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Xu P, Chen Z, Ma J, Shan Y, Wang Y, Xie B, Zheng D, Guo F, Song X, Gao G, Ye K, Liu Y, Pan G, Jiang B, Peng F, Zhong X. Biallelic CLCN2 mutations cause retinal degeneration by impairing retinal pigment epithelium phagocytosis and chloride channel function. Hum Genet 2023; 142:577-593. [PMID: 36964785 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-023-02531-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023]
Abstract
CLCN2 encodes a two-pore homodimeric chloride channel protein (CLC-2) that is widely expressed in human tissues. The association between Clcn2 and the retina is well-established in mice, as loss-of-function of CLC-2 can cause retinopathy in mice; however, the ocular phenotypes caused by CLCN2 mutations in humans and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The present study aimed to define the ocular features and reveal the pathogenic mechanisms of CLCN2 variants associated with retinal degeneration in humans using an in vitro overexpression system, as well as patient-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells and retinal organoids (ROs). A patient carrying the homozygous c.2257C > T (p.R753X) nonsense CLCN2 mutation was followed up for > 6 years. Ocular features were comprehensively characterized with multimodality imaging and functional examination. The patient presented with severe bilateral retinal degeneration with loss of photoreceptor and RPE. In vitro, mutant CLC-2 maintained the correct subcellular localization, but with reduced channel function compared to wild-type CLC-2 in HEK293T cells. Additionally, patient iPSC-derived RPE cells carrying the CLCN2 mutation exhibited dysfunctional ClC-2 chloride channels and outer segment phagocytosis. Notably, these functions were rescued following the repair of the CLCN2 mutation using the CRISPR-Cas9 system. However, this variant did not cause significant photoreceptor degeneration in patient-derived ROs, indicating that dysfunctional RPE is likely the primary cause of biallelic CLCN2 variant-mediated retinopathy. This study is the first to establish the confirmatory ocular features of human CLCN2-related retinal degeneration, and reveal a pathogenic mechanism associated with biallelic CLCN2 variants, providing new insights into the cause of inherited retinal dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Zhuolin Chen
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Jianchi Ma
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yongli Shan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, South China, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Bingbing Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Dandan Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Fuying Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Xiaojing Song
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Guanjie Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Ke Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Yizhi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Guangjin Pan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, South China, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Bin Jiang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Fuhua Peng
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
| | - Xiufeng Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
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Abreu VS, Tarrio J, Pinto E, Figueiroa S, Alves JE. Brain imaging findings in CLCN2-related leukoencephalopathy. Pediatr Radiol 2022; 53:1027-1032. [PMID: 36565320 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-022-05577-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
CLCN2-related leukoencephalopathy is a rare autosomal-recessive disease caused by a loss-of-function mutation in the ClC-2 chloride channel, which is fundamental in ion and water brain homeostasis. With only 31 cases published in the literature, its precise pathophysiology is uncertain, clinical manifestations are nonspecific and little is known in terms of prognosis. Neuroimaging plays a fundamental role in the identification of CLCN2-related leukoencephalopathy, which has a typical magnetic resonance imaging pattern that, when recognized, should promote proper genetic study for diagnostic confirmation. We report a paediatric clinical case of CLCN2-related leukoencephalopathy with genetically verified c.1709G > A p(Trp570*) mutation, highlighting typical neuroimaging findings and the importance of imaging in the diagnostic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasco Sousa Abreu
- Neuroradiology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Largo do Prof. Abel Salazar, 4099-001, Porto, Portugal.
| | - João Tarrio
- Neuroradiology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Largo do Prof. Abel Salazar, 4099-001, Porto, Portugal
| | - Eduarda Pinto
- Neuroradiology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Largo do Prof. Abel Salazar, 4099-001, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sónia Figueiroa
- Neuropediatrics Department, Centro Materno-Infantil do Norte, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - José E Alves
- Neuroradiology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Largo do Prof. Abel Salazar, 4099-001, Porto, Portugal
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3
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Brignone MS, Lanciotti A, Michelucci A, Mallozzi C, Camerini S, Catacuzzeno L, Sforna L, Caramia M, D’Adamo MC, Ceccarini M, Molinari P, Macioce P, Macchia G, Petrucci TC, Pessia M, Visentin S, Ambrosini E. The CaMKII/MLC1 Axis Confers Ca2+-Dependence to Volume-Regulated Anion Channels (VRAC) in Astrocytes. Cells 2022; 11:cells11172656. [PMID: 36078064 PMCID: PMC9454758 DOI: 10.3390/cells11172656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes, the main glial cells of the central nervous system, play a key role in brain volume control due to their intimate contacts with cerebral blood vessels and the expression of a distinctive equipment of proteins involved in solute/water transport. Among these is MLC1, a protein highly expressed in perivascular astrocytes and whose mutations cause megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts (MLC), an incurable leukodystrophy characterized by macrocephaly, chronic brain edema, cysts, myelin vacuolation, and astrocyte swelling. Although, in astrocytes, MLC1 mutations are known to affect the swelling-activated chloride currents (ICl,swell) mediated by the volume-regulated anion channel (VRAC), and the regulatory volume decrease, MLC1′s proper function is still unknown. By combining molecular, biochemical, proteomic, electrophysiological, and imaging techniques, we here show that MLC1 is a Ca2+/Calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) target protein, whose phosphorylation, occurring in response to intracellular Ca2+ release, potentiates VRAC-mediated ICl,swell. Overall, these findings reveal that MLC1 is a Ca2+-regulated protein, linking volume regulation to Ca2+ signaling in astrocytes. This knowledge provides new insight into the MLC1 protein function and into the mechanisms controlling ion/water exchanges in the brain, which may help identify possible molecular targets for the treatment of MLC and other pathological conditions caused by astrocyte swelling and brain edema.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Angela Lanciotti
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00169 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Michelucci
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Cinzia Mallozzi
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00169 Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Camerini
- Core Facilities (FAST), Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00169 Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Catacuzzeno
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Luigi Sforna
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Martino Caramia
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina D’Adamo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, LUM Giuseppe Degennaro University, 70010 Bari, Italy
| | - Marina Ceccarini
- National Centre for Rare Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00169 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Molinari
- National Centre for Drug Research and Evaluation (FARVA), Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00169 Rome, Italy
| | - Pompeo Macioce
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00169 Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Mauro Pessia
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, MSD2080 Msida, Malta
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sergio Visentin
- National Centre for Drug Research and Evaluation (FARVA), Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00169 Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Ambrosini
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00169 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06-4990-2037
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GPR37 Receptors and Megalencephalic Leukoencephalopathy with Subcortical Cysts. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105528. [PMID: 35628339 PMCID: PMC9144339 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105528] [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: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts (MLC) is a rare type of vacuolating leukodystrophy (white matter disorder), which is mainly caused by defects in MLC1 or glial cell adhesion molecule (GlialCAM) proteins. In addition, autoantibodies to GlialCAM are involved in the pathology of multiple sclerosis. MLC1 and GLIALCAM genes encode for membrane proteins of unknown function, which has been linked to the regulation of different ion channels and transporters, such as the chloride channel VRAC (volume regulated anion channel), ClC-2 (chloride channel 2), and connexin 43 or the Na+/K+-ATPase pump. However, the mechanisms by which MLC proteins regulate these ion channels and transporters, as well as the exact function of MLC proteins remain obscure. It has been suggested that MLC proteins might regulate signalling pathways, but the mechanisms involved are, at present, unknown. With the aim of answering these questions, we have recently described the brain GlialCAM interactome. Within the identified proteins, we could validate the interaction with several G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), including the orphan GPRC5B and the proposed prosaposin receptors GPR37L1 and GPR37. In this review, we summarize new aspects of the pathophysiology of MLC disease and key aspects of the interaction between GPR37 receptors and MLC proteins.
