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Pottier C, Küçükali F, Baker M, Batzler A, Jenkins GD, van Blitterswijk M, Vicente CT, De Coster W, Wynants S, Van de Walle P, Ross OA, Murray ME, Faura J, Haggarty SJ, van Rooij JG, Mol MO, Hsiung GYR, Graff C, Öijerstedt L, Neumann M, Asmann Y, McDonnell SK, Baheti S, Josephs KA, Whitwell JL, Bieniek KF, Forsberg L, Heuer H, Lago AL, Geier EG, Yokoyama JS, Oddi AP, Flanagan M, Mao Q, Hodges JR, Kwok JB, Domoto-Reilly K, Synofzik M, Wilke C, Onyike C, Dickerson BC, Evers BM, Dugger BN, Munoz DG, Keith J, Zinman L, Rogaeva E, Suh E, Gefen T, Geula C, Weintraub S, Diehl-Schmid J, Farlow MR, Edbauer D, Woodruff BK, Caselli RJ, Donker Kaat LL, Huey ED, Reiman EM, Mead S, King A, Roeber S, Nana AL, Ertekin-Taner N, Knopman DS, Petersen RC, Petrucelli L, Uitti RJ, Wszolek ZK, Ramos EM, Grinberg LT, Gorno Tempini ML, Rosen HJ, Spina S, Piguet O, Grossman M, Trojanowski JQ, Keene DC, Lee-Way J, Prudlo J, Geschwind DH, Rissman RA, Cruchaga C, Ghetti B, Halliday GM, Beach TG, Serrano GE, Arzberger T, Herms J, Boxer AL, Honig LS, Vonsattel JP, Lopez OL, Kofler J, White CL, Gearing M, Glass J, Rohrer JD, Irwin DJ, Lee EB, Van Deerlin V, Castellani R, Mesulam MM, Tartaglia MC, Finger EC, Troakes C, Al-Sarraj S, Miller BL, Seelaar H, Graff-Radford NR, Boeve BF, Mackenzie IR, van Swieten JC, Seeley WW, Sleegers K, Dickson DW, Biernacka JM, Rademakers R. Deciphering Distinct Genetic Risk Factors for FTLD-TDP Pathological Subtypes via Whole-Genome Sequencing. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.06.24.24309088. [PMID: 38978643 PMCID: PMC11230325 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.24.24309088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Frontotemporal lobar degeneration with neuronal inclusions of the TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (FTLD-TDP) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder with only a limited number of risk loci identified. We report our comprehensive genome-wide association study as part of the International FTLD-TDP Whole-Genome Sequencing Consortium, including 985 cases and 3,153 controls, and meta-analysis with the Dementia-seq cohort, compiled from 26 institutions/brain banks in the United States, Europe and Australia. We confirm UNC13A as the strongest overall FTLD-TDP risk factor and identify TNIP1 as a novel FTLD-TDP risk factor. In subgroup analyses, we further identify for the first time genome-wide significant loci specific to each of the three main FTLD-TDP pathological subtypes (A, B and C), as well as enrichment of risk loci in distinct tissues, brain regions, and neuronal subtypes, suggesting distinct disease aetiologies in each of the subtypes. Rare variant analysis confirmed TBK1 and identified VIPR1 , RBPJL , and L3MBTL1 as novel subtype specific FTLD-TDP risk genes, further highlighting the role of innate and adaptive immunity and notch signalling pathway in FTLD-TDP, with potential diagnostic and novel therapeutic implications.
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Zhang N, Liao H, Lin Z, Tang Q. Insights into the Role of Glutathione Peroxidase 3 in Non-Neoplastic Diseases. Biomolecules 2024; 14:689. [PMID: 38927092 PMCID: PMC11202029 DOI: 10.3390/biom14060689] [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: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROSs) are byproducts of normal cellular metabolism and play pivotal roles in various physiological processes. Disruptions in the balance between ROS levels and the body's antioxidant defenses can lead to the development of numerous diseases. Glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPX3), a key component of the body's antioxidant system, is an oxidoreductase enzyme. GPX3 mitigates oxidative damage by catalyzing the conversion of hydrogen peroxide into water. Beyond its antioxidant function, GPX3 is vital in regulating metabolism, modulating cell growth, inducing apoptosis and facilitating signal transduction. It also serves as a significant tumor suppressor in various cancers. Recent studies have revealed aberrant expression of GPX3 in several non-neoplastic diseases, associating it with multiple pathological processes. This review synthesizes the current understanding of GPX3 expression and regulation, highlighting its extensive roles in noncancerous diseases. Additionally, this paper evaluates the potential of GPX3 as a diagnostic biomarker and explores emerging therapeutic strategies targeting this enzyme, offering potential avenues for future clinical treatment of non-neoplastic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; (N.Z.); (H.L.)
