1
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He Q, Wang Y, Zhao F, Wei S, Li X, Zeng G. APE1: A critical focus in neurodegenerative conditions. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 179:117332. [PMID: 39191031 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2024] [Revised: 08/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The global growth of the aging population has resulted in an increased prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases, characterized by the progressive loss of central nervous system (CNS) structure and function. Given the high incidence and debilitating nature of neurodegenerative diseases, there is an urgent need to identify potential biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets thereof. Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1), has been implicated in several neurodegenerative diseases, as having a significant role. Abnormal APE1 expression has been observed in conditions including Alzheimer's disease, stroke, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and epilepsy. However, whether this dysregulation is protective or harmful remains unclear. This review aims to comprehensively review the current understanding of the involvement of APE1 in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianxiong He
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.
| | - Yi Wang
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Feng Zhao
- Department of Health Laboratory Technology, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Shigang Wei
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, People's Hospital of Pengzhou city, Pengzhou, Sichuan province 611930, China
| | - Xingfu Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Honghe Autonomous Prefecture 3rd Hospital, Honghe 661021, China
| | - Guangqun Zeng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, People's Hospital of Pengzhou city, Pengzhou, Sichuan province 611930, China.
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2
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Wang H, Zeng R. Aberrant protein aggregation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neurol 2024; 271:4826-4851. [PMID: 38869826 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12485-z] [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: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal disease. As its pathological mechanisms are not well understood, there are no efficient therapeutics for it at present. While it is highly heterogenous both etiologically and clinically, it has a common salient hallmark, i.e., aberrant protein aggregation (APA). The upstream pathogenesis and the downstream effects of APA in ALS are sophisticated and the investigation of this pathology would be of consequence for understanding ALS. In this paper, the pathomechanism of APA in ALS and the candidate treatment strategies for it are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaixiu Wang
- Department Neurology, Shanxi Provincial Peoples Hospital: Fifth Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030012, China.
- Beijing Ai-Si-Kang Medical Technology Co. Ltd., No. 18 11th St Economical & Technological Development Zone, Beijing, 100176, China.
| | - Rong Zeng
- Department Neurology, Shanxi Provincial Peoples Hospital: Fifth Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030012, China
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3
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Kisby GE, Wilson DM, Spencer PS. Introducing the Role of Genotoxicity in Neurodegenerative Diseases and Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7221. [PMID: 39000326 PMCID: PMC11241460 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Decades of research have identified genetic and environmental factors involved in age-related neurodegenerative diseases and, to a lesser extent, neuropsychiatric disorders. Genomic instability, i.e., the loss of genome integrity, is a common feature among both neurodegenerative (mayo-trophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease) and psychiatric (schizophrenia, autism, bipolar depression) disorders. Genomic instability is associated with the accumulation of persistent DNA damage and the activation of DNA damage response (DDR) pathways, as well as pathologic neuronal cell loss or senescence. Typically, DDR signaling ensures that genomic and proteomic homeostasis are maintained in both dividing cells, including neural progenitors, and post-mitotic neurons. However, dysregulation of these protective responses, in part due to aging or environmental insults, contributes to the progressive development of neurodegenerative and/or psychiatric disorders. In this Special Issue, we introduce and highlight the overlap between neurodegenerative diseases and neuropsychiatric disorders, as well as the emerging clinical, genomic, and molecular evidence for the contributions of DNA damage and aberrant DNA repair. Our goal is to illuminate the importance of this subject to uncover possible treatment and prevention strategies for relevant devastating brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glen E. Kisby
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine of Pacific Northwest, Western University of Health Sciences, Lebanon, OR 97355, USA
| | - David M. Wilson
- Biomedical Research Institute, BIOMED, Hasselt University, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium;
| | - Peter S. Spencer
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health & Sciences University (OHSU), Portland, OR 97239, USA
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4
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Hedlich-Dwyer J, Allard JS, Mulgrave VE, Kisby GE, Raber J, Gassman NR. Novel Techniques for Mapping DNA Damage and Repair in the Brain. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7021. [PMID: 39000135 PMCID: PMC11241736 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA damage in the brain is influenced by endogenous processes and metabolism along with exogenous exposures. Accumulation of DNA damage in the brain can contribute to various neurological disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases and neuropsychiatric disorders. Traditional methods for assessing DNA damage in the brain, such as immunohistochemistry and mass spectrometry, have provided valuable insights but are limited by their inability to map specific DNA adducts and regional distributions within the brain or genome. Recent advancements in DNA damage detection methods offer new opportunities to address these limitations and further our understanding of DNA damage and repair in the brain. Here, we review emerging techniques offering more precise and sensitive ways to detect and quantify DNA lesions in the brain or neural cells. We highlight the advancements and applications of these techniques and discuss their potential for determining the role of DNA damage in neurological disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna Hedlich-Dwyer
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Heersink School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Joanne S Allard
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC 20059, USA
| | - Veronica E Mulgrave
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC 20059, USA
| | - Glen E Kisby
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Lebanon, OR 97355, USA
| | - Jacob Raber
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Neurology, and Radiation Medicine, Division of Neuroscience, ONPRC, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Natalie R Gassman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Heersink School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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5
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Nógrádi B, Nógrádi-Halmi D, Erdélyi-Furka B, Kádár Z, Csont T, Gáspár R. Mechanism of motoneuronal and pyramidal cell death in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and its potential therapeutic modulation. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:291. [PMID: 38898006 PMCID: PMC11187107 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-02055-7] [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: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder clinically characterized by muscle atrophy and progressive paralysis. Loss of motoneurons and pyramidal cells is thought to be the center piece of the complex and multifaceted ALS pathology, however, the exact mechanisms laying behind motoneuronal cell death in the spinal cord and motor cortex are still unknown. It was originally proposed that apoptosis plays a fundamental role in motoneuronal demise, nonetheless, later it became clear that other forms of regulated cell death, including necroptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and autophagy-dependent cell death, may also contribute to motoneuron loss. Over the past years, multiple studies aimed to improve our understanding of the contributory role of these mechanisms as well as to offer novel targets for potential therapeutic interventions. The pharmacological inhibition of the ferroptotic pathway and the modulation of the autophagic machinery seem to have particularly promising effects, reducing motoneuron loss and slowing disease progression in transgenic models of ALS. Nevertheless, the potential beneficial effects of necroptosis-targeting interventions were mostly disproven in the latest studies. In this review we aim to summarize the current view on regulated cell death mechanisms that lead to motoneuronal and pyramidal cell degeneration in ALS and showcase their applicability as future drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernát Nógrádi
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Health Centre, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Dóra Nógrádi-Halmi
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Excellence, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Barbara Erdélyi-Furka
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Excellence, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Zalán Kádár
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Tamás Csont
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Excellence, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Renáta Gáspár
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary.
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Excellence, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary.
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6
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Wei Y, Zhong S, Yang H, Wang X, Lv B, Bian Y, Pei Y, Xu C, Zhao Q, Wu Y, Luo D, Wang F, Sun H, Chen Y. Current therapy in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): A review on past and future therapeutic strategies. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 272:116496. [PMID: 38759454 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116496] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that affects the first and second motoneurons (MNs), associated with muscle weakness, paralysis and finally death. The exact etiology of the disease still remains unclear. Currently, efforts to develop novel ALS treatments which target specific pathomechanisms are being studied. The mechanisms of ALS pathogenesis involve multiple factors, such as protein aggregation, glutamate excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, inflammation etc. Unfortunately, to date, there are only two FDA-approved drugs for ALS, riluzole and edavarone, without curative treatment for ALS. Herein, we give an overview of the many pathways and review the recent discovery and preclinical characterization of neuroprotective compounds. Meanwhile, drug combination and other therapeutic approaches are also reviewed. In the last part, we analyze the reasons of clinical failure and propose perspective on the treatment of ALS in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Wei
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Sheng Zhong
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Huajing Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Xueqing Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Bingbing Lv
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yaoyao Bian
- Jiangsu Provincial Engineering Center of TCM External Medication Researching and Industrializing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yuqiong Pei
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Chunlei Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Qun Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yulan Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Daying Luo
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Fan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Haopeng Sun
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China.
| | - Yao Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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7
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Hernan-Godoy M, Rouaux C. From Environment to Gene Expression: Epigenetic Methylations and One-Carbon Metabolism in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Cells 2024; 13:967. [PMID: 38891099 PMCID: PMC11171807 DOI: 10.3390/cells13110967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The etiology of the neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is complex and considered multifactorial. The majority of ALS cases are sporadic, but familial cases also exist. Estimates of heritability range from 8% to 61%, indicating that additional factors beyond genetics likely contribute to ALS. Numerous environmental factors are considered, which may add up and synergize throughout an individual's lifetime building its unique exposome. One level of integration between genetic and environmental factors is epigenetics, which results in alterations in gene expression without modification of the genome sequence. Methylation reactions, targeting DNA or histones, represent a large proportion of epigenetic regulations and strongly depend on the availability of methyl donors provided by the ubiquitous one-carbon (1C) metabolism. Thus, understanding the interplay between exposome, 1C metabolism, and epigenetic modifications will likely contribute to elucidating the mechanisms underlying altered gene expression related to ALS and to developing targeted therapeutic interventions. Here, we review evidence for 1C metabolism alterations and epigenetic methylation dysregulations in ALS, with a focus on the impairments reported in neural tissues, and discuss these environmentally driven mechanisms as the consequences of cumulative exposome or late environmental hits, but also as the possible result of early developmental defects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Caroline Rouaux
- Inserm UMR_S 1329, Strasbourg Translational Neuroscience and Psychiatry, Université de Strasbourg, Centre de Recherche en Biomédecine de Strasbourg, 1 Rue Eugène Boeckel, 67 000 Strasbourg, France;
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8
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Liguori F, Alberti F, Amadio S, Angelini DF, Pilesi E, Vitale G, Tesoriere G, Borsellino G, Vernì F, Volonté C. Pan-neuronal expression of human mutant SOD1 in Drosophila impairs survival and motor performance, induces early neuroinflammation and chromosome aberrations. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167192. [PMID: 38657911 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167192] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Several mutations in the SOD1 gene encoding for the antioxidant enzyme Superoxide Dismutase 1, are associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a rare and devastating disease characterized by motor neuron degeneration and patients' death within 2-5 years from diagnosis. Motor neuron loss and related symptomatology manifest mostly in adult life and, to date, there is still a gap of knowledge on the precise cellular and molecular events preceding neurodegeneration. To deepen our awareness of the early phases of the disease, we leveraged two Drosophila melanogaster models pan-neuronally expressing either the mutation A4V or G85R of the human gene SOD1 (hSOD1A4V or hSOD1G85R). We demonstrate that pan-neuronal expression of the hSOD1A4V or hSOD1G85R pathogenic construct impairs survival and motor performance in transgenic flies. Moreover, protein and transcript analysis on fly heads indicates that mutant hSOD1 induction stimulates the glial marker Repo, up-regulates the IMD/Toll immune pathways through antimicrobial peptides and interferes with oxidative metabolism. Finally, cytological analysis of larval brains demonstrates hSOD1-induced chromosome aberrations. Of note, these parameters are found modulated in a timeframe when neurodegeneration is not detected. The novelty of our work is twofold: we have expressed for the first time hSOD1 mutations in all neurons of Drosophila and confirmed some ALS-related pathological phenotypes in these flies, confirming the power of SOD1 mutations in generating ALS-like phenotypes. Moreover, we have related SOD1 pathogenesis to chromosome aberrations and antimicrobial peptides up-regulation. These findings were unexplored in the SOD1-ALS field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Liguori
- Experimental Neuroscience and Neurological Disease Models, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 65, 00143 Rome, Italy; Institute for Systems Analysis and Computer Science "Antonio Ruberti" (IASI), National Research Council (CNR), Via dei Taurini 19, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesca Alberti
- Experimental Neuroscience and Neurological Disease Models, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 65, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Susanna Amadio
- Experimental Neuroscience and Neurological Disease Models, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 65, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Francesca Angelini
- Experimental Neuroscience and Neurological Disease Models, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 65, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Pilesi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Vitale
- Experimental Neuroscience and Neurological Disease Models, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 65, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Tesoriere
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Borsellino
- Experimental Neuroscience and Neurological Disease Models, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 65, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Fiammetta Vernì
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Cinzia Volonté
- Experimental Neuroscience and Neurological Disease Models, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 65, 00143 Rome, Italy; Institute for Systems Analysis and Computer Science "Antonio Ruberti" (IASI), National Research Council (CNR), Via dei Taurini 19, 00185 Rome, Italy.
