShanghai UniversityNantong226011China
- Cardiac Regeneration and Ageing LabInstitute of Cardiovascular SciencesShanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ RepairSchool of Life SciencesShanghai UniversityShanghai200444China
| | - Hongjian Chen
- Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University)Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong)School of MedicineShanghai UniversityNantong226011China
- Cardiac Regeneration and Ageing LabInstitute of Cardiovascular SciencesShanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ RepairSchool of Life SciencesShanghai UniversityShanghai200444China
| | - Zhengyu Liu
- Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University)Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong)School of MedicineShanghai UniversityNantong226011China
- Cardiac Regeneration and Ageing LabInstitute of Cardiovascular SciencesShanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ RepairSchool of Life SciencesShanghai UniversityShanghai200444China
| | - Guoping Li
- Cardiovascular Division of the Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA02114USA
| | - T. Scott Bowen
- School of Biomedical SciencesFaculty of Biological SciencesUniversity of LeedsLeedsLS2 9JTUK
| | - Jin Li
- Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University)Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong)School of MedicineShanghai UniversityNantong226011China
- Cardiac Regeneration and Ageing LabInstitute of Cardiovascular SciencesShanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ RepairSchool of Life SciencesShanghai UniversityShanghai200444China
| | - Junjie Xiao
- Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University)Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong)School of MedicineShanghai UniversityNantong226011China
- Cardiac Regeneration and Ageing LabInstitute of Cardiovascular SciencesShanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ RepairSchool of Life SciencesShanghai UniversityShanghai200444China
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Hussain H, Djurin T, Rodriguez J, Daneelian L, Sundi S, Fadel A, Saadoon Z. Transactivation Response DNA-Binding Protein of 43 (TDP-43) and Glial Cell Roles in Neurological Disorders. Cureus 2022; 14:e30639. [DOI: 10.7759/cureus.30639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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6
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Liao YZ, Ma J, Dou JZ. The Role of TDP-43 in Neurodegenerative Disease. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:4223-4241. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-02847-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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7
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Chemical and genetic rescue of in vivo progranulin-deficient lysosomal and autophagic defects. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2022115118. [PMID: 34140407 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2022115118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2006, GRN mutations were first linked to frontotemporal dementia (FTD), the leading cause of non-Alzheimer dementias. While much research has been dedicated to understanding the genetic causes of the disease, our understanding of the mechanistic impacts of GRN deficiency has only recently begun to take shape. With no known cure or treatment available for GRN-related FTD, there is a growing need to rapidly advance genetic and/or small-molecule therapeutics for this disease. This issue is complicated by the fact that, while lysosomal dysfunction seems to be a key driver of pathology, the mechanisms linking a loss of GRN to a pathogenic state remain unclear. In our attempt to address these key issues, we have turned to the nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans, to model, study, and find potential therapies for GRN-deficient FTD. First, we show that the loss of the nematode GRN ortholog, pgrn-1, results in several behavioral and molecular defects, including lysosomal dysfunction and defects in autophagic flux. Our investigations implicate the sphingolipid metabolic pathway in the regulation of many of the in vivo defects associated with pgrn-1 loss. Finally, we utilized these nematodes as an in vivo tool for high-throughput drug screening and identified two small molecules with potential therapeutic applications against GRN/pgrn-1 deficiency. These compounds reverse the biochemical, cellular, and functional phenotypes of GRN deficiency. Together, our results open avenues for mechanistic and therapeutic research into the outcomes of GRN-related neurodegeneration, both genetic and molecular.
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8
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Wang XM, Zeng P, Fang YY, Zhang T, Tian Q. Progranulin in neurodegenerative dementia. J Neurochem 2021; 158:119-137. [PMID: 33930186 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Long-term or severe lack of protective factors is important in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative dementia. Progranulin (PGRN), a neurotrophic factor expressed mainly in neurons and microglia, has various neuroprotective effects such as anti-inflammatory effects, promoting neuron survival and neurite growth, and participating in normal lysosomal function. Mutations in the PGRN gene (GRN) have been found in several neurodegenerative dementias, including frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Herein, PGRN deficiency and PGRN hydrolytic products (GRNs) in the pathological changes related to dementia, including aggregation of tau and TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43), amyloid-β (Aβ) overproduction, neuroinflammation, lysosomal dysfunction, neuronal death, and synaptic deficit have been summarized. Furthermore, as some therapeutic strategies targeting PGRN have been developed in various models, we highlighted PGRN as a potential anti-neurodegeneration target in dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Ming Wang
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Key Laboratory of Neurological Disease of National Education Ministry, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Peng Zeng
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Key Laboratory of Neurological Disease of National Education Ministry, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ying-Yan Fang
- Hubei Key Laboratory for Kidney Disease Pathogenesis and Intervention, Hubei Polytechnic University School of Medicine, Huangshi, China
| | - Teng Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Shanxian Central Hospital, The Affiliated Huxi Hospital of Jining Medical College, Heze, China
| | - Qing Tian
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Key Laboratory of Neurological Disease of National Education Ministry, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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9
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Chaudhuri P, Prajapati KP, Anand BG, Dubey K, Kar K. Amyloid cross-seeding raises new dimensions to understanding of amyloidogenesis mechanism. Ageing Res Rev 2019; 56:100937. [PMID: 31430565 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2019.100937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hallmarks of most of the amyloid pathologies are surprisingly found to be heterocomponent entities such as inclusions and plaques which contain diverse essential proteins and metabolites. Experimental studies have already revealed the occurrence of coaggregation and cross-seeding during amyloid formation of several proteins and peptides, yielding multicomponent assemblies of amyloid nature. Further, research reports on the co-occurrence of more than one type of amyloid-linked pathologies in the same individual suggest the possible cross-talk among the disease related amyloidogenic protein species during their amyloid growth. In this review paper, we have tried to gain more insight into the process of coaggregation and cross-seeding during amyloid aggregation of proteins, particularly focusing on their relevance to the pathogenesis of the protein misfolding diseases. Revelation of amyloid cross-seeding and coaggregation seems to open new dimensions in our mechanistic understanding of amyloidogenesis and such knowledge may possibly inspire better designing of anti-amyloid therapeutics.
