1
|
Lage L, Rodriguez-Perez AI, Villar-Cheda B, Labandeira-Garcia JL, Dominguez-Meijide A. Angiotensin type 1 receptor activation promotes neuronal and glial alpha-synuclein aggregation and transmission. NPJ Parkinsons Dis 2024; 10:37. [PMID: 38368444 PMCID: PMC10874459 DOI: 10.1038/s41531-024-00650-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The brain renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has been related to dopaminergic degeneration, and high expression of the angiotensin II (AngII) type 1 receptor (AT1) gene is a marker of the most vulnerable neurons in humans. However, it is unknown whether AngII/AT1 overactivation affects α-synuclein aggregation and transmission. In vitro, AngII/AT1 activation increased α-synuclein aggregation in dopaminergic neurons and microglial cells, which was related to AngII-induced NADPH-oxidase activation and intracellular calcium raising. In mice, AngII/AT1 activation was involved in MPTP-induced increase in α-synuclein expression and aggregation, as they significantly decreased in mice treated with the AT1 blocker telmisartan and AT1 knockout mice. Cell co-cultures (transwells) revealed strong transmission of α-synuclein from dopaminergic neurons to astrocytes and microglia. AngII induced a higher α-synuclein uptake by microglial cells and an increase in the transfer of α-synuclein among astroglial cells. However, AngII did not increase the release of α-synuclein by neurons. The results further support brain RAS dysregulation as a major mechanism for the progression of Parkinson's disease, and AT1 inhibition and RAS modulation as therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Lage
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology of Parkinson's disease, Research Center for Molecular Medicine and Chronic diseases (CIMUS), IDIS, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Ana I Rodriguez-Perez
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology of Parkinson's disease, Research Center for Molecular Medicine and Chronic diseases (CIMUS), IDIS, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Begoña Villar-Cheda
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology of Parkinson's disease, Research Center for Molecular Medicine and Chronic diseases (CIMUS), IDIS, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose L Labandeira-Garcia
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology of Parkinson's disease, Research Center for Molecular Medicine and Chronic diseases (CIMUS), IDIS, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
- Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Antonio Dominguez-Meijide
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology of Parkinson's disease, Research Center for Molecular Medicine and Chronic diseases (CIMUS), IDIS, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
- Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Galkin M, Priss A, Kyriukha Y, Shvadchak V. Navigating α-Synuclein Aggregation Inhibition: Methods, Mechanisms, and Molecular Targets. CHEM REC 2024; 24:e202300282. [PMID: 37919046 DOI: 10.1002/tcr.202300282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is a yet incurable, age-related neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the aggregation of small neuronal protein α-synuclein into amyloid fibrils. Inhibition of this process is a prospective strategy for developing a disease-modifying treatment. We overview here small molecule, peptide, and protein inhibitors of α-synuclein fibrillization reported to date. Special attention was paid to the specificity of inhibitors and critical analysis of their action mechanisms. Namely, the importance of oxidation of polyphenols and cross-linking of α-synuclein into inhibitory dimers was highlighted. We also compared strategies of targeting monomeric, oligomeric, and fibrillar α-synuclein species, thoroughly discussed the strong and weak sides of different approaches to testing the inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maksym Galkin
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Anastasiia Priss
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Yevhenii Kyriukha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States
| | - Volodymyr Shvadchak
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
So RWL, Watts JC. α-Synuclein Conformational Strains as Drivers of Phenotypic Heterogeneity in Neurodegenerative Diseases. J Mol Biol 2023:168011. [PMID: 36792008 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
The synucleinopathies, which include Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and multiple system atrophy, are a class of human neurodegenerative disorders unified by the presence of α-synuclein aggregates in the brain. Considerable clinical and pathological heterogeneity exists within and among the individual synucleinopathies. A potential explanation for this variability is the existence of distinct conformational strains of α-synuclein aggregates that cause different disease manifestations. Like prion strains, α-synuclein strains can be delineated based on their structural architecture, with structural differences among α-synuclein aggregates leading to unique biochemical attributes and neuropathological properties in humans and animal models. Bolstered by recent high-resolution structural data from patient brain-derived material, it has now been firmly established that there are conformational differences among α-synuclein aggregates from different human synucleinopathies. Moreover, recombinant α-synuclein can be polymerized into several structurally distinct aggregates that exhibit unique pathological properties. In this review, we outline the evidence supporting the existence of α-synuclein strains and highlight how they can act as drivers of phenotypic heterogeneity in the human synucleinopathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raphaella W L So