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9
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Dashtmian AR, Darvishi FB, Arnold WD. Chronological and Biological Aging in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and the Potential of Senolytic Therapies. Cells 2024; 13:928. [PMID: 38891059 PMCID: PMC11171952 DOI: 10.3390/cells13110928] [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: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a group of sporadic and genetic neurodegenerative disorders that result in losses of upper and lower motor neurons. Treatment of ALS is limited, and survival is 2-5 years after disease onset. While ALS can occur in younger individuals, the risk significantly increases with advancing age. Notably, both sporadic and genetic forms of ALS share pathophysiological features overlapping hallmarks of aging including genome instability/DNA damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, proteostasis, and cellular senescence. This review explores chronological and biological aging in the context of ALS onset and progression. Age-related muscle weakness and motor unit loss mirror aspects of ALS pathology and coincide with peak ALS incidence, suggesting a potential link between aging and disease development. Hallmarks of biological aging, including DNA damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cellular senescence, are implicated in both aging and ALS, offering insights into shared mechanisms underlying disease pathogenesis. Furthermore, senescence-associated secretory phenotype and senolytic treatments emerge as promising avenues for ALS intervention, with the potential to mitigate neuroinflammation and modify disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Roshani Dashtmian
- NextGen Precision Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; (A.R.D.); (F.B.D.)
- NextGen Precision Health, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Fereshteh B. Darvishi
- NextGen Precision Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; (A.R.D.); (F.B.D.)
- NextGen Precision Health, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - William David Arnold
- NextGen Precision Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; (A.R.D.); (F.B.D.)
- NextGen Precision Health, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
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10
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Marques C, Held A, Dorfman K, Sung J, Song C, Kavuturu AS, Aguilar C, Russo T, Oakley DH, Albers MW, Hyman BT, Petrucelli L, Lagier-Tourenne C, Wainger BJ. Neuronal STING activation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. Acta Neuropathol 2024; 147:56. [PMID: 38478117 PMCID: PMC10937762 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-024-02688-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
The stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway has been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). While prior studies have focused on STING within immune cells, little is known about STING within neurons. Here, we document neuronal activation of the STING pathway in human postmortem cortical and spinal motor neurons from individuals affected by familial or sporadic ALS. This process takes place selectively in the most vulnerable cortical and spinal motor neurons but not in neurons that are less affected by the disease. Concordant STING activation in layer V cortical motor neurons occurs in a mouse model of C9orf72 repeat-associated ALS and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). To establish that STING activation occurs in a neuron-autonomous manner, we demonstrate the integrity of the STING signaling pathway, including both upstream activators and downstream innate immune response effectors, in dissociated mouse cortical neurons and neurons derived from control human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Human iPSC-derived neurons harboring different familial ALS-causing mutations exhibit increased STING signaling with DNA damage as a main driver. The elevated downstream inflammatory markers present in ALS iPSC-derived neurons can be suppressed with a STING inhibitor. Our results reveal an immunophenotype that consists of innate immune signaling driven by the STING pathway and occurs specifically within vulnerable neurons in ALS/FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Marques
- Department of Neurology, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aaron Held
- Department of Neurology, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Katherine Dorfman
- Department of Neurology, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joon Sung
- Department of Neurology, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Catherine Song
- Department of Neurology, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amey S Kavuturu
- Department of Neurology, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Corey Aguilar
- Department of Neurology, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tommaso Russo
- Department of Neurology, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Derek H Oakley
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mark W Albers
- Department of Neurology, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Alzheimer Disease Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Bradley T Hyman
- Department of Neurology, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Alzheimer Disease Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | | | - Clotilde Lagier-Tourenne
- Department of Neurology, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Harvard University and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Brian J Wainger
- Department of Neurology, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Broad Institute of Harvard University and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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11
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Scarian E, Viola C, Dragoni F, Di Gerlando R, Rizzo B, Diamanti L, Gagliardi S, Bordoni M, Pansarasa O. New Insights into Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Response in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2698. [PMID: 38473944 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052698] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation are two important and well-studied pathological hallmarks of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). Due to elevated oxygen consumption, the high presence of easily oxidizable polyunsaturated fatty acids and the weak antioxidant defenses, the brain is particularly vulnerable to oxidative injury. Uncertainty exists over whether these deficits contribute to the development of NDDs or are solely a consequence of neuronal degeneration. Furthermore, these two pathological hallmarks are linked, and it is known that OS can affect the inflammatory response. In this review, we will overview the last findings about these two pathways in the principal NDDs. Moreover, we will focus more in depth on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to understand how anti-inflammatory and antioxidants drugs have been used for the treatment of this still incurable motor neuron (MN) disease. Finally, we will analyze the principal past and actual clinical trials and the future perspectives in the study of these two pathological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eveljn Scarian
- Cellular Models and Neuroepigenetics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Camilla Viola
- Cellular Models and Neuroepigenetics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Agostino Bassi 21, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesca Dragoni
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Via Adolfo Ferrata, 9, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Molecular Biology and Transcriptomics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Rosalinda Di Gerlando
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Via Adolfo Ferrata, 9, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Molecular Biology and Transcriptomics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Bartolo Rizzo
- Molecular Biology and Transcriptomics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Luca Diamanti
- Neuroncology Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Stella Gagliardi
- Molecular Biology and Transcriptomics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Matteo Bordoni
- Cellular Models and Neuroepigenetics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Orietta Pansarasa
- Cellular Models and Neuroepigenetics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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12
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Amrein Almira A, Chen MW, El Demerdash N, Javdan C, Park D, Lee JK, Martin LJ. Proteasome localization and activity in pig brain and in vivo small molecule screening for activators. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1353542. [PMID: 38469354 PMCID: PMC10925635 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1353542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Loss of proteasome function, proteinopathy, and proteotoxicity may cause neurodegeneration across the human lifespan in several forms of brain injury and disease. Drugs that activate brain proteasomes in vivo could thus have a broad therapeutic impact in neurology. Methods Using pigs, a clinically relevant large animal with a functionally compartmental gyrencephalic cerebral cortex, we evaluated the localization and biochemical activity of brain proteasomes and tested the ability of small molecules to activate brain proteasomes. Results By Western blotting, proteasome protein subunit PSMB5 and PSMA3 levels were similar in different pig brain regions. Immunohistochemistry for PSMB5 showed localization in the cytoplasm (diffuse and particulate) and nucleus (cytoplasm < nucleus). Some PSMB5 immunoreactivity was colocalized with mitochondrial (voltage-gated anion channel and cyclophilin D) and cell death (Aven) proteins in the neuronal soma and neuropil in the neocortex of pig and human brains. In the nucleus, PSMB5 immunoreactivity was diffuse, particulate, and clustered, including perinucleolar decorations. By fluorogenic assay, proteasome chymotrypsin-like activities (CTL) in crude tissue soluble fractions were generally similar within eight different pig brain regions. Proteasome CTL activity in the hippocampus was correlated with activity in nasal mucosa biopsies. In pilot analyses of subcellular fractions of pig cerebral cortex, proteasome CTL activity was highest in the cytosol and then ~50% lower in nuclear fractions; ~15-20% of total CTL activity was in pure mitochondrial fractions. With in-gel activity assay, 26S-singly and -doubly capped proteasomes were the dominant forms in the pig cerebral cortex. With a novel in situ histochemical activity assay, MG132-inhibitable proteasome CTL activity was localized to the neuropil, as a mosaic, and to cell bodies, nuclei, and centrosome-like perinuclear satellites. In piglets treated intravenously with pyrazolone derivative and chlorpromazine over 24 h, brain proteasome CTL activity was modestly increased. Discussion This study shows that the proteasome in the pig brain has relative regional uniformity, prominent nuclear and perinuclear presence with catalytic activity, a mitochondrial association with activity, 26S-single cap dominance, and indications from small molecule systemic administration of pyrazolone derivative and chlorpromazine that brain proteasome function appears safely activable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Amrein Almira
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - May W. Chen
- Departments of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Nagat El Demerdash
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Cameron Javdan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Dongseok Park
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jennifer K. Lee
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Lee J. Martin
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Pathobiology Graduate Training Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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13
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Hu ML, Pan YR, Yong YY, Liu Y, Yu L, Qin DL, Qiao G, Law BYK, Wu JM, Zhou XG, Wu AG. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 and neurodegenerative diseases: Past, present, and future. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 91:102078. [PMID: 37758006 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.102078] [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: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) is a first responder that recognizes DNA damage and facilitates its repair. Neurodegenerative diseases, characterized by progressive neuron loss driven by various risk factors, including DNA damage, have increasingly shed light on the pivotal involvement of PARP1. During the early phases of neurodegenerative diseases, PARP1 experiences controlled activation to swiftly address mild DNA damage, thereby contributing to maintain brain homeostasis. However, in late stages, exacerbated PARP1 activation precipitated by severe DNA damage exacerbates the disease condition. Consequently, inhibition of PARP1 overactivation emerges as a promising therapeutic approach for neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we comprehensively synthesize and explore the multifaceted role of PARP1 in neurodegenerative diseases, with a particular emphasis on its over-activation in the aggregation of misfolded proteins, dysfunction of the autophagy-lysosome pathway, mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) injury. Additionally, we encapsulate the therapeutic applications and limitations intrinsic of PARP1 inhibitors, mainly including limited specificity, intricate pathway dynamics, constrained clinical translation, and the heterogeneity of patient cohorts. We also explore and discuss the potential synergistic implementation of these inhibitors alongside other agents targeting DNA damage cascades within neurodegenerative diseases. Simultaneously, we propose several recommendations for the utilization of PARP1 inhibitors within the realm of neurodegenerative disorders, encompassing factors like the disease-specific roles of PARP1, combinatorial therapeutic strategies, and personalized medical interventions. Lastly, the encompassing review presents a forward-looking perspective along with strategic recommendations that could guide future research endeavors in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Ling Hu
- Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Drugability Evaluation, Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Yi-Ru Pan
- Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Drugability Evaluation, Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Yong
- Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Drugability Evaluation, Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Drugability Evaluation, Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Lu Yu
- Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Drugability Evaluation, Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Da-Lian Qin
- Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Drugability Evaluation, Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Gan Qiao
- Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Drugability Evaluation, Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Betty Yuen-Kwan Law
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, China
| | - Jian-Ming Wu
- Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Drugability Evaluation, Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China.
| | - Xiao-Gang Zhou
- Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Drugability Evaluation, Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China.
| | - An-Guo Wu
- Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Drugability Evaluation, Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China; State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, China.
