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Jezernik G, Glavač D, Skok P, Krušič M, Potočnik U, Gorenjak M. Discovery of Novel Biomarkers with Extended Non-Coding RNA Interactor Networks from Genetic and Protein Biomarkers. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:10210. [PMID: 39337694 PMCID: PMC11432684 DOI: 10.3390/ijms251810210] [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: 08/07/2024] [Revised: 09/17/2024] [Accepted: 09/18/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Curated online interaction databases and gene ontology tools have streamlined the analysis of highly complex gene/protein networks. However, understanding of disease pathogenesis has gradually shifted from a protein-based core to complex interactive networks where non-coding RNA (ncRNA) is thought to play an essential role. As current gene ontology is based predominantly on protein-level information, there is a growing need to analyze networks with ncRNA. In this study, we propose a gene ontology workflow integrating ncRNA using the NPInter V5.0 database. To validate the proposed workflow, we analyzed our previously published curated biomarker datasets for hidden disease susceptibility processes and pharmacogenomics. Our results show a novel involvement of melanogenesis in psoriasis response to biological drugs in general. Hyperpigmentation has been previously observed in psoriasis following treatment with currently indicated biological drugs, thus calling attention to melanogenesis research as a response biomarker in psoriasis. Moreover, our proposed workflow highlights the need to critically evaluate computed ncRNA interactions within databases and a demand for gene ontology analysis of large miRNA blocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregor Jezernik
- Center for Human Genetics & Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Taborska ulica 8, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia; (D.G.); (M.K.); (U.P.); (M.G.)
- National-Level Institute for Sustainable Environmental Solutions, Jadranska cesta 28, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Damjan Glavač
- Center for Human Genetics & Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Taborska ulica 8, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia; (D.G.); (M.K.); (U.P.); (M.G.)
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Pavel Skok
- Department of Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine Clinic, University Medical Centre Maribor, Ljubljanska ulica 8, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia;
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Taborska ulica 8, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Martina Krušič
- Center for Human Genetics & Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Taborska ulica 8, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia; (D.G.); (M.K.); (U.P.); (M.G.)
| | - Uroš Potočnik
- Center for Human Genetics & Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Taborska ulica 8, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia; (D.G.); (M.K.); (U.P.); (M.G.)
- Department for Science and Research, University Medical Centre Maribor, Ljubljanska ulica 8, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Maribor, Smetanova ulica 17, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Mario Gorenjak
- Center for Human Genetics & Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Taborska ulica 8, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia; (D.G.); (M.K.); (U.P.); (M.G.)
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Al Dera H, AlQahtani B. Molecular mechanisms and antisense oligonucleotide therapies of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102271. [PMID: 39176177 PMCID: PMC11338942 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease, presents considerable challenges in both diagnosis and treatment. It is categorized into sporadic and familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (fALS); the latter accounts for approximately 10% of cases and is primarily inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. This review summarizes the molecular genetics of fALS, highlighting key mutations that contribute to its pathogenesis, such as mutations in SOD1, FUS, and C9orf72. Central to this discourse is exploring antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) that target these genetic aberrations, providing a promising therapeutic strategy. This review provides a detailed overview of the molecular mechanisms underlying fALS and the potential therapeutic value of ASOs, offering new insights into treating neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hussain Al Dera
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine at King Saud, Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bdour AlQahtani
- College of Medicine at King Saud, Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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3
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Kodavati M, Maloji Rao VH, Provasek VE, Hegde ML. Regulation of DNA damage response by RNA/DNA-binding proteins: Implications for neurological disorders and aging. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 100:102413. [PMID: 39032612 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102413] [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: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are evolutionarily conserved across most forms of life, with an estimated 1500 RBPs in humans. Traditionally associated with post-transcriptional gene regulation, RBPs contribute to nearly every known aspect of RNA biology, including RNA splicing, transport, and decay. In recent years, an increasing subset of RBPs have been recognized for their DNA binding properties and involvement in DNA transactions. We refer to these RBPs with well-characterized DNA binding activity as RNA/DNA binding proteins (RDBPs), many of which are linked to neurological diseases. RDBPs are associated with both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA repair. Furthermore, the presence of intrinsically disordered domains in RDBPs appears to be critical for regulating their diverse interactions and plays a key role in controlling protein aggregation, which is implicated in neurodegeneration. In this review, we discuss the emerging roles of common RDBPs from the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) family, such as TAR DNA binding protein-43 (TDP43) and fused in sarcoma (FUS) in controlling DNA damage response (DDR). We also explore the implications of RDBP pathology in aging and neurodegenerative diseases and provide a prospective on the therapeutic potential of targeting RDBP pathology mediated DDR defects for motor neuron diseases and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manohar Kodavati
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Neuroregeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77047, USA.
| | - Vikas H Maloji Rao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Neuroregeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77047, USA
| | - Vincent E Provasek
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Neuroregeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77047, USA; School of Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Muralidhar L Hegde
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Neuroregeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77047, USA; School of Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Weill Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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Lang R, Hodgson RE, Shelkovnikova TA. TDP-43 in nuclear condensates: where, how, and why. Biochem Soc Trans 2024; 52:1809-1825. [PMID: 38958608 DOI: 10.1042/bst20231447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
TDP-43 is an abundant and ubiquitously expressed nuclear protein that becomes dysfunctional in a spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases. TDP-43's ability to phase separate and form/enter biomolecular condensates of varying size and composition is critical for its functionality. Despite the high density of phase-separated assemblies in the nucleus and the nuclear abundance of TDP-43, our understanding of the condensate-TDP-43 relationship in this cellular compartment is only emerging. Recent studies have also suggested that misregulation of nuclear TDP-43 condensation is an early event in the neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This review aims to draw attention to the nuclear facet of functional and aberrant TDP-43 condensation. We will summarise the current knowledge on how TDP-43 containing nuclear condensates form and function and how their homeostasis is affected in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruaridh Lang
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) and Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, U.K
| | - Rachel E Hodgson
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) and Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, U.K
| | - Tatyana A Shelkovnikova
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) and Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, U.K
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Mejzini R, Caruthers MH, Schafer B, Kostov O, Sudheendran K, Ciba M, Danielsen M, Wilton S, Akkari PA, Flynn LL. Allele-Selective Thiomorpholino Antisense Oligonucleotides as a Therapeutic Approach for Fused-in-Sarcoma Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8495. [PMID: 39126066 PMCID: PMC11312655 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158495] [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: 06/28/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic variations in the fused in sarcoma (FUS) gene are associated with rare and aggressive forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). As FUS-ALS is a dominant disease, a targeted, allele-selective approach to FUS knockdown is most suitable. Antisense oligonucleotides (AOs) are a promising therapeutic platform for treating such diseases. In this study, we have explored the potential for allele-selective knockdown of FUS. Gapmer-type AOs targeted to two common neutral polymorphisms in FUS were designed and evaluated in human fibroblasts. AOs had either methoxyethyl (MOE) or thiomorpholino (TMO) modifications. We found that the TMO modification improved allele selectivity and efficacy for the lead sequences when compared to the MOE counterparts. After TMO-modified gapmer knockdown of the target allele, up to 93% of FUS transcripts detected were from the non-target allele. Compared to MOE-modified AOs, the TMO-modified AOs also demonstrated reduced formation of structured nuclear inclusions and SFPQ aggregation that can be triggered by phosphorothioate-containing AOs. How overall length and gap length of the TMO-modified AOs affected allele selectivity, efficiency and off-target gene knockdown was also evaluated. We have shown that allele-selective knockdown of FUS may be a viable therapeutic strategy for treating FUS-ALS and demonstrated the benefits of the TMO modification for allele-selective applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Mejzini
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; (S.W.); (P.A.A.); (L.L.F.)
- The Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Marvin H. Caruthers
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA; (M.H.C.); (B.S.); (O.K.); (K.S.); (M.C.); (M.D.)
| | - Balazs Schafer
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA; (M.H.C.); (B.S.); (O.K.); (K.S.); (M.C.); (M.D.)
| | - Ondrej Kostov
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA; (M.H.C.); (B.S.); (O.K.); (K.S.); (M.C.); (M.D.)
| | - Kavitha Sudheendran
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA; (M.H.C.); (B.S.); (O.K.); (K.S.); (M.C.); (M.D.)
| | - Marija Ciba
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA; (M.H.C.); (B.S.); (O.K.); (K.S.); (M.C.); (M.D.)
| | - Mathias Danielsen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA; (M.H.C.); (B.S.); (O.K.); (K.S.); (M.C.); (M.D.)
| | - Steve Wilton
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; (S.W.); (P.A.A.); (L.L.F.)
- The Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
- Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Patrick Anthony Akkari
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; (S.W.); (P.A.A.); (L.L.F.)
- The Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
- Black Swan Pharmaceuticals, Wake Forest, NC 27587, USA
- Department of Neurology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Loren L. Flynn
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; (S.W.); (P.A.A.); (L.L.F.)