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5
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Ain Ul Batool S, Almatrafi A, Fadhli F, Alluqmani M, Ali G, Basit S. A homozygous missense variant in the MLC1 gene underlies megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts in large kindred: Heterozygous carriers show seizure and mild motor function deterioration. Am J Med Genet A 2021; 188:1075-1082. [PMID: 34918859 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.62614] [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: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts (MLC) is a rare type of leukodystrophy characterized by epileptic seizures, macrocephaly, and vacuolization of myelin and astrocyte. The magnetic resonance imaging of the brain of MLC patients shows diffuse white-matter anomalies and the occurrence of subcortical cysts. MLC features have been observed in individuals having mutations in the MLC1 or HEPACAM genes. In this study, we recruited a six generation large kindred with five affected individuals manifesting clinical features of epileptic seizures, macrocephaly, ataxia, and spasticity. In order to identify the underlying genetic cause of the clinical features, we performed whole-genome genotyping using Illumina microarray followed by detection of loss of heterozygosity (LOHs) regions. One affected individual was exome sequenced as well. Homozygosity mapping detected several LOH regions due to extensive consanguinity. An unbiased and hypothesis-free exome data analysis identified a homozygous missense variant (NM_015166.3:c.278C>T) in the exon 4 of the MLC1 gene. The variant is present in the LOH region on chromosome 22q (50 Mb) and segregates perfectly with the disorder within the family in an autosomal recessive manner. The variant is present in a highly conserved first cytoplasmic domain of the MLC1 protein (NM_015166.3:p.(Ser93Leu)). Interestingly, heterozygous individuals show seizure and mild motor function deterioration. We propose that the heterozygous variant in MLC1 might disrupt the functional interaction of MLC1 with GlialCAM resulting in mild clinical features in carriers of the variant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syeda Ain Ul Batool
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Muzaffarabad, Pakistan
| | - Ahmad Almatrafi
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Taibah University, Medina, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fatima Fadhli
- Department of Genetics, Madinah Maternity and Children Hospital, Medina, Saudi Arabia
| | - Majed Alluqmani
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Taibah University Medina, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ghazanfar Ali
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Muzaffarabad, Pakistan
| | - Sulman Basit
- Center for Genetics and Inherited Diseases, Taibah University Medina, Medina, Saudi Arabia
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6
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Dynamic expression of homeostatic ion channels in differentiated cortical astrocytes in vitro. Pflugers Arch 2021; 474:243-260. [PMID: 34734327 PMCID: PMC8766406 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-021-02627-x] [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: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The capacity of astrocytes to adapt their biochemical and functional features upon physiological and pathological stimuli is a fundamental property at the basis of their ability to regulate the homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS). It is well known that in primary cultured astrocytes, the expression of plasma membrane ion channels and transporters involved in homeostatic tasks does not closely reflect the pattern observed in vivo. The individuation of culture conditions that promote the expression of the ion channel array found in vivo is crucial when aiming at investigating the mechanisms underlying their dynamics upon various physiological and pathological stimuli. A chemically defined medium containing growth factors and hormones (G5) was previously shown to induce the growth, differentiation, and maturation of primary cultured astrocytes. Here we report that under these culture conditions, rat cortical astrocytes undergo robust morphological changes acquiring a multi-branched phenotype, which develops gradually during the 2-week period of culturing. The shape changes were paralleled by variations in passive membrane properties and background conductance owing to the differential temporal development of inwardly rectifying chloride (Cl−) and potassium (K+) currents. Confocal and immunoblot analyses showed that morphologically differentiated astrocytes displayed a large increase in the expression of the inward rectifier Cl− and K+ channels ClC-2 and Kir4.1, respectively, which are relevant ion channels in vivo. Finally, they exhibited a large diminution of the intermediate filaments glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and vimentin which are upregulated in reactive astrocytes in vivo. Taken together the data indicate that long-term culturing of cortical astrocytes in this chemical-defined medium promotes a quiescent functional phenotype. This culture model could aid to address the regulation of ion channel expression involved in CNS homeostasis in response to physiological and pathological challenges.