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14
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Motaln H, Čerček U, Yamoah A, Tripathi P, Aronica E, Goswami A, Rogelj B. Abl kinase-mediated FUS Tyr526 phosphorylation alters nucleocytoplasmic FUS localization in FTLD-FUS. Brain 2023; 146:4088-4104. [PMID: 37071594 PMCID: PMC10545532 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad130] [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: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Nuclear to cytoplasmic mislocalization and aggregation of multiple RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), including FUS, are the main neuropathological features of the majority of cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobular degeneration (FTLD). In ALS-FUS, these aggregates arise from disease-associated mutations in FUS, whereas in FTLD-FUS, the cytoplasmic inclusions do not contain mutant FUS, suggesting different molecular mechanisms of FUS pathogenesis in FTLD that remain to be investigated. We have previously shown that phosphorylation of the C-terminal Tyr526 of FUS results in increased cytoplasmic retention of FUS due to impaired binding to the nuclear import receptor TNPO1. Inspired by the above notions, in the current study we developed a novel antibody against the C-terminally phosphorylated Tyr526 FUS (FUSp-Y526) that is specifically capable of recognizing phosphorylated cytoplasmic FUS, which is poorly recognized by other commercially available FUS antibodies. Using this FUSp-Y526 antibody, we demonstrated a FUS phosphorylation-specific effect on the cytoplasmic distribution of soluble and insoluble FUSp-Y526 in various cells and confirmed the involvement of the Src kinase family in Tyr526 FUS phosphorylation. In addition, we found that FUSp-Y526 expression pattern correlates with active pSrc/pAbl kinases in specific brain regions of mice, indicating preferential involvement of cAbl in the cytoplasmic mislocalization of FUSp-Y526 in cortical neurons. Finally, the pattern of immunoreactivity of active cAbl kinase and FUSp-Y526 revealed altered cytoplasmic distribution of FUSp-Y526 in cortical neurons of post-mortem frontal cortex tissue from FTLD patients compared with controls. The overlap of FUSp-Y526 and FUS signals was found preferentially in small diffuse inclusions and was absent in mature aggregates, suggesting possible involvement of FUSp-Y526 in the formation of early toxic FUS aggregates in the cytoplasm that are largely undetected by commercially available FUS antibodies. Given the overlapping patterns of cAbl activity and FUSp-Y526 distribution in cortical neurons, and cAbl induced sequestration of FUSp-Y526 into G3BP1 positive granules in stressed cells, we propose that cAbl kinase is actively involved in mediating cytoplasmic mislocalization and promoting toxic aggregation of wild-type FUS in the brains of FTLD patients, as a novel putative underlying mechanism of FTLD-FUS pathophysiology and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Motaln
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Urša Čerček
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Graduate School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alfred Yamoah
- Institute of Neuropathology, RWTH Aachen University Medical School, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Priyanka Tripathi
- Institute of Neuropathology, RWTH Aachen University Medical School, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Eleonora Aronica
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Neuropathology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, 1105 Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anand Goswami
- Institute of Neuropathology, RWTH Aachen University Medical School, 52074 Aachen, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Neurology, Eleanor and Lou Gherig ALS Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Boris Rogelj
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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15
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Motaln H, Rogelj B. The Role of c-Abl Tyrosine Kinase in Brain and Its Pathologies. Cells 2023; 12:2041. [PMID: 37626851 PMCID: PMC10453230 DOI: 10.3390/cells12162041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Differentiated status, low regenerative capacity and complex signaling make neuronal tissues highly susceptible to translating an imbalance in cell homeostasis into cell death. The high rate of neurodegenerative diseases in the elderly population confirms this. The multiple and divergent signaling cascades downstream of the various stress triggers challenge researchers to identify the central components of the stress-induced signaling pathways that cause neurodegeneration. Because of their critical role in cell homeostasis, kinases have emerged as one of the key regulators. Among kinases, non-receptor tyrosine kinase (Abelson kinase) c-Abl appears to be involved in both the normal development of neural tissue and the development of neurodegenerative pathologies when abnormally expressed or activated. However, exactly how c-Abl mediates the progression of neurodegeneration remains largely unexplored. Here, we summarize recent findings on the involvement of c-Abl in normal and abnormal processes in nervous tissue, focusing on neurons, astrocytes and microglial cells, with particular reference to molecular events at the interface between stress signaling, DNA damage, and metabolic regulation. Because inhibition of c-Abl has neuroprotective effects and can prevent neuronal death, we believe that an integrated view of c-Abl signaling in neurodegeneration could lead to significantly improved treatment of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Motaln
- Department of Biotechnology, Jozef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Boris Rogelj
- Department of Biotechnology, Jozef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
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16
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Shadfar S, Parakh S, Jamali MS, Atkin JD. Redox dysregulation as a driver for DNA damage and its relationship to neurodegenerative diseases. Transl Neurodegener 2023; 12:18. [PMID: 37055865 PMCID: PMC10103468 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-023-00350-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Redox homeostasis refers to the balance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as reactive nitrogen species (RNS), and their elimination by antioxidants. It is linked to all important cellular activities and oxidative stress is a result of imbalance between pro-oxidants and antioxidant species. Oxidative stress perturbs many cellular activities, including processes that maintain the integrity of DNA. Nucleic acids are highly reactive and therefore particularly susceptible to damage. The DNA damage response detects and repairs these DNA lesions. Efficient DNA repair processes are therefore essential for maintaining cellular viability, but they decline considerably during aging. DNA damage and deficiencies in DNA repair are increasingly described in age-related neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Huntington's disease. Furthermore, oxidative stress has long been associated with these conditions. Moreover, both redox dysregulation and DNA damage increase significantly during aging, which is the biggest risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases. However, the links between redox dysfunction and DNA damage, and their joint contributions to pathophysiology in these conditions, are only just emerging. This review will discuss these associations and address the increasing evidence for redox dysregulation as an important and major source of DNA damage in neurodegenerative disorders. Understanding these connections may facilitate a better understanding of disease mechanisms, and ultimately lead to the design of better therapeutic strategies based on preventing both redox dysregulation and DNA damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina Shadfar
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia.
| | - Sonam Parakh
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Md Shafi Jamali
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Julie D Atkin
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia.
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia.
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17
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Mead RJ, Shan N, Reiser HJ, Marshall F, Shaw PJ. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a neurodegenerative disorder poised for successful therapeutic translation. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:185-212. [PMID: 36543887 PMCID: PMC9768794 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-022-00612-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 107.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating disease caused by degeneration of motor neurons. As with all major neurodegenerative disorders, development of disease-modifying therapies has proven challenging for multiple reasons. Nevertheless, ALS is one of the few neurodegenerative diseases for which disease-modifying therapies are approved. Significant discoveries and advances have been made in ALS preclinical models, genetics, pathology, biomarkers, imaging and clinical readouts over the last 10-15 years. At the same time, novel therapeutic paradigms are being applied in areas of high unmet medical need, including neurodegenerative disorders. These developments have evolved our knowledge base, allowing identification of targeted candidate therapies for ALS with diverse mechanisms of action. In this Review, we discuss how this advanced knowledge, aligned with new approaches, can enable effective translation of therapeutic agents from preclinical studies through to clinical benefit for patients with ALS. We anticipate that this approach in ALS will also positively impact the field of drug discovery for neurodegenerative disorders more broadly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Mead
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Keapstone Therapeutics, The Innovation Centre, Broomhall, Sheffield, UK
| | - Ning Shan
- Aclipse Therapeutics, Radnor, PA, US
| | | | - Fiona Marshall
- MSD UK Discovery Centre, Merck, Sharp and Dohme (UK) Limited, London, UK
| | - Pamela J Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
- Keapstone Therapeutics, The Innovation Centre, Broomhall, Sheffield, UK.
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18
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Assoni AF, Foijer F, Zatz M. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, FUS and Protein Synthesis Defects. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2022; 19:625-638. [PMID: 36515764 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-022-10489-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that mainly affects the motor system. It is a very heterogeneous disorder, so far more than 40 genes have been described as responsible for ALS. The cause of motor neuron degeneration is not yet fully understood, but there is consensus in the literature that it is the result of a complex interplay of several pathogenic processes, which include alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, defects in transcription and splicing, altered formation and/or disassembly of stress granules and impaired proteostasis. These defects result in protein aggregation, impaired DNA repair, mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, impaired axonal transport, impaired vesicular transport, excitotoxicity, as well as impaired calcium influx. We argue here that all the above functions ultimately lead to defects in protein synthesis. Fused in Sarcoma (FUS) is one of the genes associated with ALS. It causes ALS type 6 when mutated and is found mislocalized to the cytoplasm in the motor neurons of sporadic ALS patients (without FUS mutations). In addition, FUS plays a role in all cellular functions that are impaired in degenerating motor neurons. Moreover, ALS patients with FUS mutations present the first symptoms significantly earlier than in other forms of the disease. Therefore, the aim of this review is to further discuss ALS6, detail the cellular functions of FUS, and suggest that the localization of FUS, as well as protein synthesis rates, could be hallmarks of the ALS phenotype and thus good therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Faria Assoni
- Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, 055080-090, CidadeUniversitária, São Paulo, Brazil.,European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University of Groningen, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Floris Foijer
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University of Groningen, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Mayana Zatz
- Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, 055080-090, CidadeUniversitária, São Paulo, Brazil.
