1
|
Villa C, Combi R. Epigenetics in Alzheimer's Disease: A Critical Overview. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5970. [PMID: 38892155 PMCID: PMC11173284 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications have been implicated in a number of complex diseases as well as being a hallmark of organismal aging. Several reports have indicated an involvement of these changes in Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk and progression, most likely contributing to the dysregulation of AD-related gene expression measured by DNA methylation studies. Given that DNA methylation is tissue-specific and that AD is a brain disorder, the limitation of these studies is the ability to identify clinically useful biomarkers in a proxy tissue, reflective of the tissue of interest, that would be less invasive, more cost-effective, and easily obtainable. The age-related DNA methylation changes have also been used to develop different generations of epigenetic clocks devoted to measuring the aging in different tissues that sometimes suggests an age acceleration in AD patients. This review critically discusses epigenetic changes and aging measures as potential biomarkers for AD detection, prognosis, and progression. Given that epigenetic alterations are chemically reversible, treatments aiming at reversing these modifications will be also discussed as promising therapeutic strategies for AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Romina Combi
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy;
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Vandendriessche C, Bruggeman A, Foroozandeh J, Van Hoecke L, Dujardin P, Xie J, Van Imschoot G, Van Wonterghem E, Castelein J, Lucci C, De Groef L, Vandenbroucke RE. The Spreading and Effects of Human Recombinant α-Synuclein Preformed Fibrils in the Cerebrospinal Fluid of Mice. eNeuro 2024; 11:ENEURO.0024-23.2024. [PMID: 38383588 PMCID: PMC10925901 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0024-23.2024] [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: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) patients harbor seeding-competent α-synuclein (α-syn) in their cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which is mainly produced by the choroid plexus (ChP). Nonetheless, little is known about the role of the CSF and the ChP in PD pathogenesis. To address this question, we used an intracerebroventricular (icv) injection mouse model to assess CSF α-syn spreading and its short- and long-term consequences on the brain. Hereby, we made use of seeding-competent, recombinant α-syn preformed fibrils (PFF) that are known to induce aggregation and subsequent spreading of endogenous α-syn in stereotactic tissue injection models. Here, we show that icv-injected PFF, but not monomers (Mono), are rapidly removed from the CSF by interaction with the ChP. Additionally, shortly after icv injection both Mono and PFF were detected in the olfactory bulb and striatum. This spreading was associated with increased inflammation and complement activation in these tissues as well as leakage of the blood-CSF barrier. Despite these effects, a single icv injection of PFF didn't induce a decline in motor function. In contrast, daily icv injections over the course of 5 days resulted in deteriorated grip strength and formation of phosphorylated α-syn inclusions in the brain 2 months later, whereas dopaminergic neuron levels were not affected. These results point toward an important clearance function of the CSF and the ChP, which could mediate removal of PFF from the brain, whereby chronic exposure to PFF in the CSF may negatively impact blood-CSF barrier functionality and PD pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charysse Vandendriessche
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Arnout Bruggeman
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Joyce Foroozandeh
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, VIB, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Neurosciences, Brain Institute KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lien Van Hoecke
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Pieter Dujardin
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Junhua Xie
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Griet Van Imschoot
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Elien Van Wonterghem
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jonas Castelein
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Cristiano Lucci
- Cellular Communication and Neurodegeneration Research Group, Department of Biology, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lies De Groef
- Cellular Communication and Neurodegeneration Research Group, Department of Biology, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Roosmarijn E Vandenbroucke
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gao X, Li S, Yang Y, Yang S, Yu B, Zhu Z, Ma T, Zheng Y, Wei B, Hao Y, Wu H, Zhang Y, Guo L, Gao X, Wei Y, Xue B, Li J, Feng X, Lu L, Xia B, Huang J. A Novel Magnetic Responsive miR-26a@SPIONs-OECs for Spinal Cord Injury: Triggering Neural Regeneration Program and Orienting Axon Guidance in Inhibitory Astrocytic Environment. