1
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Stevens M, Wang Y, Bouley SJ, Mandigo TR, Sharma A, Sengupta S, Housden A, Perrimon N, Walker JA, Housden BE. Inhibition of autophagy as a novel treatment for neurofibromatosis type 1 tumors. Mol Oncol 2024. [PMID: 39129390 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a genetic disorder caused by mutation of the NF1 gene that is associated with various symptoms, including the formation of benign tumors, called neurofibromas, within nerves. Drug treatments are currently limited. The mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitor selumetinib is used for a subset of plexiform neurofibromas (PNs) but is not always effective and can cause side effects. Therefore, there is a clear need to discover new drugs to target NF1-deficient tumor cells. Using a Drosophila cell model of NF1, we performed synthetic lethal screens to identify novel drug targets. We identified 54 gene candidates, which were validated with variable dose analysis as a secondary screen. Pathways associated with five candidates could be targeted using existing drugs. Among these, chloroquine (CQ) and bafilomycin A1, known to target the autophagy pathway, showed the greatest potential for selectively killing NF1-deficient Drosophila cells. When further investigating autophagy-related genes, we found that 14 out of 30 genes tested had a synthetic lethal interaction with NF1. These 14 genes are involved in multiple aspects of the autophagy pathway and can be targeted with additional drugs that mediate the autophagy pathway, although CQ was the most effective. The lethal effect of autophagy inhibitors was conserved in a panel of human NF1-deficient Schwann cell lines, highlighting their translational potential. The effect of CQ was also conserved in a Drosophila NF1 in vivo model and in a xenografted NF1-deficient tumor cell line grown in mice, with CQ treatment resulting in a more significant reduction in tumor growth than selumetinib treatment. Furthermore, combined treatment with CQ and selumetinib resulted in a further reduction in NF1-deficient cell viability. In conclusion, NF1-deficient cells are vulnerable to disruption of the autophagy pathway. This pathway represents a promising target for the treatment of NF1-associated tumors, and we identified CQ as a candidate drug for the treatment of NF1 tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Stevens
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, UK
- Department of Clinical and Biomedical Science, University of Exeter, UK
| | - Yuanli Wang
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, UK
- The First People's Hospital of Qinzhou, China
| | - Stephanie J Bouley
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Torrey R Mandigo
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aditi Sharma
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sonali Sengupta
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, UK
- Department of Clinical and Biomedical Science, University of Exeter, UK
| | - Amy Housden
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, UK
| | - Norbert Perrimon
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - James A Walker
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Benjamin E Housden
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, UK
- Department of Clinical and Biomedical Science, University of Exeter, UK
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2
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Suarez GO, Kumar DS, Brunner H, Emel J, Teel J, Knauss A, Botero V, Broyles CN, Stahl A, Bidaye SS, Tomchik SM. Neurofibromin deficiency alters the patterning and prioritization of motor behaviors in a state-dependent manner. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.08.08.607070. [PMID: 39149363 PMCID: PMC11326213 DOI: 10.1101/2024.08.08.607070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Genetic disorders such as neurofibromatosis type 1 increase vulnerability to cognitive and behavioral disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Neurofibromatosis type 1 results from loss-of-function mutations in the neurofibromin gene and subsequent reduction in the neurofibromin protein (Nf1). While the mechanisms have yet to be fully elucidated, loss of Nf1 may alter neuronal circuit activity leading to changes in behavior and susceptibility to cognitive and behavioral comorbidities. Here we show that mutations decreasing Nf1 expression alter motor behaviors, impacting the patterning, prioritization, and behavioral state dependence in a Drosophila model of neurofibromatosis type 1. Loss of Nf1 increases spontaneous grooming in a nonlinear spatial and temporal pattern, differentially increasing grooming of certain body parts, including the abdomen, head, and wings. This increase in grooming could be overridden by hunger in food-deprived foraging animals, demonstrating that the Nf1 effect is plastic and internal state-dependent. Stimulus-evoked grooming patterns were altered as well, with nf1 mutants exhibiting reductions in wing grooming when coated with dust, suggesting that hierarchical recruitment of grooming command circuits was altered. Yet loss of Nf1 in sensory neurons and/or grooming command neurons did not alter grooming frequency, suggesting that Nf1 affects grooming via higher-order circuit alterations. Changes in grooming coincided with alterations in walking. Flies lacking Nf1 walked with increased forward velocity on a spherical treadmill, yet there was no detectable change in leg kinematics or gait. Thus, loss of Nf1 alters motor function without affecting overall motor coordination, in contrast to other genetic disorders that impair coordination. Overall, these results demonstrate that loss of Nf1 alters the patterning and prioritization of repetitive behaviors, in a state-dependent manner, without affecting motor coordination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genesis Omana Suarez
- Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- H.L. Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Divya S. Kumar
- Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Hannah Brunner
- Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Jalen Emel
- Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Jensen Teel
- Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Anneke Knauss
- Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Valentina Botero
- Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Connor N. Broyles
- Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Aaron Stahl
- Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Salil S. Bidaye
- Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Seth M. Tomchik
- Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- H.L. Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
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3
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Atsoniou K, Giannopoulou E, Georganta EM, Skoulakis EMC. Drosophila Contributions towards Understanding Neurofibromatosis 1. Cells 2024; 13:721. [PMID: 38667335 PMCID: PMC11048932 DOI: 10.3390/cells13080721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) is a multisymptomatic disorder with highly variable presentations, which include short stature, susceptibility to formation of the characteristic benign tumors known as neurofibromas, intense freckling and skin discoloration, and cognitive deficits, which characterize most children with the condition. Attention deficits and Autism Spectrum manifestations augment the compromised learning presented by most patients, leading to behavioral problems and school failure, while fragmented sleep contributes to chronic fatigue and poor quality of life. Neurofibromin (Nf1) is present ubiquitously during human development and postnatally in most neuronal, oligodendrocyte, and Schwann cells. Evidence largely from animal models including Drosophila suggests that the symptomatic variability may reflect distinct cell-type-specific functions of the protein, which emerge upon its loss, or mutations affecting the different functional domains of the protein. This review summarizes the contributions of Drosophila in modeling multiple NF1 manifestations, addressing hypotheses regarding the cell-type-specific functions of the protein and exploring the molecular pathways affected upon loss of the highly conserved fly homolog dNf1. Collectively, work in this model not only has efficiently and expediently modelled multiple aspects of the condition and increased understanding of its behavioral manifestations, but also has led to pharmaceutical strategies towards their amelioration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalliopi Atsoniou
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Center “Alexander Fleming”, 16672 Athens, Greece; (K.A.); (E.G.)
