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Hui Y, Yan Z, Yang H, Xu X, Yuan WE, Qian Y. Graphene Family Nanomaterials for Stem Cell Neurogenic Differentiation and Peripheral Nerve Regeneration. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2022; 5:4741-4759. [PMID: 36102324 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.2c00663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Stem cells play a critical role in peripheral nerve regeneration. Nerve scaffolds fabricated by specific materials can help induce the neurogenic differentiation of stem cells. Therefore, it is a potential strategy to enhance therapeutic efficiency. Graphene family nanomaterials are widely applied in repairing peripheral nerves. However, the mechanism underlying the pro-regeneration effects remains elusive. In this review, we first discuss the properties of graphene family nanomaterials, including monolayer and multilayer graphene, few-layer graphene, graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, and graphene quantum dots. We also introduce their applications in regulating stem cell differentiation. Then, we review the potential mechanisms of the neurogenic differentiation of stem cells facilitated by the materials. Finally, we discuss the existing challenges in this field to advance the development of nerve biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Hui
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Orthopaedic Material Innovation and Tissue Regeneration, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Zhiwen Yan
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Orthopaedic Material Innovation and Tissue Regeneration, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Hao Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Orthopaedic Material Innovation and Tissue Regeneration, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Xingxing Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Orthopaedic Material Innovation and Tissue Regeneration, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Wei-En Yuan
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, and School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yun Qian
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Orthopaedic Material Innovation and Tissue Regeneration, Shanghai 201306, China
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2
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Franco R, Rivas-Santisteban R, Navarro G, Pinna A, Reyes-Resina I. Genes Implicated in Familial Parkinson's Disease Provide a Dual Picture of Nigral Dopaminergic Neurodegeneration with Mitochondria Taking Center Stage. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:4643. [PMID: 33924963 PMCID: PMC8124903 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanism of nigral dopaminergic neuronal degeneration in Parkinson's disease (PD) is unknown. One of the pathological characteristics of the disease is the deposition of α-synuclein (α-syn) that occurs in the brain from both familial and sporadic PD patients. This paper constitutes a narrative review that takes advantage of information related to genes (SNCA, LRRK2, GBA, UCHL1, VPS35, PRKN, PINK1, ATP13A2, PLA2G6, DNAJC6, SYNJ1, DJ-1/PARK7 and FBXO7) involved in familial cases of Parkinson's disease (PD) to explore their usefulness in deciphering the origin of dopaminergic denervation in many types of PD. Direct or functional interactions between genes or gene products are evaluated using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING) database. The rationale is to propose a map of the interactions between SNCA, the gene encoding for α-syn that aggregates in PD, and other genes, the mutations of which lead to early-onset PD. The map contrasts with the findings obtained using animal models that are the knockout of one of those genes or that express the mutated human gene. From combining in silico data from STRING-based assays with in vitro and in vivo data in transgenic animals, two likely mechanisms appeared: (i) the processing of native α-syn is altered due to the mutation of genes involved in vesicular trafficking and protein processing, or (ii) α-syn mutants alter the mechanisms necessary for the correct vesicular trafficking and protein processing. Mitochondria are a common denominator since both mechanisms require extra energy production, and the energy for the survival of neurons is obtained mainly from the complete oxidation of glucose. Dopamine itself can result in an additional burden to the mitochondria of dopaminergic neurons because its handling produces free radicals. Drugs acting on G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in the mitochondria of neurons may hopefully end up targeting those receptors to reduce oxidative burden and increase mitochondrial performance. In summary, the analysis of the data of genes related to familial PD provides relevant information on the etiology of sporadic cases and might suggest new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Franco
- Department Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (R.F.); (R.R.-S.); (I.R.-R.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Rafael Rivas-Santisteban
- Department Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (R.F.); (R.R.-S.); (I.R.-R.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Gemma Navarro
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain;
- Department Biochemistry and Physiology, School of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Annalisa Pinna
- National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Neuroscience Institute–Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Blocco A, SP 8, Km 0.700, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Irene Reyes-Resina
- Department Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (R.F.); (R.R.-S.); (I.R.-R.)