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Alonso-Gardón M, Elorza-Vidal X, Castellanos A, La Sala G, Armand-Ugon M, Gilbert A, Di Pietro C, Pla-Casillanis A, Ciruela F, Gasull X, Nunes V, Martínez A, Schulte U, Cohen-Salmon M, Marazziti D, Estévez R. Identification of the GlialCAM interactome: the G protein-coupled receptors GPRC5B and GPR37L1 modulate megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy proteins. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 30:1649-1665. [PMID: 34100078 PMCID: PMC8369841 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddab155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Megalencephalic Leukoencephalopathy with subcortical Cysts (MLC) is a type of vacuolating leukodystrophy, which is mainly caused by mutations in MLC1 or GLIALCAM. The two MLC-causing genes encode for membrane proteins of yet unknown function that have been linked to the regulation of different chloride channels such as the ClC-2 and VRAC. To gain insight into the role of MLC proteins, we have determined the brain GlialCAM interacting proteome. The proteome includes different transporters and ion channels known to be involved in the regulation of brain homeostasis, proteins related to adhesion or signaling as several G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), including the orphan GPRC5B and the proposed prosaposin receptor GPR37L1. Focusing on these two GPCRs, we could validate that they interact directly with MLC proteins. The inactivation of Gpr37l1 in mice upregulated MLC proteins without altering their localization. Conversely, a reduction of GPRC5B levels in primary astrocytes downregulated MLC proteins, leading to an impaired activation of ClC-2 and VRAC. The interaction between the GPCRs and MLC1 was dynamically regulated upon changes in the osmolarity or potassium concentration. We propose that GlialCAM and MLC1 associate with different integral membrane proteins modulating their functions and acting as a recruitment site for various signaling components as the GPCRs identified here. We hypothesized that the GlialCAM/MLC1 complex is working as an adhesion molecule coupled to a tetraspanin-like molecule performing regulatory effects through direct binding or influencing signal transduction events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Alonso-Gardón
- Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, Genes Disease and Therapy Program IDIBELL - Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Xabier Elorza-Vidal
- Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, Genes Disease and Therapy Program IDIBELL - Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Aida Castellanos
- Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, Genes Disease and Therapy Program IDIBELL - Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Gina La Sala
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Italian National Research Council (CNR), Monterotondo Scalo, Rome I-00015, Italy
| | - Mercedes Armand-Ugon
- Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, Genes Disease and Therapy Program IDIBELL - Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | - Alice Gilbert
- Physiology and Physiopathology of the Gliovascular Unit Research Group, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), College de France, CNRS Unité Mixte de Recherche 724, INSERM Unité 1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris F-75005, France
| | - Chiara Di Pietro
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Italian National Research Council (CNR), Monterotondo Scalo, Rome I-00015, Italy
| | - Adrià Pla-Casillanis
- Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, Genes Disease and Therapy Program IDIBELL - Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | - Francisco Ciruela
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona-IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | - Xavier Gasull
- Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Biomedicine, Medical School, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona-IDIBAPS, Casanova 143 Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | - Virginia Nunes
- Unitat de Genètica, Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, Universitat de Barcelona, Laboratori de Genètica Molecular, Genes Disease and Therapy Program IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat 08036, Spain
| | - Albert Martínez
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | | | - Martine Cohen-Salmon
- Physiology and Physiopathology of the Gliovascular Unit Research Group, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), College de France, CNRS Unité Mixte de Recherche 724, INSERM Unité 1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris F-75005, France
| | - Daniela Marazziti
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Italian National Research Council (CNR), Monterotondo Scalo, Rome I-00015, Italy
| | - Raúl Estévez
- Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, Genes Disease and Therapy Program IDIBELL - Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28029, Spain
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8
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Elorza-Vidal X, Xicoy-Espaulella E, Pla-Casillanis A, Alonso-Gardón M, Gaitán-Peñas H, Engel-Pizcueta C, Fernández-Recio J, Estévez R. Structural basis for the dominant or recessive character of GLIALCAM mutations found in leukodystrophies. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 29:1107-1120. [PMID: 31960914 PMCID: PMC7206653 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddaa009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts (MLC) is a type of leukodystrophy characterized by white matter edema, and it is caused mainly by recessive mutations in MLC1 and GLIALCAM genes. These variants are called MLC1 and MLC2A with both types of patients sharing the same clinical phenotype. In addition, dominant mutations in GLIALCAM have also been identified in a subtype of MLC patients with a remitting phenotype. This variant has been named MLC2B. GLIALCAM encodes for an adhesion protein containing two immunoglobulin (Ig) domains and it is needed for MLC1 targeting to astrocyte–astrocyte junctions. Most mutations identified in GLIALCAM abolish GlialCAM targeting to junctions. However, it is unclear why some mutations behave as recessive or dominant. Here, we used a combination of biochemistry methods with a new developed anti-GlialCAM nanobody, double-mutants and cysteine cross-links experiments, together with computer docking, to create a structural model of GlialCAM homo-interactions. Using this model, we suggest that dominant mutations affect different GlialCAM–GlialCAM interacting surfaces in the first Ig domain, which can occur between GlialCAM molecules present in the same cell (cis) or present in neighbouring cells (trans). Our results provide a framework that can be used to understand the molecular basis of pathogenesis of all identified GLIALCAM mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xabier Elorza-Vidal
- Unitat de Fisiologia, Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, Genes Disease and Therapy Program IDIBELL-Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.,Centro de Investigación en red de enfermedades raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Efren Xicoy-Espaulella
- Unitat de Fisiologia, Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, Genes Disease and Therapy Program IDIBELL-Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Adrià Pla-Casillanis
- Unitat de Fisiologia, Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, Genes Disease and Therapy Program IDIBELL-Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Marta Alonso-Gardón
- Unitat de Fisiologia, Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, Genes Disease and Therapy Program IDIBELL-Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Héctor Gaitán-Peñas
- Unitat de Fisiologia, Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, Genes Disease and Therapy Program IDIBELL-Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.,Centro de Investigación en red de enfermedades raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carolyn Engel-Pizcueta
- Unitat de Fisiologia, Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, Genes Disease and Therapy Program IDIBELL-Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Juan Fernández-Recio
- Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), Barcelona, Spain.,Institut de Biologia Molecular de Barcelona, CSIC, Barcelona, Spain.,Instituto de Ciencias de la Vid y del Vino (ICVV), CSIC- Universidad de La Rioja- Gobierno de la Rioja, Logroño, Spain
| | - Raúl Estévez
- Unitat de Fisiologia, Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, Genes Disease and Therapy Program IDIBELL-Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.,Centro de Investigación en red de enfermedades raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
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9
