1
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Roger AL, Biswas DD, Huston ML, Le D, Bailey AM, Pucci LA, Shi Y, Robinson-Hamm J, Gersbach CA, ElMallah MK. Respiratory characterization of a humanized Duchenne muscular dystrophy mouse model. Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2024; 326:104282. [PMID: 38782084 DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2024.104282] [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: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common X-linked disease. DMD is caused by a lack of dystrophin, a critical structural protein in striated muscle. Dystrophin deficiency leads to inflammation, fibrosis, and muscle atrophy. Boys with DMD have progressive muscle weakness within the diaphragm that results in respiratory failure in the 2nd or 3rd decade of life. The most common DMD mouse model - the mdx mouse - is not sufficient for evaluating genetic medicines that specifically target the human DMD (hDMD) gene sequence. Therefore, a novel transgenic mouse carrying the hDMD gene with an exon 52 deletion was created (hDMDΔ52;mdx). We characterized the respiratory function and pathology in this model using whole body plethysmography, histology, and immunohistochemistry. At 6-months-old, hDMDΔ52;mdx mice have reduced maximal respiration, neuromuscular junction pathology, and fibrosis throughout the diaphragm, which worsens at 12-months-old. In conclusion, the hDMDΔ52;mdx exhibits moderate respiratory pathology, and serves as a relevant animal model to study the impact of novel genetic therapies, including gene editing, on respiratory function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela L Roger
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | | | - Davina Le
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Aidan M Bailey
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Logan A Pucci
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Yihan Shi
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | | | - Mai K ElMallah
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
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2
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Tsekrekou M, Giannakou M, Papanikolopoulou K, Skretas G. Protein aggregation and therapeutic strategies in SOD1- and TDP-43- linked ALS. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1383453. [PMID: 38855322 PMCID: PMC11157337 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1383453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease with severe socio-economic impact. A hallmark of ALS pathology is the presence of aberrant cytoplasmic inclusions composed of misfolded and aggregated proteins, including both wild-type and mutant forms. This review highlights the critical role of misfolded protein species in ALS pathogenesis, particularly focusing on Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) and TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43), and emphasizes the urgent need for innovative therapeutic strategies targeting these misfolded proteins directly. Despite significant advancements in understanding ALS mechanisms, the disease remains incurable, with current treatments offering limited clinical benefits. Through a comprehensive analysis, the review focuses on the direct modulation of the misfolded proteins and presents recent discoveries in small molecules and peptides that inhibit SOD1 and TDP-43 aggregation, underscoring their potential as effective treatments to modify disease progression and improve clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Tsekrekou
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Giannakou
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece
- Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Katerina Papanikolopoulou
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Centre “Alexander Fleming”, Vari, Greece
- ResQ Biotech, Patras Science Park, Rio, Greece
| | - Georgios Skretas
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece
- ResQ Biotech, Patras Science Park, Rio, Greece
- Institute for Bio-innovation, Biomedical Sciences Research Centre “Alexander Fleming”, Vari, Greece
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3
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De Cock L, Bercier V, Van Den Bosch L. New developments in pre-clinical models of ALS to guide translation. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 176:477-524. [PMID: 38802181 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2024.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder in which selective death of motor neurons leads to muscle weakness and paralysis. Most research has focused on understanding and treating monogenic familial forms, most frequently caused by mutations in SOD1, FUS, TARDBP and C9orf72, although ALS is mostly sporadic and without a clear genetic cause. Rodent models have been developed to study monogenic ALS, but despite numerous pre-clinical studies and clinical trials, few disease-modifying therapies are available. ALS is a heterogeneous disease with complex underlying mechanisms where several genes and molecular pathways appear to play a role. One reason for the high failure rate of clinical translation from the current models could be oversimplification in pre-clinical studies. Here, we review advances in pre-clinical models to better capture the heterogeneous nature of ALS and discuss the value of novel model systems to guide translation and aid in the development of precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenja De Cock
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Louvain-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Valérie Bercier
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Louvain-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ludo Van Den Bosch
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Louvain-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium.
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4
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Ke YD, van Hummel A, Au C, Chan G, Lee WS, van der Hoven J, Przybyla M, Deng Y, Sabale M, Morey N, Bertz J, Feiten A, Ippati S, Stevens CH, Yang S, Gladbach A, Haass NK, Kril JJ, Blair IP, Delerue F, Ittner LM. Targeting 14-3-3θ-mediated TDP-43 pathology in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia mice. Neuron 2024; 112:1249-1264.e8. [PMID: 38366598 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.01.022] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are characterized by cytoplasmic deposition of the nuclear TAR-binding protein 43 (TDP-43). Although cytoplasmic re-localization of TDP-43 is a key event in the pathogenesis of ALS/FTD, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we identified a non-canonical interaction between 14-3-3θ and TDP-43, which regulates nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling. Neuronal 14-3-3θ levels were increased in sporadic ALS and FTD with TDP-43 pathology. Pathogenic TDP-43 showed increased interaction with 14-3-3θ, resulting in cytoplasmic accumulation, insolubility, phosphorylation, and fragmentation of TDP-43, resembling pathological changes in disease. Harnessing this increased affinity of 14-3-3θ for pathogenic TDP-43, we devised a gene therapy vector targeting TDP-43 pathology, which mitigated functional deficits and neurodegeneration in different ALS/FTD mouse models expressing mutant or non-mutant TDP-43, including when already symptomatic at the time of treatment. Our study identified 14-3-3θ as a mediator of cytoplasmic TDP-43 localization with implications for ALS/FTD pathogenesis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yazi D Ke
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
| | - Annika van Hummel
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Carol Au
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Gabriella Chan
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Wei Siang Lee
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Julia van der Hoven
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Magdalena Przybyla
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Yuanyuan Deng
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Miheer Sabale
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Nicolle Morey
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Josefine Bertz
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Astrid Feiten
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Stefania Ippati
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Claire H Stevens
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong and Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Shu Yang
- Centre for MND Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Amadeus Gladbach
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Nikolas K Haass
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Jillian J Kril
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia; School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Ian P Blair
- Centre for MND Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Fabien Delerue
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Lars M Ittner
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
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5
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Krut' VG, Kalinichenko AL, Maltsev DI, Jappy D, Shevchenko EK, Podgorny OV, Belousov VV. Optogenetic and chemogenetic approaches for modeling neurological disorders in vivo. Prog Neurobiol 2024; 235:102600. [PMID: 38548126 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2024.102600] [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: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
Animal models of human neurological disorders provide valuable experimental tools which enable us to study various aspects of disorder pathogeneses, ranging from structural abnormalities and disrupted metabolism and signaling to motor and mental deficits, and allow us to test novel therapies in preclinical studies. To be valid, these animal models should recapitulate complex pathological features at the molecular, cellular, tissue, and behavioral levels as closely as possible to those observed in human subjects. Pathological states resembling known human neurological disorders can be induced in animal species by toxins, genetic factors, lesioning, or exposure to extreme conditions. In recent years, novel animal models recapitulating neuropathologies in humans have been introduced. These animal models are based on synthetic biology approaches: opto- and chemogenetics. In this paper, we review recent opto- and chemogenetics-based animal models of human neurological disorders. These models allow for the creation of pathological states by disrupting specific processes at the cellular level. The artificial pathological states mimic a range of human neurological disorders, such as aging-related dementia, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, epilepsy, and ataxias. Opto- and chemogenetics provide new opportunities unavailable with other animal models of human neurological disorders. These techniques enable researchers to induce neuropathological states varying in severity and ranging from acute to chronic. We also discuss future directions for the development and application of synthetic biology approaches for modeling neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoriya G Krut'
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow 117997, Russia; Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Andrei L Kalinichenko
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Dmitry I Maltsev
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow 117997, Russia; Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow 117997, Russia; Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - David Jappy
- Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Evgeny K Shevchenko
- Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Oleg V Podgorny
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow 117997, Russia; Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow 117997, Russia; Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia.
| | - Vsevolod V Belousov
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow 117997, Russia; Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow 117997, Russia; Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia; Life Improvement by Future Technologies (LIFT) Center, Skolkovo, Moscow 143025, Russia.