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. https://twitter.com/xsakuraphie
| | - Joel C Watts
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. https://twitter.com/JoelWattsLab
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang Y, Bergström J, Ingelsson M, Westermark GT. Studies on alpha-synuclein and islet amyloid polypeptide interaction. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1080112. [PMID: 36793785 PMCID: PMC9922763 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1080112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Parkinson's disease and type 2 diabetes have both elements of local amyloid depositions in their pathogenesis. In Parkinson's disease, alpha-synuclein (aSyn) forms insoluble Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites in brain neurons, and in type 2 diabetes, islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) comprises the amyloid in the islets of Langerhans. In this study, we assessed the interaction between aSyn and IAPP in human pancreatic tissues, both ex vivo and in vitro. Material and Methods: The antibody-based detection techniques, proximity ligation assay (PLA), and immuno-TEM were used for co-localization studies. Bifluorescence complementation (BiFC) was used for interaction studies between IAPP and aSyn in HEK 293 cells. The Thioflavin T assay was used for studies of cross-seeding between IAPP and aSyn. ASyn was downregulated with siRNA, and insulin secretion was monitored using TIRF microscopy. Results: We demonstrate intracellular co-localization of aSyn with IAPP, while aSyn is absent in the extracellular amyloid deposits. ASyn reactivity is present in the secretory granules of β-cells and some α-cells in human islets. The BiFC-expression of aSyn/aSyn and IAPP/IAPP in HEK293 cells resulted in 29.3% and 19.7% fluorescent cells, respectively, while aSyn/IAPP co-expression resulted in ∼10% fluorescent cells. Preformed aSyn fibrils seeded IAPP fibril formation in vitro, but adding preformed IAPP seeds to aSyn did not change aSyn fibrillation. In addition, mixing monomeric aSyn with monomeric IAPP did not affect IAPP fibril formation. Finally, the knockdown of endogenous aSyn did not affect β cell function or viability, nor did overexpression of aSyn affect β cell viability. Discussion: Despite the proximity of aSyn and IAPP in β-cells and the detected capacity of preformed aSyn fibrils to seed IAPP in vitro, it is still an open question if an interaction between the two molecules is of pathogenic significance for type 2 diabetes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ye Wang
- Departments of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Joakim Bergström
- Departments ofPublic Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Martin Ingelsson
- Departments ofPublic Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden,Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada,Department of Medicine and Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gunilla T. Westermark
- Departments of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden,*Correspondence: Gunilla T. Westermark,
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Seeing Neurodegeneration in a New Light Using Genetically Encoded Fluorescent Biosensors and iPSCs. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021766. [PMID: 36675282 PMCID: PMC9861453 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases present a progressive loss of neuronal structure and function, leading to cell death and irrecoverable brain atrophy. Most have disease-modifying therapies, in part because the mechanisms of neurodegeneration are yet to be defined, preventing the development of targeted therapies. To overcome this, there is a need for tools that enable a quantitative assessment of how cellular mechanisms and diverse environmental conditions contribute to disease. One such tool is genetically encodable fluorescent biosensors (GEFBs), engineered constructs encoding proteins with novel functions capable of sensing spatiotemporal changes in specific pathways, enzyme functions, or metabolite levels. GEFB technology therefore presents a plethora of unique sensing capabilities that, when coupled with induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), present a powerful tool for exploring disease mechanisms and identifying novel therapeutics. In this review, we discuss different GEFBs relevant to neurodegenerative disease and how they can be used with iPSCs to illuminate unresolved questions about causes and risks for neurodegenerative disease.
