1
|
Stevens M, Wang Y, Bouley SJ, Mandigo TR, Sharma A, Sengupta S, Housden A, Perrimon N, Walker JA, Housden BE. Inhibition of autophagy as a novel treatment for neurofibromatosis type 1 tumors. Mol Oncol 2024. [PMID: 39129390 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13704] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a genetic disorder caused by mutation of the NF1 gene that is associated with various symptoms, including the formation of benign tumors, called neurofibromas, within nerves. Drug treatments are currently limited. The mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitor selumetinib is used for a subset of plexiform neurofibromas (PNs) but is not always effective and can cause side effects. Therefore, there is a clear need to discover new drugs to target NF1-deficient tumor cells. Using a Drosophila cell model of NF1, we performed synthetic lethal screens to identify novel drug targets. We identified 54 gene candidates, which were validated with variable dose analysis as a secondary screen. Pathways associated with five candidates could be targeted using existing drugs. Among these, chloroquine (CQ) and bafilomycin A1, known to target the autophagy pathway, showed the greatest potential for selectively killing NF1-deficient Drosophila cells. When further investigating autophagy-related genes, we found that 14 out of 30 genes tested had a synthetic lethal interaction with NF1. These 14 genes are involved in multiple aspects of the autophagy pathway and can be targeted with additional drugs that mediate the autophagy pathway, although CQ was the most effective. The lethal effect of autophagy inhibitors was conserved in a panel of human NF1-deficient Schwann cell lines, highlighting their translational potential. The effect of CQ was also conserved in a Drosophila NF1 in vivo model and in a xenografted NF1-deficient tumor cell line grown in mice, with CQ treatment resulting in a more significant reduction in tumor growth than selumetinib treatment. Furthermore, combined treatment with CQ and selumetinib resulted in a further reduction in NF1-deficient cell viability. In conclusion, NF1-deficient cells are vulnerable to disruption of the autophagy pathway. This pathway represents a promising target for the treatment of NF1-associated tumors, and we identified CQ as a candidate drug for the treatment of NF1 tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan Stevens
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, UK
- Department of Clinical and Biomedical Science, University of Exeter, UK
| | - Yuanli Wang
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, UK
- The First People's Hospital of Qinzhou, China
| | - Stephanie J Bouley
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Torrey R Mandigo
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aditi Sharma
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sonali Sengupta
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, UK
- Department of Clinical and Biomedical Science, University of Exeter, UK
| | - Amy Housden
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, UK
| | - Norbert Perrimon
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - James A Walker
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Benjamin E Housden
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, UK
- Department of Clinical and Biomedical Science, University of Exeter, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Suarez GO, Kumar DS, Brunner H, Emel J, Teel J, Knauss A, Botero V, Broyles CN, Stahl A, Bidaye SS, Tomchik SM. Neurofibromin deficiency alters the patterning and prioritization of motor behaviors in a state-dependent manner. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.08.08.607070. [PMID: 39149363 PMCID: PMC11326213 DOI: 10.1101/2024.08.08.607070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Genetic disorders such as neurofibromatosis type 1 increase vulnerability to cognitive and behavioral disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Neurofibromatosis type 1 results from loss-of-function mutations in the neurofibromin gene and subsequent reduction in the neurofibromin protein (Nf1). While the mechanisms have yet to be fully elucidated, loss of Nf1 may alter neuronal circuit activity leading to changes in behavior and susceptibility to cognitive and behavioral comorbidities. Here we show that mutations decreasing Nf1 expression alter motor behaviors, impacting the patterning, prioritization, and behavioral state dependence in a Drosophila model of neurofibromatosis type 1. Loss of Nf1 increases spontaneous grooming in a nonlinear spatial and temporal pattern, differentially increasing grooming of certain body parts, including the abdomen, head, and wings. This increase in grooming could be overridden by hunger in food-deprived foraging animals, demonstrating that the Nf1 effect is plastic and internal state-dependent. Stimulus-evoked grooming patterns were altered as well, with nf1 mutants exhibiting reductions in wing grooming when coated with dust, suggesting that hierarchical recruitment of grooming command circuits was altered. Yet loss of Nf1 in sensory neurons and/or grooming command neurons did not alter grooming frequency, suggesting that Nf1 affects grooming via higher-order circuit alterations. Changes in grooming coincided with alterations in walking. Flies lacking Nf1 walked with increased forward velocity on a spherical treadmill, yet there was no detectable change in leg kinematics or gait. Thus, loss of Nf1 alters motor function without affecting overall motor coordination, in contrast to other genetic disorders that impair coordination. Overall, these results demonstrate that loss of Nf1 alters the patterning and prioritization of repetitive behaviors, in a state-dependent manner, without affecting motor coordination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Genesis Omana Suarez
- Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- H.L. Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Divya S. Kumar
- Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Hannah Brunner
- Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Jalen Emel
- Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Jensen Teel
- Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Anneke Knauss
- Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Valentina Botero
- Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Connor N. Broyles
- Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Aaron Stahl
- Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Salil S. Bidaye
- Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Seth M. Tomchik
- Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- H.L. Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Valencia ML, Sofela FA, Jongens TA, Sehgal A. Do metabolic deficits contribute to sleep disruption in monogenic intellectual disability syndromes? Trends Neurosci 2024; 47:583-592. [PMID: 39054162 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2024.06.006] [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: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Intellectual disability is defined as limitations in cognitive and adaptive behavior that often arise during development. Disordered sleep is common in intellectual disability and, given the importance of sleep for cognitive function, it may contribute to other behavioral phenotypes. Animal models of intellectual disability, in particular of monogenic intellectual disability syndromes (MIDS), recapitulate many disease phenotypes and have been invaluable for linking some of these phenotypes to specific molecular pathways. An emerging feature of MIDS, in both animal models and humans, is the prevalence of metabolic abnormalities, which could be relevant for behavior. Focusing on specific MIDS that have been molecularly characterized, we review sleep, circadian, and metabolic phenotypes in animal models and humans and propose that altered metabolic state contributes to the abnormal sleep/circadian phenotypes in MIDS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariela Lopez Valencia
- Chronobiology and Sleep Institute, Perelman Medical School of University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Folasade A Sofela
- Chronobiology and Sleep Institute, Perelman Medical School of University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Thomas A Jongens
- Chronobiology and Sleep Institute, Perelman Medical School of University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Autism Spectrum Program of Excellence, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Amita Sehgal
- Chronobiology and Sleep Institute, Perelman Medical School of University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Miyagishima KJ, Qiao F, Stasheff SF, Nadal-Nicolás FM. Visual Deficits and Diagnostic and Therapeutic Strategies for Neurofibromatosis Type 1: Bridging Science and Patient-Centered Care. Vision (Basel) 2024; 8:31. [PMID: 38804352 PMCID: PMC11130890 DOI: 10.3390/vision8020031] [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: 03/02/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an inherited autosomal dominant disorder primarily affecting children and adolescents characterized by multisystemic clinical manifestations. Mutations in neurofibromin, the protein encoded by the Nf1 tumor suppressor gene, result in dysregulation of the RAS/MAPK pathway leading to uncontrolled cell growth and migration. Neurofibromin is highly expressed in several cell lineages including melanocytes, glial cells, neurons, and Schwann cells. Individuals with NF1 possess a genetic predisposition to central nervous system neoplasms, particularly gliomas affecting the visual pathway, known as optic pathway gliomas (OPGs). While OPGs are typically asymptomatic and benign, they can induce visual impairment in some patients. This review provides insight into the spectrum and visual outcomes of NF1, current diagnostic techniques and therapeutic interventions, and explores the influence of NF1-OPGS on visual abnormalities. We focus on recent advancements in preclinical animal models to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of NF1 pathology and therapies targeting NF1-OPGs. Overall, our review highlights the involvement of retinal ganglion cell dysfunction and degeneration in NF1 disease, and the need for further research to transform scientific laboratory discoveries to improved patient outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kiyoharu J. Miyagishima
- Retinal Neurophysiology Section, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (K.J.M.); (F.Q.); (S.F.S.)
| | - Fengyu Qiao
- Retinal Neurophysiology Section, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (K.J.M.); (F.Q.); (S.F.S.)
| | - Steven F. Stasheff
- Retinal Neurophysiology Section, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (K.J.M.); (F.Q.); (S.F.S.)
- Center for Neuroscience and Behavioral Medicine, Gilbert Neurofibromatosis Institute, Children’s National Health System, Washington, DC 20010, USA
- Neurology Department, George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - Francisco M. Nadal-Nicolás
- Retinal Neurophysiology Section, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (K.J.M.); (F.Q.); (S.F.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Stahl A, Tomchik SM. Modeling neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders in the Drosophila mushroom body. Learn Mem 2024; 31:a053816. [PMID: 38876485 PMCID: PMC11199955 DOI: 10.1101/lm.053816.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
The common fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster provides a powerful platform to investigate the genetic, molecular, cellular, and neural circuit mechanisms of behavior. Research in this model system has shed light on multiple aspects of brain physiology and behavior, from fundamental neuronal function to complex behaviors. A major anatomical region that modulates complex behaviors is the mushroom body (MB). The MB integrates multimodal sensory information and is involved in behaviors ranging from sensory processing/responses to learning and memory. Many genes that underlie brain disorders are conserved, from flies to humans, and studies in Drosophila have contributed significantly to our understanding of the mechanisms of brain disorders. Genetic mutations that mimic human diseases-such as Fragile X syndrome, neurofibromatosis type 1, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease-affect MB structure and function, altering behavior. Studies dissecting the effects of disease-causing mutations in the MB have identified key pathological mechanisms, and the development of a complete connectome promises to add a comprehensive anatomical framework for disease modeling. Here, we review Drosophila models of human neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders via the effects of their underlying mutations on MB structure, function, and the resulting behavioral alterations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Stahl
- Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA
| | - Seth M Tomchik
- Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA
- Hawk-IDDRC, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Atsoniou K, Giannopoulou E, Georganta EM, Skoulakis EMC. Drosophila Contributions towards Understanding Neurofibromatosis 1. Cells 2024; 13:721. [PMID: 38667335 PMCID: PMC11048932 DOI: 10.3390/cells13080721] [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: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) is a multisymptomatic disorder with highly variable presentations, which include short stature, susceptibility to formation of the characteristic benign tumors known as neurofibromas, intense freckling and skin discoloration, and cognitive deficits, which characterize most children with the condition. Attention deficits and Autism Spectrum manifestations augment the compromised learning presented by most patients, leading to behavioral problems and school failure, while fragmented sleep contributes to chronic fatigue and poor quality of life. Neurofibromin (Nf1) is present ubiquitously during human development and postnatally in most neuronal, oligodendrocyte, and Schwann cells. Evidence largely from animal models including Drosophila suggests that the symptomatic variability may reflect distinct cell-type-specific functions of the protein, which emerge upon its loss, or mutations affecting the different functional domains of the protein. This review summarizes the contributions of Drosophila in modeling multiple NF1 manifestations, addressing hypotheses regarding the cell-type-specific functions of the protein and exploring the molecular pathways affected upon loss of the highly conserved fly homolog dNf1. Collectively, work in this model not only has efficiently and expediently modelled multiple aspects of the condition and increased understanding of its behavioral manifestations, but also has led to pharmaceutical strategies towards their amelioration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kalliopi Atsoniou
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Center “Alexander Fleming”, 16672 Athens, Greece; (K.A.); (E.G.)