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6
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Godoy-Corchuelo JM, Ali Z, Brito Armas JM, Martins-Bach AB, García-Toledo I, Fernández-Beltrán LC, López-Carbonero JI, Bascuñana P, Spring S, Jimenez-Coca I, Muñoz de Bustillo Alfaro RA, Sánchez-Barrena MJ, Nair RR, Nieman BJ, Lerch JP, Miller KL, Ozdinler HP, Fisher EMC, Cunningham TJ, Acevedo-Arozena A, Corrochano S. TDP-43-M323K causes abnormal brain development and progressive cognitive and motor deficits associated with mislocalised and increased levels of TDP-43. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 193:106437. [PMID: 38367882 PMCID: PMC10988218 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106437] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024] Open
Abstract
TDP-43 pathology is found in several neurodegenerative disorders, collectively referred to as "TDP-43 proteinopathies". Aggregates of TDP-43 are present in the brains and spinal cords of >97% of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and in brains of ∼50% of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) patients. While mutations in the TDP-43 gene (TARDBP) are usually associated with ALS, many clinical reports have linked these mutations to cognitive impairments and/or FTD, but also to other neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinsonism (PD) or progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). TDP-43 is a ubiquitously expressed, highly conserved RNA-binding protein that is involved in many cellular processes, mainly RNA metabolism. To investigate systemic pathological mechanisms in TDP-43 proteinopathies, aiming to capture the pleiotropic effects of TDP-43 mutations, we have further characterised a mouse model carrying a point mutation (M323K) within the endogenous Tardbp gene. Homozygous mutant mice developed cognitive and behavioural deficits as early as 3 months of age. This was coupled with significant brain structural abnormalities, mainly in the cortex, hippocampus, and white matter fibres, together with progressive cortical interneuron degeneration and neuroinflammation. At the motor level, progressive phenotypes appeared around 6 months of age. Thus, cognitive phenotypes appeared to be of a developmental origin with a mild associated progressive neurodegeneration, while the motor and neuromuscular phenotypes seemed neurodegenerative, underlined by a progressive loss of upper and lower motor neurons as well as distal denervation. This is accompanied by progressive elevated TDP-43 protein and mRNA levels in cortex and spinal cord of homozygous mutant mice from 3 months of age, together with increased cytoplasmic TDP-43 mislocalisation in cortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus, and spinal cord at 12 months of age. In conclusion, we find that Tardbp M323K homozygous mutant mice model many aspects of human TDP-43 proteinopathies, evidencing a dual role for TDP-43 in brain morphogenesis as well as in the maintenance of the motor system, making them an ideal in vivo model system to study the complex biology of TDP-43.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan M Godoy-Corchuelo
- Neurological Disorders Group, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdiSSC), Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Zeinab Ali
- Neurological Disorders Group, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdiSSC), Madrid 28040, Spain; MRC Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Jose M Brito Armas
- Unidad de Investigación, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, ITB-ULL and CIBERNED, La Laguna, Spain
| | | | - Irene García-Toledo
- Neurological Disorders Group, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdiSSC), Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Luis C Fernández-Beltrán
- Neurological Disorders Group, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdiSSC), Madrid 28040, Spain; Department of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan I López-Carbonero
- Neurological Disorders Group, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdiSSC), Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Pablo Bascuñana
- Brain Mapping Group, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, IdISSC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Shoshana Spring
- Mouse Imaging Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Irene Jimenez-Coca
- Neurological Disorders Group, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdiSSC), Madrid 28040, Spain
| | | | - Maria J Sánchez-Barrena
- Department of Crystallography and Structural Biology, Institute of Physical Chemistry "Blas Cabrera", CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Remya R Nair
- MRC Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire, UK; Nucleic Acid Therapy Accelerator (NATA), Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Brian J Nieman
- Mouse Imaging Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jason P Lerch
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Karla L Miller
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Hande P Ozdinler
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Elizabeth M C Fisher
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, and UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, UCL, Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Thomas J Cunningham
- MRC Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire, UK; MRC Prion Unit at UCL, UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, London, UK
| | - Abraham Acevedo-Arozena
- Unidad de Investigación, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, ITB-ULL and CIBERNED, La Laguna, Spain.
| | - Silvia Corrochano
- Neurological Disorders Group, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdiSSC), Madrid 28040, Spain; MRC Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire, UK.
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7
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Wong CH, Rahat A, Chang HC. Fused in sarcoma regulates glutamate signaling and oxidative stress response. Free Radic Biol Med 2024; 210:172-182. [PMID: 38007141 PMCID: PMC10872661 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2023.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in fused in sarcoma (fust-1) are linked to ALS. However, how these ALS causative mutations alter physiological processes and lead to the onset of ALS remains largely unknown. By obtaining humanized fust-1 ALS mutations via CRISPR-CAS9, we generated a C. elegans ALS model. Homozygous fust-1 ALS mutant and fust-1 deletion animals are viable in C. elegans. This allows us to better characterize the molecular mechanisms of fust-1-dependent responses. We found FUST-1 plays a role in regulating superoxide dismutase, glutamate signaling, and oxidative stress. FUST-1 suppresses SOD-1 and VGLUT/EAT-4 in the nervous system. FUST-1 also regulates synaptic AMPA-type glutamate receptor GLR-1. We found that fust-1 ALS mutations act as loss-of-function in SOD-1 and VGLUT/EAT-4 phenotypes, whereas the fust-1 ALS mutations act as gain-of-function in redox homeostasis and the microbe-induced oxidative stress response. We hypothesized that FUST-1 is a link between glutamate signaling and SOD-1. Our results may provide new insights into the human ALS alleles and their roles in pathological mechanisms that lead to ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiong-Hee Wong
- Department of Emergency Medicine, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 104217, Taiwan
| | - Abu Rahat
- Integrative Neuroscience Program, SUNY Binghamton, Vestal, NY, 13850, USA
| | - Howard C Chang
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rowan University, Stratford, NJ, 08084, USA.