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2304487. [PMID: 37789583 PMCID: PMC10646239 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202304487] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Addressing the challenge of promoting directional axonal regeneration in a hostile astrocytic scar, which often impedes recovery following spinal cord injury (SCI), remains a daunting task. Cell transplantation is a promising strategy to facilitate nerve restoration in SCI. In this research, a pro-regeneration system is developed, namely miR-26a@SPIONs-OECs, for olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs), a preferred choice for promoting nerve regeneration in SCI patients. These entities show high responsiveness to external magnetic fields (MF), leading to synergistic multimodal cues to enhance nerve regeneration. First, an MF stimulates miR-26a@SPIONs-OECs to release extracellular vesicles (EVs) rich in miR-26a. This encourages axon growth by inhibiting PTEN and GSK-3β signaling pathways in neurons. Second, miR-26a@SPIONs-OECs exhibit a tendency to migrate and orientate along the direction of the MF, thereby potentially facilitating neuronal reconnection through directional neurite elongation. Third, miR-26a-enriched EVs from miR-26a@SPIONs-OECs can interact with host astrocytes, thereby diminishing inhibitory cues for neurite growth. In a rat model of SCI, the miR-26a@SPIONs-OECs system led to significantly improved morphological and motor function recovery. In summary, the miR-26a@SPIONS-OECs pro-regeneration system offers innovative insights into engineering exogenous cells with multiple additional cues, augmenting their efficacy for stimulating and guiding nerve regeneration within a hostile astrocytic scar in SCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xue Gao
- Department of OrthopaedicsXijing HospitalFourth Military Medical UniversityXi'an710032P. R. China
| | - Shengyou Li
- Department of OrthopaedicsXijing HospitalFourth Military Medical UniversityXi'an710032P. R. China
| | - Yujie Yang
- Department of OrthopaedicsXijing HospitalFourth Military Medical UniversityXi'an710032P. R. China
| | - Shijie Yang
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiao Tong UniversityXi'an710032P. R. China
| | - Beibei Yu
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiao Tong UniversityXi'an710032P. R. China
| | - Zhijie Zhu
- Department of OrthopaedicsXijing HospitalFourth Military Medical UniversityXi'an710032P. R. China
| | - Teng Ma
- Department of OrthopaedicsXijing HospitalFourth Military Medical UniversityXi'an710032P. R. China
| | - Yi Zheng
- Department of OrthopaedicsXijing HospitalFourth Military Medical UniversityXi'an710032P. R. China
| | - Bin Wei
- Department of OrthopaedicsXijing HospitalFourth Military Medical UniversityXi'an710032P. R. China
| | - Yiming Hao
- Department of OrthopaedicsXijing HospitalFourth Military Medical UniversityXi'an710032P. R. China
| | - Haining Wu
- Department of OrthopaedicsXijing HospitalFourth Military Medical UniversityXi'an710032P. R. China
| | - Yongfeng Zhang
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiao Tong UniversityXi'an710032P. R. China
| | - Lingli Guo
- Department of OrthopaedicsXijing HospitalFourth Military Medical UniversityXi'an710032P. R. China
| | - Xueli Gao
- School of Ecology and EnvironmentNorthwestern Polytechnical UniversityXi'an710072P. R. China
| | - Yitao Wei
- Department of OrthopaedicsXijing HospitalFourth Military Medical UniversityXi'an710032P. R. China
| | - Borui Xue
- Department of OrthopaedicsXijing HospitalFourth Military Medical UniversityXi'an710032P. R. China
| | - Jianzhong Li
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiao Tong UniversityXi'an710032P. R. China
| | - Xue Feng
- Department of Cell BiologySchool of MedicineNorthwest UniversityXi'an710032P. R. China
| | - Lei Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Military StomatologyNational Clinical Research Center for Oral DiseasesShaanxi International Joint Research Center for Oral DiseasesDepartment of Oral Anatomy and Physiology and TMDSchool of Stomatologythe Fourth Military Medical UniversityXi'an710032P. R. China
| | - Bing Xia
- Department of OrthopaedicsXijing HospitalFourth Military Medical UniversityXi'an710032P. R. China
| | - Jinghui Huang
- Department of OrthopaedicsXijing HospitalFourth Military Medical UniversityXi'an710032P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Minz R, Sharma PK, Negi A, Kesari KK. MicroRNAs-Based Theranostics against Anesthetic-Induced Neurotoxicity. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1833. [PMID: 37514018 PMCID: PMC10385075 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15071833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Various clinical reports indicate prolonged exposure to general anesthetic-induced neurotoxicity (in vitro and in vivo). Behavior changes (memory and cognition) are compilations commonly cited with general anesthetics. The ability of miRNAs to modulate gene expression, thereby selectively altering cellular functions, remains one of the emerging techniques in the recent decade. Importantly, engineered miRNAs (which are of the two categories, i.e., agomir and antagomir) to an extent found to mitigate neurotoxicity. Utilizing pre-designed synthetic miRNA oligos would be an ideal analeptic approach for intervention based on indicative parameters. This review demonstrates engineered miRNA's potential as prophylactics and/or therapeutics minimizing the general anesthetics-induced neurotoxicity. Furthermore, we share our thoughts regarding the current challenges and feasibility of using miRNAs as therapeutic agents to counteract the adverse neurological effects. Moreover, we discuss the scientific status and updates on the novel neuro-miRNAs related to therapy against neurotoxicity induced by amyloid beta (Aβ) and Parkinson's disease (PD).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roseleena Minz
- Department of Life Sciences, Central University of Jharkhand, Brambe, Ranchi 853205, Jharkhand, India
| | - Praveen Kumar Sharma
- Department of Life Sciences, Central University of Jharkhand, Brambe, Ranchi 853205, Jharkhand, India
| | - Arvind Negi
- Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, 02150 Espoo, Finland
| | - Kavindra Kumar Kesari
- Department of Applied Physics, School of Science, Aalto University, 02150 Espoo, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wu ZD, Feng Y, Ma ZX, Liu Z, Xiong HH, Zhou ZP, Ouyang LS, Xie FK, Tang YM. MicroRNAs: protective regulators for neuron growth and development. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:734-745. [DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.353481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
