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Bernal-Conde LD, Peña-Martínez V, Morato-Torres CA, Ramos-Acevedo R, Arias-Carrión Ó, Padilla-Godínez FJ, Delgado-González A, Palomero-Rivero M, Collazo-Navarrete O, Soto-Rojas LO, Gómez-Chavarín M, Schüle B, Guerra-Crespo M. Alpha-Synuclein Gene Alterations Modulate Tyrosine Hydroxylase in Human iPSC-Derived Neurons in a Parkinson's Disease Animal Model. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:728. [PMID: 38929711 PMCID: PMC11204703 DOI: 10.3390/life14060728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) caused by SNCA gene triplication (3XSNCA) leads to early onset, rapid progression, and often dementia. Understanding the impact of 3XSNCA and its absence is crucial. This study investigates the differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived floor-plate progenitors into dopaminergic neurons. Three different genotypes were evaluated in this study: patient-derived hiPSCs with 3XSNCA, a gene-edited isogenic line with a frame-shift mutation on all SNCA alleles (SNCA 4KO), and a normal wild-type control. Our aim was to assess how the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) microenvironment, damaged by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), influences tyrosine hydroxylase-positive (Th+) neuron differentiation in these genetic variations. This study confirms successful in vitro differentiation into neuronal lineage in all cell lines. However, the SNCA 4KO line showed unusual LIM homeobox transcription factor 1 alpha (Lmx1a) extranuclear distribution. Crucially, both 3XSNCA and SNCA 4KO lines had reduced Th+ neuron expression, despite initial successful neuronal differentiation after two months post-transplantation. This indicates that while the SNpc environment supports early neuronal survival, SNCA gene alterations-either amplification or knock-out-negatively impact Th+ dopaminergic neuron maturation. These findings highlight SNCA's critical role in PD and underscore the value of hiPSC models in studying neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Daniel Bernal-Conde
- Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (L.D.B.-C.); (V.P.-M.); (C.A.M.-T.); (R.R.-A.); (F.J.P.-G.); (A.D.-G.); (M.G.-C.)
- Molecular Neuropathology Department, Neuroscience Division, Institute of Cell Physiology, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Verónica Peña-Martínez
- Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (L.D.B.-C.); (V.P.-M.); (C.A.M.-T.); (R.R.-A.); (F.J.P.-G.); (A.D.-G.); (M.G.-C.)
- Molecular Neuropathology Department, Neuroscience Division, Institute of Cell Physiology, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - C. Alejandra Morato-Torres
- Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (L.D.B.-C.); (V.P.-M.); (C.A.M.-T.); (R.R.-A.); (F.J.P.-G.); (A.D.-G.); (M.G.-C.)
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94304, USA;
| | - Rodrigo Ramos-Acevedo
- Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (L.D.B.-C.); (V.P.-M.); (C.A.M.-T.); (R.R.-A.); (F.J.P.-G.); (A.D.-G.); (M.G.-C.)
- Molecular Neuropathology Department, Neuroscience Division, Institute of Cell Physiology, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Óscar Arias-Carrión
- Movement and Sleep Disorders Unit, Dr. Manuel Gea González General Hospital, Mexico City 14080, Mexico;
| | - Francisco J. Padilla-Godínez
- Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (L.D.B.-C.); (V.P.-M.); (C.A.M.-T.); (R.R.-A.); (F.J.P.-G.); (A.D.-G.); (M.G.-C.)
- Molecular Neuropathology Department, Neuroscience Division, Institute of Cell Physiology, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Alexa Delgado-González
- Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (L.D.B.-C.); (V.P.-M.); (C.A.M.-T.); (R.R.-A.); (F.J.P.-G.); (A.D.-G.); (M.G.-C.)