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8
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Babazadeh A, Rayner SL, Lee A, Chung RS. TDP-43 as a therapeutic target in neurodegenerative diseases: Focusing on motor neuron disease and frontotemporal dementia. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 92:102085. [PMID: 37813308 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.102085] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
A common feature of adult-onset neurodegenerative diseases is the presence of characteristic pathological accumulations of specific proteins. These pathological protein depositions can vary in their protein composition, cell-type distribution, and intracellular (or extracellular) location. For example, abnormal cytoplasmic protein deposits which consist of the TDP-43 protein are found within motor neurons in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, a common form of motor neuron disease) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The presence of these insoluble intracellular TDP-43 inclusions suggests that restoring TDP-43 homeostasis represents a potential therapeutical strategy, which has been demonstrated in alleviating neurodegenerative symptoms in cell and animal models of ALS/FTD. We have reviewed the mechanisms that lead to disrupted TDP-43 homeostasis and discussed how small molecule-based therapies could be applied in modulating these mechanisms. This review covers recent advancements and challenges in small molecule-based therapies that could be used to clear pathological forms of TDP-43 through various protein homeostasis mechanisms and advance the way towards finding effective therapeutical drug discoveries for neurodegenerative diseases characterized by TDP-43 proteinopathies, especially ALS and FTD. We also consider the wider insight of these therapeutic strategies for other neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afshin Babazadeh
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
| | - Stephanie L Rayner
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
| | - Albert Lee
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
| | - Roger S Chung
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
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9
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Shimizu M, Shiraishi N, Tada S, Sasaki T, Beck G, Nagano S, Kinoshita M, Sumi H, Sugimoto T, Ishida Y, Koda T, Ishikura T, Sugiyama Y, Kihara K, Kanakura M, Nakajima T, Takeda S, Takahashi MP, Yamashita T, Okuno T, Mochizuki H. RGMa collapses the neuronal actin barrier against disease-implicated protein and exacerbates ALS. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadg3193. [PMID: 37992159 PMCID: PMC10665002 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg3193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Repulsive guidance molecule A (RGMa) was originally identified as a neuronal growth cone-collapsing factor. Previous reports have demonstrated the multifunctional roles of RGMa mediated by neogenin1. However, the pathogenic involvement of RGMa in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) remains unclear. Here, we demonstrated that RGMa concentration was elevated in the cerebrospinal fluid of both patients with ALS and transgenic mice overexpressing the mutant human superoxide dismutase1 (mSOD1 mice). Treatment with humanized anti-RGMa monoclonal antibody ameliorated the clinical symptoms in mSOD1 mice. Histochemical analysis revealed that the anti-RGMa antibody significantly decreased mutant SOD1 protein accumulation in the motor neurons of mSOD1 mice via inhibition of actin depolymerization. In vitro analysis revealed that the anti-RGMa antibody inhibited the cellular uptake of the mutant SOD1 protein, presumably by reinforcing the neuronal actin barrier. Collectively, these data suggest that RGMa leads to the collapse of the neuronal actin barrier and promotes aberrant protein deposition, resulting in exacerbation of the ALS pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikito Shimizu
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Naoyuki Shiraishi
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Satoru Tada
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Clinical Research, National Hospital Organization Osaka-Minami Medical Center, Kawachinagano, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Sasaki
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Goichi Beck
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Seiichi Nagano
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Neurotherapeutics, Neuroscience, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Makoto Kinoshita
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hisae Sumi
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Neurology, Higashiosaka City Medical Center, Higashiosaka, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Sugimoto
- Graduate School of Data Science, Shiga University, Hikone, Shiga, Japan
| | - Yoko Ishida
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Toru Koda
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Teruyuki Ishikura
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Neurology, Higashiosaka City Medical Center, Higashiosaka, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yasuko Sugiyama
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Keigo Kihara
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Minami Kanakura
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Health Sciences, Neuroscience, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tsuneo Nakajima
- Department of Geriatric and General Medicine, Neuroscience, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shuko Takeda
- Department of Clinical Gene Therapy, Neuroscience, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Osaka Psychiatric Research Center, Osaka Psychiatric Medical Center, Hirakata, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masanori P. Takahashi
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Health Sciences, Neuroscience, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Toshihide Yamashita
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tatsusada Okuno
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hideki Mochizuki
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
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10
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Necarsulmer JC, Simon JM, Evangelista BA, Chen Y, Tian X, Nafees S, Marquez AB, Jiang H, Wang P, Ajit D, Nikolova VD, Harper KM, Ezzell JA, Lin FC, Beltran AS, Moy SS, Cohen TJ. RNA-binding deficient TDP-43 drives cognitive decline in a mouse model of TDP-43 proteinopathy. eLife 2023; 12:RP85921. [PMID: 37819053 PMCID: PMC10567115 DOI: 10.7554/elife.85921] [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] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
TDP-43 proteinopathies including frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are neurodegenerative disorders characterized by aggregation and mislocalization of the nucleic acid-binding protein TDP-43 and subsequent neuronal dysfunction. Here, we developed endogenous models of sporadic TDP-43 proteinopathy based on the principle that disease-associated TDP-43 acetylation at lysine 145 (K145) alters TDP-43 conformation, impairs RNA-binding capacity, and induces downstream mis-regulation of target genes. Expression of acetylation-mimic TDP-43K145Q resulted in stress-induced nuclear TDP-43 foci and loss of TDP-43 function in primary mouse and human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived cortical neurons. Mice harboring the TDP-43K145Q mutation recapitulated key hallmarks of FTLD, including progressive TDP-43 phosphorylation and insolubility, TDP-43 mis-localization, transcriptomic and splicing alterations, and cognitive dysfunction. Our study supports a model in which TDP-43 acetylation drives neuronal dysfunction and cognitive decline through aberrant splicing and transcription of critical genes that regulate synaptic plasticity and stress response signaling. The neurodegenerative cascade initiated by TDP-43 acetylation recapitulates many aspects of human FTLD and provides a new paradigm to further interrogate TDP-43 proteinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie C Necarsulmer
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
- Department of Neurology, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | - Jeremy M Simon
- UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
- Department of Genetics, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | - Baggio A Evangelista
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
- Department of Neurology, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | - Youjun Chen
- Department of Neurology, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | - Xu Tian
- Department of Neurology, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | - Sara Nafees
- Department of Neurology, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | - Ariana B Marquez
- Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Core, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | - Huijun Jiang
- Department of Biostatistics, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Neurology, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | - Deepa Ajit
- Department of Neurology, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | - Viktoriya D Nikolova
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | - Kathryn M Harper
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | - J Ashley Ezzell
- Department of Cell Biology & Physiology, Histology Research Core Facility, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | - Feng-Chang Lin
- Department of Biostatistics, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | - Adriana S Beltran
- Department of Genetics, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
- Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Core, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | - Sheryl S Moy
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | - Todd J Cohen
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
- Department of Neurology, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
- UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
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11
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Maksimovic K, Youssef M, You J, Sung HK, Park J. Evidence of Metabolic Dysfunction in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Patients and Animal Models. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13050863. [PMID: 37238732 DOI: 10.3390/biom13050863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and eventual death. Research from the past few decades has appreciated that ALS is not only a disease of the motor neurons but also a disease that involves systemic metabolic dysfunction. This review will examine the foundational research of understanding metabolic dysfunction in ALS and provide an overview of past and current studies in ALS patients and animal models, spanning from full systems to various metabolic organs. While ALS-affected muscle tissue exhibits elevated energy demand and a fuel preference switch from glycolysis to fatty acid oxidation, adipose tissue in ALS undergoes increased lipolysis. Dysfunctions in the liver and pancreas contribute to impaired glucose homeostasis and insulin secretion. The central nervous system (CNS) displays abnormal glucose regulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and increased oxidative stress. Importantly, the hypothalamus, a brain region that controls whole-body metabolism, undergoes atrophy associated with pathological aggregates of TDP-43. This review will also cover past and present treatment options that target metabolic dysfunction in ALS and provide insights into the future of metabolism research in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Maksimovic
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Mohieldin Youssef
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Justin You
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Hoon-Ki Sung
- Translational Medicine Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Jeehye Park
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
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12