- Laboratory of Experimental Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Giannopoulou
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Center “Alexander Fleming”, 16672 Athens, Greece; (K.A.); (E.G.)
| | - Eirini-Maria Georganta
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Center “Alexander Fleming”, 16672 Athens, Greece; (K.A.); (E.G.)
| | - Efthimios M. C. Skoulakis
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Center “Alexander Fleming”, 16672 Athens, Greece; (K.A.); (E.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Cherra SJ, Lamb R. Interactions between Ras and Rap signaling pathways during neurodevelopment in health and disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1352731. [PMID: 38463630 PMCID: PMC10920261 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1352731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The Ras family of small GTPases coordinates tissue development by modulating cell proliferation, cell-cell adhesion, and cellular morphology. Perturbations of any of these key steps alter nervous system development and are associated with neurological disorders. While the underlying causes are not known, genetic mutations in Ras and Rap GTPase signaling pathways have been identified in numerous neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum, neurofibromatosis, intellectual disability, epilepsy, and schizophrenia. Despite diverse clinical presentations, intersections between these two signaling pathways may provide a better understanding of how deviations in neurodevelopment give rise to neurological disorders. In this review, we focus on presynaptic and postsynaptic functions of Ras and Rap GTPases. We highlight various roles of these small GTPases during synapse formation and plasticity. Based on genomic analyses, we discuss how disease-related mutations in Ras and Rap signaling proteins may underlie human disorders. Finally, we discuss how recent observations have identified molecular interactions between these pathways and how these findings may provide insights into the mechanisms that underlie neurodevelopmental disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore J. Cherra
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mazuelas H, Magallón-Lorenz M, Uriarte-Arrazola I, Negro A, Rosas I, Blanco I, Castellanos E, Lázaro C, Gel B, Carrió M, Serra E. Unbalancing cAMP and Ras/MAPK pathways as a therapeutic strategy for cutaneous neurofibromas. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e168826. [PMID: 38175707 PMCID: PMC11143965 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.168826] [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: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous neurofibromas (cNFs) are benign Schwann cell (SC) tumors arising from subepidermal glia. Individuals with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) may develop thousands of cNFs, which greatly affect their quality of life. cNF growth is driven by the proliferation of NF1-/- SCs and their interaction with the NF1+/- microenvironment. We analyzed the crosstalk between human cNF-derived SCs and fibroblasts (FBs), identifying an expression signature specific to the SC-FB interaction. We validated the secretion of proteins involved in immune cell migration, suggesting a role of SC-FB crosstalk in immune cell recruitment. The signature also captured components of developmental signaling pathways, including the cAMP elevator G protein-coupled receptor 68 (GPR68). Activation of Gpr68 by ogerin in combination with the MEK inhibitor (MEKi) selumetinib reduced viability and induced differentiation and death of human cNF-derived primary SCs, a result corroborated using an induced pluripotent stem cell-derived 3D neurofibromasphere model. Similar results were obtained using other Gpr68 activators or cAMP analogs/adenylyl cyclase activators in combination with selumetinib. Interestingly, whereas primary SC cultures restarted their proliferation after treatment with selumetinib alone was stopped, the combination of ogerin-selumetinib elicited a permanent halt on SC expansion that persisted after drug removal. These results indicate that unbalancing the Ras and cAMP pathways by combining MEKi and cAMP elevators could be used as a potential treatment for cNFs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helena Mazuelas
- Hereditary Cancer Group, Translational Cancer Research Program, and
| | | | | | - Alejandro Negro
- Clinical Genomics Research Group, Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Can Ruti Campus, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
- Genetics Service, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital, Can Ruti Campus, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Inma Rosas
- Clinical Genomics Research Group, Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Can Ruti Campus, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
- Genetics Service, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital, Can Ruti Campus, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ignacio Blanco
- Clinical Genomics Research Group, Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Can Ruti Campus, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
- Genetics Service, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital, Can Ruti Campus, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elisabeth Castellanos
- Clinical Genomics Research Group, Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Can Ruti Campus, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
- Genetics Service, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital, Can Ruti Campus, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Conxi Lázaro
- Hereditary Cancer Program, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO-IDIBELL), L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer, Spain
| | - Bernat Gel
- Hereditary Cancer Group, Translational Cancer Research Program, and
- Departament de Fonaments Clínics, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Meritxell Carrió
- Hereditary Cancer Group, Translational Cancer Research Program, and
| | - Eduard Serra
- Hereditary Cancer Group, Translational Cancer Research Program, and
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Durkin J, Poe AR, Belfer SJ, Rodriguez A, Tang SH, Walker JA, Kayser MS. Neurofibromin 1 regulates early developmental sleep in Drosophila. Neurobiol Sleep Circadian Rhythms 2023; 15:100101. [PMID: 37593040 PMCID: PMC10428071 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbscr.2023.100101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Sleep disturbances are common in neurodevelopmental disorders, but knowledge of molecular factors that govern sleep in young animals is lacking. Evidence across species, including Drosophila, suggests that juvenile sleep has distinct functions and regulatory mechanisms in comparison to sleep in maturity. In flies, manipulation of most known adult sleep regulatory genes is not associated with sleep phenotypes during early developmental (larval) stages. Here, we examine the role of the neurodevelopmental disorder-associated gene Neurofibromin 1 (Nf1) in sleep during numerous developmental periods. Mutations in Neurofibromin 1 (Nf1) are associated with sleep and circadian disorders in humans and adult flies. We find in flies that Nf1 acts to regulate sleep across the lifespan, beginning during larval stages. Nf1 is required in neurons for this function, as is signaling via the Alk pathway. These findings identify Nf1 as one of a small number of genes positioned to regulate sleep across developmental periods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaclyn Durkin
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Amy R. Poe
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Samuel J. Belfer
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Anyara Rodriguez
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Si Hao Tang
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - James A. Walker
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Matthew S. Kayser
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Chronobiology and Sleep Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Chen M, Lu L, Cheng D, Zhang J, Liu X, Zhang J, Zhang T. Icariin Promotes Osteogenic Differentiation in a Cell Model with NF1 Gene Knockout by Activating the cAMP/PKA/CREB Pathway. Molecules 2023; 28:5128. [PMID: 37446790 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28135128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 is a rare autosomal dominant genetic disorder, with up to 50% of patients clinically displaying skeletal defects. Currently, the pathogenesis of bone disorders in NF1 patients is unclear, and there are no effective preventive and treatment measures. In this study, we found that knockout of the NF1 gene reduced cAMP levels and osteogenic differentiation in an osteoblast model, and icariin activated the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway to promote osteoblast differentiation of the NF1 gene knockout cell model by increasing intracellular cAMP levels. The PKA selective inhibitor H89 significantly impaired the stimulatory effect of icariin on osteogenesis in the NF1 cell model. In this study, an osteoblast model of NF1 was successfully constructed, and icariin was applied to the cell model for the first time. The results will help to elucidate the molecular mechanism of NF1 bone disease and provide new ideas for the clinical prevention and treatment of NF1 bone disease and drug development in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meng Chen
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan 250014, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- Shandong Qidu Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Neuroprotective Drugs, Zibo 255400, China
| | - Lianhua Lu
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Dong Cheng
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Xinyong Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Jianli Zhang
- Shandong Qidu Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Neuroprotective Drugs, Zibo 255400, China
| | - Tianliang Zhang
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan 250014, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Katanaev VL. Humanization for neurological disease modeling: A roadmap to increase the potential of Drosophila model systems. Animal Model Exp Med 2023; 6:230-236. [PMID: 37323110 PMCID: PMC10272901 DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12322] [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: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroscience and neurology research is dominated by experimentation with rodents. Around 75% of neurology disease-associated genes have orthologs in Drosophila melanogaster, the fruit fly amenable to complex neurological and behavioral investigations. However, non-vertebrate models including Drosophila have so far been unable to significantly replace mice and rats in this field of studies. One reason for this situation is the predominance of gene overexpression (and gene loss-of-function) methodologies used when establishing a Drosophila model of a given neurological disease, a strategy that does not recapitulate accurately enough the genetic disease conditions. I argue here the need for a systematic humanization approach, whereby the Drosophila orthologs of human disease genes are replaced with the human sequences. This approach will identify the list of diseases and the underlying genes that can be adequately modeled in the fruit fly. I discuss the neurological disease genes to which this systematic humanization approach should be applied and provide an example of such an application, and consider its importance for subsequent disease modeling and drug discovery in Drosophila. I argue that this paradigm will not only advance our understanding of the molecular etiology of a number of neurological disorders, but will also gradually enable researchers to reduce experimentation using rodent models of multiple neurological diseases and eventually replace these models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir L. Katanaev
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of GenevaGenevaSwitzerland
- HumanaFly Facility, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of GenevaGenevaSwitzerland
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Miller AH, Halloran MC. Mechanistic insights from animal models of neurofibromatosis type 1 cognitive impairment. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:276464. [PMID: 36037004 PMCID: PMC9459395 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal-dominant neurogenetic disorder caused by mutations in the gene neurofibromin 1 (NF1). NF1 predisposes individuals to a variety of symptoms, including peripheral nerve tumors, brain tumors and cognitive dysfunction. Cognitive deficits can negatively impact patient quality of life, especially the social and academic development of children. The neurofibromin protein influences neural circuits via diverse cellular signaling pathways, including through RAS, cAMP and dopamine signaling. Although animal models have been useful in identifying cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate NF1-dependent behaviors, translating these discoveries into effective treatments has proven difficult. Clinical trials measuring cognitive outcomes in patients with NF1 have mainly targeted RAS signaling but, unfortunately, resulted in limited success. In this Review, we provide an overview of the structure and function of neurofibromin, and evaluate several cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying neurofibromin-dependent cognitive function, which have recently been delineated in animal models. A better understanding of neurofibromin roles in the development and function of the nervous system will be crucial for identifying new therapeutic targets for the various cognitive domains affected by NF1. Summary: Neurofibromin influences neural circuits through RAS, cAMP and dopamine signaling. Exploring the mechanisms underlying neurofibromin-dependent behaviors in animal models might enable future treatment of the various cognitive deficits that are associated with neurofibromatosis type 1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew H Miller
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA.,Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Mary C Halloran
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Somatilaka BN, Sadek A, McKay RM, Le LQ. Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor: models, biology, and translation. Oncogene 2022; 41:2405-2421. [PMID: 35393544 PMCID: PMC9035132 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02290-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are aggressive, invasive cancer that comprise around 10% of all soft tissue sarcomas and develop in about 8-13% of patients with Neurofibromatosis Type 1. They are associated with poor prognosis and are the leading cause of mortality in NF1 patients. MPNSTs can also develop sporadically or following exposure to radiation. There is currently no effective targeted therapy to treat MPNSTs and surgical removal remains the mainstay treatment. Unfortunately, surgery is not always possible due to the size and location of the tumor, thus, a better understanding of MPNST initiation and development is required to design novel therapeutics. Here, we provide an overview of MPNST biology and genetics, discuss findings regarding the developmental origin of MPNST, and summarize the various model systems employed to study MPNST. Finally, we discuss current management strategies for MPNST, as well as recent developments in translating basic research findings into potential therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bandarigoda N. Somatilaka
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern
Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, 75390-9069, USA
| | - Ali Sadek
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern
Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, 75390-9069, USA
| | - Renee M. McKay
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern
Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, 75390-9069, USA
| | - Lu Q. Le
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern
Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, 75390-9069, USA,Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas
Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, 75390-9069, USA,UTSW Comprehensive Neurofibromatosis Clinic, University of
Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, 75390-9069, USA,Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine,
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas,
75390-9069, USA,O’Donnell Brain Institute, University of Texas
Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, 75390-9069, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Mo J, Moye SL, McKay RM, Le LQ. Neurofibromin and suppression of tumorigenesis: beyond the GAP. Oncogene 2022; 41:1235-1251. [PMID: 35066574 PMCID: PMC9063229 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-02156-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant genetic disease and one of the most common inherited tumor predisposition syndromes, affecting 1 in 3000 individuals worldwide. The NF1 gene encodes neurofibromin, a large protein with RAS GTP-ase activating (RAS-GAP) activity, and loss of NF1 results in increased RAS signaling. Neurofibromin contains many other domains, and there is considerable evidence that these domains play a role in some manifestations of NF1. Investigating the role of these domains as well as the various signaling pathways that neurofibromin regulates and interacts with will provide a better understanding of how neurofibromin acts to suppress tumor development and potentially open new therapeutic avenues. In this review, we discuss what is known about the structure of neurofibromin, its interactions with other proteins and signaling pathways, its role in development and differentiation, and its function as a tumor suppressor. Finally, we discuss the latest research on potential therapeutics for neurofibromin-deficient neoplasms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Mo
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, 75390-9069, USA
| | - Stefanie L Moye
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, 75390-9069, USA
| | - Renee M McKay
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, 75390-9069, USA
| | - Lu Q Le
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, 75390-9069, USA.