- The Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
- Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- Black Swan Pharmaceuticals, Wake Forest, NC 27587, USA
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Rajabi D, Khanmohammadi S, Rezaei N. The role of long noncoding RNAs in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Rev Neurosci 2024; 35:533-547. [PMID: 38452377 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2023-0155] [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: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease with a poor prognosis leading to death. The diagnosis and treatment of ALS are inherently challenging due to its complex pathomechanism. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides involved in different cellular processes, incisively gene expression. In recent years, more studies have been conducted on lncRNA classes and interference in different disease pathologies, showing their promising contribution to diagnosing and treating neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we discussed the role of lncRNAs like NEAT1 and C9orf72-as in ALS pathogenesis mechanisms caused by mutations in different genes, including TAR DNA-binding protein-43 (TDP-43), fused in sarcoma (FUS), superoxide dismutase type 1 (SOD1). NEAT1 is a well-established lncRNA in ALS pathogenesis; hence, we elaborate on its involvement in forming paraspeckles, stress response, inflammatory response, and apoptosis. Furthermore, antisense lncRNAs (as-lncRNAs), a key group of transcripts from the opposite strand of genes, including ZEB1-AS1 and ATXN2-AS, are discussed as newly identified components in the pathology of ALS. Ultimately, we review the current standing of using lncRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic agents and the future vision of further studies on lncRNA applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darya Rajabi
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Felestin St., Keshavarz Blvd., Tehran, 1416634793, Iran
| | - Shaghayegh Khanmohammadi
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Felestin St., Keshavarz Blvd., Tehran, 1416634793, Iran
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, No 63, Gharib Ave, Keshavarz Blv, Tehran, 1419733151, Iran
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Children's Medical Center, No 63, Gharib Ave, Keshavarz Blv, Tehran, 1419733151, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, No 63, Gharib Ave, Keshavarz Blv, Tehran, 1419733151, Iran
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Children's Medical Center, No 63, Gharib Ave, Keshavarz Blv, Tehran, 1419733151, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Felestin St., Keshavarz Blvd., Tehran, 1416634793, Iran
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Tilliole P, Fix S, Godin JD. hnRNPs: roles in neurodevelopment and implication for brain disorders. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1411639. [PMID: 39086926 PMCID: PMC11288931 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1411639] [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: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs) constitute a family of multifunctional RNA-binding proteins able to process nuclear pre-mRNAs into mature mRNAs and regulate gene expression in multiple ways. They comprise at least 20 different members in mammals, named from A (HNRNP A1) to U (HNRNP U). Many of these proteins are components of the spliceosome complex and can modulate alternative splicing in a tissue-specific manner. Notably, while genes encoding hnRNPs exhibit ubiquitous expression, increasing evidence associate these proteins to various neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, such as intellectual disability, epilepsy, microcephaly, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or dementias, highlighting their crucial role in the central nervous system. This review explores the evolution of the hnRNPs family, highlighting the emergence of numerous new members within this family, and sheds light on their implications for brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Tilliole
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, IGBMC, Illkirch, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, CNRS, UMR7104, Illkirch, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, INSERM, U1258, Illkirch, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Simon Fix
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, IGBMC, Illkirch, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, CNRS, UMR7104, Illkirch, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, INSERM, U1258, Illkirch, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Juliette D. Godin
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, IGBMC, Illkirch, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, CNRS, UMR7104, Illkirch, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, INSERM, U1258, Illkirch, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
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Wang Y, Li Z, Li J, Sun C. LncRNA NEAT1 promotes MPP+ induced injury of PC12 cells and accelerates the progression of Parkinson's disease in mice through FUS mediated inhibition of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway. Exp Gerontol 2024; 191:112436. [PMID: 38636570 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2024.112436] [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: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Long noncoding RNA nuclear-enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) is involved in the progression of Parkinson's disease (PD), but the specific regulatory role needs further exploration. This study showed that the expression of NEAT1 was upregulated in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and peripheral blood of patients with different stages of PD. 1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridine (MPP)-treated PC 12 cells were transfected with si-NEAT1, and MPP treatment promoted cell apoptosis, oxidative stress and inflammatory factor secretion. Si-NEAT1 reversed the effects of MPP. NEAT1 silencing eliminated the effect of MPP on the protein expression levels of LC3-II and p62/SQSTM1. By using an online bioinformatics database, Fused in Sarcoma (FUS) was confirmed to be an RNA binding protein of NEAT1, and it was highly expressed in the CSF and peripheral blood of patients with PD. Si-FUS was transfected into MPP-treated PC 12 cells to detect cell apoptosis, oxidative stress, inflammatory factor secretion and autophagy, and the results were the same as those of transfection of si-NEAT1. Furthermore, MPP treatment reduced the phosphorylation levels of PI3K, Akt and mTOR, whereas si-FUS reversed the effects of MPP. In vivo, compared with the model group, the PD mice showed reduced NEAT1 and FUS expression levels and activated PI3K pathway after being injected with si-NEAT1. The brain tissue of NEAT1-silenced PD mice had decreased inflammatory infiltration and apoptosis and increased neurological scores. In conclusion, NEAT1 is involved in PD progression through FUS-mediated inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonghui Wang
- Second Department of Neurology, Qingzhou People's Hospital, Weifang 262500, Shandong, China
| | - Zhuo Li
- Two Departments of Brain Disease, Yantai Penglai Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Yantai 264000, Shandong, China
| | - Jiwen Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jinan Zhangqiu District People's Hospital, Jinan 250200, Shandong, China
| | - Chao Sun
- Department of Neurology, Yantaishan Hospital, Yantai 264000, Shandong, China.
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Nguyen L. Updates on Disease Mechanisms and Therapeutics for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Cells 2024; 13:888. [PMID: 38891021 PMCID: PMC11172142 DOI: 10.3390/cells13110888] [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: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig's disease, is a motor neuron disease. In ALS, upper and lower motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord progressively degenerate during the course of the disease, leading to the loss of the voluntary movement of the arms and legs. Since its first description in 1869 by a French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot, the scientific discoveries on ALS have increased our understanding of ALS genetics, pathology and mechanisms and provided novel therapeutic strategies. The goal of this review article is to provide a comprehensive summary of the recent findings on ALS mechanisms and related therapeutic strategies to the scientific audience. Several highlighted ALS research topics discussed in this article include the 2023 FDA approved drug for SOD1 ALS, the updated C9orf72 GGGGCC repeat-expansion-related mechanisms and therapeutic targets, TDP-43-mediated cryptic splicing and disease markers and diagnostic and therapeutic options offered by these recent discoveries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lien Nguyen
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
- Center for NeuroGenetics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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Libonati L, Cambieri C, Colavito D, Moret F, D'Andrea E, Del Giudice E, Leon A, Inghilleri M, Ceccanti M. Genetics screening in an Italian cohort of patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: the importance of early testing and its implication. J Neurol 2024; 271:1921-1936. [PMID: 38112783 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-12142-x] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease with an elusive etiology. While environmental factors have been considered, familial ALS cases have raised the possibility of genetic involvement. This genetic connection is increasingly evident, even in patients with sporadic ALS. We allowed access to the genetic test to all patients attending our clinic to identify the prevalence and the role of genetic variants in the development of the disease and to identify patients with potentially treatable forms of the disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS 194 patients with probable or definite ALS, were enrolled. A comprehensive genetic testing was performed, including sequencing all exons of the SOD1 gene and testing for hexanucleotide intronic repeat expansions (G4C2) in the C9orf72 gene using fluorescent repeat-primed PCR (RP-PCR). Whole Exome NGS Sequencing (WES) was performed, followed by an in silico multigene panel targeting neuromuscular diseases, spastic paraplegia, and motor distal neuropathies. We conducted statistical analyses to compare different patient groups. RESULTS Clinically significant pathogenetic variants were detected in 14.43% of cases. The highest prevalence of pathogenetic variants was observed in fALS patients, but a substantial proportion of sALS patients also displayed at least one variant, either pathogenetic or of uncertain significance (VUS). The most observed pathogenetic variant was the expansion of the C9orf72 gene, which was associated with a shorter survival. SOD1 variants were found in 1.6% of fALS and 2.5% of sALS patients. DISCUSSION The study reveals a significant number of ALS patients carrying pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants, with a higher prevalence in familial ALS cases. The expansion of the C9orf72 gene emerges as the most common genetic cause of ALS, affecting familial and sporadic cases. Additionally, SOD1 variants are detected at an unexpectedly higher rate, even in patients without a familial history of ALS, underscoring the crucial role of genetic testing in treatment decisions and potential participation in clinical trials. We also investigated variants in genes such as TARDBP, FUS, NEK1, TBK1, and DNAJC7, shedding light on their potential involvement in ALS. These findings underscore the complexity of interpreting variants of uncertain significance (VUS) and their ethical implications in patient communication and genetic counseling for patients' relatives. CONCLUSION This study emphasizes the diverse genetic basis of ALS and advocates for integrating comprehensive genetic testing into diagnostic protocols. The evolving landscape of genetic therapies requires identifying all eligible patients transcending traditional familial boundaries. The presence of VUS highlights the multifaceted nature of ALS genetics, prompting further exploration of complex interactions among genetic variants, environmental factors, and disease development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Libonati
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Rare Neuromuscular Diseases Centre, Sapienza University, Viale Dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Chiara Cambieri
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Rare Neuromuscular Diseases Centre, Sapienza University, Viale Dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Colavito
- R & I Genetics, C.So Stati Uniti 4int.F, 35127, Padua, Italy
| | - Federica Moret
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Rare Neuromuscular Diseases Centre, Sapienza University, Viale Dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Edoardo D'Andrea
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Rare Neuromuscular Diseases Centre, Sapienza University, Viale Dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Alberta Leon
- R & I Genetics, C.So Stati Uniti 4int.F, 35127, Padua, Italy
| | - Maurizio Inghilleri
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Rare Neuromuscular Diseases Centre, Sapienza University, Viale Dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Ceccanti
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Rare Neuromuscular Diseases Centre, Sapienza University, Viale Dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy
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Fakim H, Vande Velde C. The implications of physiological biomolecular condensates in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2024; 156:176-189. [PMID: 37268555 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2023.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, there has been an emphasis on the role of phase-separated biomolecular condensates, especially stress granules, in neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This is largely due to several ALS-associated mutations occurring in genes involved in stress granule assembly and observations that pathological inclusions detected in ALS patient neurons contain stress granule proteins, including the ALS-linked proteins TDP-43 and FUS. However, protein components of stress granules are also found in numerous other phase-separated biomolecular condensates under physiological conditions which are inadequately discussed in the context of ALS. In this review, we look beyond stress granules and describe the roles of TDP-43 and FUS in physiological condensates occurring in the nucleus and neurites, such as the nucleolus, Cajal bodies, paraspeckles and neuronal RNA transport granules. We also discuss the consequences of ALS-linked mutations in TDP-43 and FUS on their ability to phase separate into these stress-independent biomolecular condensates and perform their respective functions. Importantly, biomolecular condensates sequester multiple overlapping protein and RNA components, and their dysregulation could contribute to the observed pleiotropic effects of both sporadic and familial ALS on RNA metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hana Fakim
- Department of Neurosciences, Université de Montréal, and CHUM Research Center, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Christine Vande Velde
- Department of Neurosciences, Université de Montréal, and CHUM Research Center, Montréal, QC, Canada.
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12
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Van Daele SH, Masrori P, Van Damme P, Van Den Bosch L. The sense of antisense therapies in ALS. Trends Mol Med 2024; 30:252-262. [PMID: 38216448 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2023.12.003] [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: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Treatment of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has entered a new era now that encouraging results about antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are becoming available and a first ASO therapy for ALS has been approved by the FDA. Moreover, there is hope not only that ALS can be stopped but also that symptoms can be reversed. Until now, degrading ASOs seemed to be successful mostly for rarer forms of familial ALS. However, the first attempts to correct mis-splicing events in sporadic ALS are underway, as well as a clinical trial examining interference with a genetic modifier. In this review, we discuss the current status of using ASOs in ALS and the possibilities and pitfalls of this therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sien H Van Daele
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Human Genetics, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pegah Masrori
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Philip Van Damme
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Ludo Van Den Bosch
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.