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10
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Huber RJ, Hughes SM, Liu W, Morgan A, Tuxworth RI, Russell C. The contribution of multicellular model organisms to neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis research. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2019; 1866:165614. [PMID: 31783156 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2019.165614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The NCLs (neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis) are forms of neurodegenerative disease that affect people of all ages and ethnicities but are most prevalent in children. Commonly known as Batten disease, this debilitating neurological disorder is comprised of 13 different subtypes that are categorized based on the particular gene that is mutated (CLN1-8, CLN10-14). The pathological mechanisms underlying the NCLs are not well understood due to our poor understanding of the functions of NCL proteins. Only one specific treatment (enzyme replacement therapy) is approved, which is for the treating the brain in CLN2 disease. Hence there remains a desperate need for further research into disease-modifying treatments. In this review, we present and evaluate the genes, proteins and studies performed in the social amoeba, nematode, fruit fly, zebrafish, mouse and large animals pertinent to NCL. In particular, we highlight the use of multicellular model organisms to study NCL protein function, pathology and pathomechanisms. Their use in testing novel therapeutic approaches is also presented. With this information, we highlight how future research in these systems may be able to provide new insight into NCL protein functions in human cells and aid in the development of new therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Huber
- Department of Biology, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario K9L 0G2, Canada
| | - Stephanie M Hughes
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Biomedical Sciences, Brain Health Research Centre and Genetics Otago, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Wenfei Liu
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Alan Morgan
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Crown St., Liverpool L69 3BX, UK
| | - Richard I Tuxworth
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Claire Russell
- Dept. Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Royal College Street, London NW1 0TU, UK.
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11
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TDP-43 regulates transcription at protein-coding genes and Alu retrotransposons. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2019; 1862:194434. [PMID: 31655156 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2019.194434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The 43-kDa transactive response DNA-binding protein (TDP-43) is an example of an RNA-binding protein that regulates RNA metabolism at multiple levels from transcription and splicing to translation. Its role in post-transcriptional RNA processing has been a primary focus of recent research, but its role in regulating transcription has been studied for only a few human genes. We characterized the effects of TDP-43 on transcription genome-wide and found that TDP-43 broadly affects transcription of protein-coding and noncoding RNA genes. Among protein-coding genes, the effects of TDP-43 were greatest for genes <30 thousand base pairs in length. Surprisingly, we found that the loss of TDP-43 resulted in increased evidence for transcription activity near repetitive Alu elements found within expressed genes. The highest densities of affected Alu elements were found in the shorter genes, whose transcription was most affected by TDP-43. Thus, in addition to its role in post-transcriptional RNA processing, TDP-43 plays a critical role in maintaining the transcriptional stability of protein-coding genes and transposable DNA elements.
