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Medina-Vera D, López-Gambero AJ, Navarro JA, Sanjuan C, Baixeras E, Decara J, de Fonseca FR. Novel insights into D-Pinitol based therapies: a link between tau hyperphosphorylation and insulin resistance. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:289-295. [PMID: 37488880 PMCID: PMC10503604 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.379015] [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: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the amyloid accumulation in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease. The pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease is mainly mediated by the phosphorylation and aggregation of tau protein. Among the multiple causes of tau hyperphosphorylation, brain insulin resistance has generated much attention, and inositols as insulin sensitizers, are currently considered candidates for drug development. The present narrative review revises the interactions between these three elements: Alzheimer's disease-tau-inositols, which can eventually identify targets for new disease modifiers capable of bringing hope to the millions of people affected by this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina Medina-Vera
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, UGC Salud Mental, Málaga, Spain
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- CIBER Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, UGC del Corazón, Málaga, Spain
| | - Antonio Jesús López-Gambero
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, UGC Salud Mental, Málaga, Spain
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, Bordeaux, France
| | - Juan Antonio Navarro
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, UGC Salud Mental, Málaga, Spain
| | | | - Elena Baixeras
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Juan Decara
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, UGC Salud Mental, Málaga, Spain
| | - Fernando Rodríguez de Fonseca
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, UGC Salud Mental, Málaga, Spain
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2
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Feng Y, Murphy MC, Hojo E, Li F, Roberts N. Magnetic Resonance Elastography in the Study of Neurodegenerative Diseases. J Magn Reson Imaging 2024; 59:82-96. [PMID: 37084171 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.28747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) present a major health burden to society. Changes in brain structure and cognition are generally only observed at the late stage of the disease. Although advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques such as diffusion imaging may allow identification of biomarkers at earlier stages of neurodegeneration, early diagnosis is still challenging. Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) is a noninvasive MRI technique for studying the mechanical properties of tissues by measuring the wave propagation induced in the tissues using a purpose-built actuator. Here, we present a systematic review of preclinical and clinical studies in which MRE has been applied to study neurodegenerative diseases. Actuator systems for data acquisition, inversion algorithms for data analysis, and sample demographics are described and tissue stiffness measures obtained for the whole brain and internal structures are summarized. A total of six animal studies and eight human studies have been published. The animal studies refer to 123 experimental animals (68 AD and 55 PD) and 121 wild-type animals, while the human studies refer to 142 patients with neurodegenerative disease (including 56 AD and 17 PD) and 166 controls. The animal studies are consistent in the reporting of decreased stiffness of the hippocampal region in AD mice. However, in terms of disease progression, although consistent decreases in either storage modulus or shear modulus magnitude are reported for whole brain, there is variation in the results reported for the hippocampal region. The clinical studies are consistent in reports of a significant decrease in either whole brain storage modulus or shear modulus magnitude, in both AD and PD and with different brain structures affected in different neurodegenerative diseases. MRE studies of neurodegenerative diseases are still in their infancy, and in future it will be interesting to investigate potential relationships between brain mechanical properties and clinical measures, which may help elucidate the mechanisms underlying onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. EVIDENCE LEVEL: 1. TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Feng
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Radiology, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Medical Robotics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Advanced Magnetic Resonance Technologies for Diagnosis and Therapy (NERC-AMRT), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Matthew C Murphy
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Emi Hojo
- Centre for Reproductive Health (CRH), School of Clinical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Fei Li
- Department of Radiology and Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Neil Roberts
- Centre for Reproductive Health (CRH), School of Clinical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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3
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Gozes I. Tau, ADNP, and sex. Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) 2024; 81:16-23. [PMID: 37572043 DOI: 10.1002/cm.21776] [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: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
With 50 years to the original discovery of Tau, I gave here my perspective, looking through the prism of activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP), and the influence of sex. My starting point was vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), a regulator of ADNP. I then moved to the original discovery of ADNP and its active neuroprotective site, NAP, drug candidate, davunetide. Tau-ADNP-NAP interactions were then explained with emphasis on sex and future translational medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Illana Gozes