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19
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Epigenetic Changes in Prion and Prion-like Neurodegenerative Diseases: Recent Advances, Potential as Biomarkers, and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012609. [PMID: 36293477 PMCID: PMC9604074 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases are transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) caused by a conformational conversion of the native cellular prion protein (PrPC) to an abnormal, infectious isoform called PrPSc. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s diseases are also known as prion-like diseases because they share common features with prion diseases, including protein misfolding and aggregation, as well as the spread of these misfolded proteins into different brain regions. Increasing evidence proposes the involvement of epigenetic mechanisms, namely DNA methylation, post-translational modifications of histones, and microRNA-mediated post-transcriptional gene regulation in the pathogenesis of prion-like diseases. Little is known about the role of epigenetic modifications in prion diseases, but recent findings also point to a potential regulatory role of epigenetic mechanisms in the pathology of these diseases. This review highlights recent findings on epigenetic modifications in TSEs and prion-like diseases and discusses the potential role of such mechanisms in disease pathology and their use as potential biomarkers.
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20
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Savu DI, Moisoi N. Mitochondria - Nucleus communication in neurodegenerative disease. Who talks first, who talks louder? BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. BIOENERGETICS 2022; 1863:148588. [PMID: 35780856 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbabio.2022.148588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondria - nuclear coadaptation has been central to eukaryotic evolution. The dynamic dialogue between the two compartments within the context of multiorganellar interactions is critical for maintaining cellular homeostasis and directing the balance survival-death in case of cellular stress. The conceptualisation of mitochondria - nucleus communication has so far been focused on the communication from the mitochondria under stress to the nucleus and the consequent signalling responses, as well as from the nucleus to mitochondria in the context of DNA damage and repair. During ageing processes this dialogue may be better viewed as an integrated bidirectional 'talk' with feedback loops that expand beyond these two organelles depending on physiological cues. Here we explore the current views on mitochondria - nucleus dialogue and its role in maintaining cellular health with a focus on brain cells and neurodegenerative disease. Thus, we detail the transcriptional responses initiated by mitochondrial dysfunction in order to protect itself and the general cellular homeostasis. Additionally, we are reviewing the knowledge of the stress pathways initiated by DNA damage which affect mitochondria homeostasis and we add the information provided by the study of combined mitochondrial and genotoxic damage. Finally, we reflect on how each organelle may take the lead in this dialogue in an ageing context where both compartments undergo accumulation of stress and damage and where, perhaps, even the communications' mechanisms may suffer interruptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Iulia Savu
- Department of Life and Environmental Physics, Horia Hulubei National Institute of Physics and Nuclear Engineering, Reactorului 30, P.O. Box MG-6, Magurele 077125, Romania
| | - Nicoleta Moisoi
- Leicester School of Pharmacy, Leicester Institute for Pharmaceutical Innovation, Faculty of Health Sciences, De Montfort University, The Gateway, Hawthorn Building 1.03, LE1 9BH Leicester, UK.
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21
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Junghans M, John F, Cihankaya H, Schliebs D, Winklhofer KF, Bader V, Matschke J, Theiss C, Matschke V. ROS scavengers decrease γH2ax spots in motor neuronal nuclei of ALS model mice in vitro. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:963169. [PMID: 36119129 PMCID: PMC9470831 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.963169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an incurable neurodegenerative disease characterized by the loss of motor neurons in cerebral cortex, brainstem and spinal cord. Numerous studies have demonstrated signs of oxidative stress in postmortem neuronal tissue, cerebrospinal fluid, plasma and urine of ALS patients, without focusing on the specific processes within motor neurons. Thus, we aimed to investigate the relevance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) detoxification mechanisms and its consequences on the formation of toxic/lethal DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) in the ALS model of the Wobbler mouse. Methods: Live cell imaging in dissociated motor neuronal cultures was used to investigate the production of ROS using Dihydroethidium (DHE). The expression levels of ROS detoxifying molecules were investigated by qPCR as well as Western blots. Furthermore, the expression levels of DNA damage response proteins p53bp1 and H2ax were investigated using qPCR and immunofluorescence staining. Proof-of-principle experiments using ROS scavengers were performed in vitro to decipher the influence of ROS on the formation of DNA double strand breaks quantifying the γH2ax spots formation. Results: Here, we verified an elevated ROS-level in spinal motor neurons of symptomatic Wobbler mice in vitro. As a result, an increased number of DNA damage response proteins p53bp1 and γH2ax in dissociated motor neurons of the spinal cord of Wobbler mice was observed. Furthermore, we found a significantly altered expression of several antioxidant molecules in the spinal cord of Wobbler mice, suggesting a deficit in ROS detoxification mechanisms. This hypothesis could be verified by using ROS scavenger molecules in vitro to reduce the number of γH2ax foci in dissociated motor neurons and thus counteract the harmful effects of ROS. Conclusion: Our data indicate that maintenance of redox homeostasis may play a key role in the therapy of the neurodegenerative disease ALS. Our results underline a necessity for multimodal treatment approaches to prolong the average lifespan of motor neurons and thus slow down the progression of the disease, since a focused intervention in one pathomechanism seems to be insufficient in ALS therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Junghans
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Felix John
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Hilal Cihankaya
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Daniel Schliebs
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Konstanze F. Winklhofer
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence RESOLV, Bochum, Germany
| | - Verian Bader
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Department of Biochemistry of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Johann Matschke
- Institute of Cell Biology (Cancer Research), University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Carsten Theiss
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Veronika Matschke
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- *Correspondence: Veronika Matschke
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22
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Guo Y, Chomiak A, Hong Y, Lowe CC, Kopsidas CA, Chan WC, Andrade J, Pan H, Zhou X, Monuki ES, Feng Y. Histone H2A ubiquitination resulting from Brap loss of function connects multiple aging hallmarks and accelerates neurodegeneration. iScience 2022; 25:104519. [PMID: 35754718 PMCID: PMC9213774 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is an intricate process characterized by multiple hallmarks including stem cell exhaustion, genome instability, epigenome alteration, impaired proteostasis, and cellular senescence. Whereas each of these traits is detrimental at the cellular level, it remains unclear how they are interconnected to cause systemic organ deterioration. Here we show that abrogating Brap, a BRCA1-associated protein essential for neurogenesis, results in persistent DNA double-strand breaks and elevation of histone H2A mono- and poly-ubiquitination (H2Aub). These defects extend to cellular senescence and proteasome-mediated histone H2A proteolysis with alterations in cells' proteomic and epigenetic states. Brap deletion in the mouse brain causes neuroinflammation, impaired proteostasis, accelerated neurodegeneration, and substantially shortened the lifespan. We further show the elevation of H2Aub also occurs in human brain tissues with Alzheimer's disease. These data together suggest that chromatin aberrations mediated by H2Aub may act as a nexus of multiple aging hallmarks and promote tissue-wide degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Guo
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 E. Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Alison.A. Chomiak
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 E. Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Ye Hong
- University of Turku, Turku 20500, Finland
| | - Clara C. Lowe
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Uniformed Services University, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Caroline A. Kopsidas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Uniformed Services University, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Wen-Ching Chan
- Center for Research Informatics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Jorge Andrade
- Center for Research Informatics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Hongna Pan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Uniformed Services University, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Xiaoming Zhou
- Department of Medicine, Uniformed Services University, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Edwin S. Monuki
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Yuanyi Feng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Uniformed Services University, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
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23
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Qin N, Geng A, Xue R. Activated or Impaired: An Overview of DNA Repair in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Aging Dis 2022; 13:987-1004. [PMID: 35855336 PMCID: PMC9286913 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2021.1212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
As the population ages, age-related neurodegenerative diseases have become a major challenge in health science. Currently, the pathology of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Huntington's disease, is still not fully understood. Remarkably, emerging evidence indicates a role of genomic DNA damage and repair in various neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we summarized the current understanding of the function of DNA damage repair, especially base excision repair and double strand break repair pathways, in a variety of neurodegenerative diseases. We concluded that exacerbation of DNA lesions is found in almost all types of neurodegenerative diseases, whereas the activities of different DNA repair pathways demonstrate distinct trends, depending on disease type and even brain region. Specifically, key enzymes involved in base excision repair are likely impaired in Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis but activated in Parkinson's disease, while nonhomologous end joining is likely downregulated in most types of neurodegenerative diseases. Hence, impairment of nonhomologous end joining is likely a common etiology for most neurodegenerative diseases, while defects in base excision repair are likely involved in the pathology of Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis but are Parkinson's disease, based on current findings. Although there are still discrepancies and further studies are required to completely elucidate the exact roles of DNA repair in neurodegeneration, the current studies summarized here provide crucial insights into the pathology of neurodegenerative diseases and may reveal novel drug targets for corresponding neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Qin
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity & Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Anke Geng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity & Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Renhao Xue
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity & Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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24
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Yu N, Qiu J, Li K, Luo Q, Liu X, Yang Y, Jiang Z, He S, He A, Chen S, Chen X, Li Y, Ge J, Zhuang J, Yu K. Comparison of DNA stability and its related genes of neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells and primary retinal neurons. Cell Biol Int 2022; 46:1625-1636. [PMID: 35771585 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Maintaining DNA stability in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and iPSCs-derived neurons is a challenge in their clinical application. In the present study, we compared DNA stability between primary retinal neurons and differentiated neurons. We found that the basal level of γ-H2AX phosphorylation, a specific marker of DNA breaks, was notably higher (~26-folds) in human iPSCs compared to iPSCs-derived neurons. However, iPSCs-derived neurons are more sensitive to UV treatment compared to primary rat retinal neurons (postnatal Day 1). UV treatment induced a significantly decreasing in the cell viability of iPSCs-derived neurons by ~76.1%, whereas ~20.8% in primary retinal neurons. After analyzing the expression levels of genes involved in DNA stability, such as Brca1, Ligase IV, Ku80, and Mre11, we found that Ku80 and its heterodimeric partner, Ku70 were positive in iPSCs-derived neurons. However, both Ku80 and Ku70 are not expressed in primary retinal neurons and cerebellar neurons. Similarly, both Ku80 and Ku70 are also expressed in 3D retinal organoids from human embryonic stem cells (ESCs), except for a few Map2-negative cells and the hyaloid vessels of mice E12.5 retinas. Hence, Ku80, and Ku70 are specifically expressed in stem cell-derived neurons. Moreover, using the Ku80 inhibitor Compound L, our data showed that Ku80 promotes the DNA stability and cell viability of iPSCs-derived neurons. Thus, our results demonstrated that iPSCs-, ESCs-derived neurons have specific characteristics of DNA stability. This study provides new insights into the neural differentiation of stem cells but might also warrant the future clinical application of stem cells in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jin Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kaijing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qian Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zihua Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shengyu He