Collapse
|
6
|
Estaun-Panzano J, Arotcarena ML, Bezard E. Monitoring α-synuclein aggregation. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 176:105966. [PMID: 36527982 PMCID: PMC9875312 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Synucleinopathies, including Parkinson's disease (PD), dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB), and multiple system atrophy (MSA), are characterized by the misfolding and subsequent aggregation of alpha-synuclein (α-syn) that accumulates in cytoplasmic inclusions bodies in the cells of affected brain regions. Since the seminal report of likely-aggregated α-syn presence within the Lewy bodies by Spillantini et al. in 1997, the keyword "synuclein aggregation" has appeared in over 6000 papers (Source: PubMed October 2022). Studying, observing, describing, and quantifying α-syn aggregation is therefore of paramount importance, whether it happens in tubo, in vitro, in post-mortem samples, or in vivo. The past few years have witnessed tremendous progress in understanding aggregation mechanisms and identifying various polymorphs. In this context of growing complexity, it is of utmost importance to understand what tools we possess, what exact information they provide, and in what context they may be applied. Nonetheless, it is also crucial to rationalize the relevance of the information and the limitations of these methods for gauging the final result. In this review, we present the main techniques that have shaped the current views about α-syn structure and dynamics, with particular emphasis on the recent breakthroughs that may change our understanding of synucleinopathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Erwan Bezard
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, IMN, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; Motac Neuroscience Ltd, Manchester, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Torres-Garcia L, P Domingues JM, Brandi E, Haikal C, Mudannayake JM, Brás IC, Gerhardt E, Li W, Svanbergsson A, Outeiro TF, Gouras GK, Li JY. Monitoring the interactions between alpha-synuclein and Tau in vitro and in vivo using bimolecular fluorescence complementation. Sci Rep 2022; 12:2987. [PMID: 35194057 PMCID: PMC8863885 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-06846-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are characterized by pathological accumulation and aggregation of different amyloidogenic proteins, α-synuclein (aSyn) in PD, and amyloid-β (Aβ) and Tau in AD. Strikingly, few PD and AD patients' brains exhibit pure pathology with most cases presenting mixed types of protein deposits in the brain. Bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) is a technique based on the complementation of two halves of a fluorescent protein, which allows direct visualization of protein-protein interactions. In the present study, we assessed the ability of aSyn and Tau to interact with each other. For in vitro evaluation, HEK293 and human neuroblastoma cells were used, while in vivo studies were performed by AAV6 injection in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) of mice and rats. We observed that the co-expression of aSyn and Tau led to the emergence of fluorescence, reflecting the interaction of the proteins in cell lines, as well as in mouse and rat SNpc. Thus, our data indicates that aSyn and Tau are able to interact with each other in a biologically relevant context, and that the BiFC assay is an effective tool for studying aSyn-Tau interactions in vitro and in different rodent models in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Torres-Garcia
- Experimental Dementia Research Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Neural Plasticity and Repair Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Joana M P Domingues
- Neural Plasticity and Repair Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, The Clifford Albbutt Building, Cambridge, UK
| | - Edoardo Brandi
- Neural Plasticity and Repair Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Caroline Haikal
- Neural Plasticity and Repair Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Janitha M Mudannayake
- Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Department of Experimental Medical Science, and Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Inês C Brás
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ellen Gerhardt
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Wen Li
- Neural Plasticity and Repair Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Institute of Health Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Alexander Svanbergsson
- Neural Plasticity and Repair Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Tiago F Outeiro
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Scientific Employee With an Honorary Contract at German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Gunnar K Gouras
- Experimental Dementia Research Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Jia-Yi Li
- Neural Plasticity and Repair Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
- Institute of Health Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Stress-inducible phosphoprotein 1 (HOP/STI1/STIP1) regulates the accumulation and toxicity of α-synuclein in vivo. Acta Neuropathol 2022; 144:881-910. [PMID: 36121476 PMCID: PMC9547791 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-022-02491-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The predominantly pre-synaptic intrinsically disordered protein α-synuclein is prone to misfolding and aggregation in synucleinopathies, such as Parkinson's disease (PD) and Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Molecular chaperones play important roles in protein misfolding diseases and members of the chaperone machinery are often deposited in Lewy bodies. Here, we show that the Hsp90 co-chaperone STI1 co-immunoprecipitated α-synuclein, and co-deposited with Hsp90 and Hsp70 in insoluble protein fractions in two mouse models of α-synuclein misfolding. STI1 and Hsp90 also co-localized extensively with filamentous S129 phosphorylated α-synuclein in ubiquitin-positive inclusions. In PD human brains, STI1 transcripts were increased, and in neurologically healthy brains, STI1 and α-synuclein transcripts correlated. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) analyses revealed direct interaction of α-synuclein with STI1 and indicated that the STI1 TPR2A, but not TPR1 or TPR2B domains, interacted with the C-terminal domain of α-synuclein. In vitro, the STI1 TPR2A domain facilitated S129 phosphorylation by Polo-like kinase 3. Moreover, mice over-expressing STI1 and Hsp90ß presented elevated α-synuclein S129 phosphorylation accompanied by inclusions when injected with α-synuclein pre-formed fibrils. In contrast, reduced STI1 function decreased protein inclusion formation, S129 α-synuclein phosphorylation, while mitigating motor and cognitive deficits as well as mesoscopic brain atrophy in α-synuclein-over-expressing mice. Our findings reveal a vicious cycle in which STI1 facilitates the generation and accumulation of toxic α-synuclein conformers, while α-synuclein-induced proteostatic stress increased insoluble STI1 and Hsp90.