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Bosch A, Estévez R. Megalencephalic Leukoencephalopathy: Insights Into Pathophysiology and Perspectives for Therapy. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 14:627887. [PMID: 33551753 PMCID: PMC7862579 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.627887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts (MLC) is a rare genetic disorder belonging to the group of vacuolating leukodystrophies. It is characterized by megalencephaly, loss of motor functions, epilepsy, and mild mental decline. In brain biopsies of MLC patients, vacuoles were observed in myelin and in astrocytes surrounding blood vessels. It is mainly caused by recessive mutations in MLC1 and HEPACAM (also called GLIALCAM) genes. These disease variants are called MLC1 and MLC2A with both types of patients sharing the same clinical phenotype. Besides, dominant mutations in HEPACAM were also identified in a subtype of MLC patients (MLC2B) with a remitting phenotype. MLC1 and GlialCAM proteins form a complex mainly expressed in brain astrocytes at the gliovascular interface and in Bergmann glia at the cerebellum. Both proteins regulate several ion channels and transporters involved in the control of ion and water fluxes in glial cells, either directly influencing their location and function, or indirectly regulating associated signal transduction pathways. However, the MLC1/GLIALCAM complex function and the related pathological mechanisms leading to MLC are still unknown. It has been hypothesized that, in MLC, the role of glial cells in brain ion homeostasis is altered in both physiological and inflammatory conditions. There is no therapy for MLC patients, only supportive treatment. As MLC2B patients show an MLC reversible phenotype, we speculated that the phenotype of MLC1 and MLC2A patients could also be mitigated by the re-introduction of the correct gene even at later stages. To prove this hypothesis, we injected in the cerebellar subarachnoid space of Mlc1 knockout mice an adeno-associated virus (AAV) coding for human MLC1 under the control of the glial-fibrillary acidic protein promoter. MLC1 expression in the cerebellum extremely reduced myelin vacuolation at all ages in a dose-dependent manner. This study could be considered as the first preclinical approach for MLC. We also suggest other potential therapeutic strategies in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Assumpció Bosch
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Neurosciences, Univ. Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Unitat Mixta UAB-VHIR, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Raúl Estévez
- Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, IDIBELL-Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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10
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Fernandez-Abascal J, Graziano B, Encalada N, Bianchi L. Glial Chloride Channels in the Function of the Nervous System Across Species. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1349:195-223. [PMID: 35138616 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-16-4254-8_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
In the nervous system, the concentration of Cl- in neurons that express GABA receptors plays a key role in establishing whether these neurons are excitatory, mostly during early development, or inhibitory. Thus, much attention has been dedicated to understanding how neurons regulate their intracellular Cl- concentration. However, regulation of the extracellular Cl- concentration by other cells of the nervous system, including glia and microglia, is as important because it ultimately affects the Cl- equilibrium potential across the neuronal plasma membrane. Moreover, Cl- ions are transported in and out of the cell, via either passive or active transporter systems, as counter ions for K+ whose concentration in the extracellular environment of the nervous system is tightly regulated because it directly affects neuronal excitability. In this book chapter, we report on the Cl- channel types expressed in the various types of glial cells focusing on the role they play in the function of the nervous system in health and disease. Furthermore, we describe the types of stimuli that these channels are activated by, the other solutes that they may transport, and the involvement of these channels in processes such as pH regulation and Regulatory Volume Decrease (RVD). The picture that emerges is one of the glial cells expressing a variety of Cl- channels, encoded by members of different gene families, involved both in short- and long-term regulation of the nervous system function. Finally, we report data on invertebrate model organisms, such as C. elegans and Drosophila, that are revealing important and previously unsuspected functions of some of these channels in the context of living and behaving animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesus Fernandez-Abascal
- Department Physiology and Biophysics, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Bianca Graziano
- Department Physiology and Biophysics, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Nicole Encalada
- Department Physiology and Biophysics, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Laura Bianchi
- Department Physiology and Biophysics, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
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11
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Koster AK, Reese AL, Kuryshev Y, Wen X, McKiernan KA, Gray EE, Wu C, Huguenard JR, Maduke M, Du Bois J. Development and validation of a potent and specific inhibitor for the CLC-2 chloride channel. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:32711-32721. [PMID: 33277431 PMCID: PMC7768775 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2009977117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
CLC-2 is a voltage-gated chloride channel that is widely expressed in mammalian tissues. In the central nervous system, CLC-2 appears in neurons and glia. Studies to define how this channel contributes to normal and pathophysiological function in the central nervous system raise questions that remain unresolved, in part due to the absence of precise pharmacological tools for modulating CLC-2 activity. Herein, we describe the development and optimization of AK-42, a specific small-molecule inhibitor of CLC-2 with nanomolar potency (IC50 = 17 ± 1 nM). AK-42 displays unprecedented selectivity (>1,000-fold) over CLC-1, the closest CLC-2 homolog, and exhibits no off-target engagement against a panel of 61 common channels, receptors, and transporters expressed in brain tissue. Computational docking, validated by mutagenesis and kinetic studies, indicates that AK-42 binds to an extracellular vestibule above the channel pore. In electrophysiological recordings of mouse CA1 hippocampal pyramidal neurons, AK-42 acutely and reversibly inhibits CLC-2 currents; no effect on current is observed on brain slices taken from CLC-2 knockout mice. These results establish AK-42 as a powerful tool for investigating CLC-2 neurophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna K Koster
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Austin L Reese
- Department of Neurology & Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Yuri Kuryshev
- Charles River Laboratories Cleveland, Inc., Cleveland, OH 44128
| | - Xianlan Wen
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Keri A McKiernan
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Erin E Gray
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Caiyun Wu
- Charles River Laboratories Cleveland, Inc., Cleveland, OH 44128
| | - John R Huguenard
- Department of Neurology & Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305;
| | - Merritt Maduke
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305;
| | - J Du Bois
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305;
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12
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Wang MX, Ray L, Tanaka KF, Iliff JJ, Heys J. Varying perivascular astroglial endfoot dimensions along the vascular tree maintain perivascular-interstitial flux through the cortical mantle. Glia 2020; 69:715-728. [PMID: 33075175 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The glymphatic system is a recently defined brain-wide network of perivascular spaces along which cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and interstitial solutes exchange. Astrocyte endfeet encircling the perivascular space form a physical barrier in between these two compartments, and fluid and solutes that are not taken up by astrocytes move out of the perivascular space through the junctions in between astrocyte endfeet. However, little is known about the anatomical structure and the physiological roles of the astrocyte endfeet in regulating the local perivascular exchange. Here, visualizing astrocyte endfoot-endfoot junctions with immunofluorescent labeling against the protein megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts-1 (MLC1), we characterized endfoot dimensions along the mouse cerebrovascular tree. We observed marked heterogeneity in endfoot dimensions along vessels of different sizes, and of different types. Specifically, endfoot size was positively correlated with the vessel diameters, with large vessel segments surrounded by large endfeet and small vessel segments surrounded by small endfeet. This association was most pronounced along arterial, rather than venous segments. Computational modeling simulating vascular trees with uniform or varying endfeet dimensions demonstrates that varying endfoot dimensions maintain near constant perivascular-interstitial flux despite correspondingly declining perivascular pressures along the cerebrovascular tree through the cortical depth. These results describe a novel anatomical feature of perivascular astroglial endfeet and suggest that endfoot heterogeneity may be an evolutionary adaptation to maintain perivascular CSF-interstitial fluid exchange through deep brain structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Xun Wang
- VISN 20 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Lori Ray
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Montana State University-Bozeman, Bozeman, Montana, USA
| | - Kenji F Tanaka
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jeffrey J Iliff
- VISN 20 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jeffrey Heys
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Montana State University-Bozeman, Bozeman, Montana, USA
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13
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Cohen-Salmon M, Slaoui L, Mazaré N, Gilbert A, Oudart M, Alvear-Perez R, Elorza-Vidal X, Chever O, Boulay AC. Astrocytes in the regulation of cerebrovascular functions. Glia 2020; 69:817-841. [PMID: 33058289 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes are the most numerous type of neuroglia in the brain and have a predominant influence on the cerebrovascular system; they control perivascular homeostasis, the integrity of the blood-brain barrier, the dialogue with the peripheral immune system, the transfer of metabolites from the blood, and blood vessel contractility in response to neuronal activity. These regulatory processes occur in a specialized interface composed of perivascular astrocyte extensions that almost completely cover the cerebral blood vessels. Scientists have only recently started to study how this interface is formed and how it influences cerebrovascular functions. Here, we review the literature on the astrocytes' role in the regulation of the cerebrovascular system. We cover the anatomy and development of the gliovascular interface, the known gliovascular functions, and molecular factors, the latter's implication in certain pathophysiological situations, and recent cutting-edge experimental tools developed to examine the astrocytes' role at the vascular interface. Finally, we highlight some open questions in this field of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martine Cohen-Salmon