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Milstead RA, Link CD, Xu Z, Hoeffer CA. TDP-43 knockdown in mouse model of ALS leads to dsRNA deposition, gliosis, and neurodegeneration in the spinal cord. Cereb Cortex 2023; 33:5808-5816. [PMID: 36443249 PMCID: PMC10183735 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhac461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Transactive response DNA binding protein 43 kilodaltons (TDP-43) is a DNA and RNA binding protein associated with severe neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), primarily affecting motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. Partial knockdown of TDP-43 expression in a mouse model (the amiR-TDP-43 mice) leads to progressive, age-related motor dysfunction, as observed in ALS patients. Work in Caenorhabditis elegans suggests that TDP-43 dysfunction can lead to deficits in chromatin processing and double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) accumulation, potentially activating the innate immune system and promoting neuroinflammation. To test this hypothesis, we used immunostaining to investigate dsRNA accumulation and other signs of CNS pathology in the spinal cords of amiR-TDP-43 mice. Compared with wild-type controls, TDP-43 knockdown animals show increases in dsRNA deposition in the dorsal and ventral horns of the spinal cord. Additionally, animals with heavy dsRNA expression show markedly increased levels of astrogliosis and microgliosis. Interestingly, areas of high dsRNA expression and microgliosis overlap with regions of heavy neurodegeneration, indicating that activated microglia could contribute to the degeneration of spinal cord neurons. This study suggests that loss of TDP-43 function could contribute to neuropathology by increasing dsRNA deposition and subsequent innate immune system activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan A Milstead
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder CO 80303
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303
| | - Christopher D Link
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder CO 80303
| | - Zuoshang Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01655
| | - Charles A Hoeffer
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder CO 80303
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303
- Linda Crnic Institute, Anschutz Medical Center, Aurora, CO 80217
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13
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Fisher EM, Greensmith L, Malaspina A, Fratta P, Hanna MG, Schiavo G, Isaacs AM, Orrell RW, Cunningham TJ, Arozena AA. Opinion: more mouse models and more translation needed for ALS. Mol Neurodegener 2023; 18:30. [PMID: 37143081 PMCID: PMC10161557 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00619-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a complex disorder most of which is 'sporadic' of unknown origin but approximately 10% is familial, arising from single mutations in any of more than 30 genes. Thus, there are more than 30 familial ALS subtypes, with different, often unknown, molecular pathologies leading to a complex constellation of clinical phenotypes. We have mouse models for many genetic forms of the disorder, but these do not, on their own, necessarily show us the key pathological pathways at work in human patients. To date, we have no models for the 90% of ALS that is 'sporadic'. Potential therapies have been developed mainly using a limited set of mouse models, and through lack of alternatives, in the past these have been tested on patients regardless of aetiology. Cancer researchers have undertaken therapy development with similar challenges; they have responded by producing complex mouse models that have transformed understanding of pathological processes, and they have implemented patient stratification in multi-centre trials, leading to the effective translation of basic research findings to the clinic. ALS researchers have successfully adopted this combined approach, and now to increase our understanding of key disease pathologies, and our rate of progress for moving from mouse models to mechanism to ALS therapies we need more, innovative, complex mouse models to address specific questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M.C. Fisher
- UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
| | - Linda Greensmith
- UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
| | - Andrea Malaspina
- UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
| | - Pietro Fratta
- UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
| | - Michael G. Hanna
- UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
| | - Giampietro Schiavo
- UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, WC1E 6BT UK
| | - Adrian M. Isaacs
- UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, WC1E 6BT UK
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
| | - Richard W. Orrell
- UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
| | - Thomas J. Cunningham
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, Courtauld Building, 33 Cleveland Street, London, W1W 7FF UK
| | - Abraham Acevedo Arozena
- Research Unit, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, ITB-ULL and CIBERNED, La Laguna, 38320 Spain
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14
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Tseng YL, Lu PC, Lee CC, He RY, Huang YA, Tseng YC, Cheng TJR, Huang JJT, Fang JM. Degradation of neurodegenerative disease-associated TDP-43 aggregates and oligomers via a proteolysis-targeting chimera. J Biomed Sci 2023; 30:27. [PMID: 37101169 PMCID: PMC10131537 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-023-00921-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) associated with TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) aggregation has been considered as a lethal and progressive motor neuron disease. Recent studies have shown that both C-terminal TDP-43 (C-TDP-43) aggregates and oligomers were neurotoxic and pathologic agents in ALS and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). However, misfolding protein has long been considered as an undruggable target by applying conventional inhibitors, agonists, or antagonists. To provide this unmet medical need, we aim to degrade these misfolding proteins by designing a series of proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) against C-TDP-43. METHODS By applying filter trap assay, western blotting, and microscopy imaging, the degradation efficiency of C-TDP-43 aggregates was studied in Neuro-2a cells overexpressing eGFP-C-TDP-43 or mCherry-C-TDP-43. The cell viability was characterized by alarmarBlue assay. The beneficial and disaggregating effects of TDP-43 PROTAC were examined with the YFP-C-TDP-43 transgenic C. elegans by motility assay and confocal microscopy. The impact of TDP-43 PROTAC on C-TDP-43 oligomeric intermediates was monitored by fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy and size exclusion chromatography in the Neuro-2a cells co-expressing eGFP-C-TDP-43 and mCherry-C-TDP-43. RESULTS Four PROTACs with different linker lengths were synthesized and characterized. Among these chimeras, PROTAC 2 decreased C-TDP-43 aggregates and relieved C-TDP-43-induced cytotoxicity in Neuro-2a cells without affecting endogenous TDP-43. We showed that PROTAC 2 bound to C-TDP-43 aggregates and E3 ligase to initiate ubiquitination and proteolytic degradation. By applying advanced microscopy, it was further shown that PROTAC 2 decreased the compactness and population of C-TDP-43 oligomers. In addition to cellular model, PROTAC 2 also improved the motility of transgenic C. elegans by reducing the C-TDP-43 aggregates in the nervous system. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrated the dual-targeting capacity of the newly-designed PROTAC 2 against both C-TDP-43 aggregates and oligomers to reduce their neurotoxicity, which shed light on the potential drug development for ALS as well as other neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ling Tseng
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 106, Taiwan
| | - Po-Chao Lu
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan
- Chemical Biology and Molecular Biophysics, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan
- Department and Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 100, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Chang Lee
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan
| | - Ruei-Yu He
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan
| | - Yung-An Huang
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan
| | - Yin-Chen Tseng
- The Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan
| | | | - Joseph Jen-Tse Huang
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan.
- Sustainable Chemical Science and Technology, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan.
- Department of Applied Chemistry, National Chiayi University, Chiayi City, 600, Taiwan.
- Neuroscience Program of Academia Sinica, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan.
| | - Jim-Min Fang
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 106, Taiwan.
- The Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan.
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15
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A review on cyclin-dependent kinase 5: An emerging drug target for neurodegenerative diseases. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 230:123259. [PMID: 36641018 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.123259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) is the serine/threonine-directed kinase mainly found in the brain and plays a significant role in developing the central nervous system. Recent evidence suggests that CDK5 is activated by specific cyclins regulating its expression and activity. P35 and p39 activate CDK5, and their proteolytic degradation produces p25 and p29, which are stable products involved in the hyperphosphorylation of tau protein, a significant hallmark of various neurological diseases. Numerous high-affinity inhibitors of CDK5 have been designed, and some are marketed drugs. Roscovitine, like other drugs, is being used to minimize neurological symptoms. Here, we performed an extensive literature analysis to highlight the role of CDK5 in neurons, synaptic plasticity, DNA damage repair, cell cycle, etc. We have investigated the structural features of CDK5, and their binding mode with the designed inhibitors is discussed in detail to develop attractive strategies in the therapeutic targeting of CDK5 for neurodegenerative diseases. This review provides deeper mechanistic insights into the therapeutic potential of CDK5 inhibitors and their implications in the clinical management of neurodegenerative diseases.
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16
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Dominick M, Houchins N, Venugopal V, Zuberi AR, Lutz CM, Meechooveet B, Van Keuren-Jensen K, Bowser R, Medina DX. MATR3 P154S knock-in mice do not exhibit motor, muscle or neuropathologic features of ALS. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 645:164-172. [PMID: 36689813 PMCID: PMC10046992 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.01.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Matrin 3 is a nuclear matrix protein that has many roles in RNA processing including splicing and transport of mRNA. Many missense mutations in the Matrin 3 gene (MATR3) have been linked to familial forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and distal myopathy. However, the exact role of MATR3 mutations in ALS and myopathy pathogenesis is not understood. To demonstrate a role of MATR3 mutations in vivo, we generated a novel CRISPR/Cas9 mediated knock-in mouse model harboring the MATR3 P154S mutation expressed under the control of the endogenous promoter. The P154S variant of the MATR3 gene has been linked to familial forms of ALS. Heterozygous and homozygous MATR3 P154S knock-in mice did not develop progressive motor deficits compared to wild-type mice. In addition, ALS-like pathology did not develop in nervous or muscle tissue in either heterozygous or homozygous mice. Our results suggest that the MATR3 P154S variant is not sufficient to produce ALS-like pathology in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marissa Dominick
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, 85013, USA
| | - Nicole Houchins
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, 85013, USA
| | - Vinisha Venugopal
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, 85013, USA
| | - Aamir R Zuberi
- Rare and Orphan Disease Translational Center, The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, USA
| | - Cathleen M Lutz
- Rare and Orphan Disease Translational Center, The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, USA
| | - Bessie Meechooveet
- Neurogenomics Division, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | | | - Robert Bowser
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, 85013, USA
| | - David X Medina
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, 85013, USA.
