1
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Prasad T, Iyer S, Chatterjee S, Kumar M. In vivo models to study neurogenesis and associated neurodevelopmental disorders-Microcephaly and autism spectrum disorder. WIREs Mech Dis 2023:e1603. [PMID: 36754084 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1603] [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: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
The genesis and functioning of the central nervous system are one of the most intricate and intriguing aspects of embryogenesis. The big lacuna in the field of human CNS development is the lack of accessibility of the human brain for direct observation during embryonic and fetal development. Thus, it is imperative to establish alternative animal models to gain deep mechanistic insights into neurodevelopment, establishment of neural circuitry, and its function. Neurodevelopmental events such as neural specification, differentiation, and generation of neuronal and non-neuronal cell types have been comprehensively studied using a variety of animal models and in vitro model systems derived from human cells. The experimentations on animal models have revealed novel, mechanistic insights into neurogenesis, formation of neural networks, and function. The models, thus serve as indispensable tools to understand the molecular basis of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) arising from aberrations during embryonic development. Here, we review the spectrum of in vivo models such as fruitfly, zebrafish, frog, mice, and nonhuman primates to study neurogenesis and NDDs like microcephaly and Autism Spectrum Disorder. We also discuss nonconventional models such as ascidians and the recent technological advances in the field to study neurogenesis, disease mechanisms, and pathophysiology of human NDDs. This article is categorized under: Cancer > Stem Cells and Development Congenital Diseases > Stem Cells and Development Neurological Diseases > Stem Cells and Development Congenital Diseases > Genetics/Genomics/Epigenetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuhina Prasad
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB), Hyderabad, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Sharada Iyer
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB), Hyderabad, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Sayoni Chatterjee
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB), Hyderabad, India
| | - Megha Kumar
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB), Hyderabad, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
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2
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Di Fede E, Grazioli P, Lettieri A, Parodi C, Castiglioni S, Taci E, Colombo EA, Ancona S, Priori A, Gervasini C, Massa V. Epigenetic disorders: Lessons from the animals–animal models in chromatinopathies. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:979512. [PMID: 36225316 PMCID: PMC9548571 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.979512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromatinopathies are defined as genetic disorders caused by mutations in genes coding for protein involved in the chromatin state balance. So far 82 human conditions have been described belonging to this group of congenital disorders, sharing some molecular features and clinical signs. For almost all of these conditions, no specific treatment is available. For better understanding the molecular cascade caused by chromatin imbalance and for envisaging possible therapeutic strategies it is fundamental to combine clinical and basic research studies. To this end, animal modelling systems represent an invaluable tool to study chromatinopathies. In this review, we focused on available data in the literature of animal models mimicking the human genetic conditions. Importantly, affected organs and abnormalities are shared in the different animal models and most of these abnormalities are reported as clinical manifestation, underlying the parallelism between clinics and translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Di Fede
- Department of Health Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Grazioli
- Department of Health Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonella Lettieri
- Department of Health Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Parodi
- Department of Health Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Castiglioni
- Department of Health Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Esi Taci
- Department of Health Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Adele Colombo
- Department of Health Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Ancona
- Department of Health Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Priori
- Department of Health Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- “Aldo Ravelli” Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Gervasini
- Department of Health Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- “Aldo Ravelli” Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Massa
- Department of Health Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- “Aldo Ravelli” Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: Valentina Massa,
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3