Collapse
|
9
|
Anti-Aggregative Effect of the Antioxidant DJ-1 on the TPPP/p25-Derived Pathological Associations of Alpha-Synuclein. Cells 2021; 10:cells10112909. [PMID: 34831132 PMCID: PMC8616041 DOI: 10.3390/cells10112909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
DJ-1, a multi-functional protein with antioxidant properties, protects dopaminergic neurons against Parkinson’s disease (PD). The oligomerization/assembly of alpha-synuclein (SYN), promoted by Tubulin Polymerization Promoting Protein (TPPP/p25), is fatal in the early stage of PD. The pathological assembly of SYN with TPPP/p25 inhibits their proteolytic degradation. In this work, we identified DJ-1 as a new interactive partner of TPPP/p25, and revealed its influence on the association of TPPP/p25 with SYN. DJ-1 did not affect the TPPP/p25-derived tubulin polymerization; however, it did impede the toxic assembly of TPPP/p25 with SYN. The interaction of DJ-1 with TPPP/p25 was visualized in living human cells by fluorescence confocal microscopy coupled with Bifunctional Fluorescence Complementation (BiFC). While the transfected DJ-1 displayed homogeneous intracellular distribution, the TPPP/p25-DJ-1 complex was aligned along the microtubule network. The anti-aggregative effect of DJ-1 on the pathological TPPP/p25-SYN assemblies was established by the decrease in the intensity of their intracellular fluorescence (BiFC signal) and the increase in the proteolytic degradation of SYN complexed with TPPP/p25 due to the DJ-1-derived disassembly of SYN with TPPP/p25. These data obtained with HeLa and SH-SY5Y cells revealed the protective effect of DJ-1 against toxic SYN assemblies, which assigns a new function to the antioxidant sensor DJ-1.
Collapse
|
10
|
Galkin M, Priss A, Topcheva O, Yushchenko DA, Shvadchak VV. FRET-based assay for intracellular evaluation of α-synuclein aggregation inhibitors. J Neurochem 2021; 159:901-912. [PMID: 34687236 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Aggregation of small neuronal protein α-synuclein (αSyn) in amyloid fibrils is considered to be one of the main causes of Parkinson's disease. Inhibition of this aggregation is a promising approach for disease treatment. Dozens of compounds able to inhibit αSyn fibrillization in solution were developed during the last decade. However, the applicability of most of them in the cellular environment was not established because of the absence of a suitable cell-based assay. In this work, we developed an assay for testing αSyn aggregation inhibitors in cells that is based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between labeled αSyn molecules in fibrils. The assay directly reports the amount of fibrillized αSyn and is more reliable than the assays based on cell viability. Moreover, we showed that cell viability decline does not always correlate with the amount of misfolded αSyn. The developed FRET-based assay does not interfere with the aggregation process and is suitable for high-throughput testing of αSyn aggregation inhibitors. Its application can sort out non-specific inhibitors and thus significantly facilitate the development of drugs for Parkinson`s disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maksym Galkin
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Science, Department of Biochemistry, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Anastasiia Priss
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Science, Department of Biochemistry, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Oleksandra Topcheva
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Dmytro A Yushchenko
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic.,Miltenyi Biotec GmbH, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Volodymyr V Shvadchak
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic.,Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
CK1BP Reduces α-Synuclein Oligomerization and Aggregation Independent of Serine 129 Phosphorylation. Cells 2021; 10:cells10112830. [PMID: 34831053 PMCID: PMC8616157 DOI: 10.3390/cells10112830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathological accumulation of α-Synuclein (α-Syn) is the hallmark of neurodegenerative α-synucleinopathies, including Parkinsons's disease (PD). In contrast to the mostly non-phosphorylated soluble α-Syn, aggregated α-Syn is usually phosphorylated at serine 129 (S129). Therefore, S129-phosphorylation is suspected to interfere with α-Syn aggregation. Among other kinases, protein kinase CK1 (CK1) is known to phosphorylate α-Syn at S129. We overexpressed CK1 binding protein (CK1BP) to inhibit CK1 kinase activity. Using Bimolecular Fluorescence Complementation (BiFC) in combination with biochemical methods, we monitored the S129 phosphorylation and oligomerization of α-Syn in HEK293T cells. We found that CK1BP reduced the overall protein levels of α-Syn. Moreover, CK1BP concomitantly reduced S129 phosphorylation, oligomerization and the amount of insoluble α-Syn. Analyzing different α-Syn variants including S129 mutations, we show that the effects of CK1BP on α-Syn accumulation were independent of S129 phosphorylation. Further analysis of an aggregating polyglutamine (polyQ) protein confirmed a phosphorylation-independent decrease in aggregation. Our results imply that the inhibition of CK1 activity by CK1BP might exert beneficial effects on NDDs in general. Accordingly, CK1BP represents a promising target for the rational design of therapeutic approaches to cease or at least delay the progression of α-synucleinopathies.