|
6
|
Diaz-Amarilla P, Arredondo F, Dapueto R, Boix V, Carvalho D, Santi MD, Vasilskis E, Mesquita-Ribeiro R, Dajas-Bailador F, Abin-Carriquiry JA, Engler H, Savio E. Isolation and characterization of neurotoxic astrocytes derived from adult triple transgenic Alzheimer's disease mice. Neurochem Int 2022; 159:105403. [PMID: 35853553 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2022.105403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease has been considered mostly as a neuronal pathology, although increasing evidence suggests that glial cells might play a key role in the disease onset and progression. In this sense, astrocytes, with their central role in neuronal metabolism and function, are of great interest for increasing our understanding of the disease. Thus, exploring the morphological and functional changes suffered by astrocytes along the course of this disorder has great therapeutic and diagnostic potential. In this work we isolated and cultivated astrocytes from symptomatic 9-10-months-old adult 3xTg-AD mice, with the aim of characterizing their phenotype and exploring their pathogenic potential. These "old" astrocytes occurring in the 3xTg-AD mouse model of Alzheimer's Disease presented high proliferation rate and differential expression of astrocytic markers compared with controls. They were neurotoxic to primary neuronal cultures both, in neuronal-astrocyte co-cultures and when their conditioned media (ACM) was added into neuronal cultures. ACM caused neuronal GSK3β activation, changes in cytochrome c pattern, and increased caspase 3 activity, suggesting intrinsic apoptotic pathway activation. Exposure of neurons to ACM caused different subcellular responses. ACM application to the somato-dendritic domain in compartmentalised microfluidic chambers caused degeneration both locally in soma/dendrites and distally in axons. However, exposure of axons to ACM did not affect somato-dendritic nor axonal integrity. We propose that this newly described old 3xTg-AD neurotoxic astrocytic population can contribute towards the mechanistic understanding of the disease and shed light on new therapeutical opportunities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Diaz-Amarilla
- Area I+D Biomédica, Centro Uruguayo de Imagenología Molecular, 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Florencia Arredondo
- Area I+D Biomédica, Centro Uruguayo de Imagenología Molecular, 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay; Departamento de Neuroquímica, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay.
| | - Rosina Dapueto
- Area I+D Biomédica, Centro Uruguayo de Imagenología Molecular, 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Victoria Boix
- Departamento de Neuroquímica, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Diego Carvalho
- Departamento de Neuroquímica, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - María Daniela Santi
- Area I+D Biomédica, Centro Uruguayo de Imagenología Molecular, 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Elena Vasilskis
- Area I+D Biomédica, Centro Uruguayo de Imagenología Molecular, 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Raquel Mesquita-Ribeiro
- School of Life Sciences, Medical School Building, University of Nottingham, NG7 2UH, Nottingham, UK
| | - Federico Dajas-Bailador
- School of Life Sciences, Medical School Building, University of Nottingham, NG7 2UH, Nottingham, UK
| | - Juan Andrés Abin-Carriquiry
- Departamento de Neuroquímica, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Henry Engler
- Area I+D Biomédica, Centro Uruguayo de Imagenología Molecular, 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay.
| | - Eduardo Savio
- Area I+D Biomédica, Centro Uruguayo de Imagenología Molecular, 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wilson C, Moyano AL, Cáceres A. Perspectives on Mechanisms Supporting Neuronal Polarity From Small Animals to Humans. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:878142. [PMID: 35517494 PMCID: PMC9062071 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.878142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Axon-dendrite formation is a crucial milestone in the life history of neurons. During this process, historically referred as “the establishment of polarity,” newborn neurons undergo biochemical, morphological and functional transformations to generate the axonal and dendritic domains, which are the basis of neuronal wiring and connectivity. Since the implementation of primary cultures of rat hippocampal neurons by Gary Banker and Max Cowan in 1977, the community of neurobiologists has made significant achievements in decoding signals that trigger axo-dendritic specification. External and internal cues able to switch on/off signaling pathways controlling gene expression, protein stability, the assembly of the polarity complex (i.e., PAR3-PAR6-aPKC), cytoskeleton remodeling and vesicle trafficking contribute to shape the morphology of neurons. Currently, the culture of hippocampal neurons coexists with alternative model systems to study neuronal polarization in several species, from single-cell to whole-organisms. For instance, in vivo approaches using C. elegans and D. melanogaster, as well as in situ imaging in rodents, have refined our knowledge by incorporating new variables in the polarity equation, such as the influence of the tissue, glia-neuron interactions and three-dimensional development. Nowadays, we have the unique opportunity of studying neurons differentiated from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), and test hypotheses previously originated in small animals and propose new ones perhaps specific for humans. Thus, this article will attempt to review critical mechanisms controlling polarization compiled over decades, highlighting points to be considered in new experimental systems, such as hiPSC neurons and human brain organoids.