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17
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Paganini-Hill A, Montine TJ, Bukhari SA, Corrada MM, Kawas CH, Sajjadi SA. LATE and potential estrogen-related risk factors collected 30 years earlier: The 90+ Study. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2023; 82:120-126. [PMID: 36562637 PMCID: PMC9852944 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlac119] [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] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy neuropathologic change (LATE-NC) is a recently described neuropathological construct associated with dementia. This study aimed to investigate in an autopsy study, LATE-NC and its associations with potential estrogen-related risk factors collected about 30 years before death. Participants were part of The 90+ Study and had, as part of the Leisure World Cohort Study, provided information on menstrual and reproductive variables and details of use of estrogen replacement therapy (ERT). No menstrual and reproductive variable showed an association with LATE-NC. Use of ERT, especially long-term use (15+ years) and more recent use (within 1 year of completing the questionnaire), was associated with reduced risk. The odds were significantly lower for long-term (0.39, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.16-0.95) and recent use (0.39, 95% CI: 0.16-0.91) compared with no use. In conclusion, we found that women who reported long-term ERT in their 50s and 60s had a significantly reduced odds of harboring LATE-NC when they died in the 10th and 11th decades of their lives. Our study adds to the existing literature reporting seemingly protective effect of peri- and postmenopausal ERT against neurodegenerative dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas J Montine
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Syed A Bukhari
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Maria M Corrada
- Department of Neurology, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Claudia H Kawas
- Department of Neurology, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | - S Ahmad Sajjadi
- Department of Neurology, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
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18
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Pellegrini F, Padovano V, Biscarini S, Santini T, Setti A, Galfrè SG, Silenzi V, Vitiello E, Mariani D, Nicoletti C, Torromino G, De Leonibus E, Martone J, Bozzoni I. A KO mouse model for the lncRNA Lhx1os produces motor neuron alterations and locomotor impairment. iScience 2022; 26:105891. [PMID: 36647387 PMCID: PMC9840152 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105891] [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: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, we describe a conserved motor neuron-specific long non-coding RNA, Lhx1os, whose knockout in mice produces motor impairment and postnatal reduction of mature motor neurons (MNs). The ER stress-response pathway result specifically altered with the downregulation of factors involved in the unfolded protein response (UPR). Lhx1os was found to bind the ER-associated PDIA3 disulfide isomerase and to affect the expression of the same set of genes controlled by this protein, indicating that the two factors act in conjunction to modulate the UPR. Altogether, the observed phenotype and function of Lhx1os indicate its important role in the control of MN homeostasis and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flaminia Pellegrini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy,Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science@Sapienza of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Vittorio Padovano
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy,Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science@Sapienza of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Biscarini
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science@Sapienza of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Tiziana Santini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy,Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science@Sapienza of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Adriano Setti
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Giulia Galfrè
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Silenzi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy,Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science@Sapienza of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Erika Vitiello
- Center for Human Technologies (CHT) Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 16152 Genova, Italy
| | - Davide Mariani
- Center for Human Technologies (CHT) Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 16152 Genova, Italy
| | - Carmine Nicoletti
- DAHFMO - Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Torromino
- Institute of Cellular Biology and Neurobiology "ABT", CNR, Monterotondo, 00015 Rome, Italy
| | - Elvira De Leonibus
- Institute of Cellular Biology and Neurobiology "ABT", CNR, Monterotondo, 00015 Rome, Italy,Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, 80078 Naples, Italy
| | - Julie Martone
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, CNR, 00185 Rome, Italy,Corresponding author
| | - Irene Bozzoni
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy,Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science@Sapienza of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 00161 Rome, Italy,Center for Human Technologies (CHT) Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 16152 Genova, Italy,Corresponding author
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19
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Lépine S, Castellanos-Montiel MJ, Durcan TM. TDP-43 dysregulation and neuromuscular junction disruption in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Transl Neurodegener 2022; 11:56. [PMID: 36575535 PMCID: PMC9793560 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-022-00331-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a disease characterized by upper and lower motor neuron (MN) loss with a signature feature of cytoplasmic aggregates containing TDP-43, which are detected in nearly all patients. Mutations in the gene that encodes TDP-43 (TARBDP) are known to result in both familial and sporadic ALS. In ALS, disruption of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) constitutes a critical event in disease pathogenesis, leading to denervation atrophy, motor impairments and disability. Morphological defects and impaired synaptic transmission at NMJs have been reported in several TDP-43 animal models and in vitro, linking TDP-43 dysregulation to the loss of NMJ integrity in ALS. Through the lens of the dying-back and dying-forward hypotheses of ALS, this review discusses the roles of TDP-43 related to synaptic function, with a focus on the potential molecular mechanisms occurring within MNs, skeletal muscles and glial cells that may contribute to NMJ disruption in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Lépine
- grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649The Neuro’s Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, 3801 University Street, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4 Canada ,grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, 3605 De La Montagne, Montreal, QC H3G 2M1 Canada
| | - Maria José Castellanos-Montiel
- grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649The Neuro’s Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, 3801 University Street, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4 Canada
| | - Thomas Martin Durcan
- grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649The Neuro’s Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, 3801 University Street, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4 Canada
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20
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Tamaki Y, Urushitani M. Molecular Dissection of TDP-43 as a Leading Cause of ALS/FTLD. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012508. [PMID: 36293362 PMCID: PMC9604209 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
TAR DNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43) is a DNA/RNA binding protein involved in pivotal cellular functions, especially in RNA metabolism. Hyperphosphorylated and ubiquitinated TDP-43-positive neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions are identified in the brain and spinal cord in most cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and a substantial proportion of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) cases. TDP-43 dysfunctions and cytoplasmic aggregation seem to be the central pathogenicity in ALS and FTLD. Therefore, unraveling both the physiological and pathological mechanisms of TDP-43 may enable the exploration of novel therapeutic strategies. This review highlights the current understanding of TDP-43 biology and pathology, describing the cellular processes involved in the pathogeneses of ALS and FTLD, such as post-translational modifications, RNA metabolism, liquid–liquid phase separation, proteolysis, and the potential prion-like propagation propensity of the TDP-43 inclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshitaka Tamaki
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Makoto Urushitani
- Department of Neurology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu 520-2192, Japan
- Correspondence:
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21
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Gelon PA, Dutchak PA, Sephton CF. Synaptic dysfunction in ALS and FTD: anatomical and molecular changes provide insights into mechanisms of disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1000183. [PMID: 36263379 PMCID: PMC9575515 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1000183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptic loss is a pathological feature of all neurodegenerative diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). ALS is a disease of the cortical and spinal motor neurons resulting in fatal paralysis due to denervation of muscles. FTD is a form of dementia that primarily affects brain regions controlling cognition, language and behavior. Once classified as two distinct diseases, ALS and FTD are now considered as part of a common disease spectrum based on overlapping clinical, pathological and genetic evidence. At the cellular level, aggregation of common proteins and overlapping gene susceptibilities are shared in both ALS and FTD. Despite the convergence of these two fields of research, the underlying disease mechanisms remain elusive. However, recent discovers from ALS and FTD patient studies and models of ALS/FTD strongly suggests that synaptic dysfunction is an early event in the disease process and a unifying hallmark of these diseases. This review provides a summary of the reported anatomical and cellular changes that occur in cortical and spinal motor neurons in ALS and FTD tissues and models of disease. We also highlight studies that identify changes in the proteome and transcriptome of ALS and FTD models and provide a conceptual overview of the processes that contribute to synaptic dysfunction in these diseases. Due to space limitations and the vast number of publications in the ALS and FTD fields, many articles have not been discussed in this review. As such, this review focuses on the three most common shared mutations in ALS and FTD, the hexanucleuotide repeat expansion within intron 1 of chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9ORF72), transactive response DNA binding protein 43 (TARDBP or TDP-43) and fused in sarcoma (FUS), with the intention of highlighting common pathways that promote synaptic dysfunction in the ALS-FTD disease spectrum.