- Molecular Neuropathology Department, Neuroscience Division, Institute of Cell Physiology, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Marcela Palomero-Rivero
- Neurodevelopment and Physiology Department, Neuroscience Division, Institute of Cell Physiology, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico;
| | - Omar Collazo-Navarrete
- National Laboratory of Genomic Resources, Institute of Biomedical Research, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico;
| | - Luis O. Soto-Rojas
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathogenesis, Laboratory 4, Building A4, Medical Surgeon Career, Faculty of Higher Studies Iztacala, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 54090, Mexico;
| | - Margarita Gómez-Chavarín
- Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (L.D.B.-C.); (V.P.-M.); (C.A.M.-T.); (R.R.-A.); (F.J.P.-G.); (A.D.-G.); (M.G.-C.)
| | - Birgitt Schüle
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94304, USA;
| | - Magdalena Guerra-Crespo
- Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (L.D.B.-C.); (V.P.-M.); (C.A.M.-T.); (R.R.-A.); (F.J.P.-G.); (A.D.-G.); (M.G.-C.)
- Molecular Neuropathology Department, Neuroscience Division, Institute of Cell Physiology, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
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White AJ, Clark KA, Alexander KD, Ramalingam N, Young-Pearse TL, Dettmer U, Selkoe DJ, Ho GPH. A stem cell-based assay platform demonstrates alpha-synuclein dependent synaptic dysfunction in patient-derived cortical neurons. NPJ Parkinsons Dis 2024; 10:107. [PMID: 38773105 PMCID: PMC11109103 DOI: 10.1038/s41531-024-00725-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Alpha-synuclein (αS)-rich Lewy bodies and neurites in the cerebral cortex correlate with the presence of dementia in Parkinson disease (PD) and Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), but whether αS influences synaptic vesicle dynamics in human cortical neurons is unknown. Using a new iPSC-based assay platform for measuring synaptic vesicle cycling, we found that in human cortical glutamatergic neurons, increased αS from either transgenic expression or triplication of the endogenous locus in patient-derived neurons reduced synaptic vesicle cycling under both stimulated and spontaneous conditions. Thus, using a robust, easily adopted assay platform, we show for the first time αS-induced synaptic dysfunction in human cortical neurons, a key cellular substrate for PD dementia and DLB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J White
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Karis A Clark
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Kellianne D Alexander
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Nagendran Ramalingam
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Tracy L Young-Pearse
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Ulf Dettmer
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Dennis J Selkoe
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Gary P H Ho
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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3
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Rohner VL, Lamothe-Molina PJ, Patriarchi T. Engineering, applications, and future perspectives of GPCR-based genetically encoded fluorescent indicators for neuromodulators. J Neurochem 2024; 168:163-184. [PMID: 38288673 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
This review explores the evolving landscape of G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-based genetically encoded fluorescent indicators (GEFIs), with a focus on their development, structural components, engineering strategies, and applications. We highlight the unique features of this indicator class, emphasizing the importance of both the sensing domain (GPCR structure and activation mechanism) and the reporting domain (circularly permuted fluorescent protein (cpFP) structure and fluorescence modulation). Further, we discuss indicator engineering approaches, including the selection of suitable cpFPs and expression systems. Additionally, we showcase the diversity and flexibility of their application by presenting a summary of studies where such indicators were used. Along with all the advantages, we also focus on the current limitations as well as common misconceptions that arise when using these indicators. Finally, we discuss future directions in indicator engineering, including strategies for screening with increased throughput, optimization of the ligand-binding properties, structural insights, and spectral diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Lu Rohner
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Tommaso Patriarchi
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Salvatore MF. Dopamine Signaling in Substantia Nigra and Its Impact on Locomotor Function-Not a New Concept, but Neglected Reality. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1131. [PMID: 38256204 PMCID: PMC10815979 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021131] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The mechanistic influences of dopamine (DA) signaling and impact on motor function are nearly always interpreted from changes in nigrostriatal neuron terminals in striatum. This is a standard practice in studies of human Parkinson's disease (PD) and aging and related animal models of PD and aging-related parkinsonism. However, despite dozens of studies indicating an ambiguous relationship between changes in striatal DA signaling and motor phenotype, this perseverating focus on striatum continues. Although DA release in substantia nigra (SN) was first reported almost 50 years ago, assessment of nigral DA signaling changes in relation to motor function is rarely considered. Whereas DA signaling has been well-characterized in striatum at all five steps of neurotransmission (biosynthesis and turnover, storage, release, reuptake, and post-synaptic binding) in the nigrostriatal pathway, the depth of such interrogations in the SN, outside of cell counts, is sparse. However, there is sufficient evidence that these steps in DA neurotransmission in the SN are operational and regulated autonomously from striatum and are present in human PD and aging and related animal models. To complete our understanding of how nigrostriatal DA signaling affects motor function, it is past time to include interrogation of nigral DA signaling. This brief review highlights evidence that changes in nigral DA signaling at each step in DA neurotransmission are autonomous from those in striatum and changes in the SN alone can influence locomotor function. Accordingly, for full characterization of how nigrostriatal DA signaling affects locomotor activity, interrogation of DA signaling in SN is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael F Salvatore