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Haihan Liao
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; (N.Z.); (H.L.)
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Zheng Lin
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; (N.Z.); (H.L.)
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Qizhu Tang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; (N.Z.); (H.L.)
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan 430060, China
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Ma L, Zhou X, Yao S, Zhang X, Mao J, Vona B, Fan L, Lou S, Li D, Wang L, Pan Y. METTL3-dependent m 6A modification of PSEN1 mRNA regulates craniofacial development through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:229. [PMID: 38509077 PMCID: PMC10954657 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06606-9] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Craniofacial malformations, often associated with syndromes, are prevalent birth defects. Emerging evidence underscores the importance of m6A modifications in various bioprocesses such as stem cell differentiation, tissue development, and tumorigenesis. Here, in vivo, experiments with zebrafish models revealed that mettl3-knockdown embryos at 144 h postfertilization exhibited aberrant craniofacial features, including altered mouth opening, jaw dimensions, ethmoid plate, tooth formation and hypoactive behavior. Similarly, low METTL3 expression inhibited the proliferation and migration of BMSCs, HEPM cells, and DPSCs. Loss of METTL3 led to reduced mRNA m6A methylation and PSEN1 expression, impacting craniofacial phenotypes. Co-injection of mettl3 or psen1 mRNA rescued the level of Sox10 fusion protein, promoted voluntary movement, and mitigated abnormal craniofacial phenotypes induced by mettl3 knockdown in zebrafish. Mechanistically, YTHDF1 enhanced the mRNA stability of m6A-modified PSEN1, while decreased METTL3-mediated m6A methylation hindered β-catenin binding to PSEN1, suppressing Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Pharmacological activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway partially alleviated the phenotypes of mettl3 morphant and reversed the decreases in cell proliferation and migration induced by METTL3 silencing. This study elucidates the pivotal role of METTL3 in craniofacial development via the METTL3/YTHDF1/PSEN1/β-catenin signaling axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Ma
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xi Zhou
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Orthodontics, The Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Siyue Yao
- The Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Suzhou Vocational Health College, Suzhou, China
| | - Xinyu Zhang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Orthodontics, The Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ji Mao
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Orthodontics, The Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Barbara Vona
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and Inner Ear Lab, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Liwen Fan
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Orthodontics, The Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shu Lou
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Orthodontics, The Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dandan Li
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Orthodontics, The Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Orthodontics, The Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Stomatological Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yongchu Pan
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
- Department of Orthodontics, The Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Stomatological Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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Duan QQ, Wang H, Su WM, Gu XJ, Shen XF, Jiang Z, Ren YL, Cao B, Li GB, Wang Y, Chen YP. TBK1, a prioritized drug repurposing target for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: evidence from druggable genome Mendelian randomization and pharmacological verification in vitro. BMC Med 2024; 22:96. [PMID: 38443977 PMCID: PMC10916235 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-024-03314-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a lack of effective therapeutic strategies for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS); therefore, drug repurposing might provide a rapid approach to meet the urgent need for treatment. METHODS To identify therapeutic targets associated with ALS, we conducted Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis and colocalization analysis using cis-eQTL of druggable gene and ALS GWAS data collections to determine annotated druggable gene targets that exhibited significant associations with ALS. By subsequent repurposing drug discovery coupled with inclusion criteria selection, we identified several drug candidates corresponding to their druggable gene targets that have been genetically validated. The pharmacological assays were then conducted to further assess the efficacy of genetics-supported repurposed drugs for potential ALS therapy in various cellular models. RESULTS Through MR analysis, we identified potential ALS druggable genes in the blood, including TBK1 [OR 1.30, 95%CI (1.19, 1.42)], TNFSF12 [OR 1.36, 95%CI (1.19, 1.56)], GPX3 [OR 1.28, 95%CI (1.15, 1.43)], TNFSF13 [OR 0.45, 95%CI (0.32, 0.64)], and CD68 [OR 0.38, 95%CI (0.24, 0.58)]. Additionally, we identified potential ALS druggable genes in the brain, including RESP18 [OR 1.11, 95%CI (1.07, 1.16)], GPX3 [OR 0.57, 95%CI (0.48, 0.68)], GDF9 [OR 0.77, 95%CI (0.67, 0.88)], and PTPRN [OR 0.17, 95%CI (0.08, 0.34)]. Among them, TBK1, TNFSF12, RESP18, and GPX3 were confirmed in further colocalization analysis. We identified five drugs with repurposing opportunities targeting TBK1, TNFSF12, and GPX3, namely fostamatinib (R788), amlexanox (AMX), BIIB-023, RG-7212, and glutathione as potential repurposing drugs. R788 and AMX were prioritized due to their genetic supports, safety profiles, and cost-effectiveness evaluation. Further pharmacological analysis revealed that R788 and AMX mitigated neuroinflammation in ALS cell models characterized by overly active cGAS/STING signaling that was induced by MSA-2 or ALS-related toxic proteins (TDP-43 and SOD1), through the inhibition of TBK1 phosphorylation. CONCLUSIONS Our MR analyses provided genetic evidence supporting TBK1, TNFSF12, RESP18, and GPX3 as druggable genes for ALS treatment. Among the drug candidates targeting the above genes with repurposing opportunities, FDA-approved drug-R788 and AMX served as effective TBK1 inhibitors. The subsequent pharmacological studies validated the potential of R788 and AMX for treating specific ALS subtypes through the inhibition of TBK1 phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Qing Duan
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Institute of Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, Chengdu,, 610041, China
- Rare Disease Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Han Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, West China College of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Sichuan, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Wei-Ming Su
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Institute of Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, Chengdu,, 610041, China
- Rare Disease Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiao-Jing Gu
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiao-Fei Shen
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Zheng Jiang
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Institute of Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, Chengdu,, 610041, China
- Rare Disease Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yan-Ling Ren
- Department of Pathophysiology, West China College of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Sichuan, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Bei Cao
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Institute of Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, Chengdu,, 610041, China
- Rare Disease Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Guo-Bo Li
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System of Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, West China College of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Sichuan, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Yong-Ping Chen
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
- Institute of Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, Chengdu,, 610041, China.
- Rare Disease Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Firdaus Z, Li X. Unraveling the Genetic Landscape of Neurological Disorders: Insights into Pathogenesis, Techniques for Variant Identification, and Therapeutic Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2320. [PMID: 38396996 PMCID: PMC10889342 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042320] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Genetic abnormalities play a crucial role in the development of neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs). Genetic exploration has indeed contributed to unraveling the molecular complexities responsible for the etiology and progression of various NDDs. The intricate nature of rare and common variants in NDDs contributes to a limited understanding of the genetic risk factors associated with them. Advancements in next-generation sequencing have made whole-genome sequencing and whole-exome sequencing possible, allowing the identification of rare variants with substantial effects, and improving the understanding of both Mendelian and complex neurological conditions. The resurgence of gene therapy holds the promise of targeting the etiology of diseases and ensuring a sustained correction. This approach is particularly enticing for neurodegenerative diseases, where traditional pharmacological methods have fallen short. In the context of our exploration of the genetic epidemiology of the three most prevalent NDDs-amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease, our primary goal is to underscore the progress made in the development of next-generation sequencing. This progress aims to enhance our understanding of the disease mechanisms and explore gene-based therapies for NDDs. Throughout this review, we focus on genetic variations, methodologies for their identification, the associated pathophysiology, and the promising potential of gene therapy. Ultimately, our objective is to provide a comprehensive and forward-looking perspective on the emerging research arena of NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeba Firdaus
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA;
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Xiaogang Li
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA;