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12
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Mori S, Honda H, Ishii T, Yoshimura M, Sasagasako N, Suzuki SO, Taniwaki T, Iwaki T. Expanded polyglutamine impairs normal nuclear distribution of fused in sarcoma and poly (rC)‐binding protein 1 in Huntington's disease. Neuropathology 2019; 39:358-367. [DOI: 10.1111/neup.12600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shinichiro Mori
- Department of NeuropathologyGraduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University Fukuoka Japan
- Department of Neurology, Division of Respirology, Neurology and Rheumatology, Department of MedicineKurume University School of Medicine Kurume Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Honda
- Department of NeuropathologyGraduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University Fukuoka Japan
| | - Takashi Ishii
- Department of BiochemistryFukuoka Dental College Fukuoka Japan
| | - Motoi Yoshimura
- Department of NeuropathologyGraduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University Fukuoka Japan
| | - Naokazu Sasagasako
- Department of NeurologyNeuro‐Muscular Center, National Omuta Hospital Omuta Japan
| | - Satoshi O. Suzuki
- Department of NeuropathologyGraduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University Fukuoka Japan
| | - Takayuki Taniwaki
- Department of Neurology, Division of Respirology, Neurology and Rheumatology, Department of MedicineKurume University School of Medicine Kurume Japan
| | - Toru Iwaki
- Department of NeuropathologyGraduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University Fukuoka Japan
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13
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Coudert L, Nonaka T, Bernard E, Hasegawa M, Schaeffer L, Leblanc P. Phosphorylated and aggregated TDP-43 with seeding properties are induced upon mutant Huntingtin (mHtt) polyglutamine expression in human cellular models. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:2615-2632. [PMID: 30863908 PMCID: PMC11105362 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03059-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The Tar DNA-Binding Protein 43 (TDP-43) and its phosphorylated isoform (pTDP-43) are the major components associated with ubiquitin positive/Tau-negative inclusions found in neurons and glial cells of patients suffering of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or frontotemporal lobar degeneration-TDP-43 (FTLD-TDP). Many studies have revealed that TDP-43 is also in the protein inclusions associated with neurodegenerative conditions other than ALS and FTLD-TDP, thus suggesting that this protein may be involved in the pathogenesis of a variety of neurological disorders. In brains of Huntington-affected patients, pTDP-43 aggregates were shown to co-localize with mutant Huntingtin (mHtt) inclusions. Here, we show that expression of mHtt carrying 80-97 polyglutamines repeats in human cell cultures induces the aggregation and the phosphorylation of endogenous TDP-43, whereas non-pathological Htt with 25 polyglutamines repeats has no effect. Mutant Htt aggregation precedes accumulation of pTDP-43 and pTDP-43 co-localizes with mHtt inclusions reminding what it was previously described in brains of Huntington-affected patients. Detergent-insoluble fractions from cells expressing mHtt and containing mHtt-pTDP-43 co-aggregates can function as seeds for further TDP-43 aggregation in human cell culture. The human cellular prion protein PrPC was previously identified as a negative modulator of mHtt aggregation; here, we show that PrPC-mediated reduction of mHtt aggregation is tightly correlated with a decrease of TDP-43 aggregation and phosphorylation, thus confirming the close relationships between TDP-43 and mHtt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Coudert
- Institut NeuroMyoGène, CNRS UMR5310, INSERM U1217, Faculté de Médecine Rockefeller, Université Claude Bernard Lyon I, 8 Avenue Rockefeller, 69373, Lyon Cedex 08, France
| | - Takashi Nonaka
- Dementia Research Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-8506, Japan
| | - Emilien Bernard
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Hôpital Neurologique Pierre-Wertheimer, Service de Neurologie C et Centre SLA de Lyon, Bron, France
- Université de Lyon, Faculté de Médecine Lyon Sud Charles Mérieux, Lyon, France
| | - Masato Hasegawa
- Dementia Research Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-8506, Japan
| | - Laurent Schaeffer
- Institut NeuroMyoGène, CNRS UMR5310, INSERM U1217, Faculté de Médecine Rockefeller, Université Claude Bernard Lyon I, 8 Avenue Rockefeller, 69373, Lyon Cedex 08, France
| | - Pascal Leblanc
- Institut NeuroMyoGène, CNRS UMR5310, INSERM U1217, Faculté de Médecine Rockefeller, Université Claude Bernard Lyon I, 8 Avenue Rockefeller, 69373, Lyon Cedex 08, France.
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14
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Prasad A, Bharathi V, Sivalingam V, Girdhar A, Patel BK. Molecular Mechanisms of TDP-43 Misfolding and Pathology in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:25. [PMID: 30837838 PMCID: PMC6382748 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 407] [Impact Index Per Article: 81.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
TAR DNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43) is a versatile RNA/DNA binding protein involved in RNA-related metabolism. Hyper-phosphorylated and ubiquitinated TDP-43 deposits act as inclusion bodies in the brain and spinal cord of patients with the motor neuron diseases: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). While the majority of ALS cases (90-95%) are sporadic (sALS), among familial ALS cases 5-10% involve the inheritance of mutations in the TARDBP gene and the remaining (90-95%) are due to mutations in other genes such as: C9ORF72, SOD1, FUS, and NEK1 etc. Strikingly however, the majority of sporadic ALS patients (up to 97%) also contain the TDP-43 protein deposited in the neuronal inclusions, which suggests of its pivotal role in the ALS pathology. Thus, unraveling the molecular mechanisms of the TDP-43 pathology seems central to the ALS therapeutics, hence, we comprehensively review the current understanding of the TDP-43's pathology in ALS. We discuss the roles of TDP-43's mutations, its cytoplasmic mis-localization and aberrant post-translational modifications in ALS. Also, we evaluate TDP-43's amyloid-like in vitro aggregation, its physiological vs. pathological oligomerization in vivo, liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), and potential prion-like propagation propensity of the TDP-43 inclusions. Finally, we describe the various evolving TDP-43-induced toxicity mechanisms, such as the impairment of endocytosis and mitotoxicity etc. and also discuss the emerging strategies toward TDP-43 disaggregation and ALS therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Basant K. Patel
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Sangareddy, India
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15