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, 75390-9069, USA.
- UTSW Comprehensive Neurofibromatosis Clinic, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, 75390-9069, USA.
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, 75390-9069, USA.
- O'Donnell Brain Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, 75390-9069, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Phenotypical and genetical characterization of the Mad 1-2 allele during Drosophila wing development. Cells Dev 2021; 169:203761. [PMID: 34875394 DOI: 10.1016/j.cdev.2021.203761] [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: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Growth and patterning of Drosophila wing depends upon the sequential organizing activities of Hedgehog (Hh) and Decapentaplegic (Dpp) signaling pathways. The Hh signaling directly activates the expression of dpp through the transcription factor cubitus interruptus (Ci). Dpp itself functions as a long-range morphogen to promote cell proliferation and differentiation through an essential transcription factor encoded by Mad. Here we report that the Mad1-2 allele exhibits phenotypes distinct from classical Dpp pathway mutants in the developing wing. The activity of Dpp signaling is attenuated in Mad1-2 mutant cells. However, activation of Dpp signaling is found in a subset of cells surrounding homozygous Mad1-2 clones when the clones are located at the anterior compartment of wing disc. Further analysis reveals that Mad1-2 mutant cells display high level of Hh signaling activity and accumulate significant amount of Ci. Unexpectedly, whole genome resequencing identifies multiple mutations in the 3'UTR region of Pka-C1 genomic loci in the Mad1-2 stock. We provide genetic and molecular evidence that the Pka-C1 mutations carried by Mad1-2 likely underlies the observed Hh signaling defects. Therefore, the contribution of Pka-C1 mutation should be taken in consideration when analyzing Mad1-2 phenotypes. The isolation of independent Mad and Pka-C1 alleles from the Mad1-2 stock further supports our conclusions.
Collapse
|
16
|
Machado Almeida P, Lago Solis B, Stickley L, Feidler A, Nagoshi E. Neurofibromin 1 in mushroom body neurons mediates circadian wake drive through activating cAMP-PKA signaling. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5758. [PMID: 34599173 PMCID: PMC8486785 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26031-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Various behavioral and cognitive states exhibit circadian variations in animals across phyla including Drosophila melanogaster, in which only ~0.1% of the brain's neurons contain circadian clocks. Clock neurons transmit the timing information to a plethora of non-clock neurons via poorly understood mechanisms. Here, we address the molecular underpinning of this phenomenon by profiling circadian gene expression in non-clock neurons that constitute the mushroom body, the center of associative learning and sleep regulation. We show that circadian clocks drive rhythmic expression of hundreds of genes in mushroom body neurons, including the Neurofibromin 1 (Nf1) tumor suppressor gene and Pka-C1. Circadian clocks also drive calcium rhythms in mushroom body neurons via NF1-cAMP/PKA-C1 signaling, eliciting higher mushroom body activity during the day than at night, thereby promoting daytime wakefulness. These findings reveal the pervasive, non-cell-autonomous circadian regulation of gene expression in the brain and its role in sleep.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Machado Almeida
- grid.8591.50000 0001 2322 4988Department of Genetics and Evolution, Sciences III, University of Geneva, 30 Quai Ernest-Ansermet, Geneva, 4, CH-1211 Switzerland
| | - Blanca Lago Solis
- grid.8591.50000 0001 2322 4988Department of Genetics and Evolution, Sciences III, University of Geneva, 30 Quai Ernest-Ansermet, Geneva, 4, CH-1211 Switzerland
| | - Luca Stickley
- grid.8591.50000 0001 2322 4988Department of Genetics and Evolution, Sciences III, University of Geneva, 30 Quai Ernest-Ansermet, Geneva, 4, CH-1211 Switzerland
| | - Alexis Feidler
- grid.8591.50000 0001 2322 4988Department of Genetics and Evolution, Sciences III, University of Geneva, 30 Quai Ernest-Ansermet, Geneva, 4, CH-1211 Switzerland ,grid.412750.50000 0004 1936 9166Present Address: University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY USA
| | - Emi Nagoshi
- grid.8591.50000 0001 2322 4988Department of Genetics and Evolution, Sciences III, University of Geneva, 30 Quai Ernest-Ansermet, Geneva, 4, CH-1211 Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Coban G, Parlak S, Gumeler E, Altunbuker H, Konuşkan B, Karakaya J, Anlar B, Oguz KK. Synthetic MRI in Neurofibromatosis Type 1. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2021; 42:1709-1715. [PMID: 34266869 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a7214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Synthetic MRI enables the generation of various contrast-weighted images and quantitative data in a reasonable scanning time. We aimed to use synthetic MRI to assess the detection and underlying tissue characteristics of focal areas of signal intensity and normal-appearing brain parenchyma and morphometric alterations in the brains of patients with neurofibromatosis type 1. MATERIALS AND METHODS Conventional MR imaging and synthetic MRI were prospectively obtained from 19 patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 and 18 healthy controls. Two neuroradiologists independently evaluated focal areas of signal intensity on both conventional MR imaging and synthetic MRI. Additionally, automatically segmented volume calculations of the brain in both groups and quantitative analysis of myelin, including the focal areas of signal intensity and normal-appearing brain parenchyma, of patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 were performed using synthetic MRI. RESULTS The comparison of conventional MR imaging and synthetic MRI showed good correlation in the supratentorial region of the brain (κ = 0.82-1). Automatically segmented brain parenchymal volume, intracranial volume, and GM volumes were significantly increased in the patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (P < .05). The myelin-correlated compound, myelin fraction volume, WM fraction volume, transverse relaxation rate, and longitudinal relaxation rate values were significantly decreased in focal areas of signal intensity on myelin and WM maps (P < .001); however, GM, GM fraction volume, and proton density values were significantly increased on the GM map (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Synthetic MRI is a potential tool for the assessment of morphometric and tissue alterations as well as the detection of focal areas of signal intensity in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 in a reasonable scan time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Coban
- From the Departments of Radiology (G.C., S.P., E.G., K.K.O.)
| | - S Parlak
- From the Departments of Radiology (G.C., S.P., E.G., K.K.O.)
| | - E Gumeler
- From the Departments of Radiology (G.C., S.P., E.G., K.K.O.)
| | - H Altunbuker
- Istanbul Il Ambulans Servisi Başhekimliği, (H.A.), Istanbul, Turkey
| | - B Konuşkan
- Department of Pediatric Neurology (B.K.), Mardin State Hospital, Mardin, Turkey
| | | | - B Anlar
- Pediatric Neurology (B.A.), Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - K K Oguz
- From the Departments of Radiology (G.C., S.P., E.G., K.K.O.)
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Botero V, Stanhope BA, Brown EB, Grenci EC, Boto T, Park SJ, King LB, Murphy KR, Colodner KJ, Walker JA, Keene AC, Ja WW, Tomchik SM. Neurofibromin regulates metabolic rate via neuronal mechanisms in Drosophila. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4285. [PMID: 34257279 PMCID: PMC8277851 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24505-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 is a chronic multisystemic genetic disorder that results from loss of function in the neurofibromin protein. Neurofibromin may regulate metabolism, though the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here we show that neurofibromin regulates metabolic homeostasis in Drosophila via a discrete neuronal circuit. Loss of neurofibromin increases metabolic rate via a Ras GAP-related domain-dependent mechanism, increases feeding homeostatically, and alters lipid stores and turnover kinetics. The increase in metabolic rate is independent of locomotor activity, and maps to a sparse subset of neurons. Stimulating these neurons increases metabolic rate, linking their dynamic activity state to metabolism over short time scales. Our results indicate that neurofibromin regulates metabolic rate via neuronal mechanisms, suggest that cellular and systemic metabolic alterations may represent a pathophysiological mechanism in neurofibromatosis type 1, and provide a platform for investigating the cellular role of neurofibromin in metabolic homeostasis. Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in neurofibromin and associated with disruptions in physiology and behavior. Here the authors show that neurofibromin regulates metabolic homeostasis via a discrete brain circuit in a Drosophila model of NF1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Botero
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Bethany A Stanhope
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Elizabeth B Brown
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Eliza C Grenci
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Tamara Boto
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, FL, USA.,Department of Physiology, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Scarlet J Park
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Lanikea B King
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Keith R Murphy
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Kenneth J Colodner
- Program in Neuroscience and Behavior, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA, USA
| | - James A Walker
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Alex C Keene
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - William W Ja
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Seth M Tomchik
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, FL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Georganta EM, Moressis A, Skoulakis EMC. Associative Learning Requires Neurofibromin to Modulate GABAergic Inputs to Drosophila Mushroom Bodies. J Neurosci 2021; 41:5274-5286. [PMID: 33972401 PMCID: PMC8211548 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1605-20.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive dysfunction is among the hallmark symptoms of Neurofibromatosis 1, and accordingly, loss of the Drosophila melanogaster ortholog of Neurofibromin 1 (dNf1) precipitates associative learning deficits. However, the affected circuitry in the adult CNS remained unclear and the compromised mechanisms debatable. Although the main evolutionarily conserved function attributed to Nf1 is to inactivate Ras, decreased cAMP signaling on its loss has been thought to underlie impaired learning. Using mixed sex populations, we determine that dNf1 loss results in excess GABAergic signaling to the central for associative learning mushroom body (MB) neurons, apparently suppressing learning. dNf1 is necessary and sufficient for learning within these non-MB neurons, as a dAlk and Ras1-dependent, but PKA-independent modulator of GABAergic neurotransmission. Surprisingly, we also uncovered and discuss a postsynaptic Ras1-dependent, but dNf1-independnet signaling within the MBs that apparently responds to presynaptic GABA levels and contributes to the learning deficit of the mutants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eirini-Maria Georganta
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming" Vari, 16672, Greece
| | - Anastasios Moressis
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming" Vari, 16672, Greece
| | - Efthimios M C Skoulakis
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming" Vari, 16672, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Moscato EH, Dubowy C, Walker JA, Kayser MS. Social Behavioral Deficits with Loss of Neurofibromin Emerge from Peripheral Chemosensory Neuron Dysfunction. Cell Rep 2021; 32:107856. [PMID: 32640222 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.107856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with social and communicative disabilities. The cellular and circuit mechanisms by which loss of neurofibromin 1 (Nf1) results in social deficits are unknown. Here, we identify social behavioral dysregulation with Nf1 loss in Drosophila. These deficits map to primary dysfunction of a group of peripheral sensory neurons. Nf1 regulation of Ras signaling in adult ppk23+ chemosensory cells is required for normal social behaviors in flies. Loss of Nf1 attenuates ppk23+ neuronal activity in response to pheromones, and circuit-specific manipulation of Nf1 expression or neuronal activity in ppk23+ neurons rescues social deficits. This disrupted sensory processing gives rise to persistent changes in behavior beyond the social interaction, indicating a sustained effect of an acute sensory misperception. Together our data identify a specific circuit mechanism through which Nf1 regulates social behaviors and suggest social deficits in NF1 arise from propagation of sensory misinformation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emilia H Moscato
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Christine Dubowy
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - James A Walker
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Matthew S Kayser
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Chronobiology and Sleep Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
MEKK2 mediates aberrant ERK activation in neurofibromatosis type I. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5704. [PMID: 33177525 PMCID: PMC7658220 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19555-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type I (NF1) is characterized by prominent skeletal manifestations caused by NF1 loss. While inhibitors of the ERK activating kinases MEK1/2 are promising as a means to treat NF1, the broad blockade of the ERK pathway produced by this strategy is potentially associated with therapy limiting toxicities. Here, we have sought targets offering a more narrow inhibition of ERK activation downstream of NF1 loss in the skeleton, finding that MEKK2 is a novel component of a noncanonical ERK pathway in osteoblasts that mediates aberrant ERK activation after NF1 loss. Accordingly, despite mice with conditional deletion of Nf1 in mature osteoblasts (Nf1fl/fl;Dmp1-Cre) and Mekk2−/− each displaying skeletal defects, Nf1fl/fl;Mekk2−/−;Dmp1-Cre mice show an amelioration of NF1-associated phenotypes. We also provide proof-of-principle that FDA-approved inhibitors with activity against MEKK2 can ameliorate NF1 skeletal pathology. Thus, MEKK2 functions as a MAP3K in the ERK pathway in osteoblasts, offering a potential new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of NF1. Neurofibromatosis type I (NF1) is characterized by prominent skeletal abnormalities mediated in part by aberrant ERK pathway activation due to NF1 loss-of-function. Here, the authors report the MEKK2 is a key mediator of this aberrant ERK activation and that MEKK2 inhibitors, including ponatinib, ameliorate skeletal defects in a mouse model of NF1.