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22
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Cascella R, Bigi A, Riffert DG, Gagliani MC, Ermini E, Moretti M, Cortese K, Cecchi C, Chiti F. A quantitative biology approach correlates neuronal toxicity with the largest inclusions of TDP-43. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabm6376. [PMID: 35895809 PMCID: PMC9328675 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abm6376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
A number of neurodegenerative conditions are associated with the formation of cytosolic inclusions of TDP-43 within neurons. We expressed full-length TDP-43 in a motoneuron/neuroblastoma hybrid cell line (NSC-34) and exploited the high-resolution power of stimulated emission depletion microscopy to monitor the changes of nuclear and cytoplasmic TDP-43 levels and the formation of various size classes of cytoplasmic TDP-43 aggregates with time. Concomitantly, we monitored oxidative stress and mitochondrial impairment using the MitoSOX and MTT reduction assays, respectively. Using a quantitative biology approach, we attributed neuronal dysfunction associated with cytoplasmic deposition component to the formation of the largest inclusions, independently of stress granules. This is in contrast to other neurodegenerative diseases where toxicity is attributed to small oligomers. Using specific inhibitors, markers, and electron microscopy, the proteasome and autophagy were found to target mainly the largest deleterious inclusions, but their efficiency soon decreases without full recovery of neuronal viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Cascella
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bigi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Dylan Giorgino Riffert
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Gagliani
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Cellular Electron Microscopy Laboratory, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Emilio Ermini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Matteo Moretti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Katia Cortese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Cellular Electron Microscopy Laboratory, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Cristina Cecchi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
- Corresponding author. (C.C.); (F.C.)
| | - Fabrizio Chiti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
- Corresponding author. (C.C.); (F.C.)
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23
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Altered TDP-43 Structure and Function: Key Insights into Aberrant RNA, Mitochondrial, and Cellular and Systemic Metabolism in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12080709. [PMID: 36005581 PMCID: PMC9415507 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12080709] [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: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive and fatal neuromuscular disorder with no cure available and limited treatment options. ALS is a highly heterogeneous disease, whereby patients present with vastly different phenotypes. Despite this heterogeneity, over 97% of patients will exhibit pathological TAR-DNA binding protein-43 (TDP-43) cytoplasmic inclusions. TDP-43 is a ubiquitously expressed RNA binding protein with the capacity to bind over 6000 RNA and DNA targets—particularly those involved in RNA, mitochondrial, and lipid metabolism. Here, we review the unique structure and function of TDP-43 and its role in affecting the aforementioned metabolic processes in ALS. Considering evidence published specifically in TDP-43-relevant in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo models we posit that TDP-43 acts in a positive feedback loop with mRNA transcription/translation, stress granules, cytoplasmic aggregates, and mitochondrial proteins causing a relentless cycle of disease-like pathology eventuating in neuronal toxicity. Given its undeniable presence in ALS pathology, TDP-43 presents as a promising target for mechanistic disease modelling and future therapeutic investigations.
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24
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Todd TW, Petrucelli L. Modelling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in rodents. Nat Rev Neurosci 2022; 23:231-251. [PMID: 35260846 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-022-00564-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The efficient study of human disease requires the proper tools, one of the most crucial of which is an accurate animal model that faithfully recapitulates the human condition. The study of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is no exception. Although the majority of ALS cases are considered sporadic, most animal models of this disease rely on genetic mutations identified in familial cases. Over the past decade, the number of genes associated with ALS has risen dramatically and, with each new genetic variant, there is a drive to develop associated animal models. Rodent models are of particular importance as they allow for the study of ALS in the context of a living mammal with a comparable CNS. Such models not only help to verify the pathogenicity of novel mutations but also provide critical insight into disease mechanisms and are crucial for the testing of new therapeutics. In this Review, we aim to summarize the full spectrum of ALS rodent models developed to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany W Todd
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Leonard Petrucelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
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25
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Lye YS, Chen YR. TAR DNA-binding protein 43 oligomers in physiology and pathology. IUBMB Life 2022; 74:794-811. [PMID: 35229461 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) is an RNA/DNA-binding protein involved in RNA regulation and diseases. In 2006, TDP-43 inclusions were found in the disease lesions of several neurodegenerative diseases. It is the pathological hallmark in both amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal lobar dementia. It also presents in a large portion of patients with Alzheimer's disease. TDP-43 is prone to aggregate; however, the role of TDP-43 oligomers remains poorly understood in both physiological and pathological conditions. In this review, we emphasize the role of oligomeric TDP-43 in both physiological and pathological conditions and discuss the potential mechanisms of oligomer formation. Finally, we suggest therapeutic strategies against the TDP-43 oligomers in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuh Shen Lye
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.,Taiwan International Graduate Program in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience, National Cheng Kung University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Ru Chen
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.,Taiwan International Graduate Program in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience, National Cheng Kung University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
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26
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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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27
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Cui J, Zhao S, Li Y, Zhang D, Wang B, Xie J, Wang J. Regulated cell death: discovery, features and implications for neurodegenerative diseases. Cell Commun Signal 2021; 19:120. [PMID: 34922574 PMCID: PMC8684172 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-021-00799-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulated cell death (RCD) is a ubiquitous process in living organisms that is essential for tissue homeostasis or to restore biological balance under stress. Over the decades, various forms of RCD have been reported and are increasingly being found to involve in human pathologies and clinical outcomes. We focus on five high-profile forms of RCD, including apoptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy-dependent cell death, necroptosis and ferroptosis. Cumulative evidence supports that not only they have different features and various pathways, but also there are extensive cross-talks between modes of cell death. As the understanding of RCD pathway in evolution, development, physiology and disease continues to improve. Here we review an updated classification of RCD on the discovery and features of processes. The prominent focus will be placed on key mechanisms of RCD and its critical role in neurodegenerative disease. Video abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juntao Cui
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071 China
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071 China
| | - Suhan Zhao
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071 China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071 China
| | - Yinghui Li
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071 China
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071 China
| | - Danyang Zhang
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071 China
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071 China
| | - Bingjing Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071 China
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071 China
| | - Junxia Xie
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071 China
| | - Jun Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071 China
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071 China
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28
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Salucci S, Bartoletti Stella A, Battistelli M, Burattini S, Bavelloni A, Cocco LI, Gobbi P, Faenza I. How Inflammation Pathways Contribute to Cell Death in Neuro-Muscular Disorders. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1109. [PMID: 34439778 PMCID: PMC8391499 DOI: 10.3390/biom11081109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuro-muscular disorders include a variety of diseases induced by genetic mutations resulting in muscle weakness and waste, swallowing and breathing difficulties. However, muscle alterations and nerve depletions involve specific molecular and cellular mechanisms which lead to the loss of motor-nerve or skeletal-muscle function, often due to an excessive cell death. Morphological and molecular studies demonstrated that a high number of these disorders seem characterized by an upregulated apoptosis which significantly contributes to the pathology. Cell death involvement is the consequence of some cellular processes that occur during diseases, including mitochondrial dysfunction, protein aggregation, free radical generation, excitotoxicity and inflammation. The latter represents an important mediator of disease progression, which, in the central nervous system, is known as neuroinflammation, characterized by reactive microglia and astroglia, as well the infiltration of peripheral monocytes and lymphocytes. Some of the mechanisms underlying inflammation have been linked to reactive oxygen species accumulation, which trigger mitochondrial genomic and respiratory chain instability, autophagy impairment and finally neuron or muscle cell death. This review discusses the main inflammatory pathways contributing to cell death in neuro-muscular disorders by highlighting the main mechanisms, the knowledge of which appears essential in developing therapeutic strategies to prevent the consequent neuron loss and muscle wasting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Salucci
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences (DiSB), Urbino University Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy; (M.B.); (S.B.); (P.G.)
- Cellular Signalling Laboratory, Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (L.I.C.); (I.F.)
| | - Anna Bartoletti Stella
- Department of Diagnostic Experimental and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Michela Battistelli
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences (DiSB), Urbino University Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy; (M.B.); (S.B.); (P.G.)
| | - Sabrina Burattini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences (DiSB), Urbino University Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy; (M.B.); (S.B.); (P.G.)
| | - Alberto Bavelloni
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Lucio Ildebrando Cocco
- Cellular Signalling Laboratory, Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (L.I.C.); (I.F.)
| | - Pietro Gobbi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences (DiSB), Urbino University Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy; (M.B.); (S.B.); (P.G.)
| | - Irene Faenza
- Cellular Signalling Laboratory, Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (L.I.C.); (I.F.)