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Amado DA, Rieders JM, Diatta F, Hernandez-Con P, Singer A, Mak JT, Zhang J, Lancaster E, Davidson BL, Chen-Plotkin AS. AAV-Mediated Progranulin Delivery to a Mouse Model of Progranulin Deficiency Causes T Cell-Mediated Toxicity. Mol Ther 2019; 27:465-478. [PMID: 30559071 PMCID: PMC6369714 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2018.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Revised: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 11/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus-mediated gene replacement is emerging as a safe and effective means of correcting single-gene mutations affecting the CNS. AAV-mediated progranulin gene (GRN) delivery has been proposed as a treatment for GRN-deficient frontotemporal dementia and neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, and recent studies using intraparenchymal AAV-Grn delivery to brain have shown moderate success in histopathologic and behavioral rescue in mouse models. Here, we used AAV9 to deliver GRN to the lateral ventricle to achieve widespread expression in the Grn null mouse brain. We found that, despite a global increase in progranulin, overexpression resulted in dramatic and selective hippocampal toxicity and degeneration affecting neurons and glia. Hippocampal degeneration was preceded by T cell infiltration and perivascular cuffing. GRN delivery with an ependymal-targeting AAV for selective secretion of progranulin into the cerebrospinal fluid similarly resulted in T cell infiltration, as well as ependymal hypertrophy. Interestingly, overexpression of GRN in wild-type animals also provoked T cell infiltration. These results call into question the safety of GRN overexpression in the CNS, with evidence for both a region-selective immune response and cellular proliferative response. Our results highlight the importance of careful consideration of target gene biology and cellular response to overexpression prior to progressing to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Defne A Amado
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Julianne M Rieders
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3501 Civic Center Boulevard, 5060 CTRB, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Fortunay Diatta
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Pilar Hernandez-Con
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Adina Singer
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jordan T Mak
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Junxian Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Eric Lancaster
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Beverly L Davidson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3501 Civic Center Boulevard, 5060 CTRB, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Alice S Chen-Plotkin
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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16
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Cui Y, Hettinghouse A, Liu CJ. Progranulin: A conductor of receptors orchestra, a chaperone of lysosomal enzymes and a therapeutic target for multiple diseases. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2019; 45:53-64. [PMID: 30733059 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2019.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Progranulin (PGRN), a widely expressed glycoprotein with pleiotropic function, has been linked to a host of physiological processes and diverse pathological states. A series of contemporary preclinical disease models and clinical trials have evaluated various therapeutic strategies targeting PGRN, highlighting PGRN as a promising therapeutic target. Herein we summarize available knowledge of PGRN targeting in various kinds of diseases, including common neurological diseases, inflammatory autoimmune diseases, cancer, tissue repair, and rare lysosomal storage diseases, with a focus on the functional domain-oriented drug development strategies. In particular, we emphasize the role of extracellular PGRN as a non-conventional, extracellular matrix bound, growth factor-like conductor orchestrating multiple membrane receptors and intracellular PGRN as a chaperone/co-chaperone that mediates the folding and traffic of its various binding partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yazhou Cui
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10003, USA; Shandong Medical Biotechnological Center, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250062, China
| | - Aubryanna Hettinghouse
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10003, USA
| | - Chuan-Ju Liu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10003, USA; Department of Cell Biology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
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17
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Gao J, Wang L, Huntley ML, Perry G, Wang X. Pathomechanisms of TDP-43 in neurodegeneration. J Neurochem 2018; 146:10.1111/jnc.14327. [PMID: 29486049 PMCID: PMC6110993 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2017] [Revised: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegeneration, a term that refers to the progressive loss of structure and function of neurons, is a feature of many neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and Huntington's disease (HD). There is no cure or treatment available that can prevent or reverse neurodegenerative conditions. The causes of neurodegeneration in these diseases remain largely unknown; yet, an extremely small proportion of these devastating diseases are associated with genetic mutations in proteins involved in a wide range of cellular pathways and processes. Over the past decade, it has become increasingly clear that the most notable neurodegenerative diseases, such as ALS, FTLD, and AD, share a common prominent pathological feature known as TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) proteinopathy, which is usually characterized by the presence of aberrant phosphorylation, ubiquitination, cleavage and/or nuclear depletion of TDP-43 in neurons and glial cells. The role of TDP-43 as a neurotoxicity trigger has been well documented in different in vitro and in vivo experimental models. As such, the investigation of TDP-43 pathomechanisms in various major neurodegenerative diseases is on the rise. Here, after a discussion of stages of TDP-43 proteinopathy during disease progression in various major neurodegenerative diseases, we review previous and most recent studies about the potential pathomechanisms with a particular emphasis on ALS, FTLD, and AD, and discuss the possibility of targeting TDP-43 as a common therapeutic approach to treat neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju Gao
- Departments of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Luwen Wang
- Departments of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Mikayla L. Huntley
- Departments of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - George Perry
- College of Sciences, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Xinglong Wang
- Departments of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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18