- Elton Laboratory for Molecular Neuroendocrinology, Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Adams Super Center for Brain Studies and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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4
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Kalyaanamoorthy S, Opare SK, Xu X, Ganesan A, Rao PPN. Post-Translational Modifications in Tau and Their Roles in Alzheimer's Pathology. Curr Alzheimer Res 2024; 21:24-49. [PMID: 38623984 DOI: 10.2174/0115672050301407240408033046] [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: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Microtubule-Associated Protein Tau (also known as tau) has been shown to accumulate into paired helical filaments and neurofibrillary tangles, which are known hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. Decades of research have shown that tau protein undergoes extensive post-translational modifications (PTMs), which can alter the protein's structure, function, and dynamics and impact the various properties such as solubility, aggregation, localization, and homeostasis. There is a vast amount of information describing the impact and role of different PTMs in AD pathology and neuroprotection. However, the complex interplay between these PTMs remains elusive. Therefore, in this review, we aim to comprehend the key post-translational modifications occurring in tau and summarize potential connections to clarify their impact on the physiology and pathophysiology of tau. Further, we describe how different computational modeling methods have helped in understanding the impact of PTMs on the structure and functions of the tau protein. Finally, we highlight the tau PTM-related therapeutics strategies that are explored for the development of AD therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stanley Kojo Opare
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Xiaoxiao Xu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aravindhan Ganesan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Praveen P N Rao
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
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5
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Di Donato M, Moretti A, Sorrentino C, Toro G, Gentile G, Iolascon G, Castoria G, Migliaccio A. Filamin A cooperates with the androgen receptor in preventing skeletal muscle senescence. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:437. [PMID: 38040692 PMCID: PMC10692324 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01737-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging induces a slow and progressive decrease in muscle mass and function, causing sarcopenia. Androgens control muscle trophism and exert important anabolic functions through the binding to the androgen receptor. Therefore, analysis of the androgen receptor-mediated actions in skeletal muscle might provide new hints for a better understanding of sarcopenia pathogenesis. In this study, we report that expression of the androgen receptor in skeletal muscle biopsies from 20 subjects is higher in young, as compared with old subjects. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments reveal that the androgen receptor is complexed with filamin A mainly in young, that in old subjects. Therefore, we have in depth analyzed the role of such complex using C2C12 myoblasts that express a significant amount of the androgen receptor. In these cells, hormone stimulation rapidly triggers the assembly of the androgen receptor/filamin A complex. Such complex prevents the senescence induced by oxidative stress in C2C12 cells, as disruption of the androgen receptor/filamin A complex by Rh-2025u stapled peptide re-establishes the senescent phenotype in C2C12 cells. Simultaneously, androgen stimulation of C2C12 cells rapidly triggers the activation of various signaling effectors, including Rac1, focal adhesion kinase, and mitogen-activated kinases. Androgen receptor blockade by bicalutamide or perturbation of androgen receptor/filamin A complex by Rh-2025u stapled peptide both reverse the hormone activation of signaling effectors. These findings further reinforce the role of the androgen receptor and its extranuclear partners in the rapid hormone signaling that controls the functions of C2C12 cells. Further investigations are needed to promote clinical interventions that might ameliorate muscle cell function as well the clinical outcome of age-related frailty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzia Di Donato
- Dipartimento di Medicina di Precisione, Università della Campania 'L. Vanvitelli'- Via L. De Crecchio, 7-80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Antimo Moretti
- Dipartimento Multidisciplinare di Specialità Medico- Chirurgiche e Odontoiatriche, Università della Campania 'L. Vanvitelli'- Via L. De Crecchio, 6-80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Carmela Sorrentino
- Dipartimento di Medicina di Precisione, Università della Campania 'L. Vanvitelli'- Via L. De Crecchio, 7-80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Toro
- Dipartimento Multidisciplinare di Specialità Medico- Chirurgiche e Odontoiatriche, Università della Campania 'L. Vanvitelli'- Via L. De Crecchio, 6-80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Giulia Gentile
- Dipartimento di Medicina di Precisione, Università della Campania 'L. Vanvitelli'- Via L. De Crecchio, 7-80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Iolascon
- Dipartimento Multidisciplinare di Specialità Medico- Chirurgiche e Odontoiatriche, Università della Campania 'L. Vanvitelli'- Via L. De Crecchio, 6-80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriella Castoria
- Dipartimento di Medicina di Precisione, Università della Campania 'L. Vanvitelli'- Via L. De Crecchio, 7-80138, Naples, Italy.