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
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Zhao H, Xie J, Wu S, Zhao X, Sánchez OF, Min S, Rochet JC, Freeman JL, Yuan C. Elevated parkinsonism pathological markers in dopaminergic neurons with developmental exposure to atrazine. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:168307. [PMID: 37949145 PMCID: PMC10843769 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Atrazine (ATZ) is one of the most used herbicides in the US and a known endocrine disruptor. ATZ is frequently detected in drinking water, especially in Midwestern regions of the United States, exceeding the EPA regulation of maximum contamination level (MCL) of 3 ppb. Epidemiology studies have suggested an association between ATZ exposure and neurodegeneration. Less, however, is known about the neurotoxic mechanism of ATZ, particularly for exposures at a developmental stage. Here, we exposed floor plate progenitors (FPPs) derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) to low concentrations of ATZ at 0.3 and 3 ppb for two days followed by differentiation into dopaminergic (DA) neurons in ATZ-free medium. We then examined the morphology, activity, pathological protein aggregation, and transcriptomic changes of differentiated DA neurons. We observed significant decrease in the complexity of neurite network, increase of neuronal activity, and elevated tau- and α-synuclein (aSyn) pathologies after ATZ exposure. The ATZ-induced neuronal changes observed here align with pathological characteristics in Parkinson's disease (PD). Transcriptomic analysis further corroborates our findings; and collectively provides a strong evidence base that low-concentration ATZ exposure during development can elicit increased risk of neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Zhao
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States of America
| | - Junkai Xie
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States of America
| | - Shichen Wu
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States of America
| | - Xihui Zhao
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States of America
| | - Oscar F Sánchez
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States of America
| | - Sehong Min
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States of America
| | - Jean-Christophe Rochet
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States of America; Purdue Institute of Integrated Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States of America
| | - Jennifer L Freeman
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States of America; Purdue Institute of Integrated Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States of America
| | - Chongli Yuan
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States of America; Purdue Institute of Integrated Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States of America; Purdue Center of Cancer Research, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States of America.
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6
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Sampson T. Microbial amyloids in neurodegenerative amyloid diseases. FEBS J 2023:10.1111/febs.17023. [PMID: 38041542 PMCID: PMC11144261 DOI: 10.1111/febs.17023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Human-disease associated amyloidogenic proteins are not unique in their ability to form amyloid fibrillar structures. Numerous microbes produce amyloidogenic proteins that have distinct functions for their physiology in their amyloid form, rather than solely detrimental. Emerging data indicate associations between various microbial organisms, including those which produce functional amyloids, with neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we review some of the evidence suggesting that microbial amyloids impact amyloid disease in host organisms. Experimental data are building a foundation for continued lines of enquiry and suggest that that direct or indirect interactions between microbial and host amyloids may be a contributor to amyloid pathologies. Inhibiting microbial amyloids or their interactions with the host may therefore represent a tangible target to limit various amyloid pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Sampson
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
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Li HY, Liu DS, Zhang YB, Rong H, Zhang XJ. The interaction between alpha-synuclein and mitochondrial dysfunction in Parkinson's disease. Biophys Chem 2023; 303:107122. [PMID: 37839353 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2023.107122] [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: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is an aging-associated neurodegenerative disorder with the hallmark of abnormal aggregates of alpha-synuclein (α-syn) in Lewy bodies (LBs) and Lewy neurites (LNs). Currently, pathogenic α-syn and mitochondrial dysfunction have been considered as prominent roles that give impetus to the PD onset. This review describes the α-syn pathology and mitochondrial alterations in PD, and focuses on how α-syn interacts with multiple aspects of mitochondrial homeostasis in the pathogenesis of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Yan Li
- Department of Basic Medical College, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Haerbin 150000, PR China
| | - De-Shui Liu
- Department of Pathology, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar 161006, PR China
| | - Ying-Bo Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar 161006, PR China
| | - Hua Rong
- Department of Pathology, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar 161006, PR China
| | - Xiao-Jie Zhang
- Department of Basic Medical College, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Haerbin 150000, PR China; Heilongjiang Nursing College, Haerbin 150000, PR China.
