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Park Y, KC N, Paneque A, Cole PD. Tau, Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein, and Neurofilament Light Chain as Brain Protein Biomarkers in Cerebrospinal Fluid and Blood for Diagnosis of Neurobiological Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6295. [PMID: 38928000 PMCID: PMC11204270 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurological damage is the pathological substrate of permanent disability in various neurodegenerative disorders. Early detection of this damage, including its identification and quantification, is critical to preventing the disease's progression in the brain. Tau, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and neurofilament light chain (NfL), as brain protein biomarkers, have the potential to improve diagnostic accuracy, disease monitoring, prognostic assessment, and treatment efficacy. These biomarkers are released into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood proportionally to the degree of neuron and astrocyte damage in different neurological disorders, including stroke, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, neurodegenerative dementia, and Parkinson's disease. Here, we review how Tau, GFAP, and NfL biomarkers are detected in CSF and blood as crucial diagnostic tools, as well as the levels of these biomarkers used for differentiating a range of neurological diseases and monitoring disease progression. We also discuss a biosensor approach that allows for the real-time detection of multiple biomarkers in various neurodegenerative diseases. This combined detection system of brain protein biomarkers holds significant promise for developing more specific and accurate clinical tools that can identify the type and stage of human neurological diseases with greater precision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongkyu Park
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA; (N.K.); (A.P.)
| | - Nirajan KC
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA; (N.K.); (A.P.)
| | - Alysta Paneque
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA; (N.K.); (A.P.)
- Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Peter D. Cole
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA; (N.K.); (A.P.)
- Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
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2
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Navarro-Sempere A, García M, Rodrigues AS, Garcia PV, Camarinho R, Segovia Y. Occurrence of Volcanogenic Inorganic Mercury in Wild Mice Spinal Cord: Potential Health Implications. Biol Trace Elem Res 2022; 200:2838-2847. [PMID: 34415497 PMCID: PMC9132843 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-021-02890-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Mercury accumulation has been proposed as a toxic factor that causes neurodegenerative diseases. However, the hazardous health effects of gaseous elemental mercury exposure on the spinal cord in volcanic areas have not been reported previously in the literature. To evaluate the presence of volcanogenic inorganic mercury in the spinal cord, a study was carried out in São Miguel island (Azores, Portugal) by comparing the spinal cord of mice exposed chronically to an active volcanic environment (Furnas village) with individuals not exposed (Rabo de Peixe village), through the autometallographic silver enhancement histochemical method. Moreover, a morphometric and quantification analysis of the axons was carried out. Results exhibited mercury deposits at the lumbar level of the spinal cord in the specimens captured at the site with volcanic activity (Furnas village). A decrease in axon calibre and axonal atrophy was also observed in these specimens. Given that these are relevant hallmarks in the neurodegenerative pathologies, our results highlight the importance of the surveillance of the health of populations chronically exposed to active volcanic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Navarro-Sempere
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, University of Alicante, Apartado 99, 03080, Alicante, Spain
| | - M García
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, University of Alicante, Apartado 99, 03080, Alicante, Spain
| | - A S Rodrigues
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
- IVAR, Research Institute for Volcanology and Risk Assessment, University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
| | - P V Garcia
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
- cE3c, Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, and Azorean Biodiversity Group, University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
| | - R Camarinho
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
- IVAR, Research Institute for Volcanology and Risk Assessment, University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
| | - Y Segovia
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, University of Alicante, Apartado 99, 03080, Alicante, Spain.
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3
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New perspectives on cytoskeletal dysregulation and mitochondrial mislocalization in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Transl Neurodegener 2021; 10:46. [PMID: 34789332 PMCID: PMC8597313 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-021-00272-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by selective, early degeneration of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. Motor neurons have long axonal projections, which rely on the integrity of neuronal cytoskeleton and mitochondria to regulate energy requirements for maintaining axonal stability, anterograde and retrograde transport, and signaling between neurons. The formation of protein aggregates which contain cytoskeletal proteins, and mitochondrial dysfunction both have devastating effects on the function of neurons and are shared pathological features across several neurodegenerative conditions, including ALS, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. Furthermore, it is becoming increasingly clear that cytoskeletal integrity and mitochondrial function are intricately linked. Therefore, dysregulations of the cytoskeletal network and mitochondrial homeostasis and localization, may be common pathways in the initial steps of neurodegeneration. Here we review and discuss known contributors, including variants in genetic loci and aberrant protein activities, which modify cytoskeletal integrity, axonal transport and mitochondrial localization in ALS and have overlapping features with other neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, we explore some emerging pathways that may contribute to this disruption in ALS.
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4
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Escal J, Fourier A, Formaglio M, Zimmer L, Bernard E, Mollion H, Bost M, Herrmann M, Ollagnon-Roman E, Quadrio I, Dorey JM. Comparative diagnosis interest of NfL and pNfH in CSF and plasma in a context of FTD-ALS spectrum. J Neurol 2021; 269:1522-1529. [PMID: 34313819 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-021-10714-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The 'Frontotemporal dementia-Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Spectrum' (FAS) encompasses different phenotypes, including cognitive disorders (frontotemporal dementia, FTD) and/or motor impairments (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, ALS). The aim of this study was to apprehend the specific uses of neurofilaments light chain (NfL) and phosphorylated neurofilaments heavy chain (pNfH) in a context of FAS. METHODS First, NfL and pNfH were measured in 39 paired cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma samples of FAS and primary psychiatric disorders (PPD) patients, considered as controls. Secondly, additional plasma samples were included to examine a larger cohort of 81 samples composed of symptomatic FAS and PPD patients, presymptomatic and non-carrier relatives individuals. The measures were performed using Simoa technology. RESULTS There was a positive correlation between CSF and plasma values for NfL (p < 0.0001) and for pNfH (p = 0.0036). NfL values were higher for all phenotypes of symptomatic FAS patients compared to PPD patients (p = 0.0016 in CSF; p = 0.0003 in plasma). On the contrary, pNfH values were solely increased in FAS patients exhibiting motor impairment. Unlike symptomatic FAS patients, presymptomatic cases had comparable concentrations with non-carrier individuals. CONCLUSION NfL, but not pNfH, appeared to be useful in a context of differential diagnosis between FTD and psychiatric patients. Nevertheless, pNfH seem more specific for the diagnosis and follow-up of motor impairments. In each specific indication, measures in CSF and plasma will provide identical interpretations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Escal
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Lyon University Hospital, Bron, France.,BIORAN Team, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, CNRS UMR 5292, INSERM U1028, Lyon 1 University, Bron, France
| | - Anthony Fourier
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Lyon University Hospital, Bron, France. .,BIORAN Team, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, CNRS UMR 5292, INSERM U1028, Lyon 1 University, Bron, France.
| | - Maité Formaglio
- Neurocognition and Neuro-Ophthalmology Department, Lyon University Hospital, Bron, France.,Center for Memory Resources and Research, Lyon University Hospital, Lyon 1 University, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Luc Zimmer
- BIORAN Team, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, CNRS UMR 5292, INSERM U1028, Lyon 1 University, Bron, France
| | - Emilien Bernard
- Reference Center of ALS of Lyon, Lyon University Hospital, Lyon 1 University, Bron, France.,NeuroMyoGène Institute, CNRS UMR 5310, INSERM U1217, Lyon 1 University, Lyon, France
| | - Hélène Mollion
- Neurocognition and Neuro-Ophthalmology Department, Lyon University Hospital, Bron, France.,Center for Memory Resources and Research, Lyon University Hospital, Lyon 1 University, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Muriel Bost
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Lyon University Hospital, Bron, France
| | - Mathieu Herrmann
- Department of Aging Psychiatry, Hospital Le Vinatier, Bron, France
| | - Elisabeth Ollagnon-Roman
- Department of Predictive Medicine of Neurological and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Lyon University Hospital, Lyon, France
| | - Isabelle Quadrio
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Lyon University Hospital, Bron, France.,BIORAN Team, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, CNRS UMR 5292, INSERM U1028, Lyon 1 University, Bron, France.,Center for Memory Resources and Research, Lyon University Hospital, Lyon 1 University, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Jean-Michel Dorey
- Department of Aging Psychiatry, Hospital Le Vinatier, Bron, France.,Brain Dynamics and Cognition Team, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, CNRS UMR 5292, INSERM U1028, Lyon, France
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Wiatr K, Marczak Ł, Pérot JB, Brouillet E, Flament J, Figiel M. Broad Influence of Mutant Ataxin-3 on the Proteome of the Adult Brain, Young Neurons, and Axons Reveals Central Molecular Processes and Biomarkers in SCA3/MJD Using Knock-In Mouse Model. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:658339. [PMID: 34220448 PMCID: PMC8248683 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.658339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3/MJD) is caused by CAG expansion mutation resulting in a long polyQ domain in mutant ataxin-3. The mutant protein is a special type of protease, deubiquitinase, which may indicate its prominent impact on the regulation of cellular proteins levels and activity. Yet, the global model picture of SCA3 disease progression on the protein level, molecular pathways in the brain, and neurons, is largely unknown. Here, we investigated the molecular SCA3 mechanism using an interdisciplinary research paradigm combining behavioral and molecular aspects of SCA3 in the knock-in ki91 model. We used the behavior, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and brain tissue examination to correlate the disease stages with brain proteomics, precise axonal proteomics, neuronal energy recordings, and labeling of vesicles. We have demonstrated that altered metabolic and mitochondrial proteins in the brain and the lack of weight gain in Ki91 SCA3/MJD mice is reflected by the failure of energy metabolism recorded in neonatal SCA3 cerebellar neurons. We have determined that further, during disease progression, proteins responsible for metabolism, cytoskeletal architecture, vesicular, and axonal transport are disturbed, revealing axons as one of the essential cell compartments in SCA3 pathogenesis. Therefore we focus on SCA3 pathogenesis in axonal and somatodendritic compartments revealing highly increased axonal localization of protein synthesis machinery, including ribosomes, translation factors, and RNA binding proteins, while the level of proteins responsible for cellular transport and mitochondria was decreased. We demonstrate the accumulation of axonal vesicles in neonatal SCA3 cerebellar neurons and increased phosphorylation of SMI-312 positive adult cerebellar axons, which indicate axonal dysfunction in SCA3. In summary, the SCA3 disease mechanism is based on the broad influence of mutant ataxin-3 on the neuronal proteome. Processes central in our SCA3 model include disturbed localization of proteins between axonal and somatodendritic compartment, early neuronal energy deficit, altered neuronal cytoskeletal structure, an overabundance of various components of protein synthesis machinery in axons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalina Wiatr
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Łukasz Marczak
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Jean-Baptiste Pérot
- Université Paris-Saclay, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, Direction de la Recherche Fondamentale, Institut de Biologie François Jacob, Molecular Imaging Research Center, Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Emmanuel Brouillet