Collapse
|
12
|
Wang Y, Westermark GT. The Amyloid Forming Peptides Islet Amyloid Polypeptide and Amyloid β Interact at the Molecular Level. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222011153. [PMID: 34681811 PMCID: PMC8541034 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological studies support a connection between the two common disorders, type-2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. Both conditions have local amyloid formation in their pathogenesis, and cross-seeding between islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) and amyloid β (Aβ) could constitute the link. The bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assay was used to investigate the occurrence of heterologous interactions between IAPP and Aβ and to compare the potential toxic effects of IAPP/Aβ, IAPP/IAPP, and Aβ/Aβ expression in living cells. Microscopy was used to confirm the fluorescence and determine the lysosomal, mitochondrial areas and mitochondrial membrane potential, and a FACS analysis was used to determine ROS production and the role for autophagy. Drosophila melanogaster expressing IAPP and Aβ was used to study their co-deposition and effects on longevity. We showed that the co-expression of IAPP and Aβ resulted in fluorophore reconstitution to the same extent as determined for homologous IAPP/IAPP or Aβ/Aβ expression. The BiFC(+)/BiFC(−) ratio of lysosomal area calculations increased in transfected cells independent of the vector combinations, while only Aβ/Aβ expression increased mitochondrial membrane potential. Expression combinations containing Aβ were necessary for the formation of a congophilic amyloid. In Drosophila melanogaster expressing IAPP/Aβ, co-deposition of the amyloid-forming peptides caused reduced longevity. The BiFC results confirmed a heterologous interaction between IAPP and Aβ, while co-deposits in the brain of Drosophila suggest mixed amyloid aggregates.
Collapse
|
13
|
Patel K, Shah SKH, Prabhakaran P. Aggregation-induced emission materials for protein fibrils imaging. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2021; 185:113-136. [PMID: 34782102 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2021.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Protein fibrillation is linked to many devastating diseases including neurodegenerative disorders. Fluorescence probes play a significant role in the detection of amyloid aggregates, monitoring amyloid kinetics, and in the development of amyloid inhibitors. Despite the considerable progress in this area, the mechanism of amyloid fibril formation in vivo is not completely understood. Recent studies in amyloidosis indicate that oligomers and prefibrillar species are more cytotoxic than the fibrils. Hence, early diagnosis of fibrillation has high therapeutical relevance. The gold standard for amyloid staining is thioflavin-T and its major drawbacks are aggregation caused quenching and inability in the detection of oligomers. New amyloid staining probes with novel properties are highly desirable as they can give valuable insights into the complicated process and can replace conventional probes. Aggregation-induced emission probes (AIE-probes) with desirable features are promising candidates in protein fibrils imaging. AIE probes in staining different amyloid fibrils, monitoring amyloid kinetics, and early-stage conformers are reported. Other remarkable features are they can be modified as NIR probes, multifunctional probes, theranostic probes, and super-resolution imaging probes. We aim to provide a broad perspective on the progress attained with AIE probes in protein fibrils imaging and thereby emphasizing the scope of these smart probes in translative research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karma Patel
- School of Chemical Sciences, Central University of Gujarat, Gandhinagar, India
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Lashuel HA. Alpha-Synuclein oligomerization and aggregation: All models are useful but only if we know what they model: This is the reply to a comment "Alpha-synuclein oligomerization and aggregation: A model will always be a model" on the original article "Monitoring alpha-synuclein oligomerization and aggregation using bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays: What you see is not always what you get". The articles are accompanied by a Preface "How good are cellular models?". J Neurochem 2021; 157:891-898. [PMID: 33336386 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Alpha-synuclein oligomerization is one of the early events on the pathway to Lewy body formation. Therefore, interfering with this process holds tremendous potential for developing therapies that block α-Syn pathology formation and toxicity. The development of robust and reliable cellular models of alpha-synuclein oligomerization is one important step toward achieving this goal. Unlike α-Syn fibrils, which can be detected and labeled using multiple tools and validated antibodies, α-Syn oligomers are very difficult to differentiate from soluble monomeric α-Syn in cells. This has led to increased reliance on fusing fluorescent proteins or fragments thereof to α-Syn to develop assays and cellular models to investigate α-Syn oligomerization. We recently presented results that highlight the limitation of