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Calabresi P, Di Lazzaro G, Marino G, Campanelli F, Ghiglieri V. Advances in understanding the function of alpha-synuclein: implications for Parkinson's disease. Brain 2023; 146:3587-3597. [PMID: 37183455 PMCID: PMC10473562 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The critical role of alpha-synuclein in Parkinson's disease represents a pivotal discovery. Some progress has been made over recent years in identifying disease-modifying therapies for Parkinson's disease that target alpha-synuclein. However, these treatments have not yet shown clear efficacy in slowing the progression of this disease. Several explanations exist for this issue. The pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease is complex and not yet fully clarified and the heterogeneity of the disease, with diverse genetic susceptibility and risk factors and different clinical courses, adds further complexity. Thus, a deep understanding of alpha-synuclein physiological and pathophysiological functions is crucial. In this review, we first describe the cellular and animal models developed over recent years to study the physiological and pathological roles of this protein, including transgenic techniques, use of viral vectors and intracerebral injections of alpha-synuclein fibrils. We then provide evidence that these tools are crucial for modelling Parkinson's disease pathogenesis, causing protein misfolding and aggregation, synaptic dysfunction, brain plasticity impairment and cell-to-cell spreading of alpha-synuclein species. In particular, we focus on the possibility of dissecting the pre- and postsynaptic effects of alpha-synuclein in both physiological and pathological conditions. Finally, we show how vulnerability of specific neuronal cell types may facilitate systemic dysfunctions leading to multiple network alterations. These functional alterations underlie diverse motor and non-motor manifestations of Parkinson's disease that occur before overt neurodegeneration. However, we now understand that therapeutic targeting of alpha-synuclein in Parkinson's disease patients requires caution, since this protein exerts important physiological synaptic functions. Moreover, the interactions of alpha-synuclein with other molecules may induce synergistic detrimental effects. Thus, targeting only alpha-synuclein might not be enough. Combined therapies should be considered in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Calabresi
- Sezione di Neurologia, Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, 00168, Italy
- Neurologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, 00168, Italy
| | - Giulia Di Lazzaro
- Neurologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, 00168, Italy
| | - Gioia Marino
- Sezione di Neurologia, Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, 00168, Italy
| | - Federica Campanelli
- Sezione di Neurologia, Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, 00168, Italy
| | - Veronica Ghiglieri
- Neurologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, 00168, Italy
- Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, Università Telematica San Raffaele, Rome, 00166, Italy
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Sugeno N, Hasegawa T. Unraveling the Complex Interplay between Alpha-Synuclein and Epigenetic Modification. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076645. [PMID: 37047616 PMCID: PMC10094812 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Alpha-synuclein (αS) is a small, presynaptic neuronal protein encoded by the SNCA gene. Point mutations and gene multiplication of SNCA cause rare familial forms of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Misfolded αS is cytotoxic and is a component of Lewy bodies, which are a pathological hallmark of PD. Because SNCA multiplication is sufficient to cause full-blown PD, gene dosage likely has a strong impact on pathogenesis. In sporadic PD, increased SNCA expression resulting from a minor genetic background and various environmental factors may contribute to pathogenesis in a complementary manner. With respect to genetic background, several risk loci neighboring the SNCA gene have been identified, and epigenetic alterations, such as CpG methylation and regulatory histone marks, are considered important factors. These alterations synergistically upregulate αS expression and some post-translational modifications of αS facilitate its translocation to the nucleus. Nuclear αS interacts with DNA, histones, and their modifiers to alter epigenetic status; thereby, influencing the stability of neuronal function. Epigenetic changes do not affect the gene itself but can provide an appropriate transcriptional response for neuronal survival through DNA methylation or histone modifications. As a new approach, publicly available RNA sequencing datasets from human midbrain-like organoids may be used to compare transcriptional responses through epigenetic alterations. This informatic approach combined with the vast amount of transcriptomics data will lead to the discovery of novel pathways for the development of disease-modifying therapies for PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoto Sugeno
- Division of Neurology, Department of Neuroscience & Sensory Organs, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8574, Japan
| | - Takafumi Hasegawa
- Division of Neurology, Department of Neuroscience & Sensory Organs, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8574, Japan