| | - Antimo Migliaccio
- Dipartimento di Medicina di Precisione, Università della Campania 'L. Vanvitelli'- Via L. De Crecchio, 7-80138, Naples, Italy
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Robbins M. Therapies for Tau-associated neurodegenerative disorders: targeting molecules, synapses, and cells. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:2633-2637. [PMID: 37449601 PMCID: PMC10358644 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.373670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in experimental and computational technologies continue to grow rapidly to provide novel avenues for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Despite this, there remain only a handful of drugs that have shown success in late-stage clinical trials for Tau-associated neurodegenerative disorders. The most commonly prescribed treatments are symptomatic treatments such as cholinesterase inhibitors and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor blockers that were approved for use in Alzheimer's disease. As diagnostic screening can detect disorders at earlier time points, the field needs pre-symptomatic treatments that can prevent, or significantly delay the progression of these disorders (Koychev et al., 2019). These approaches may be different from late-stage treatments that may help to ameliorate symptoms and slow progression once symptoms have become more advanced should early diagnostic screening fail. This mini-review will highlight five key avenues of academic and industrial research for identifying therapeutic strategies to treat Tau-associated neurodegenerative disorders. These avenues include investigating (1) the broad class of chemicals termed "small molecules"; (2) adaptive immunity through both passive and active antibody treatments; (3) innate immunity with an emphasis on microglial modulation; (4) synaptic compartments with the view that Tau-associated neurodegenerative disorders are synaptopathies. Although this mini-review will focus on Alzheimer's disease due to its prevalence, it will also argue the need to target other tauopathies, as through understanding Alzheimer's disease as a Tau-associated neurodegenerative disorder, we may be able to generalize treatment options. For this reason, added detail linking back specifically to Tau protein as a direct therapeutic target will be added to each topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda Robbins
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Francis Crick Ave, Trumpington, Cambridge, UK; University of Cambridge, Department of Zoology, Cambridge, UK
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Gozes I, Shapira G, Lobyntseva A, Shomron N. Unexpected gender differences in progressive supranuclear palsy reveal efficacy for davunetide in women. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:319. [PMID: 37845254 PMCID: PMC10579238 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02618-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a pure tauopathy, implicating davunetide, enhancing Tau-microtubule interaction, as an ideal drug candidate. However, pooling patient data irrespective of sex concluded no efficacy. Here, analyzing sex-dependency in a 52 week-long- PSP clinical trial (involving over 200 patients) demonstrated clear baseline differences in brain ventricular volumes, a secondary endpoint. Dramatic baseline ventricular volume-dependent/volume increase correlations were observed in 52-week-placebo-treated females (r = 0.74, P = 2.36-9), whereas davunetide-treated females (like males) revealed no such effects. Assessment of primary endpoints, by the PSP Rating Scale (PSPRS) and markedly more so by the Schwab and England Activities of Daily Living (SEADL) scale, showed significantly faster deterioration in females, starting at trial week 13 (P = 0.01, and correlating with most other endpoints by week 52). Twice daily davunetide treatments slowed female disease progression and revealed significant protection according to the SEADL scale as early as at 39 weeks (P = 0.008), as well as protection of the bulbar and limb motor domains considered by the PSPRS, including speaking and swallowing difficulties caused by brain damage, and deterioration of fine motor skills, respectably (P = 0.01), at 52 weeks. Furthermore, at 52 weeks of trial, the exploratory Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) significantly correlated with the SEADL scale deterioration in the female placebo group and demonstrated davunetide-mediated protection of females. Female-specific davunetide-mediated protection of ventricular volume corresponded to clinical efficacy. Together with the significantly slower disease progression seen in men, the results reveal sex-based drug efficacy differences, demonstrating the neuroprotective and disease-modifying impact of davunetide treatment for female PSP patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Illana Gozes
- Elton Laboratory for Molecular Neuroendocrinology, Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Adams Super Center for Brain Studies and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Guy Shapira
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neuroscience, Edmond J Safra Center for Bioinformatics, Tel Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Alexandra Lobyntseva
- Elton Laboratory for Molecular Neuroendocrinology, Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Adams Super Center for Brain Studies and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Noam Shomron
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neuroscience, Edmond J Safra Center for Bioinformatics, Tel Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel
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8
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Kataoka M, Sahashi K, Tsujikawa K, Takeda JI, Hirunagi T, Iida M, Katsunoa M. Dysregulation of Aldh1a2 underlies motor neuron degeneration in spinal muscular atrophy. Neurosci Res 2023:S0168-0102(23)00090-1. [PMID: 37146794 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2023.04.007] [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: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Lower motor neuron degeneration is the pathological hallmark of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a hereditary motor neuron disease caused by loss of the SMN1 gene and the resulting deficiency of ubiquitously expressed SMN protein. The molecular mechanisms underlying motor neuron degeneration, however, remain elusive. To clarify the cell-autonomous defect in developmental processes, we here performed transcriptome analyses of isolated embryonic motor neurons of SMA model mice to explore mechanisms of dysregulation of cell-type-specific gene expression. Of 12 identified genes that were differentially expressed between the SMA and control motor neurons, we focused on Aldh1a2, an essential gene for lower motor neuron development. In primary spinal motor neuron cultures, knockdown of Aldh1a2 led to the formation of axonal spheroids and neurodegeneration, reminiscent of the histopathological changes observed in human and animal cellular models. Conversely, Aldh1a2 rescued these pathological features in spinal motor neurons derived from SMA mouse embryos. Our findings suggest that developmental defects due to Aldh1a2 dysregulation enhances lower motor neuron vulnerability in SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayumi Kataoka
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550 Japan
| | - Kentaro Sahashi
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550 Japan.