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Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration in Various Forms of Parkinsonism-Similarities and Differences. Cells 2021; 10:cells10030656. [PMID: 33809527 PMCID: PMC7999195 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD), dementia with Lewy body (DLB), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), corticobasal degeneration (CBD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA) belong to a group of neurodegenerative diseases called parkinsonian syndromes. They share several clinical, neuropathological and genetic features. Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the progressive dysfunction of specific populations of neurons, determining clinical presentation. Neuronal loss is associated with extra- and intracellular accumulation of misfolded proteins. The parkinsonian diseases affect distinct areas of the brain. PD and MSA belong to a group of synucleinopathies that are characterized by the presence of fibrillary aggregates of α-synuclein protein in the cytoplasm of selected populations of neurons and glial cells. PSP is a tauopathy associated with the pathological aggregation of the microtubule associated tau protein. Although PD is common in the world’s aging population and has been extensively studied, the exact mechanisms of the neurodegeneration are still not fully understood. Growing evidence indicates that parkinsonian disorders to some extent share a genetic background, with two key components identified so far: the microtubule associated tau protein gene (MAPT) and the α-synuclein gene (SNCA). The main pathways of parkinsonian neurodegeneration described in the literature are the protein and mitochondrial pathways. The factors that lead to neurodegeneration are primarily environmental toxins, inflammatory factors, oxidative stress and traumatic brain injury.
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Hadi F, Akrami H, Totonchi M, Barzegar A, Nabavi SM, Shahpasand K. α-synuclein abnormalities trigger focal tau pathology, spreading to various brain areas in Parkinson disease. J Neurochem 2021; 157:727-751. [PMID: 33264426 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, whose prevalence is 2~3% in the population over 65. α-Synuclein aggregation is the major pathological hallmark of PD. However, recent studies have demonstrated enhancing evidence of tau pathology in PD. Despite extensive considerations, thus far, the actual spreading mechanism of neurodegeneration has remained elusive in a PD brain. This study aimed to further investigate the development of α-synuclein and tau pathology. We employed various PD models, including cultured neurons treated with either 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) or with recombinant α-synuclein. Also, we studied dopaminergic neurons of cytokine Interferon-β knock-out. Moreover, we examined rats treated with 6-hydroxydopamine, Rhesus monkeys administrated with MPTP neurotoxin, and finally, human post-mortem brains. We found the α-synuclein phosphorylation triggers tau pathogenicity. Also, we observed more widespread phosphorylated tau than α-synuclein with prion-like nature in various brain areas. We optionally removed P-tau or P-α-synuclein from cytokine interferon-β knock out with respective monoclonal antibodies. We found that tau immunotherapy suppressed neurodegeneration more than α-synuclein elimination. Our findings indicate that the pathogenic tau could be one of the leading causes of comprehensive neurodegeneration triggered by PD. Thus, we can propose an efficient therapeutic target to fight the devastating disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Hadi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Hassan Akrami
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Mehdi Totonchi
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Seyed Massood Nabavi
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Koorosh Shahpasand
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
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El Soury M, Fornasari BE, Morano M, Grazio E, Ronchi G, Incarnato D, Giacobini M, Geuna S, Provero P, Gambarotta G. Soluble Neuregulin1 Down-Regulates Myelination Genes in Schwann Cells. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:157. [PMID: 29867349 PMCID: PMC5960709 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Peripheral nerves are characterised by the ability to regenerate after injury. Schwann cell activity is fundamental for all steps of peripheral nerve regeneration: immediately after injury they de-differentiate, remove myelin debris, proliferate and repopulate the injured nerve. Soluble Neuregulin1 (NRG1) is a growth factor that is strongly up-regulated and released by Schwann cells immediately after nerve injury. To identify the genes regulated in Schwann cells by soluble NRG1, we performed deep RNA sequencing to generate a transcriptome database and identify all the genes regulated following 6 h stimulation of primary adult rat Schwann cells with soluble recombinant NRG1. Interestingly, the gene ontology analysis of the transcriptome reveals that NRG1 regulates genes belonging to categories that are regulated in the peripheral nerve immediately after an injury. In particular, NRG1 strongly inhibits the expression of genes involved in myelination and in glial cell differentiation, suggesting that NRG1 might be involved in the de-differentiation (or "trans-differentiation") process of Schwann cells from a myelinating to a repair phenotype. Moreover, NRG1 inhibits genes involved in the apoptotic process, and up-regulates genes positively regulating the ribosomal RNA processing, thus suggesting that NRG1 might promote cell survival and stimulate new protein expression. This in vitro transcriptome analysis demonstrates that in Schwann cells NRG1 drives the expression of several genes which partially overlap with genes regulated in vivo after peripheral nerve injury, underlying the pivotal role of NRG1 in the first steps of the nerve regeneration process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa El Soury
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Benedetta E Fornasari
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, Turin, Italy.,Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Michela Morano
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, Turin, Italy.,Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Elio Grazio