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Ma M, Moulton MJ, Lu S, Bellen HJ. 'Fly-ing' from rare to common neurodegenerative disease mechanisms. Trends Genet 2022; 38:972-984. [PMID: 35484057 PMCID: PMC9378361 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2022.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Advances in genome sequencing have enabled researchers and clinicians to probe vast numbers of human variants to distinguish pathogenic from benign variants. Model organisms have been crucial in variant assessment and in delineating the molecular mechanisms of some of the diseases caused by these variants. The fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, has played a valuable role in this endeavor, taking advantage of its genetic technologies and established biological knowledge. We highlight the utility of the fly in studying the function of genes associated with rare neurological diseases that have led to a better understanding of common disease mechanisms. We emphasize that shared themes emerge among disease mechanisms, including the importance of lipids, in two prominent neurodegenerative diseases: Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqi Ma
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Matthew J Moulton
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Shenzhao Lu
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hugo J Bellen
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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4
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Reisman BJ, Guo H, Ramsey HE, Wright MT, Reinfeld BI, Ferrell PB, Sulikowski GA, Rathmell WK, Savona MR, Plate L, Rubinstein JL, Bachmann BO. Apoptolidin family glycomacrolides target leukemia through inhibition of ATP synthase. Nat Chem Biol 2022; 18:360-367. [PMID: 34857958 PMCID: PMC8967781 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-021-00900-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cells have long been recognized to exhibit unique bioenergetic requirements. The apoptolidin family of glycomacrolides are distinguished by their selective cytotoxicity towards oncogene-transformed cells, yet their molecular mechanism remains uncertain. We used photoaffinity analogs of the apoptolidins to identify the F1 subcomplex of mitochondrial ATP synthase as the target of apoptolidin A. Cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) of apoptolidin and ammocidin-ATP synthase complexes revealed a novel shared mode of inhibition that was confirmed by deep mutational scanning of the binding interface to reveal resistance mutations which were confirmed using CRISPR-Cas9. Ammocidin A was found to suppress leukemia progression in vivo at doses that were tolerated with minimal toxicity. The combination of cellular, structural, mutagenesis, and in vivo evidence defines the mechanism of action of apoptolidin family glycomacrolides and establishes a path to address oxidative phosphorylation-dependent cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J. Reisman
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.,Medical Scientist Training Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Hui Guo
- Molecular Medicine Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Haley E. Ramsey
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Madison T. Wright
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Bradley I. Reinfeld
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Cancer Biology Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - P. Brent Ferrell
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.,Cancer Biology Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Gary A. Sulikowski
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.,Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - W. Kimryn Rathmell
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.,Cancer Biology Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Michael R. Savona
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.,Cancer Biology Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Lars Plate
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.,Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - John L. Rubinstein
- Molecular Medicine Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brian O. Bachmann
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.,Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.,Correspondence to:
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5
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Carregosa D, Mota S, Ferreira S, Alves-Dias B, Loncarevic-Vasiljkovic N, Crespo CL, Menezes R, Teodoro R, dos Santos CN. Overview of Beneficial Effects of (Poly)phenol Metabolites in the Context of Neurodegenerative Diseases on Model Organisms. Nutrients 2021; 13:2940. [PMID: 34578818 PMCID: PMC8464690 DOI: 10.3390/nu13092940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The rise of neurodegenerative diseases in an aging population is an increasing problem of health, social and economic consequences. Epidemiological and intervention studies have demonstrated that diets rich in (poly)phenols can have potent health benefits on cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. Meanwhile, the role of gut microbiota is ever more evident in modulating the catabolism of (poly)phenols to dozens of low molecular weight (poly)phenol metabolites that have been identified in plasma and urine. These metabolites can reach circulation in higher concentrations than parent (poly)phenols and persist for longer periods of time. However, studies addressing their potential brain effects are still lacking. In this review, we will discuss different model organisms that have been used to study how low molecular weight (poly)phenol metabolites affect neuronal related mechanisms gathering critical insight on their potential to tackle the major hallmarks of neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo Carregosa
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal; (D.C.); (S.M.); (S.F.); (B.A.-D.); (N.L.-V.); (C.L.C.); (R.M.); (R.T.)
| | - Sara Mota
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal; (D.C.); (S.M.); (S.F.); (B.A.-D.); (N.L.-V.); (C.L.C.); (R.M.); (R.T.)
- iBET, Institute of Experimental and Technological Biology, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Sofia Ferreira
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal; (D.C.); (S.M.); (S.F.); (B.A.-D.); (N.L.-V.); (C.L.C.); (R.M.); (R.T.)