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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Schöttker B, Holleczek B, Hybsier S, Köhrle J, Schomburg L, Brenner H. Strong associations of serum selenoprotein P with all-cause mortality and mortality due to cancer, cardiovascular, respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases in older German adults. Eur J Epidemiol 2024; 39:121-136. [PMID: 38198038 PMCID: PMC10904445 DOI: 10.1007/s10654-023-01091-4] [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: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Selenium is an essential trace mineral. The main function of selenoprotein P (SELENOP) is to transport selenium but it has also been ascribed anti-oxidative effects. METHODS To assess the association of repeated measurements of serum SELENOP concentration with all-cause and cause-specific mortality serum SELENOP was measured at baseline and 5-year follow-up in 7,186 and 4,164 participants of the ESTHER study, a German population-based cohort aged 50-74 years at baseline. RESULTS During 17.3 years of follow-up, 2,126 study participants (30%) died. The relationship of serum SELENOP concentration with all-cause mortality was L-shaped, with mortality being significantly higher at SELENOP concentrations < 4.1 mg/L, which is near the bottom tertile's cut-off (4.2 mg/L). All-cause mortality of participants in the bottom SELENOP tertile was significantly increased compared to subjects in the top tertile (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.35 [1.21-1.50]). SELENOP in the bottom tertile was further associated with increased cardiovascular mortality (1.24 [1.04-1.49]), cancer mortality (1.31 [1.09-1.58]), respiratory disease mortality (2.06 [1.28-3.32]) and gastrointestinal disease mortality (2.04 [1.25-3.32]). The excess risk of all-cause mortality for those in the bottom SELENOP tertile was more than twice as strong in men as in women (interaction of SELENOP and sex; p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS In this large cohort study, serum SELENOP concentration was inversely associated with all-cause and cause-specific mortality. Consistent inverse associations with multiple mortality outcomes might be explained by an impaired selenium transport and selenium deficiency in multiple organs. Trials testing the efficacy of selenium supplements in subjects with low baseline SELENOP concentration are needed. TRIAL REGISTRATION Retrospectively registered in the German Clinical Trials Register on Feb 14, 2018 (ID: DRKS00014028).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Schöttker
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology and Aging Research, German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 581, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Bernd Holleczek
- Saarland Cancer Registry, Neugeländstraße 9, 66117, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Sandra Hybsier
- Institut für Experimentelle Endokrinologie, Max Rubner Center (MRC) for Cardiovascular Metabolic Renal Research, Charité University Medicine Berlin, CCM, Hessische Straße 4A, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - Josef Köhrle
- Institut für Experimentelle Endokrinologie, Max Rubner Center (MRC) for Cardiovascular Metabolic Renal Research, Charité University Medicine Berlin, CCM, Hessische Straße 4A, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lutz Schomburg
- Institut für Experimentelle Endokrinologie, Max Rubner Center (MRC) for Cardiovascular Metabolic Renal Research, Charité University Medicine Berlin, CCM, Hessische Straße 4A, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hermann Brenner
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology and Aging Research, German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 581, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Preventive Oncology, German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 460, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
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Tromp A, Wang H, Hall TE, Mowry B, Giacomotto J. Optimising the zebrafish Cre/Lox toolbox. Codon improved iCre, new gateway tools, Cre protein and guidelines. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1221310. [PMID: 37601640 PMCID: PMC10433388 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1221310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
We recently introduced the Cre/Lox technology in our laboratory for both transient (mRNA injections) and stable/transgenic experiments. We experienced significant issues such as silencing, mosaicism, and partial recombination using both approaches. Reviewing the literature gave us the impression that these issues are common among the zebrafish community using the Cre/Lox system. While some researchers took advantage of these problems for specific applications, such as cell and lineage tracing using the Zebrabow construct, we tried here to improve the efficiency and reliability of this system by constituting and testing a new set of tools for zebrafish genetics. First, we implemented a codon-improved Cre version (iCre) designed for rodent studies to counteract some of the aforementioned problems. This eukaryotic-like iCre version was engineered to i) reduce silencing, ii) increase mRNA stability, iii) enhance translational efficiency, and iv) improve nuclear translocation. Second, we established a new set of tol2-kit compatible vectors to facilitate the generation of either iCre-mRNA or iCre-transgenes for transient and transgenic experiments, respectively. We then validated the use of this material and are providing tips for users. Interestingly, during the validation steps, we found that maternal iCRE-mRNA and/or protein deposition from female transgenics systematically led to complete/homogeneous conversion of all tested Lox-responder-transgenes, as opposed to some residual imperfect conversion when using males-drivers or mRNA injections. Considering that we did not find any evidence of Cre-protein soaking and injections in the literature as it is usually conducted with cells, we tested these approaches. While soaking of cell-permeant CRE-protein did not lead to any detectable Lox-conversion, 1ng-10 ng protein injections led to robust and homogeneous Lox-recombination, suggesting that the use of protein could be a robust option for exogenous delivery. This approach may be particularly useful to manipulate housekeeping genes involved in development, sex determination and reproduction which are difficult to investigate with traditional knockout approaches. All in all, we are providing here a new set of tools that should be useful in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisha Tromp