- Physiology and Physiopathology of the Gliovascular Unit Research Group, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), College de France, CNRS Unité Mixte de Recherche 724, INSERM Unité 1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Leila Slaoui
- Physiology and Physiopathology of the Gliovascular Unit Research Group, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), College de France, CNRS Unité Mixte de Recherche 724, INSERM Unité 1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Noémie Mazaré
- Physiology and Physiopathology of the Gliovascular Unit Research Group, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), College de France, CNRS Unité Mixte de Recherche 724, INSERM Unité 1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Alice Gilbert
- Physiology and Physiopathology of the Gliovascular Unit Research Group, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), College de France, CNRS Unité Mixte de Recherche 724, INSERM Unité 1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Marc Oudart
- Physiology and Physiopathology of the Gliovascular Unit Research Group, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), College de France, CNRS Unité Mixte de Recherche 724, INSERM Unité 1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Rodrigo Alvear-Perez
- Physiology and Physiopathology of the Gliovascular Unit Research Group, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), College de France, CNRS Unité Mixte de Recherche 724, INSERM Unité 1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Xabier Elorza-Vidal
- Physiology and Physiopathology of the Gliovascular Unit Research Group, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), College de France, CNRS Unité Mixte de Recherche 724, INSERM Unité 1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Oana Chever
- Normandie University, UNIROUEN, INSERM, DC2N, IRIB, Rouen, France
| | - Anne-Cécile Boulay
- Physiology and Physiopathology of the Gliovascular Unit Research Group, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), College de France, CNRS Unité Mixte de Recherche 724, INSERM Unité 1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France
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14
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Sánchez A, García-Lareu B, Puig M, Prat E, Ruberte J, Chillón M, Nunes V, Estévez R, Bosch A. Cerebellar Astrocyte Transduction as Gene Therapy for Megalencephalic Leukoencephalopathy. Neurotherapeutics 2020; 17:2041-2053. [PMID: 32372403 PMCID: PMC7851290 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-020-00865-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts (MLC) is a rare genetic disorder belonging to the group of vacuolating leukodystrophies. It is characterized by megalencephaly, loss of motor functions, epilepsy, and mild mental decline. In brain biopsies of MLC patients, vacuoles were observed in myelin and in astrocytes surrounding blood vessels. There is no therapy for MLC patients, only supportive treatment. We show here a preclinical gene therapy approach for MLC using the Mlc1 knock-out mouse. An adeno-associated virus coding for human MLC1 under the control of the glial fibrillary acidic protein promoter was injected in the cerebellar subarachnoid space of Mlc1 knock-out and wild-type animals at 2 months of age, before the onset of the disease, as a preventive approach. We also tested a therapeutic strategy by injecting the animals at 5 months, once the histopathological abnormalities are starting, or at 15 months, when they have progressed to a more severe pathology. MLC1 expression in the cerebellum restored the adhesion molecule GlialCAM and the chloride channel ClC-2 localization in Bergmann glia, which both are mislocalized in Mlc1 knock-out model. More importantly, myelin vacuolation was extremely reduced in treated mice at all ages and correlated with the amount of expressed MLC1 in Bergmann glia, indicating not only the preventive potential of this strategy but also its therapeutic capacity. In summary, here we provide the first therapeutic approach for patients affected with MLC. This work may have also implications to treat other diseases affecting motor function such as ataxias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Sánchez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Institute of Neurosciences, Edifici H, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, E-08193, Bellaterra, Spain
- Unitat Mixta UAB-VHIR, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Belén García-Lareu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Institute of Neurosciences, Edifici H, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, E-08193, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Meritxell Puig
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Institute of Neurosciences, Edifici H, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, E-08193, Bellaterra, Spain
- Unitat Mixta UAB-VHIR, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Esther Prat
- Laboratori de Genètica Molecular, Programa de Genes, Malaltia i Teràpia, IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Unitat de Genètica, Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, Facultad de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Univ. de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús Ruberte
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy and Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy (CBATEG), Univ. Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel Chillón
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Institute of Neurosciences, Edifici H, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, E-08193, Bellaterra, Spain
- Unitat Mixta UAB-VHIR, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
- Institut Català de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Virginia Nunes
- Laboratori de Genètica Molecular, Programa de Genes, Malaltia i Teràpia, IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Unitat de Genètica, Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, Facultad de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Univ. de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Raul Estévez
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
- Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, IDIBELL - Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, E-08907, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Assumpció Bosch
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Institute of Neurosciences, Edifici H, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, E-08193, Bellaterra, Spain.
- Unitat Mixta UAB-VHIR, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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15
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Fu SJ, Hu MC, Peng YJ, Fang HY, Hsiao CT, Chen TY, Jeng CJ, Tang CY. CUL4-DDB1-CRBN E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Regulates Proteostasis of ClC-2 Chloride Channels: Implication for Aldosteronism and Leukodystrophy. Cells 2020; 9:cells9061332. [PMID: 32466489 PMCID: PMC7348978 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated ClC-2 channels are essential for chloride homeostasis. Complete knockout of mouse ClC-2 leads to testicular degeneration and neuronal myelin vacuolation. Gain-of-function and loss-of-function mutations in the ClC-2-encoding human CLCN2 gene are linked to the genetic diseases aldosteronism and leukodystrophy, respectively. The protein homeostasis (proteostasis) mechanism of ClC-2 is currently unclear. Here, we aimed to identify the molecular mechanism of endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation of ClC-2, and to explore the pathophysiological significance of disease-associated anomalous ClC-2 proteostasis. In both heterologous expression system and native neuronal and testicular cells, ClC-2 is subject to significant regulation by cullin-RING E3 ligase-mediated polyubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. The cullin 4 (CUL4)-damage-specific DNA binding protein 1 (DDB1)-cereblon (CRBN) E3 ubiquitin ligase co-exists in the same complex with and promotes the degradation of ClC-2 channels. The CRBN-targeting immunomodulatory drug lenalidomide and the cullin E3 ligase inhibitor MLN4924 promotes and attenuates, respectively, proteasomal degradation of ClC-2. Analyses of disease-related ClC-2 mutants reveal that aldosteronism and leukodystrophy are associated with opposite alterations in ClC-2 proteostasis. Modifying CUL4 E3 ligase activity with lenalidomide and MLN4924 ameliorates disease-associated ClC-2 proteostasis abnormality. Our results highlight the significant role and therapeutic potential of CUL4 E3 ubiquitin ligase in regulating ClC-2 proteostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ssu-Ju Fu
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10051, Taiwan; (S.-J.F.); (M.-C.H.); (Y.-J.P.); (H.-Y.F.); (C.-T.H.)
| | - Meng-Chun Hu
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10051, Taiwan; (S.-J.F.); (M.-C.H.); (Y.-J.P.); (H.-Y.F.); (C.-T.H.)
| | - Yi-Jheng Peng
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10051, Taiwan; (S.-J.F.); (M.-C.H.); (Y.-J.P.); (H.-Y.F.); (C.-T.H.)
| | - Hsin-Yu Fang
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10051, Taiwan; (S.-J.F.); (M.-C.H.); (Y.-J.P.); (H.-Y.F.); (C.-T.H.)
| | - Cheng-Tsung Hsiao
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10051, Taiwan; (S.-J.F.); (M.-C.H.); (Y.-J.P.); (H.-Y.F.); (C.-T.H.)