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13
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Aksoy YA, Cole AJ, Deng W, Hesselson D. Zebrafish CCNF and FUS Mediate Stress-Specific Motor Responses. Cells 2024; 13:372. [PMID: 38474336 DOI: 10.3390/cells13050372] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease characterized by the degeneration of motor neurons. Mutations in the cyclin F (CCNF) and fused in sarcoma (FUS) genes have been associated with ALS pathology. In this study, we aimed to investigate the functional role of CCNF and FUS in ALS by using genome editing techniques to generate zebrafish models with genetic disruptions in these genes. Sequence comparisons showed significant homology between human and zebrafish CCNF and FUS proteins. We used CRISPR/Cas9 and TALEN-mediated genome editing to generate targeted disruptions in the zebrafish ccnf and fus genes. Ccnf-deficient zebrafish exhibited abnormal motor neuron development and axonal outgrowth, whereas Fus-deficient zebrafish did not exhibit developmental abnormalities or axonopathies in primary motor neurons. However, Fus-deficient zebrafish displayed motor impairments in response to oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress. The Ccnf-deficient zebrafish were only sensitized to endoplasmic reticulum stress, indicating that ALS genes have overlapping as well as unique cellular functions. These zebrafish models provide valuable platforms for studying the functional consequences of CCNF and FUS mutations in ALS pathogenesis. Furthermore, these zebrafish models expand the drug screening toolkit used to evaluate possible ALS treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yagiz Alp Aksoy
- Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Cancer Diagnosis and Pathology Group, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia
- Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Alexander J Cole
- Centenary Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Wei Deng
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Daniel Hesselson
- Centenary Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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14
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Kour S, Fortuna T, Anderson EN, Mawrie D, Bilstein J, Sivasubramanian R, Ward C, Roy R, Rajasundaram D, Sterneckert J, Pandey UB. Drosha-dependent microRNAs modulate FUS-mediated neurodegeneration in vivo. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:11258-11276. [PMID: 37791873 PMCID: PMC10639082 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the Fused in Sarcoma (FUS) gene cause the familial and progressive form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). FUS is a nuclear RNA-binding protein involved in RNA processing and the biogenesis of a specific set of microRNAs. Here we report that Drosha and two previously uncharacterized Drosha-dependent miRNAs are strong modulators of FUS expression and prevent the cytoplasmic segregation of insoluble mutant FUS in vivo. We demonstrate that depletion of Drosha mitigates FUS-mediated degeneration, survival and motor defects in Drosophila. Mutant FUS strongly interacts with Drosha and causes its cytoplasmic mis-localization into the insoluble FUS inclusions. Reduction in Drosha levels increases the solubility of mutant FUS. Interestingly, we found two Drosha dependent microRNAs, miR-378i and miR-6832-5p, which differentially regulate the expression, solubility and cytoplasmic aggregation of mutant FUS in iPSC neurons and mammalian cells. More importantly, we report different modes of action of these miRNAs against mutant FUS. Whereas miR-378i may regulate mutant FUS inclusions by preventing G3BP-mediated stress granule formation, miR-6832-5p may affect FUS expression via other proteins or pathways. Overall, our research reveals a possible association between ALS-linked FUS mutations and the Drosha-dependent miRNA regulatory circuit, as well as a useful perspective on potential ALS treatment via microRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukhleen Kour
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Tyler Fortuna
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Eric N Anderson
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Darilang Mawrie
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Jessica Bilstein
- Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität (TU) Dresden, Dresden, 01307, Germany
| | - Ramakrishnan Sivasubramanian
- Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität (TU) Dresden, Dresden, 01307, Germany
| | - Caroline Ward
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Rishit Roy
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Dhivyaa Rajasundaram
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Health Informatics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Jared Sterneckert
- Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität (TU) Dresden, Dresden, 01307, Germany
- Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus of TU Dresden, Dresden, 01307, Germany
| | - Udai Bhan Pandey
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
- Children's Neuroscience Institute, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
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15
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Li C, Wei Q, Hou Y, Lin J, Ou R, Zhang L, Jiang Q, Xiao Y, Liu K, Chen X, Yang T, Song W, Zhao B, Wu Y, Shang H. Genome-wide analyses identify NEAT1 as genetic modifier of age at onset of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Mol Neurodegener 2023; 18:77. [PMID: 37872557 PMCID: PMC10594666 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00669-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) demonstrate great heterogeneity in the age at onset (AAO), which is closely related to the course of disease. However, most genetic studies focused on the risk of ALS, while the genetic background underlying AAO of ALS is still unknown. METHODS To identify genetic determinants influencing AAO of ALS, we performed genome-wide association analysis using a Cox proportional hazards model in 2,841 patients with ALS (Ndiscovery = 2,272, Nreplication = 569) in the Chinese population. We further conducted colocalization analysis using public cis-eQTL dataset, and Mendelian randomization analysis to identify risk factors for AAO of ALS. Finally, functional experiments including dual-luciferase reporter assay and RT-qPCR were performed to explore the regulatory effect of the target variant. RESULTS The total heritability of AAO of ALS was ~ 0.24. One novel locus rs10128627 (FRMD8) was significantly associated with earlier AAO by ~ 3.15 years (P = 1.54E-08, beta = 0.31, SE = 0.05). This locus was cis-eQTL of NEAT1 in multiple brain tissues and blood. Colocalization analysis detected association signals at this locus between AAO of ALS and expression of NEAT1. Furthermore, functional exploration supported the variant rs10128627 was associated with upregulated expression of NEAT1 in cell models and patients with ALS. Causal inference suggested higher total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and eosinophil were nominally associated with earlier AAO of ALS, while monocyte might delay the AAO. CONCLUSIONS Collective evidence from genetic, bioinformatic, and functional results suggested NEAT1 as a key player in the disease progression of ALS. These findings improve the current understanding of the genetic role in AAO of ALS, and provide a novel target for further research on the pathogenesis and therapeutic options to delay the disease onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyu Li
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qianqian Wei
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanbing Hou
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Junyu Lin
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ruwei Ou
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lingyu Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qirui Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Kuncheng Liu
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xueping Chen
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - TianMi Yang
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Song
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bi Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Wu
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Huifang Shang
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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16
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Provasek VE, Kodavati M, Guo W, Wang H, Boldogh I, Van Den Bosch L, Britz G, Hegde ML. lncRNA Sequencing Reveals Neurodegeneration-Associated FUS Mutations Alter Transcriptional Landscape of iPS Cells That Persists in Motor Neurons. Cells 2023; 12:2461. [PMID: 37887305 PMCID: PMC10604943 DOI: 10.3390/cells12202461] [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: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Fused-in sarcoma (FUS) gene mutations have been implicated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This study aimed to investigate the impact of FUS mutations (R521H and P525L) on the transcriptome of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and iPSC-derived motor neurons (iMNs). Using RNA sequencing (RNA Seq), we characterized differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs) and subsequently predicted lncRNA-mRNA target pairs (TAR pairs). Our results show that FUS mutations significantly altered the expression profiles of mRNAs and lncRNAs in iPSCs. Using this large dataset, we identified and verified six key differentially regulated TAR pairs in iPSCs that were also altered in iMNs. These target transcripts included: GPR149, NR4A, LMO3, SLC15A4, ZNF404, and CRACD. These findings indicated that selected mutant FUS-induced transcriptional alterations persist from iPSCs into differentiated iMNs. Functional enrichment analyses of DEGs indicated pathways associated with neuronal development and carcinogenesis as likely altered by these FUS mutations. Furthermore, ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) and GO network analysis of lncRNA-targeted mRNAs indicated associations between RNA metabolism, lncRNA regulation, and DNA damage repair. Our findings provide insights into potential molecular mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of ALS-associated FUS mutations and suggest potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent E. Provasek
- Division of DNA Repair Research within the Center for Neuroregeneration, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (V.E.P.); (M.K.); (H.W.)
- School of Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Manohar Kodavati
- Division of DNA Repair Research within the Center for Neuroregeneration, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (V.E.P.); (M.K.); (H.W.)
| | - Wenting Guo
- INSERM, UMR-S1118, Mécanismes Centraux et Périphériques de la Neurodégénérescence, Université de Strasbourg, CRBS, 67000 Strasbourg, France;
- VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Stem Cell Institute, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Haibo Wang
- Division of DNA Repair Research within the Center for Neuroregeneration, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (V.E.P.); (M.K.); (H.W.)
| | - Istvan Boldogh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA;
| | - Ludo Van Den Bosch
- Stem Cell Institute, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Gavin Britz
- Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Muralidhar L. Hegde
- Division of DNA Repair Research within the Center for Neuroregeneration, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (V.E.P.); (M.K.); (H.W.)
- School of Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
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17
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Bennett SA, Cobos SN, Son E, Segal R, Mathew S, Yousuf H, Torrente MP. Impaired RNA Binding Does Not Prevent Histone Modification Changes in a FUS ALS/FTD Yeast Model. MICROPUBLICATION BIOLOGY 2023; 2023:10.17912/micropub.biology.000895. [PMID: 37746061 PMCID: PMC10517347 DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.000895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in the RNA-binding protein FUS are linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia (ALS/FTD). FUS mutants mislocalize and aggregate in dying neurons. We previously established that FUS proteinopathy is linked to changes in the histone modification landscape in a yeast ALS/FTD model. Here, we examine whether FUS' RNA binding is necessary for this connection. We find that overexpression of a FUS mutant unable to bind RNA is still associated with reduced levels of H3S10ph, H3K14ac and H3K56ac. Hence, FUS' ability to bind RNA is not required in the mechanism connecting FUS proteinopathy to altered histone post-translational modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth A. Bennett
- PhD. Program in Biochemistry, City University of New York - The Graduate Center, New York, NY, USA 10016
| | - Samantha N. Cobos
- PhD. Program in Chemistry, City University of New York - The Graduate Center, New York, NY, USA 10016
| | - Elizaveta Son
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brooklyn College, Brooklyn, NY, USA 11210
| | - Rianna Segal
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brooklyn College, Brooklyn, NY, USA 11210
| | - Shana Mathew
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brooklyn College, Brooklyn, NY, USA 11210
| | - Huda Yousuf
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brooklyn College, Brooklyn, NY, USA 11210
| | - Mariana P. Torrente
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brooklyn College, Brooklyn, NY, USA 11210
- PhD. Programs in Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Biology, City University of New York - The Graduate Center, New York, NY, USA 10016
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18
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Mihaylov SR, Castelli LM, Lin YH, Gül A, Soni N, Hastings C, Flynn HR, Păun O, Dickman MJ, Snijders AP, Goldstone R, Bandmann O, Shelkovnikova TA, Mortiboys H, Ultanir SK, Hautbergue GM. The master energy homeostasis regulator PGC-1α exhibits an mRNA nuclear export function. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5496. [PMID: 37679383 PMCID: PMC10485026 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41304-8] [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: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
PGC-1α plays a central role in maintaining mitochondrial and energy metabolism homeostasis, linking external stimuli to transcriptional co-activation of genes involved in adaptive and age-related pathways. The carboxyl-terminus encodes a serine/arginine-rich (RS) region and an RNA recognition motif, however the RNA-processing function(s) were poorly investigated over the past 20 years. Here, we show that the RS domain of human PGC-1α directly interacts with RNA and the nuclear RNA export receptor NXF1. Inducible depletion of PGC-1α and expression of RNAi-resistant RS-deleted PGC-1α further demonstrate that its RNA/NXF1-binding activity is required for the nuclear export of some canonical mitochondrial-related mRNAs and mitochondrial homeostasis. Genome-wide investigations reveal that the nuclear export function is not strictly linked to promoter-binding, identifying in turn novel regulatory targets of PGC-1α in non-homologous end-joining and nucleocytoplasmic transport. These findings provide new directions to further elucidate the roles of PGC-1α in gene expression, metabolic disorders, aging and neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simeon R Mihaylov
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
- Kinases and Brain Development Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Lydia M Castelli
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Ya-Hui Lin
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Aytac Gül
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Nikita Soni
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Christopher Hastings
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Helen R Flynn
- Proteomics Science Technology Platform, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Oana Păun
- Neural Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Mark J Dickman
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Sir Robert Hadfield Building, University of Sheffield, Mappin Street, Sheffield, S1 3JD, UK
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Ambrosius P Snijders
- Proteomics Science Technology Platform, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
- Life Science Mass Spectrometry, Bruker Daltonics, Banner Lane, Coventry, CV4 9GH, UK
| | - Robert Goldstone
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Science and Technology Platform, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Oliver Bandmann
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
- Healthy Lifespan Institute (HELSI), University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Tatyana A Shelkovnikova
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Heather Mortiboys
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
- Healthy Lifespan Institute (HELSI), University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Sila K Ultanir
- Kinases and Brain Development Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Guillaume M Hautbergue
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK.