- CBIOS, University Lusófona’s Research Center for Biosciences & Health Technologies, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Beatriz Alves-Dias
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal; (D.C.); (S.M.); (S.F.); (B.A.-D.); (N.L.-V.); (C.L.C.); (R.M.); (R.T.)
| | - Natasa Loncarevic-Vasiljkovic
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal; (D.C.); (S.M.); (S.F.); (B.A.-D.); (N.L.-V.); (C.L.C.); (R.M.); (R.T.)
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Carolina Lage Crespo
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal; (D.C.); (S.M.); (S.F.); (B.A.-D.); (N.L.-V.); (C.L.C.); (R.M.); (R.T.)
| | - Regina Menezes
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal; (D.C.); (S.M.); (S.F.); (B.A.-D.); (N.L.-V.); (C.L.C.); (R.M.); (R.T.)
- iBET, Institute of Experimental and Technological Biology, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal
- CBIOS, University Lusófona’s Research Center for Biosciences & Health Technologies, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Rita Teodoro
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal; (D.C.); (S.M.); (S.F.); (B.A.-D.); (N.L.-V.); (C.L.C.); (R.M.); (R.T.)
| | - Cláudia Nunes dos Santos
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal; (D.C.); (S.M.); (S.F.); (B.A.-D.); (N.L.-V.); (C.L.C.); (R.M.); (R.T.)
- iBET, Institute of Experimental and Technological Biology, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal
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6
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Rigon L, De Filippis C, Napoli B, Tomanin R, Orso G. Exploiting the Potential of Drosophila Models in Lysosomal Storage Disorders: Pathological Mechanisms and Drug Discovery. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9030268. [PMID: 33800050 PMCID: PMC8000850 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9030268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) represent a complex and heterogeneous group of rare genetic diseases due to mutations in genes coding for lysosomal enzymes, membrane proteins or transporters. This leads to the accumulation of undegraded materials within lysosomes and a broad range of severe clinical features, often including the impairment of central nervous system (CNS). When available, enzyme replacement therapy slows the disease progression although it is not curative; also, most recombinant enzymes cannot cross the blood-brain barrier, leaving the CNS untreated. The inefficient degradative capability of the lysosomes has a negative impact on the flux through the endolysosomal and autophagic pathways; therefore, dysregulation of these pathways is increasingly emerging as a relevant disease mechanism in LSDs. In the last twenty years, different LSD Drosophila models have been generated, mainly for diseases presenting with neurological involvement. The fruit fly provides a large selection of tools to investigate lysosomes, autophagy and endocytic pathways in vivo, as well as to analyse neuronal and glial cells. The possibility to use Drosophila in drug repurposing and discovery makes it an attractive model for LSDs lacking effective therapies. Here, ee describe the major cellular pathways implicated in LSDs pathogenesis, the approaches available for their study and the Drosophila models developed for these diseases. Finally, we highlight a possible use of LSDs Drosophila models for drug screening studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Rigon
- Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica “Città della Speranza”, Corso Stati Uniti 4, 35127 Padova, Italy; (C.D.F.); (R.T.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Concetta De Filippis
- Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica “Città della Speranza”, Corso Stati Uniti 4, 35127 Padova, Italy; (C.D.F.); (R.T.)
- Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Lysosomal Disorders, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 3, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Barbara Napoli
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Via Don Luigi Monza 20, Bosisio Parini, 23842 Lecco, Italy;
| | - Rosella Tomanin
- Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica “Città della Speranza”, Corso Stati Uniti 4, 35127 Padova, Italy; (C.D.F.); (R.T.)
- Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Lysosomal Disorders, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 3, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Genny Orso
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy;
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7
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Matiytsiv NP, Chernyk YI. Drosophila melanogaster as a Model System for the Study of Human Neuropathy and the Testing of Neuroprotectors. CYTOL GENET+ 2020. [DOI: 10.3103/s0095452720030081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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8
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Moulton MJ, Humphreys GB, Kim A, Letsou A. O-GlcNAcylation Dampens Dpp/BMP Signaling to Ensure Proper Drosophila Embryonic Development. Dev Cell 2020; 53:330-343.e3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2020.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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9
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Gahr BM, Brändle F, Zimmermann M, Nagel AC. An RBPJ- Drosophila Model Reveals Dependence of RBPJ Protein Stability on the Formation of Transcription-Regulator Complexes. Cells 2019; 8:cells8101252. [PMID: 31615108 PMCID: PMC6829621 DOI: 10.3390/cells8101252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Notch signaling activity governs widespread cellular differentiation in higher animals, including humans, and is involved in several congenital diseases and different forms of cancer. Notch signals are mediated by the transcriptional regulator RBPJ in a complex with activated Notch (NICD). Analysis of Notch pathway regulation in humans is hampered by a partial redundancy of the four Notch receptor copies, yet RBPJ is solitary, allowing its study in model systems. In Drosophila melanogaster, the RBPJ orthologue is encoded by Suppressor of Hairless [Su(H)]. Using genome engineering, we replaced Su(H) by murine RBPJ in order to study its function in the fly. In fact, RBPJ largely substitutes for Su(H)’s function, yet subtle phenotypes reflect increased Notch signaling activity. Accordingly, the binding of RBPJ to Hairless (H) protein, the general Notch antagonist in Drosophila, was considerably reduced compared to that of Su(H). An H-binding defective RBPJLLL mutant matched the respective Su(H)LLL allele: homozygotes were lethal due to extensive Notch hyperactivity. Moreover, RBPJLLL protein accumulated at lower levels than wild type RBPJ, except in the presence of NICD. Apparently, RBPJ protein stability depends on protein complex formation with either H or NICD, similar to Su(H), demonstrating that the murine homologue underlies the same regulatory mechanisms as Su(H) in Drosophila. These results underscore the importance of regulating the availability of RBPJ protein to correctly mediate Notch signaling activity in the fly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernd M. Gahr
- Institute of Genetics (240), University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (B.M.G.); (F.B.); (M.Z.)
- Present address: Molecular Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine II, University of Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 23, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Franziska Brändle
- Institute of Genetics (240), University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (B.M.G.); (F.B.); (M.Z.)
| | - Mirjam Zimmermann
- Institute of Genetics (240), University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (B.M.G.); (F.B.); (M.Z.)
| | - Anja C. Nagel
- Institute of Genetics (240), University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (B.M.G.); (F.B.); (M.Z.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-711-45922210
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10
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Giansanti MG, Fraschini R. Editorial: Model Organisms: A Precious Resource for the Understanding of Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Human Physiology and Disease. Front Genet 2019; 10:822. [PMID: 31552106 PMCID: PMC6746988 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Grazia Giansanti
- Istituto di Biologia e Patologia Molecolari del CNR, Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie, Università Sapienza di Roma, Roma, Italy
| | - Roberta Fraschini
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
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11
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Frappaolo A, Sechi S, Kumagai T, Karimpour-Ghahnavieh A, Tiemeyer M, Giansanti MG. Modeling Congenital Disorders of N-Linked Glycoprotein Glycosylation in Drosophila melanogaster. Front Genet 2018; 9:436. [PMID: 30333856 PMCID: PMC6176275 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2018.00436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein glycosylation, the enzymatic addition of N-linked or O-linked glycans to proteins, serves crucial functions in animal cells and requires the action of glycosyltransferases, glycosidases and nucleotide-sugar transporters, localized in the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus. Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation (CDGs) comprise a family of multisystemic diseases caused by mutations in genes encoding proteins involved in glycosylation pathways. CDGs are classified into two large groups. Type I CDGs affect the synthesis of the dolichol-linked Glc3Man9GlcNac2 precursor of N-linked glycosylation or its transfer to acceptor proteins. Type II CDG (CDG-II) diseases impair either the trimming of the N-linked oligosaccharide, the addition of terminal glycans or the biosynthesis of O-linked oligosaccharides, which occur in the Golgi apparatus. So far, over 100 distinct forms of CDGs are known, with the majority of them characterized by neurological defects including mental retardation, seizures and hypotonia. Yet, it is unclear how defective glycosylation causes the pathology of CDGs. This issue can be only addressed by developing animal models of specific CDGs. Drosophila melanogaster is emerging as a highly suitable organism for analyzing glycan-dependent functions in the central nervous system (CNS) and the involvement of N-glycosylation in neuropathologies. In this review we illustrate recent work that highlights the genetic and neurobiologic advantages offered by D. melanogaster for dissecting glycosylation pathways and modeling CDG pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Frappaolo
- Istituto di Biologia e Patologia Molecolari del CNR, Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie, Sapienza - Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Sechi
- Istituto di Biologia e Patologia Molecolari del CNR, Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie, Sapienza - Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Tadahiro Kumagai
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Angela Karimpour-Ghahnavieh
- Istituto di Biologia e Patologia Molecolari del CNR, Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie, Sapienza - Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Michael Tiemeyer
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Maria Grazia Giansanti
- Istituto di Biologia e Patologia Molecolari del CNR, Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie, Sapienza - Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
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12
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Adamson KI, Sheridan E, Grierson AJ. Use of zebrafish models to investigate rare human disease. J Med Genet 2018; 55:641-649. [PMID: 30065072 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2018-105358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Rare diseases are collectively common and often extremely debilitating. Following the emergence of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, the variants underpinning rare genetic disorders are being unearthed at an accelerating rate. However, many rare conditions lack effective treatments due to their poorly understood pathophysiology. There is therefore a growing demand for the development of novel experimental models of rare genetic diseases, so that potentially causative variants can be validated, pathogenic mechanisms can be investigated and therapeutic targets can be identified. Animal models of rare diseases need to be genetically and physiologically similar to humans, and well-suited to large-scale experimental manipulation, considering the vast number of novel variants that are being identified through NGS. The zebrafish has emerged as a popular model system for investigating these variants, combining conserved vertebrate characteristics with a capacity for large-scale phenotypic and therapeutic screening. In this review, we aim to highlight the unique advantages of the zebrafish over other in vivo model systems for the large-scale study of rare genetic variants. We will also consider the generation of zebrafish disease models from a practical standpoint, by discussing how genome editing technologies, particularly the recently developed clustered regularly interspaced repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 system, can be used to model rare pathogenic variants in zebrafish. Finally, we will review examples in the literature where zebrafish models have played a pivotal role in confirming variant causality and revealing the underlying mechanisms of rare diseases, often with wider implications for our understanding of human biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Isabel Adamson
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Andrew James Grierson
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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13
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Gordon HB, Valdez L, Letsou A. Etiology and treatment of adrenoleukodystrophy: new insights from Drosophila. Dis Model Mech 2018; 11:dmm031286. [PMID: 29739804 PMCID: PMC6031365 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.031286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is a fatal progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting brain white matter. The most common form of ALD is X-linked (X-ALD) and results from mutation of the ABCD1-encoded very-long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA) transporter. X-ALD is clinically heterogeneous, with the cerebral form being the most severe. Diagnosed in boys usually between the ages of 4 and 8 years, cerebral X-ALD symptoms progress rapidly (in as little as 2 years) through declines in cognition, learning and behavior, to paralysis and ultimately to a vegetative state and death. Currently, there are no good treatments for X-ALD. Here, we exploit the Drosophila bubblegum (bgm) double bubble (dbb) model of neurometabolic disease to expand