- Université Paris-Saclay, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, Direction de la Recherche Fondamentale, Institut de Biologie François Jacob, Molecular Imaging Research Center, Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Julien Flament
- Université Paris-Saclay, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, Direction de la Recherche Fondamentale, Institut de Biologie François Jacob, Molecular Imaging Research Center, Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Maciej Figiel
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznań, Poland
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Jia Z, Li Y. A possible mechanism for neurofilament slowing down in myelinated axon: Phosphorylation-induced variation of NF kinetics. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0247656. [PMID: 33711034 PMCID: PMC7954336 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofilaments(NFs) are the most abundant intermediate filaments that make up the inner volume of axon, with possible phosphorylation on their side arms, and their slow axonal transport by molecular motors along microtubule tracks in a “stop-and-go” manner with rapid, intermittent and bidirectional motion. The kinetics of NFs and morphology of axon are dramatically different between myelinate internode and unmyelinated node of Ranvier. The NFs in the node transport as 7.6 times faster as in the internode, and the distribution of NFs population in the internode is 7.6 folds as much as in the node of Ranvier. We hypothesize that the phosphorylation of NFs could reduce the on-track rate and slow down their transport velocity in the internode. By modifying the ‘6-state’ model with (a) an extra phosphorylation kinetics to each six state and (b) construction a new ‘8-state’ model in which NFs at off-track can be phosphorylated and have smaller on-track rate, our model and simulation demonstrate that the phosphorylation-induced decrease of on-track rate could slow down the NFs average velocity and increase the axonal caliber. The degree of phosphorylation may indicate the extent of velocity reduction. The Continuity equation used in our paper predicts that the ratio of NFs population is inverse proportional to the ratios of average velocity of NFs between node of Ranvier and internode. We speculate that the myelination of axon could increase the level of phosphorylation of NF side arms, and decrease the possibility of NFs to get on-track of microtubules, therefore slow down their transport velocity. In summary, our work provides a potential mechanism for understanding the phosphorylation kinetics of NFs in regulating their transport and morphology of axon in myelinated axons, and the different kinetics of NFs between node and internode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zelin Jia
- School of Systems Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yinyun Li
- School of Systems Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
- * E-mail:
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7
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Bomont P. The dazzling rise of neurofilaments: Physiological functions and roles as biomarkers. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2021; 68:181-191. [PMID: 33454158 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2020.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In the last two years, neurofilaments (NFs) have become one of the most blazing topics in clinical neuroscience. NFs are major cytoskeletal constituents of neurons, can be detected in body fluids, and have recently emerged as universal biomarkers of neuronal injury and neurological diseases. This review will examine the evolving landscape of NFs, from their specific cellular functions within neurons to their broad clinical value as biomarkers. Particular attention will be given to the dynamic nature of the NF network and its novel roles in microtubule regulation, neurotransmission, and nanomedicine. Building from the initial evidence of causative mutations in NF genes in Charcot-Marie-Tooth diseases, the latest advances at the frontiers of basic and clinical sciences have expanded the scope and relevance of NFs for human health remarkably and have poised to fuel innovation in cell biology and neuroscience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascale Bomont
- ERC team, INMG, INSERM U1217, CNRS UMR5310, University of Lyon 1, University of Lyon, Lyon, France.
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8
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Malacrida A, Meregalli C, Rodriguez-Menendez V, Nicolini G. Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy and Changes in Cytoskeleton. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E2287. [PMID: 31075828 PMCID: PMC6540147 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20092287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the different antineoplastic mechanisms of action, peripheral neurotoxicity induced by all chemotherapy drugs (anti-tubulin agents, platinum compounds, proteasome inhibitors, thalidomide) is associated with neuron morphological changes ascribable to cytoskeleton modifications. The "dying back" degeneration of distal terminals (sensory nerves) of dorsal root ganglia sensory neurons, observed in animal models, in in vitro cultures and biopsies of patients is the most evident hallmark of the perturbation of the cytoskeleton. On the other hand, in highly polarized cells like neurons, the cytoskeleton carries out its role not only in axons but also has a fundamental role in dendrite plasticity and in the organization of soma. In the literature, there are many studies focused on the antineoplastic-induced alteration of microtubule organization (and consequently, fast axonal transport defects) while very few studies have investigated the effect of the different classes of drugs on microfilaments, intermediate filaments and associated proteins. Therefore, in this review, we will focus on: (1) Highlighting the fundamental role of the crosstalk among the three filamentous subsystems and (2) investigating pivotal cytoskeleton-associated proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Malacrida
- School of Medicine and Surgery, Experimental Neurology Unit and Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, via Cadore 48, 20900 Monza, MB, Italy.
| | - Cristina Meregalli
- School of Medicine and Surgery, Experimental Neurology Unit and Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, via Cadore 48, 20900 Monza, MB, Italy.
| | - Virginia Rodriguez-Menendez
- School of Medicine and Surgery, Experimental Neurology Unit and Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, via Cadore 48, 20900 Monza, MB, Italy.
| | - Gabriella Nicolini
- School of Medicine and Surgery, Experimental Neurology Unit and Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, via Cadore 48, 20900 Monza, MB, Italy.
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Lei R, Lee JP, Francis MB, Kumar S. Structural Regulation of a Neurofilament-Inspired Intrinsically Disordered Protein Brush by Multisite Phosphorylation. Biochemistry 2018; 57:4019-4028. [PMID: 29557644 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.8b00007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) play central roles in numerous cellular processes. While IDP structure and function are often regulated by multisite phosphorylation, the biophysical mechanisms linking these post-translational modifications to IDP structure remain elusive. For example, the intrinsically disordered C-terminal sidearm domain of the neurofilament heavy subunit (NFH-SA) forms a dense brush along axonal NF backbones and is subject to extensive serine phosphorylation. Yet, biophysical insight into the relationship between phosphorylation and structure has been limited by the lack of paradigms in which NF brush conformational responses can be measured in the setting of controlled phosphorylation. Here, we approach this question by immobilizing a recombinant NFH-SA (rNFH-SA) as IDP brushes onto glass, and controllably phosphorylating the sequence in situ with mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (ERK2) preactivated by mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MKK). We then monitor brush height changes using atomic force microscopy, which shows that phosphorylation induces significant brush swelling to an extent that strongly depends upon pH and ionic strength, consistent with a mechanism in which phosphorylation regulates brush structure through local electrostatic interactions. Further consistent with this mechanism, the phosphorylated rNFH-SA brush may be dramatically condensed with micromolar concentrations of divalent cations. Phosphorylation-induced height changes are qualitatively reversible via alkaline phosphatase-mediated dephosphorylation. Our study demonstrates that multisite phosphorylation controls NFH-SA structure through modulation of chain electrostatics and points to a general strategy for engineering IDP-based interfaces that can be reversibly and dynamically modulated by enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Matthew B Francis
- Materials Sciences Division , Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory , Berkeley , California 94720 , United States
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10
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Malka-Gibor E, Kornreich M, Laser-Azogui A, Doron O, Zingerman-Koladko I, Harapin J, Medalia O, Beck R. Phosphorylation-Induced Mechanical Regulation of Intrinsically Disordered Neurofilament Proteins. Biophys J 2017; 112:892-900. [PMID: 28297648 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2016.12.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Revised: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 12/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The biological function of protein assemblies has been conventionally equated with a unique three-dimensional protein structure and protein-specific interactions. However, in the past 20 years it has been found that some assemblies contain long flexible regions that adopt multiple structural conformations. These include neurofilament proteins that constitute the stress-responsive supportive network of neurons. Herein, we show that the macroscopic properties of neurofilament networks are tuned by enzymatic regulation of the charge found on the flexible protein regions. The results reveal an enzymatic (phosphorylation) regulation of macroscopic properties such as orientation, stress response, and expansion in flexible protein assemblies. Using a model that explains the attractive electrostatic interactions induced by enzymatically added charges, we demonstrate that phosphorylation regulation is far richer and versatile than previously considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eti Malka-Gibor
- Raymond and Beverly Sackler School of Physics and Astronomy, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Micha Kornreich
- Raymond and Beverly Sackler School of Physics and Astronomy, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Adi Laser-Azogui
- Raymond and Beverly Sackler School of Physics and Astronomy, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ofer Doron
- Raymond and Beverly Sackler School of Physics and Astronomy, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Irena Zingerman-Koladko
- Department of Life Sciences and the National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Jan Harapin
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ohad Medalia
- Department of Life Sciences and the National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University, Beer-Sheva, Israel; Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Roy Beck
- Raymond and Beverly Sackler School of Physics and Astronomy, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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11
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Pierozan P, Pessoa-Pureur R. Cytoskeleton as a Target of Quinolinic Acid Neurotoxicity: Insight from Animal Models. Mol Neurobiol 2017. [PMID: 28647871 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-017-0654-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cytoskeletal proteins are increasingly recognized as having important roles as a target of the action of different neurotoxins. In the last years, several works of our group have shown that quinolinic acid (QUIN) was able to disrupt the homeostasis of the cytoskeleton of neural cells and this was associated with cell dysfunction and neurodegeneration. QUIN is an excitotoxic metabolite of tryptophan metabolism and its accumulation is associated with several neurodegenerative diseases. In the present review, we provide a comprehensive view of the actions of QUIN upstream of glutamate receptors, eliciting kinase/phosphatase signaling cascades that disrupt the homeostasis of the phosphorylation system associated with intermediate filament proteins of astrocytes and neurons. We emphasize the critical role of calcium in these actions and the evidence that misregulated cytoskeleton takes part of the cell response to the injury resulting in neurodegeneration in different brain regions, disrupted cell signaling in acute tissue slices, and disorganized cytoskeleton with altered cell morphology in primary cultures. We also discuss the interplay among misregulated cytoskeleton, oxidative stress, and cell-cell contact through gap junctions mediating the quinolinic acid injury in rat brain. The increasing amount of cross talks identified between cytoskeletal proteins and cellular signaling cascades reinforces the exciting possibility that cytoskeleton could be a new target in the neurotoxicity of QUIN and further studies will be necessary to develop strategies to protect the cytoskeleton and counteracts the cytotoxicity of this metabolite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Pierozan
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos 2600 Anexo, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil
| | - Regina Pessoa-Pureur
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos 2600 Anexo, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil.
