1
|
Riccardi C, D’Aria F, Fasano D, Digilio FA, Carillo MR, Amato J, De Rosa L, Paladino S, Melone MAB, Montesarchio D, Giancola C. Truncated Analogues of a G-Quadruplex-Forming Aptamer Targeting Mutant Huntingtin: Shorter Is Better! Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012412. [PMID: 36293267 PMCID: PMC9604342 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Two analogues of the MS3 aptamer, which was previously shown to have an exquisite capability to selectively bind and modulate the activity of mutant huntingtin (mHTT), have been here designed and evaluated in their physicochemical and biological properties. Featured by a distinctive propensity to form complex G-quadruplex structures, including large multimeric aggregates, the original 36-mer MS3 has been truncated to give a 33-mer (here named MS3-33) and a 17-mer (here named MS3-17). A combined use of different techniques (UV, CD, DSC, gel electrophoresis) allowed a detailed physicochemical characterization of these novel G-quadruplex-forming aptamers, tested in vitro on SH-SY5Y cells and in vivo on a Drosophila Huntington’s disease model, in which these shorter MS3-derived oligonucleotides proved to have improved bioactivity in comparison with the parent aptamer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Riccardi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Federica D’Aria
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Dominga Fasano
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Filomena Anna Digilio
- Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems (IRET), UOS Naples-CNR, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Carillo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Jussara Amato
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Laura De Rosa
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Paladino
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Mariarosa Anna Beatrice Melone
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122-6078, USA
| | - Daniela Montesarchio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: (D.M.); (C.G.)
| | - Concetta Giancola
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: (D.M.); (C.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Riccardi C, D’Aria F, Digilio FA, Carillo MR, Amato J, Fasano D, De Rosa L, Paladino S, Melone MAB, Montesarchio D, Giancola C. Fighting the Huntington's Disease with a G-Quadruplex-Forming Aptamer Specifically Binding to Mutant Huntingtin Protein: Biophysical Characterization, In Vitro and In Vivo Studies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:4804. [PMID: 35563194 PMCID: PMC9101412 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A set of guanine-rich aptamers able to preferentially recognize full-length huntingtin with an expanded polyglutamine tract has been recently identified, showing high efficacy in modulating the functions of the mutated protein in a variety of cell experiments. We here report a detailed biophysical characterization of the best aptamer in the series, named MS3, proved to adopt a stable, parallel G-quadruplex structure and show high nuclease resistance in serum. Confocal microscopy experiments on HeLa and SH-SY5Y cells, as models of non-neuronal and neuronal cells, respectively, showed a rapid, dose-dependent uptake of fluorescein-labelled MS3, demonstrating its effective internalization, even in the absence of transfecting agents, with no general cytotoxicity. Then, using a well-established Drosophila melanogaster model for Huntington's disease, which expresses the mutated form of human huntingtin, a significant improvement in the motor neuronal function in flies fed with MS3 was observed, proving the in vivo efficacy of this aptamer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Riccardi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Federica D’Aria
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (F.D.); (J.A.)
| | - Filomena Anna Digilio
- Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems (IRET), UOS Naples-CNR, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (F.A.D.); (M.R.C.)
| | - Maria Rosaria Carillo
- Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems (IRET), UOS Naples-CNR, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (F.A.D.); (M.R.C.)
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Jussara Amato
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (F.D.); (J.A.)
| | - Dominga Fasano
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (D.F.); (L.D.R.); (S.P.)
- Center for Rare Diseases and Inter University Center for Research in Neurosciences, Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80131 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Laura De Rosa
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (D.F.); (L.D.R.); (S.P.)
| | - Simona Paladino
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (D.F.); (L.D.R.); (S.P.)