one of these assays, the α-Syn Bimolecular Fluorescence (BIFC) assay (Frey et al. 2020b). Our findings underscored the critical importance of characterizing and validating cellular models before their use in mechanistic studies or drug discovery studies. In this commentary, I present my response to Dr Tiago Outeiro's recent commentary on this work, expand on our previous discussions on the BIFC assay, and propose an integrated approach for the development characterization, validation, and improvements of cellular models of α-Syn oligomerization and aggregation. Having access to multiple well-characterized and validated cellular models is essential not only for advancing our understanding of the biology of α-Syn and PD but also to identify novel therapeutic targets and drugs that could be successfully developed into treatments for PD and synucleinopathies. The more reliable the models, the faster we are likely to achieve these goals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hilal A Lashuel
- Laboratory of Molecular and Chemical Biology of Neurodegeneration, Brain Mind Institute, Faculty of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, CH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Hausmann L, Schulz JB. Preface to an editorial controversy on α-synuclein: How good are cellular models?: This is a Preface for an Editorial controversy between Hilal A. Lashuel "Monitoring alpha-synuclein oligomerization and aggregation using bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays: What you see is not always what you get" and Tiago F. Outeiro "Alpha-synuclein oligomerization and aggregation: A model will always be a model" Read Hilal A. Lashuel's reply "Alpha-Synuclein oligomerization and aggregation: All models are useful but only if we know what they model". J Neurochem 2021; 157:869-871. [PMID: 33715161 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In many scientific disputes, research evidence may support one side or the other of a working hypothesis, and even in case of largely coherent hypotheses, arguments may be in favor of discrepant points of view. In the case of α-synuclein pathology and specific mechanisms of disease progression, various animal and cellular models have been established to pinpoint the physiological and pathological mechanisms. In the present 'Editorial controversy', two well-reputed researchers, Hilal Lashuel and Tiago F. Outeiro, discuss-with view to findings from their own and others' groups in the context of current status of knowledge-the question of how well models on α-synuclein pathology can reflect actual pathomechanisms, and derive recommendations for future research from it that shall help advance our understanding not only of α-synuclein-related pathologies and its role in the formation of Lewy bodies in particular, but of cellular or animal models in general.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Hausmann
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jörg B Schulz
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.,JARA-BRAIN Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH and RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Outeiro TF. Alpha-synuclein oligomerization and aggregation: A model will always be a model: This is a response to "Monitoring alpha-synuclein oligomerization and aggregation using bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays: What you see is not always what you get". Read the reply on "Alpha-Synuclein oligomerization and aggregation: All models are useful but only if we know what they model". The articles are accompanied by a Preface "How good are cellular models?". J Neurochem 2021; 157:889-890. [PMID: 33300125 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Fleming Outeiro
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Göttingen, Germany.,Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany.,Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Kim H, Ju J, Lee HN, Chun H, Seong J. Genetically Encoded Biosensors Based on Fluorescent Proteins. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 21:795. [PMID: 33504068 PMCID: PMC7865379 DOI: 10.3390/s21030795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Genetically encoded biosensors based on fluorescent proteins (FPs) allow for the real-time monitoring of molecular dynamics in space and time, which are crucial for the proper functioning and regulation of complex cellular processes. Depending on the types of molecular events to be monitored, different sensing strategies need to be applied for the best design of FP-based biosensors. Here, we review genetically encoded biosensors based on FPs with various sensing strategies, for example, translocation, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), reconstitution of split FP, pH sensitivity, maturation speed, and so on. We introduce general principles of each sensing strategy and discuss critical factors to be considered if available, then provide representative examples of these FP-based biosensors. These will help in designing the best sensing strategy for the successful development of new genetically encoded biosensors based on FPs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyunbin Kim
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Korea; (H.K.); (J.J.); (H.N.L.); (H.C.)