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Haitao Wang
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Thomas E. Hall
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Bryan Mowry
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Wacol, QLD, Australia
| | - Jean Giacomotto
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Cellular Phenomics, School of Environment and Science, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Wainberg M, Andrews SJ, Tripathy SJ. Shared genetic risk loci between Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Alzheimers Res Ther 2023; 15:113. [PMID: 37328865 PMCID: PMC10273745 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-023-01244-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have indicated moderate genetic overlap between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementias (ADRD), Parkinson's disease (PD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), neurodegenerative disorders traditionally considered etiologically distinct. However, the specific genetic variants and loci underlying this overlap remain almost entirely unknown. METHODS We leveraged state-of-the-art GWAS for ADRD, PD, and ALS. For each pair of disorders, we examined each of the GWAS hits for one disorder and tested whether they were also significant for the other disorder, applying Bonferroni correction for the number of variants tested. This approach rigorously controls the family-wise error rate for both disorders, analogously to genome-wide significance. RESULTS Eleven loci with GWAS hits for one disorder were also associated with one or both of the other disorders: one with all three disorders (the MAPT/KANSL1 locus), five with ADRD and PD (near LCORL, CLU, SETD1A/KAT8, WWOX, and GRN), three with ADRD and ALS (near GPX3, HS3ST5/HDAC2/MARCKS, and TSPOAP1), and two with PD and ALS (near GAK/TMEM175 and NEK1). Two of these loci (LCORL and NEK1) were associated with an increased risk of one disorder but decreased risk of another. Colocalization analysis supported a shared causal variant between ADRD and PD at the CLU, WWOX, and LCORL loci, between ADRD and ALS at the TSPOAP1 locus, and between PD and ALS at the NEK1 and GAK/TMEM175 loci. To address the concern that ADRD is an imperfect proxy for AD and that the ADRD and PD GWAS have overlapping participants (nearly all of which are from the UK Biobank), we confirmed that all our ADRD associations had nearly identical odds ratios in an AD GWAS that excluded the UK Biobank, and all but one remained nominally significant (p < 0.05) for AD. CONCLUSIONS In one of the most comprehensive investigations to date of pleiotropy between neurodegenerative disorders, we identify eleven genetic risk loci shared among ADRD, PD, and ALS. These loci support lysosomal/autophagic dysfunction (GAK/TMEM175, GRN, KANSL1), neuroinflammation/immunity (TSPOAP1), oxidative stress (GPX3, KANSL1), and the DNA damage response (NEK1) as transdiagnostic processes underlying multiple neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Wainberg
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College Street, Toronto, M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Shea J Andrews
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, 94143, USA
| | - Shreejoy J Tripathy
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College Street, Toronto, M5T 1R8, Canada.
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 1A8, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5T 1R8, Canada.
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 1A8, Canada.
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Liu Y. Zebrafish as a Model Organism for Studying Pathologic Mechanisms of Neurodegenerative Diseases and other Neural Disorders. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023:10.1007/s10571-023-01340-w. [PMID: 37004595 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-023-01340-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
Zebrafish are widely considered an excellent vertebrate model for studying the pathogenesis of human diseases because of their transparency of embryonic development, easy breeding, high similarity with human genes, and easy gene manipulation. Previous studies have shown that zebrafish as a model organism provides an ideal operating platform for clarifying the pathological and molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases and related human diseases. This review mainly summarizes the achievements and prospects of zebrafish used as model organisms in the research of neurodegenerative diseases and other human diseases related to the nervous system in recent years. In the future study of human disease mechanisms, the application of the zebrafish model will continue to provide a valuable operating platform and technical support for investigating and finding better prevention and treatment of these diseases, which has broad application prospects and practical significance. Zebrafish models used in neurodegenerative diseases and other diseases related to the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanying Liu
- Department of Basic Medicine, School of Nursing and Health, Qingdao Huanghai University, Qingdao, 266427, China.