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12
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Gudi V, Gai L, Herder V, Tejedor LS, Kipp M, Amor S, Sühs KW, Hansmann F, Beineke A, Baumgärtner W, Stangel M, Skripuletz T. Synaptophysin Is a Reliable Marker for Axonal Damage. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2017; 76:109-125. [PMID: 28177496 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlw114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptophysin is an abundant membrane protein of synaptic vesicles. The objective of this study was to determine the utility of identifying synaptophysin accumulations (spheroids/ovoids/bulbs) in CNS white matter as an immunohistochemical marker of axonal damage in demyelinating and neuroinflammatory conditions. We studied the cuprizone toxicity and Theiler’s murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) infection models of demyelination and analyzed CNS tissue from patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Synaptophysin colocalized with the amyloid precursor protein (APP), a well-known marker of axonal damage. In the cuprizone model, numerous pathological synaptophysin/APP-positive spheroids/ovoids were identified in the corpus callosum at the onset of demyelination; the extent of synaptophysin/APP-positive vesicle aggregates correlated with identified reactive microglia; during late and chronic demyelination, the majority of synaptophysin/APP-positive spheroids/ovoids resolved but a few remained, indicating persistent axonal damage; in the remyelination phase, scattered large synaptophysin/APP-positive bulbs persisted. In the TMEV model, only a few large- to medium-sized synaptophysin/APP-positive bulbs were found in demyelinated areas. In MS patient tissue samples, the bulbs appeared exclusively at the inflammatory edges of lesions. In conclusion, our data suggest that synaptophysin as a reliable marker of axonal damage in the CNS in inflammatory/demyelinating conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoria Gudi
- Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Lijie Gai
- Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Vanessa Herder
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany
| | - Laura Salinas Tejedor
- Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany
| | - Markus Kipp
- Department of Anatomy II, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sandra Amor
- Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kurt-Wolfram Sühs
- Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Florian Hansmann
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany.,Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Andreas Beineke
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany.,Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wolfgang Baumgärtner
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Martin Stangel
- Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas Skripuletz
- Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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Heimfarth L, da Silva Ferreira F, Pierozan P, Mingori MR, Moreira JCF, da Rocha JBT, Pessoa-Pureur R. Astrocyte-neuron interaction in diphenyl ditelluride toxicity directed to the cytoskeleton. Toxicology 2017; 379:1-11. [PMID: 28137618 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2017.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Revised: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Diphenylditelluride (PhTe)2 is a neurotoxin that disrupts cytoskeletal homeostasis. We are showing that different concentrations of (PhTe)2 caused hypophosphorylation of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), vimentin and neurofilament subunits (NFL, NFM and NFH) and altered actin organization in co-cultured astrocytes and neurons from cerebral cortex of rats. These mechanisms were mediated by N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors without participation of either L-type voltage-dependent calcium channels (L-VDCC) or metabotropic glutamate receptors. Upregulated Ca2+ influx downstream of NMDA receptors activated Ca2+-dependent protein phosphatase 2B (PP2B) causing hypophosphorylation of astrocyte and neuron IFs. Immunocytochemistry showed that hypophosphorylated intermediate filaments (IF) failed to disrupt their organization into the cytoskeleton. However, phalloidin-actin-FITC stained cytoskeleton evidenced misregulation of actin distribution, cell spreading and increased stress fibers in astrocytes. βIII tubulin staining showed that neurite meshworks are not altered by (PhTe)2, suggesting greater susceptibility of astrocytes than neurons to (PheTe)2 toxicity. These findings indicate that signals leading to IF hypophosphorylation fail to disrupt the cytoskeletal IF meshwork of interacting astrocytes and neurons in vitro however astrocyte actin network seems more susceptible. Our findings support that intracellular Ca2+ is one of the crucial signals that modulate the action of (PhTe)2 in co-cultured astrocytes and neurons and highlights the cytoskeleton as an end-point of the neurotoxicity of this compound. Cytoskeletal misregulation is associated with cell dysfunction, therefore, the understanding of the molecular mechanisms mediating the neurotoxicity of this compound is a matter of increasing interest since tellurium compounds are increasingly released in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luana Heimfarth
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Paula Pierozan
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Moara Rodrigues Mingori
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | | | - Regina Pessoa-Pureur
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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14
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Wilson GN, Smith MA, Inman DM, Dengler-Crish CM, Crish SD. Early Cytoskeletal Protein Modifications Precede Overt Structural Degeneration in the DBA/2J Mouse Model of Glaucoma. Front Neurosci 2016; 10:494. [PMID: 27857681 PMCID: PMC5093131 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2016.00494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 10/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Axonal transport deficits precede structural loss in glaucoma and other neurodegenerations. Impairments in structural support, including modified cytoskeletal proteins, and microtubule-destabilizing elements, could be initiating factors in glaucoma pathogenesis. We investigated the time course of changes in protein levels and post-translational modifications in the DBA/2J mouse model of glaucoma. Using anterograde tract tracing of the retinal projection, we assessed major cytoskeletal and transported elements as a function of transport integrity in different stages of pathological progression. Using capillary-based electrophoresis, single- and multiplex immunosorbent assays, and immunofluorescence, we quantified hyperphosphorylated neurofilament-heavy chain, phosphorylated tau (ptau), calpain-mediated spectrin breakdown product (145/150 kDa), β–tubulin, and amyloid-β42 proteins based on age and transport outcome to the superior colliculus (SC; the main retinal target in mice). Phosphorylated neurofilament-heavy chain (pNF-H) was elevated within the optic nerve (ON) and SC of 8–10 month-old DBA/2J mice, but was not evident in the retina until 12–15 months, suggesting that cytoskeletal modifications first appear in the distal retinal projection. As expected, higher pNF-H levels in the SC and retina were correlated with axonal transport deficits. Elevations in hyperphosphorylated tau (ptau) occurred in ON and SC between 3 and 8 month of age while retinal ptau accumulations occurred at 12–15 months in DBA/2J mice. In vitro co-immunoprecipitation experiments suggested increased affinity of ptau for the retrograde motor complex protein dynactin. We observed a transport-related decrease of β-tubulin in ON of 10–12 month-old DBA/2J mice, suggesting destabilized microtubule array. Elevations in calpain-mediated spectrin breakdown product were seen in ON and SC at the earliest age examined, well before axonal transport loss is evident. Finally, transport-independent elevations of amyloid-β42, unlike pNF-H or ptau, occurred first in the retina of DBA/2J mice, and then progressed to SC. These data demonstrate distal-to-proximal progression of cytoskeletal modifications in the progression of glaucoma, with many of these changes occurring prior to complete loss of functional transport and axon degeneration. The earliest changes, such as elevated spectrin breakdown and amyloid-β levels, may make retinal ganglion cells susceptible to future stressors. As such, targeting modification of the axonal cytoskeleton in glaucoma may provide unique opportunities to slow disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina N Wilson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeast Ohio Medical UniversityRootstown, OH, USA; School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State UniversityKent, OH, USA
| | - Matthew A Smith
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeast Ohio Medical UniversityRootstown, OH, USA; Integrated Pharmaceutical Medicine Program, Northeast Ohio Medical UniversityRootstown, OH, USA
| | - Denise M Inman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeast Ohio Medical University Rootstown, OH, USA
| | | | - Samuel D Crish
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeast Ohio Medical University Rootstown, OH, USA
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15
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Calcium signaling mechanisms disrupt the cytoskeleton of primary astrocytes and neurons exposed to diphenylditelluride. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2016; 1860:2510-2520. [PMID: 27475002 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2016.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2016] [Revised: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diphenylditelluride (PhTe)2 is a potent neurotoxin disrupting the homeostasis of the cytoskeleton. METHODS Cultured astrocytes and neurons were incubated with (PhTe)2, receptor antagonists and enzyme inhibitors followed by measurement of the incorporation of [32P]orthophosphate into intermediate filaments (IFs). RESULTS (PhTe)2 caused hyperphosphorylation of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), vimentin and neurofilament subunits (NFL, NFM and NFH) from primary astrocytes and neurons, respectively. These mechanisms were mediated by N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, L-type voltage-dependent calcium channels (L-VDCCs) as well as metabotropic glutamate receptors upstream of phospholipase C (PLC). Upregulated Ca(2+) influx activated protein kinase A (PKA) and protein kinase C (PKC) in astrocytes causing hyperphosphorylation of GFAP and vimentin. Hyperphosphorylated (IF) together with RhoA-activated stress fiber formation, disrupted the cytoskeleton leading to altered cell morphology. In neurons, the high intracellular Ca(2+) levels activated the MAPKs, Erk and p38MAPK, beyond PKA and PKC, provoking hyperphosphorylation of NFM, NFH and NFL. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support that intracellular Ca(2+) is one of the crucial signals that modulate the action of (PhTe)2 in isolated cortical astrocytes and neurons modulating the response of the cytoskeleton against the insult. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Cytoskeletal misregulation is associated with neurodegeneration. This compound could be a valuable tool to induce molecular changes similar to those found in different pathologies of the brain.