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK.
- Healthy Lifespan Institute (HELSI), University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK.
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19
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Gastelum S, Michael AF, Bolger TA. Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a research tool for RNA-mediated human disease. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2023; 15:e1814. [PMID: 37671427 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
The budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, has been used for decades as a powerful genetic tool to study a broad spectrum of biological topics. With its ease of use, economic utility, well-studied genome, and a highly conserved proteome across eukaryotes, it has become one of the most used model organisms. Due to these advantages, it has been used to study an array of complex human diseases. From broad, complex pathological conditions such as aging and neurodegenerative disease to newer uses such as SARS-CoV-2, yeast continues to offer new insights into how cellular processes are affected by disease and how affected pathways might be targeted in therapeutic settings. At the same time, the roles of RNA and RNA-based processes have become increasingly prominent in the pathology of many of these same human diseases, and yeast has been utilized to investigate these mechanisms, from aberrant RNA-binding proteins in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis to translation regulation in cancer. Here we review some of the important insights that yeast models have yielded into the molecular pathology of complex, RNA-based human diseases. This article is categorized under: RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Gastelum
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Allison F Michael
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Timothy A Bolger
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
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20
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Bagyinszky E, Hulme J, An SSA. Studies of Genetic and Proteomic Risk Factors of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Inspire Biomarker Development and Gene Therapy. Cells 2023; 12:1948. [PMID: 37566027 PMCID: PMC10417729 DOI: 10.3390/cells12151948] [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: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an incurable neurodegenerative disease affecting the upper and lower motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness, motor impairments, disabilities and death. Approximately 5-10% of ALS cases are associated with positive family history (familial ALS or fALS), whilst the remainder are sporadic (sporadic ALS, sALS). At least 50 genes have been identified as causative or risk factors for ALS. Established pathogenic variants include superoxide dismutase type 1 (SOD1), chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (c9orf72), TAR DNA Binding Protein (TARDBP), and Fused In Sarcoma (FUS); additional ALS-related genes including Charged Multivesicular Body Protein 2B (CHMP2B), Senataxin (SETX), Sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1), TANK Binding Kinase 1 (TBK1) and NIMA Related Kinase 1 (NEK1), have been identified. Mutations in these genes could impair different mechanisms, including vesicle transport, autophagy, and cytoskeletal or mitochondrial functions. So far, there is no effective therapy against ALS. Thus, early diagnosis and disease risk predictions remain one of the best options against ALS symptomologies. Proteomic biomarkers, microRNAs, and extracellular vehicles (EVs) serve as promising tools for disease diagnosis or progression assessment. These markers are relatively easy to obtain from blood or cerebrospinal fluids and can be used to identify potential genetic causative and risk factors even in the preclinical stage before symptoms appear. In addition, antisense oligonucleotides and RNA gene therapies have successfully been employed against other diseases, such as childhood-onset spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), which could also give hope to ALS patients. Therefore, an effective gene and biomarker panel should be generated for potentially "at risk" individuals to provide timely interventions and better treatment outcomes for ALS patients as soon as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Bagyinszky
- Graduate School of Environment Department of Industrial and Environmental Engineering, Gachon University, Seongnam-si 13120, Republic of Korea;
| | - John Hulme
- Graduate School of Environment Department of Industrial and Environmental Engineering, Gachon University, Seongnam-si 13120, Republic of Korea;
| | - Seong Soo A. An
- Department of Bionano Technology, Gachon University, Seongnam-si 13120, Republic of Korea
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21
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Provasek VE, Kodavati M, Guo W, Wang H, Boldogh I, Van Den Bosch L, Britz G, Hegde M. lncRNA Sequencing Reveals Neurodegeneration-associated FUS Mutations Alter Transcriptional Landscape of iPS Cells That Persists In Motor Neurons. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3112246. [PMID: 37461717 PMCID: PMC10350127 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3112246/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Fused-in Sarcoma (FUS) gene mutations have been implicated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This study aimed to investigate the impact of FUS mutations (R521H and P525L) on the transcriptome of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and iPSC-derived motor neurons (iMNs). Using RNA sequencing (RNA Seq), we characterized differentially expressed genes (DEGs), differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs), and subsequently predicted lncRNA-mRNA target pairs (TAR pairs). Our results show that FUS mutations significantly altered expression profiles of mRNAs and lncRNAs in iPSCs. We identified key differentially regulated TAR pairs, including LMO3, TMEM132D, ERMN, GPR149, CRACD, and ZNF404 in mutant FUS iPSCs. We performed reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) validation in iPSCs and iMNs. Validation confirmed RNA-Seq findings and suggested that mutant FUS-induced transcriptional alterations persisted from iPSCs into differentiated iMNs. Functional enrichment analyses of DEGs indicated pathways associated with neuronal development and carcinogenesis that were likely altered by FUS mutations. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) and GO network analysis of lncRNA-targeted mRNAs indicated associations related to RNA metabolism, lncRNA regulation, and DNA damage repair. Our findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of ALS-associated FUS mutations and suggest potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent E. Provasek
- Division of DNA Repair Research within the Center for Neuroregeneration, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- School of Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Manohar Kodavati
- Division of DNA Repair Research within the Center for Neuroregeneration, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Wenting Guo
- KU Leuven-Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Leuven, 3000, Belgium
- Stem Cell Institute, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Haibo Wang
- Division of DNA Repair Research within the Center for Neuroregeneration, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Istvan Boldogh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Ludo Van Den Bosch
- KU Leuven-Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Gavin Britz
- Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Muralidhar Hegde
- Division of DNA Repair Research within the Center for Neuroregeneration, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- School of Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
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22
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Santarelli S, Londero C, Soldano A, Candelaresi C, Todeschini L, Vernizzi L, Bellosta P. Drosophila melanogaster as a model to study autophagy in neurodegenerative diseases induced by proteinopathies. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1082047. [PMID: 37274187 PMCID: PMC10232775 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1082047] [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: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteinopathies are a large group of neurodegenerative diseases caused by both genetic and sporadic mutations in particular genes which can lead to alterations of the protein structure and to the formation of aggregates, especially toxic for neurons. Autophagy is a key mechanism for clearing those aggregates and its function has been strongly associated with the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), hence mutations in both pathways have been associated with the onset of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly those induced by protein misfolding and accumulation of aggregates. Many crucial discoveries regarding the molecular and cellular events underlying the role of autophagy in these diseases have come from studies using Drosophila models. Indeed, despite the physiological and morphological differences between the fly and the human brain, most of the biochemical and molecular aspects regulating protein homeostasis, including autophagy, are conserved between the two species.In this review, we will provide an overview of the most common neurodegenerative proteinopathies, which include PolyQ diseases (Huntington's disease, Spinocerebellar ataxia 1, 2, and 3), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (C9orf72, SOD1, TDP-43, FUS), Alzheimer's disease (APP, Tau) Parkinson's disease (a-syn, parkin and PINK1, LRRK2) and prion diseases, highlighting the studies using Drosophila that have contributed to understanding the conserved mechanisms and elucidating the role of autophagy in these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Santarelli
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CiBiO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Chiara Londero
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CiBiO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Alessia Soldano
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CiBiO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| | - Carlotta Candelaresi
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CiBiO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Leonardo Todeschini
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CiBiO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Luisa Vernizzi
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Paola Bellosta
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CiBiO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
- Department of Medicine, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
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23
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Li K, Wang Z. lncRNA NEAT1: Key player in neurodegenerative diseases. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 86:101878. [PMID: 36738893 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.101878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are the most common causes of disability worldwide. Given their high prevalence, devastating symptoms, and lack of definitive diagnostic tests, there is an urgent need to identify potential biomarkers and new therapeutic targets. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have recently emerged as powerful regulatory molecules in neurodegenerative diseases. Among them, lncRNA nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1) has been reported to be upregulated in Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, whether this is part of a protective or harmful mechanism is still unclear. This review summarizes our current knowledge of the role of NEAT1 in neurodegenerative diseases and its association with the characteristic aggregation of misfolded proteins: amyloid-β and tau in AD, α-synuclein in PD, mutant huntingtin in HD, and TAR DNA-binding protein-43 fused in sarcoma/translocated in liposarcoma in ALS. The aim of this review is to stimulate further research on more precise and effective treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Ziqiang Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan 250014, China; Biomedical Sciences College & Shandong Medicinal Biotechnology Centre, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250062, China.