| | - Mariarosa Anna Beatrice Melone
- Center for Rare Diseases and Inter University Center for Research in Neurosciences, Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80131 Napoli, Italy;
- Center for Biotechnology, Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Daniela Montesarchio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Concetta Giancola
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (F.D.); (J.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Guo S, Yang J, Jiang B, Zhou N, Ding H, Zhou G, Wu S, Suo A, Wu X, Xie W, Li W, Liu Y, Deng W, Zheng Y. MicroRNA editing patterns in Huntington's disease. Sci Rep 2022; 12:3173. [PMID: 35210471 PMCID: PMC8873361 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-06970-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disease. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that mediate post-transcriptional regulation of target genes. Although miRNAs are extensively edited in human brains, the editome of miRNAs in brains of HD patients is largely unknown. By analyzing the small RNA sequencing profiles of brain tissues of 28 HD patients and 83 normal controls, 1182 miRNA editing sites with significant editing levels were identified. In addition to 27 A-to-I editing sites, we identified 3 conserved C-to-U editing sites in miRNAs of HD patients. 30 SNPs in the miRNAs of HD patients were also identified. Furthermore, 129 miRNA editing events demonstrated significantly different editing levels in prefrontal cortex samples of HD patients (HD-PC) when compared to those of healthy controls. We found that hsa-mir-10b-5p was edited to have an additional cytosine at 5'-end in HD-PC, and the edited hsa-mir-10b repressed GTPBP10 that was often downregulated in HD. The down-regulation of GTPBP10 might contribute to the progression of HD by causing gradual loss of function of mitochondrial. These results provide the first endeavor to characterize the miRNA editing events in HD and their potential functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shiyong Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Physical Evidence Spectral Technology Innovation Team, Yunnan Police College, Kunming, 650223, China
| | - Bingbing Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Nan Zhou
- Faculty of Information Engineering and Automation, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Hao Ding
- Faculty of Information Engineering and Automation, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Guangchen Zhou
- Faculty of Information Engineering and Automation, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Shuai Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Angbaji Suo
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Xingwang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Wenping Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Wanran Li
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Yulong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Wei Deng
- Center of Statistical Research, Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Yun Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Riccardi C, Napolitano F, Montesarchio D, Sampaolo S, Melone MAB. Nanoparticle-Guided Brain Drug Delivery: Expanding the Therapeutic Approach to Neurodegenerative Diseases. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:1897. [PMID: 34834311 PMCID: PMC8623286 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13111897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) represent a heterogeneous group of aging-related disorders featured by progressive impairment of motor and/or cognitive functions, often accompanied by psychiatric disorders. NDs are denoted as 'protein misfolding' diseases or proteinopathies, and are classified according to their known genetic mechanisms and/or the main protein involved in disease onset and progression. Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD) and Huntington's disease (HD) are included under this nosographic umbrella, sharing histopathologically salient features, including deposition of insoluble proteins, activation of glial cells, loss of neuronal cells and synaptic connectivity. To date, there are no effective cures or disease-modifying therapies for these NDs. Several compounds have not shown efficacy in clinical trials, since they generally fail to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), a tightly packed layer of endothelial cells that greatly limits the brain internalization of endogenous substances. By engineering materials of a size usually within 1-100 nm, nanotechnology offers an alternative approach for promising and innovative therapeutic solutions in NDs. Nanoparticles can cross the BBB and release active molecules at target sites in the brain, minimizing side effects. This review focuses on the state-of-the-art of nanoengineered delivery systems for brain targeting in the treatment of AD, PD and HD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Riccardi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 21, I-80126 Naples, Italy; (C.R.); (D.M.)
| | - Filomena Napolitano
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via Sergio Pansini, 5, I-80131 Naples, Italy; (F.N.); (S.S.)
| | - Daniela Montesarchio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 21, I-80126 Naples, Italy; (C.R.); (D.M.)
| | - Simone Sampaolo
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via Sergio Pansini, 5, I-80131 Naples, Italy; (F.N.); (S.S.)
| | - Mariarosa Anna Beatrice Melone
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via Sergio Pansini, 5, I-80131 Naples, Italy; (F.N.); (S.S.)