- Department of Neurology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 12217, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Yu Chen
- Center for Neuroscience and Department of Neurology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Chung-Jiuan Jeng
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 12212, Taiwan
- Brain Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 12212, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (C.-J.J.); (C.-Y.T.)
| | - Chih-Yung Tang
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10051, Taiwan; (S.-J.F.); (M.-C.H.); (Y.-J.P.); (H.-Y.F.); (C.-T.H.)
- Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10051, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (C.-J.J.); (C.-Y.T.)
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16
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Abstract
The contribution of an impaired astrocytic K+ regulation system to epileptic neuronal hyperexcitability has been increasingly recognized in the last decade. A defective K+ regulation leads to an elevated extracellular K+ concentration ([K+]o). When [K+]o reaches peaks of 10-12 mM, it is strongly associated with seizure initiation during hypersynchronous neuronal activities. On the other hand, reactive astrocytes during a seizure attack restrict influx of K+ across the membrane both passively and actively. In addition to decreased K+ buffering, aberrant Ca2+ signaling and declined glutamate transport have also been observed in astrogliosis in epileptic specimens, precipitating an increased neuronal discharge and induction of seizures. This review aims to provide an overview of experimental findings that implicated astrocytic modulation of extracellular K+ in the mechanism of epileptogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fushun Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, TX, USA; Institute of Brain and Psychological Science, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xiaoming Qi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, TX, USA
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jason H Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor Scott & White Health; Department of Surgery, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Temple, TX, USA
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17
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Pérez-Rius C, Folgueira M, Elorza-Vidal X, Alia A, Hoegg-Beiler MB, Eeza MNH, Díaz ML, Nunes V, Barrallo-Gimeno A, Estévez R. Comparison of zebrafish and mice knockouts for Megalencephalic Leukoencephalopathy proteins indicates that GlialCAM/MLC1 forms a functional unit. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2019; 14:268. [PMID: 31752924 PMCID: PMC6873532 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-019-1248-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Megalencephalic Leukoencephalopathy with subcortical Cysts (MLC) is a rare type of leukodystrophy characterized by astrocyte and myelin vacuolization, epilepsy and early-onset macrocephaly. MLC is caused by mutations in MLC1 or GLIALCAM, coding for two membrane proteins with an unknown function that form a complex specifically expressed in astrocytes at cell-cell junctions. Recent studies in Mlc1−/− or Glialcam−/− mice and mlc1−/− zebrafish have shown that MLC1 regulates glial surface levels of GlialCAM in vivo and that GlialCAM is also required for MLC1 expression and localization at cell-cell junctions. Methods We have generated and analysed glialcama−/− zebrafish. We also generated zebrafish glialcama−/−mlc1−/− and mice double KO for both genes and performed magnetic resonance imaging, histological studies and biochemical analyses. Results glialcama−/− shows megalencephaly and increased fluid accumulation. In both zebrafish and mice, this phenotype is not aggravated by additional elimination of mlc1. Unlike mice, mlc1 protein expression and localization are unaltered in glialcama−/− zebrafish, possibly because there is an up-regulation of mlc1 mRNA. In line with these results, MLC1 overexpressed in Glialcam−/− mouse primary astrocytes is located at cell-cell junctions. Conclusions This work indicates that the two proteins involved in the pathogenesis of MLC, GlialCAM and MLC1, form a functional unit, and thus, that loss-of-function mutations in these genes cause leukodystrophy through a common pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Pérez-Rius
- Unitat de Fisiologia, Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, Genes Disease and Therapy Program IDIBELL-Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mónica Folgueira
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of A Coruña, 15008-A, Coruña, Spain.,Centro de Investigaciones Cientificas Avanzadas (CICA), University of A Coruña, 15008-A, Coruña, Spain
| | - Xabier Elorza-Vidal
- Unitat de Fisiologia, Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, Genes Disease and Therapy Program IDIBELL-Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Alia
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Maja B Hoegg-Beiler
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), Department Physiology and Pathology of Ion Transport, D-13125, Berlin, Germany.,Max-Delbruck-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin (MDC), D-13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Muhamed N H Eeza
- Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - María Luz Díaz
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of A Coruña, 15008-A, Coruña, Spain.,Centro de Investigaciones Cientificas Avanzadas (CICA), University of A Coruña, 15008-A, Coruña, Spain
| | - Virginia Nunes
- Centro de Investigación en red de enfermedades raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.,Unitat de Genètica, Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, Genes Disease and Therapy Program IDIBELL, Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alejandro Barrallo-Gimeno
- Unitat de Fisiologia, Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, Genes Disease and Therapy Program IDIBELL-Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación en red de enfermedades raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Raúl Estévez
- Unitat de Fisiologia, Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, Genes Disease and Therapy Program IDIBELL-Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain. .,Centro de Investigación en red de enfermedades raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain. .,Facultat de Medicina, Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, Universitat de Barcelona-IDIBELL, C/Feixa Llarga s/n 08907 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.
