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Schengrund CL. Sphingolipids: Less Enigmatic but Still Many Questions about the Role(s) of Ceramide in the Synthesis/Function of the Ganglioside Class of Glycosphingolipids. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6312. [PMID: 38928016 PMCID: PMC11203820 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126312] [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: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
While much has been learned about sphingolipids, originally named for their sphinx-like enigmatic properties, there are still many unanswered questions about the possible effect(s) of the composition of ceramide on the synthesis and/or behavior of a glycosphingolipid (GSL). Over time, studies of their ceramide component, the sphingoid base containing the lipid moiety of GSLs, were frequently distinct from those performed to ascertain the roles of the carbohydrate moieties. Due to the number of classes of GSLs that can be derived from ceramide, this review focuses on the possible role(s) of ceramide in the synthesis/function of just one GSL class, derived from glucosylceramide (Glc-Cer), namely sialylated ganglio derivatives, initially characterized and named gangliosides (GGs) due to their presence in ganglion cells. While much is known about their synthesis and function, much is still being learned. For example, it is only within the last 15-20 years or so that the mechanism by which the fatty acyl component of ceramide affected its transport to different sites in the Golgi, where it is used for the synthesis of Glu- or galactosyl-Cer (Gal-Cer) and more complex GSLs, was defined. Still to be fully addressed are questions such as (1) whether ceramide composition affects the transport of partially glycosylated GSLs to sites where their carbohydrate chain can be elongated or affects the activity of glycosyl transferases catalyzing that elongation; (2) what controls the differences seen in the ceramide composition of GGs that have identical carbohydrate compositions but vary in that of their ceramide and vice versa; (3) how alterations in ceramide composition affect the function of membrane GGs; and (4) how this knowledge might be applied to the development of therapies for treating diseases that correlate with abnormal expression of GGs. The availability of an updatable data bank of complete structures for individual classes of GSLs found in normal tissues as well as those associated with disease would facilitate research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara-Lynne Schengrund
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
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Scherer SS, Svaren J. Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) Myelin Diseases. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2024; 16:a041376. [PMID: 38253417 PMCID: PMC11065170 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
This is a review of inherited and acquired causes of human demyelinating neuropathies and a subset of disorders that affect axon-Schwann cell interactions. Nearly all inherited demyelinating neuropathies are caused by mutations in genes that are expressed by myelinating Schwann cells, affecting diverse functions in a cell-autonomous manner. The most common acquired demyelinating neuropathies are Guillain-Barré syndrome and chronic, inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, both of which are immune-mediated. An additional group of inherited and acquired disorders affect axon-Schwann cell interactions in the nodal region. Overall, these disorders affect the formation of myelin and its maintenance, with superimposed axonal loss that is clinically important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven S Scherer
- Department of Neurology, The Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - John Svaren
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, USA
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3
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Dziadkowiak E, Nowakowska-Kotas M, Rałowska-Gmoch W, Budrewicz S, Koszewicz M. Molecular, Electrophysiological, and Ultrasonographic Differences in Selected Immune-Mediated Neuropathies with Therapeutic Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119180. [PMID: 37298132 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The spectrum of immune-mediated neuropathies is broad and the different subtypes are still being researched. With the numerous subtypes of immune-mediated neuropathies, establishing the appropriate diagnosis in normal clinical practice is challenging. The treatment of these disorders is also troublesome. The authors have undertaken a literature review of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP), Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) and multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN). The molecular, electrophysiological and ultrasound features of these autoimmune polyneuropathies are analyzed, highlighting the differences in diagnosis and ultimately treatment. The immune dysfunction can lead to damage to the peripheral nervous system. In practice, it is suspected that these disorders are caused by autoimmunity to proteins located in the node of Ranvier or myelin components of peripheral nerves, although disease-associated autoantibodies have not been identified for all disorders. The electrophysiological presence of conduction blocks is another important factor characterizing separate subgroups of treatment-naive motor neuropathies, including multifocal CIDP (synonyms: multifocal demyelinating neuropathy with persistent conduction block), which differs from multifocal motor neuropathy with conduction block (MMN) in both responses to treatment modalities and electrophysiological features. Ultrasound is a reliable method for diagnosing immune-mediated neuropathies, particularly when alternative diagnostic examinations yield inconclusive results. In overall terms, the management of these disorders includes immunotherapy such as corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin or plasma exchange. Improvements in clinical criteria and the development of more disease-specific immunotherapies should expand the therapeutic possibilities for these debilitating diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edyta Dziadkowiak
- Department of Neurology, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 213, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Marta Nowakowska-Kotas
- Department of Neurology, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 213, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Wiktoria Rałowska-Gmoch
- Department of Neurology, The St. Jadwiga's Regional Specialist Neuropsychiatric Centre, Wodociągowa 4, 45-221 Opole, Poland
| | - Sławomir Budrewicz
- Department of Neurology, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 213, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Koszewicz
- Department of Neurology, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 213, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