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24
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Giovannelli I, Higginbottom A, Kirby J, Azzouz M, Shaw PJ. Prospects for gene replacement therapies in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Nat Rev Neurol 2023; 19:39-52. [PMID: 36481799 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-022-00751-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating and incurable neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive loss of upper and lower motor neurons. ALS causes death, usually within 2-5 years of diagnosis. Riluzole, the only drug currently approved in Europe for the treatment of this condition, offers only a modest benefit, increasing survival by 3 months on average. Recent advances in our understanding of causative or disease-modifying genetic variants and in the development of genetic therapy strategies present exciting new therapeutic opportunities for ALS. In addition, the approval of adeno-associated virus-mediated delivery of functional copies of the SMN1 gene to treat spinal muscular atrophy represents an important therapeutic milestone and demonstrates the potential of gene replacement therapies for motor neuron disorders. In this Review, we describe the current landscape of genetic therapies in ALS, highlighting achievements and critical challenges. In particular, we discuss opportunities for gene replacement therapy in subgroups of people with ALS, and we describe loss-of-function mutations that are known to contribute to the pathophysiology of ALS and could represent novel targets for gene replacement therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Giovannelli
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Adrian Higginbottom
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Janine Kirby
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Mimoun Azzouz
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Pamela J Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
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25
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An H, Elvers KT, Gillespie JA, Jones K, Atack JR, Grubisha O, Shelkovnikova TA. A toolkit for the identification of NEAT1_2/paraspeckle modulators. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:e119. [PMID: 36099417 PMCID: PMC9723620 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Paraspeckles are ribonucleoprotein granules assembled by NEAT1_2 lncRNA, an isoform of Nuclear Paraspeckle Assembly Transcript 1 (NEAT1). Dysregulation of NEAT1_2/paraspeckles has been linked to multiple human diseases making them an attractive drug target. However currently NEAT1_2/paraspeckle-focused translational research and drug discovery are hindered by a limited toolkit. To fill this gap, we developed and validated a set of tools for the identification of NEAT1_2 binders and modulators comprised of biochemical and cell-based assays. The NEAT1_2 triple helix stability element was utilized as the target in the biochemical assays, and the cellular assay ('ParaQuant') was based on high-content imaging of NEAT1_2 in fixed cells. As a proof of principle, these assays were used to screen a 1,200-compound FDA-approved drug library and a 170-compound kinase inhibitor library and to confirm the screening hits. The assays are simple to establish, use only commercially-available reagents and are scalable for higher throughput. In particular, ParaQuant is a cost-efficient assay suitable for any cells growing in adherent culture and amenable to multiplexing. Using ParaQuant, we identified dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitors as potent negative modulators of paraspeckles. The tools we describe herein should boost paraspeckle studies and help guide the search, validation and optimization of NEAT1_2/paraspeckle-targeted small molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan An
- Medicines Discovery Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Karen T Elvers
- Medicines Discovery Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Jason A Gillespie
- Medicines Discovery Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Kimberley Jones
- Medicines Discovery Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK
| | - John R Atack
- Medicines Discovery Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Olivera Grubisha
- Medicines Discovery Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Tatyana A Shelkovnikova
- Medicines Discovery Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK.,Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
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26
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Theme 03 - In Vitro Experimental Models. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2022.2120679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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27
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Plewka P, Raczynska KD. Long Intergenic Noncoding RNAs Affect Biological Pathways Underlying Autoimmune and Neurodegenerative Disorders. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:5785-5808. [PMID: 35796900 PMCID: PMC9395482 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-02941-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Long intergenic noncoding RNAs (lincRNAs) are a class of independently transcribed molecules longer than 200 nucleotides that do not overlap known protein-coding genes. LincRNAs have diverse roles in gene expression and participate in a spectrum of biological processes. Dysregulation of lincRNA expression can abrogate cellular homeostasis, cell differentiation, and development and can also deregulate the immune and nervous systems. A growing body of literature indicates their important and multifaceted roles in the pathogenesis of several different diseases. Furthermore, certain lincRNAs can be considered potential therapeutic targets and valuable diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers capable of predicting the onset of a disease, its degree of activity, or the progression phase. In this review, we discuss possible mechanisms and molecular functions of lincRNAs in the pathogenesis of selected autoimmune and neurodegenerative disorders: multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren's syndrome, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This summary can provide new ideas for future research, diagnosis, and treatment of these highly prevalent and devastating diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrycja Plewka
- Department of Gene Expression, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland
- Center for Advanced Technology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznanskiego 10, 61-614, Poznan, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Dorota Raczynska
- Department of Gene Expression, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland.
- Center for Advanced Technology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznanskiego 10, 61-614, Poznan, Poland.
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28
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Jeon P, Ham HJ, Park S, Lee JA. Regulation of Cellular Ribonucleoprotein Granules: From Assembly to Degradation via Post-translational Modification. Cells 2022; 11:cells11132063. [PMID: 35805146 PMCID: PMC9265587 DOI: 10.3390/cells11132063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cells possess membraneless ribonucleoprotein (RNP) granules, including stress granules, processing bodies, Cajal bodies, or paraspeckles, that play physiological or pathological roles. RNP granules contain RNA and numerous RNA-binding proteins, transiently formed through the liquid–liquid phase separation. The assembly or disassembly of numerous RNP granules is strongly controlled to maintain their homeostasis and perform their cellular functions properly. Normal RNA granules are reversibly assembled, whereas abnormal RNP granules accumulate and associate with various neurodegenerative diseases. This review summarizes current studies on the physiological or pathological roles of post-translational modifications of various cellular RNP granules and discusses the therapeutic methods in curing diseases related to abnormal RNP granules by autophagy.
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29
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Zhao J, Xie W, Yang Z, Zhao M, Ke T, Xu C, Li H, Chen Q, Wang QK. Identification and characterization of a special type of subnuclear structure: AGGF1-coated paraspeckles. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22366. [PMID: 35608889 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101690rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
AGGF1 is an angiogenic factor with G-Patch and FHA domains 1 described by our group. Gain-of-function mutations in AGGF1 cause Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome, whereas somatic loss-of-function mutations cause cancer. Paraspeckles are small membraneless subnuclear structures with a diameter of 0.5-1 μm, and composed of lncRNA NEAT1 as the scaffold and three core RNA-binding proteins NONO, PSPC1, and PSF. Here, we show that AGGF1 is a key regulatory and structural component of paraspeckles that induces paraspeckle formation, forms an outside rim of paraspeckles, wraps around the NONO/PSF/PSPC1/NEAT1 core, and regulates the size and number of paraspeckles. AGGF1-paraspeckles are larger (>1 μm) than conventional paraspeckles. RNA-FISH in combination with immunostaining shows that AGGF1, NONO, and NEAT1_2 co-localize in 20.58% of NEAT1_2-positive paraspeckles. Mechanistically, AGGF1 interacts with NONO, PSF, and HNRNPK, and upregulates NEAT1_2, a longer, 23 kb NEAT1 transcript with a key role in regulation of paraspeckle size and number. RNA-immunoprecipitation shows that AGGF1 interacts with NEAT1, which may be another possible mechanism underlying the formation of AGGF1-paraspeckles. NEAT1_2 knockdown reduces the number and size of AGGF1-paraspeckles. Functionally, AGGF1 regulates alternative RNA splicing as it decreases the exon skipping/inclusion ratio in a CD44 model. AGGF1 is also localized in some nuclear foci without NEAT1 or NONO, suggesting that AGGF1 is an important liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) driver for other types of AGGF1-positive nuclear condensates (referred to as AGGF1-bodies). Our results identify a special type of AGGF1-coated paraspeckles and provide important insights into the formation, structure, and function of paraspeckles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyan Zhao
- Center for Human Genome Research, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Wen Xie
- Center for Human Genome Research, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Zhongcheng Yang
- Center for Human Genome Research, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Miao Zhao
- Center for Human Genome Research, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Tie Ke
- Center for Human Genome Research, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Chengqi Xu
- Center for Human Genome Research, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Hui Li
- Center for Human Genome Research, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Qiuyun Chen
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Qing K Wang
- Center for Human Genome Research, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
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30
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Carey JL, Guo L. Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation of TDP-43 and FUS in Physiology and Pathology of Neurodegenerative Diseases. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:826719. [PMID: 35187086 PMCID: PMC8847598 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.826719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation of RNA-binding proteins mediates the formation of numerous membraneless organelles with essential cellular function. However, aberrant phase transition of these proteins leads to the formation of insoluble protein aggregates, which are pathological hallmarks of neurodegenerative diseases including ALS and FTD. TDP-43 and FUS are two such RNA-binding proteins that mislocalize and aggregate in patients of ALS and FTD. They have similar domain structures that provide multivalent interactions driving their phase separation in vitro and in the cellular environment. In this article, we review the factors that mediate and regulate phase separation of TDP-43 and FUS. We also review evidences that connect the phase separation property of TDP-43 and FUS to their functional roles in cells. Aberrant phase transition of TDP-43 and FUS leads to protein aggregation and disrupts their regular cell function. Therefore, restoration of functional protein phase of TDP-43 and FUS could be beneficial for neuronal cells. We discuss possible mechanisms for TDP-43 and FUS aberrant phase transition and aggregation while reviewing the methods that are currently being explored as potential therapeutic strategies to mitigate aberrant phase transition and aggregation of TDP-43 and FUS.
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31
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Notaro A, Messina A, La Bella V. A Deletion of the Nuclear Localization Signal Domain in the Fus Protein Induces Stable Post-stress Cytoplasmic Inclusions in SH-SY5Y Cells. Front Neurosci 2022; 15:759659. [PMID: 35002600 PMCID: PMC8733393 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.759659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in Fused-in-Sarcoma (FUS) gene involving the nuclear localization signal (NLS) domain lead to juvenile-onset Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The mutant protein mislocalizes to the cytoplasm, incorporating it into Stress Granules (SG). Whether SGs are the first step to the formation of stable FUS-containing aggregates is still unclear. In this work, we used acute and chronic stress paradigms to study the SG dynamics in a human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line carrying a deletion of the NLS domain of the FUS protein (homozygous: ΔNLS–/–; heterozygous: ΔNLS+/–). Wild-type (WT) cells served as controls. We evaluated the subcellular localization of the mutant protein through immunoblot and immunofluorescence, in basal conditions and after acute stress and chronic stress with sodium arsenite (NaAsO2). Cells were monitored for up to 24 h after rescue. FUS was expressed in both nucleus and cytoplasm in the ΔNLS+/– cells, whereas it was primarily cytoplasmic in the ΔNLS–/–. Acute NaAsO2 exposure induced SGs: at rescue,>90% of ΔNLS cells showed abundant FUS-containing if compared to less than 5% of the WT cells. The proportion of FUS-positive SGs remained 15–20% at 24 h in mutant cells. Cycloheximide did not abolish the long-lasting SGs in mutant cells. Chronic exposure to NaAsO2 did not induce significant SGs formation. A wealth of research has demonstrated that ALS-associated FUS mutations at the C-terminus facilitate the incorporation of the mutant protein into SGs. We have shown here that mutant FUS-containing SGs tend to fail to dissolve after stress, facilitating a liquid-to-solid phase transition. The FUS-containing inclusions seen in the dying motor neurons might therefore directly derive from SGs. This might represent an attractive target for future innovative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonietta Notaro
- ALS Clinical Research Center and Laboratory of Neurochemistry, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advances Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonella Messina
- ALS Clinical Research Center and Laboratory of Neurochemistry, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advances Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Vincenzo La Bella
- ALS Clinical Research Center and Laboratory of Neurochemistry, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advances Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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32
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Genetic architecture of motor neuron diseases. J Neurol Sci 2021; 434:120099. [PMID: 34965490 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2021.120099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Motor neuron diseases (MNDs) are rare and frequently fatal neurological disorders in which motor neurons within the brainstem and spinal cord regions slowly die. MNDs are primarily caused by genetic mutations, and > 100 different mutant genes in humans have been discovered thus far. Given the fact that many more MND-related genes have yet to be discovered, the growing body of genetic evidence has offered new insights into the diverse cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the aetiology and pathogenesis of MNDs. This search may aid in the selection of potential candidate genes for future investigation and, eventually, may open the door to novel interventions to slow down disease progression. In this review paper, we have summarized detailed existing research findings of different MNDs, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), spinal bulbar muscle atrophy (SBMA) and hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) in relation to their complex genetic architecture.