Collapse
|
22
|
Bergoug M, Doudeau M, Godin F, Mosrin C, Vallée B, Bénédetti H. Neurofibromin Structure, Functions and Regulation. Cells 2020; 9:cells9112365. [PMID: 33121128 PMCID: PMC7692384 DOI: 10.3390/cells9112365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromin is a large and multifunctional protein encoded by the tumor suppressor gene NF1, mutations of which cause the tumor predisposition syndrome neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Over the last three decades, studies of neurofibromin structure, interacting partners, and functions have shown that it is involved in several cell signaling pathways, including the Ras/MAPK, Akt/mTOR, ROCK/LIMK/cofilin, and cAMP/PKA pathways, and regulates many fundamental cellular processes, such as proliferation and migration, cytoskeletal dynamics, neurite outgrowth, dendritic-spine density, and dopamine levels. The crystallographic structure has been resolved for two of its functional domains, GRD (GAP-related (GTPase-activating protein) domain) and SecPH, and its post-translational modifications studied, showing it to be localized to several cell compartments. These findings have been of particular interest in the identification of many therapeutic targets and in the proposal of various therapeutic strategies to treat the symptoms of NF1. In this review, we provide an overview of the literature on neurofibromin structure, function, interactions, and regulation and highlight the relationships between them.
Collapse
|
23
|
Mariano V, Achsel T, Bagni C, Kanellopoulos AK. Modelling Learning and Memory in Drosophila to Understand Intellectual Disabilities. Neuroscience 2020; 445:12-30. [PMID: 32730949 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.07.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) include a large number of conditions such as Fragile X syndrome, autism spectrum disorders and Down syndrome, among others. They are characterized by limitations in adaptive and social behaviors, as well as intellectual disability (ID). Whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing studies have highlighted a large number of NDD/ID risk genes. To dissect the genetic causes and underlying biological pathways, in vivo experimental validation of the effects of these mutations is needed. The fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, is an ideal model to study NDDs, with highly tractable genetics, combined with simple behavioral and circuit assays, permitting rapid medium-throughput screening of NDD/ID risk genes. Here, we review studies where the use of well-established assays to study mechanisms of learning and memory in Drosophila has permitted insights into molecular mechanisms underlying IDs. We discuss how technologies in the fly model, combined with a high degree of molecular and physiological conservation between flies and mammals, highlight the Drosophila system as an ideal model to study neurodevelopmental disorders, from genetics to behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vittoria Mariano
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1005, Switzerland; Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Tilmann Achsel
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1005, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Bagni
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1005, Switzerland; Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy.
| | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
King LB, Boto T, Botero V, Aviles AM, Jomsky BM, Joseph C, Walker JA, Tomchik SM. Developmental loss of neurofibromin across distributed neuronal circuits drives excessive grooming in Drosophila. PLoS Genet 2020; 16:e1008920. [PMID: 32697780 PMCID: PMC7398555 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 is a monogenetic disorder that predisposes individuals to tumor formation and cognitive and behavioral symptoms. The neuronal circuitry and developmental events underlying these neurological symptoms are unknown. To better understand how mutations of the underlying gene (NF1) drive behavioral alterations, we have examined grooming in the Drosophila neurofibromatosis 1 model. Mutations of the fly NF1 ortholog drive excessive grooming, and increased grooming was observed in adults when Nf1 was knocked down during development. Furthermore, intact Nf1 Ras GAP-related domain signaling was required to maintain normal grooming. The requirement for Nf1 was distributed across neuronal circuits, which were additive when targeted in parallel, rather than mapping to discrete microcircuits. Overall, these data suggest that broadly-distributed alterations in neuronal function during development, requiring intact Ras signaling, drive key Nf1-mediated behavioral alterations. Thus, global developmental alterations in brain circuits/systems function may contribute to behavioral phenotypes in neurofibromatosis type 1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lanikea B. King
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida, United States of America
| | - Tamara Boto
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida, United States of America
| | - Valentina Botero
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida, United States of America
| | - Ari M. Aviles
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida, United States of America
- Honors College, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida, United States of America
| | - Breanna M. Jomsky
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida, United States of America
- Honors College, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida, United States of America
| | - Chevara Joseph
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida, United States of America
- Honors College, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida, United States of America
| | - James A. Walker
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Seth M. Tomchik
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Scheffzek K, Shivalingaiah G. Ras-Specific GTPase-Activating Proteins-Structures, Mechanisms, and Interactions. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2019; 9:cshperspect.a031500. [PMID: 30104198 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a031500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Ras-specific GTPase-activating proteins (RasGAPs) down-regulate the biological activity of Ras proteins by accelerating their intrinsic rate of GTP hydrolysis, basically by a transition state stabilizing mechanism. Oncogenic Ras is commonly not sensitive to RasGAPs caused by interference of mutants with the electronic or steric requirements of the transition state, resulting in up-regulation of activated Ras in respective cells. RasGAPs are modular proteins containing a helical catalytic RasGAP module surrounded by smaller domains that are frequently involved in the subcellular localization or contributing to regulatory features of their host proteins. In this review, we summarize current knowledge about RasGAP structure, mechanism, regulation, and dual-substrate specificity and discuss in some detail neurofibromin, one of the most important negative Ras regulators in cellular growth control and neuronal function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Klaus Scheffzek
- Division of Biological Chemistry (Biocenter), Medical University of Innsbruck, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Giridhar Shivalingaiah
- Division of Biological Chemistry (Biocenter), Medical University of Innsbruck, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
A Drosophila genetic screen for suppressors of S6kinase-dependent growth identifies the F-box subunit Archipelago/FBXW7. Mol Genet Genomics 2019; 294:573-582. [PMID: 30656413 DOI: 10.1007/s00438-018-01529-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
This study was designed to identify novel negative regulators of the Drosophila S6kinase (dS6K). S6K is a downstream effector of the growth-regulatory complex mTORC1 (mechanistic-Target-of-Rapamycin complex 1). Nutrients activate mTORC1, which in turn induces the phosphorylation of S6K to promote cell growth, whereas fasting represses mTORC1 activity. Here, we screened 11,000 RNA-interfering (RNAi) lines and retained those that enhanced a dS6K-dependent growth phenotype. Since RNAi induces gene knockdown, enhanced tissue growth supports the idea that the targeted gene acts as a growth suppressor. To validate the resulting candidate genes, we monitored dS6K phosphorylation and protein levels in double-stranded RNAi-treated S2 cells. We identified novel dS6K negative regulators, including gene products implicated in basal cellular functions, suggesting that feedback inputs modulate mTORC1/dS6K signaling. We also identified Archipelago (Ago), the Drosophila homologue of FBXW7, which is an E3-ubiquitin-ligase subunit that loads ubiquitin units onto target substrates for proteasome-mediated degradation. Despite a previous report showing an interaction between Ago/FBXW7 and dS6K in a yeast two-hybrid assay and the presence of an Ago/FBXW7-consensus motif in the dS6K polypeptide, we could not see a direct interaction in immunoprecipitation assay. Nevertheless, we observed that loss-of-ago/fbxw7 in larvae resulted in an increase in dS6K protein levels, but no change in the levels of phosphorylated dS6K or dS6K transcripts, suggesting that Ago/FBXW7 indirectly controls dS6K translation or stability. Through the identification of novel negative regulators of the downstream target, dS6K, our study may help deciphering the underlying mechanisms driving deregulations of mTORC1, which underlies several human diseases.