- Computational Epidemiology Group and Data Analysis Unit, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Giulia Ronchi
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, Turin, Italy.,Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Mario Giacobini
- Computational Epidemiology Group and Data Analysis Unit, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Stefano Geuna
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Paolo Provero
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences (MBC), University of Torino, Turin, Italy.,Center for Translational Genomics and Bioinformatics, San Raffaele Scientific Institute (IRCCS), Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanna Gambarotta
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
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Xuan Q, Zhang YX, Liu DG, Chan P, Xu SL, Cui YQ. Post-translational modifications of α-synuclein contribute to neurodegeneration in the colon of elderly individuals. Mol Med Rep 2016; 13:5077-83. [PMID: 27109489 PMCID: PMC4878562 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.5166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Accepted: 02/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Synucleinopathies and abnormalities in the nerves of the enteric nervous system are hypothesized to be involved in age-associated motility disorders. The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression of various antigens, including α‑synuclein (Syn) and its post‑translational modified forms, in the human colon at various ages. In addition, the study aimed to correlate the expression of Syn with neurodegeneration. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of neurofilament (NF), Syn, as well as its nitrated (N) form in the healthy colonic tissue of 12 young (34.08±5.12 years), 10 middle‑aged (51.80±3.52 years), and 11 elderly (75.82±7.70 years) individuals. To the best of our knowledge, the current study is the first to demonstrate the presence of N‑Syn in the colonic tissue. N‑Syn was identified in the upper layer of the mucosa and submucosa layer. Furthermore, Syn (wild‑type) was present in the mucosa and submucosa. The number of NF‑positive neurons in the submucosal layer declined significantly with age (P<0.01). In addition, Syn and N‑Syn significantly increased during aging (P<0.01). Furthermore, a negative correlation was identified between neuron number and synucleinopathies, indicating the abnormal accumulation of both wild-type Syn and N‑Syn in the mucosa, submucosa, muscle layer and myenteric plexus. The present study demonstrates that the Syn pathology may be linked to colic neuronal degeneration during normal aging, and this link may cause functional deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Xuan
- Department of Nutrition, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, P.R. China
| | - Yu-Xian Zhang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Beijing Moslem Hospital, Beijing 100054, P.R. China
| | - Dian-Gang Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, P.R. China
| | - Piu Chan
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute of Geriatrics of Beijing, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Key Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Disease of Ministry of Education, Beijing 100053, P.R. China
| | - Sheng-Li Xu
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute of Geriatrics of Beijing, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Key Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Disease of Ministry of Education, Beijing 100053, P.R. China
| | - Ye-Qing Cui
- Department of General Surgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, P.R. China
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Nurr1 and Retinoid X Receptor Ligands Stimulate Ret Signaling in Dopamine Neurons and Can Alleviate α-Synuclein Disrupted Gene Expression. J Neurosci 2016; 35:14370-85. [PMID: 26490873 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1155-15.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED α-synuclein, a protein enriched in Lewy bodies and highly implicated in neurotoxicity in Parkinson's disease, is distributed both at nerve terminals and in the cell nucleus. Here we show that a nuclear derivative of α-synuclein induces more pronounced changes at the gene expression level in mouse primary dopamine (DA) neurons compared to a derivative that is excluded from the nucleus. Moreover, by RNA sequencing we analyzed the extent of genome-wide effects on gene expression resulting from expression of human α-synuclein in primary mouse DA neurons. The results implicated the transcription factor Nurr1 as a key dysregulated target of α-synuclein toxicity. Forced Nurr1 expression restored the expression of hundreds of dysregulated genes in primary DA neurons expressing α-synuclein, and therefore prompted us to test the possibility that Nurr1 can be pharmacologically targeted by bexarotene, a ligand for the retinoid X receptor that forms heterodimers with Nurr1. Although our data demonstrated that bexarotene was ineffective in neuroprotection in rats in vivo, the results revealed that bexarotene has the capacity to coregulate subsets of Nurr1 target genes including the receptor tyrosine kinase subunit Ret. Moreover, bexarotene was able to restore dysfunctional Ret-dependent neurotrophic signaling in α-synuclein-overexpressing mouse DA neurons. These data highlight the role of the Nurr1-Ret signaling pathway as a target of α-synuclein toxicity and suggest that retinoid X receptor ligands with appropriate pharmacological properties could have therapeutic potential in Parkinson's disease. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT How α-synuclein, a protein enriched in Lewy bodies in Parkinson's disease, is causing neuropathology in dopamine neurons remains unclear. This study elucidated how α-synuclein is influencing gene expression and how Nurr1, a transcription factor known to protect dopamine neurons against α-synuclein toxicity, can counteract these effects. Moreover, given the protective role of Nurr1, this study also investigated how Nurr1 could be pharmacologically targeted via bexarotene, a ligand of Nurr1's heterodimerization partner retinoid X receptor (RXR). The results showed that RXR ligands could increase neurotrophic signaling, but provided a mixed picture of its potential in a Parkinson's disease rat model in vivo. However, this study clearly emphasized Nurr1's neuroprotective role and indicated that other RXR ligands could have therapeutic potential in Parkinson's disease.