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Dong X, Cong S. Identification of differentially expressed genes and regulatory relationships in Huntington's disease by bioinformatics analysis. Mol Med Rep 2018; 17:4317-4326. [PMID: 29328442 PMCID: PMC5802203 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.8410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited, progressive neurodegenerative disease caused by a CAG expansion in the huntingtin (HTT) gene; various dysfunctions of biological processes in HD have been proposed. However, at present the exact pathogenesis of HD is not fully understood. The present study aimed to explore the pathogenesis of HD using a computational bioinformatics analysis of gene expression. GSE11358 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus andthe differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the mutant HTT knock-in cell model STHdhQ111/Q111 were predicted. DEGs between the HD and control samples were screened using the limma package in R. Functional and pathway enrichment analyses were conducted using the database for annotation, visualization and integrated discovery software. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was established by the search tool for the retrieval of interacting genes and visualized by Cytoscape. Module analysis of the PPI network was performed utilizing MCODE. A total of 471 DEGs were identified, including ribonuclease A family member 4 (RNASE4). In addition, 41 significantly enriched Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways, as well as several significant Gene Ontology terms (including cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and cytosolic DNA-sensing) were identified. A total of 18 significant modules were identified from the PPI network. Furthermore, a novel transcriptional regulatory relationship was identified, namely signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), which is regulated by miRNA-124 in HD. In conclusion, deregulation of 18 critical genes may contribute to the occurrence of HD. RNASE4, STAT3, and miRNA-124 may have a regulatory association with the pathological mechanisms in HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Dong
- Department of Neurology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
| | - Shuyan Cong
- Department of Neurology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
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19
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Chitramuthu BP, Bennett HPJ, Bateman A. Progranulin: a new avenue towards the understanding and treatment of neurodegenerative disease. Brain 2017; 140:3081-3104. [PMID: 29053785 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awx198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2016] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Progranulin, a secreted glycoprotein, is encoded in humans by the single GRN gene. Progranulin consists of seven and a half, tandemly repeated, non-identical copies of the 12 cysteine granulin motif. Many cellular processes and diseases are associated with this unique pleiotropic factor that include, but are not limited to, embryogenesis, tumorigenesis, inflammation, wound repair, neurodegeneration and lysosome function. Haploinsufficiency caused by autosomal dominant mutations within the GRN gene leads to frontotemporal lobar degeneration, a progressive neuronal atrophy that presents in patients as frontotemporal dementia. Frontotemporal dementia is an early onset form of dementia, distinct from Alzheimer's disease. The GRN-related form of frontotemporal lobar dementia is a proteinopathy characterized by the appearance of neuronal inclusions containing ubiquitinated and fragmented TDP-43 (encoded by TARDBP). The neurotrophic and neuro-immunomodulatory properties of progranulin have recently been reported but are still not well understood. Gene delivery of GRN in experimental models of Alzheimer's- and Parkinson's-like diseases inhibits phenotype progression. Here we review what is currently known concerning the molecular function and mechanism of action of progranulin in normal physiological and pathophysiological conditions in both in vitro and in vivo models. The potential therapeutic applications of progranulin in treating neurodegenerative diseases are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babykumari P Chitramuthu
- Endocrine Research Laboratory, Royal Victoria Hospital, and McGill University Health Centre Research Institute, Centre for Translational Biology, Platform in Metabolic Disorders and Complications, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, QC, Canada, H4A 3J1
| | - Hugh P J Bennett
- Endocrine Research Laboratory, Royal Victoria Hospital, and McGill University Health Centre Research Institute, Centre for Translational Biology, Platform in Metabolic Disorders and Complications, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, QC, Canada, H4A 3J1
| | - Andrew Bateman
- Endocrine Research Laboratory, Royal Victoria Hospital, and McGill University Health Centre Research Institute, Centre for Translational Biology, Platform in Metabolic Disorders and Complications, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, QC, Canada, H4A 3J1
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20
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Chitramuthu BP, Kay DG, Bateman A, Bennett HPJ. Neurotrophic effects of progranulin in vivo in reversing motor neuron defects caused by over or under expression of TDP-43 or FUS. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0174784. [PMID: 28358904 PMCID: PMC5373598 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0174784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Progranulin (PGRN) is a glycoprotein with multiple roles in normal and disease states. Mutations within the GRN gene cause frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). The affected neurons display distinctive TAR DNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43) inclusions. How partial loss of PGRN causes TDP-43 neuropathology is poorly understood. TDP-43 inclusions are also found in affected neurons of patients with other neurodegenerative diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Alzheimer's disease. In ALS, TDP-43 inclusions are typically also immunoreactive for fused in sarcoma (FUS). Mutations within TDP-43 or FUS are themselves neuropathogenic in ALS and some cases of FTLD. We used the outgrowth of caudal primary motor neurons (MNs) in zebrafish embryos to investigate the interaction of PGRN with TDP-43 and FUS in vivo. As reported previously, depletion of zebrafish PGRN-A (zfPGRN-A) is associated with truncated primary MNs and impaired motor function. Here we found that depletion of zfPGRN-A results in primary MNs outgrowth stalling at the horizontal myoseptum, a line of demarcation separating the myotome into dorsal and ventral compartments that is where the final destination of primary motor is assigned. Successful axonal outgrowth beyond the horizontal myoseptum depends in part upon formation of acetylcholine receptor clusters and this was found to be disorganized upon depletion of zfPGRN-A. PGRN reversed the effects of zfPGRN-A knockdown, but a related gene, zfPGRN-1, was without effect. Both knockdown of TDP-43 or FUS, as well as expression of humanTDP-43 and FUS mutants results in MN abnormalities that are reversed by co-expression of hPGRN mRNA. Neither TDP-43 nor FUS reversed MN phenotypes caused by the depletion of PGRN. Thus TDP-43 and FUS lie upstream of PGRN in a gene complementation pathway. The ability of PGRN to override TDP-43 and FUS neurotoxicity due to partial loss of function or mutation in the corresponding genes may have therapeutic relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babykumari P. Chitramuthu