Collapse
|
8
|
Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3: Ion Channels, Plasticity, and Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084413. [PMID: 35457230 PMCID: PMC9028019 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3) is a multifaceted serine/threonine (S/T) kinase expressed in all eukaryotic cells. GSK3β is highly enriched in neurons in the central nervous system where it acts as a central hub for intracellular signaling downstream of receptors critical for neuronal function. Unlike other kinases, GSK3β is constitutively active, and its modulation mainly involves inhibition via upstream regulatory pathways rather than increased activation. Through an intricate converging signaling system, a fine-tuned balance of active and inactive GSK3β acts as a central point for the phosphorylation of numerous primed and unprimed substrates. Although the full range of molecular targets is still unknown, recent results show that voltage-gated ion channels are among the downstream targets of GSK3β. Here, we discuss the direct and indirect mechanisms by which GSK3β phosphorylates voltage-gated Na+ channels (Nav1.2 and Nav1.6) and voltage-gated K+ channels (Kv4 and Kv7) and their physiological effects on intrinsic excitability, neuronal plasticity, and behavior. We also present evidence for how unbalanced GSK3β activity can lead to maladaptive plasticity that ultimately renders neuronal circuitry more vulnerable, increasing the risk for developing neuropsychiatric disorders. In conclusion, GSK3β-dependent modulation of voltage-gated ion channels may serve as an important pharmacological target for neurotherapeutic development.
Collapse
|
9
|
Li L, Yu J, Ji SJ. Axonal mRNA localization and translation: local events with broad roles. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:7379-7395. [PMID: 34698881 PMCID: PMC11072051 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03995-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) can be transported and targeted to different subcellular compartments and locally translated. Local translation is an evolutionally conserved mechanism that in mammals, provides an important tool to exquisitely regulate the subcellular proteome in different cell types, including neurons. Local translation in axons is involved in processes such as neuronal development, function, plasticity, and diseases. Here, we summarize the current progress on axonal mRNA transport and translation. We focus on the regulatory mechanisms governing how mRNAs are transported to axons and how they are locally translated in axons. We discuss the roles of axonally synthesized proteins, which either function locally in axons, or are retrogradely trafficked back to soma to achieve neuron-wide gene regulation. We also examine local translation in neurological diseases. Finally, we give a critical perspective on the remaining questions that could be answered to uncover the fundamental rules governing local translation, and discuss how this could lead to new therapeutic targets for neurological diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lichao Li
- School of Life Sciences, Department of Biology, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, Brain Research Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Jun Yu
- School of Life Sciences, Department of Biology, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, Brain Research Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Sheng-Jian Ji
- School of Life Sciences, Department of Biology, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, Brain Research Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Mesquita-Ribeiro R, Fort RS, Rathbone A, Farias J, Lucci C, James V, Sotelo-Silveira J, Duhagon MA, Dajas-Bailador F. Distinct small non-coding RNA landscape in the axons and released extracellular vesicles of developing primary cortical neurons and the axoplasm of adult nerves. RNA Biol 2021; 18:832-855. [PMID: 34882524 PMCID: PMC8782166 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2021.2000792] [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] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurons have highlighted the needs for decentralized gene expression and specific RNA function in somato-dendritic and axonal compartments, as well as in intercellular communication via extracellular vesicles (EVs). Despite advances in miRNA biology, the identity and regulatory capacity of other small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) in neuronal models and local subdomains has been largely unexplored.We identified a highly complex and differentially localized content of sncRNAs in axons and EVs during early neuronal development of cortical primary neurons and in adult axons in vivo. This content goes far beyond miRNAs and includes most known sncRNAs and precisely processed fragments from tRNAs, sno/snRNAs, Y RNAs and vtRNAs. Although miRNAs are the major sncRNA biotype in whole-cell samples, their relative abundance is significantly decreased in axons and neuronal EVs, where specific tRNA fragments (tRFs and tRHs/tiRNAs) mainly derived from tRNAs Gly-GCC, Val-CAC and Val-AAC predominate. Notably, although 5'-tRHs compose the great majority of tRNA-derived fragments observed in vitro, a shift to 3'-tRNAs is observed in mature axons in vivo.The existence of these complex sncRNA populations that are specific to distinct neuronal subdomains and selectively incorporated into EVs, equip neurons with key molecular tools for spatiotemporal functional control and cell-to-cell communication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rafael Sebastián Fort
- Laboratorio de Interacciones Moleculares, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay.,Departamento de Genómica, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Alex Rathbone
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Joaquina Farias
- Departamento de Genómica, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay.,Polo de Desarrollo Universitario "Espacio de Biología Vegetal del Noreste", Centro Universitario Regional Noreste, UdelaR, Uruguay
| | - Cristiano Lucci
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Victoria James
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Jose Sotelo-Silveira