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16
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Rao SNR, Pearse DD. Regulating Axonal Responses to Injury: The Intersection between Signaling Pathways Involved in Axon Myelination and The Inhibition of Axon Regeneration. Front Mol Neurosci 2016; 9:33. [PMID: 27375427 PMCID: PMC4896923 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2016.00033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 05/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Following spinal cord injury (SCI), a multitude of intrinsic and extrinsic factors adversely affect the gene programs that govern the expression of regeneration-associated genes (RAGs) and the production of a diversity of extracellular matrix molecules (ECM). Insufficient RAG expression in the injured neuron and the presence of inhibitory ECM at the lesion, leads to structural alterations in the axon that perturb the growth machinery, or form an extraneous barrier to axonal regeneration, respectively. Here, the role of myelin, both intact and debris, in antagonizing axon regeneration has been the focus of numerous investigations. These studies have employed antagonizing antibodies and knockout animals to examine how the growth cone of the re-growing axon responds to the presence of myelin and myelin-associated inhibitors (MAIs) within the lesion environment and caudal spinal cord. However, less attention has been placed on how the myelination of the axon after SCI, whether by endogenous glia or exogenously implanted glia, may alter axon regeneration. Here, we examine the intersection between intracellular signaling pathways in neurons and glia that are involved in axon myelination and axon growth, to provide greater insight into how interrogating this complex network of molecular interactions may lead to new therapeutics targeting SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudheendra N R Rao
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Miami, FL, USA
| | - Damien D Pearse
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of MedicineMiami, FL, USA; The Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of MedicineMiami, FL, USA; The Neuroscience Program, University of Miami Miller School of MedicineMiami, FL, USA; The Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami Miller School of MedicineMiami, FL, USA; Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical CenterMiami, FL, USA
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17
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Compartment-Specific Phosphorylation of Squid Neurofilaments. Methods Enzymol 2016. [PMID: 26795486 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2015.09.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
Studies of the giant axon and synapse of third-order neurons in the squid stellate ganglion have provided a vast literature on neuronal physiology and axon transport. Large neuronal size also lends itself to comparative biochemical studies of cell body versus axon. These have focused on the regulation of synthesis, assembly, posttranslational modification and function of neuronal cytoskeletal proteins (microtubules (MTs) and neurofilaments (NFs)), the predominant proteins in axoplasm. These contribute to axonal organization, stability, transport, and impulse transmission responsible for rapid contractions of mantle muscles underlying jet propulsion. Studies of vertebrate NFs have established an extensive literature on NF structure, organization, and function; studies of squid NFs, however, have made it possible to compare compartment-specific regulation of NF synthesis, assembly, and function in soma versus axoplasm. Since NFs contain over 100 eligible sites for phosphorylation by protein kinases, the compartment-specific patterns of phosphorylation have been a primary focus of biochemical studies. We have learned that NF phosphorylation is tightly compartmentalized; extensive phosphorylation occurs only in the axonal compartment in squid and in vertebrate neurons. This extensive phosphorylation plays a key role in organizing NFs, in association with microtubules (MTs), into a stable, dynamic functional lattice that supports axon growth, diameter, impulse transmission, and synaptic activity. To understand how cytoskeletal phosphorylation is topographically regulated, the kinases and phosphatases, bound to NFs isolated from cell bodies and axoplasm, have also been studied.
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18
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Cooper ML, Crish SD, Inman DM, Horner PJ, Calkins DJ. Early astrocyte redistribution in the optic nerve precedes axonopathy in the DBA/2J mouse model of glaucoma. Exp Eye Res 2015; 150:22-33. [PMID: 26646560 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2015.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Revised: 11/12/2015] [Accepted: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Glaucoma challenges the survival of retinal ganglion cell axons in the optic nerve through processes dependent on both aging and ocular pressure. Relevant stressors likely include complex interplay between axons and astrocytes, both in the retina and optic nerve. In the DBA/2J mouse model of pigmentary glaucoma, early progression involves axonopathy characterized by loss of functional transport prior to outright degeneration. Here we describe novel features of early pathogenesis in the DBA/2J nerve. With age the cross-sectional area of the nerve increases; this is associated generally with diminished axon packing density and survival and increased glial coverage of the nerve. However, for nerves with the highest axon density, as the nerve expands mean cross-sectional axon area enlarges as well. This early expansion was marked by disorganized axoplasm and accumulation of hyperphosphorylated neurofilamants indicative of axonopathy. Axon expansion occurs without loss up to a critical threshold for size (about 0.45-0.50 μm(2)), above which additional expansion tightly correlates with frank loss of axons. As well, early axon expansion prior to degeneration is concurrent with decreased astrocyte ramification with redistribution of processes towards the nerve edge. As axons expand beyond the critical threshold for loss, glial area resumes an even distribution from the center to edge of the nerve. We also found that early axon expansion is accompanied by reduced numbers of mitochondria per unit area in the nerve. Finally, our data indicate that both IOP and nerve expansion are associated with axon enlargement and reduced axon density for aged nerves. Collectively, our data support the hypothesis that diminished bioenergetic resources in conjunction with early nerve and glial remodeling could be a primary inducer of progression of axon pathology in glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa L Cooper
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37205, United States
| | - Samuel D Crish
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH 44272, United States
| | - Denise M Inman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH 44272, United States
| | - Philip J Horner
- Biotherapeutics & Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Houston Methodist, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - David J Calkins
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37205, United States.
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19
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Pesaresi M, Soon-Shiong R, French L, Kaplan DR, Miller FD, Paus T. Axon diameter and axonal transport: In vivo and in vitro effects of androgens. Neuroimage 2015; 115:191-201. [PMID: 25956809 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2015.04.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Revised: 04/23/2015] [Accepted: 04/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Testosterone is a sex hormone involved in brain maturation via multiple molecular mechanisms. Previous human studies described age-related changes in the overall volume and structural properties of white matter during male puberty. Based on this work, we have proposed that testosterone may induce a radial growth of the axon and, possibly, modulate axonal transport. In order to determine whether this is the case we have used two different experimental approaches. With electron microscopy, we have evaluated sex differences in the structural properties of axons in the corpus callosum (splenium) of young rats, and tested consequences of castration carried out after weaning. Then we examined in vitro the effect of the non-aromatizable androgen Mibolerone on the structure and bidirectional transport of wheat-germ agglutinin vesicles in the axons of cultured sympathetic neurons. With electron microscopy, we found robust sex differences in axonal diameter (males>females) and g ratio (males>females). Removal of endogenous testosterone by castration was associated with lower axon diameter and lower g ratio in castrated (vs. intact) males. In vitro, Mibolerone influenced the axonal transport in a time- and dose-dependent manner, and increased the axon caliber as compared with vehicle-treated neurons. These findings are consistent with the role of testosterone in shaping the axon by regulating its radial growth, as predicted by the initial human studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Pesaresi
- Rotman Research Institute, University of Toronto, 3560 Bathurst Street, Toronto, Ontario M6A 2E1, Canada
| | - R Soon-Shiong
- Rotman Research Institute, University of Toronto, 3560 Bathurst Street, Toronto, Ontario M6A 2E1, Canada
| | - L French
- Rotman Research Institute, University of Toronto, 3560 Bathurst Street, Toronto, Ontario M6A 2E1, Canada
| | - D R Kaplan
- Program in Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - F D Miller
- Program in Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - T Paus
- Rotman Research Institute, University of Toronto, 3560 Bathurst Street, Toronto, Ontario M6A 2E1, Canada.
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20
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Oeckl P, Steinacker P, Feneberg E, Otto M. Cerebrospinal fluid proteomics and protein biomarkers in frontotemporal lobar degeneration: Current status and future perspectives. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2014; 1854:757-68. [PMID: 25526887 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2014.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2014] [Revised: 11/18/2014] [Accepted: 12/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) comprises a spectrum of rare neurodegenerative diseases with an estimated prevalence of 15-22 cases per 100,000 persons including the behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), progressive non-fluent aphasia (PNFA), semantic dementia (SD), FTD with motor neuron disease (FTD-MND), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and corticobasal syndrome (CBS). The pathogenesis of the diseases is still unclear and clinical diagnosis of FTLD is hampered by overlapping symptoms within the FTLD subtypes and with other neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Intracellular protein aggregates in the brain are a major hallmark of FTLD and implicate alterations in protein metabolism or function in the disease's pathogenesis. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) which surrounds the brain can be used to study changes in neurodegenerative diseases and to identify disease-related mechanisms or neurochemical biomarkers for diagnosis. In the present review, we will give an overview of the current literature on proteomic studies in CSF of FTLD patients. Reports of targeted and unbiased proteomic approaches are included and the results are discussed in regard of their informative value about disease pathology and the suitability to be used as diagnostic biomarkers. Finally, we will give some future perspectives on CSF proteomics and a list of candidate biomarkers which might be interesting for validation in further studies. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Neuroproteomics: Applications in neuroscience and neurology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Oeckl
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University Hospital, Oberer Eselsberg 45, 89081 Ulm, Germany.
| | - Petra Steinacker
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University Hospital, Oberer Eselsberg 45, 89081 Ulm, Germany.
| | - Emily Feneberg
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University Hospital, Oberer Eselsberg 45, 89081 Ulm, Germany.
| | - Markus Otto
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University Hospital, Oberer Eselsberg 45, 89081 Ulm, Germany.