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Anqi He
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuilian Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Keming Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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25
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Konopka A, Atkin JD. DNA Damage, Defective DNA Repair, and Neurodegeneration in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:786420. [PMID: 35572138 PMCID: PMC9093740 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.786420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA is under constant attack from both endogenous and exogenous sources, and when damaged, specific cellular signalling pathways respond, collectively termed the “DNA damage response.” Efficient DNA repair processes are essential for cellular viability, although they decline significantly during aging. Not surprisingly, DNA damage and defective DNA repair are now increasingly implicated in age-related neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS affects both upper and lower motor neurons in the brain, brainstem and spinal cord, leading to muscle wasting due to denervation. DNA damage is increasingly implicated in the pathophysiology of ALS, and interestingly, the number of DNA damage or repair proteins linked to ALS is steadily growing. This includes TAR DNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43), a DNA/RNA binding protein that is present in a pathological form in almost all (97%) cases of ALS. Hence TDP-43 pathology is central to neurodegeneration in this condition. Fused in Sarcoma (FUS) bears structural and functional similarities to TDP-43 and it also functions in DNA repair. Chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9orf72) is also fundamental to ALS because mutations in C9orf72 are the most frequent genetic cause of both ALS and related condition frontotemporal dementia, in European and North American populations. Genetic variants encoding other proteins involved in the DNA damage response (DDR) have also been described in ALS, including FUS, SOD1, SETX, VCP, CCNF, and NEK1. Here we review recent evidence highlighting DNA damage and defective DNA repair as an important mechanism linked to neurodegeneration in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Konopka
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Macquarie Medical School, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Anna Konopka,
| | - Julie D. Atkin
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Macquarie Medical School, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Julie D. Atkin,
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26
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Ferreri C, Sansone A, Krokidis MG, Masi A, Pascucci B, D’Errico M, Chatgilialoglu C. Effects of Oxygen Tension for Membrane Lipidome Remodeling of Cockayne Syndrome Cell Models. Cells 2022; 11:1286. [PMID: 35455966 PMCID: PMC9032135 DOI: 10.3390/cells11081286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxygen is important for lipid metabolism, being involved in both enzymatic transformations and oxidative reactivity, and is particularly influent when genetic diseases impair the repair machinery of the cells, such as described for Cockayne syndrome (CS). We used two cellular models of transformed fibroblasts defective for CSA and CSB genes and their normal counterparts, grown for 24 h under various oxygen tensions (hyperoxic 21%, physioxic 5% and hypoxic 1%) to examine the fatty acid-based membrane remodeling by GC analysis of fatty acid methyl esters derived from membrane phospholipids. Overall, we first distinguished differences due to oxygen tensions: (a) hyperoxia induced a general boost of desaturase enzymatic activity in both normal and defective CSA and CSB cell lines, increasing monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), whereas polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) did not undergo oxidative consumption; (b) hypoxia slowed down desaturase activities, mostly in CSA cell lines and defective CSB, causing saturated fatty acids (SFA) to increase, whereas PUFA levels diminished, suggesting their involvement in hypoxia-related signaling. CSB-deprived cells are the most sensitive to oxidation and CSA-deprived cells are the most sensitive to the radical-based formation of trans fatty acids (TFA). The results point to the need to finely differentiate biological targets connected to genetic impairments and, consequently, suggest the better definition of cell protection and treatments through accurate molecular profiling that includes membrane lipidomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Ferreri
- Istituto per la Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via P. Gobetti 101, 40129 Bologna, Italy; (C.F.); (A.S.); (A.M.)
| | - Anna Sansone
- Istituto per la Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via P. Gobetti 101, 40129 Bologna, Italy; (C.F.); (A.S.); (A.M.)
| | - Marios G. Krokidis
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, N.C.S.R. “Demokritos”, Agia Paraskevi Attikis, Athens 15310, Greece;
| | - Annalisa Masi
- Istituto per la Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via P. Gobetti 101, 40129 Bologna, Italy; (C.F.); (A.S.); (A.M.)
- Institute of Crystallography, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Monterotondo Stazione, 00015 Rome, Italy;
| | - Barbara Pascucci
- Institute of Crystallography, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Monterotondo Stazione, 00015 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Mariarosaria D’Errico
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Chryssostomos Chatgilialoglu
- Istituto per la Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via P. Gobetti 101, 40129 Bologna, Italy; (C.F.); (A.S.); (A.M.)
- Center for Advanced Technologies, Adam Mickiewicz University, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
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27
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Chavda V, Patel C, Modh D, Ertas YN, Sonak SS, Munshi NK, Anand K, Soni A, Pandey S. Therapeutic Approaches to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis from the Lab to the Clinic. Curr Drug Metab 2022; 23:200-222. [PMID: 35272595 DOI: 10.2174/1389200223666220310113110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a terminal neuro-degenerative disorder that is clinically recognized as a gradual degeneration of the upper and lower motor neurons, with an average duration of 3 to 5 years from initiation of symptoms to death. The mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis and progression of the disease are multifactorial. Therefore, to find effective treatments, it is necessary to understand this heterogeneity underlying the progression of ALS. Recent developments in gene therapy have opened a new avenue to treat this condition, especially for the characterized genetic types. Gene therapy methods have been studied in a variety of pre-clinical settings and clinical trials, and they may be a promising path for developing an effective and safe ALS cure. A growing body of evidence demonstrates abnormalities in energy metabolism at the cellular and whole-body level in animal models and in people living with ALS. The use and incorporation of high-throughput "omics" methods has radically transformed our thought about ALS, strengthening our understanding of the disease's dynamic molecular architecture, differentiating distinct patient subtypes, and creating a reasonable basis for the identification of biomarkers and novel individualised treatments. Future clinical and laboratory trials would also focus on the diverse relationships between metabolism and ALS to address the issue of whether targeting deficient metabolism in ALS is an effective way to change disease progression. In this review, we focus on the detailed pathogenesis of ALS and highlight principal genes, i.e., SOD1, TDP-43, C9orf72, and FUS, targeted therapeutic approaches of ALS. An attempt is made to provide up-to-date information on clinical outcomes, including various biomarkers which are thought to be important players in early ALS detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Chavda
- Department of Pharmaceutic, L M College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad - 380009 (India)
| | - Chirag Patel
- Department of Pharmacology, L M College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad - 380009 (India)
| | - Dharti Modh
- Department of pharmaceutical chemistry, Poona college of pharmacy, Bharti vidhyapith, Pune - 411030 (India)
| | - Yavuz Nuri Ertas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering at Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
- ERNAM - Nanotechnology Research and Application Center, Erciyes University, Kayseri 38039, Turkey
| | - Shreya S Sonak
- Department of pharmaceutical chemistry, Poona college of pharmacy, Bharti vidhyapith, Pune - 411030 (India)
| | - Nafisa K Munshi
- Department of pharmaceutical chemistry, Poona college of pharmacy, Bharti vidhyapith, Pune - 411030 (India)
| | - Krishna Anand
- Department of Chemical Pathology, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences and National Health Laboratory Service, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa
| | - Arun Soni
- Department of Pharmacology, SSR College of Pharmacy, Silvassa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli - 396230(India)
| | - Sonal Pandey
- Research and Development, Meril Diagnostic Pvt. Ltd, Vapi - 396191 (India)
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28
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Shadfar S, Brocardo M, Atkin JD. The Complex Mechanisms by Which Neurons Die Following DNA Damage in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052484. [PMID: 35269632 PMCID: PMC8910227 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Human cells are exposed to numerous exogenous and endogenous insults every day. Unlike other molecules, DNA cannot be replaced by resynthesis, hence damage to DNA can have major consequences for the cell. The DNA damage response contains overlapping signalling networks that repair DNA and hence maintain genomic integrity, and aberrant DNA damage responses are increasingly described in neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, DNA repair declines during aging, which is the biggest risk factor for these conditions. If unrepaired, the accumulation of DNA damage results in death to eliminate cells with defective genomes. This is particularly important for postmitotic neurons because they have a limited capacity to proliferate, thus they must be maintained for life. Neuronal death is thus an important process in neurodegenerative disorders. In addition, the inability of neurons to divide renders them susceptible to senescence or re-entry to the cell cycle. The field of cell death has expanded significantly in recent years, and many new mechanisms have been described in various cell types, including neurons. Several of these mechanisms are linked to DNA damage. In this review, we provide an overview of the cell death pathways induced by DNA damage that are relevant to neurons and discuss the possible involvement of these mechanisms in neurodegenerative conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina Shadfar
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia; (S.S.); (M.B.)
| | - Mariana Brocardo
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia; (S.S.); (M.B.)
| | - Julie D. Atkin
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia; (S.S.); (M.B.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia
- Correspondence:
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29
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Sever B, Ciftci H, DeMirci H, Sever H, Ocak F, Yulug B, Tateishi H, Tateishi T, Otsuka M, Fujita M, Başak AN. Comprehensive Research on Past and Future Therapeutic Strategies Devoted to Treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:2400. [PMID: 35269543 PMCID: PMC8910198 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly debilitating fatal neurodegenerative disorder, causing muscle atrophy and weakness, which leads to paralysis and eventual death. ALS has a multifaceted nature affected by many pathological mechanisms, including oxidative stress (also via protein aggregation), mitochondrial dysfunction, glutamate-induced excitotoxicity, apoptosis, neuroinflammation, axonal degeneration, skeletal muscle deterioration and viruses. This complexity is a major obstacle in defeating ALS. At present, riluzole and edaravone are the only drugs that have passed clinical trials for the treatment of ALS, notwithstanding that they showed modest benefits in a limited population of ALS. A dextromethorphan hydrobromide and quinidine sulfate combination was also approved to treat pseudobulbar affect (PBA) in the course of ALS. Globally, there is a struggle to prevent or alleviate the symptoms of this neurodegenerative disease, including implementation of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), CRISPR-9/Cas technique, non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) or ALS-on-a-chip technology. Additionally, researchers have synthesized and screened new compounds to be effective in ALS beyond the drug repurposing strategy. Despite all these efforts, ALS treatment is largely limited to palliative care, and there is a strong need for new therapeutics to be developed. This review focuses on and discusses which therapeutic strategies have been followed so far and what can be done in the future for the treatment of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belgin Sever
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Anadolu University, Eskisehir 26470, Turkey;
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Science Farm Joint Research Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan; (H.C.); (H.T.); (M.O.)
| | - Halilibrahim Ciftci
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Science Farm Joint Research Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan; (H.C.); (H.T.); (M.O.)