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8
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Kuzdas-Wood D, Irschick R, Theurl M, Malsch P, Mair N, Mantinger C, Wanschitz J, Klimaschewski L, Poewe W, Stefanova N, Wenning GK. Involvement of Peripheral Nerves in the Transgenic PLP-α-Syn Model of Multiple System Atrophy: Extending the Phenotype. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0136575. [PMID: 26496712 PMCID: PMC4619736 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0136575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 08/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a fatal, rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disease with (oligodendro-)glial cytoplasmic α-synuclein (α-syn) inclusions (GCIs). Peripheral neuropathies have been reported in up to 40% of MSA patients, the cause remaining unclear. In a transgenic MSA mouse model featuring GCI-like inclusion pathology based on PLP-promoter driven overexpression of human α-syn in oligodendroglia motor and non-motor deficits are associated with MSA-like neurodegeneration. Since α-syn is also expressed in Schwann cells we aimed to investigate whether peripheral nerves are anatomically and functionally affected in the PLP-α-syn MSA mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Kuzdas-Wood
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Tirol, Austria
| | - Regina Irschick
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Division of Clinical and Functional Anatomy, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Division of Neuroanatomy, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Markus Theurl
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Tirol, Austria
| | - Philipp Malsch
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Tirol, Austria
| | - Norbert Mair
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Tirol, Austria
| | - Christine Mantinger
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Tirol, Austria
| | - Julia Wanschitz
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Tirol, Austria
| | - Lars Klimaschewski
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Division of Clinical and Functional Anatomy, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Werner Poewe
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Tirol, Austria
| | - Nadia Stefanova
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Tirol, Austria
| | - Gregor K. Wenning
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Tirol, Austria
- * E-mail:
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Alpha-Synuclein affects neurite morphology, autophagy, vesicle transport and axonal degeneration in CNS neurons. Cell Death Dis 2015; 6:e1811. [PMID: 26158517 PMCID: PMC4650722 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2015.169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2014] [Revised: 05/14/2015] [Accepted: 05/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Many neuropathological and experimental studies suggest that the degeneration of dopaminergic terminals and axons precedes the demise of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, which finally results in the clinical symptoms of Parkinson disease (PD). The mechanisms underlying this early axonal degeneration are, however, still poorly understood. Here, we examined the effects of overexpression of human wildtype alpha-synuclein (αSyn-WT), a protein associated with PD, and its mutant variants αSyn-A30P and -A53T on neurite morphology and functional parameters in rat primary midbrain neurons (PMN). Moreover, axonal degeneration after overexpression of αSyn-WT and -A30P was analyzed by live imaging in the rat optic nerve in vivo. We found that overexpression of αSyn-WT and of its mutants A30P and A53T impaired neurite outgrowth of PMN and affected neurite branching assessed by Sholl analysis in a variant-dependent manner. Surprisingly, the number of primary neurites per neuron was increased in neurons transfected with αSyn. Axonal vesicle transport was examined by live imaging of PMN co-transfected with EGFP-labeled synaptophysin. Overexpression of all αSyn variants significantly decreased the number of motile vesicles and decelerated vesicle transport compared with control. Macroautophagic flux in PMN was enhanced by αSyn-WT and -A53T but not by αSyn-A30P. Correspondingly, colocalization of αSyn and the autophagy marker LC3 was reduced for αSyn-A30P compared with the other αSyn variants. The number of mitochondria colocalizing with LC3 as a marker for mitophagy did not differ among the groups. In the rat optic nerve, both αSyn-WT and -A30P accelerated kinetics of acute axonal degeneration following crush lesion as analyzed by in vivo live imaging. We conclude that αSyn overexpression impairs neurite outgrowth and augments axonal degeneration, whereas axonal vesicle transport and autophagy are severely altered.