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Korea
| | - Jeongmin Ju
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Korea; (H.K.); (J.J.); (H.N.L.); (H.C.)
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Korea
| | - Hae Nim Lee
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Korea; (H.K.); (J.J.); (H.N.L.); (H.C.)
- Department of Converging Science and Technology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02453, Korea
| | - Hyeyeon Chun
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Korea; (H.K.); (J.J.); (H.N.L.); (H.C.)
| | - Jihye Seong
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Korea; (H.K.); (J.J.); (H.N.L.); (H.C.)
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Korea
- Department of Converging Science and Technology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02453, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Frey B, AlOkda A, Jackson MP, Riguet N, Duce JA, Lashuel HA. Monitoring alpha-synuclein oligomerization and aggregation using bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays: What you see is not always what you get. J Neurochem 2020; 157:872-888. [PMID: 32772367 PMCID: PMC8246987 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) was introduced a decade ago as a method to monitor alpha‐synuclein (α‐syn) oligomerization in intact cells. Since then, several α‐syn BiFC cellular assays and animal models have been developed based on the assumption that an increase in the fluorescent signal correlates with increased α‐syn oligomerization or aggregation. Despite the increasing use of these assays and models in mechanistic studies, target validation and drug screening, there have been no reports that (1) validate the extent to which the BiFC fluorescent signal correlates with α‐syn oligomerization at the biochemical level; (2) provide a structural characterization of the oligomers and aggregates formed by the BiFC. To address this knowledge gap, we first analysed the expression level and oligomerization properties of the individual constituents of α‐syn‐Venus, one of the most commonly used BiFC systems, in HEK‐293 & SH‐SY5Y cells from three different laboratories using multiple biochemical approaches and techniques. Next, we investigated the biochemical and aggregation properties of α‐syn upon co‐expression of both BiFC fragments. Our results show that (1) the C‐terminal‐Venus fused to α‐syn (α‐syn‐Vc) is present in much lower abundance than its counterpart with N‐terminal‐Venus fused to α‐syn (Vn‐α‐syn); (2) Vn‐α‐syn exhibits a high propensity to form oligomers and higher‐order aggregates; and (3) the expression of either or both fragments does not result in the formation of α‐syn fibrils or cellular inclusions. Furthermore, our results suggest that only a small fraction of Vn‐α‐syn is involved in the formation of the fluorescent BiFC complex and that some of the fluorescent signal may arise from the association or entrapment of α‐syn‐Vc in Vn‐α‐syn aggregates. The fact that the N‐terminal fragment exists predominantly in an aggregated state also indicates that one must exercise caution when using this system to investigate α‐syn oligomerization in cells or in vivo. Altogether, our results suggest that cellular and animal models of oligomerization, aggregation and cell‐to‐cell transmission based on the α‐syn BiFC systems should be thoroughly characterized at the biochemical level to ensure that they reproduce the process of interest and measure what they are intended to measure. ![]()
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Frey
- Laboratory of Molecular and Chemical Biology of Neurodegeneration, Faculty of Life Sciences, Brain Mind Institute, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Abdelrahman AlOkda
- Laboratory of Molecular and Chemical Biology of Neurodegeneration, Faculty of Life Sciences, Brain Mind Institute, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Matthew P Jackson
- The ALBORADA Drug Discovery Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Nathan Riguet
- Laboratory of Molecular and Chemical Biology of Neurodegeneration, Faculty of Life Sciences, Brain Mind Institute, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - James A Duce
- The ALBORADA Drug Discovery Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Hilal A Lashuel
- Laboratory of Molecular and Chemical Biology of Neurodegeneration, Faculty of Life Sciences, Brain Mind Institute, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|