- Department of Drug Discovery, Science Farm Ltd., Kumamoto 862-0976, Japan
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Koc University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey;
| | - Hasan DeMirci
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Koc University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey;
| | - Hilal Sever
- Ministry of Health, Istanbul Training and Research Hospital, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic, Istanbul 34098, Turkey;
| | - Firdevs Ocak
- Faculty of Medicine, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli 41001, Turkey;
| | - Burak Yulug
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Alaaddin Keykubat University, Alanya 07425, Turkey;
| | - Hiroshi Tateishi
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Science Farm Joint Research Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan; (H.C.); (H.T.); (M.O.)
| | - Takahisa Tateishi
- Division of Respirology, Neurology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan;
| | - Masami Otsuka
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Science Farm Joint Research Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan; (H.C.); (H.T.); (M.O.)
- Department of Drug Discovery, Science Farm Ltd., Kumamoto 862-0976, Japan
| | - Mikako Fujita
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Science Farm Joint Research Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan; (H.C.); (H.T.); (M.O.)
| | - Ayşe Nazlı Başak
- Suna and İnan Kıraç Foundation, Neurodegeneration Research Laboratory (KUTTAM-NDAL), Koc University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey
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30
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MPO/HOCl Facilitates Apoptosis and Ferroptosis in the SOD1G93A Motor Neuron of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:8217663. [PMID: 35178161 PMCID: PMC8845144 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8217663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background. Oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are important in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a powerful oxidant of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) family. HOCl’s role in the progress of ALS remains unclear due to the lack of an effective HOCl detection method. Cumulative evidence supports oxidative damage incurred by mutant hSOD1 contributing to motor neuron death; however, whether HOCl as well as its catalytic enzyme myeloperoxidase (MPO) function in the cell death of SOD1G93A ALS remains elusive. Methods. The hSOD1WT and hSOD1G93A NSC-34 cell and SOD1G93A ALS mouse models were employed. With a novel fluorescent HOCl probe, HKOCl-3, we detected the expressions of HOCl and its catalytic enzyme, MPO, in the above models in vitro and in vivo. The regulation of MPO/HOCl by hSOD1G93A mutation and cell deaths by MPO/HOCl were also assayed, including apoptosis, ferroptosis, and autophagy. Results. Our results showed that hSOD1G93A mutation promoted the activation of the MPO/HOCl pathway in SOD1G93A ALS cell models. The activation of MPO/HOCl pathways facilitated apoptosis and ferroptosis through increasing the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and expression of caspase-3 or inhibiting the expressions of GPX4 and NQO1 and thus leading to irreversible lipid peroxidation. Overexpressed FSP1, a glutathione-independent suppressor, could ameliorate ferroptosis. In vivo, we demonstrated that the activation of the MPO/HOCl pathway occurred differently in motor neurons of the motor cortices, brain stems, and spinal cords in male and female SOD1G93A transgenic mice. In addition, inhibiting MPO improved the motor performance of SOD1G93A transgenic mice, as demonstrated by the rotarod test. Conclusions. We concluded that aggregation of mutant hSOD1 proteins contributed to activation of the MPO/HOCl pathway, triggering apoptosis and ferroptosis in motor neuronal deaths and exerting impaired motor performance.
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Sundaramoorthy TH, Castanho I. The Neuroepigenetic Landscape of Vertebrate and Invertebrate Models of Neurodegenerative Diseases. Epigenet Insights 2022; 15:25168657221135848. [PMID: 36353727 PMCID: PMC9638687 DOI: 10.1177/25168657221135848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Vertebrate and invertebrate models of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, have been paramount to our understanding of the pathophysiology of these conditions; however, the brain epigenetic landscape is less well established in these disease models. DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNAs are among commonly studied mechanisms of epigenetic regulation. Genome-wide studies and candidate studies of specific methylation marks, histone marks, and microRNAs have demonstrated the dysregulation of these mechanisms in models of neurodegenerative diseases; however, the studies to date are scarce and inconclusive and the implications of many of these changes are still not fully understood. In this review, we summarize epigenetic changes reported to date in the brain of vertebrate and invertebrate models used to study neurodegenerative diseases, specifically diseases affecting the aging population. We also discuss caveats of epigenetic research so far and the use of disease models to understand neurodegenerative diseases, with the aim of improving the use of model organisms in this context in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Isabel Castanho
- University of Exeter Medical School,
University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center,
Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA,
USA
- Isabel Castanho, University of Exeter
Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX2 5DW, UK. Emails:
;
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32
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TDP-43 pathology: from noxious assembly to therapeutic removal. Prog Neurobiol 2022; 211:102229. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2022.102229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Vazquez-Villasenor I, Garwood CJ, Simpson JE, Heath PR, Mortiboys H, Wharton SB. Persistent DNA damage alters the neuronal transcriptome suggesting cell cycle dysregulation and altered mitochondrial function. Eur J Neurosci 2021; 54:6987-7005. [PMID: 34536321 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative DNA damage induces changes in the neuronal cell cycle and activates a DNA damage response (DDR) to promote repair, but these processes may be altered under a chronic oxidative environment, leading to the accumulation of unrepaired DNA damage and continued activation of a DDR. Failure to repair DNA damage can lead to apoptosis or senescence, which is characterized by a permanent cell cycle arrest. Increased oxidative stress and accumulation of oxidative DNA damage are features of brain ageing and neurodegeneration, but the effects of persistent DNA damage in neurons are not well characterized. We developed a model of persistent oxidative DNA damage in immortalized post-mitotic neurons in vitro by exposing them to a sublethal concentration of hydrogen peroxide following a 'double stress' protocol and performed a detailed characterization of the neuronal transcriptome using microarray analysis. Persistent DNA damage significantly altered the expression of genes involved in cell cycle regulation, DDR and repair mechanisms, and mitochondrial function, suggesting an active DDR response to replication stress and alterations in mitochondrial electron transport chain. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and functional validation experiments confirmed hyperactivation of mitochondrial Complex I in response to persistent DNA damage. These changes in response to persistent oxidative DNA damage may lead to further oxidative stress, contributing to neuronal dysfunction and ultimately neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claire J Garwood
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Julie E Simpson
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Paul R Heath
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Heather Mortiboys
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Stephen B Wharton
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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Biomolecular Modifications Linked to Oxidative Stress in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Determining Promising Biomarkers Related to Oxidative Stress. Processes (Basel) 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/pr9091667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Reduction–oxidation reactions are essential to cellular homeostasis. Oxidative stress transcends physiological antioxidative system damage to biomolecules, including nucleic acids and proteins, and modifies their structures. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common adult-onset motor neuron disease. The cells present in the central nervous system, including motor neurons, are vulnerable to oxidative stress. Neurodegeneration has been demonstrated to be caused by oxidative biomolecular modifications. Oxidative stress has been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of ALS. Recent progress in research on the underlying mechanisms of oxidative stress in ALS has led to the development of disease-modifying therapies, including edaravone. However, the clinical effects of edaravone remain limited, and ALS is a heretofore incurable disease. The reason for the lack of reliable biomarkers and the precise underlying mechanisms between oxidative stress and ALS remain unclear. As extracellular proteins and RNAs present in body fluids and represent intracellular pathological neurodegenerative processes, extracellular proteins and/or RNAs are predicted to promise diagnosis, prediction of disease course, and therapeutic biomarkers for ALS. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms between oxidative stress and ALS, and promising biomarkers indicating the mechanism to determine whether therapy targeting oxidative stress can be fundamental for ALS.
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Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a systemic disease: peripheral contributions to inflammation-mediated neurodegeneration. Curr Opin Neurol 2021; 34:765-772. [PMID: 34402459 DOI: 10.1097/wco.0000000000000983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Neuroinflammation is an important mediator of the pathogenesis of disease in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Genetic mutations such as C9orf72 have begun to define the numerous cell autonomous pathways that initiate motor neuron injury. Yet, it is the signalling to surrounding glia and peripherally derived immune cells that initiates the noncell autonomous inflammatory process and promotes self-propagating motor neuron cell death. The purpose of this review is to explore the systemic immune/inflammatory contributions to the pathogenesis of ALS: what are the peripheral pro-inflammatory signatures, what initiates their presence and do they represent potential therapeutic targets. RECENT FINDINGS In ALS, motor neuron cell death is initiated by multiple cell autonomous pathways leading to misfolded proteins, oxidative stress, altered mitochondria, impaired autophagy and altered RNA metabolism, which collectively promote noncell autonomous inflammatory reactivity. The resulting disease is characterized by activated microglia and astrocytes as well as peripherally derived pro-inflammatory innate and adaptive immune cells. In this unrelenting disorder, circulating blood monocytes and natural killer cells are pro-inflammatory. Furthermore, regulatory T lymphocytes are dysfunctional, and pro-inflammatory cytokines and acute phase proteins are elevated. SUMMARY The collective dysregulation of cells and cytokines in patients with ALS accurately reflect increased disease burdens, more rapid progression rates and reduced survival times, reinforcing the concept of ALS as a disorder with extensive systemic pro-inflammatory responses. These increased systemic pro-inflammatory immune constituents provide potentially meaningful therapeutic targets.
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Spencer PS, Kisby GE. Role of Hydrazine-Related Chemicals in Cancer and Neurodegenerative Disease. Chem Res Toxicol 2021; 34:1953-1969. [PMID: 34379394 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.1c00150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hydrazine-related chemicals (HRCs) with carcinogenic and neurotoxic potential are found in certain mushrooms and plants used for food and in products employed in various industries, including aerospace. Their propensity to induce DNA damage (mostly O6-, N7- and 8-oxo-guanine lesions) resulting in multiple downstream effects is linked with both cancer and neurological disease. For cycling cells, unrepaired DNA damage leads to mutation and uncontrolled mitosis. By contrast, postmitotic neurons attempt to re-enter the cell cycle but undergo apoptosis or nonapoptotic cell death. Biomarkers of exposure to HRCs can be used to explore whether these substances are risk factors for sporadic amyotrophic laterals sclerosis and other noninherited neurodegenerative diseases, which is the focus of this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter S Spencer
- Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
| | - Glen E Kisby
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific Northwest, Western University of Health Sciences, Lebanon, Oregon 97355, United States
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37
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Kok JR, Palminha NM, Dos Santos Souza C, El-Khamisy SF, Ferraiuolo L. DNA damage as a mechanism of neurodegeneration in ALS and a contributor to astrocyte toxicity. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:5707-5729. [PMID: 34173837 PMCID: PMC8316199 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03872-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidence supports the involvement of DNA damage in several neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Elevated levels of DNA damage are consistently observed in both sporadic and familial forms of ALS and may also play a role in Western Pacific ALS, which is thought to have an environmental cause. The cause of DNA damage in ALS remains unclear but likely differs between genetic subgroups. Repeat expansion in the C9ORF72 gene is the most common genetic cause of familial ALS and responsible for about 10% of sporadic cases. These genetic mutations are known to cause R-loops, thus increasing genomic instability and DNA damage, and generate dipeptide repeat proteins, which have been shown to lead to DNA damage and impairment of the DNA damage response. Similarly, several genes associated with ALS including TARDBP, FUS, NEK1, SQSTM1 and SETX are known to play a role in DNA repair and the DNA damage response, and thus may contribute to neuronal death via these pathways. Another consistent feature present in both sporadic and familial ALS is the ability of astrocytes to induce motor neuron death, although the factors causing this toxicity remain largely unknown. In this review, we summarise the evidence for DNA damage playing a causative or secondary role in the pathogenesis of ALS as well as discuss the possible mechanisms involved in different genetic subtypes with particular focus on the role of astrocytes initiating or perpetuating DNA damage in neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jannigje Rachel Kok
- University of Sheffield, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Sheffield, UK
| | - Nelma M Palminha
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The Healthy Lifespan Institute, Sheffield, UK
- The Institute of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Cleide Dos Santos Souza
- University of Sheffield, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Sheffield, UK
| | - Sherif F El-Khamisy
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The Healthy Lifespan Institute, Sheffield, UK.