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21
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Siedler DG, Chuah MI, Kirkcaldie MTK, Vickers JC, King AE. Diffuse axonal injury in brain trauma: insights from alterations in neurofilaments. Front Cell Neurosci 2014; 8:429. [PMID: 25565963 PMCID: PMC4269130 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2014.00429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2014] [Accepted: 11/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) from penetrating or closed forces to the cranium can result in a range of forms of neural damage, which culminate in mortality or impart mild to significant neurological disability. In this regard, diffuse axonal injury (DAI) is a major neuronal pathophenotype of TBI and is associated with a complex set of cytoskeletal changes. The neurofilament triplet proteins are key structural cytoskeletal elements, which may also be important contributors to the tensile strength of axons. This has significant implications with respect to how axons may respond to TBI. It is not known, however, whether neurofilament compaction and the cytoskeletal changes that evolve following axonal injury represent a component of a protective mechanism following damage, or whether they serve to augment degeneration and progression to secondary axotomy. Here we review the structure and role of neurofilament proteins in normal neuronal function. We also discuss the processes that characterize DAI and the resultant alterations in neurofilaments, highlighting potential clues to a possible protective or degenerative influence of specific neurofilament alterations within injured neurons. The potential utility of neurofilament assays as biomarkers for axonal injury is also discussed. Insights into the complex alterations in neurofilaments will contribute to future efforts in developing therapeutic strategies to prevent, ameliorate or reverse neuronal degeneration in the central nervous system (CNS) following traumatic injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Declan G Siedler
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, Medical Sciences Precinct Hobart, TAS, Australia ; School of Medicine, University of Tasmania Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Meng Inn Chuah
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, Medical Sciences Precinct Hobart, TAS, Australia ; School of Medicine, University of Tasmania Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Matthew T K Kirkcaldie
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, Medical Sciences Precinct Hobart, TAS, Australia ; School of Medicine, University of Tasmania Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - James C Vickers
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, Medical Sciences Precinct Hobart, TAS, Australia ; School of Medicine, University of Tasmania Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Anna E King
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, Medical Sciences Precinct Hobart, TAS, Australia ; School of Medicine, University of Tasmania Hobart, TAS, Australia
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22
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Pierozan P, Ferreira F, de Lima BO, Pessoa-Pureur R. Quinolinic acid induces disrupts cytoskeletal homeostasis in striatal neurons. Protective role of astrocyte-neuron interaction. J Neurosci Res 2014; 93:268-84. [DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2014] [Revised: 08/29/2014] [Accepted: 09/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Paula Pierozan
- Departamento de Bioquímica; Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Porto Alegre Brazil
| | - Fernanda Ferreira
- Departamento de Bioquímica; Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Porto Alegre Brazil
| | - Bárbara Ortiz de Lima
- Departamento de Bioquímica; Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Porto Alegre Brazil
| | - Regina Pessoa-Pureur
- Departamento de Bioquímica; Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Porto Alegre Brazil
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23
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Lee S, Shea TB. The high molecular weight neurofilament subunit plays an essential role in axonal outgrowth and stabilization. Biol Open 2014; 3:974-81. [PMID: 25260918 PMCID: PMC4197446 DOI: 10.1242/bio.20149779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurofilaments (NFs) are thought to provide structural support to mature axons via crosslinking of cytoskeletal elements mediated by the C-terminal region of the high molecular weight NF subunit (NF-H). Herein, we inhibited NF-H expression in differentiating mouse NB2a/d1 cells with shRNA directed against murine NF-H without affecting other NF subunits, microtubules or actin. shRNA-mediated NF-H knockdown not only in compromised of late-stage axonal neurite stabilization but also compromised early stages of axonal neurite elongation. Expression of exogenous rat NF-H was able to compensate for knockdown of endogenous NF-H and restored the development and stabilization of axonal neurites. This rescue was prevented by simultaneous treatment with shRNA that inhibited both rat and murine NF-H, or by expression of exogenous rat NF-H lacking the C-terminal sidearm during knockdown of endogenous NF-H. Demonstration of a role for NF-H in the early stages of axonal elaboration suggests that axonal stabilization is not delayed until synaptogenesis, but rather that the developing axon undergoes sequential NF-H-mediated stabilization along its length in a proximal–distal manner, which supports continued pathfinding in distal, unstabilized regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangmook Lee
- Center for Cellular Neurobiology and Neurodegeneration Research, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Massachusetts at Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, USA
| | - Thomas B Shea
- Center for Cellular Neurobiology and Neurodegeneration Research, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Massachusetts at Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, USA
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24
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Dengler-Crish CM, Smith MA, Inman DM, Wilson GN, Young JW, Crish SD. Anterograde transport blockade precedes deficits in retrograde transport in the visual projection of the DBA/2J mouse model of glaucoma. Front Neurosci 2014; 8:290. [PMID: 25278826 PMCID: PMC4166356 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2014.00290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2014] [Accepted: 08/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Axonal transport deficits have been reported as an early pathology in several neurodegenerative disorders, including glaucoma. However, the progression and mechanisms of these deficits are poorly understood. Previous work suggests that anterograde transport is affected earlier and to a larger degree than retrograde transport, yet this has never been examined directly in vivo. Using combined anterograde and retrograde tract tracing methods, we examined the time-course of anterograde and retrograde transport deficits in the retinofugal projection in pre-glaucomatous (3 month-old) and glaucomatous (9–13 month old) DBA/2J mice. DBA/2J-Gpnmb+ mice were used as a control strain and were shown to have similar retinal ganglion cell densities as C57BL/6J control mice—a strain commonly investigated in the field of vision research. Using cholera toxin-B injections into the eye and FluoroGold injections into the superior colliculus (SC), we were able to measure anterograde and retrograde transport in the primary visual projection. In DBA/2J, anterograde transport from the retina to SC was decreased by 69% in the 9–10 month-old age group, while retrograde transport was only reduced by 23% from levels seen in pre-glaucomatous mice. Despite this minor reduction, retrograde transport remained largely intact in these glaucomatous age groups until 13-months of age. These findings indicate that axonal transport deficits occur in semi-functional axons that are still connected to their brain targets. Structural persistence as determined by presence of estrogen-related receptor beta label in the superficial SC was maintained beyond time-points where reductions in retrograde transport occurred, also supporting that transport deficits may be due to physiological or functional abnormalities as opposed to overt structural loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M Dengler-Crish
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeast Ohio Medical University Rootstown, OH, USA ; Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Northeast Ohio Medical University Rootstown, OH, USA
| | - Matthew A Smith
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeast Ohio Medical University Rootstown, OH, USA ; Integrated Pharmaceutical Medicine Graduate Program, Northeast Ohio Medical University Rootstown, OH, USA
| | - Denise M Inman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeast Ohio Medical University Rootstown, OH, USA
| | - Gina N Wilson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeast Ohio Medical University Rootstown, OH, USA ; Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, Kent State University Kent, OH, USA
| | - Jesse W Young
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Northeast Ohio Medical University Rootstown, OH, USA
| | - Samuel D Crish
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeast Ohio Medical University Rootstown, OH, USA
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25
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Lee S, Pant HC, Shea TB. Divergent and convergent roles for kinases and phosphatases in neurofilament dynamics. J Cell Sci 2014; 127:4064-77. [PMID: 25015294 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.153346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
C-terminal neurofilament phosphorylation mediates cation-dependent self-association leading to neurofilament incorporation into the stationary axonal cytoskeleton. Multiple kinases phosphorylate the C-terminal domains of the heavy neurofilament subunit (NF-H), including cyclin-dependent protein kinase 5 (CDK5), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), casein kinase 1 and 2 (CK1 and CK2) and glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β). The respective contributions of these kinases have been confounded because they phosphorylate multiple substrates in addition to neurofilaments and display extensive interaction. Herein, differentiated NB2a/d1 cells were transfected with constructs expressing GFP-tagged NF-H, isolated NF-H sidearms and NF-H lacking the distal-most 187 amino acids. Cultures were treated with roscovitine, PD98059, Li(+), D4476, tetrabromobenzotriazole and calyculin, which are active against CDK5, MKK1 (also known as MAP2K1), GSK3β, CK1, CK2 and protein phosphatase 1 (PP1), respectively. Sequential phosphorylation by CDK5 and GSK3β mediated the neurofilament-neurofilament associations. The MAPK pathway (i.e. MKK1 to ERK1/2) was found to downregulate GSK3β, and CK1 activated PP1, both of which promoted axonal transport and restricted neurofilament-neurofilament associations to axonal neurites. The MAPK pathway and CDK5, but not CK1 and GSK3β, inhibited neurofilament proteolysis. These findings indicate that phosphorylation of neurofilaments by the proline-directed MAPK pathway and CDK5 counterbalance the impact of phosphorylation of neurofilaments by the non-proline-directed CK1 and GSK3β.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangmook Lee
- Center for Cellular Neurobiology and Neurodegeneration Research, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, USA
| | - Harish C Pant
- Cytoskeletal Protein Regulation Section, NIH, NINDS, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Thomas B Shea
- Center for Cellular Neurobiology and Neurodegeneration Research, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, USA
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26
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Mincheva-Tasheva S, Obis E, Tamarit J, Ros J. Apoptotic cell death and altered calcium homeostasis caused by frataxin depletion in dorsal root ganglia neurons can be prevented by BH4 domain of Bcl-xL protein. Hum Mol Genet 2014; 23:1829-41. [PMID: 24242291 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddt576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by a decreased expression of the mitochondrial protein frataxin. Major neurological symptoms of the disease are due to degeneration of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) sensory neurons. In this study we have explored the neurodegenerative events occurring by frataxin depletion on primary cultures of neurons obtained from rat DRGs. Reduction of 80% of frataxin levels in these cells was achieved by transduction with lentivirus containing shRNA silencing sequences. Frataxin depletion caused mitochondrial membrane potential decrease, neurite degeneration and apoptotic cell death. A marked increase of free intracellular Ca(2+) levels and alteration in Ca(2+)-mediated signaling pathways was also observed, thus suggesting that altered calcium homeostasis can play a pivotal role in neurodegeneration caused by frataxin deficiency. These deleterious effects were reverted by the addition of a cell-penetrant TAT peptide coupled to the BH4, the anti-apoptotic domain of Bcl-x(L). Treatment of cultured frataxin-depleted neurons with TAT-BH4 was able to restore the free intracellular Ca(2+) levels and protect the neurons from degeneration. These observations open the possibility of new therapies of FRDA based on modulating the Ca(2+) signaling and prevent apoptotic process to protect DRG neurons from neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefka Mincheva-Tasheva