| | - Koyo Tsujikawa
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550 Japan
| | - Jun-Ichi Takeda
- Division of Neurogenetics, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550 Japan
| | - Tomoki Hirunagi
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550 Japan
| | - Madoka Iida
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550 Japan
| | - Masahisa Katsunoa
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550 Japan; Department of Clinical Research Education, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550 Japan.
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Mukherjee S, Dubois C, Perez K, Varghese S, Birchall IE, Leckey M, Davydova N, McLean C, Nisbet RM, Roberts BR, Li QX, Masters CL, Streltsov VA. Quantitative proteomics of tau and Aβ in detergent fractions from Alzheimer's disease brains. J Neurochem 2023; 164:529-552. [PMID: 36271678 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The two hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles marked by phosphorylated tau. Increasing evidence suggests that aggregating Aβ drives tau accumulation, a process that involves synaptic degeneration leading to cognitive impairment. Conversely, there is a realization that non-fibrillar (oligomeric) forms of Aβ mediate toxicity in AD. Fibrillar (filamentous) aggregates of proteins across the spectrum of the primary and secondary tauopathies were the focus of recent structural studies with a filament structure-based nosologic classification, but less emphasis was given to non-filamentous co-aggregates of insoluble proteins in the fractions derived from post-mortem human brains. Here, we revisited sarkosyl-soluble and -insoluble extracts to characterize tau and Aβ species by quantitative targeted mass spectrometric proteomics, biochemical assays, and electron microscopy. AD brain sarkosyl-insoluble pellets were greatly enriched with Aβ42 at almost equimolar levels to N-terminal truncated microtubule-binding region (MTBR) isoforms of tau with multiple site-specific post-translational modifications (PTMs). MTBR R3 and R4 tau peptides were most abundant in the sarkosyl-insoluble materials with a 10-fold higher concentration than N-terminal tau peptides. This indicates that the major proportion of the enriched tau was the aggregation-prone N-terminal and proline-rich region (PRR) of truncated mixed 4R and 3R tau with more 4R than 3R isoforms. High concentration and occupancies of site-specific phosphorylation pT181 (~22%) and pT217 (~16%) (key biomarkers of AD) along with other PTMs in the PRR and MTBR indicated a regional susceptibility of PTMs in aggregated tau. Immunogold labelling revealed that tau may exist in globular non-filamentous form (N-terminal intact tau) co-localized with Aβ in the sarkosyl-insoluble pellets along with tau filaments (N-truncated MTBR tau). Our results suggest a model that Aβ and tau interact forming globular aggregates, from which filamentous tau and Aβ emerge. These characterizations contribute towards unravelling the sequence of events which lead to end-stage AD changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumya Mukherjee
- The Florey Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Celine Dubois
- The Florey Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Keyla Perez
- The Florey Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shiji Varghese
- The Florey Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ian E Birchall
- The Florey Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Miranda Leckey
- The Florey Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Natalia Davydova
- National Deuteration Facility, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organization, Lucas Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Catriona McLean
- The Florey Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Anatomical Pathology, Alfred Hospital, Prahran, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rebecca M Nisbet
- The Florey Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Blaine R Roberts
- The Florey Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Qiao-Xin Li
- The Florey Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Colin L Masters
- The Florey Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Victor A Streltsov
- The Florey Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Direct and Indirect Effects of Filamin A on Tau Pathology in Neuronal Cells. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:1021-1039. [PMID: 36399251 PMCID: PMC9849303 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-03121-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In Alzheimer disease (AD), Tau, an axonal microtubule-associated protein, becomes hyperphosphorylated, detaches from microtubules, accumulates, and self-aggregates in the somatodendritic (SD) compartment. The accumulation of hyperphosphorylated and aggregated Tau is also seen in other neurodegenerative diseases such as frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD-Tau). Previous studies reported a link between filamin A (FLNA), an actin-binding protein found in the SD compartment, and Tau pathology. In the present study, we further explored this link. We confirmed the interaction of Tau with FLNA in neuroblastoma 2a (N2a) cells. This interaction was mediated by a domain located between the 157 and 383 amino acids (a.a.) of Tau. Our results also revealed that the overexpression of FLNA resulted in an intracellular accumulation of wild-type Tau and Tau mutants (P301L, V337M, and R406W) in N2a cells. Tau phosphorylation and cleavage by caspase-3 but not its aggregation were increased upon FLNA overexpression in N2a cells. In the parietal cortex of AD brain, insoluble FLNA was increased compared to control brain, but it did not correlate with Tau pathology. Interestingly, Tau binding to microtubules and F-actin was preserved upon FLNA overexpression in N2a cells. Lastly, our results revealed that FLNA also induced the accumulation of annexin A2, a Tau interacting partner involved in its axonal localization. Collectively, our data indicated that in Tauopathies, FLNA could contribute to Tau pathology by acting on Tau and annexin A2.