- The Institute of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
- The Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, West Yorkshire, UK.
| | - Laura Ferraiuolo
- University of Sheffield, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Sheffield, UK.
- The Institute of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
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Predicted Cellular Interactors of the Endogenous Retrovirus-K Integrase Enzyme. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9071509. [PMID: 34361946 PMCID: PMC8303831 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9071509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Integrase (IN) enzymes are found in all retroviruses and are crucial in the retroviral integration process. Many studies have revealed how exogenous IN enzymes, such as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) IN, contribute to altered cellular function. However, the same consideration has not been given to viral IN originating from symbionts within our own DNA. Endogenous retrovirus-K (ERVK) is pathologically associated with neurological and inflammatory diseases along with several cancers. The ERVK IN interactome is unknown, and the question of how conserved the ERVK IN protein-protein interaction motifs are as compared to other retroviral integrases is addressed in this paper. The ERVK IN protein sequence was analyzed using the Eukaryotic Linear Motif (ELM) database, and the results are compared to ELMs of other betaretroviral INs and similar eukaryotic INs. A list of putative ERVK IN cellular protein interactors was curated from the ELM list and submitted for STRING analysis to generate an ERVK IN interactome. KEGG analysis was used to identify key pathways potentially influenced by ERVK IN. It was determined that the ERVK IN potentially interacts with cellular proteins involved in the DNA damage response (DDR), cell cycle, immunity, inflammation, cell signaling, selective autophagy, and intracellular trafficking. The most prominent pathway identified was viral carcinogenesis, in addition to select cancers, neurological diseases, and diabetic complications. This potentiates the role of ERVK IN in these pathologies via protein-protein interactions facilitating alterations in key disease pathways.
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Kim MH, Kim IB, Lee J, Cha DH, Park SM, Kim JH, Kim R, Park JS, An Y, Kim K, Kim S, Webster MJ, Kim S, Lee JH. Low-Level Brain Somatic Mutations Are Implicated in Schizophrenia. Biol Psychiatry 2021; 90:35-46. [PMID: 33867114 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2021.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Somatic mutations arising from the brain have recently emerged as significant contributors to neurodevelopmental disorders, including childhood intractable epilepsy and cortical malformations. However, whether brain somatic mutations are implicated in schizophrenia (SCZ) is not well established. METHODS We performed deep whole exome sequencing (average read depth > 550×) of matched dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and peripheral tissues from 27 patients with SCZ and 31 age-matched control individuals, followed by comprehensive and strict analysis of somatic mutations, including mutagenesis signature, substitution patterns, and involved pathways. In particular, we explored the impact of deleterious mutations in GRIN2B through primary neural culture. RESULTS We identified an average of 4.9 and 5.6 somatic mutations per exome per brain in patients with SCZ and control individuals, respectively. These mutations presented with average variant allele frequencies of 8.0% in patients with SCZ and 7.6% in control individuals. Although mutational profiles, such as the number and type of mutations, showed no significant difference between patients with SCZ and control individuals, somatic mutations in SCZ brains were significantly enriched for SCZ-related pathways, including dopamine receptor, glutamate receptor, and long-term potentiation pathways. Furthermore, we showed that brain somatic mutations in GRIN2B (encoding glutamate ionotropic NMDA receptor subunit 2B), which were found in two patients with SCZ, disrupted the location of GRIN2B across the surface of dendrites among primary cultured neurons. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, this study shows that brain somatic mutations are associated with the pathogenesis of SCZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myeong-Heui Kim
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Il Bin Kim
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea; Department of Psychiatry, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Guri, Republic of Korea
| | - Junehawk Lee
- Center for Computational Science Platform, National Institute of Supercomputing and Networking, Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Do Hyeon Cha
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Min Park
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ja Hye Kim
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ryunhee Kim
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Sung Park
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea; European Bioinformatics Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
| | - Yohan An
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungdeok Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seyeon Kim
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Maree J Webster
- Stanley Medical Research Institute, Laboratory of Brain Research, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Sanghyeon Kim
- Stanley Medical Research Institute, Laboratory of Brain Research, Rockville, Maryland.
| | - Jeong Ho Lee
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea; SoVarGen Inc., Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
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Pascucci B, Spadaro F, Pietraforte D, Nuccio CD, Visentin S, Giglio P, Dogliotti E, D’Errico M. DRP1 Inhibition Rescues Mitochondrial Integrity and Excessive Apoptosis in CS-A Disease Cell Models. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22137123. [PMID: 34281194 PMCID: PMC8268695 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137123] [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: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cockayne syndrome group A (CS-A) is a rare recessive progeroid disorder characterized by sun sensitivity and neurodevelopmental abnormalities. Cells derived from CS-A patients present as pathological hallmarks excessive oxidative stress, mitochondrial fragmentation and apoptosis associated with hyperactivation of the mitochondrial fission dynamin related protein 1 (DRP1). In this study, by using human cell models we further investigated the interplay between DRP1 and CSA and we determined whether pharmacological or genetic inhibition of DRP1 affects disease progression. Both reactive oxygen and nitrogen species are in excess in CS-A cells and when the mitochondrial translocation of DRP1 is inhibited a reduction of these species is observed together with a recovery of mitochondrial integrity and a significant decrease of apoptosis. This study indicates that the CSA-driven modulation of DRP1 pathway is key to control mitochondrial homeostasis and apoptosis and suggests DRP1 as a potential target in the treatment of CS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Pascucci
- Institute of Crystallography, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 00015 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Francesca Spadaro
- Core Facilities, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (F.S.); (D.P.)
| | | | - Chiara De Nuccio
- Research Coordination and Support Service, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Sergio Visentin
- National Center for Research and Preclinical and Clinical Evaluation of Drugs, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Paola Giglio
- Department of Biology, Tor Vergata University, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Eugenia Dogliotti
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Mariarosaria D’Errico
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy;
- Correspondence:
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D'Errico M, Parlanti E, Pascucci B, Filomeni G, Mastroberardino PG, Dogliotti E. The interplay between mitochondrial functionality and genome integrity in the prevention of human neurologic diseases. Arch Biochem Biophys 2021; 710:108977. [PMID: 34174223 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2021.108977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
As mitochondria are vulnerable to oxidative damage and represent the main source of reactive oxygen species (ROS), they are considered key tuners of ROS metabolism and buffering, whose dysfunction can progressively impact neuronal networks and disease. Defects in DNA repair and DNA damage response (DDR) may also affect neuronal health and lead to neuropathology. A number of congenital DNA repair and DDR defective syndromes, indeed, show neurological phenotypes, and a growing body of evidence indicate that defects in the mechanisms that control genome stability in neurons acts as aging-related modifiers of common neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer, Parkinson's, Huntington diseases and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. In this review we elaborate on the established principles and recent concepts supporting the hypothesis that deficiencies in either DNA repair or DDR might contribute to neurodegeneration via mechanisms involving mitochondrial dysfunction/deranged metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eleonora Parlanti
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Pascucci
- Institute of Crystallography, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Filomeni
- Redox Biology, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark; Center for Healthy Aging, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Pier Giorgio Mastroberardino
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; IFOM- FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy; Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Eugenia Dogliotti
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
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Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Molecular Mechanisms, Biomarkers, and Therapeutic Strategies. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10071012. [PMID: 34202494 PMCID: PMC8300638 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10071012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease with the progressive loss of motor neurons, leading to a fatal paralysis. According to whether there is a family history of ALS, ALS can be roughly divided into two types: familial and sporadic. Despite decades of research, the pathogenesis of ALS is still unelucidated. To this end, we review the recent progress of ALS pathogenesis, biomarkers, and treatment strategies, mainly discuss the roles of immune disorders, redox imbalance, autophagy dysfunction, and disordered iron homeostasis in the pathogenesis of ALS, and introduce the effects of RNA binding proteins, ALS-related genes, and non-coding RNA as biomarkers on ALS. In addition, we also mention other ALS biomarkers such as serum uric acid (UA), cardiolipin (CL), chitotriosidase (CHIT1), and neurofilament light chain (NFL). Finally, we discuss the drug therapy, gene therapy, immunotherapy, and stem cell-exosomal therapy for ALS, attempting to find new therapeutic targets and strategies. A challenge is to study the various mechanisms of ALS as a syndrome. Biomarkers that have been widely explored are indispensable for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of ALS. Moreover, the development of new genes and targets is an urgent task in this field.
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Differential Epigenetic Signature of Corticospinal Motor Neurons in ALS. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11060754. [PMID: 34200232 PMCID: PMC8230084 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11060754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Corticospinal motor neurons (CSMN) are an indispensable neuron population for the motor neuron circuitry. They are excitatory projection neurons, which collect information from different regions of the brain and transmit it to spinal cord targets, initiating and controlling motor function. CSMN degeneration is pronounced cellular event in motor neurons diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Genetic mutations contribute to only about ten percent of ALS. Thus understanding the involvement of other factors, such as epigenetic controls, is immensely valuable. Here, we investigated epigenomic signature of CSMN that become diseased due to misfolded SOD1 toxicity and TDP-43 pathology, by performing quantitative analysis of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) and 5-hydroxymethycytosine (5hmC) expression profiles during end-stage of the disease in hSOD1G93A, and prpTDP-43A315T mice. Our analysis revealed that expression of 5mC was specifically reduced in CSMN of both hSOD1G93A and prpTDP-43A315T mice. However, 5hmC expression was increased in the CSMN that becomes diseased due to misfolded SOD1 and decreased in CSMN that degenerates due to TDP-43 pathology. These results suggest the presence of a distinct difference between different underlying causes. These differential epigenetic events might modulate the expression profiles of select genes, and ultimately contribute to the different paths that lead to CSMN vulnerability in ALS.