- Departamento de Genómica, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Maria Ana Duhagon
- Laboratorio de Interacciones Moleculares, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Nawalpuri B, Sharma A, Chattarji S, Muddashetty RS. Distinct temporal expression of the GW182 paralog TNRC6A in neurons regulates dendritic arborization. J Cell Sci 2021; 134:271120. [PMID: 34328181 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.258465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Precise development of the dendritic architecture is a critical determinant of mature neuronal circuitry. MicroRNA (miRNA)-mediated regulation of protein synthesis plays a crucial role in dendritic morphogenesis, but the role of miRNA-induced silencing complex (miRISC) protein components in this process is less studied. Here, we show an important role of a key miRISC protein, the GW182 paralog TNRC6A, in the regulation of dendritic growth. We identified a distinct brain region-specific spatiotemporal expression pattern of GW182 during rat postnatal development. We found that the window of peak GW182 expression coincides with the period of extensive dendritic growth, both in the hippocampus and cerebellum. Perturbation of GW182 function during a specific temporal window resulted in reduced dendritic growth of cultured hippocampal neurons. Mechanistically, we show that GW182 modulates dendritic growth by regulating global somatodendritic translation and actin cytoskeletal dynamics of developing neurons. Furthermore, we found that GW182 affects dendritic architecture by regulating the expression of actin modulator LIMK1. Taken together, our data reveal a previously undescribed neurodevelopmental expression pattern of GW182 and its role in dendritic morphogenesis, which involves both translational control and actin cytoskeletal rearrangement. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bharti Nawalpuri
- Centre for Brain Development and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (InStem), Bangalore 560065, India.,School of Chemical and Biotechnology, Shanmugha Arts, Science, and Technology and Research Academy (SASTRA) University, Thanjavur 613401, India.,Centre for Brain Research, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Arpita Sharma
- Centre for Brain Development and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (InStem), Bangalore 560065, India
| | - Sumantra Chattarji
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore 560065, India.,Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain and Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh EH8 9XD, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ravi S Muddashetty
- Centre for Brain Development and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (InStem), Bangalore 560065, India.,Centre for Brain Research, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Li Y, Fan C, Wang L, Lan T, Gao R, Wang W, Yu SY. MicroRNA-26a-3p rescues depression-like behaviors in male rats via preventing hippocampal neuronal anomalies. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:e148853. [PMID: 34228643 DOI: 10.1172/jci148853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Depression is a neuropsychiatric disease associated with neuronal anomalies within specific brain regions. In the present study, we screened microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles in the dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus and found that miR-26a-3p was markedly downregulated in a rat model of depression, whereas upregulation of miR-26a-3p within DG regions rescued the neuronal deterioration and depression-like phenotypes resulting from stress exposure, effects that appear to be mediated by the PTEN pathway. The knockdown of miR-26a-3p in DG regions of normal control rats induced depression-like behaviors, effects that were accompanied by activation of the PTEN/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and neuronal deterioration via suppression of autophagy, impairments in synaptic plasticity, and promotion of neuronal apoptosis. In conclusion, these results suggest that miR-26a-3p deficits within the hippocampal DG mediated the neuronal anomalies contributing to the display of depression-like behaviors. This miRNA may serve as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of depression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ye Li
- Department of Physiology and
| | | | - Liyan Wang
- Morphological Experimental Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | | | - Rui Gao
- Department of Microorganism, Jinan Nursing Vocational College, Lvyoulu Road, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | | | - Shu Yan Yu
- Department of Physiology and.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Di Paolo A, Garat J, Eastman G, Farias J, Dajas-Bailador F, Smircich P, Sotelo-Silveira JR. Functional Genomics of Axons and Synapses to Understand Neurodegenerative Diseases. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:686722. [PMID: 34248504 PMCID: PMC8267896 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.686722] [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: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Functional genomics studies through transcriptomics, translatomics and proteomics have become increasingly important tools to understand the molecular basis of biological systems in the last decade. In most cases, when these approaches are applied to the nervous system, they are centered in cell bodies or somatodendritic compartments, as these are easier to isolate and, at least in vitro, contain most of the mRNA and proteins present in all neuronal compartments. However, key functional processes and many neuronal disorders are initiated by changes occurring far away from cell bodies, particularly in axons (axopathologies) and synapses (synaptopathies). Both neuronal compartments contain specific RNAs and proteins, which are known to vary depending on their anatomical distribution, developmental stage and function, and thus form the complex network of molecular pathways required for neuron connectivity. Modifications in these components due to metabolic, environmental, and/or