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Tomagra G, Franchino C, Cesano F, Chiarion G, de lure A, Carbone E, Calabresi P, Mesin L, Picconi B, Marcantoni A, Carabelli V. Alpha-synuclein oligomers alter the spontaneous firing discharge of cultured midbrain neurons. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1078550. [PMID: 36744002 PMCID: PMC9896582 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1078550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this work was to monitor the effects of extracellular α-synuclein on the firing activity of midbrain neurons dissociated from substantia nigra TH-GFP mice embryos and cultured on microelectrode arrays (MEA). We monitored the spontaneous firing discharge of the network for 21 days after plating and the role of glutamatergic and GABAergic inputs in regulating burst generation and network synchronism. Addition of GABA A , AMPA and NMDA antagonists did not suppress the spontaneous activity but allowed to identify three types of neurons that exhibited different modalities of firing and response to applied L-DOPA: high-rate (HR) neurons, low-rate pacemaking (LR-p), and low-rate non-pacemaking (LR-np) neurons. Most HR neurons were insensitive to L-DOPA, while the majority of LR-p neurons responded with a decrease of the firing discharge; less defined was the response of LR-np neurons. The effect of exogenous α-synuclein (α-syn) on the firing discharge of midbrain neurons was then studied by varying the exposure time (0-48 h) and the α-syn concentration (0.3-70 μM), while the formation of α-syn oligomers was monitored by means of AFM. Independently of the applied concentration, acute exposure to α-syn monomers did not exert any effect on the spontaneous firing rate of HR, LR-p, and LR-np neurons. On the contrary, after 48 h exposure, the firing activity was drastically altered at late developmental stages (14 days in vitro, DIV, neurons): α-syn oligomers progressively reduced the spontaneous firing discharge (IC50 = 1.03 μM), impaired burst generation and network synchronism, proportionally to the increased oligomer/monomer ratio. Different effects were found on early-stage developed neurons (9 DIV), whose firing discharge remained unaltered, regardless of the applied α-syn concentration and the exposure time. Our findings unravel, for the first time, the variable effects of exogenous α-syn at different stages of midbrain network development and provide new evidence for the early detection of neuronal function impairment associated to aggregated forms of α-syn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Tomagra
- Drug Science Department, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
- Nanostructured Interfaces and Surfaces Inter-Departmental Research Centre, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Federico Cesano
- Nanostructured Interfaces and Surfaces Inter-Departmental Research Centre, Turin, Italy
- Department of Chemistry and INSTM-UdR Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Giovanni Chiarion
- Mathematical Biology and Physiology, Department of Electronics and Telecommunications, Turin, Italy
| | - Antonio de lure
- Laboratory Experimental Neurophysiology, IRCCS San Raffaele Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Emilio Carbone
- Drug Science Department, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
- Nanostructured Interfaces and Surfaces Inter-Departmental Research Centre, Turin, Italy
| | - Paolo Calabresi
- Neurological Clinic, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Neurology, Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Università Cattolica del “Sacro Cuore,”Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Mesin
- Mathematical Biology and Physiology, Department of Electronics and Telecommunications, Turin, Italy
| | - Barbara Picconi
- Laboratory Experimental Neurophysiology, IRCCS San Raffaele Rome, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Umane e Promozione della Qualitá della Vita, Telematic University San Raffaele Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Marcantoni
- Drug Science Department, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
- Nanostructured Interfaces and Surfaces Inter-Departmental Research Centre, Turin, Italy
| | - Valentina Carabelli
- Drug Science Department, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
- Nanostructured Interfaces and Surfaces Inter-Departmental Research Centre, Turin, Italy
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11
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Chen XY, Liu C, Xue Y, Chen L. Changed firing activity of nigra dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease. Neurochem Int 2023; 162:105465. [PMID: 36563966 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2022.105465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease which is characterized by selective degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The intrinsic neuronal firing activity is critical for the functional organization of brain and the specific deficits of neuronal firing activity may be associated with different brain disorders. It is known that the surviving nigra dopaminergic neurons exhibit altered firing activity, such as decreased spontaneous firing frequency, reduced number of firing neurons and increased burst firing in Parkinson's disease. Several ionic mechanisms are involved in changed firing activity of dopaminergic neurons under parkinsonian state. In this review, we summarize the changes of spontaneous firing activity as well as the possible mechanisms of nigra dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease. This review may let us clearly understand the involvement of neuronal firing activity of nigra dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Yi Chen
- Department of International Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
| | - Cui Liu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yan Xue
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