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29
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Alhindi A, Boehm I, Chaytow H. Small junction, big problems: Neuromuscular junction pathology in mouse models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). J Anat 2021; 241:1089-1107. [PMID: 34101196 PMCID: PMC9558162 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a motor neuron disease with an extremely heterogeneous clinical and genetic phenotype. In our efforts to find therapies for ALS, the scientific community has developed a plethora of mouse models, each with their own benefits and drawbacks. The peripheral nervous system, specifically the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), is known to be affected in ALS patients and shows marked dysfunction across mouse models. Evidence of pathology at the NMJ includes denervated NMJs, changes in endplate size and loss of terminal Schwann cells. This review compares the temporal disease progression with severity of disease at the NMJ in mouse models with the most commonly mutated genes in ALS patients (SOD1, C9ORF72, TARDBP and FUS). Despite variability, early NMJ dysfunction seems to be a common factor in models with SOD1, TARDBP and FUS mutations, while C9ORF72 models do not appear to follow the same pattern of pathology. Further work into determining the timing of NMJ pathology, particularly in newer ALS mouse models, will confirm its pivotal role in ALS pathogenesis and therefore highlight the NMJ as a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abrar Alhindi
- Edinburgh Medical School, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ines Boehm
- Edinburgh Medical School, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Helena Chaytow
- Edinburgh Medical School, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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30
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Chua JP, De Calbiac H, Kabashi E, Barmada SJ. Autophagy and ALS: mechanistic insights and therapeutic implications. Autophagy 2021; 18:254-282. [PMID: 34057020 PMCID: PMC8942428 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2021.1926656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanisms of protein homeostasis are crucial for overseeing the clearance of misfolded and toxic proteins over the lifetime of an organism, thereby ensuring the health of neurons and other cells of the central nervous system. The highly conserved pathway of autophagy is particularly necessary for preventing and counteracting pathogenic insults that may lead to neurodegeneration. In line with this, mutations in genes that encode essential autophagy factors result in impaired autophagy and lead to neurodegenerative conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, the mechanistic details underlying the neuroprotective role of autophagy, neuronal resistance to autophagy induction, and the neuron-specific effects of autophagy-impairing mutations remain incompletely defined. Further, the manner and extent to which non-cell autonomous effects of autophagy dysfunction contribute to ALS pathogenesis are not fully understood. Here, we review the current understanding of the interplay between autophagy and ALS pathogenesis by providing an overview of critical steps in the autophagy pathway, with special focus on pivotal factors impaired by ALS-causing mutations, their physiologic effects on autophagy in disease models, and the cell type-specific mechanisms regulating autophagy in non-neuronal cells which, when impaired, can contribute to neurodegeneration. This review thereby provides a framework not only to guide further investigations of neuronal autophagy but also to refine therapeutic strategies for ALS and related neurodegenerative diseases.Abbreviations: ALS: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; Atg: autophagy-related; CHMP2B: charged multivesicular body protein 2B; DPR: dipeptide repeat; FTD: frontotemporal dementia; iPSC: induced pluripotent stem cell; LIR: LC3-interacting region; MAP1LC3/LC3: microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3; MTOR: mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase; PINK1: PTEN induced kinase 1; RNP: ribonuclear protein; sALS: sporadic ALS; SPHK1: sphingosine kinase 1; TARDBP/TDP-43: TAR DNA binding protein; TBK1: TANK-binding kinase 1; TFEB: transcription factor EB; ULK: unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase; UPR: unfolded protein response; UPS: ubiquitin-proteasome system; VCP: valosin containing protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason P Chua
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Hortense De Calbiac
- Recherche translationnelle sur les maladies neurologiques, Institut Imagine, UMR-1163 INSERM et Université Paris Descartes, Hôpital Universitaire Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France
| | - Edor Kabashi
- Recherche translationnelle sur les maladies neurologiques, Institut Imagine, UMR-1163 INSERM et Université Paris Descartes, Hôpital Universitaire Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France
| | - Sami J Barmada
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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31
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Chhangani D, Martín-Peña A, Rincon-Limas DE. Molecular, functional, and pathological aspects of TDP-43 fragmentation. iScience 2021; 24:102459. [PMID: 34013172 PMCID: PMC8113996 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Transactive response DNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43) is a DNA/RNA binding protein involved in transcriptional regulation and RNA processing. It is linked to sporadic and familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal lobar degeneration. TDP-43 is predominantly nuclear, but it translocates to the cytoplasm under pathological conditions. Cytoplasmic accumulation, phosphorylation, ubiquitination and truncation of TDP-43 are the main hallmarks of TDP-43 proteinopathies. Among these processes, the pathways leading to TDP-43 fragmentation remain poorly understood. We review here the molecular and biochemical properties of several TDP-43 fragments, the mechanisms and factors mediating their production, and their potential role in disease progression. We also address the presence of TDP-43 C-terminal fragments in several neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, and highlight their respective implications. Finally, we discuss features of animal models expressing TDP-43 fragments as well as recent therapeutic strategies to approach TDP-43 truncation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Chhangani
- Department of Neurology, McKnight Brain Institute, and Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Alfonso Martín-Peña
- Department of Neurology, McKnight Brain Institute, and Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Diego E Rincon-Limas
- Department of Neurology, McKnight Brain Institute, and Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.,Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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32
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Molecular Mechanisms Underlying TDP-43 Pathology in Cellular and Animal Models of ALS and FTLD. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094705. [PMID: 33946763 PMCID: PMC8125728 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) are neurodegenerative disorders that exist on a disease spectrum due to pathological, clinical and genetic overlap. In up to 97% of ALS cases and ~50% of FTLD cases, the primary pathological protein observed in affected tissues is TDP-43, which is hyperphosphorylated, ubiquitinated and cleaved. The TDP-43 is observed in aggregates that are abnormally located in the cytoplasm. The pathogenicity of TDP-43 cytoplasmic aggregates may be linked with both a loss of nuclear function and a gain of toxic functions. The cellular processes involved in ALS and FTLD disease pathogenesis include changes to RNA splicing, abnormal stress granules, mitochondrial dysfunction, impairments to axonal transport and autophagy, abnormal neuromuscular junctions, endoplasmic reticulum stress and the subsequent induction of the unfolded protein response. Here, we review and discuss the evidence for alterations to these processes that have been reported in cellular and animal models of TDP-43 proteinopathy.
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Identification of Genetic Modifiers of TDP-43: Inflammatory Activation of Astrocytes for Neuroinflammation. Cells 2021; 10:cells10030676. [PMID: 33803845 PMCID: PMC8003223 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Transactive response DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) is a ubiquitously expressed DNA/RNA-binding protein linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). TDP-43 has been implicated in numerous aspects of the mRNA life cycle, as well as in cell toxicity and neuroinflammation. In this study, we used the toxicity of the TDP-43 expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae as an assay to identify TDP-43 genetic interactions. Specifically, we transformed human TDP-43 cDNAs of wild-type or disease-associated mutants (M337V and Q331K) en masse into 4653 homozygous diploid yeast deletion mutants and then used next-generation sequencing readouts of growth to identify yeast toxicity modifiers. Genetic interaction analysis provided a global view of TDP-43 pathways, some of which are known to be involved in cellular metabolic processes. Selected putative loci with the potential of genetic interactions with TDP-43 were assessed for associations with neurotoxicity and inflammatory activation of astrocytes. The pharmacological inhibition of succinate dehydrogenase flavoprotein subunit A (SDHA) and voltage-dependent anion-selective channel 3 (VDAC3) suppressed TDP-43-induced expression of proinflammatory cytokines in astrocytes, indicating the critical roles played by SDHA and VDAC3 in TDP-43 pathways during inflammatory activation of astrocytes and neuroinflammation. Thus, the findings of our TDP-43 genetic interaction screen provide a global landscape of TDP-43 pathways and may help improve our understanding of the roles of glia and neuroinflammation in ALS and FTD pathogenesis.