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Huang S, Wang J, Liu N, Li P, Wu S, Qi L, Xia L. A cross-tissue transcriptome association study identifies key genes in essential hypertension. Front Genet 2023; 14:1114174. [PMID: 36845374 PMCID: PMC9950398 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1114174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Genome-wide association study (GWAS) have identified over 1,000 loci associated with blood pressure. However, these loci only explain 6% of heritability. Transcriptome-wide association studies (TWAS) combine GWAS summary data with expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) to provide a better approach to finding genes associated with complex traits. GWAS summary data (N = 450,584) for essential hypertension originating from European samples were subjected to Post-GWAS analysis using FUMA software and then combined with eQTL data from Genotype-Tissues Expression Project (GTEx) v8 for TWAS analysis using UTMOST, FUSION software, and then validated the results with SMR. FUMA identified 346 significant genes associated with hypertension, FUSION identified 461, and UTMOST cross-tissue analysis identified 34, of which 5 were common. SMR validation identified 3 key genes: ENPEP, USP38, and KCNK3. In previous GWAS studies on blood pressure regulation, the association of ENPEP and KCNK3 with hypertension has been established, and the association between USP38 and blood pressure regulation still needs further validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sihui Huang
- College of Health and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China,Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Regimen and Health Industry Development, State Administration of TCM, Chengdu, China,Leshan Vocational and Technical College, Leshan, China
| | - Jie Wang
- College of Health and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China,Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Regimen and Health Industry Development, State Administration of TCM, Chengdu, China
| | - Nannan Liu
- College of Health and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China,Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Regimen and Health Industry Development, State Administration of TCM, Chengdu, China
| | - Ping Li
- College of Health and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China,Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Regimen and Health Industry Development, State Administration of TCM, Chengdu, China
| | - Sha Wu
- College of Health and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China,Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Regimen and Health Industry Development, State Administration of TCM, Chengdu, China
| | - Luming Qi
- College of Health and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China,Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Regimen and Health Industry Development, State Administration of TCM, Chengdu, China,*Correspondence: Luming Qi, ; Lina Xia,
| | - Lina Xia
- College of Health and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China,Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Regimen and Health Industry Development, State Administration of TCM, Chengdu, China,*Correspondence: Luming Qi, ; Lina Xia,
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Katsumata Y, Shade LM, Hohman TJ, Schneider JA, Bennett DA, Farfel JM, Kukull WA, Fardo DW, Nelson PT. Multiple gene variants linked to Alzheimer's-type clinical dementia via GWAS are also associated with non-Alzheimer's neuropathologic entities. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 174:105880. [PMID: 36191742 PMCID: PMC9641973 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The classic pathologic hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (AD neuropathologic changes, or ADNC). However, brains from individuals clinically diagnosed with "AD-type" (amnestic) dementia usually harbor heterogeneous neuropathologies in addition to, or other than, ADNC. We hypothesized that some AD-type dementia associated genetic single nucleotide variants (SNVs) identified from large genomewide association studies (GWAS) were associated with non-ADNC neuropathologies. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed data from multiple studies with available genotype and neuropathologic phenotype information. Clinical AD/dementia risk alleles of interest were derived from the very large GWAS by Bellenguez et al. (2022) who reported 83 clinical AD/dementia-linked SNVs in addition to the APOE risk alleles. To query the pathologic phenotypes associated with variation of those SNVs, National Alzheimer's disease Coordinating Center (NACC) neuropathologic data were linked to AD Sequencing Project (ADSP) and AD Genomics Consortium (ADGC) data. Separate data were obtained from the harmonized Religious Orders Study and the Rush Memory and Aging Project (ROSMAP). A total of 4811 European participants had at least ADNC neuropathology data and also genotype data available; data were meta-analyzed across cohorts. As expected, a subset of dementia-associated SNVs were associated with ADNC risk in Europeans-e.g., BIN1, PICALM, CR1, MME, and COX7C. Other gene variants linked to (clinical) AD dementia were associated with non-ADNC pathologies. For example, the associations of GRN and TMEM106B SNVs with limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 neuropathologic changes (LATE-NC) were replicated. In addition, SNVs in TNIP1 and WNT3 previously reported as AD-related were instead associated with hippocampal sclerosis pathology. Some genotype/neuropathology association trends were not statistically significant at P < 0.05 after correcting for multiple testing, but were intriguing. For example, variants in SORL1 and TPCN1 showed trends for association with LATE-NC whereas Lewy body pathology trended toward association with USP6NL and BIN1 gene variants. A smaller cohort of non-European subjects (n = 273, approximately one-half of whom were African-Americans) provided the basis for additional exploratory analyses. Overall, these findings were consistent with the hypothesis that some genetic variants linked to AD dementia risk exert their affect by influencing non-ADNC neuropathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuriko Katsumata
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA; Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Lincoln M Shade
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Timothy J Hohman
- Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer's Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Julie A Schneider
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Pathology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA; Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - David A Bennett
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Pathology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA; Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jose M Farfel
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Pathology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA; Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Walter A Kukull
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - David W Fardo
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA; Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Peter T Nelson
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.
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