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11
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Else H. Alzheimer's drug saga prompts journal to scrutinize whistle-blowers. Nature 2023; 613:618-619. [PMID: 36639445 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-023-00050-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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12
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Evolutionary Relationships and Divergence of Filamin Gene Family Involved in Development and Stress in Cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.). Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13122313. [PMID: 36553581 PMCID: PMC9777546 DOI: 10.3390/genes13122313] [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: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Filamin protein is characterized by an N-terminal actin-binding domain that is followed by 24 Ig (immunoglobulin)-like repeats, which act as hubs for interactions with a variety of proteins. In humans, this family has been found to be involved in cancer cell invasion and metastasis and can be involved in a variety of growth signal transduction processes, but it is less studied in plants. Therefore, in this study, 54 Filamin gene family members from 23 plant species were investigated and divided into two subfamilies: FLMN and GEX2. Subcellular localization showed that most of the Filamin gene family members were located in the cell membrane. A total of 47 Filamin gene pairs were identified, most of which were whole-genome copies. Through the analyses of cis-acting elements, expression patterns and quantitative fluorescence, it was found that GH_ A02G0519 and GH_ D02G0539 are mainly expressed in the reproductive organs of upland cotton, and their interacting proteins are also related to the fertilization process, whereas GH_A02G0216 and GH_D02G0235 were related to stress. Thus, it is speculated that two genes of the GEX2 subfamily (GH_A02G0519 and GH_D02G0539) may be involved in the reproductive development of cotton and may affect the fertilization process of cotton. This study provides a theoretical basis for the further study of the cotton Filamin gene family.
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Aumont E, Tremblay C, Levert S, Bennett DA, Calon F, Leclerc N. Evidence of Filamin A loss of solubility at the prodromal stage of neuropathologically-defined Alzheimer's disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:1038343. [PMID: 36506473 PMCID: PMC9730531 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.1038343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a multifactorial disorder diagnosed through the assessment of amyloid-beta (Aβ) and tau protein depositions. Filamin A (FLNA) could be a key partner of both Aβ and tau pathological processes and may be an important contributor to AD progression. The main aim of this study was to describe the differences in FLNA levels across clinicopathologic groups. Methods From parietal cortex samples of 57 individuals (19 with no cognitive impairment (NCI), 19 mild cognitively impaired (MCI) and 19 with dementia) from the Religious Orders Study (ROS), we quantified total tau, phosphorylated tau (pTau), FLNA, synaptophysin, vesicular acetylcholine transporters (VAChT) and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) by Western blot. Aβ42 and neuritic plaques (NP) were quantified by ELISA and Bielschowsky silver impregnation, respectively. AD staging was determined using ABC method combining Thal, Braak and the CERAD staging. From this, clinicopathologic stages of AD were established by subdividing subjects with neuropathological AD between preclinical AD, prodromal AD and AD dementia (ADD). Receiver operating characteristics analyses were performed to predict AD neuropathology from FLNA quantifications. Results Insoluble FLNA was significantly and positively correlated with Aβ42, NP, Thal stages, ABC scores and AD clinicopathologic stages (p < 0.05 False discovery rate-corrected). No correlation of FLNA with tau measures was found. Insoluble FLNA levels were significantly higher in the prodromal AD, ADD and intermediate ABC groups. This was consistent with significantly lower levels of soluble FLNA specifically in prodromal AD. Insoluble (AUC: 0.830) and soluble FLNA levels (AUC: 0.830) as well as the ratio of soluble over insoluble FLNA (AUC: 0.852), were excellent predictors of prodromal AD among subjects with MCI from the ROS cohort. Discussion We observed opposite level changes between insoluble and soluble FLNA in prodromal AD. As this stage coincides with the appearance of cognitive symptoms, this may be a key event in the transition from preclinical to prodromal AD. Insoluble FLNA could be useful to identify prodromal AD among subjects with an MCI, indicating that it might be a hallmark of prodromal AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Etienne Aumont
- Département de psychologie de l’Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Montreal Neurological Institute, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Cyntia Tremblay
- Faculté de pharmacie de l’Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Stéphanie Levert