Collapse
|
27
|
Cui Y, Morrison H. Construction of cloning-friendly minigenes for mammalian expression of full-length human NF1 isoforms. Hum Mutat 2018; 40:187-192. [DOI: 10.1002/humu.23681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Cui
- Leibniz Institute on Aging, Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI); Jena Germany
| | - Helen Morrison
- Leibniz Institute on Aging, Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI); Jena Germany
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Tajan M, Paccoud R, Branka S, Edouard T, Yart A. The RASopathy Family: Consequences of Germline Activation of the RAS/MAPK Pathway. Endocr Rev 2018; 39:676-700. [PMID: 29924299 DOI: 10.1210/er.2017-00232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Noonan syndrome [NS; Mendelian Inheritance in Men (MIM) #163950] and related syndromes [Noonan syndrome with multiple lentigines (formerly called LEOPARD syndrome; MIM #151100), Noonan-like syndrome with loose anagen hair (MIM #607721), Costello syndrome (MIM #218040), cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome (MIM #115150), type I neurofibromatosis (MIM #162200), and Legius syndrome (MIM #611431)] are a group of related genetic disorders associated with distinctive facial features, cardiopathies, growth and skeletal abnormalities, developmental delay/mental retardation, and tumor predisposition. NS was clinically described more than 50 years ago, and disease genes have been identified throughout the last 3 decades, providing a molecular basis to better understand their physiopathology and identify targets for therapeutic strategies. Most of these genes encode proteins belonging to or regulating the so-called RAS/MAPK signaling pathway, so these syndromes have been gathered under the name RASopathies. In this review, we provide a clinical overview of RASopathies and an update on their genetics. We then focus on the functional and pathophysiological effects of RASopathy-causing mutations and discuss therapeutic perspectives and future directions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mylène Tajan
- INSERM UMR 1048, Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases (I2MC), University of Toulouse Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Romain Paccoud
- INSERM UMR 1048, Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases (I2MC), University of Toulouse Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Sophie Branka
- INSERM UMR 1048, Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases (I2MC), University of Toulouse Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Thomas Edouard
- Endocrine, Bone Diseases, and Genetics Unit, Children's Hospital, Toulouse University Hospital, Toulouse, France
| | - Armelle Yart
- INSERM UMR 1048, Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases (I2MC), University of Toulouse Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Liu J, Gallo RM, Khan MA, Renukaradhya GJ, Brutkiewicz RR. Neurofibromin 1 Impairs Natural Killer T-Cell-Dependent Antitumor Immunity against a T-Cell Lymphoma. Front Immunol 2018; 8:1901. [PMID: 29354122 PMCID: PMC5760513 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromin 1 (NF1) is a tumor suppressor gene encoding a Ras GTPase that negatively regulates Ras signaling pathways. Mutations in NF1 are linked to neurofibromatosis type 1, juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia and Watson syndrome. In terms of antitumor immunity, CD1d-dependent natural killer T (NKT) cells play an important role in the innate antitumor immune response. Generally, Type-I NKT cells protect (and Type-II NKT cells impair) host antitumor immunity. We have previously shown that CD1d-mediated antigen presentation to NKT cells is regulated by cell signaling pathways. To study whether a haploinsufficiency in NF1 would affect CD1d-dependent activation of NKT cells, we analyzed the NKT-cell population as well as the functional expression of CD1d in Nf1+/− mice. Nf1+/− mice were found to have similar levels of NKT cells as wildtype (WT) littermates. Interestingly, however, reduced CD1d expression was observed in Nf1+/− mice compared with their WT littermates. When inoculated with a T-cell lymphoma in vivo, Nf1+/− mice survived longer than their WT littermates. Furthermore, blocking CD1d in vivo significantly enhanced antitumor activity in WT, but not in Nf1+/− mice. In contrast, a deficiency in Type-I NKT cells increased antitumor activity in Nf1+/− mice, but not in WT littermates. Therefore, these data suggest that normal NF1 expression impairs CD1d-mediated NKT-cell activation and antitumor activity against a T-cell lymphoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianyun Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Richard M Gallo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Masood A Khan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States.,College of Applied Medical Sciences, Al-Qassim University, Buraidah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gourapura J Renukaradhya
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States.,Food Animal Health Research Program (FAHRP), Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC), Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University, Wooster, OH, United States
| | - Randy R Brutkiewicz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Reilly KM, Kim A, Blakely J, Ferner RE, Gutmann DH, Legius E, Miettinen MM, Randall RL, Ratner N, Jumbé NL, Bakker A, Viskochil D, Widemann BC, Stewart DR. Neurofibromatosis Type 1-Associated MPNST State of the Science: Outlining a Research Agenda for the Future. J Natl Cancer Inst 2017; 109:4004723. [PMID: 29117388 PMCID: PMC6057517 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djx124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2017] [Revised: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) is an aggressive soft tissue sarcoma for which the only effective therapy is surgery. In 2016, an international meeting entitled "MPNST State of the Science: Outlining a Research Agenda for the Future" was convened to establish short- and long-term research priorities. Key recommendations included the: 1) development of standardized, cost-efficient fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography and whole-body magnetic resonance imaging guidelines to evaluate masses concerning for MPNST; 2) development of better understanding and histologic criteria for the transformation of a plexiform neurofibroma to MPNST; 3) establishment of a centralized database to collect genetic, genomic, histologic, immunohistochemical, molecular, radiographic, treatment, and related clinical data from MPNST subspecialty centers in a standardized manner; 4) creation of accurate mouse models to study the plexiform neurofibroma-to-MPNST transition, MPNST metastasis, and drug resistance; 5) use of trial designs that minimize regulatory requirements, maximize availability to patients, consider novel secondary end points, and study patients with newly diagnosed disease. Lastly, in order to minimize delays in developing novel therapies and promote the most efficient use of research resources and patient samples, data sharing should be incentivized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karlyne M. Reilly
- Affiliations of authors: Rare Tumor Initiative (KMR), Laboratory of Pathology (MMM), and Pediatric Oncology Branch (BCW), Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD; Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children’s National Medical Center, Washington, DC (AK); Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD (JB); Neurofibromatosis Center, Department of Neurology Guy's Hospital London, London, UK (REF); Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO (DHG); Department of Human Genetics, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (EL); Hunstman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT (RLR, DV); Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH (NR); Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA (NLJ); Children’s Tumor Foundation, New York, NY (AB); Clinical Genetics Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD (DRS)
| | - AeRang Kim
- Affiliations of authors: Rare Tumor Initiative (KMR), Laboratory of Pathology (MMM), and Pediatric Oncology Branch (BCW), Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD; Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children’s National Medical Center, Washington, DC (AK); Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD (JB); Neurofibromatosis Center, Department of Neurology Guy's Hospital London, London, UK (REF); Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO (DHG); Department of Human Genetics, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (EL); Hunstman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT (RLR, DV); Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH (NR); Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA (NLJ); Children’s Tumor Foundation, New York, NY (AB); Clinical Genetics Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD (DRS)
| | - Jaishri Blakely
- Affiliations of authors: Rare Tumor Initiative (KMR), Laboratory of Pathology (MMM), and Pediatric Oncology Branch (BCW), Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD; Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children’s National Medical Center, Washington, DC (AK); Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD (JB); Neurofibromatosis Center, Department of Neurology Guy's Hospital London, London, UK (REF); Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO (DHG); Department of Human Genetics, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (EL); Hunstman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT (RLR, DV); Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH (NR); Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA (NLJ); Children’s Tumor Foundation, New York, NY (AB); Clinical Genetics Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD (DRS)
| | - Rosalie E. Ferner
- Affiliations of authors: Rare Tumor Initiative (KMR), Laboratory of Pathology (MMM), and Pediatric Oncology Branch (BCW), Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD; Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children’s National Medical Center, Washington, DC (AK); Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD (JB); Neurofibromatosis Center, Department of Neurology Guy's Hospital London, London, UK (REF); Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO (DHG); Department of Human Genetics, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (EL); Hunstman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT (RLR, DV); Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH (NR); Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA (NLJ); Children’s Tumor Foundation, New York, NY (AB); Clinical Genetics Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD (DRS)
| | - David H. Gutmann
- Affiliations of authors: Rare Tumor Initiative (KMR), Laboratory of Pathology (MMM), and Pediatric Oncology Branch (BCW), Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD; Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children’s National Medical Center, Washington, DC (AK); Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD (JB); Neurofibromatosis Center, Department of Neurology Guy's Hospital London, London, UK (REF); Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO (DHG); Department of Human Genetics, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (EL); Hunstman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT (RLR, DV); Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH (NR); Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA (NLJ); Children’s Tumor Foundation, New York, NY (AB); Clinical Genetics Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD (DRS)
| | - Eric Legius
- Affiliations of authors: Rare Tumor Initiative (KMR), Laboratory of Pathology (MMM), and Pediatric Oncology Branch (BCW), Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD; Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children’s National Medical Center, Washington, DC (AK); Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD (JB); Neurofibromatosis Center, Department of Neurology Guy's Hospital London, London, UK (REF); Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO (DHG); Department of Human Genetics, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (EL); Hunstman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT (RLR, DV); Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH (NR); Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA (NLJ); Children’s Tumor Foundation, New York, NY (AB); Clinical Genetics Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD (DRS)
| | - Markku M. Miettinen
- Affiliations of authors: Rare Tumor Initiative (KMR), Laboratory of Pathology (MMM), and Pediatric Oncology Branch (BCW), Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD; Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children’s National Medical Center, Washington, DC (AK); Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD (JB); Neurofibromatosis Center, Department of Neurology Guy's Hospital London, London, UK (REF); Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO (DHG); Department of Human Genetics, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (EL); Hunstman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT (RLR, DV); Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH (NR); Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA (NLJ); Children’s Tumor Foundation, New York, NY (AB); Clinical Genetics Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD (DRS)
| | - R. Lor Randall
- Affiliations of authors: Rare Tumor Initiative (KMR), Laboratory of Pathology (MMM), and Pediatric Oncology Branch (BCW), Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD; Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children’s National Medical Center, Washington, DC (AK); Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD (JB); Neurofibromatosis Center, Department of Neurology Guy's Hospital London, London, UK (REF); Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO (DHG); Department of Human Genetics, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (EL); Hunstman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT (RLR, DV); Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH (NR); Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA (NLJ); Children’s Tumor Foundation, New York, NY (AB); Clinical Genetics Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD (DRS)
| | - Nancy Ratner
- Affiliations of authors: Rare Tumor Initiative (KMR), Laboratory of Pathology (MMM), and Pediatric Oncology Branch (BCW), Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD; Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children’s National Medical Center, Washington, DC (AK); Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD (JB); Neurofibromatosis Center, Department of Neurology Guy's Hospital London, London, UK (REF); Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO (DHG); Department of Human Genetics, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (EL); Hunstman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT (RLR, DV); Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH (NR); Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA (NLJ); Children’s Tumor Foundation, New York, NY (AB); Clinical Genetics Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD (DRS)
| | - N. L. Jumbé
- Affiliations of authors: Rare Tumor Initiative (KMR), Laboratory of Pathology (MMM), and Pediatric Oncology Branch (BCW), Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD; Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children’s National Medical Center, Washington, DC (AK); Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD (JB); Neurofibromatosis Center, Department of Neurology Guy's Hospital London, London, UK (REF); Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO (DHG); Department of Human Genetics, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (EL); Hunstman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT (RLR, DV); Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH (NR); Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA (NLJ); Children’s Tumor Foundation, New York, NY (AB); Clinical Genetics Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD (DRS)
| | - Annette Bakker
- Affiliations of authors: Rare Tumor Initiative (KMR), Laboratory of Pathology (MMM), and Pediatric Oncology Branch (BCW), Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD; Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children’s National Medical Center, Washington, DC (AK); Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD (JB); Neurofibromatosis Center, Department of Neurology Guy's Hospital London, London, UK (REF); Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO (DHG); Department of Human Genetics, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (EL); Hunstman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT (RLR, DV); Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH (NR); Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA (NLJ); Children’s Tumor Foundation, New York, NY (AB); Clinical Genetics Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD (DRS)
| | - David Viskochil
- Affiliations of authors: Rare Tumor Initiative (KMR), Laboratory of Pathology (MMM), and Pediatric Oncology Branch (BCW), Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD; Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children’s National Medical Center, Washington, DC (AK); Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD (JB); Neurofibromatosis Center, Department of Neurology Guy's Hospital London, London, UK (REF); Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO (DHG); Department of Human Genetics, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (EL); Hunstman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT (RLR, DV); Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH (NR); Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA (NLJ); Children’s Tumor Foundation, New York, NY (AB); Clinical Genetics Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD (DRS)
| | - Brigitte C. Widemann
- Affiliations of authors: Rare Tumor Initiative (KMR), Laboratory of Pathology (MMM), and Pediatric Oncology Branch (BCW), Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD; Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children’s National Medical Center, Washington, DC (AK); Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD (JB); Neurofibromatosis Center, Department of Neurology Guy's Hospital London, London, UK (REF); Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO (DHG); Department of Human Genetics, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (EL); Hunstman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT (RLR, DV); Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH (NR); Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA (NLJ); Children’s Tumor Foundation, New York, NY (AB); Clinical Genetics Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD (DRS)
| | - Douglas R. Stewart
- Affiliations of authors: Rare Tumor Initiative (KMR), Laboratory of Pathology (MMM), and Pediatric Oncology Branch (BCW), Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD; Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children’s National Medical Center, Washington, DC (AK); Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD (JB); Neurofibromatosis Center, Department of Neurology Guy's Hospital London, London, UK (REF); Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO (DHG); Department of Human Genetics, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (EL); Hunstman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT (RLR, DV); Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH (NR); Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA (NLJ); Children’s Tumor Foundation, New York, NY (AB); Clinical Genetics Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD (DRS)
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Physical interaction between neurofibromin and serotonin 5-HT6 receptor promotes receptor constitutive activity. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:12310-12315. [PMID: 27791021 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1600914113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Active G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) conformations not only are promoted by agonists but also occur in their absence, leading to constitutive activity. Association of GPCRs with intracellular protein partners might be one of the mechanisms underlying GPCR constitutive activity. Here, we show that serotonin 5 hydroxytryptamine 6 (5-HT6) receptor constitutively activates the Gs/adenylyl cyclase pathway in various cell types, including neurons. Constitutive activity is strongly reduced by silencing expression of the Ras-GTPase activating protein (Ras-GAP) neurofibromin, a 5-HT6 receptor partner. Neurofibromin is a multidomain protein encoded by the NF1 gene, the mutation of which causes Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a genetic disorder characterized by multiple benign and malignant nervous system tumors and cognitive deficits. Disrupting association of 5-HT6 receptor with neurofibromin Pleckstrin Homology (PH) domain also inhibits receptor constitutive activity, and PH domain expression rescues 5-HT6 receptor-operated cAMP signaling in neurofibromin-deficient cells. Furthermore, PH domains carrying mutations identified in NF1 patients that prevent interaction with the 5-HT6 receptor fail to rescue receptor constitutive activity in neurofibromin-depleted cells. Further supporting a role of neurofibromin in agonist-independent Gs signaling elicited by native receptors, the phosphorylation of cAMP-responsive element-binding protein (CREB) is strongly decreased in prefrontal cortex of Nf1+/- mice compared with WT mice. Moreover, systemic administration of a 5-HT6 receptor inverse agonist reduces CREB phosphorylation in prefrontal cortex of WT mice but not Nf1+/- mice. Collectively, these findings suggest that disrupting 5-HT6 receptor-neurofibromin interaction prevents agonist-independent 5-HT6 receptor-operated cAMP signaling in prefrontal cortex, an effect that might underlie neuronal abnormalities in NF1 patients.