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Zhang S, Shao Z, Liu X, Hou M, Cheng F, Lei D, Yuan H. The E50K optineurin mutation impacts autophagy-mediated degradation of TDP-43 and leads to RGC apoptosis in vivo and in vitro. Cell Death Dis 2021; 7:49. [PMID: 33723228 PMCID: PMC7960725 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-021-00432-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The glaucoma-associated E50K mutation in optineurin (OPTN) is known to affect autophagy and cause the apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), but the pathogenic mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we investigated whether the OPTN (E50K) mutation caused TDP-43 aggregation by disrupting autophagy in vivo and in vitro. OPTN (E50K) mutant mice were generated and analysed for genotype and phenotype. Adeno-associated virus type 2 vectors containing either GFP only, GFP-tagged wild-type OPTN or GFP-tagged E50K-mutated OPTN were used to transfect R28 cells. Loss of RGCs decreased retinal thickness and visual impairment were observed in OPTN (E50K) mice compared with WT mice. Moreover, overexpression of E50K OPTN induced R28 cell apoptosis. Increased p62/SQSTM1 and LC3-II levels indicated that autophagic flux was inhibited and contributed to TDP-43 aggregation in vivo and in vitro. We found that rapamycin effectively reduced the aggregation of TDP-43 in OPTN (E50K) mice and decreased the protein levels of p62/SQSTM1 and the autophagic marker LC3-II. Moreover, rapamycin increased the RGC number and visual function of E50K mice. In addition, we also observed increased cytoplasmic TDP-43 in the spinal cord and motor dysfunction in 24-month-old OPTN (E50K) mice, indicating that TDP-43 accumulation may be the common pathological mechanism of glaucoma and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In conclusion, the disruption of autophagy by OPTN (E50K) affected the degradation of TDP-43 and may play an important role in OPTN (E50K)-mediated glaucomatous retinal neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiqi Zhang
- grid.412463.60000 0004 1762 6325Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China ,grid.410736.70000 0001 2204 9268The Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Harbin Medical University, Ministry Education, Heilongjiang Province, Harbin, China
| | - Zhengbo Shao
- grid.412463.60000 0004 1762 6325Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China ,grid.412463.60000 0004 1762 6325Research Institute, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China ,grid.412463.60000 0004 1762 6325Future Medical Laboratory, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xinna Liu
- grid.412463.60000 0004 1762 6325Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China ,grid.410736.70000 0001 2204 9268The Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Harbin Medical University, Ministry Education, Heilongjiang Province, Harbin, China
| | - Mingying Hou
- grid.412463.60000 0004 1762 6325Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China ,grid.410736.70000 0001 2204 9268The Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Harbin Medical University, Ministry Education, Heilongjiang Province, Harbin, China
| | - Fang Cheng
- grid.412463.60000 0004 1762 6325Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China ,grid.412463.60000 0004 1762 6325Research Institute, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Dawei Lei
- grid.412463.60000 0004 1762 6325Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Huiping Yuan
- grid.412463.60000 0004 1762 6325Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China ,grid.412463.60000 0004 1762 6325Research Institute, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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The conserved alternative splicing factor caper regulates neuromuscular phenotypes during development and aging. Dev Biol 2021; 473:15-32. [PMID: 33508255 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2021.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins play an important role in the regulation of post-transcriptional gene expression throughout the nervous system. This is underscored by the prevalence of mutations in genes encoding RNA splicing factors and other RNA-binding proteins in a number of neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders. The highly conserved alternative splicing factor Caper is widely expressed throughout the developing embryo and functions in the development of various sensory neural subtypes in the Drosophila peripheral nervous system. Here we find that caper dysfunction leads to aberrant neuromuscular junction morphogenesis, as well as aberrant locomotor behavior during larval and adult stages. Despite its widespread expression, our results indicate that caper function is required to a greater extent within the nervous system, as opposed to muscle, for neuromuscular junction development and for the regulation of adult locomotor behavior. Moreover, we find that Caper interacts with the RNA-binding protein Fmrp to regulate adult locomotor behavior. Finally, we show that caper dysfunction leads to various phenotypes that have both a sex and age bias, both of which are commonly seen in neurodegenerative disorders in humans.
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Suk TR, Rousseaux MWC. The role of TDP-43 mislocalization in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Mol Neurodegener 2020; 15:45. [PMID: 32799899 PMCID: PMC7429473 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-020-00397-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Since its discovery as a primary component in cytoplasmic aggregates in post-mortem tissue of patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), TAR DNA Binding Protein 43 kDa (TDP-43) has remained a central focus to understand the disease. TDP-43 links both familial and sporadic forms of ALS as mutations are causative for disease and cytoplasmic aggregates are a hallmark of nearly all cases, regardless of TDP-43 mutational status. Research has focused on the formation and consequences of cytosolic protein aggregates as drivers of ALS pathology through both gain- and loss-of-function mechanisms. Not only does aggregation sequester the normal function of TDP-43, but these aggregates also actively block normal cellular processes inevitably leading to cellular demise in a short time span. Although there may be some benefit to therapeutically targeting TDP-43 aggregation, this step may be too late in disease development to have substantial therapeutic benefit. However, TDP-43 pathology appears to be tightly linked with its mislocalization from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, making it difficult to decouple the consequences of nuclear-to-cytoplasmic mislocalization from protein aggregation. Studies focusing on the effects of TDP-43 mislocalization have demonstrated both gain- and loss-of-function consequences including altered splicing regulation, over responsiveness to cellular stressors, increases in DNA damage, and transcriptome-wide changes. Additionally, mutations in TARDBP confer a baseline increase in cytoplasmic TDP-43 thus suggesting that small changes in the subcellular localization of TDP-43 could in fact drive early pathology. In this review, we bring forth the theme of protein mislocalization as a key mechanism underlying ALS, by highlighting the importance of maintaining subcellular proteostasis along with the gain- and loss-of-functional consequences when TDP-43 localization is dysregulated. Additional research, focusing on early events in TDP-43 pathogenesis (i.e. to the protein mislocalization stage) will provide insight into disease mechanisms, therapeutic targets, and novel biomarkers for ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terry R. Suk
- University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Maxime W. C. Rousseaux
- University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- Eric Poulin Center for Neuromuscular Diseases, Ottawa, Canada
- Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, Ottawa, Canada
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Buratti E. Targeting TDP-43 proteinopathy with drugs and drug-like small molecules. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 178:1298-1315. [PMID: 32469420 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Following the discovery of the involvement of the ribonucleoprotein TDP-43 in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), a major research focus has been to develop treatments that can prevent or alleviate these disease conditions. One pharmacological approach has been to use TDP-43-based disease models to test small molecules and drugs already known to have some therapeutic effect in a variety of neurodegenerative conditions. In parallel, various disease models have been used to perform high-throughput screens of drugs and small compound libraries. The aim of this review will be to provide a general overview of the compounds that have been described to alter pathological characteristics of TDP-43. These include expression levels, cytoplasmic mis-localization, post-translational modifications, cleavage, stress granule recruitment and aggregation. In parallel, this review will also address the use of compounds that modify the autophagic/proteasome systems that are known to target TDP-43 misfolding and aggregation. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on Neurochemistry in Japan. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v178.6/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Buratti
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
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Park H, Kang JH, Lee S. Autophagy in Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Hunter for Aggregates. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21093369. [PMID: 32397599 PMCID: PMC7247013 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21093369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells have developed elaborate quality-control mechanisms for proteins and organelles to maintain cellular homeostasis. Such quality-control mechanisms are maintained by conformational folding via molecular chaperones and by degradation through the ubiquitin-proteasome or autophagy-lysosome system. Accumulating evidence suggests that impaired autophagy contributes to the accumulation of intracellular inclusion bodies consisting of misfolded proteins, which is a hallmark of most neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, genetic mutations in core autophagy-related genes have been reported to be linked to neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease. Conversely, the pathogenic proteins, such as amyloid β and α-synuclein, are detrimental to the autophagy pathway. Here, we review the recent advances in understanding the relationship between autophagic defects and the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases and suggest autophagy induction as a promising strategy for the treatment of these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyungsun Park
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Korea;
- Hypoxia-related Disease Research Center, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Korea;
| | - Ju-Hee Kang
- Hypoxia-related Disease Research Center, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Korea;
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Korea
| | - Seongju Lee
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Korea;
- Hypoxia-related Disease Research Center, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Korea;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-32-860-9891
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