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12
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The complex role of inflammation and gliotransmitters in Parkinson's disease. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 176:105940. [PMID: 36470499 PMCID: PMC10372760 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Our understanding of the role of innate and adaptive immune cell function in brain health and how it goes awry during aging and neurodegenerative diseases is still in its infancy. Inflammation and immunological dysfunction are common components of Parkinson's disease (PD), both in terms of motor and non-motor components of PD. In recent decades, the antiquated notion that the central nervous system (CNS) in disease states is an immune-privileged organ, has been debunked. The immune landscape in the CNS influences peripheral systems, and peripheral immunological changes can alter the CNS in health and disease. Identifying immune and inflammatory pathways that compromise neuronal health and survival is critical in designing innovative and effective strategies to limit their untoward effects on neuronal health.
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13
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Cui J, Carey J, Reijo Pera RA. Identification of DOT1L inhibitor in a screen for factors that promote dopaminergic neuron survival. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:1026468. [PMID: 36578445 PMCID: PMC9791259 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.1026468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra region of the midbrain. Diagnostic criteria for PD require that at least two of three motor signs are observed: tremor, rigidity, and/or bradykinesia. The most common and effective treatment for PD is Levodopa (L-DOPA) which is readily converted to DA and has been the primary treatment since the 1960's. Dopamine agonists have also been developed but are less effective than L-DOPA. Although the lack of a model system to study PD has hampered efforts to identify treatments, diverse screening strategies have been proposed for identification of new pharmaceutical candidates. Here, we describe a pilot screen to identify candidate molecules from a bioactive compound library, that might increase formation, maintenance and/or survival of DA neurons in vitro. The screen used a previously characterized reporter construct consisting of the luciferase gene inserted downstream of the endogenous tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) gene and neurons differentiated from human pluripotent stem cells for 18 days. The reporter mimics expression of TH and includes a secreted luciferase whose activity can be measured non-invasively over multiple timepoints. Screening of the bioactive compound library resulted in the identification of a single molecule, SGC0946, that is an inhibitor of DOT1L (Disruptor Of Telomeric silencing 1-Like) which encodes a widely-conserved histone H3K79 methyltransferase that is able to both activate and repress gene transcription. Our results indicate that SGC0946 increased reporter luciferase activity with a single treatment for 48-h post-plating being equivalent to continuous treatment. Moreover, data suggested that the total number of neurons differentiated in the assays was comparable from experiment to experiment under different SGC0946 treatments over time. In contrast, data suggested that the survival and/or maintenance of DA neurons might be specifically enhanced by SGC0946 treatment. These results document the feasibility of a set of tools for further exploration of small molecules that may impact DA neuron differentiation, maintenance and/or survival. Results provide evidence in support of other reports that indicate inhibition of DOT1L may play an important role in maintenance and survival of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) and their lineage-specific differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Cui
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, United States
| | - Joseph Carey
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, United States
| | - Renee A. Reijo Pera
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, United States
- McLaughlin Research Institute, Great Falls, MT, United States
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14
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Synucleinopathy in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Potential Avenue for Antisense Therapeutics? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169364. [PMID: 36012622 PMCID: PMC9409035 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common adult-onset motor neuron disease classified as both a neurodegenerative and neuromuscular disorder. With a complex aetiology and no current cure for ALS, broadening the understanding of disease pathology and therapeutic avenues is required to progress with patient care. Alpha-synuclein (αSyn) is a hallmark for disease in neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, Lewy body dementia, and multiple system atrophy. A growing body of evidence now suggests that αSyn may also play a pathological role in ALS, with αSyn-positive Lewy bodies co-aggregating alongside known ALS pathogenic proteins, such as SOD1 and TDP-43. This review endeavours to capture the scope of literature regarding the aetiology and development of ALS and its commonalities with "synucleinopathy disorders". We will discuss the involvement of αSyn in ALS and motor neuron disease pathology, and the current theories and strategies for therapeutics in ALS treatment, as well as those targeting αSyn for synucleinopathies, with a core focus on small molecule RNA technologies.