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18
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Abstract
Leukodystrophies are genetically determined disorders affecting the white matter of the central nervous system. The combination of MRI pattern recognition and next-generation sequencing for the definition of novel disease entities has recently demonstrated that many leukodystrophies are due to the primary involvement and/or mutations in genes selectively expressed by cell types other than the oligodendrocytes, the myelin-forming cells in the brain. This has led to a new definition of leukodystrophies as genetic white matter disorders resulting from the involvement of any white matter structural component. As a result, the research has shifted its main focus from oligodendrocytes to other types of neuroglia. Astrocytes are the housekeeping cells of the nervous system, responsible for maintaining homeostasis and normal brain physiology and to orchestrate repair upon injury. Several lines of evidence show that astrocytic interactions with the other white matter cellular constituents play a primary pathophysiologic role in many leukodystrophies. These are thus now classified as astrocytopathies. This chapter addresses how the crosstalk between astrocytes, other glial cells, axons and non-neural cells are essential for the integrity and maintenance of the white matter in health. It also addresses the current knowledge of the cellular pathomechanisms of astrocytic leukodystrophies, and specifically Alexander disease, vanishing white matter, megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts and Aicardi-Goutière Syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Jorge
- Department of Pathology, Free University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marianna Bugiani
- Department of Pathology, Free University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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19
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Plazaola-Sasieta H, Zhu Q, Gaitán-Peñas H, Rios M, Estévez R, Morey M. Drosophila ClC-a is required in glia of the stem cell niche for proper neurogenesis and wiring of neural circuits. Glia 2019; 67:2374-2398. [PMID: 31479171 PMCID: PMC6851788 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Glial cells form part of the neural stem cell niche and express a wide variety of ion channels; however, the contribution of these channels to nervous system development is poorly understood. We explored the function of the Drosophila ClC‐a chloride channel, since its mammalian ortholog CLCN2 is expressed in glial cells, and defective channel function results in leukodystrophies, which in humans are accompanied by cognitive impairment. We found that ClC‐a was expressed in the niche in cortex glia, which are closely associated with neurogenic tissues. Characterization of loss‐of‐function ClC‐a mutants revealed that these animals had smaller brains and widespread wiring defects. We showed that ClC‐a is required in cortex glia for neurogenesis in neuroepithelia and neuroblasts, and identified defects in a neuroblast lineage that generates guidepost glial cells essential for photoreceptor axon guidance. We propose that glia‐mediated ionic homeostasis could nonautonomously affect neurogenesis, and consequently, the correct assembly of neural circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haritz Plazaola-Sasieta
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Qi Zhu
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Héctor Gaitán-Peñas
- Departament de Ciencies Fisiològiques, Genes, Disease and Therapy Program IDIBELL-Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Martín Rios
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raúl Estévez
- Departament de Ciencies Fisiològiques, Genes, Disease and Therapy Program IDIBELL-Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Morey
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Programa de Biologia Integrativa, Barcelona, Spain
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20
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Guo Z, Lu T, Peng L, Cheng H, Peng F, Li J, Lu Z, Chen S, Qiu W. CLCN2-related leukoencephalopathy: a case report and review of the literature. BMC Neurol 2019; 19:156. [PMID: 31291907 PMCID: PMC6617604 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-019-1390-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loss-of-function mutations in the CLCN2 gene were recently discovered to be a cause of a type of leukodystrophy named CLCN2-related leukoencephalopathy (CC2L), which is characterized by intramyelinic edema. Herein, we report a novel mutation in CLCN2 in an individual with leukodystrophy. CASE PRESENTATION A 38-year-old woman presented with mild hand tremor, scanning speech, nystagmus, cerebellar ataxia in the upper limbs, memory decline, tinnitus, and dizziness. An ophthalmologic examination indicated macular atrophy, pigment epithelium atrophy and choroidal capillary atrophy. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed the diffuse white matter involvement of specific white matter tracts. Decreased diffusion anisotropy was detected in various brain regions of the patient. Diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) showed obviously thinner tracts of interest than in the controls, with a decreased fiber number (FN), increased radial diffusivity (RD) and unchanged axial diffusivity (AD). A novel homozygous c.2257C > T (p.Arg753Ter) mutation in exon 20 of the CLCN2 gene was identified. CONCLUSION CC2L is a rare condition characterized by diffuse edema involving specific fiber tracts that pass through the brainstem. The distinct MRI patterns could be a strong indication for CLCN2 gene analysis. The findings of our study may facilitate the understanding of the pathophysiology and clinical symptoms of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoxin Guo
- Department of Radiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 600 Tianhe Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tingting Lu
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 600 Tianhe Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lisheng Peng
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 600 Tianhe Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huanhuan Cheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 600 Tianhe Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fuhua Peng
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 600 Tianhe Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jin Li
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 600 Tianhe Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhengqi Lu
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 600 Tianhe Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shaoqiong Chen
- Department of Radiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 600 Tianhe Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Qiu
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 600 Tianhe Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China.
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21
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Megalencephalic Leukoencephalopathy with Subcortical Cysts Protein-1 (MLC1) Counteracts Astrocyte Activation in Response to Inflammatory Signals. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 56:8237-8254. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-01657-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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22
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Haworth AS, Brackenbury WJ. Emerging roles for multifunctional ion channel auxiliary subunits in cancer. Cell Calcium 2019; 80:125-140. [PMID: 31071485 PMCID: PMC6553682 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2019.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Several superfamilies of plasma membrane channels which regulate transmembrane ion flux have also been shown to regulate a multitude of cellular processes, including proliferation and migration. Ion channels are typically multimeric complexes consisting of conducting subunits and auxiliary, non-conducting subunits. Auxiliary subunits modulate the function of conducting subunits and have putative non-conducting roles, further expanding the repertoire of cellular processes governed by ion channel complexes to processes such as transcellular adhesion and gene transcription. Given this expansive influence of ion channels on cellular behaviour it is perhaps no surprise that aberrant ion channel expression is a common occurrence in cancer. This review will focus on the conducting and non-conducting roles of the auxiliary subunits of various Ca2+, K+, Na+ and Cl- channels and the burgeoning evidence linking such auxiliary subunits to cancer. Several subunits are upregulated (e.g. Cavβ, Cavγ) and downregulated (e.g. Kvβ) in cancer, while other subunits have been functionally implicated as oncogenes (e.g. Navβ1, Cavα2δ1) and tumour suppressor genes (e.g. CLCA2, KCNE2, BKγ1) based on in vivo studies. The strengthening link between ion channel auxiliary subunits and cancer has exposed these subunits as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. However further mechanistic understanding is required into how these subunits contribute to tumour progression before their therapeutic potential can be fully realised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander S Haworth
- Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK; York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - William J Brackenbury
- Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK; York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK.
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23
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Elorza-Vidal X, Gaitán-Peñas H, Estévez R. Chloride Channels in Astrocytes: Structure, Roles in Brain Homeostasis and Implications in Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20051034. [PMID: 30818802 PMCID: PMC6429410 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20051034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are the most abundant cell type in the CNS (central nervous system). They exert multiple functions during development and in the adult CNS that are essential for brain homeostasis. Both cation and anion channel activities have been identified in astrocytes and it is believed that they play key roles in astrocyte function. Whereas the proteins and the physiological roles assigned to cation channels are becoming very clear, the study of astrocytic chloride channels is in its early stages. In recent years, we have moved from the identification of chloride channel activities present in astrocyte primary culture to the identification of the proteins involved in these activities, the determination of their 3D structure and attempts to gain insights about their physiological role. Here, we review the recent findings related to the main chloride channels identified in astrocytes: the voltage-dependent ClC-2, the calcium-activated bestrophin, the volume-activated VRAC (volume-regulated anion channel) and the stress-activated Maxi-Cl−. We discuss key aspects of channel biophysics and structure with a focus on their role in glial physiology and human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xabier Elorza-Vidal
- Unitat de Fisiologia, Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, Genes Disease and Therapy Program IDIBELL-Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907 Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación en red de enfermedades raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, 08907 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Héctor Gaitán-Peñas
- Unitat de Fisiologia, Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, Genes Disease and Therapy Program IDIBELL-Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907 Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación en red de enfermedades raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, 08907 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Raúl Estévez
- Unitat de Fisiologia, Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, Genes Disease and Therapy Program IDIBELL-Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907 Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación en red de enfermedades raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, 08907 Barcelona, Spain.