- Grup de Bioquímica de L'Estrès Oxidatiu, Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, IRB Lleida, Universitat de Lleida, Lleida, Spain
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27
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Snider NT, Omary MB. Post-translational modifications of intermediate filament proteins: mechanisms and functions. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2014; 15:163-77. [PMID: 24556839 PMCID: PMC4079540 DOI: 10.1038/nrm3753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 374] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Intermediate filaments (IFs) are cytoskeletal and nucleoskeletal structures that provide mechanical and stress-coping resilience to cells, contribute to subcellular and tissue-specific biological functions, and facilitate intracellular communication. IFs, including nuclear lamins and those in the cytoplasm (keratins, vimentin, desmin, neurofilaments and glial fibrillary acidic protein, among others), are functionally regulated by post-translational modifications (PTMs). Proteomic advances highlight the enormous complexity and regulatory potential of IF protein PTMs, which include phosphorylation, glycosylation, sumoylation, acetylation and prenylation, with novel modifications becoming increasingly appreciated. Future studies will need to characterize their on-off mechanisms, crosstalk and utility as biomarkers and targets for diseases involving the IF cytoskeleton.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha T. Snider
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - M. Bishr Omary
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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28
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Zhao L, Chu CB, Li JF, Yang YT, Niu SQ, Qin W, Hao YG, Dong Q, Guan R, Hu WL, Wang Y. Glycogen synthase kinase-3 reduces acetylcholine level in striatum via disturbing cellular distribution of choline acetyltransferase in cholinergic interneurons in rats. Neuroscience 2013; 255:203-11. [PMID: 24121130 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2013.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2013] [Revised: 09/12/2013] [Accepted: 10/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Cholinergic interneurons, which provide the main source of acetylcholine (ACh) in the striatum, control the striatal local circuits and deeply involve in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) is a crucial kinase with diverse fundamental functions and accepted that deregulation of GSK-3 activity also plays important roles in diverse neurodegenerative diseases. However, up to now, there is no direct proof indicating whether GSK-3 activation is responsible for cholinergic dysfunction. In the present study, with combined intracerebroventricular injection of Wortmannin and GF-109203X, we activated GSK-3 and demonstrated the increased phosphorylation level of microtubule-associated protein tau and neurofilaments (NFs) in the rat striatum. The activated GSK-3 consequently decreased ACh level in the striatum as a result of the reduction of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity. The alteration of ChAT activity was due to impaired ChAT distribution rather than its expression. Furthermore, we proved that cellular ChAT distribution was dependent on low phosphorylation level of NFs. Nevertheless, the cholinergic dysfunction in the striatum failed to induce significant neuronal number reduction. In summary, our data demonstrates the link between GSK-3 activation and cholinergic dysfunction in the striatum and provided beneficial evidence for the pathogenesis study of relevant neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Zhao
- Department of Neurobiology and Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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29
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Mitew S, Kirkcaldie MTK, Dickson TC, Vickers JC. Neurites containing the neurofilament-triplet proteins are selectively vulnerable to cytoskeletal pathology in Alzheimer's disease and transgenic mouse models. Front Neuroanat 2013; 7:30. [PMID: 24133416 PMCID: PMC3783838 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2013.00030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2013] [Accepted: 09/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyloid-β plaque accumulation in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is associated with dystrophic neurite (DN) formation and synapse loss in principal neurons, but interneuron pathology is less clearly characterized. We compared the responses of neuronal processes immunoreactive for either neurofilament triplet (NF+) or calretinin (CR+) to fibrillar amyloid (Aβ) plaques in human end-stage and preclinical AD, as well as in APP/PS1 and Tg2576 transgenic mouse AD models. Neurites traversing the Aβ plaque core, edge, or periphery, defined as 50, 100, and 150% of the plaque diameter, respectively, in human AD and transgenic mouse tissue were compared to age-matched human and wild-type mouse controls. The proportion of NF+ neurites exhibiting dystrophic morphology (DN) was significantly larger than the proportion of dystrophic CR+ neurites in both human AD and transgenic mice (p < 0.01). Additionally, the number of NF+, but not CR+, DNs, correlated with Aβ plaque size. We conclude that CR+ interneurons appear to be more resistant than NF+ neurons to AD-mediated cytoskeletal pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanislaw Mitew
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, University of Tasmania Hobart, TAS, Australia ; School of Medicine, University of Tasmania Hobart, TAS, Australia
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30
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Holmgren A, Bouhy D, De Winter V, Asselbergh B, Timmermans JP, Irobi J, Timmerman V. Charcot-Marie-Tooth causing HSPB1 mutations increase Cdk5-mediated phosphorylation of neurofilaments. Acta Neuropathol 2013; 126:93-108. [PMID: 23728742 PMCID: PMC3963106 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-013-1133-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2013] [Revised: 05/03/2013] [Accepted: 05/21/2013] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in the small heat shock protein HSPB1 (HSP27) are a cause of axonal Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy (CMT2F) and distal hereditary motor neuropathy. To better understand the effect of mutations in HSPB1 on the neuronal cytoskeleton, we stably transduced neuronal cells with wild-type and mutant HSPB1 and investigated axonal transport of neurofilaments (NFs). We observed that mutant HSPB1 affected the binding of NFs to the anterograde motor protein kinesin, reducing anterograde transport of NFs. These deficits were associated with an increased phosphorylation of NFs and cyclin-dependent kinase Cdk5. As Cdk5 mediates NF phosphorylation, inhibition of Cdk5/p35 restored NF phosphorylation level, as well as NF binding to kinesin in mutant HSPB1 neuronal cells. Altogether, we demonstrate that HSPB1 mutations induce hyperphosphorylation of NFs through Cdk5 and reduce anterograde transport of NFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Holmgren
- Department of Molecular Genetics, VIB and University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerpen, Belgium
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Institute Born-Bunge, 2610 Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Delphine Bouhy
- Department of Molecular Genetics, VIB and University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerpen, Belgium
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Institute Born-Bunge, 2610 Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Vicky De Winter
- Department of Molecular Genetics, VIB and University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerpen, Belgium
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Institute Born-Bunge, 2610 Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Bob Asselbergh
- Department of Molecular Genetics, VIB and University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerpen, Belgium
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Institute Born-Bunge, 2610 Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Jean-Pierre Timmermans
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2020 Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Joy Irobi
- Department of Molecular Genetics, VIB and University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerpen, Belgium
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Institute Born-Bunge, 2610 Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Vincent Timmerman
- Department of Molecular Genetics, VIB and University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerpen, Belgium
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Institute Born-Bunge, 2610 Antwerpen, Belgium
- Peripheral Neuropathy Group, VIB Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerpen, Belgium
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31
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Park E, Eisen R, Kinio A, Baker AJ. Electrophysiological white matter dysfunction and association with neurobehavioral deficits following low-level primary blast trauma. Neurobiol Dis 2013; 52:150-9. [PMID: 23238347 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2012.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2012] [Revised: 11/02/2012] [Accepted: 12/03/2012] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Eugene Park
- Keenan Research Centre in the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute at St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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32
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Guptarak J, Wanchoo S, Durham-Lee J, Wu Y, Zivadinovic D, Paulucci-Holthauzen A, Nesic O. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling: A novel therapeutic approach to treating spinal cord injury pain. Pain 2013; 154:1115-28. [PMID: 23639820 DOI: 10.1016/j.pain.2013.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2012] [Revised: 02/03/2013] [Accepted: 03/15/2013] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
To characterize the contribution of interleukin-6 (IL-6) to spinal cord injury pain (SCIP), we employed a clinically relevant rat contusion model of SCIP. Using Western blots, we measured IL-6 levels in lumbar segments (L1-L5), at the lesion site (T10), and in the corresponding lumbar and thoracic dorsal root ganglia (DRG) in 2 groups of similarly injured rats: (a) SCI rats that developed hind-limb mechanical allodynia (SCIP), and (b) SCI rats that did not develop SCIP. Only in SCIP rats did we find significantly increased IL-6 levels. Immunocytochemistry showed elevated IL-6 predominantly in reactive astrocytes. Our data also showed that increased production of IL-6 in hyperreactive astrocytes in SCIP rats may explain still-poorly understood astrocytic contribution to SCIP. To test the hypothesis that IL-6 contributes to mechanical allodynia, we treated SCIP rats with neutralizing IL-6 receptor antibody (IL-6-R Ab), and found that one systemic injection abolished allodynia and associated weight loss; in contrast to gabapentin, the analgesic effect lasted for at least 2weeks after the injection, despite the shorter presence of the Ab in the circulation. We also showed that IL-6-R Ab partially reversed SCI-induced decreases in the protein levels of the glutamate transporter GLT-1 12hours and 8days after Ab injection, which may explain the lasting analgesic effect of the Ab in SCIP rats. A link between reactive astrocytes IL-6-GLT-1 has not been previously shown. Given that the humanized IL-6-R Ab tocilizumab is Food and Drug Administration-approved for rheumatoid arthritis, we are proposing tocilizumab as a novel and potentially effective treatment for SCIP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jutatip Guptarak
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-1072, USA
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33
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Holmgren A, Bouhy D, Timmerman V. Neurofilament phosphorylation and their proline-directed kinases in health and disease. J Peripher Nerv Syst 2012; 17:365-76. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1529-8027.2012.00434.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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34
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Shea TB, Lee S. The discontinuous nature of neurofilament transport accommodates both establishment and repair of the axonal neurofilament array. Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) 2012; 70:67-73. [PMID: 23124969 DOI: 10.1002/cm.21087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2012] [Revised: 10/08/2012] [Accepted: 10/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Neurofilaments (NFs) provide structural support to axons. Timely and regional deposition of NFs is essential during axonogenesis, since progressive stabilization of proximal axons is essential to support continued pathfinding of distal axonal regions. NFs undergo short bursts of microtubule-mediated axonal transport interspersed by prolonged pauses. We demonstrate herein that it is this unique "on-off" method of axonal transport, coupled with the ability of NFs to form cation-dependent, phosphomediated lateral associations that allow neurons to mediate the orderly transition from exploratory process to stabilized axon following synaptogenesis. We further demonstrate how this transport method provides for NF maintenance following maturation and encompasses the potential for regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas B Shea
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Cellular Neurobiology and Neurodegeneration Research, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, One University Avenue, Lowell, MA 01854, USA.