- Endocrine Research Laboratory, Royal Victoria Hospital, McGill University Health Centre Research Institute, Montreal, Québec, Canada
- Neurodyn Inc., Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada
- * E-mail: (BPC); (HPJB)
| | - Denis G. Kay
- Neurodyn Inc., Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada
| | - Andrew Bateman
- Endocrine Research Laboratory, Royal Victoria Hospital, McGill University Health Centre Research Institute, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Hugh P. J. Bennett
- Endocrine Research Laboratory, Royal Victoria Hospital, McGill University Health Centre Research Institute, Montreal, Québec, Canada
- * E-mail: (BPC); (HPJB)
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21
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Boeynaems S, Bogaert E, Van Damme P, Van Den Bosch L. Inside out: the role of nucleocytoplasmic transport in ALS and FTLD. Acta Neuropathol 2016; 132:159-173. [PMID: 27271576 PMCID: PMC4947127 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-016-1586-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Revised: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 05/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the presence of protein inclusions with a different protein content depending on the type of disease. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) are no exceptions to this common theme. In most ALS and FTLD cases, the predominant pathological species are RNA-binding proteins. Interestingly, these proteins are both depleted from their normal nuclear localization and aggregated in the cytoplasm. This key pathological feature has suggested a potential dual mechanism with both nuclear loss of function and cytoplasmic gain of function being at play. Yet, why and how this pathological cascade is initiated in most patients, and especially sporadic cases, is currently unresolved. Recent breakthroughs in C9orf72 ALS/FTLD disease models point at a pivotal role for the nuclear transport system in toxicity. To address whether defects in nuclear transport are indeed implicated in the disease, we reviewed two decades of ALS/FTLD literature and combined this with bioinformatic analyses. We find that both RNA-binding proteins and nuclear transport factors are key players in ALS/FTLD pathology. Moreover, our analyses suggest that disturbances in nucleocytoplasmic transport play a crucial initiating role in the disease, by bridging both nuclear loss and cytoplasmic gain of functions. These findings highlight this process as a novel and promising therapeutic target for ALS and FTLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Boeynaems
- />Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND), KU Leuven-University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- />Laboratory of Neurobiology, Vesalius Research Center, VIB, Campus Gasthuisberg O&N4, PB912, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Elke Bogaert
- />Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND), KU Leuven-University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- />Laboratory of Neurobiology, Vesalius Research Center, VIB, Campus Gasthuisberg O&N4, PB912, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Philip Van Damme
- />Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND), KU Leuven-University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- />Laboratory of Neurobiology, Vesalius Research Center, VIB, Campus Gasthuisberg O&N4, PB912, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ludo Van Den Bosch
- />Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND), KU Leuven-University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- />Laboratory of Neurobiology, Vesalius Research Center, VIB, Campus Gasthuisberg O&N4, PB912, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- />Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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22
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D Potdar P, U Shetti A. Molecular Biomarkers for Diagnosis & Therapies of Alzheimer’s Disease. AIMS Neurosci 2016. [DOI: 10.3934/neuroscience.2016.4.433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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23
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Palfree RGE, Bennett HPJ, Bateman A. The Evolution of the Secreted Regulatory Protein Progranulin. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0133749. [PMID: 26248158 PMCID: PMC4527844 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0133749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2015] [Accepted: 06/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Progranulin is a secreted growth factor that is active in tumorigenesis, wound repair, and inflammation. Haploinsufficiency of the human progranulin gene, GRN, causes frontotemporal dementia. Progranulins are composed of chains of cysteine-rich granulin modules. Modules may be released from progranulin by proteolysis as 6kDa granulin polypeptides. Both intact progranulin and some of the granulin polypeptides are biologically active. The granulin module occurs in certain plant proteases and progranulins are present in early diverging metazoan clades such as the sponges, indicating their ancient evolutionary origin. There is only one Grn gene in mammalian genomes. More gene-rich Grn families occur in teleost fish with between 3 and 6 members per species including short-form Grns that have no tetrapod counterparts. Our goals are to elucidate progranulin and granulin module evolution by investigating (i): the origins of metazoan progranulins (ii): the evolutionary relationships between the single Grn of tetrapods and the multiple Grn genes of fish (iii): the evolution of granulin module architectures of vertebrate progranulins (iv): the conservation of mammalian granulin polypeptide sequences and how the conserved granulin amino acid sequences map to the known three dimensional structures of granulin modules. We report that progranulin-like proteins are present in unicellular eukaryotes that are closely related to metazoa suggesting that progranulin is among the earliest extracellular regulatory proteins still employed by multicellular animals. From the genomes of the elephant shark and coelacanth we identified contemporary representatives of a precursor for short-from Grn genes of ray-finned fish that is lost in tetrapods. In vertebrate Grns pathways of exon duplication resulted in a conserved module architecture at the amino-terminus that is frequently accompanied by an unusual pattern of tandem nearly identical module repeats near the carboxyl-terminus. Polypeptide sequence conservation of mammalian granulin modules identified potential structure-activity relationships that may be informative in designing progranulin based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger G. E. Palfree