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Département de neurosciences Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Frédéric Calon
- Faculté de pharmacie de l’Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Nicole Leclerc
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Département de neurosciences Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
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Vantaggiato L, Shaba E, Carleo A, Bezzini D, Pannuzzo G, Luddi A, Piomboni P, Bini L, Bianchi L. Neurodegenerative Disorder Risk in Krabbe Disease Carriers. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232113537. [PMID: 36362324 PMCID: PMC9654610 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Krabbe disease (KD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the galactocerebrosidase gene (GALC). Defective GALC causes aberrant metabolism of galactolipids present almost exclusively in myelin, with consequent demyelinization and neurodegeneration of the central and peripheral nervous system (NS). KD shares some similar features with other neuropathies and heterozygous carriers of GALC mutations are emerging with an increased risk in developing NS disorders. In this work, we set out to identify possible variations in the proteomic profile of KD-carrier brain to identify altered pathways that may imbalance its homeostasis and that may be associated with neurological disorders. The differential analysis performed on whole brains from 33-day-old twitcher (galc −/−), heterozygous (galc +/−), and wild-type mice highlighted the dysregulation of several multifunctional factors in both heterozygous and twitcher mice. Notably, the KD-carrier mouse, despite its normal phenotype, presents the deregulation of vimentin, receptor of activated protein C kinase 1 (RACK1), myelin basic protein (MBP), 2′,3′-cyclic-nucleotide 3′-phosphodiesterase (CNP), transitional endoplasmic reticulum ATPase (VCP), and N-myc downstream regulated gene 1 protein (NDRG1) as well as changes in the ubiquitinated-protein pattern. Our findings suggest the carrier may be affected by dysfunctions classically associated with neurodegeneration: (i) alteration of (mechano) signaling and intracellular trafficking, (ii) a generalized affection of proteostasis and lipid metabolism, with possible defects in myelin composition and turnover, and (iii) mitochondrion and energy supply dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenza Vantaggiato
- Functional Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Enxhi Shaba
- Functional Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Alfonso Carleo
- Department of Pulmonology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Daiana Bezzini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Giovanna Pannuzzo
- Department of Biochemical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy
| | - Alice Luddi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Paola Piomboni
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Luca Bini
- Functional Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0577-234938
| | - Laura Bianchi
- Functional Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
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Clinical implication of denervation in sporadic inclusion body myositis. J Neurol Sci 2022; 439:120317. [PMID: 35709642 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2022.120317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sporadic inclusion body myositis (sIBM) is often accompanied by signs suggestive of denervation on electromyography (EMG), which mimics neurogenic disorders. Hence, the current study aimed to assess reinnervation after denervation in sIBM and its clinical impllcation. METHODS We retrospectively examined consecutive muscle biopsy specimens collected from 109 sIBM patients who were referred to our institution for diagnostic muscle biopsy from 2001 to 2018. Reinnervation after denervation in sIBM patients was assessed via muscle biopsy and EMG. The levels of acetylcholine receptor subunit γ (Chrng) and muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) mRNA, which are markers of denervation, were examined using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Response to treatment was defined as an increase of grade 1 or higher in two or more muscle groups as assessed using the Medical Research Council scale. RESULTS In total, 93 (85.3%) of 109 sIBM patients had reinnervation after denervation on histological examination and/or EMG. The mean disease duration before biopsy was significantly longer in patients with reinnervation after denervation than in those without (p < 0.00001). Patients with denervation had significantly higher levels of Chrng and MuSK mRNA than those without. The proportion of patients who responded to immunosuppressive therapies was smaller in the patients with denervation than those without (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference regarding time from onset to using a walking aid between the two groups. DISCUSSION Reinnervation after denervation is associated with disease duration and short-term response to therapy in individuals with sIBM.
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