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35
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Heimfarth L, Reis KP, Loureiro SO, de Lima BO, da Rocha JBT, Pessoa-Pureur R. Exposure of young rats to diphenyl ditelluride during lactation affects the homeostasis of the cytoskeleton in neural cells from striatum and cerebellum. Neurotoxicology 2012; 33:1106-16. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2012.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2012] [Revised: 06/05/2012] [Accepted: 06/05/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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36
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Kreutzer M, Seehusen F, Kreutzer R, Pringproa K, Kummerfeld M, Claus P, Deschl U, Kalkul A, Beineke A, Baumgärtner W, Ulrich R. Axonopathy is associated with complex axonal transport defects in a model of multiple sclerosis. Brain Pathol 2012; 22:454-71. [PMID: 21988534 PMCID: PMC8092950 DOI: 10.1111/j.1750-3639.2011.00541.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2011] [Accepted: 09/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease characterized by myelin and axonal pathology. In a viral model of MS, we tested whether axonopathy initiation and development are based on an impaired transport of neurofilaments. Spinal cords of Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV)-infected and mock-infected mice and TMEV infected neuroblastoma N1E-115 cells were analyzed by microarray analysis, light microscopy and electron and laser confocal microscopy. In vivo axonal accumulation of non-phosphorylated neurofilaments after TMEV infection revealed a temporal development caused by the impairments of the axonal traffic consisting of the downregulation of kinesin family member 5A, dynein cytoplasmic heavy chain 1, tau-1 and β-tubulin III expression. In addition, alterations of the protein metabolism were also noticed. In vitro, the TMEV-infected N1E-115 cells developed tandem-repeated swellings similar to in vivo alterations. Furthermore, the hypothesis of an underlying axonal self-destruction program involving nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide depletion was supported by molecular findings. The obtained data indicate that neurofilament accumulation in TME is mainly the result of dysregulation of their axonal transport machinery and impairment of neurofilament phosphorylation and protein metabolism. The present findings allow a more precise understanding of the complex interactions responsible for initiation and development of axonopathies in inflammatory degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihaela Kreutzer
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany
| | - Frauke Seehusen
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | - Robert Kreutzer
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany
| | - Kidsadagorn Pringproa
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany
| | - Maren Kummerfeld
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | - Peter Claus
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ulrich Deschl
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH&Co KG, Department of Non‐Clinical Drug Safety, Biberach (Riß), Germany
| | - Arno Kalkul
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH&Co KG, Department of Non‐Clinical Drug Safety, Biberach (Riß), Germany
| | - Andreas Beineke
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Baumgärtner
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany
| | - Reiner Ulrich
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany
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37
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Al-Hasani OH, Smith C. Traumatic white matter injury and toxic leukoencephalopathies. Expert Rev Neurother 2012; 11:1315-24. [PMID: 21864077 DOI: 10.1586/ern.11.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
White matter injury may be secondary to a range of neurodegenerative disorders, such as the common dementing disorders of the elderly, or may be a consequence of specific white matter disorders, such as multiple sclerosis and the rare leukodystrophies. This article will focus on two relatively common primary groups of disorders of the white matter, traumatic white matter injury and toxic leukoencephalopathies. Traumatic axonal injury may be focal or diffuse, and is associated with a clinical spectrum ranging from concussion through to coma and death. The molecular mechanisms underlying axonal degeneration secondary to traumatic axonal degeneration are being elucidated and may give an insight into potential therapeutic targets. Toxic leukoencephalopathy may be secondary to exposure to a wide range of compounds, including chemotherapeutic drugs. These toxins may produce white matter injury through a range of mechanisms, and the potential toxic effects of compounds need to be considered when assessing a patient with a nonspecific leukoencephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omer Hussain Al-Hasani
- University Department of Pathology, University of Edinburgh, Wilkie Building, Teviot Place, Edinburgh, EH8 9AG, UK
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38
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Lee WC, Chen YY, Kan D, Chien CL. A neuronal death model: overexpression of neuronal intermediate filament protein peripherin in PC12 cells. J Biomed Sci 2012; 19:8. [PMID: 22252275 PMCID: PMC3282651 DOI: 10.1186/1423-0127-19-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2011] [Accepted: 01/17/2012] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abnormal accumulation of neuronal intermediate filament (IF) is a pathological indicator of some neurodegenerative disorders. However, the underlying neuropathological mechanisms of neuronal IF accumulation remain unclear. A stable clone established from PC12 cells overexpressing a GFP-Peripherin fusion protein (pEGFP-Peripherin) was constructed for determining the pathway involved in neurodegeneration by biochemical, cell biology, and electronic microscopy approaches. In addition, pharmacological approaches to preventing neuronal death were also examined. RESULTS Results of this study showed that TUNEL positive reaction could be detected in pEGFP-Peripherin cells. Swollen mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) were seen by electron microscopy in pEGFP-Peripherin cells on day 8 of nerve growth factor (NGF) treatment. Peripherin overexpression not only led to the formation of neuronal IF aggregate but also causes aberrant neuronal IF phosphorylation and mislocation. Western blots showed that calpain, caspase-12, caspase-9, and caspase-3 activity was upregulated. Furthermore, treatment with calpain inhibitor significantly inhibited cell death. CONCLUSIONS These results suggested that the cytoplasmic neuronal IF aggregate caused by peripherin overexpression may induce aberrant neuronal IF phosphorylation and mislocation subsequently trapped and indirectly damaged mitochondria and ER. We suggested that the activation of calpain, caspase-12, caspase-9, and caspase-3 were correlated to the dysfunction of the ER and mitochondria in our pEGFP-Peripherin cell model. The present study suggested that pEGFP-Peripherin cell clones could be a neuronal death model for future studies in neuronal IFs aggregate associated neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Ching Lee
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Jen-Ai Road, Taipei, 100, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Yu Chen
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Jen-Ai Road, Taipei, 100, Taiwan
| | - Daphne Kan
- Center of Genomic Medicine, National Taiwan University, Jen-Ai Road, Taipei, 100, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Liang Chien
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Jen-Ai Road, Taipei, 100, Taiwan
- Center of Genomic Medicine, National Taiwan University, Jen-Ai Road, Taipei, 100, Taiwan
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39
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Neurofilament heavy chain expression reveals a unique parasagittal stripe topography in the mouse cerebellum. THE CEREBELLUM 2012; 10:409-21. [PMID: 20127431 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-010-0156-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Despite the general uniformity in cellular composition of the adult cerebellum (Cb), the expression of proteins such as ZebrinII/AldolaseC and the small heat shock protein HSP25 reveal striking patterns of parasagittal Purkinje cell (PC) stripes. Based on differences in the stripe configuration within subsets of lobules, the Cb can be further divided into four anterior-posterior transverse zones: anterior zone (AZ) = lobules I-V, central zone (CZ) = lobules VI-VII, posterior zone (PZ) = lobules VIII and anterior IX, and the nodular zone (NZ) = lobules posterior IX-X. Here we used whole-mount and tissue section immunohistochemistry to show that neurofilament heavy chain (NFH) expression alone divides all lobules of the mouse Cb into a complex series of parasagittal stripes of PCs. We revealed that the striped pattern of NFH in the vermis of the AZ and PZ was complementary to ZebrinII and phospholipase C ß3 (PLCß3), and corresponded to phospholipase C ß4 (PLCß4). In the CZ and NZ the stripe pattern of NFH was complementary to HSP25 and corresponded to PLCß3. The boundaries of the NFH stripes were not always sharply delineated. Instead, a gradual decrease in NFH expression was observed toward the edges of particular stripes, resulting in domains comprised of overlapping expression patterns. Furthermore, the terminal field distributions of mossy and climbing fibers had a complex but consistent topographical alignment with NFH stripes. In summary, NFH expression reveals an exquisite level of Cb stripe complexity that respects the transverse zone divisions and delineates an intricately patterned target field for Cb afferents.
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40
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Signaling mechanisms downstream of quinolinic acid targeting the cytoskeleton of rat striatal neurons and astrocytes. Exp Neurol 2011; 233:391-9. [PMID: 22116044 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2011.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2011] [Revised: 10/31/2011] [Accepted: 11/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The studies of signaling mechanisms involved in the disruption of the cytoskeleton homeostasis were performed in a model of quinolinic acid (QUIN) neurotoxicity in vitro. This investigation focused on the phosphorylation level of intermediate filament (IF) subunits of astrocytes (glial fibrillary acidic protein - GFAP) and neurons (low, medium and high molecular weight neurofilament subunits - NFL, NFM and NFH, respectively). The activity of the phosphorylating system associated with the IFs was investigated in striatal slices of rat exposed to QUIN or treated simultaneously with QUIN plus glutamate receptor antagonists, calcium channel blockers or kinase inhibitors. Results showed that in astrocytes, the action of 100 μM QUIN was mainly due to increased Ca(2+) influx through NMDA and L-type voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels (L-VDCC). In neuronal cells QUIN acted through metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) activation and influx of Ca(2+) through NMDA receptors and L-VDCC, as well as Ca(2+) release from intracellular stores. These mechanisms then set off a cascade of events including activation of PKA, PKCaMII and PKC, which phosphorylate head domain sites on GFAP and NFL. Also, Cdk5 was activated downstream of mGluR5, phosphorylating the KSP repeats on NFM and NFH. mGluR1 was upstream of phospholipase C (PLC) which, in turn, produced diacylglycerol (DAG) and inositol 3,4,5 triphosphate (IP3). DAG is important to activate PKC and phosphorylate NFL, while IP(3) contributed to Ca(2+) release from internal stores promoting hyperphosphorylation of KSP repeats on the tail domain of NFM and NFH. The present study supports the concept of glutamate and Ca(2+) contribution in excitotoxic neuronal damage provoked by QUIN associated to dysfunction of the cytoskeleton homeostasis and highlights the differential signaling mechanisms elicited in striatal astrocytes and neurons.