- Endocrine Research Laboratory, Experimental Therapeutics and Metabolism, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre and Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Hugh P. J. Bennett
- Endocrine Research Laboratory, Experimental Therapeutics and Metabolism, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre and Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Andrew Bateman
- Endocrine Research Laboratory, Experimental Therapeutics and Metabolism, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre and Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- * E-mail:
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24
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Overexpression of nuclear FUS induces neuronal cell death. Neuroscience 2015; 287:113-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2014.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2014] [Revised: 11/22/2014] [Accepted: 12/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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25
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TDP-43 toxicity proceeds via calcium dysregulation and necrosis in aging Caenorhabditis elegans motor neurons. J Neurosci 2014; 34:12093-103. [PMID: 25186754 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2495-13.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a heterogeneous disease with either sporadic or genetic origins characterized by the progressive degeneration of motor neurons. At the cellular level, ALS neurons show protein misfolding and aggregation phenotypes. Transactive response DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) has recently been shown to be associated with ALS, but the early pathophysiological deficits causing impairment in motor function are unknown. Here we used Caenorhabditis elegans expressing mutant TDP-43(A315T) in motor neurons and explored the potential influences of calcium (Ca(2+)). Using chemical and genetic approaches to manipulate the release of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca(2+)stores, we observed that the reduction of intracellular Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)]i) rescued age-dependent paralysis and prevented the neurodegeneration of GABAergic motor neurons. Our data implicate elevated [Ca(2+)]i as a driver of TDP-43-mediated neuronal toxicity. Furthermore, we discovered that neuronal degeneration is independent of the executioner caspase CED-3, but instead requires the activity of the Ca(2+)-regulated calpain protease TRA-3, and the aspartyl protease ASP-4. Finally, chemically blocking protease activity protected against mutant TDP-43(A315T)-associated neuronal toxicity. This work both underscores the potential of the C. elegans system to identify key targets for therapeutic intervention and suggests that a focused effort to regulate ER Ca(2+) release and necrosis-like degeneration consequent to neuronal injury may be of clinical importance.
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Gratuze M, Noël A, Julien C, Cisbani G, Milot-Rousseau P, Morin F, Dickler M, Goupil C, Bezeau F, Poitras I, Bissonnette S, Whittington RA, Hébert SS, Cicchetti F, Parker JA, Samadi P, Planel E. Tau hyperphosphorylation and deregulation of calcineurin in mouse models of Huntington's disease. Hum Mol Genet 2014; 24:86-99. [DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddu456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
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27
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Therrien M, Parker JA. Deciphering genetic interactions between ALS genes using C. elegans. WORM 2014; 3:e29047. [PMID: 25254150 DOI: 10.4161/worm.29047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2014] [Revised: 04/14/2014] [Accepted: 04/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder causing selective death of motor neurons in which it is speculated that 10% of cases have a familial history. In the past 20 years, many genes causative for ALS have been discovered, but the link between them and their roles in neurodegeneration remain unknown. The identification of genes associated with both ALS and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), along with the observation of patients affected by both diseases, have suggested that they are part of the same neurodegenerative spectrum. Investigating possible genetic interactions among ALS/FTD genes could help understand the role of these genes in neurodegeneration. To pursue this goal, our group has developed several ALS models to study potential genetic interactions. More recently, we characterized the deletion mutant alfa-1, the ortholog of C9ORF72, to evaluate the potential genetic interactions between C9ORF72/alfa-1 and other ALS genes. Here, we discuss the genetic interactions identified in our models and how some of these proteins may also be linked to other neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martine Therrien
- CRCHUM; Montréal, QC Canada ; Departement de pathologie et biologie cellulaire; Universite de Montréal; Montréal, QC Canada
| | - J Alex Parker
- CRCHUM; Montréal, QC Canada ; Departement de pathologie et biologie cellulaire; Universite de Montréal; Montréal, QC Canada ; Departement de neurosciences; Universite de Montréal; Montréal, QC Canada
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28
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Van Kampen JM, Baranowski D, Kay DG. Progranulin gene delivery protects dopaminergic neurons in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease. PLoS One 2014; 9:e97032. [PMID: 24804730 PMCID: PMC4013129 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0097032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2014] [Accepted: 04/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by tremor, rigidity and akinesia/bradykinesia resulting from the progressive loss of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons. To date, only symptomatic treatment is available for PD patients, with no effective means of slowing or stopping the progression of the disease. Progranulin (PGRN) is a 593 amino acid multifunction protein that is widely distributed throughout the CNS, localized primarily in neurons and microglia. PGRN has been demonstrated to be a potent regulator of neuroinflammation and also acts as an autocrine neurotrophic factor, important for long-term neuronal survival. Thus, enhancing PGRN expression may strengthen the cells resistance to disease. In the present study, we have used the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) model of PD to investigate the possible use of PGRN gene delivery as a therapy for the prevention or treatment of PD. Viral vector delivery of the PGRN gene was an effective means of elevating PGRN expression in nigrostriatal neurons. When PGRN expression was elevated in the SNC, nigrostriatal neurons were protected from MPTP toxicity in mice, along with a preservation of striatal dopamine content and turnover. Further, protection of nigrostriatal neurons by PGRN gene therapy was accompanied by reductions in markers of MPTP-induced inflammation and apoptosis as well as a complete preservation of locomotor function. We conclude that PGRN gene therapy may have beneficial effects in the treatment of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackalina M. Van Kampen