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Boas SM, Joyce KL, Cowell RM. The NRF2-Dependent Transcriptional Regulation of Antioxidant Defense Pathways: Relevance for Cell Type-Specific Vulnerability to Neurodegeneration and Therapeutic Intervention. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 11:antiox11010008. [PMID: 35052512 PMCID: PMC8772787 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11010008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress has been implicated in the etiology and pathobiology of various neurodegenerative diseases. At baseline, the cells of the nervous system have the capability to regulate the genes for antioxidant defenses by engaging nuclear factor erythroid 2 (NFE2/NRF)-dependent transcriptional mechanisms, and a number of strategies have been proposed to activate these pathways to promote neuroprotection. Here, we briefly review the biology of the transcription factors of the NFE2/NRF family in the brain and provide evidence for the differential cellular localization of NFE2/NRF family members in the cells of the nervous system. We then discuss these findings in the context of the oxidative stress observed in two neurodegenerative diseases, Parkinson's disease (PD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and present current strategies for activating NFE2/NRF-dependent transcription. Based on the expression of the NFE2/NRF family members in restricted populations of neurons and glia, we propose that, when designing strategies to engage these pathways for neuroprotection, the relative contributions of neuronal and non-neuronal cell types to the overall oxidative state of tissue should be considered, as well as the cell types which have the greatest intrinsic capacity for producing antioxidant enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie M. Boas
- Department of Neuroscience, Southern Research, 2000 9th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35205, USA; (S.M.B.); (K.L.J.)
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1720 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Kathlene L. Joyce
- Department of Neuroscience, Southern Research, 2000 9th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35205, USA; (S.M.B.); (K.L.J.)
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1720 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Rita M. Cowell
- Department of Neuroscience, Southern Research, 2000 9th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35205, USA; (S.M.B.); (K.L.J.)
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1720 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Correspondence:
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An H, Litscher G, Watanabe N, Wei W, Hashimoto T, Iwatsubo T, Buchman VL, Shelkovnikova TA. ALS-linked cytoplasmic FUS assemblies are compositionally different from physiological stress granules and sequester hnRNPA3, a novel modifier of FUS toxicity. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 162:105585. [PMID: 34915152 PMCID: PMC8799889 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Formation of cytoplasmic RNA-protein structures called stress granules (SGs) is a highly conserved cellular response to stress. Abnormal metabolism of SGs may contribute to the pathogenesis of (neuro)degenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Many SG proteins are affected by mutations causative of these conditions, including fused in sarcoma (FUS). Mutant FUS variants have high affinity to SGs and also spontaneously form de novo cytoplasmic RNA granules. Mutant FUS-containing assemblies (mFAs), often called “pathological SGs”, are proposed to play a role in ALS-FUS pathogenesis. However, structural differences between mFAs and physiological SGs remain largely unknown therefore it is unclear whether mFAs can functionally substitute for SGs and how they affect cellular stress responses. Here we used affinity purification to isolate mFAs and physiological SGs and compare their protein composition. We found that proteins within mFAs form significantly more physical interactions than those in SGs however mFAs fail to recruit many factors involved in signal transduction. Furthermore, we found that proteasome subunits and certain nucleocytoplasmic transport factors are depleted from mFAs, whereas translation elongation, mRNA surveillance and splicing factors as well as mitochondrial proteins are enriched in mFAs, as compared to SGs. Validation experiments for a mFA-specific protein, hnRNPA3, confirmed its RNA-dependent interaction with FUS and its sequestration into FUS inclusions in cultured cells and in a FUS transgenic mouse model. Silencing of the Drosophila hnRNPA3 ortholog was deleterious and potentiated human FUS toxicity in the retina of transgenic flies. In conclusion, we show that SG-like structures formed by mutant FUS are structurally distinct from SGs, prone to persistence, likely cannot functionally replace SGs, and affect a spectrum of cellular pathways in stressed cells. Results of our study support a pathogenic role for cytoplasmic FUS assemblies in ALS-FUS. Proteomes of stress granules and mutant FUS assemblies (mFAs) were compared. mFAs are depleted of signal transduction proteins and disassembly factors. mFAs sequester translation and splicing factors and mitochondrial proteins hnRNPA3 protein in sequestered into FUS inclusions in cells and in transgenic mice Silencing of the Drosophila hnRNPA3 ortholog enhances human FUS toxicity in flies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan An
- Medicines Discovery Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, United Kingdom
| | - Gioana Litscher
- Medicines Discovery Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, United Kingdom
| | | | - Wenbin Wei
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Durham DH1 3LE, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Vladimir L Buchman
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, United Kingdom; Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod 308015, Russian Federation
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Diaz-Garcia S, Ko VI, Vazquez-Sanchez S, Chia R, Arogundade OA, Rodriguez MJ, Traynor BJ, Cleveland D, Ravits J. Nuclear depletion of RNA-binding protein ELAVL3 (HuC) in sporadic and familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Acta Neuropathol 2021; 142:985-1001. [PMID: 34618203 PMCID: PMC8568872 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-021-02374-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a progressive fatal neurodegenerative disease caused by loss of motor neurons and characterized neuropathologically in almost all cases by nuclear depletion and cytoplasmic aggregation of TDP-43, a nuclear RNA-binding protein (RBP). We identified ELAVL3 as one of the most downregulated genes in our transcriptome profiles of laser captured microdissection of motor neurons from sporadic ALS nervous systems and the most dysregulated of all RBPs. Neuropathological characterizations showed ELAVL3 nuclear depletion in a great percentage of remnant motor neurons, sometimes accompanied by cytoplasmic accumulations. These abnormalities were common in sporadic cases with and without intermediate expansions in ATXN2 and familial cases carrying mutations in C9orf72 and SOD1. Depletion of ELAVL3 occurred at both the RNA and protein levels and a short protein isoform was identified, but it is not related to a TDP-43-dependent cryptic exon in intron 3. Strikingly, ELAVL3 abnormalities were more frequent than TDP-43 abnormalities and occurred in motor neurons still with normal nuclear TDP-43 present, but all neurons with abnormal TDP-43 also had abnormal ELAVL3. In a neuron-like cell culture model using SH-SY5Y cells, ELAVL3 mislocalization occurred weeks before TDP-43 abnormalities were seen. We interrogated genetic databases, but did not identify association of ELAVL3 genetic structure with ALS. Taken together, these findings suggest that ELAVL3 is an important RBP in ALS pathogenesis acquired early and the neuropathological data suggest that it is involved by loss of function rather than cytoplasmic toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Diaz-Garcia
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0670 USA
| | - Vivian I. Ko
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0670 USA
| | - Sonia Vazquez-Sanchez
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0670 USA
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Ruth Chia
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-3707 USA
| | | | - Maria J. Rodriguez
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0670 USA
| | - Bryan J. Traynor
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-3707 USA
| | - Don Cleveland
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0670 USA
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - John Ravits
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0670 USA
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Nishimoto Y, Nakagawa S, Okano H. NEAT1 lncRNA and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neurochem Int 2021; 150:105175. [PMID: 34481908 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2021.105175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a representative neurological disease that is known to devastate entire motor neurons within a period of just a few years. Discoveries of the specific pathologies of relevant RNA-binding proteins, including TAR DNA-binding protein-43 (TDP-43) and fused in sarcoma/translocated in liposarcoma (FUS/TLS), and the causative genes of both familial and sporadic ALS have provided crucial information that could lead to a cure. In recent ALS research the GGGGCC-repeat expansion in the C9orf72 gene was identified as one of the most important pathological findings, suggesting the significance of both nuclear dysfunction due to dipeptide repeat proteins (DPRs) and RNA toxicity (such as pathological alterations of non-coding RNAs). In research on model animals carrying ALS-related molecules, the determination of whether a factor is protective or toxic has been controversial. Herein, we review the findings regarding NEAT1 RNA and C9orf72 GGGGCC repeats associated with ALS, from the viewpoint of conversion from the protective stage in the nucleus in early-phase ALS to late-phase induction of cell death. This review will provide insights for the development of RNA effectors as novel ALS treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshinori Nishimoto
- Department of Neurology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Shinichi Nakagawa
- RNA Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Okano
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan.
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37
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Parakh S, Perri ER, Vidal M, Sultana J, Shadfar S, Mehta P, Konopka A, Thomas CJ, Spencer DM, Atkin JD. Protein disulphide isomerase (PDI) is protective against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)-related mutant Fused in Sarcoma (FUS) in in vitro models. Sci Rep 2021; 11:17557. [PMID: 34475430 PMCID: PMC8413276 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96181-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in Fused in Sarcoma (FUS) are present in familial and sporadic cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). FUS is localised in the nucleus where it has important functions in DNA repair. However, in ALS/FTD, mutant FUS mislocalises from the nucleus to the cytoplasm where it forms inclusions, a key pathological hallmark of neurodegeneration. Mutant FUS also inhibits protein import into the nucleus, resulting in defects in nucleocytoplasmic transport. Fragmentation of the neuronal Golgi apparatus, induction of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and inhibition of ER-Golgi trafficking are also associated with mutant FUS misfolding in ALS. Protein disulphide isomerase (PDI) is an ER chaperone previously shown to be protective against misfolding associated with mutant superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) and TAR DNA-binding protein-43 (TDP-43) in cellular and zebrafish models. However, a protective role against mutant FUS in ALS has not been previously described. In this study, we demonstrate that PDI is protective against mutant FUS. In neuronal cell line and primary cultures, PDI restores defects in nuclear import, prevents the formation of mutant FUS inclusions, inhibits Golgi fragmentation, ER stress, ER-Golgi transport defects, and apoptosis. These findings imply that PDI is a new therapeutic target in FUS-associated ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Parakh
- Macquarie Centre for MND Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - E R Perri
- Macquarie Centre for MND Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - M Vidal
- Macquarie Centre for MND Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - J Sultana
- Macquarie Centre for MND Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - S Shadfar
- Macquarie Centre for MND Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - P Mehta
- Macquarie Centre for MND Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - A Konopka
- Macquarie Centre for MND Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - C J Thomas
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - D M Spencer
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - J D Atkin
- Macquarie Centre for MND Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia. .,Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia.