diagnostic power and therapeutic potential for ALD. We show that loss of the Drosophila long-/very-long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase genes bgm and/or dbb is indistinguishable from loss of the Drosophila ABC transporter gene ABCD Shared loss-of-function phenotypes for synthetase and transporter mutants point to a lipid metabolic pathway association with ALD-like neurodegenerative disease in Drosophila; a pathway association that has yet to be established in humans. We also show that manipulation of environment increases the severity of neurodegeneration in bgm and dbb mutant flies, adding even further to a suite of new candidate ALD disease-causing genes and pathways in humans. Finally, we show that it is a lack of lipid metabolic pathway product and not (as commonly thought) an accumulation of pathway precursor that is causative of neurometabolic disease: addition of medium-chain fatty acids to the diet of bgm or dbb mutant flies prevents the onset of neurodegeneration. Taken together, our data provide new foundations both for diagnosing ALD and for designing effective, mechanism-based treatment protocols.This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah B Gordon
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Lourdes Valdez
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Anthea Letsou
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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14
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Le V, Anderson E, Akiyama T, Wharton KA. Drosophila models of FOP provide mechanistic insight. Bone 2018; 109:192-200. [PMID: 29128351 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2017.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Revised: 11/04/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a rare bone disease characterized by episodic events of heterotopic ossification (HO). All cases of FOP have been attributed to mutations in the ACVR1 gene that render the encoded BMP type I ALK2 receptor hypersensitive, resulting in the activation of BMP signaling, at inappropriate times in inappropriate locations. The episodic or sporadic nature of HO associated with FOP rests with the occurrence of specific 'triggers' that push the hypersensitive ALK2-FOP receptor into full signaling mode. Identification of these triggers and their mechanism of action is critical for preventing HO and its devastating consequences in FOP patients. Models of FOP, generated in Drosophila, are shown to activate the highly conserved BMP signaling pathway in both Drosophila cell culture and in developing tissues in vivo. The most common FOP mutation, R206H, in ALK2 and its synonymous mutation, K262H, in the orthologous Drosophila receptor Sax, abolish the ability of wild type receptors to inhibit BMP ligand-induced signaling and lead to ubiquitous pathway activation in both cases but with important differences. When expressed in Drosophila, human ALK2R206H exhibits constitutive signaling. SaxK262H on the other hand can elicit excessive signaling similar to that observed for ALK2R206H in mammalian systems in vivo. For example, hyperactive signaling mediated by SaxK262H is triggered by an increase in ligand or in type II receptors. Interestingly, while the constitutive nature of ALK2R2026H in Drosophila requires activation by the type II receptor, it does not require its ligand binding domain. The differences exhibited by the two Drosophila FOP models enable a valuable comparative analysis poised to reveal critical regulatory mechanisms governing signaling output from these mutated receptors. Modifier screens using these Drosophila FOP models will be extremely valuable in identifying genes or compounds that reduce or prevent the hyperactive BMP signaling that initiates HO associated with FOP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viet Le
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA; Program in Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital and Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Edward Anderson
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Takuya Akiyama
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA; Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Kristi A Wharton
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
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15
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Lim CH, Mathuru AS. Modeling Alzheimer's and Other Age Related Human Diseases in Embryonic Systems. J Dev Biol 2017; 6:jdb6010001. [PMID: 29615550 PMCID: PMC5875559 DOI: 10.3390/jdb6010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Modeling human disease in animals is an important strategy to discover potential methods of intervention. We suggest that there is much to be gained by employing a multi-model approach that takes advantage of different animal systems used in the laboratory simultaneously. We use the example of modeling Alzheimer's disease in Drosophila melanogaster, Caenorhabditis elegans, and Danio rerio to illustrate how such an approach can be employed to investigate the pathophysiology of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chu Hsien Lim
- Yale NUS College, 16 College Avenue West, Singapore 138610, Singapore.
| | - Ajay S Mathuru
- Yale NUS College, 16 College Avenue West, Singapore 138610, Singapore.
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 61 Biopolis Drive, Singapore 137673, Singapore.