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15
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Abstract
SignificanceSingle-cell transcriptomics has revealed specific glial activation states associated with the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease (AD and PD). What is still needed are clinically relevant biomarkers for deciphering such glial states in AD and PD patients. To this end, we applied proteome analysis in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of mouse models of AD and PD pathology. This allowed us to identify a panel of glial CSF proteins that largely match the transcriptomic changes. The identified proteins can also be quantified in human CSF and show changes in AD patients, supporting their relevance as biomarker candidates to stage glial activation in patients with neurodegenerative diseases.
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16
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Bose A, Petsko GA, Studer L. Induced pluripotent stem cells: a tool for modeling Parkinson's disease. Trends Neurosci 2022; 45:608-620. [PMID: 35667922 PMCID: PMC9576003 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2022.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder. Among its pathologies, progressive loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra is characteristic and contributes to many of the most severe symptoms of PD. Recent advances in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology have made it possible to generate patient-derived DA neuronal cell culture and organoid models of PD. These models have contributed to understanding disease mechanisms and the identification of novel targets and therapeutic candidates. Still needed are better ways to model the age-related aspects of PD, as well as a deeper understanding of the interactions among disease-modifying genes and between genetic and environmental contributions to the etiology and progression of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anindita Bose
- Ann Romney Institute of Neurological Diseases, Harvard Medical School/Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Developmental Biology Program, Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Gregory A Petsko
- Ann Romney Institute of Neurological Diseases, Harvard Medical School/Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Developmental Biology Program, Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lorenz Studer
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Developmental Biology Program, Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA
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Matt SM. Targeting neurotransmitter-mediated inflammatory mechanisms of psychiatric drugs to mitigate the double burden of multimorbidity and polypharmacy. Brain Behav Immun Health 2021; 18:100353. [PMID: 34647105 PMCID: PMC8495104 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2021.100353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The increased incidence of multimorbidities and polypharmacy is a major concern, particularly in the growing aging population. While polypharmacy can be beneficial, in many cases it can be more harmful than no treatment, especially in individuals suffering from psychiatric disorders, who have elevated risks of multimorbidity and polypharmacy. Age-related chronic inflammation and immunopathologies might contribute to these increased risks in this population, but the optimal clinical management of drug-drug interactions and the neuro-immune mechanisms that are involved warrants further investigation. Given that neurotransmitter systems, which psychiatric medications predominantly act on, can influence the development of inflammation and the regulation of immune function, it is important to better understand these interactions to develop more successful strategies to manage these comorbidities and complicated polypharmacy. I propose that expanding upon research in translationally relevant human in vitro models, in tandem with other preclinical models, is critical to defining the neurotransmitter-mediated mechanisms by which psychiatric drugs alter immune function. This will define more precisely the interactions of psychiatric drugs and other immunomodulatory drugs, used in combination, enabling identification of novel targets to be translated into more efficacious diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic interventions. This interdisciplinary approach will aid in better precision polypharmacy for combating adverse events associated with multimorbidity and polypharmacy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie M. Matt
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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