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122-6078, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ramachandran S, Thangarajan S. Thymoquinone loaded solid lipid nanoparticles counteracts 3-Nitropropionic acid induced motor impairments and neuroinflammation in rat model of Huntington's disease. Metab Brain Dis 2018; 33:1459-1470. [PMID: 29855977 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-018-0252-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Defect in gene transcription, excitotoxicity, neuroinflammation and oxidative stress are the dominant disease process that causes striatal cell loss with motor abnormalities in Huntington's disease (HD). Homogeneous pathological reminiscent of HD was extrapolated in the present study using a potent mitochondrial toxin, 3-Nitropropionic acid (3-NP). Administration of 3-NP for 14 days in the present study portends glial cell activation, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor stimulation, neuroinflammation and motor deficits. The therapeutic strategy in the present study was improvised by formulating thymoquinone, a biologically active compound into a colloidal carrier namely solid lipid nanoparticles. Treatment with 10 and 20 mg/kg b.w of thymoquinone loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (TQ-SLNs) and 80 mg/kg b.w of thymoquinone suspension (TQ-S) showed a significant (P < 0.01) improvement in ATPases function in 3-NP induced animals than TQ-S (40 mg/kg b.w) treated group. TQ-SLNs (10 and 20 mg/kg) treatment also attenuated the overexpression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), pro-inflammatory cytokines and p-p65 NFκB nuclear translocation in 3-NP exposed animals. Further, TQ-SLNs treatment desensitizes NR2B-subtype NMDA receptor, improves tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immune reactive neurons and ameliorated the motor abnormalities in 3-NP intoxicated animals than TQ-S treated group. Hence, the study signifies that the treatment with lower doses of nanoformulated thymoquinone than thymoquinone suspension can efficiently culminate 3-NP induced HD progression in the striatum of male wistar rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Surekha Ramachandran
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Dr. ALM Post Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600 113, India
| | - Sumathi Thangarajan
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Dr. ALM Post Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600 113, India.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Application of the gene editing tool, CRISPR-Cas9, for treating neurodegenerative diseases. Neurochem Int 2017; 112:187-196. [PMID: 28732771 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2017.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Revised: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Increased accumulation of transcribed protein from the damaged DNA and reduced DNA repair capability contributes to numerous neurological diseases for which effective treatments are lacking. Gene editing techniques provide new hope for replacing defective genes and DNA associated with neurological diseases. With advancements in using such editing tools as zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), meganucleases, and transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), etc., scientists are able to design DNA-binding proteins, which can make precise double-strand breaks (DSBs) at the target DNA. Recent developments with the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology has proven to be more precise and efficient when compared to most other gene-editing techniques. Two methods, non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) and homology-direct repair (HDR), are used in CRISPR-Cas9 system to efficiently excise the defective genes and incorporate exogenous DNA at the target site. In this review article, we provide an overview of the CRISPR-Cas9 methodology, including its molecular mechanism, with a focus on how in this gene-editing tool can be used to counteract certain genetic defects associated with neurological diseases. Detailed understanding of this new tool could help researchers design specific gene editing strategies to repair genetic disorders in selective neurological diseases.
Collapse
|
7
|
CRISPR-Cas9 Mediated Gene-Silencing of the Mutant Huntingtin Gene in an In Vitro Model of Huntington's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18040754. [PMID: 28368337 PMCID: PMC5412339 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18040754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Revised: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 03/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington’s disease (HD) is a fatal neurodegenerative genetic disease characterized by a loss of neurons in the striatum. It is caused by a mutation in the Huntingtin gene (HTT) that codes for the protein huntingtin (HTT). The mutant Huntingtin gene (mHTT) contains extra poly-glutamine (CAG) repeats from which the translated mutant huntingtin proteins (mHTT) undergo inappropriate post-translational modifications, conferring a toxic gain of function, in addition to its non-functional property. In order to curb the production of the mHTT, we have constructed two CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat)-Cas9 (CRISPR associate protein) plasmids, among which one nicks the DNA at untranslated region upstream to the open reading frame (uORF), and the other nicks the DNA at exon1-intron boundary. The primary goal of this study was to apply this plasmid into mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) extracted from the bone-marrow of YAC128 mice, which carries the transgene for HD. Our results suggest that the disruption of uORF through CRISPR-Cas9 influences the translation of mHTT negatively and, to a lesser extent, disrupts the exon1-intron boundary, which affects the translation of the mHTT. These findings also revealed the pattern of the nucleotide addition or deletion at the site of the DNA-nick in this model.