- Neurodyn Inc., Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Denis G. Kay
- Neurodyn Inc., Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada
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Therrien M, Parker JA. Worming forward: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis toxicity mechanisms and genetic interactions in Caenorhabditis elegans. Front Genet 2014; 5:85. [PMID: 24860590 PMCID: PMC4029022 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2014.00085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2014] [Accepted: 03/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases share pathogenic mechanisms at the cellular level including protein misfolding, excitotoxicity and altered RNA homeostasis among others. Recent advances have shown that the genetic causes underlying these pathologies overlap, hinting at the existence of a genetic network for neurodegeneration. This is perhaps best illustrated by the recent discoveries of causative mutations for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal degeneration (FTD). Once thought to be distinct entities, it is now recognized that these diseases exist along a genetic spectrum. With this wealth of discoveries comes the need to develop new genetic models of ALS and FTD to investigate not only pathogenic mechanisms linked to causative mutations, but to uncover potential genetic interactions that may point to new therapeutic targets. Given the conservation of many disease genes across evolution, Caenorhabditis elegans is an ideal system to investigate genetic interactions amongst these genes. Here we review the use of C. elegans to model ALS and investigate a putative genetic network for ALS/FTD that may extend to other neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martine Therrien
- Départment de Pathologie et Biologie Cellulaire, CRCHUM-Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Université de Montréal Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - J Alex Parker
- Départment de Pathologie et Biologie Cellulaire, Départment de Neurosciences, CRCHUM-Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Université de Montréal Montréal, QC, Canada
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Li J, Li T, Zhang X, Tang Y, Yang J, Le W. Human superoxide dismutase 1 overexpression in motor neurons of Caenorhabditis elegans causes axon guidance defect and neurodegeneration. Neurobiol Aging 2013; 35:837-46. [PMID: 24126158 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2013.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2013] [Revised: 09/05/2013] [Accepted: 09/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Strong evidence indicates that mutant Cu, Zn-superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) exerts toxic effect on motor neurons in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, the nature of mutant SOD1-mediated motor neuron degeneration is poorly understood. To provide new insight into the mechanism by which mutant SOD1 induces motor neuron injury, we developed novel Caenorhabditis elegans models of ALS. Expression of human wild type or G93A SOD1 specifically in motor neurons of C. elegans caused progressive locomotion defect and paralytic phenotype, which recapitulate some characteristic features of ALS including age-dependent motor dysfunction and degeneration of motor neurons associated with SOD1 aggregation. In addition, the motor neuron loss is independent of cell death protein 3 (CED-3)/cell death protein 4 (CED-4) caspase pathway. We also found that before motor neurons began to die in adulthood, axon guidance defect of motor neuron appeared during the development stages. When green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged proteins related to axon guidance were examined in motor neurons, a significantly decreased density and number of GFP-tagged puncta were observed in the transgenic worms. Our models mimic axon developmental defect and the adult-onset degeneration of motor neurons in ALS. Using this model, we uncovered the cell-autonomous damage caused by human SOD1 to motor neurons in vivo, and provided a new insight into the developmental defect mechanism that may contribute to motor neuron degeneration in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Li
- The Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Institute of Health Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences/Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ting Li
- The Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Institute of Health Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences/Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaojie Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Institute of Health Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences/Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Tang
- The Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Institute of Health Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences/Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Juan Yang
- The Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Institute of Health Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences/Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Weidong Le
- The Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Institute of Health Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences/Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; 1st Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
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Li J, Le W. Modeling neurodegenerative diseases in Caenorhabditis elegans. Exp Neurol 2013; 250:94-103. [PMID: 24095843 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2013.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2013] [Revised: 09/18/2013] [Accepted: 09/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases which include Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Huntington disease (HD), and others are becoming an increasing threat to human health worldwide. The degeneration and death of certain specific groups of neurons are the hallmarks of these diseases. Despite the research progress in identification of several disease-related genes, the mechanisms underlying the neurodegeneration in these diseases remain unclear. Given the molecular conservation in neuronal signaling between Caenorhabditis elegans and vertebrates, an increasing number of research scientists have used the nematode to study this group of diseases. This review paper will focus on the model system that has been established in C. elegans to investigate the pathogenetic roles of those reported disease-related genes in AD, PD, ALS, HD and others. The progress in C. elegans provides useful information of the genetic interactions and molecular pathways that are critical in the disease process, and may help better our understanding of the disease mechanisms and search for new therapeutics for these devastating diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Li
- Institute of Health Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200025, P.R. China
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