Collapse
|
32
|
Abstract
Sleep disorders in humans are increasingly appreciated to be not only widespread but also detrimental to multiple facets of physical and mental health. Recent work has begun to shed light on the mechanistic basis of sleep disorders like insomnia, restless legs syndrome, narcolepsy, and a host of others, but a more detailed genetic and molecular understanding of how sleep goes awry is lacking. Over the past 15 years, studies in Drosophila have yielded new insights into basic questions regarding sleep function and regulation. More recently, powerful genetic approaches in the fly have been applied toward studying primary human sleep disorders and other disease states associated with dysregulated sleep. In this review, we discuss the contribution of Drosophila to the landscape of sleep biology, examining not only fundamental advances in sleep neurobiology but also how flies have begun to inform pathological sleep states in humans.
Collapse
|
33
|
Bessler WK, Hudson FZ, Zhang H, Harris V, Wang Y, Mund JA, Downing B, Ingram DA, Case J, Fulton DJ, Stansfield BK. Neurofibromin is a novel regulator of Ras-induced reactive oxygen species production in mice and humans. Free Radic Biol Med 2016; 97:212-222. [PMID: 27266634 PMCID: PMC5765860 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2016.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Revised: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) predisposes individuals to early and debilitating cardiovascular disease. Loss of function mutations in the NF1 tumor suppressor gene, which encodes the protein neurofibromin, leads to accelerated p21(Ras) activity and phosphorylation of multiple downstream kinases, including Erk and Akt. Nf1 heterozygous (Nf1(+/-)) mice develop a robust neointima that mimics human disease. Monocytes/macrophages play a central role in NF1 arterial stenosis as Nf1 mutations in myeloid cells alone are sufficient to reproduce the enhanced neointima observed in Nf1(+/-) mice. Though the molecular mechanisms underlying NF1 arterial stenosis remain elusive, macrophages are important producers of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Ras activity directly regulates ROS production. Here, we use compound mutant and lineage-restricted mice to demonstrate that Nf1(+/-) macrophages produce excessive ROS, which enhance Nf1(+/-) smooth muscle cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Further, use of a specific NADPH oxidase-2 inhibitor to limit ROS production prevents neointima formation in Nf1(+/-) mice. Finally, mononuclear cells from asymptomatic NF1 patients have increased oxidative DNA damage, an indicator of chronic exposure to oxidative stress. These data provide genetic and pharmacologic evidence that excessive exposure to oxidant species underlie NF1 arterial stenosis and provide a platform for designing novels therapies and interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Waylan K Bessler
- Herman B. Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis 46202, United States; Department of Pediatrics and Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis 46202, United States; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis 46202, United States
| | - Farlyn Z Hudson
- Department of Pediatrics and Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, United States; Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, United States
| | - Hanfang Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics and Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, United States; Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, United States
| | - Valerie Harris
- Department of Pediatrics and Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, United States; Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, United States
| | - Yusi Wang
- Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, United States; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, United States
| | - Julie A Mund
- Herman B. Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis 46202, United States; Department of Pediatrics and Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis 46202, United States; Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis 46202, United States
| | - Brandon Downing
- Herman B. Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis 46202, United States; Department of Pediatrics and Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis 46202, United States
| | - David A Ingram
- Herman B. Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis 46202, United States; Department of Pediatrics and Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis 46202, United States; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis 46202, United States
| | - Jamie Case
- Herman B. Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis 46202, United States; Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis 46202, United States; Scripps Clinic Medical Group, Center for Organ and Cell Transplantation, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States
| | - David J Fulton
- Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, United States; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, United States
| | - Brian K Stansfield
- Department of Pediatrics and Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, United States; Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Jindal GA, Goyal Y, Burdine RD, Rauen KA, Shvartsman SY. RASopathies: unraveling mechanisms with animal models. Dis Model Mech 2016. [PMID: 26203125 PMCID: PMC4527292 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.020339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
RASopathies are developmental disorders caused by germline mutations in the Ras-MAPK pathway, and are characterized by a broad spectrum of functional and morphological abnormalities. The high incidence of these disorders (∼1/1000 births) motivates the development of systematic approaches for their efficient diagnosis and potential treatment. Recent advances in genome sequencing have greatly facilitated the genotyping and discovery of mutations in affected individuals, but establishing the causal relationships between molecules and disease phenotypes is non-trivial and presents both technical and conceptual challenges. Here, we discuss how these challenges could be addressed using genetically modified model organisms that have been instrumental in delineating the Ras-MAPK pathway and its roles during development. Focusing on studies in mice, zebrafish and Drosophila, we provide an up-to-date review of animal models of RASopathies at the molecular and functional level. We also discuss how increasingly sophisticated techniques of genetic engineering can be used to rigorously connect changes in specific components of the Ras-MAPK pathway with observed functional and morphological phenotypes. Establishing these connections is essential for advancing our understanding of RASopathies and for devising rational strategies for their management and treatment. Summary: Developmental disorders caused by germline mutations in the Ras-MAPK pathway are called RASopathies. Studies with animal models, including mice, zebrafish and Drosophila, continue to enhance our understanding of these diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Granton A Jindal
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Yogesh Goyal
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Rebecca D Burdine
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Katherine A Rauen
- Department of Pediatrics, MIND Institute, Division of Genomic Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Stanislav Y Shvartsman
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis I is a common genetic disorder that results in tumor formation, and predisposes individuals to a range of cognitive/behavioral symptoms, including deficits in attention, visuospatial skills, learning, language development, and sleep, and autism spectrum disorder-like traits. The nf1-encoded neurofibromin protein (Nf1) exhibits high conservation, from the common fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, to humans. Drosophila provides a powerful platform to investigate the signaling cascades upstream and downstream of Nf1, and the fly model exhibits similar behavioral phenotypes to mammalian models. In order to understand how loss of Nf1 affects motor behavior in flies, we combined traditional activity monitoring with video analysis of grooming behavior. In nf1 mutants, spontaneous grooming was increased up to 7x. This increase in activity was distinct from previously described dopamine-dependent hyperactivity, as dopamine transporter mutants exhibited slightly decreased grooming. Finally, we found that relative grooming frequencies can be compared in standard activity monitors that measure infrared beam breaks, enabling the use of activity monitors as an automated method to screen for grooming phenotypes. Overall, these data suggest that loss of nf1 produces excessive activity that is manifested as increased grooming, providing a platform to dissect the molecular genetics of neurofibromin signaling across neuronal circuits.
Collapse
|
36
|
Kocova M, Kochova E, Sukarova-Angelovska E. Optic glioma and precocious puberty in a girl with neurofibromatosis type 1 carrying an R681X mutation of NF1: case report and review of the literature. BMC Endocr Disord 2015; 15:82. [PMID: 26666878 PMCID: PMC4678666 DOI: 10.1186/s12902-015-0076-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2015] [Accepted: 12/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a common autosomal dominant genetic disorder with an extremely variable phenotype. In childhood NF1 can be associated with optic glioma and central precocious puberty; the latter is more common when the optic chiasm is affected. The mutational spectrum of the NF1 gene is wide and complex; R681X is a rare severe mutation of the NF1 gene known to cause truncation of neurofibromin, with only ten reported cases in the literature so far. CASE PRESENTATION We describe a girl with NF1 associated with early central precocious puberty appearing at 2.5 years of age and optic glioma affecting the optic chiasm as seen on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Genetic analysis confirmed the presence of R681X. Therapy with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist was instituted with good response to therapy. The lesions on MRI were stable and no significant vision impairment was present during the 6 years of follow-up. CONCLUSION Of the ten reported cases of NF1 due to R681X, one has presented with optic glioma and none with precocious puberty. Thus, to our knowledge, this is the first reported case of this mutation presenting with precocious puberty. We believe that this is a contribution to the few reports on the phenotype of this mutation and to the future elucidation of genotype-phenotype correlations of this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mirjana Kocova
- Department of Endocrinology and Genetics, University Pediatric Clinic, Vodnjanska 17, 1000, Skopje, Macedonia.
| | - Elena Kochova
- Department of Endocrinology and Genetics, University Pediatric Clinic, Vodnjanska 17, 1000, Skopje, Macedonia.