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38
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Fortuna TR, Kour S, Anderson EN, Ward C, Rajasundaram D, Donnelly CJ, Hermann A, Wyne H, Shewmaker F, Pandey UB. DDX17 is involved in DNA damage repair and modifies FUS toxicity in an RGG-domain dependent manner. Acta Neuropathol 2021; 142:515-536. [PMID: 34061233 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-021-02333-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in the RNA binding protein, Fused in Sarcoma (FUS), lead to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the most frequent form of motor neuron disease. Cytoplasmic aggregation and defective DNA repair machinery are etiologically linked to mutant FUS-associated ALS. Although FUS is involved in numerous aspects of RNA processing, little is understood about the pathophysiological mechanisms of mutant FUS. Here, we employed RNA-sequencing technology in Drosophila brains expressing FUS to identify significantly altered genes and pathways involved in FUS-mediated neurodegeneration. We observed the expression levels of DEAD-Box Helicase 17 (DDX17) to be significantly downregulated in response to mutant FUS in Drosophila and human cell lines. Mutant FUS recruits nuclear DDX17 into cytoplasmic stress granules and physically interacts with DDX17 through the RGG1 domain of FUS. Ectopic expression of DDX17 reduces cytoplasmic mislocalization and sequestration of mutant FUS into cytoplasmic stress granules. We identified DDX17 as a novel regulator of the DNA damage response pathway whose upregulation repairs defective DNA damage repair machinery caused by mutant neuronal FUS ALS. In addition, we show DDX17 is a novel modifier of FUS-mediated neurodegeneration in vivo. Our findings indicate DDX17 is downregulated in response to mutant FUS, and restoration of DDX17 levels suppresses FUS-mediated neuropathogenesis and toxicity in vivo.
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Lin YC, Kumar MS, Ramesh N, Anderson EN, Nguyen AT, Kim B, Cheung S, McDonough JA, Skarnes WC, Lopez-Gonzalez R, Landers JE, Fawzi NL, Mackenzie IR, Lee EB, Nickerson JA, Grunwald D, Pandey UB, Bosco DA. Interactions between ALS-linked FUS and nucleoporins are associated with defects in the nucleocytoplasmic transport pathway. Nat Neurosci 2021; 24:1077-1088. [PMID: 34059832 PMCID: PMC8832378 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-021-00859-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Nucleocytoplasmic transport (NCT) decline occurs with aging and neurodegeneration. Here, we investigated the NCT pathway in models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-fused in sarcoma (ALS-FUS). Expression of ALS-FUS led to a reduction in NCT and nucleoporin (Nup) density within the nuclear membrane of human neurons. FUS and Nups were found to interact independently of RNA in cells and to alter the phase-separation properties of each other in vitro. FUS-Nup interactions were not localized to nuclear pores, but were enriched in the nucleus of control neurons versus the cytoplasm of mutant neurons. Our data indicate that the effect of ALS-linked mutations on the cytoplasmic mislocalization of FUS, rather than on the physiochemical properties of the protein itself, underlie our reported NCT defects. An aberrant interaction between mutant FUS and Nups is underscored by studies in Drosophila, whereby reduced Nup expression rescued multiple toxic FUS-induced phenotypes, including abnormal nuclear membrane morphology in neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Chen Lin
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Meenakshi Sundaram Kumar
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Nandini Ramesh
- Division of Child Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA,Department of Human Genetics, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Eric N. Anderson
- Division of Child Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Aivi T. Nguyen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Boram Kim
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Simon Cheung
- Department of Pathology, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | | | | | - Rodrigo Lopez-Gonzalez
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, MA, 01605, USA
| | - John E. Landers
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Nicolas L. Fawzi
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Ian R.A. Mackenzie
- Department of Pathology, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Edward B. Lee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Jeffrey A. Nickerson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, 01605, USA
| | - David Grunwald
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Udai B. Pandey
- Division of Child Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Daryl A. Bosco
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, MA, 01605, USA,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA,Lead Contact,To whom correspondence should be addressed: Daryl A. Bosco: Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Worcester, MA 01605; ; Tel. (774) 455-3745; Fax. (508) 856-6750
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40
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Hogan AL, Grima N, Fifita JA, McCann EP, Heng B, Fat SCM, Wu S, Maharjan R, Cain AK, Henden L, Rayner S, Tarr I, Zhang KY, Zhao Q, Zhang ZH, Wright A, Lee A, Morsch M, Yang S, Williams KL, Blair IP. Splicing factor proline and glutamine rich intron retention, reduced expression and aggregate formation are pathological features of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2021; 47:990-1003. [PMID: 34288034 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AIM Splicing factor proline and glutamine rich (SFPQ) is an RNA-DNA binding protein that is dysregulated in Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia. Dysregulation of SFPQ, specifically increased intron retention and nuclear depletion, has been linked to several genetic subtypes of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), suggesting that SFPQ pathology may be a common feature of this heterogeneous disease. Our study aimed to investigate this hypothesis by providing the first comprehensive assessment of SFPQ pathology in large ALS case-control cohorts. METHODS We examined SFPQ at the RNA, protein and DNA levels. SFPQ RNA expression and intron retention were examined using RNA-sequencing and quantitative PCR. SFPQ protein expression was assessed by immunoblotting and immunofluorescent staining. At the DNA level, SFPQ was examined for genetic variation novel to ALS patients. RESULTS At the RNA level, retention of SFPQ intron nine was significantly increased in ALS patients' motor cortex. In addition, SFPQ RNA expression was significantly reduced in the central nervous system, but not blood, of patients. At the protein level, neither nuclear depletion nor reduced expression of SFPQ was found to be a consistent feature of spinal motor neurons. However, SFPQ-positive ubiquitinated protein aggregates were observed in patients' spinal motor neurons. At the DNA level, our genetic screen identified two novel and two rare SFPQ sequence variants not previously reported in the literature. CONCLUSIONS Our findings confirm dysregulation of SFPQ as a pathological feature of the central nervous system of ALS patients and indicate that investigation of the functional consequences of this pathology will provide insight into ALS biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison L Hogan
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Natalie Grima
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jennifer A Fifita
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Emily P McCann
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Benjamin Heng
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sandrine Chan Moi Fat
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sharlynn Wu
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ram Maharjan
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Department of Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Amy K Cain
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Department of Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lyndal Henden
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stephanie Rayner
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ingrid Tarr
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Katharine Y Zhang
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Qiongyi Zhao
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Zong-Hong Zhang
- School of Medicine, IMPACT, Bioinformatics Core Research Facility, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Amanda Wright
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Albert Lee
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Marco Morsch
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Shu Yang
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kelly L Williams
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ian P Blair
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Wild-Type and Mutant FUS Expression Reduce Proliferation and Neuronal Differentiation Properties of Neural Stem Progenitor Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147566. [PMID: 34299185 PMCID: PMC8304973 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nervous system development involves proliferation and cell specification of progenitor cells into neurons and glial cells. Unveiling how this complex process is orchestrated under physiological conditions and deciphering the molecular and cellular changes leading to neurological diseases is mandatory. To date, great efforts have been aimed at identifying gene mutations associated with many neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Mutations in the RNA/DNA binding protein Fused in Sarcoma/Translocated in Liposarcoma (FUS/TLS) have been associated with motor neuron degeneration in rodents and humans. Furthermore, increased levels of the wild-type protein can promote neuronal cell death. Despite the well-established causal link between FUS mutations and ALS, its role in neural cells remains elusive. In order to shed new light on FUS functions we studied its role in the control of neural stem progenitor cell (NSPC) properties. Here, we report that human wild-type Fused in Sarcoma (WT FUS), exogenously expressed in mouse embryonic spinal cord-derived NSPCs, was localized in the nucleus, caused cell cycle arrest in G1 phase by affecting cell cycle regulator expression, and strongly reduced neuronal differentiation. Furthermore, the expression of the human mutant form of FUS (P525L-FUS), associated with early-onset ALS, drives the cells preferentially towards a glial lineage, strongly reducing the number of developing neurons. These results provide insight into the involvement of FUS in NSPC proliferation and differentiation into neurons and glia.
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42
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Keihani S, Kluever V, Fornasiero EF. Brain Long Noncoding RNAs: Multitask Regulators of Neuronal Differentiation and Function. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26133951. [PMID: 34203457 PMCID: PMC8272081 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26133951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The extraordinary cellular diversity and the complex connections established within different cells types render the nervous system of vertebrates one of the most sophisticated tissues found in living organisms. Such complexity is ensured by numerous regulatory mechanisms that provide tight spatiotemporal control, robustness and reliability. While the unusual abundance of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in nervous tissues was traditionally puzzling, it is becoming clear that these molecules have genuine regulatory functions in the brain and they are essential for neuronal physiology. The canonical view of RNA as predominantly a 'coding molecule' has been largely surpassed, together with the conception that lncRNAs only represent 'waste material' produced by cells as a side effect of pervasive transcription. Here we review a growing body of evidence showing that lncRNAs play key roles in several regulatory mechanisms of neurons and other brain cells. In particular, neuronal lncRNAs are crucial for orchestrating neurogenesis, for tuning neuronal differentiation and for the exact calibration of neuronal excitability. Moreover, their diversity and the association to neurodegenerative diseases render them particularly interesting as putative biomarkers for brain disease. Overall, we foresee that in the future a more systematic scrutiny of lncRNA functions will be instrumental for an exhaustive understanding of neuronal pathophysiology.
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Chanda K, Laha S, Chatterjee R, Mukhopadhyay D. Amyloid precursor protein intra-cellular domain (AICD), Aβ and their confounding synergistic effects differentially regulate the degradome of cellular models of Alzheimer's disease. GENE REPORTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2021.101082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Mishra P, Kumar S. Association of lncRNA with regulatory molecular factors in brain and their role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Metab Brain Dis 2021; 36:849-858. [PMID: 33608830 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-021-00692-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is one of the most agonizing neurodegenerative diseases of the brain. Research undertaken to understand the molecular mechanism of this disease has undergone a transition and currently more emphasis is put on long noncoding RNA (lncRNA). High expression level of lncRNA in the brain contributes to several molecular pathways essential for the proper functioning of neurons, neurotransmitters, and synapses, that are often found dysfunctional in Schizophrenia. Recently, the association of lncRNA with various molecular factors in the brain has been explored to a considerably large extent. This review comprehends the significance of lncRNA in causing profound regulatory effect in the brain and how any alterations to the association of lncRNA with regulatory proteins, enzymes and other noncoding RNA could contribute to the aetiology of Schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parinita Mishra
- Life Science Department, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, 769008, India
| | - Santosh Kumar
- Life Science Department, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, 769008, India.