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Shea TB, Lee S. Neurofilament phosphorylation regulates axonal transport by an indirect mechanism: a merging of opposing hypotheses. Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) 2011; 68:589-95. [PMID: 21990272 DOI: 10.1002/cm.20535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2011] [Accepted: 09/22/2011] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Neurofilaments (NFs) are among the most abundant constituents of the axonal cytoskeleton. NFs consist of four subunits, termed NF-H, NF-M and NF-L, corresponding to heavy, medium and light in reference to their molecular mass and α-internexin. Phosphorylation of the C-terminal "sidearms" of NF-H and NF-M regulates the ability of NFs to form a cytoskeletal lattice that supports the mature axon. C-terminal phosphorylation events have classically been considered to regulate NF axonal transport. By contrast, studies demonstrating that NF axonal transport was not accelerated following sidearm deletion provided evidence that phosphorylation does not regulate NF transport. Herein, we demonstrate how comparison of transport and distribution of differentially phosphorylated NFs along axons identify common ground between these hypotheses and may resolve this controversy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas B Shea
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Cellular Neurobiology and Neurodegeneration Research, University of Massachusetts-Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts 01854, USA.
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42
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Hyder CL, Isoniemi KO, Torvaldson ES, Eriksson JE. Insights into intermediate filament regulation from development to ageing. J Cell Sci 2011; 124:1363-72. [PMID: 21502133 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.041244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Intermediate filament (IF) proteins comprise a large family with more than 70 members. Initially, IFs were assumed to provide only structural reinforcement for the cell. However, IFs are now known to be dynamic structures that are involved in a wide range of cellular processes during all stages of life, from development to ageing, and during homeostasis and stress. This Commentary discusses some lesser-known functional and regulatory aspects of IFs. We specifically address the emerging roles of nestin in myogenesis and cancer cell migration, and examine exciting evidence on the regulation of nestin and lamin A by the notch signalling pathway, which could have repercussions for our understanding of the roles of IF proteins in development and ageing. In addition, we discuss the modulation of the post-translational modifications of neuronally expressed IFs and their protein-protein interactions, as well as IF glycosylation, which not only has a role in stress and ageing, but might also regulate IFs during development. Although many of these recent findings are still preliminary, they nevertheless open new doors to explore the functionality of the IF family of proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire L Hyder
- Turku Centre for Biotechnology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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43
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Hares K, Kemp K, Gray E, Scolding N, Wilkins A. Neurofilament dot blot assays: Novel means of assessing axon viability in culture. J Neurosci Methods 2011; 198:195-203. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2011.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2010] [Revised: 03/23/2011] [Accepted: 03/28/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Park E, Gottlieb JJ, Cheung B, Shek PN, Baker AJ. A Model of Low-Level Primary Blast Brain Trauma Results in Cytoskeletal Proteolysis and Chronic Functional Impairment in the Absence of Lung Barotrauma. J Neurotrauma 2011; 28:343-57. [DOI: 10.1089/neu.2009.1050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Eugene Park
- Cara Phelan Centre for Trauma Research, Keenan Research Centre in the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute at St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - James J. Gottlieb
- University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bob Cheung
- Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Pang N. Shek
- Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew J. Baker
- Cara Phelan Centre for Trauma Research, Keenan Research Centre in the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute at St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, Departments of Anesthesia and Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Lee S, Sunil N, Tejada JM, Shea TB. Differential roles of kinesin and dynein in translocation of neurofilaments into axonal neurites. J Cell Sci 2011; 124:1022-31. [PMID: 21363889 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.079046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurofilament (NF) subunits translocate within axons as short NFs, non-filamentous punctate structures ('puncta') and diffuse material that might comprise individual subunits and/or oligomers. Transport of NFs into and along axons is mediated by the microtubule (MT) motor proteins kinesin and dynein. Despite being characterized as a retrograde motor, dynein nevertheless participates in anterograde NF transport through associating with long MTs or the actin cortex through its cargo domain; relatively shorter MTs associated with the motor domain are then propelled in an anterograde direction, along with any linked NFs. Here, we show that inhibition of dynein function, through dynamitin overexpression or intracellular delivery of anti-dynein antibody, selectively reduced delivery of GFP-tagged short NFs into the axonal hillock, with a corresponding increase in the delivery of puncta, suggesting that dynein selectively delivered short NFs into axonal neurites. Nocodazole-mediated depletion of short MTs had the same effect. By contrast, intracellular delivery of anti-kinesin antibody inhibited anterograde transport of short NFs and puncta to an equal extent. These findings suggest that anterograde axonal transport of linear NFs is more dependent upon association with translocating MTs (which are themselves translocated by dynein) than is transport of NF puncta or oligomers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangmook Lee
- Center for Cellular Neurobiology and Neurodegeneration Research, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Massachusetts, One University Avenue, Lowell, MA 01854, USA
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Deregulation of Cytoskeletal Protein Phosphorylation and Neurodegeneration. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4419-6787-9_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Crish SD, Calkins DJ. Neurodegeneration in glaucoma: progression and calcium-dependent intracellular mechanisms. Neuroscience 2010; 176:1-11. [PMID: 21187126 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2010.12.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2010] [Revised: 12/16/2010] [Accepted: 12/18/2010] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Glaucoma is an age-related optic neuropathy involving sensitivity to ocular pressure. The disease is now seen increasingly as one of the central nervous system, as powerful new approaches highlight an increasing number of similarities with other age-related neurodegenerations such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. While the etiologies of these diseases are diverse, they involve many important common elements including compartmentalized programs of degeneration targeting axons, dendrites and finally cell bodies. Most age-related degenerations display early functional deficits that precede actual loss of neuronal substrate. These are linked to several specific neurochemical cascades that can be linked back to dysregulation of Ca(2+)-dependent processes. We are now in the midst of identifying similar cascades in glaucoma. Here we review recent evidence on the pathological progression of neurodegeneration in glaucoma and some of the Ca(2+)-dependent mechanisms that could underlie these changes. These mechanisms present clear implications for efforts to develop interventions targeting neuronal loss directly and make glaucoma an attractive model for both interrogating and informing other neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- S D Crish
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern Ohio Universities Colleges of Medicine and Pharmacy, Rootstown, OH 44272, USA
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Lee S, Sunil N, Shea TB. C-terminal neurofilament phosphorylation fosters neurofilament-neurofilament associations that compete with axonal transport. Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) 2010; 68:8-17. [PMID: 20862740 DOI: 10.1002/cm.20488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2010] [Accepted: 09/16/2010] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Neurofilaments (NFs) associate with each other and with other cytoskeletal elements to form a lattice that supports the mature axon. Phosphorylation contributes to formation of this structure by fostering cation-dependent interactions among NF sidearms. By inducing NF bundling, phosphorylation impedes their axonal transport. To examine the impact of the known NF kinase cdk5 on these phenomena, transfected cells with constructs expressing GFP-tagged NF-H sidearms (lacking the rod domain to preclude assembly) with and without site-directed mutagenesis of 7 cdk5 consensus sites, and monitored the impact on NF transport and association with the axonal NF bundle. These mutations did not alter transport but pseudo-phosphorylated mutants displayed a greater association with axonal NF bundles. By contrast, these same mutations in full-length NF-H altered NF transport as well as bundling. Since isolated sidearms cannot assemble, they can only interact with NFs via a single sidearm-sidearm interaction, while assembled NFs can form multiple such interactions. These finding suggest that individual sidearm-sidearm interactions are dynamic and do not persist long enough to slow NF transport, and that bundle formation and maintenance depends upon both the long half-life of NF polymers and the establishment of multiple phosphorylation-dependent sidearm-mediated interactions among NFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangmook Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Cellular Neurobiology and Neurodegeneration Research, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, Massachusetts 01854, USA
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Kushkuley J, Metkar S, Chan WKH, Lee S, Shea TB. Aluminum induces neurofilament aggregation by stabilizing cross-bridging of phosphorylated c-terminal sidearms. Brain Res 2010; 1322:118-23. [PMID: 20132798 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2010.01.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2009] [Revised: 01/24/2010] [Accepted: 01/27/2010] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to neurotoxin aluminum neurotoxicity is accompanied by the perikaryal accumulation of tangles of phosphorylated neurofilaments (NFs). We examined their formation and reversibility under cell-free conditions. AlCl3 induced dose-dependent formation of NF aggregates, ultimately incorporating 100% of detectable NFs. The same concentration of CaCl2 induced approximately 25% of NFs to form longitudinal dimers and did not induce aggregation. AlCl3 induced similar percentages of aggregates in the presence or absence of CaCl2, and CaCl2 could not reduce pre-formed aggregates. CaCl(2)-induced dimers and AlCl(3)-induced aggregates were prevented by prior NF dephosphorylation. While CaCl(2)-induced dimers were dissociated by phosphatase treatment, AlCl(3)-induced aggregates were only reduced by approximately 50%, suggesting that aggregates may sequester phosphorylation sites. Since phosphatases regulate NF phosphorylation within perikarya, inhibition of NF dephosphorylation by aluminum would promote perikaryal NF phosphorylation and foster precocious phospho-dependent NF-NF associations. These findings are consistent with the notion that prolonged interactions induced among phospho-NFs by the trivalent aluminum impairs axonal transport and promotes perikaryal aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Kushkuley
- Center for Cellular Neurobiology and Neurodegeneration Research, Departments of Biological Sciences and Biochemistry, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, USA
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50
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Initiation and progression of axonopathy in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. J Neurosci 2010; 29:14965-79. [PMID: 19940192 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3794-09.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Axonal loss is the principal cause of chronic disability in multiple sclerosis and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). In C57BL/6 mice with EAE induced by immunization with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptide 35-55, the first evidences of axonal damage in spinal cord were in acute subpial and perivascular foci of infiltrating neutrophils and lymphocytes and included intra-axonal accumulations of the endovesicular Toll-like receptor TLR8, and the inflammasome protein NAcht leucine-rich repeat protein 1 (NALP1). Later in the course of this illness, focal inflammatory infiltrates disappeared from the spinal cord, but there was persistent activation of spinal cord innate immunity and progressive, bilaterally symmetric loss of small-diameter corticospinal tract axons. These results support the hypothesis that both contact-dependent and paracrine interactions of systemic inflammatory cells with axons and an innate immune-mediated neurodegenerative process contribute to axonal loss in this multiple sclerosis model.
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