| | - Elena Sukarova-Angelovska
- Department of Endocrinology and Genetics, University Pediatric Clinic, Vodnjanska 17, 1000, Skopje, Macedonia.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Bai L, Sehgal A. Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase Acts in the Drosophila Mushroom Body to Negatively Regulate Sleep. PLoS Genet 2015; 11:e1005611. [PMID: 26536237 PMCID: PMC4633181 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1005611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2015] [Accepted: 09/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Though evidence is mounting that a major function of sleep is to maintain brain plasticity and consolidate memory, little is known about the molecular pathways by which learning and sleep processes intercept. Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (Alk), the gene encoding a tyrosine receptor kinase whose inadvertent activation is the cause of many cancers, is implicated in synapse formation and cognitive functions. In particular, Alk genetically interacts with Neurofibromatosis 1 (Nf1) to regulate growth and associative learning in flies. We show that Alk mutants have increased sleep. Using a targeted RNAi screen we localized the negative effects of Alk on sleep to the mushroom body, a structure important for both sleep and memory. We also report that mutations in Nf1 produce a sexually dimorphic short sleep phenotype, and suppress the long sleep phenotype of Alk. Thus Alk and Nf1 interact in both learning and sleep regulation, highlighting a common pathway in these two processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Bai
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Amita Sehgal
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Omrani A, van der Vaart T, Mientjes E, van Woerden GM, Hojjati MR, Li KW, Gutmann DH, Levelt CN, Smit AB, Silva AJ, Kushner SA, Elgersma Y. HCN channels are a novel therapeutic target for cognitive dysfunction in Neurofibromatosis type 1. Mol Psychiatry 2015; 20:1311-21. [PMID: 25917366 PMCID: PMC5603719 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2015.48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2014] [Revised: 02/19/2015] [Accepted: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive impairments are a major clinical feature of the common neurogenetic disease neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Previous studies have demonstrated that increased neuronal inhibition underlies the learning deficits in NF1, however, the molecular mechanism underlying this cell-type specificity has remained unknown. Here, we identify an interneuron-specific attenuation of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) current as the cause for increased inhibition in Nf1 mutants. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that HCN1 is a novel NF1-interacting protein for which loss of NF1 results in a concomitant increase of interneuron excitability. Furthermore, the HCN channel agonist lamotrigine rescued the electrophysiological and cognitive deficits in two independent Nf1 mouse models, thereby establishing the importance of HCN channel dysfunction in NF1. Together, our results provide detailed mechanistic insights into the pathophysiology of NF1-associated cognitive defects, and identify a novel target for clinical drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Omrani
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- ENCORE Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - T van der Vaart
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- ENCORE Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus Medical Center, Sophia Children’s Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - E Mientjes
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- ENCORE Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - GM van Woerden
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- ENCORE Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - MR Hojjati
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Physiology, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - KW Li
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, CNCR, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - DH Gutmann
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - CN Levelt
- Department of Molecular Visual Plasticity, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - AB Smit
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, CNCR, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - AJ Silva
- Department of Neurobiology, Brain Research Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - SA Kushner
- ENCORE Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Y Elgersma
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- ENCORE Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Yzaguirre AD, Padmanabhan A, de Groh ED, Engleka KA, Li J, Speck NA, Epstein JA. Loss of neurofibromin Ras-GAP activity enhances the formation of cardiac blood islands in murine embryos. eLife 2015; 4:e07780. [PMID: 26460546 PMCID: PMC4714971 DOI: 10.7554/elife.07780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Type I neurofibromatosis (NF1) is caused by mutations in the NF1 gene encoding neurofibromin. Neurofibromin exhibits Ras GTPase activating protein (Ras-GAP) activity that is thought to mediate cellular functions relevant to disease phenotypes. Loss of murine Nf1 results in embryonic lethality due to heart defects, while mice with monoallelic loss of function mutations or with tissue-specific inactivation have been used to model NF1. Here, we characterize previously unappreciated phenotypes in Nf1-/- embryos, which are inhibition of hemogenic endothelial specification in the dorsal aorta, enhanced yolk sac hematopoiesis, and exuberant cardiac blood island formation. We show that a missense mutation engineered into the active site of the Ras-GAP domain is sufficient to reproduce ectopic blood island formation, cardiac defects, and overgrowth of neural crest-derived structures seen in Nf1-/-embryos. These findings demonstrate a role for Ras-GAP activity in suppressing the hemogenic potential of the heart and restricting growth of neural crest-derived tissues. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.07780.001 Messages are carried from the surface of a cell to the cell’s nucleus in order to regulate various processes such as how often the cell will divide. The Ras-signaling pathway carries some of these messages. A gene called Nf1 encodes a protein in this pathway that deactivates another protein called Ras when the message is no longer required. If a mutation in Nf1 prevents it from deactivating Ras, the pathway becomes hyperactivated. In humans, this results in a disorder called Neurofibromatosis type I, which is characterized by tumors that affect many parts of the body. When the expression of Nf1 is turned off in mice, the mice die as embryos because of cardiac defects. But a mouse in which Nf1 has been turned off in specific organs or tissues other than the heart can survive, and these mice are used to model Neurofibromatosis type I and to help to identify potential treatments. Yzaguirre et al. have now identified new roles for Nf1 during embryonic development. In the embryo, blood cells originate from the cells lining the blood vessels. The experiments revealed that, when the Nf1 gene was mutated in mice, fewer blood cells formed from the lining of the major blood vessel that leaves the embryonic heart. In contrast, these mutant mice formed more structures called cardiac blood islands than a normal mouse. These structures line the heart, and have the potential to generate new blood cells for the heart to pump. These results shed new light on how blood is originally formed from the lining of the heart and blood vessels, and show that Ras signaling must be tightly regulated to maintain normal blood development in the embryo. Furthermore, Yzaguirre et al. demonstrated that this excessive formation of cardiac blood islands resulted specifically from the loss of Nf1’s role in the Ras-signaling pathway. This was achieved by using gene targeting to generate a mouse that expresses Nf1 with a minor change that affects only the protein’s interaction with Ras. In the future, this new strain of mouse will be a useful tool in determining if specific aspects of Neurofibromatosis type I can be attributed to loss of Nf1’s role in Ras-signaling and could therefore be treated by medicines that target this pathway. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.07780.002
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda D Yzaguirre
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States.,Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Arun Padmanabhan
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States.,Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Eric D de Groh
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States.,Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Kurt A Engleka
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States.,Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Jun Li
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States.,Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Nancy A Speck
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States.,Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Jonathan A Epstein
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States.,Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Androschuk A, Al-Jabri B, Bolduc FV. From Learning to Memory: What Flies Can Tell Us about Intellectual Disability Treatment. Front Psychiatry 2015; 6:85. [PMID: 26089803 PMCID: PMC4453272 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2015.00085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2015] [Accepted: 05/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Intellectual disability (ID), previously known as mental retardation, affects 3% of the population and remains without pharmacological treatment. ID is characterized by impaired general mental abilities associated with defects in adaptive function in which onset occurs before 18 years of age. Genetic factors are increasing and being recognized as the causes of severe ID due to increased use of genome-wide screening tools. Unfortunately drug discovery for treatment of ID has not followed the same pace as gene discovery, leaving clinicians, patients, and families without the ability to ameliorate symptoms. Despite this, several model organisms have proven valuable in developing and screening candidate drugs. One such model organism is the fruit fly Drosophila. First, we review the current understanding of memory in human and its model in Drosophila. Second, we describe key signaling pathways involved in ID and memory such as the cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP)-cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) pathway, the regulation of protein synthesis, the role of receptors and anchoring proteins, the role of neuronal proliferation, and finally the role of neurotransmitters. Third, we characterize the types of memory defects found in patients with ID. Finally, we discuss how important insights gained from Drosophila learning and memory could be translated in clinical research to lead to better treatment development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alaura Androschuk
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Basma Al-Jabri
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Francois V. Bolduc
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Wurmbach E, Preiss A. Deletion mapping in the Enhancer of split complex. Hereditas 2015; 151:159-68. [PMID: 25588303 DOI: 10.1111/hrd2.00065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2014] [Accepted: 09/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The Enhancer of split complex [E(spl)-C] comprises twelve genes of different classes. Seven genes encode proteins of with a basic-helix-loop-helix-orange (bHLH-O) domain that function as transcriptional repressors and serve as effectors of the Notch signalling pathway. They have been named E(spl)m8-, m7-, m5-, m3-, mβ-, mγ- and mδ-HLH. Four genes, E(spl)m6-, m4-, m2- and mα-BFM are intermingled and encode Notch repressor proteins of the Bearded-family (BFM). The complex is split by a single gene of unrelated function, encoding a Kazal-type protease inhibitor (Kaz-m1). All members within a family, bHLH-O or BFM, are very similar in structure and in function. In an attempt to generate specific mutants, we have mobilised P-element constructs residing next to E(spl)m7-HLH and E(spl)mγ-HLH, respectively. The resulting deletions were mapped molecularly and by cytology. Two small deletions affected only E(spl)m7-HLH and E(spl)mδ. The deficient flies were viable without apparent phenotype. Larger deletions, generated also by X-ray mutagenesis, uncover most of the E(spl)-C. The phenotypes of homozygous deficient embryos were analysed to characterize the respective loss of Notch signalling activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Wurmbach
- Office of Chief Medical Examiner, Department of Forensic Biology, New York, NY, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Ratner N, Miller SJ. A RASopathy gene commonly mutated in cancer: the neurofibromatosis type 1 tumour suppressor. Nat Rev Cancer 2015; 15:290-301. [PMID: 25877329 PMCID: PMC4822336 DOI: 10.1038/nrc3911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 300] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a common genetic disorder that predisposes affected individuals to tumours. The NF1 gene encodes a RAS GTPase-activating protein called neurofibromin and is one of several genes that (when mutant) affect RAS-MAPK signalling, causing related diseases collectively known as RASopathies. Several RASopathies, beyond NF1, are cancer predisposition syndromes. Somatic NF1 mutations also occur in 5-10% of human sporadic cancers and may contribute to resistance to therapy. To highlight areas for investigation in RASopathies and sporadic tumours with NF1 mutations, we summarize current knowledge of NF1 disease, the NF1 gene and neurofibromin, neurofibromin signalling pathways and recent developments in NF1 therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Ratner
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
| | - Shyra J Miller
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Wolman MA, de Groh ED, McBride SM, Jongens TA, Granato M, Epstein JA. Modulation of cAMP and ras signaling pathways improves distinct behavioral deficits in a zebrafish model of neurofibromatosis type 1. Cell Rep 2014; 8:1265-70. [PMID: 25176649 PMCID: PMC5850931 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2014.07.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2014] [Revised: 07/20/2014] [Accepted: 07/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a common autosomal-dominant disorder associated with attention deficits and learning disabilities. The primary known function of neurofibromin, encoded by the NF1 gene, is to downregulate Ras activity. We show that nf1-deficient zebrafish exhibit learning and memory deficits and that acute pharmacological inhibition of downstream targets of Ras (MAPK and PI3K) restores memory consolidation and recall but not learning. Conversely, acute pharmacological enhancement of cAMP signaling restores learning but not memory. Our data provide compelling evidence that neurofibromin regulates learning and memory by distinct molecular pathways in vertebrates and that deficits produced by genetic loss of function are reversible. These findings support the investigation of cAMP signaling enhancers as a companion therapy to Ras inhibition in the treatment of cognitive dysfunction in NF1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marc A Wolman
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Eric D de Groh
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Sean M McBride
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Thomas A Jongens
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Michael Granato
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jonathan A Epstein
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Garcia C, Gutmann DH. Using the neurofibromatosis tumor predisposition syndromes to understand normal nervous system development. SCIENTIFICA 2014; 2014:915725. [PMID: 25243094 PMCID: PMC4163293 DOI: 10.1155/2014/915725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2014] [Accepted: 05/07/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Development is a tightly regulated process that involves stem cell self-renewal, differentiation, cell-to-cell communication, apoptosis, and blood vessel formation. These coordinated processes ensure that tissues maintain a size and architecture that is appropriate for normal tissue function. As such, tumors arise when cells acquire genetic mutations that allow them to escape the normal growth constraints. In this regard, the study of tumor predisposition syndromes affords a unique platform to better understand normal development and the process by which normal cells transform into cancers. Herein, we review the processes governing normal brain development, discuss how brain cancer represents a disruption of these normal processes, and highlight insights into both normal development and cancer made possible by the study of tumor predisposition syndromes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Garcia
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, Box 8111, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - David H. Gutmann
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, Box 8111, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Schwetye KE, Gutmann DH. Cognitive and behavioral problems in children with neurofibromatosis type 1: challenges and future directions. Expert Rev Neurother 2014; 14:1139-52. [PMID: 25161109 DOI: 10.1586/14737175.2014.953931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive and behavioral disorders affect nearly 80% of all children with the neurofibromatosis type 1 inherited cancer syndrome, and are among the most significant clinical manifestations for patients and their families. One of the barriers to successful therapeutic intervention is the wide spectrum of clinical phenotypic expression, ranging from visuospatial learning problems to social perceptual deficits (autism). Leveraging numerous small-animal models of neurofibromatosis type 1, several promising targets have been identified to treat the learning, attention, and autism spectrum phenotypes in this at-risk population. In this review, we provide an up-to-date summary of our current understanding of these disorders in NF1, and propose future research directions aimed at designing more effective therapeutic approaches and clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine E Schwetye
- Department of Pathology, Division of Neuropathology, Washington University School of Medicine, Box 8111, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, St. Louis MO 63110, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Neurofibromatosis type 1 alternative splicing is a key regulator of Ras signaling in neurons. Mol Cell Biol 2014; 34:2188-97. [PMID: 24710274 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00019-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type I (Nf1) is a GTPase-activating protein (GAP) that inactivates the oncoprotein Ras and plays important roles in nervous system development and learning. Alternative exon 23a falls within the Nf1 GAP domain coding sequence and is tightly regulated in favor of skipping in neurons; however, its biological function is not fully understood. Here we generated mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells with a constitutive endogenous Nf1 exon 23a inclusion, termed Nf1 23aIN/23aIN cells, by mutating the splicing signals surrounding the exon to better match consensus sequences. We also made Nf1 23aΔ/23aΔ cells lacking the exon. Active Ras levels are high in wild-type (WT) and Nf1 23aIN/23aIN ES cells, where the Nf1 exon 23a inclusion level is high, and low in Nf1 23aΔ/23aΔ cells. Upon neuronal differentiation, active Ras levels are high in Nf1 23aIN/23aIN cells, where the exon inclusion level remains high, but Ras activation is low in the other two genotypes, where the exon is skipped. Signaling downstream of Ras is significantly elevated in Nf1 23aIN/23aIN neurons. These results suggest that exon 23a suppresses the Ras-GAP activity of Nf1. Therefore, regulation of Nf1 exon 23a inclusion serves as a mechanism for providing appropriate levels of Ras signaling and may be important in modulating Ras-related neuronal functions.