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10
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Acosta SA, Tajiri N, de la Pena I, Bastawrous M, Sanberg PR, Kaneko Y, Borlongan CV. Alpha-synuclein as a pathological link between chronic traumatic brain injury and Parkinson's disease. J Cell Physiol 2015; 230:1024-32. [PMID: 25251017 PMCID: PMC4328145 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.24830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2014] [Accepted: 09/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The long-term consequences of traumatic brain injury (TBI) are closely associated with the development of histopathological deficits. Notably, TBI may predispose long-term survivors to age-related neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease (PD), which is characterized by a gradual degeneration of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons. However, preclinical studies on the pathophysiological changes in substantia nigra (SN) after chronic TBI are lacking. In the present in vivo study, we examined the pathological link between PD-associated dopaminergic neuronal loss and chronic TBI. Sixty days post-TBI, rats were euthanized and brain tissues harvested. Immunostaining was performed using tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), an enzyme required for the synthesis of dopamine in neurons, α-synuclein, a presynaptic protein that plays a role in synaptic vesicle recycling, and major histocompatibility complex II (MHCII), a protein found in antigen presenting cells such as inflammatory microglia cells, all key players in PD pathology. Unbiased stereology analyses revealed significant decrease of TH-positive expression in the surviving dopaminergic neurons of the SN pars compacta (SNpc) relative to sham control. In parallel, increased α-synuclein accumulation was detected in the ipsilateral SN compared to the contralateral SN in TBI animals or sham control. In addition, exacerbation of MHCII+ cells was recognized in the SN and cerebral peduncle ipsilateral to injury relative to contralateral side and sham control. These results suggest α-synuclein as a pathological link between chronic effects of TBI and PD symptoms as evidenced by significant overexpression and abnormal accumulation of α-synuclein in inflammation-infiltrated SN of rats exposed to chronic TBI. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 1024–1032, 2015. © 2014 The Authors. Journal of Cellular Physiology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra A Acosta
- Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida
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Cutaneous neuropathy in Parkinson's disease: a window into brain pathology. Acta Neuropathol 2014; 128:99-109. [PMID: 24788821 PMCID: PMC4059960 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-014-1284-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2014] [Revised: 03/01/2014] [Accepted: 04/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The deposition of alpha-synuclein in the brain, the neuropathological hallmark of Parkinson’s disease (PD), follows a distinct anatomical and temporal sequence. This study aimed to characterize alpha-synuclein deposition in cutaneous nerves from patients with PD. We further strived to explore whether peripheral nerve involvement is intrinsic to PD and reflective of known features of brain pathology, which could render it a useful tool for pathogenetic studies and pre-mortem histological diagnosis of PD. We obtained skin biopsies from the distal and proximal leg, back and finger of 31 PD patients and 35 controls and quantified the colocalization of phosphorylated alpha-synuclein in somatosensory and autonomic nerve fibers and the pattern of loss of different subtypes of dermal fibers. Deposits of phosphorylated alpha-synuclein were identified in 16/31 PD patients but in 0/35 controls (p < 0.0001). Quantification of nerve fibers revealed two types of peripheral neurodegeneration in PD: (1) a length-dependent reduction of intraepidermal small nerve fibers (p < 0.05) and (2) a severe non-length-dependent reduction of substance P-immunoreactive intraepidermal nerve fibers (p < 0.0001). The latter coincided with a more pronounced proximal manifestation of alpha-synuclein pathology in the skin. The histological changes did not correlate with markers of levodopa toxicity such as vitamin B12 deficiency. Our findings suggest that loss of peripheral nerve fibers is an intrinsic feature of PD and that peripheral nerve changes may reflect the two types of central alpha-synuclein-related PD pathology, namely neuronal death and axonal degeneration. Detection of phosphorylated alpha-synuclein in dermal nerve fibers might be a useful diagnostic test for PD with high specificity but low sensitivity.