genetic issues could trigger or exacerbate a neuronal disease. For this reason, detailed profiling and functional understanding of the precise changes in these compartments may thus yield new insights into the still intractable molecular basis of most neuronal disorders. In the case of synaptic dysfunctions or synaptopathies, they contribute to dozens of diseases in the human brain including neurodevelopmental (i.e., autism, Down syndrome, and epilepsy) as well as neurodegenerative disorders (i.e., Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases). Histological, biochemical, cellular, and general molecular biology techniques have been key in understanding these pathologies. Now, the growing number of omics approaches can add significant extra information at a high and wide resolution level and, used effectively, can lead to novel and insightful interpretations of the biological processes at play. This review describes current approaches that use transcriptomics, translatomics and proteomic related methods to analyze the axon and presynaptic elements, focusing on the relationship that axon and synapses have with neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andres Di Paolo
- Departamento de Genómica, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Montevideo, Uruguay
- Departamento de Proteínas y Ácidos Nucleicos, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Joaquin Garat
- Departamento de Genómica, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Guillermo Eastman
- Departamento de Genómica, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Joaquina Farias
- Departamento de Genómica, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Montevideo, Uruguay
- Polo de Desarrollo Universitario “Espacio de Biología Vegetal del Noreste”, Centro Universitario Regional Noreste, Universidad de la República (UdelaR), Tacuarembó, Uruguay
| | - Federico Dajas-Bailador
- School of Life Sciences, Medical School Building, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Pablo Smircich
- Departamento de Genómica, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Montevideo, Uruguay
- Laboratorio de Interacciones Moleculares, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República (UdelaR), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - José Roberto Sotelo-Silveira
- Departamento de Genómica, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Montevideo, Uruguay
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República (UdelaR), Montevideo, Uruguay
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Chen Y, Tian Z, He L, Liu C, Wang N, Rong L, Liu B. Exosomes derived from miR-26a-modified MSCs promote axonal regeneration via the PTEN/AKT/mTOR pathway following spinal cord injury. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:224. [PMID: 33820561 PMCID: PMC8022427 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02282-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Exosomes derived from the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) have shown great potential in spinal cord injury (SCI) treatment. This research was designed to investigate the therapeutic effects of miR-26a-modified MSC-derived exosomes (Exos-26a) following SCI. Methods Bioinformatics and data mining were performed to explore the role of miR-26a in SCI. Exosomes were isolated from miR-26a-modified MSC culture medium by ultracentrifugation. A series of experiments, including assessment of Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan scale, histological evaluation, motor-evoked potential recording, diffusion tensor imaging, and western blotting, were performed to determine the therapeutic influence and the underlying molecular mechanisms of Exos-26a in SCI rats. Results Exos-26a was shown to promote axonal regeneration. Furthermore, we found that exosomes derived from miR-26a-modified MSC could improve neurogenesis and attenuate glial scarring through PTEN/AKT/mTOR signaling cascades. Conclusions Exosomes derived from miR-26a-modified MSC could activate the PTEN-AKT-mTOR pathway to promote axonal regeneration and neurogenesis and attenuate glia scarring in SCI and thus present great potential for SCI treatment. Graphical abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-021-02282-0.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuyong Chen
- Department of Spine Surgery, The 3rd Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Provincial Center for Quality Control of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Provincial Center for Engineering and Technology Research of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhenming Tian
- Department of Spine Surgery, The 3rd Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Provincial Center for Quality Control of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Provincial Center for Engineering and Technology Research of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China
| | - Lei He
- Department of Spine Surgery, The 3rd Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Provincial Center for Quality Control of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Provincial Center for Engineering and Technology Research of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China
| | - Can Liu
- Department of Spine Surgery, The 3rd Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Provincial Center for Quality Control of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Provincial Center for Engineering and Technology Research of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China
| | - Nangxiang Wang
- Department of Spine Surgery, The 3rd Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Provincial Center for Quality Control of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Provincial Center for Engineering and Technology Research of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China
| | - Limin Rong
- Department of Spine Surgery, The 3rd Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China. .,Guangdong Provincial Center for Quality Control of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China. .,Guangdong Provincial Center for Engineering and Technology Research of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China.