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Sandhoff R, Sandhoff K. Neuronal Ganglioside and Glycosphingolipid (GSL) Metabolism and Disease : Cascades of Secondary Metabolic Errors Can Generate Complex Pathologies (in LSDs). ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 29:333-390. [PMID: 36255681 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-12390-0_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Glycosphingolipids (GSLs) are a diverse group of membrane components occurring mainly on the surfaces of mammalian cells. They and their metabolites have a role in intercellular communication, serving as versatile biochemical signals (Kaltner et al, Biochem J 476(18):2623-2655, 2019) and in many cellular pathways. Anionic GSLs, the sialic acid containing gangliosides (GGs), are essential constituents of neuronal cell surfaces, whereas anionic sulfatides are key components of myelin and myelin forming oligodendrocytes. The stepwise biosynthetic pathways of GSLs occur at and lead along the membranes of organellar surfaces of the secretory pathway. After formation of the hydrophobic ceramide membrane anchor of GSLs at the ER, membrane-spanning glycosyltransferases (GTs) of the Golgi and Trans-Golgi network generate cell type-specific GSL patterns for cellular surfaces. GSLs of the cellular plasma membrane can reach intra-lysosomal, i.e. luminal, vesicles (ILVs) by endocytic pathways for degradation. Soluble glycoproteins, the glycosidases, lipid binding and transfer proteins and acid ceramidase are needed for the lysosomal catabolism of GSLs at ILV-membrane surfaces. Inherited mutations triggering a functional loss of glycosylated lysosomal hydrolases and lipid binding proteins involved in GSL degradation cause a primary lysosomal accumulation of their non-degradable GSL substrates in lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs). Lipid binding proteins, the SAPs, and the various lipids of the ILV-membranes regulate GSL catabolism, but also primary storage compounds such as sphingomyelin (SM), cholesterol (Chol.), or chondroitin sulfate can effectively inhibit catabolic lysosomal pathways of GSLs. This causes cascades of metabolic errors, accumulating secondary lysosomal GSL- and GG- storage that can trigger a complex pathology (Breiden and Sandhoff, Int J Mol Sci 21(7):2566, 2020).
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Sandhoff
- Lipid Pathobiochemistry Group, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Konrad Sandhoff
- LIMES, c/o Kekule-Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
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Sleigh JN. Editorial: Peripheral nerve anatomy in health and disease. J Anat 2022; 241:1083-1088. [PMID: 36226698 PMCID: PMC9558158 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- James N Sleigh
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases and UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, UK
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Leal AF, Suarez DA, Echeverri-Peña OY, Albarracín SL, Alméciga-Díaz CJ, Espejo-Mojica ÁJ. Sphingolipids and their role in health and disease in the central nervous system. Adv Biol Regul 2022; 85:100900. [PMID: 35870382 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2022.100900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Sphingolipids (SLs) are lipids derived from sphingosine, and their metabolism involves a broad and complex network of reactions. Although SLs are widely distributed in the body, it is well known that they are present in high concentrations within the central nervous system (CNS). Under physiological conditions, their abundance and distribution in the CNS depend on brain development and cell type. Consequently, SLs metabolism impairment may have a significant impact on the normal CNS function, and has been associated with several disorders, including sphingolipidoses, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's. This review summarizes the main SLs characteristics and current knowledge about synthesis, catabolism, regulatory pathways, and their role in physiological and pathological scenarios in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Felipe Leal
- Institute for the Study of Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Faculty of Science, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá D.C, Colombia
| | - Diego A Suarez
- Institute for the Study of Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Faculty of Science, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá D.C, Colombia
| | - Olga Yaneth Echeverri-Peña
- Institute for the Study of Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Faculty of Science, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá D.C, Colombia
| | - Sonia Luz Albarracín
- Nutrition and Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá D.C, Colombia
| | - Carlos Javier Alméciga-Díaz
- Institute for the Study of Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Faculty of Science, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá D.C, Colombia.
| | - Ángela Johana Espejo-Mojica
- Institute for the Study of Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Faculty of Science, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá D.C, Colombia.
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Podbielska M, Ariga T, Pokryszko-Dragan A. Sphingolipid Players in Multiple Sclerosis: Their Influence on the Initiation and Course of the Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105330. [PMID: 35628142 PMCID: PMC9140914 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sphingolipids (SLs) play a significant role in the nervous system, as major components of the myelin sheath, contributors to lipid raft formation that organize intracellular processes, as well as active mediators of transport, signaling and the survival of neurons and glial cells. Alterations in SL metabolism and content are observed in the course of central nervous system diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS). In this review, we summarize the current evidence from studies on SLs (particularly gangliosides), which may shed new light upon processes underlying the MS background. The relevant aspects of these studies include alterations of the SL profile in MS, the role of antibodies against SLs and complexes of SL-ligand-invariant NKT cells in the autoimmune response as the core pathomechanism in MS. The contribution of lipid-raft-associated SLs and SL-laden extracellular vesicles to the disease etiology is also discussed. These findings may have diagnostic implications, with SLs and anti-SL antibodies as potential markers of MS activity and progression. Intriguing prospects of novel therapeutic options in MS are associated with SL potential for myelin repair and neuroprotective effects, which have not been yet addressed by the available treatment strategies. Overall, all these concepts are promising and encourage the further development of SL-based studies in the field of MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Podbielska
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA;
- Laboratory of Microbiome Immunobiology, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology & Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-71-370-99-12
| | - Toshio Ariga
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA;
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