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Games D, Seubert P, Rockenstein E, Patrick C, Trejo M, Ubhi K, Ettle B, Ghassemiam M, Barbour R, Schenk D, Nuber S, Masliah E. Axonopathy in an α-synuclein transgenic model of Lewy body disease is associated with extensive accumulation of C-terminal-truncated α-synuclein. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2013; 182:940-53. [PMID: 23313024 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2012.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2012] [Revised: 11/19/2012] [Accepted: 11/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Progressive accumulation of α-synuclein (α-syn) in limbic and striatonigral systems is associated with the neurodegenerative processes in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Parkinson's disease (PD). The murine Thy-1 (mThy1)-α-syn transgenic (tg) model recapitulates aspects of degenerative processes associated with α-syn accumulation in these disorders. Given that axonal and synaptic pathologies are important features of DLB and PD, we sought to investigate the extent and characteristics of these alterations in mThy1-α-syn tg mice and to determine the contribution of α-syn c-terminally cleaved at amino acid 122 (CT α-syn) to these abnormalities. We generated a novel polyclonal antibody (SYN105) against the c-terminally truncated sequence (amino acids 121 to 123) of α-syn (CT α-syn) and performed immunocytochemical and ultrastructural analyses in mThy1-α-syn tg mice. We found abundant clusters of dystrophic neurites in layers 2 to 3 of the neocortex, the stratum lacunosum, the dentate gyrus, and cornu ammonis 3 of the hippocampus, striatum, thalamus, midbrain, and pons. Dystrophic neurites displayed intense immunoreactivity detected with the SYN105 antibody. Double-labeling studies with antibodies to phosphorylated neurofilaments confirmed the axonal location of full-length and CT α-syn. α-Syn immunoreactive dystrophic neurites contained numerous electrodense laminated structures. These results show that neuritic dystrophy is a prominent pathologic feature of the mThy1-α-syn tg model and suggest that CT α-syn might play an important role in the process of axonal damage in these mice as well as in DLB and PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dora Games
- Neotope Biosciences, South San Francisco, California, USA
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Chu Y, Morfini GA, Langhamer LB, He Y, Brady ST, Kordower JH. Alterations in axonal transport motor proteins in sporadic and experimental Parkinson's disease. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 135:2058-73. [PMID: 22719003 DOI: 10.1093/brain/aws133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 211] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The progressive loss of the nigrostriatal pathway is a distinguishing feature of Parkinson's disease. As terminal field loss seems to precede cell body loss, we tested whether alterations of axonal transport motor proteins would be early features in Parkinson's disease. There was a decline in axonal transport motor proteins in sporadic Parkinson's disease that preceded other well-known nigral cell-related pathology such as phenotypic downregulation of dopamine. Reductions in conventional kinesin levels precede the alterations in dopaminergic phenotypic markers (tyrosine hydroxylase) in the early stages of Parkinson's disease. This reduction was significantly greater in nigral neurons containing α-synuclein inclusions. Unlike conventional kinesin, reductions in the levels of the cytoplasmic dynein light chain Tctex type 3 subunit were only observed at late Parkinson's disease stages. Reductions in levels of conventional kinesin and cytoplasmic dynein subunits were recapitulated in a rat genetic Parkinson's disease model based on over-expression of human mutant α-synuclein (A30P). Together, our data suggest that α-synuclein aggregation is a key feature associated with reductions of axonal transport motor proteins in Parkinson's disease and support the hypothesis that dopaminergic neurodegeneration following a 'dying-back' pattern involving axonal transport disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaping Chu
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Centre, 1735 West Harrison Street, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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Goldman SM, Kamel F, Ross GW, Jewell SA, Bhudhikanok GS, Umbach D, Marras C, Hauser RA, Jankovic J, Factor SA, Bressman S, Lyons KE, Meng C, Korell M, Roucoux DF, Hoppin JA, Sandler DP, Langston JW, Tanner CM. Head injury, α-synuclein Rep1, and Parkinson's disease. Ann Neurol 2012; 71:40-8. [PMID: 22275250 DOI: 10.1002/ana.22499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To test the hypothesis that variability in SNCA Rep1, a polymorphic dinucleotide microsatellite in the promoter region of the gene encoding α-synuclein, modifies the association between head injury and Parkinson's disease (PD) risk. METHODS Participants in the Farming and Movement Evaluation (FAME) and the Study of Environmental Association and Risk of Parkinsonism using Case-Control Historical Interviews (SEARCH), 2 independent case-control studies, were genotyped for Rep1 and interviewed regarding head injuries with loss of consciousness or concussion prior to Parkinson's disease (PD) diagnosis. Logistic regression modeling adjusted for potential confounding variables and tested interaction between Rep1 genotype and head injury. RESULTS Consistent with prior reports, relative to medium-length Rep1, short Rep1 genotype was associated with reduced PD risk (pooled odds ratio [OR], 0.