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of Spine Surgery, The 3rd Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China. .,Guangdong Provincial Center for Quality Control of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China. .,Guangdong Provincial Center for Engineering and Technology Research of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Calvo B, Thornton TM, Rincon M, Tranque P, Fernandez M. Regulation of GSK3β by Ser 389 Phosphorylation During Neural Development. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:809-820. [PMID: 33029741 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-020-02147-2] [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: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
GSK3β is a constitutively active kinase that promotes cell death, which requires strict regulatory mechanisms. Although Akt-mediated phosphorylation at Ser9 is the default mechanism to inactivate GSK3β, phosphorylation of GSK3β at Ser389 by p38 MAPK has emerged as an alternative inhibitory pathway that provides cell protection and repair in response to DNA damage. Phosphorylation of Ser389 GSK3β has been detected in adult brain, where it has been related to neuronal survival and behavior. However, the use of this pathway to regulate GSK3β in the neonatal developing brain is unknown. In this study, we show that phosphorylation of GSK3β at Ser389 in the brain is developmentally regulated, with the highest levels corresponding to the first 2 weeks of age. Moreover, we found that the phosphorylation of GSK3β at Ser389 is the preferential mechanism for inactivating brain GSK3β in 2-week-old mice. Importantly, we show that phospho-Ser389 GSK3β expression is predominant in neuronal cell cultures from neonatal brain relative to other cell populations. However, phospho-Ser389 GSK3β is triggered by DNA double-strand breaks in all developing neural cell types examined. Thus, the phosphorylation of GSK3β on Ser389 could be a central regulatory mechanism to restrain GSK3β during neurogenesis early in life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Belen Calvo
- Research Institute for Neurological Disabilities (IDINE), Medical School, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 02006, Albacete, Spain
| | - Tina M Thornton
- Department of Medicine, Immunobiology Division, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Mercedes Rincon
- Department of Medicine, Immunobiology Division, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Pedro Tranque
- Research Institute for Neurological Disabilities (IDINE), Medical School, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 02006, Albacete, Spain
| | - Miriam Fernandez
- Research Institute for Neurological Disabilities (IDINE), Medical School, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 02006, Albacete, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Sriram D, Dayma K, Devi AS, Raghawan AK, Rawat S, Radha V. Complex formation and reciprocal regulation between GSK3β and C3G. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2021; 1868:118964. [PMID: 33450305 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2021.118964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
GSK3β, a ubiquitously expressed Ser/Thr kinase, regulates cell metabolism, proliferation and differentiation. Its activity is spatially and temporally regulated dependent on external stimuli and interacting partners, and its deregulation is associated with various human disorders. In this study, we identify C3G (RapGEF1), a protein essential for mammalian embryonic development as an interacting partner and substrate of GSK3β. In vivo and in vitro interaction assays demonstrated that GSK3β and Akt are present in complex with C3G. Molecular modelling and mutational analysis identified a domain in C3G that aids interaction with GSK3β, and overlaps with its nuclear export sequence. GSK3β phosphorylates C3G on primed as well as unprimed sites, and regulates its subcellular localization. Over-expression of C3G resulted in activation of Akt and inactivation of GSK3β. Huntingtin aggregate formation, dependent on GSK3β inhibition, was enhanced upon C3G overexpression. Stable clones of C2C12 cells generated by CRISPR/Cas9 mediated knockdown of C3G, that cannot differentiate, show reduced Akt activity and S9-GSK3β phosphorylation compared to wild type cells. Co-expression of catalytically active GSK3β inhibited C3G induced myocyte differentiation. C3G mutant defective for GSK3β phosphorylation, does not alter S9-GSK3β phosphorylation and, is compromised for inducing myocyte differentiation. Our results show complex formation and reciprocal regulation between GSK3β and C3G. We have identified a novel function of C3G as a negative regulator of GSK3β, a property important for its ability to induce myogenic differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Divya Sriram
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500 007, India
| | - Kunal Dayma
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500 007, India
| | - Ambure Sharada Devi
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500 007, India
| | | | - Shivali Rawat
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500 007, India
| | - Vegesna Radha
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500 007, India.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Siedlecki-Wullich D, Miñano-Molina AJ, Rodríguez-Álvarez J. microRNAs as Early Biomarkers of Alzheimer's Disease: A Synaptic Perspective. Cells 2021; 10:113. [PMID: 33435363 PMCID: PMC7827653 DOI: 10.3390/cells10010113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic processes underlying Alzheimer's disease (AD) affect synaptic function from initial asymptomatic stages, long time before the onset of cognitive decline and neurodegeneration. Therefore, reliable biomarkers enabling early AD diagnosis and prognosis are needed to maximize the time window for therapeutic interventions. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have recently emerged as promising cost-effective and non-invasive biomarkers for AD, since they can be readily detected in different biofluids, including cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood. Moreover, a growing body of evidence indicates that miRNAs regulate synaptic homeostasis and plasticity processes, suggesting that they may be involved in early synaptic dysfunction during AD. Here, we review the current literature supporting a role of miRNAs during early synaptic deficits in AD, including recent studies evaluating their potential as AD biomarkers. Besides targeting genes related to Aβ and tau metabolism, several miRNAs also regulate synaptic-related proteins and transcription factors implicated in early synaptic deficits during AD. Furthermore, individual miRNAs and molecular signatures have been found to distinguish between prodromal AD and healthy controls. Overall, these studies highlight the relevance of considering synaptic-related miRNAs as potential biomarkers of early AD stages. However, further validation studies in large cohorts, including longitudinal studies, as well as implementation of standardized protocols, are needed to establish miRNA-based biomarkers as reliable diagnostic and prognostic tools.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dolores Siedlecki-Wullich