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16
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Morciano P, Iorio R, Iovino D, Cipressa F, Esposito G, Porrazzo A, Satta L, Alesse E, Tabocchini MA, Cenci G. Effects of reduced natural background radiation on Drosophila melanogaster growth and development as revealed by the FLYINGLOW program. J Cell Physiol 2017; 233:23-29. [PMID: 28262946 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Natural background radiation of Earth and cosmic rays played a relevant role during the evolution of living organisms. However, how chronic low doses of radiation can affect biological processes is still unclear. Previous data have indicated that cells grown at the Gran Sasso Underground Laboratory (LNGS, L'Aquila) of National Institute of Nuclear Physics (INFN) of Italy, where the dose rate of cosmic rays and neutrons is significantly reduced with respect to the external environment, elicited an impaired response against endogenous damage as compared to cells grown outside LNGS. This suggests that environmental radiation contributes to the development of defense mechanisms at cellular level. To further understand how environmental radiation affects metabolism of living organisms, we have recently launched the FLYINGLOW program that aims at exploiting Drosophila melanogaster as a model for evaluating the effects of low doses/dose rates of radiation at the organismal level. Here, we will present a comparative data set on lifespan, motility and fertility from different Drosophila strains grown in parallel at LNGS and in a reference laboratory at the University of L'Aquila. Our data suggest the reduced radiation environment can influence Drosophila development and, depending on the genetic background, may affect viability for several generations even when flies are moved back to normal background radiation. As flies are considered a valuable model for human biology, our results might shed some light on understanding the effect of low dose radiation also in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Morciano
- SAPIENZA Università di Roma, Rome, Italy.,Museo Storico della Fisica e Centro Studi e Ricerche "Enrico Fermi", Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Iorio
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche Applicate e Biotecnologiche, Università dell'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Daniela Iovino
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche Applicate e Biotecnologiche, Università dell'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Francesca Cipressa
- SAPIENZA Università di Roma, Rome, Italy.,Museo Storico della Fisica e Centro Studi e Ricerche "Enrico Fermi", Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Esposito
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS) and Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN), Sezione Roma 1, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Luigi Satta
- Museo Storico della Fisica e Centro Studi e Ricerche "Enrico Fermi", Rome, Italy
| | - Edoardo Alesse
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche Applicate e Biotecnologiche, Università dell'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Maria Antonella Tabocchini
- Museo Storico della Fisica e Centro Studi e Ricerche "Enrico Fermi", Rome, Italy.,Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS) and Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN), Sezione Roma 1, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Cenci
- SAPIENZA Università di Roma, Rome, Italy.,Museo Storico della Fisica e Centro Studi e Ricerche "Enrico Fermi", Rome, Italy
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17
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Perrimon N, Bonini NM, Dhillon P. Fruit flies on the front line: the translational impact of Drosophila. Dis Model Mech 2016; 9:229-31. [PMID: 26935101 PMCID: PMC4833334 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.024810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Drosophila melanogaster has been adopted as one of the most-used model systems since it was first introduced by Thomas Morgan for the study of heredity in the early 20th century. Its experimental tractability and similarity of its biological pathways to those of humans have placed the model at the forefront of research into human development and disease. With the ongoing accumulation of genetic tools and assays, the fly community has at its fingertips the resources to generate diverse Drosophila disease models for the study of genes and pathways involved in a wide range of disorders. In recent years, the fly has also been used successfully for drug screening. In this Editorial, we introduce a Special Collection of reviews, interviews and original research articles that highlight some of the many ways that Drosophila has made, and continues to make, an impact on basic biological insights and translational science. Drosophila Collection: This Editorial introduces a new Special Collection, ‘Spotlight on Drosophila: Translational Impact’, providing a summary of its contents so far and highlighting the impact of Drosophila as a model for human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norbert Perrimon
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, 200 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Nancy M Bonini
- Biology Department, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Paraminder Dhillon
- Disease Models & Mechanisms, The Company of Biologists, Bidder Building, Station Road, Histon, Cambridge, CB24 9LF, UK
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