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.5-0.9), and long Rep1 with increased risk (pooled OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 0.95-2.2). Overall, head injury was not significantly associated with PD (pooled OR, 1.3; 95% CI, 0.9-1.8). However, head injury was strongly associated with PD in those with long Rep1 (FAME OR, 5.4; 95% CI, 1.5-19; SEARCH OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 0.6-9.2; pooled OR, 3.5; 95% CI 1.4-9.2, p-interaction = 0.02). Individuals with both head injury and long Rep1 were diagnosed 4.9 years earlier than those with neither risk factor (p = 0.03). INTERPRETATION While head injury alone was not associated with PD risk, our data suggest head injury may initiate and/or accelerate neurodegeneration when levels of synuclein are high, as in those with Rep1 expansion. Given the high population frequency of head injury, independent verification of these results is essential.
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Lingor P, Koch JC, Tönges L, Bähr M. Axonal degeneration as a therapeutic target in the CNS. Cell Tissue Res 2012; 349:289-311. [PMID: 22392734 PMCID: PMC3375418 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-012-1362-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2011] [Accepted: 02/02/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Degeneration of the axon is an important step in the pathomechanism of traumatic, inflammatory and degenerative neurological diseases. Increasing evidence suggests that axonal degeneration occurs early in the course of these diseases and therefore represents a promising target for future therapeutic strategies. We review the evidence for axonal destruction from pathological findings and animal models with particular emphasis on neurodegenerative and neurotraumatic disorders. We discuss the basic morphological and temporal modalities of axonal degeneration (acute, chronic and focal axonal degeneration and Wallerian degeneration). Based on the mechanistic concepts, we then delineate in detail the major molecular mechanisms that underlie the degenerative cascade, such as calcium influx, axonal transport, protein aggregation and autophagy. We finally concentrate on putative therapeutic targets based on the mechanistic prerequisites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Lingor
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Strasse 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany.
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Mitra S, Chakrabarti N, Bhattacharyya A. Differential regional expression patterns of α-synuclein, TNF-α, and IL-1β; and variable status of dopaminergic neurotoxicity in mouse brain after Paraquat treatment. J Neuroinflammation 2011; 8:163. [PMID: 22112368 PMCID: PMC3247140 DOI: 10.1186/1742-2094-8-163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2011] [Accepted: 11/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Paraquat (1, 1-dimethyl-4, 4-bipyridium dichloride; PQ) causes neurotoxicity, especially dopaminergic neurotoxicity, and is a supposed risk factor for Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of PQ-induced neurodegeneration are far from clear. Previous studies have shown that PQ induces neuroinflammation and dopaminergic cell loss, but the prime cause of those events is still in debate. Methods We examined the neuropathological effects of PQ not only in substantia nigra (SN) but also in frontal cortex (FC) and hippocampus of the progressive mouse (adult Swiss albino) model of PD-like neurodegeneration, using immunohistochemistry, western blots, and histological and biochemical analyses. Results PQ caused differential patterns of changes in cellular morphology and expression of proteins related to PD and neuroinflammation in the three regions examined (SN, FC and hippocampus). Coincident with behavioral impairment and brain-specific ROS generation, there was differential immunolocalization and decreased expression levels of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in the three regions, whereas α-synuclein immunopositivity increased in hippocampus, increased in FC and decreased in SN. PQ-induced neuroinflammation was characterized by area-specific changes in localization and appearances of microglial cells with or without activation and increment in expression patterns of tumor necrosis factor-α in the three regions of mouse brain. Expression of interleukin-1β was increased in FC and hippocampus but not significantly changed in SN. Conclusion The present study demonstrates that PQ induces ROS production and differential α-synuclein expression that promotes neuroinflammation in microglia-dependent or -independent manners, and produces different patterns of dopaminergic neurotoxicity in three different regions of mouse brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soham Mitra
- Immunology Lab, Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India
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