- Department Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (A.J.M.-M.); (J.R.-Á.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 528031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alfredo J. Miñano-Molina
- Department Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (A.J.M.-M.); (J.R.-Á.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 528031 Madrid, Spain
| | - José Rodríguez-Álvarez
- Department Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (A.J.M.-M.); (J.R.-Á.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 528031 Madrid, Spain
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY 10461, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Wilson C, Cáceres A. New insights on epigenetic mechanisms supporting axonal development: histone marks and miRNAs. FEBS J 2020; 288:6353-6364. [PMID: 33332753 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15673] [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: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Mechanisms supporting axon growth and the establishment of neuronal polarity have remained largely disconnected from their genetic and epigenetic fundamentals. Recently, post-transcriptional modifications of histones involved in chromatin folding and transcription, and microRNAs controlling translation have emerged as regulators of axonal specification, growth, and guidance. In this article, we review novel evidence supporting the concept that epigenetic mechanisms work at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels to shape axons. We also discuss the role of splicing on axonal growth, as one of the most (if not the most) powerful post-transcriptional mechanism to diversify genetic information. Overall, we think exploring the gap between epigenetics and axonal growth raises new questions and perspectives to the development of axons in physiological and pathological contexts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Wilson
- Centro de Investigación en Medicina Traslacional "Severo R Amuchástegui" (CIMETSA), Instituto Universitario Ciencias Biomédicas Córdoba (IUCBC), Córdoba, Argentina.,Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra (INIMEC-CONICET-UNC), Córdoba, Argentina.,Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC), Argentina
| | - Alfredo Cáceres
- Centro de Investigación en Medicina Traslacional "Severo R Amuchástegui" (CIMETSA), Instituto Universitario Ciencias Biomédicas Córdoba (IUCBC), Córdoba, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Corradi E, Baudet ML. In the Right Place at the Right Time: miRNAs as Key Regulators in Developing Axons. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228726. [PMID: 33218218 PMCID: PMC7699167 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
During neuronal circuit formation, axons progressively develop into a presynaptic compartment aided by extracellular signals. Axons display a remarkably high degree of autonomy supported in part by a local translation machinery that permits the subcellular production of proteins required for their development. Here, we review the latest findings showing that microRNAs (miRNAs) are critical regulators of this machinery, orchestrating the spatiotemporal regulation of local translation in response to cues. We first survey the current efforts toward unraveling the axonal miRNA repertoire through miRNA profiling, and we reveal the presence of a putative axonal miRNA signature. We also provide an overview of the molecular underpinnings of miRNA action. Our review of the available experimental evidence delineates two broad paradigms: cue-induced relief of miRNA-mediated inhibition, leading to bursts of protein translation, and cue-induced miRNA activation, which results in reduced protein production. Overall, this review highlights how a decade of intense investigation has led to a new appreciation of miRNAs as key elements of the local translation regulatory network controlling axon development.
Collapse
|
20
|
Di Paolo A, Eastman G, Mesquita-Ribeiro R, Farias J, Macklin A, Kislinger T, Colburn N, Munroe D, Sotelo Sosa JR, Dajas-Bailador F, Sotelo-Silveira JR. PDCD4 regulates axonal growth by translational repression of neurite growth-related genes and is modulated during nerve injury responses. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2020; 26:1637-1653. [PMID: 32747606 PMCID: PMC7566564 DOI: 10.1261/rna.075424.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) protein is a tumor suppressor that inhibits translation through the mTOR-dependent initiation factor EIF4A, but its functional role and mRNA targets in neurons remain largely unknown. Our work identified that PDCD4 is highly expressed in axons and dendrites of CNS and PNS neurons. Using loss- and gain-of-function experiments in cortical and dorsal root ganglia primary neurons, we demonstrated the capacity of PDCD4 to negatively control axonal growth. To explore PDCD4 transcriptome and translatome targets, we used Ribo-seq and uncovered a list of potential targets with known functions as axon/neurite outgrowth regulators. In addition, we observed that PDCD4 can be locally synthesized in adult axons in vivo, and its levels decrease at the site of peripheral nerve injury and before nerve regeneration. Overall, our findings demonstrate that PDCD4 can act as a new regulator of axonal growth via the selective control of translation, providing a target mechanism for axon regeneration and neuronal plasticity processes in neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Di Paolo
- Departamento de Proteínas y Ácidos Nucleicos, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay
| | - Guillermo Eastman
- Departamento de Genómica, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay
| | | | - Joaquina Farias
- Departamento de Genómica, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay
| | - Andrew Macklin
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Thomas Kislinger
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto M5G 1L7, Canada
- University of Toronto, Department of Medical Biophysics, Toronto M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Nancy Colburn
- Former Chief of Laboratory of Cancer Prevention at the National Cancer Institute-NIH at Frederick, Maryland 21702, USA
| | - David Munroe
- Former Laboratory of Molecular Technologies, LEIDOS at Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702, USA
| | - José R Sotelo Sosa
- Departamento de Proteínas y Ácidos Nucleicos, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay
| | | | - José R Sotelo-Silveira
- Departamento de Genómica, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias UdelaR, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay
| |
Collapse
|