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The Novel Regulatory Role of lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA Axis in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: An Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2021; 2021:5526179. [PMID: 33953791 PMCID: PMC8067776 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5526179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an incurable neurodegenerative disease that primarily affects motor neurons, causing muscle atrophy, bulbar palsy, and pyramidal tract signs. However, the aetiology and pathogenesis of ALS have not been elucidated to date. In this study, a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was constructed by analyzing the expression profiles of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) that were matched by 7 ALS samples and 4 control samples, and then a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to identify the genes related to ALS. Gene Ontology (GO) was used to study the potential functions of differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs) in the ceRNA network. For the ALS and control groups, 247177 potential lncRNA-mRNA ceRNA relationship pairs were screened. Analysis of significant relationship pairs demonstrated that the PPI modules formed by the MALAT1-regulated SYNRG, ITSN2, PICALM, AP3B1, and AAK1 genes may play important roles in the pathogenesis of ALS, and these results may help to characterize the pathogenesis of ALS.
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Robichaud PP, Arseneault M, O'Connell C, Ouellette RJ, Morin PJ. Circulating cell-free DNA as potential diagnostic tools for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neurosci Lett 2021; 750:135813. [PMID: 33705931 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.135813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation has garnered much attention in recent years for its diagnostic potential in multiple conditions including cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Conversely, advances regarding the potential diagnostic relevance of DNA methylation status have been sparse in the field of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) even though patients diagnosed with this condition would significantly benefit from improved molecular assays aimed at furthering the current diagnostic and therapeutic options available. This review will provide an overview of the current diagnostic approaches available for ALS diagnosis and discuss the potential clinical usefulness of DNA methylation. We will also present examples of DNA methylation as a diagnostic tool in various types of cancer and neurodegenerative conditions and expand on how circulating cfDNA methylation may be leveraged for the early detection of ALS. In general, this article will reinforce the importance of cfDNA methylation as diagnostic tools and will further highlight its clinical relevance for persons diagnosed with ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe-Pierre Robichaud
- Vitalité Health Network, Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre, Department of Genetic Services, 330 Université Ave, Moncton, New Brunswick, E1C 2Z3, Canada; Atlantic Cancer Research Institute, Pavillon Hôtel-Dieu, 35 Providence Street, Moncton, New Brunswick, E1C 8X3, Canada; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Université de Moncton, 18 Antonine-Maillet Avenue, Moncton, New Brunswick, E1A 3E9, Canada
| | - Michael Arseneault
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Université de Moncton, 18 Antonine-Maillet Avenue, Moncton, New Brunswick, E1A 3E9, Canada
| | - Colleen O'Connell
- Stan Cassidy Centre for Rehabilitation, 800 Priestman Street, Fredericton, New Brunswick, E3B 0C7, Canada
| | - Rodney J Ouellette
- Atlantic Cancer Research Institute, Pavillon Hôtel-Dieu, 35 Providence Street, Moncton, New Brunswick, E1C 8X3, Canada
| | - Pier Jr Morin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Université de Moncton, 18 Antonine-Maillet Avenue, Moncton, New Brunswick, E1A 3E9, Canada.
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Crosstalk between Different DNA Repair Pathways Contributes to Neurodegenerative Diseases. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10020163. [PMID: 33669593 PMCID: PMC7922961 DOI: 10.3390/biology10020163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary Constant exposure to endogenous and environmental factors induces oxidative stress and DNA damage. Rare brain disorders caused by defects in DNA repair and DNA damage response (DDR) signaling establish that failure to process DNA damage may lead to neurodegeneration. In this review, we present mechanisms that link DDR with neurodegeneration in these disorders and discuss their relevance for common age-related neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). Moreover, we highlight recent insight into the crosstalk between the DDR and other cellular processes known to be disturbed during NDDs. Abstract Genomic integrity is maintained by DNA repair and the DNA damage response (DDR). Defects in certain DNA repair genes give rise to many rare progressive neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), such as ocular motor ataxia, Huntington disease (HD), and spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA). Dysregulation or dysfunction of DDR is also proposed to contribute to more common NDDs, such as Parkinson’s disease (PD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Here, we present mechanisms that link DDR with neurodegeneration in rare NDDs caused by defects in the DDR and discuss the relevance for more common age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, we highlight recent insight into the crosstalk between the DDR and other cellular processes known to be disturbed during NDDs. We compare the strengths and limitations of established model systems to model human NDDs, ranging from C. elegans and mouse models towards advanced stem cell-based 3D models.
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Jagaraj CJ, Parakh S, Atkin JD. Emerging Evidence Highlighting the Importance of Redox Dysregulation in the Pathogenesis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 14:581950. [PMID: 33679322 PMCID: PMC7929997 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.581950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The cellular redox state, or balance between cellular oxidation and reduction reactions, serves as a vital antioxidant defence system that is linked to all important cellular activities. Redox regulation is therefore a fundamental cellular process for aerobic organisms. Whilst oxidative stress is well described in neurodegenerative disorders including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), other aspects of redox dysfunction and their contributions to pathophysiology are only just emerging. ALS is a fatal neurodegenerative disease affecting motor neurons, with few useful treatments. Hence there is an urgent need to develop more effective therapeutics in the future. Here, we discuss the increasing evidence for redox dysregulation as an important and primary contributor to ALS pathogenesis, which is associated with multiple disease mechanisms. Understanding the connection between redox homeostasis, proteins that mediate redox regulation, and disease pathophysiology in ALS, may facilitate a better understanding of disease mechanisms, and lead to the design of better therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyril Jones Jagaraj
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University Centre for MND Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sonam Parakh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University Centre for MND Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Julie D Atkin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University Centre for MND Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
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Martin LJ, Niedzwiecki MV, Wong M. Chronic Intermittent Mild Whole-Body Hypothermia Is Therapeutic in a Mouse Model of ALS. Cells 2021; 10:320. [PMID: 33557211 PMCID: PMC7913914 DOI: 10.3390/cells10020320] [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: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that causes motor neuron degeneration. There are no cures or effective treatments for ALS. Therapeutic hypothermia is effectively used clinically to mitigate mortality in patients with acute acquired brain injury and in surgical settings to minimize secondary brain injury. The efficacy of therapeutic hypothermia in chronic neurodegenerative disorders has not been examined. We tested the hypothesis that mild hypothermia/cold acclimation is therapeutic in a transgenic mouse model of ALS caused by expression of mutated human superoxide dismutase-1 gene. At presymptomatic stages of disease, body temperatures (oral and axial) of mutant male mice were persistently hyperthermic (38-38.5 °C) compared to littermate controls, but at end-stage disease mice were generally hypothermic (36-36.5 °C). Presymptomatic mutant mice (awake-freely moving) were acclimated to systemic mild hypothermia using an environmentally controlled chamber (12 h-on/12-off or 24 h-on/24 h-off) to lower body temperature (1-3 °C). Cooled ALS mice showed a significant delay in disease onset (103-112 days) compared to normothermia mice (80-90 days) and exhibited significant attenuation of functional decline in motor performance. Cooled mice examined at 80 days had reduced motor neuron loss, mitochondrial swelling, and spinal cord inflammation compared to non-cooled mice. Cooling attenuated the loss of heat-shock protein 70, mitochondrial uncoupling protein-3, and sumoylated-1 (SUMO1)-conjugated proteins in skeletal muscle and disengaged the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. Cooled ALS mice had a significant extension of lifespan (148 ± 7 days) compared to normothermic mice (135 ± 4 days). Thus, intermittent systemic mild hypothermia is therapeutic in mouse ALS with protective effects manifested within the CNS and skeletal muscle that target mitochondria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee J. Martin
- Departments of Pathology, Division of Neuropathology, Neuroscience, and Anesthesiology and Critical Medicine and the Pathobiology Graduate Training Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 558 Ross Building, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21205-2196, USA; (M.V.N.); (M.W.)
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Kim BW, Martin LJ. Mending the broken in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: DNA damage and repair in motor neuron degeneration. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:104-105. [PMID: 32788455 PMCID: PMC7818865 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.286960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Byung Woo Kim
- Department of Pathology, Division of Neuropathology, the Pathobiology Graduate Training Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lee J Martin
- Department of Pathology, Division of Neuropathology, the Pathobiology Graduate Training Program; Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Martin LJ, Wong M. Skeletal Muscle-Restricted Expression of Human SOD1 in Transgenic Mice Causes a Fatal ALS-Like Syndrome. Front Neurol 2020; 11:592851. [PMID: 33381076 PMCID: PMC7767933 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.592851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal heterogeneous neurodegenerative disease that causes motor neuron (MN) loss and skeletal muscle paralysis. It is uncertain whether this degeneration of MNs is triggered intrinsically and is autonomous, or if the disease initiating mechanisms are extrinsic to MNs. We hypothesized that skeletal muscle is a primary site of pathogenesis in ALS that triggers MN degeneration. Some inherited forms of ALS are caused by mutations in the superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1) gene, that encodes an antioxidant protein, so we created transgenic (tg) mice expressing wild-type-, G37R-, and G93A-human SOD1 gene variants only in skeletal muscle. Presence of human SOD1 (hSOD1) protein in skeletal muscle was verified by western blotting, enzyme activity gels, and immunofluorescence in myofibers and satellite cells. These tg mice developed limb weakness and paresis with motor deficits, limb and chest muscle wasting, diaphragm atrophy, and age-related fatal disease with a lifespan shortening of 10–16%. Brown and white adipose tissue also became wasted. Myofibers of tg mice developed crystalline-like inclusions, individualized sarcomere destruction, mitochondriopathy with vesiculation, DNA damage, and activated p53. Satellite cells became apoptotic. The diaphragm developed severe loss of neuromuscular junction presynaptic and postsynaptic integrity, including decreased innervation, loss of synaptophysin, nitration of synaptophysin, and loss of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and scaffold protein rapsyn. Co-immunoprecipitation identified hSOD1 interaction with rapsyn. Spinal cords of tg mice developed gross atrophy. Spinal MNs formed cytoplasmic and nuclear inclusions, axonopathy, mitochondriopathy, accumulated DNA damage, activated p53 and cleaved caspase-3, and died. Tg mice had a 40–50% loss of MNs. This work shows that hSOD1 in skeletal muscle is a driver of pathogenesis in ALS, that involves myofiber and satellite cell toxicity, and apparent muscle-adipose tissue disease relationships. It also identifies a non-autonomous mechanism for MN degeneration explaining their selective vulnerability as likely a form of target-deprivation retrograde neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee J Martin
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Pathobiology Graduate Training Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Margaret Wong
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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