Collapse
|
8
|
Baydyuk M, Xu B. BDNF signaling and survival of striatal neurons. Front Cell Neurosci 2014; 8:254. [PMID: 25221473 PMCID: PMC4147651 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2014.00254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2014] [Accepted: 08/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The striatum, a major component of the basal ganglia, performs multiple functions including control of movement, reward, and addiction. Dysfunction and death of striatal neurons are the main causes for the motor disorders associated with Huntington’s disease (HD). Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a member of the neurotrophin family, is among factors that promote survival and proper function of this neuronal population. Here, we review recent studies showing that BDNF determines the size of the striatum by supporting survival of the immature striatal neurons at their origin, promotes maturation of striatal neurons, and facilitates establishment of striatal connections during brain development. We also examine the role of BDNF in maintaining proper function of the striatum during adulthood, summarize the mechanisms that lead to a deficiency in BDNF signaling and subsequently striatal degeneration in HD, and highlight a potential role of BDNF as a therapeutic target for HD treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maryna Baydyuk
- National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke, National Institutes of Health Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Baoji Xu
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute Florida Jupiter, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Lee J, Hwang YJ, Ryu H, Kowall NW, Ryu H. Nucleolar dysfunction in Huntington's disease. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2013; 1842:785-90. [PMID: 24184605 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2013.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2013] [Accepted: 09/27/2013] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a fatal genetic disorder characterized by triad clinical symptoms of chorea, emotional distress, and cognitive decline. Genetic mutation in HD is identified by an expansion of CAG repeats coding for glutamine (Q) in exon 1 of the huntingtin (htt) gene. The exact mechanism on how mutant htt leads to the selective loss of medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in the striatum is still unknown. Recent studies suggest that nucleolar stress and dysfunction are linked to the pathogenesis of HD. Alterations of the nucleolar activity and integrity contribute to deregulation of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) transcription in HD pathogenesis. Furthermore, epigenetic modifications in the nucleolus are associated with neuronal damage in HD. In this review, we discuss about how post-translational modifications of upstream binding factor (UBF) are affected by histone acetyltransferase and histone methyltransferase and involved in the transcriptional regulation of rDNA in HD. The understanding of epigenetic modulation of UBF-dependent rDNA transcription in the nucleolus may lead to the identification of novel pathological markers and new therapeutic targets to treat HD. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Role of the Nucleolus in Human Disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junghee Lee
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA 02130, USA; Boston University, Alzheimer's Disease Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Yu Jin Hwang
- WCU Neurocytomics Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University Graduate School, Seoul 110-799, South Korea
| | - Hyun Ryu
- Boston University, Alzheimer's Disease Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Neil W Kowall
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA 02130, USA; Boston University, Alzheimer's Disease Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Hoon Ryu
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA 02130, USA; Boston University, Alzheimer's Disease Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA; Center for Neuro-Medicine, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Lee J, Hwang YJ, Kim KY, Kowall NW, Ryu H. Epigenetic mechanisms of neurodegeneration in Huntington's disease. Neurotherapeutics 2013; 10:664-76. [PMID: 24006238 PMCID: PMC3805871 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-013-0206-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an incurable and fatal hereditary neurodegenerative disorder of mid-life onset characterized by chorea, emotional distress, and progressive cognitive decline. HD is caused by an expansion of CAG repeats coding for glutamine (Q) in exon 1 of the huntingtin gene. Recent studies suggest that epigenetic modifications may play a key role in HD pathogenesis. Alterations of the epigenetic "histone code" lead to chromatin remodeling and deregulation of neuronal gene transcription that are prominently linked to HD pathogenesis. Furthermore, specific noncoding RNAs and microRNAs are associated with neuronal damage in HD. In this review, we discuss how DNA methylation, post-translational modifications of histone, and noncoding RNA function are affected and involved in HD pathogenesis. In addition, we summarize the therapeutic effects of histone deacetylase inhibitors and DNA binding drugs on epigenetic modifications and neuropathological sequelae in HD. Our understanding of the role of these epigenetic mechanisms may lead to the identification of novel biological markers and new therapeutic targets to treat HD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junghee Lee
- />Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Center and Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118 USA
- />VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA 02130 USA
| | - Yu Jin Hwang
- />WCU Neurocytomics Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University Graduate School, Seoul, 110-799 South Korea
| | - Ki Yoon Kim