Collapse
|
47
|
Walker JA, Bernards A. A Drosophila screen identifies neurofibromatosis-1 genetic modifiers involved in systemic and synaptic growth. Rare Dis 2014; 2:e28341. [PMID: 25054093 PMCID: PMC4091572 DOI: 10.4161/rdis.28341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2014] [Revised: 02/12/2014] [Accepted: 02/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is caused by loss of a negative regulator of Ras oncoproteins. Unknown genetic modifiers have been implicated in NF1's characteristic variability. Drosophila melanogaster dNf1 phenotypes include cognitive deficits and reduced growth, both of which resemble human symptoms. We recently reported results of a screen for dominant modifiers of dNf1 growth. Suppressors include the dAlk tyrosine kinase and its activating ligand, two other genes involved in Ras/ERK signal transduction, the synaptic scaffold Dap160 and the CCKLR-17D1 drosulfakinin receptor. Additional modifiers include several genes involved in cAMP/PKA signaling. Providing mechanistic insights, dAlk, jeb, and CCKLR-17D1 also suppress a dNf1 synaptic overgrowth defect, and increasing cAMP/PKA signaling in the neuroendocrine ring gland rescued the dNf1 growth deficiency. Finally, among the several suppressors identified in our screen, we specifically implicate ALK as a potential therapeutic target by showing that NF1-regulated ALK/RAS/ERK signaling is conserved in human cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James A Walker
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Cancer Research and Harvard Medical School; Charlestown, MA USA ; Center for Human Genetic Research; Massachusetts General Hospital; Boston, MA USA
| | - André Bernards
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Cancer Research and Harvard Medical School; Charlestown, MA USA ; Center for Human Genetic Research; Massachusetts General Hospital; Boston, MA USA
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Genetic and functional studies implicate synaptic overgrowth and ring gland cAMP/PKA signaling defects in the Drosophila melanogaster neurofibromatosis-1 growth deficiency. PLoS Genet 2013; 9:e1003958. [PMID: 24278035 PMCID: PMC3836801 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1003958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2012] [Accepted: 10/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a genetic disease that affects 1 in 3,000, is caused by loss of a large evolutionary conserved protein that serves as a GTPase Activating Protein (GAP) for Ras. Among Drosophila melanogaster Nf1 (dNf1) null mutant phenotypes, learning/memory deficits and reduced overall growth resemble human NF1 symptoms. These and other dNf1 defects are relatively insensitive to manipulations that reduce Ras signaling strength but are suppressed by increasing signaling through the 3′-5′ cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) dependent Protein Kinase A (PKA) pathway, or phenocopied by inhibiting this pathway. However, whether dNf1 affects cAMP/PKA signaling directly or indirectly remains controversial. To shed light on this issue we screened 486 1st and 2nd chromosome deficiencies that uncover >80% of annotated genes for dominant modifiers of the dNf1 pupal size defect, identifying responsible genes in crosses with mutant alleles or by tissue-specific RNA interference (RNAi) knockdown. Validating the screen, identified suppressors include the previously implicated dAlk tyrosine kinase, its activating ligand jelly belly (jeb), two other genes involved in Ras/ERK signal transduction and several involved in cAMP/PKA signaling. Novel modifiers that implicate synaptic defects in the dNf1 growth deficiency include the intersectin-related synaptic scaffold protein Dap160 and the cholecystokinin receptor-related CCKLR-17D1 drosulfakinin receptor. Providing mechanistic clues, we show that dAlk, jeb and CCKLR-17D1 are among mutants that also suppress a recently identified dNf1 neuromuscular junction (NMJ) overgrowth phenotype and that manipulations that increase cAMP/PKA signaling in adipokinetic hormone (AKH)-producing cells at the base of the neuroendocrine ring gland restore the dNf1 growth deficiency. Finally, supporting our previous contention that ALK might be a therapeutic target in NF1, we report that human ALK is expressed in cells that give rise to NF1 tumors and that NF1 regulated ALK/RAS/ERK signaling appears conserved in man. Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a genetic disease that affects 1 in 3,000 and that is caused by loss of a protein that inactivates Ras oncoproteins. NF1 is a characteristically variable disease that predisposes patients to several symptoms, the most common of which include benign and malignant tumors, reduced growth and learning problems. We and others previously found that fruit fly mutants that lack a highly conserved dNf1 gene are reduced in size and exhibit impaired learning and memory, and that both defects appear due to abnormal Ras and cyclic-AMP (cAMP) signaling. The former was unremarkable, but how loss of dNf1 affects cAMP signaling remains poorly understood. Here we report results of a genetic screen for dominant modifiers of the dNf1 growth defect. This screen and follow-up functional studies support a model in which synaptic defects and reduced cAMP signaling in specific parts of the neuroendocrine ring gland contribute to the dNf1 growth defect. Beyond these results, we show that human ALK is expressed in cells that give rise to NF1 tumors, and that NF1 regulated ALK/RAS/ERK signaling is evolutionary conserved.
Collapse
|
49
|
Babaoğlan AB, Housden BE, Furriols M, Bray SJ. Deadpan contributes to the robustness of the notch response. PLoS One 2013; 8:e75632. [PMID: 24086596 PMCID: PMC3782438 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0075632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2013] [Accepted: 08/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Notch signaling regulates many fundamental events including lateral inhibition and boundary formation to generate very reproducible patterns in developing tissues. Its targets include genes of the bHLH hairy and Enhancer of split [E(spl)] family, which contribute to many of these developmental decisions. One member of this family in Drosophila, deadpan (dpn), was originally found to have functions independent of Notch in promoting neural development. Employing genome-wide chromatin-immunoprecipitation we have identified several Notch responsive enhancers in dpn, demonstrating its direct regulation by Notch in a range of contexts including the Drosophila wing and eye. dpn expression largely overlaps that of several E(spl) genes and the combined knock-down leads to more severe phenotypes than either alone. In addition, Dpn contributes to the establishment of Cut expression at the wing dorsal-ventral (D/V) boundary; in its absence Cut expression is delayed. Furthermore, over-expression of Dpn inhibits expression from E(spl) gene enhancers, but not vice versa, suggesting that dpn contributes to a feed-back mechanism that limits E(spl) gene expression following Notch activation. Thus the combined actions of dpn and E(spl) appear to provide a mechanism that confers an initial rapid output from Notch activity which becomes self-limited via feedback between the targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A. Burcu Babaoğlan
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Ben E. Housden
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Marc Furriols
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah J. Bray
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Lee SF, Eyre-Walker YC, Rane RV, Reuter C, Vinti G, Rako L, Partridge L, Hoffmann AA. Polymorphism in the neurofibromin gene, Nf1, is associated with antagonistic selection on wing size and development time in Drosophila melanogaster. Mol Ecol 2013; 22:2716-25. [PMID: 23506114 DOI: 10.1111/mec.12301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2012] [Revised: 02/10/2013] [Accepted: 02/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In many invertebrates, body size shows genetically based clines, with size increasing in colder climates. Large body size is typically associated with prolonged development times. We consider variation in the CNS-specific gene neurofibromin 1 (Nf1) and its association with body size and development time. We identified two major Nf1 haplotypes in natural populations, Nf1-insertion-A and Nf1-deletion-G. These haplotypes are characterized by a 45-base insertion/deletion (INDEL) in Nf1 intron 2 and an A/G synonymous substitution (locus L17277). Linkage disequilibrium (LD) between the INDEL and adjacent sites is high but appears to be restricted within the Nf1 gene interval. In Australia, the frequency of the Nf1-insertion-A haplotype increases with latitude where wing size is larger, independent of the chromosomal inversion In(3R)Payne. Unexpectedly, the Nf1-insertion-A haplotype is negatively associated with wing size. We found that the Nf1-insertion-A haplotype is enriched in females with shorter development time. This suggests that the Nf1 haplotype cline may be driven by selection for development time rather than size; females from southern (higher latitude) D. melanogaster populations maintain a rapid development time despite being relatively larger, and the higher incidence of Nf1-insertion-A in Southern Australia may contribute to this pattern, whereas the effects of the Nf1 haplotypes on size may be countered by other loci with antagonistic effects on size and development time. Our results point to the potential complexity involved in identifying selection on genetic variants exhibiting pleiotropic effects when studies are based on spatial patterns or association studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siu F Lee
- Department of Genetics and Bio21 Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|