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24
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Elorza-Vidal X, Sirisi S, Gaitán-Peñas H, Pérez-Rius C, Alonso-Gardón M, Armand-Ugón M, Lanciotti A, Brignone MS, Prat E, Nunes V, Ambrosini E, Gasull X, Estévez R. GlialCAM/MLC1 modulates LRRC8/VRAC currents in an indirect manner: Implications for megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy. Neurobiol Dis 2018; 119:88-99. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2018.07.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Revised: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
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25
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Jentsch TJ, Pusch M. CLC Chloride Channels and Transporters: Structure, Function, Physiology, and Disease. Physiol Rev 2018; 98:1493-1590. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00047.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 214] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
CLC anion transporters are found in all phyla and form a gene family of eight members in mammals. Two CLC proteins, each of which completely contains an ion translocation parthway, assemble to homo- or heteromeric dimers that sometimes require accessory β-subunits for function. CLC proteins come in two flavors: anion channels and anion/proton exchangers. Structures of these two CLC protein classes are surprisingly similar. Extensive structure-function analysis identified residues involved in ion permeation, anion-proton coupling and gating and led to attractive biophysical models. In mammals, ClC-1, -2, -Ka/-Kb are plasma membrane Cl−channels, whereas ClC-3 through ClC-7 are 2Cl−/H+-exchangers in endolysosomal membranes. Biological roles of CLCs were mostly studied in mammals, but also in plants and model organisms like yeast and Caenorhabditis elegans. CLC Cl−channels have roles in the control of electrical excitability, extra- and intracellular ion homeostasis, and transepithelial transport, whereas anion/proton exchangers influence vesicular ion composition and impinge on endocytosis and lysosomal function. The surprisingly diverse roles of CLCs are highlighted by human and mouse disorders elicited by mutations in their genes. These pathologies include neurodegeneration, leukodystrophy, mental retardation, deafness, blindness, myotonia, hyperaldosteronism, renal salt loss, proteinuria, kidney stones, male infertility, and osteopetrosis. In this review, emphasis is laid on biophysical structure-function analysis and on the cell biological and organismal roles of mammalian CLCs and their role in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J. Jentsch
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP) and Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin (MDC), Berlin, Germany; and Istituto di Biofisica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Genova, Italy
| | - Michael Pusch
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP) and Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin (MDC), Berlin, Germany; and Istituto di Biofisica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Genova, Italy
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26
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Estévez R, Elorza-Vidal X, Gaitán-Peñas H, Pérez-Rius C, Armand-Ugón M, Alonso-Gardón M, Xicoy-Espaulella E, Sirisi S, Arnedo T, Capdevila-Nortes X, López-Hernández T, Montolio M, Duarri A, Teijido O, Barrallo-Gimeno A, Palacín M, Nunes V. Megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts: A personal biochemical retrospective. Eur J Med Genet 2018; 61:50-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2017.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 10/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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27
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Gaitán-Peñas H, Apaja PM, Arnedo T, Castellanos A, Elorza-Vidal X, Soto D, Gasull X, Lukacs GL, Estévez R. Leukoencephalopathy-causing CLCN2 mutations are associated with impaired Cl - channel function and trafficking. J Physiol 2017; 595:6993-7008. [PMID: 28905383 DOI: 10.1113/jp275087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Characterisation of most mutations found in CLCN2 in patients with CC2L leukodystrophy show that they cause a reduction in function of the chloride channel ClC-2. GlialCAM, a regulatory subunit of ClC-2 in glial cells and involved in the leukodystrophy megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts (MLC), increases the activity of a ClC-2 mutant by affecting ClC-2 gating and by stabilising the mutant at the plasma membrane. The stabilisation of ClC-2 at the plasma membrane by GlialCAM depends on its localisation at cell-cell junctions. The membrane protein MLC1, which is defective in MLC, also contributes to the stabilisation of ClC-2 at the plasma membrane, providing further support for the view that GlialCAM, MLC1 and ClC-2 form a protein complex in glial cells. ABSTRACT Mutations in CLCN2 have been recently identified in patients suffering from a type of leukoencephalopathy involving intramyelinic oedema. Here, we characterised most of these mutations that reduce the function of the chloride channel ClC-2 and impair its plasma membrane (PM) expression. Detailed biochemical and electrophysiological analyses of the Ala500Val mutation revealed that defective gating and increased cellular and PM turnover contributed to defective A500V-ClC-2 functional expression. Co-expression of the adhesion molecule GlialCAM, which forms a tertiary complex with ClC-2 and megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts 1 (MLC1), rescued the functional expression of the mutant by modifying its gating properties. GlialCAM also restored the PM levels of the channel by impeding its turnover at the PM. This rescue required ClC-2 localisation to cell-cell junctions, since a GlialCAM mutant with compromised junctional localisation failed to rescue the impaired stability of mutant ClC-2 at the PM. Wild-type, but not mutant, ClC-2 was also stabilised by MLC1 overexpression. We suggest that leukodystrophy-causing CLCN2 mutations reduce the functional expression of ClC-2, which is partly counteracted by GlialCAM/MLC1-mediated increase in the gating and stability of the channel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Héctor Gaitán-Peñas
- Unitat de Fisiología, Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, IDIBELL-Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.,Centro de Investigación en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, Spain
| | - Pirjo M Apaja
- Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, H3E 1Y6, Canada.,Research Group Focused on Protein Structure, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, H3E 1Y6, Canada.,South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Nutrition and Metabolism Theme and EMBL Australia, 5000, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Tanit Arnedo
- Unitat de Fisiología, Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, IDIBELL-Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.,Centro de Investigación en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, Spain
| | - Aida Castellanos
- Neurophysiology Laboratory, Physiology Unit, Department of Biomedicine, Medical School, Institute of Neurosciences, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xabier Elorza-Vidal
- Unitat de Fisiología, Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, IDIBELL-Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.,Centro de Investigación en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, Spain
| | - David Soto
- Neurophysiology Laboratory, Physiology Unit, Department of Biomedicine, Medical School, Institute of Neurosciences, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Gasull
- Neurophysiology Laboratory, Physiology Unit, Department of Biomedicine, Medical School, Institute of Neurosciences, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gergely L Lukacs
- Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, H3E 1Y6, Canada.,Research Group Focused on Protein Structure, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, H3E 1Y6, Canada
| | - Raúl Estévez
- Unitat de Fisiología, Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, IDIBELL-Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.,Centro de Investigación en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, Spain
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