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Gabriel L, Srinivasan B, Kuś K, Mata JF, João Amorim M, Jansen LET, Athanasiadis A. Enrichment of Zα domains at cytoplasmic stress granules is due to their innate ability to bind to nucleic acids. J Cell Sci 2021; 134:268376. [PMID: 34037233 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.258446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Zα domains recognize the left-handed helical Z conformation of double-stranded nucleic acids. They are found in proteins involved in the nucleic acid sensory pathway of the vertebrate innate immune system and host evasion by viral pathogens. Previously, it has been demonstrated that ADAR1 (encoded by ADAR in humans) and DAI (also known as ZBP1) localize to cytoplasmic stress granules (SGs), and this localization is mediated by their Zα domains. To investigate the mechanism, we determined the interactions and localization pattern for the N-terminal region of human DAI (ZαβDAI), which harbours two Zα domains, and for a ZαβDAI mutant deficient in nucleic acid binding. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays demonstrated the ability of ZαβDAI to bind to hyperedited nucleic acids, which are enriched in SGs. Furthermore, using immunofluorescence and immunoprecipitation coupled with mass spectrometry, we identified several interacting partners of the ZαβDAI-RNA complex in vivo under conditions of arsenite-induced stress. These interactions are lost upon loss of nucleic acid-binding ability or upon RNase treatment. Thus, we posit that the mechanism for the translocation of Zα domain-containing proteins to SGs is mainly mediated by the nucleic acid-binding ability of their Zα domains. This article has an associated First Person interview with Bharath Srinivasan, joint first author of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Gabriel
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Rua Quinta Grande 6, Oeiras 2781-156, Portugal
| | - Bharath Srinivasan
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Rua Quinta Grande 6, Oeiras 2781-156, Portugal
| | - Krzysztof Kuś
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Rua Quinta Grande 6, Oeiras 2781-156, Portugal
| | - João F Mata
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Rua Quinta Grande 6, Oeiras 2781-156, Portugal
| | - Maria João Amorim
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Rua Quinta Grande 6, Oeiras 2781-156, Portugal
| | - Lars E T Jansen
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Rua Quinta Grande 6, Oeiras 2781-156, Portugal
| | - Alekos Athanasiadis
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Rua Quinta Grande 6, Oeiras 2781-156, Portugal
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Soldatov VO, Kukharsky MS, Belykh AE, Sobolev AM, Deykin AV. Retinal Damage in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Underlying Mechanisms. Eye Brain 2021; 13:131-146. [PMID: 34012311 PMCID: PMC8128130 DOI: 10.2147/eb.s299423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease resulting in a gradual loss of motor neuron function. Although ophthalmic complaints are not presently considered a classic symptom of ALS, retinal changes such as thinning, axonal degeneration and inclusion bodies have been found in many patients. Retinal abnormalities observed in postmortem human tissues and animal models are similar to spinal cord changes in ALS. These findings are not dramatically unexpected because retina shares an ontogenetic relationship with the brain, and many genes are associated both with neurodegeneration and retinal diseases. Experimental studies have demonstrated that ALS affects many “vulnerable points” of the retina. Aggregate deposition, impaired nuclear protein import, endoplasmic reticulum stress, glutamate excitotoxicity, vascular regression, and mitochondrial dysfunction are factors suspected as being the main cause of motor neuron damage in ALS. Herein, we show that all of these pathways can affect retinal cells in the same way as motor neurons. Furthermore, we suppose that understanding the patterns of neuro-ophthalmic interaction in ALS can help in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladislav O Soldatov
- Core Facility Centre, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod, Russia
| | - Michail S Kukharsky
- Department of General and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medical Biology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia.,Laboratory of Genetic Modelling of Neurodegenerative Processes, Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds, Russian Academy of Sciences, Chernogolovka, Russia
| | - Andrey E Belykh
- Department of Pathophysiology, Kursk State Medical University, Kursk, Russia
| | - Andrey M Sobolev
- Laboratory of Genetic Modelling of Neurodegenerative Processes, Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds, Russian Academy of Sciences, Chernogolovka, Russia
| | - Alexey V Deykin
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod, Russia.,Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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Connecting the "dots": RNP granule network in health and disease. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2021; 1868:119058. [PMID: 33989700 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2021.119058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
All cells contain ribonucleoprotein (RNP) granules - large membraneless structures composed of RNA and proteins. Recent breakthroughs in RNP granule research have brought a new appreciation of their crucial role in organising virtually all cellular processes. Cells widely exploit the flexible, dynamic nature of RNP granules to adapt to a variety of functional states and the ever-changing environment. Constant exchange of molecules between the different RNP granules connects them into a network. This network controls basal cellular activities and is remodelled to enable efficient stress response. Alterations in RNP granule structure and regulation have been found to lead to fatal human diseases. The interconnectedness of RNP granules suggests that the RNP granule network as a whole becomes affected in disease states such as a representative neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In this review, we summarize available evidence on the communication between different RNP granules and on the RNP granule network disruption as a primary ALS pathomechanism.
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Asakawa K, Handa H, Kawakami K. Multi-phaseted problems of TDP-43 in selective neuronal vulnerability in ALS. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:4453-4465. [PMID: 33709256 PMCID: PMC8195926 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03792-z] [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: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Transactive response DNA-binding protein 43 kDa (TDP-43) encoded by the TARDBP gene is an evolutionarily conserved heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) that regulates multiple steps of RNA metabolism, and its cytoplasmic aggregation characterizes degenerating motor neurons in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In most ALS cases, cytoplasmic TDP-43 aggregation occurs in the absence of mutations in the coding sequence of TARDBP. Thus, a major challenge in ALS research is to understand the nature of pathological changes occurring in wild-type TDP-43 and to explore upstream events in intracellular and extracellular milieu that promote the pathological transition of TDP-43. Despite the inherent obstacles to analyzing TDP-43 dynamics in in vivo motor neurons due to their anatomical complexity and inaccessibility, recent studies using cellular and animal models have provided important mechanistic insights into potential links between TDP-43 and motor neuron vulnerability in ALS. This review is intended to provide an overview of the current literature on the function and regulation of TDP-43-containing RNP granules or membraneless organelles, as revealed by various models, and to discuss the potential mechanisms by which TDP-43 can cause selective vulnerability of motor neurons in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhide Asakawa
- Department of Chemical Biology, Tokyo Medical University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8402, Japan.
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, National Institute of Genetics, 1111 Yata, Mishima, Shizuoka, 411-8540, Japan.
- Department of Genetics, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), 1111 Yata, Mishima, Shizuoka, 411-8540, Japan.
| | - Hiroshi Handa
- Department of Chemical Biology, Tokyo Medical University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8402, Japan
| | - Koichi Kawakami
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, National Institute of Genetics, 1111 Yata, Mishima, Shizuoka, 411-8540, Japan
- Department of Genetics, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), 1111 Yata, Mishima, Shizuoka, 411-8540, Japan
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Jantrapirom S, Koonrungsesomboon N, Yoshida H, M Candeias M, Pruksakorn D, Lo Piccolo L. Long noncoding RNA-dependent methylation of nonhistone proteins. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2021; 12:e1661. [PMID: 33913612 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In the last decade, an intriguing new paradigm of regulation has emerged in which some transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides and no coding potential, long noncoding RNA (lncRNAs), exhibit the capability to control posttranslational modifications of nonhistone proteins in both invertebrates and vertebrates. The extent of such a regulation is still largely unknown. We performed a systematic review to identify and evaluate the potential impact of lncRNA-dependent methylation of nonhistone proteins. Collectively, these lncRNAs primarily act as scaffolds upon which methyltransferases (MTases) and targets are brought in proximity. In this manner, the N-MTase activity of EZH2, protein arginine-MTase 1/4/5, and SMYD2 is exploited to modulate the stability or the compartmentalization of several nonhistone proteins with roles in cell signaling, gene expression, and RNA processing. Moreover, these lncRNAs can indirectly affect the methylation of nonhistone proteins by transcriptional or posttranscriptional regulation of MTases. Strikingly, the lncRNAs/MTases/nonhistone proteins networking seem to be relevant to carcinogenesis and neurological disorders. This article is categorized under: Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salinee Jantrapirom
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.,Drosophila Center for Human Diseases and Drug Discovery (DHD), Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Nut Koonrungsesomboon
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.,Musculoskeletal Science and Translational Research Center (MSTR), Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Hideki Yoshida
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Marco M Candeias
- MaRCU-Molecular and RNA Cancer Unit, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,Department of Human Genetics, National Health Institute Dr Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Dumnoensun Pruksakorn
- Musculoskeletal Science and Translational Research Center (MSTR), Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.,Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.,Omics Center for Health Science, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
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Canosa A, Lomartire A, De Marco G, Grassano M, Brunetti M, Manera U, Vasta R, Salamone P, Fuda G, Sbaiz L, Gallone S, Moglia C, Calvo A, Chiò A. A novel splice site FUS mutation in a familial ALS case: effects on protein expression. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2021; 23:128-136. [PMID: 33879000 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2021.1909065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To investigate the impact of a novel heterozygous FUS mutation in the acceptor splice site of intron 14 (c.1542 - 1 g > t) on protein expression in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMC) from a familial ALS patient. Methods: PBMC were isolated for mRNA analysis (cDNA synthesis, sequencing and one-step RT-PCR), Western Immunoblot (WI), and Immunofluorescence (IF). Results: cDNA analysis revealed the skipping of exon 15 and a premature stop codon at c.228. RT-PCR showed reduced FUS mRNA by more than half compared to a healthy control (HC) and an ALS patient without genetic mutations (wtALS). In WI FUS band intensity in the proband was 30-50% compared to HC and wtALS. An antibody expected to detect only the wild-type protein did not reveal any reduction of FUS band intensity compared to the other antibodies. IF showed no difference among HC, wtALS, and the proband. Discussion: The reduction of FUS mRNA and protein in PBMC suggests the absence of the truncated protein, probably due to nonsense-mediated decay, leading to loss of function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Canosa
- "Rita Levi Montalcini" Department of Neuroscience, ALS Centre, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Neurology Unit 1, Turin, Italy
| | - Annarosa Lomartire
- "Rita Levi Montalcini" Department of Neuroscience, ALS Centre, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Giovanni De Marco
- "Rita Levi Montalcini" Department of Neuroscience, ALS Centre, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Neurology Unit 1, Turin, Italy
| | - Maurizio Grassano
- "Rita Levi Montalcini" Department of Neuroscience, ALS Centre, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Maura Brunetti
- "Rita Levi Montalcini" Department of Neuroscience, ALS Centre, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Umberto Manera
- "Rita Levi Montalcini" Department of Neuroscience, ALS Centre, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Rosario Vasta
- "Rita Levi Montalcini" Department of Neuroscience, ALS Centre, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Paolina Salamone
- "Rita Levi Montalcini" Department of Neuroscience, ALS Centre, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fuda
- "Rita Levi Montalcini" Department of Neuroscience, ALS Centre, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Luca Sbaiz
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Laboratory of Genetics, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Salvatore Gallone
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Neurology Unit 1, Turin, Italy
| | - Cristina Moglia
- "Rita Levi Montalcini" Department of Neuroscience, ALS Centre, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Neurology Unit 1, Turin, Italy
| | - Andrea Calvo
- "Rita Levi Montalcini" Department of Neuroscience, ALS Centre, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Neurology Unit 1, Turin, Italy.,Neuroscience Institute of Turin (NIT), Turin, Italy, and
| | - Adriano Chiò
- "Rita Levi Montalcini" Department of Neuroscience, ALS Centre, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Neurology Unit 1, Turin, Italy.,Neuroscience Institute of Turin (NIT), Turin, Italy, and.,Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, C.N.R., Rome, Italy
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