- />WCU Neurocytomics Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University Graduate School, Seoul, 110-799 South Korea
| | - Neil W. Kowall
- />Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Center and Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118 USA
- />VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA 02130 USA
| | - Hoon Ryu
- />Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Center and Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118 USA
- />VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA 02130 USA
- />WCU Neurocytomics Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University Graduate School, Seoul, 110-799 South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Túnez I, Tasset I, Pérez-De La Cruz V, Santamaría A. 3-Nitropropionic acid as a tool to study the mechanisms involved in Huntington's disease: past, present and future. Molecules 2010; 15:878-916. [PMID: 20335954 PMCID: PMC6263191 DOI: 10.3390/molecules15020878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2009] [Revised: 01/12/2010] [Accepted: 02/01/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an inheritable autosomal-dominant disorder whose causal mechanisms remain unknown. Experimental models have begun to uncover these pathways, thus helping to understand the mechanisms implicated and allowing for the characterization of potential targets for new therapeutic strategies. 3-Nitropropionic acid is known to produce in animals behavioural, biochemical and morphologic changes similar to those occurring in HD. For this reason, this phenotypic model is gaining attention as a valuable tool to mimick this disorder and further developing new therapies. In this review, we will focus on the past and present research of this molecule, to finally bring a perspective on what will be next in this promising field of study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isaac Túnez
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto Maimónides de Investigaciones Biomédicas de Córdoba, Universidad de Córdoba, Av. Menéndez Pidal s/n, 14004 Córdoba, Spain.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Verkhratsky A. Physiology and Pathophysiology of the Calcium Store in the Endoplasmic Reticulum of Neurons. Physiol Rev 2005; 85:201-79. [PMID: 15618481 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00004.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 560] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is the largest single intracellular organelle, which is present in all types of nerve cells. The ER is an interconnected, internally continuous system of tubules and cisterns, which extends from the nuclear envelope to axons and presynaptic terminals, as well as to dendrites and dendritic spines. Ca2+release channels and Ca2+pumps residing in the ER membrane provide for its excitability. Regulated ER Ca2+release controls many neuronal functions, from plasmalemmal excitability to synaptic plasticity. Enzymatic cascades dependent on the Ca2+concentration in the ER lumen integrate rapid Ca2+signaling with long-lasting adaptive responses through modifications in protein synthesis and processing. Disruptions of ER Ca2+homeostasis are critically involved in various forms of neuropathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexei Verkhratsky
- The University of Manchester, Faculty of Biological Sciences, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
MacDonald ME. Huntingtin: Alive and Well and Working in Middle Management. Sci Signal 2003. [DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.2072003pe48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
|
14
|
Abstract
A decade after the discovery of the HD gene, huntingtin is implicated in signal transduction in neuronal and nonneuronal cells. Its predicted physical properties, dynamic subcellular locations, and variable protein associations suggest that huntingtin may act to organize components of signal transduction complexes. This middle management position befits a ubiquitous, conserved protein and provides the opportunity for some subtle piece of mischief that leads eventually to a devastating inherited human disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcy E MacDonald
- Molecular Neurogenetics Unit and Center for Human Genetic Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Building 149, 13th Street, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Marcora E, Gowan K, Lee JE. Stimulation of NeuroD activity by huntingtin and huntingtin-associated proteins HAP1 and MLK2. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2003; 100:9578-83. [PMID: 12881483 PMCID: PMC170960 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1133382100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
NeuroD (ND) is a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor important for neuronal development and survival. By using a yeast two-hybrid screen, we identified two proteins that interact with ND, huntingtin-associated protein 1 (HAP1) and mixed-lineage kinase 2 (MLK2), both of which are known to interact with huntingtin (Htt). Htt is a ubiquitous protein important for neuronal transcription, development, and survival, and loss of its function has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Huntington's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder. However, the mechanism by which Htt exerts its neuron-specific function at the molecular level is unknown. Here we report that Htt interacts with ND via HAP1, and that MLK2 phosphorylates and stimulates the activity of ND. Furthermore, we show that Htt and HAP1 facilitate the activation of ND by MLK2. To our knowledge, ND is the first example of a neuron-specific transcription factor involved in neuronal development and survival whose activity is modulated by Htt. We propose that Htt, together with HAP1, may function as a scaffold for the activation of ND by MLK2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Marcora
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Campus Box 347, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|