- Laboratory of Experimental Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Giannopoulou
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Center “Alexander Fleming”, 16672 Athens, Greece; (K.A.); (E.G.)
| | - Eirini-Maria Georganta
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Center “Alexander Fleming”, 16672 Athens, Greece; (K.A.); (E.G.)
| | - Efthimios M. C. Skoulakis
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Center “Alexander Fleming”, 16672 Athens, Greece; (K.A.); (E.G.)
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4
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Rodríguez-Martín M, Báez-Flores J, Ribes V, Isidoro-García M, Lacal J, Prieto-Matos P. Non-Mammalian Models for Understanding Neurological Defects in RASopathies. Biomedicines 2024; 12:841. [PMID: 38672195 PMCID: PMC11048513 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12040841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
RASopathies, a group of neurodevelopmental congenital disorders stemming from mutations in the RAS/MAPK pathway, present a unique opportunity to delve into the intricacies of complex neurological disorders. Afflicting approximately one in a thousand newborns, RASopathies manifest as abnormalities across multiple organ systems, with a pronounced impact on the central and peripheral nervous system. In the pursuit of understanding RASopathies' neurobiology and establishing phenotype-genotype relationships, in vivo non-mammalian models have emerged as indispensable tools. Species such as Danio rerio, Drosophila melanogaster, Caenorhabditis elegans, Xenopus species and Gallus gallus embryos have proven to be invaluable in shedding light on the intricate pathways implicated in RASopathies. Despite some inherent weaknesses, these genetic models offer distinct advantages over traditional rodent models, providing a holistic perspective on complex genetics, multi-organ involvement, and the interplay among various pathway components, offering insights into the pathophysiological aspects of mutations-driven symptoms. This review underscores the value of investigating the genetic basis of RASopathies for unraveling the underlying mechanisms contributing to broader neurological complexities. It also emphasizes the pivotal role of non-mammalian models in serving as a crucial preliminary step for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Rodríguez-Martín
- Laboratory of Functional Genetics of Rare Diseases, Department of Microbiology and Genetics, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (M.R.-M.); (J.B.-F.)
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (M.I.-G.); (P.P.-M.)
| | - Juan Báez-Flores
- Laboratory of Functional Genetics of Rare Diseases, Department of Microbiology and Genetics, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (M.R.-M.); (J.B.-F.)
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (M.I.-G.); (P.P.-M.)
| | - Vanessa Ribes
- Institut Jacques Monod, Université Paris Cité, CNRS, F-75013 Paris, France;
| | - María Isidoro-García
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (M.I.-G.); (P.P.-M.)
- Clinical Biochemistry Department, Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Clinical Rare Diseases Reference Unit DiERCyL, 37007 Castilla y León, Spain
- Department of Medicine, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Jesus Lacal
- Laboratory of Functional Genetics of Rare Diseases, Department of Microbiology and Genetics, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (M.R.-M.); (J.B.-F.)
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (M.I.-G.); (P.P.-M.)
| | - Pablo Prieto-Matos
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (M.I.-G.); (P.P.-M.)
- Clinical Rare Diseases Reference Unit DiERCyL, 37007 Castilla y León, Spain
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostics Science, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
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5
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Durkin J, Poe AR, Belfer SJ, Rodriguez A, Tang SH, Walker JA, Kayser MS. Neurofibromin 1 regulates early developmental sleep in Drosophila. Neurobiol Sleep Circadian Rhythms 2023; 15:100101. [PMID: 37593040 PMCID: PMC10428071 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbscr.2023.100101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Sleep disturbances are common in neurodevelopmental disorders, but knowledge of molecular factors that govern sleep in young animals is lacking. Evidence across species, including Drosophila, suggests that juvenile sleep has distinct functions and regulatory mechanisms in comparison to sleep in maturity. In flies, manipulation of most known adult sleep regulatory genes is not associated with sleep phenotypes during early developmental (larval) stages. Here, we examine the role of the neurodevelopmental disorder-associated gene Neurofibromin 1 (Nf1) in sleep during numerous developmental periods. Mutations in Neurofibromin 1 (Nf1) are associated with sleep and circadian disorders in humans and adult flies. We find in flies that Nf1 acts to regulate sleep across the lifespan, beginning during larval stages. Nf1 is required in neurons for this function, as is signaling via the Alk pathway. These findings identify Nf1 as one of a small number of genes positioned to regulate sleep across developmental periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaclyn Durkin
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Amy R. Poe
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Samuel J. Belfer
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Anyara Rodriguez
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Si Hao Tang
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - James A. Walker
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Matthew S. Kayser
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Chronobiology and Sleep Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
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6
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Weiss JB, Raber J. Inhibition of Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (Alk) as Therapeutic Target to Improve Brain Function in Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (Nf1). Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4579. [PMID: 37760547 PMCID: PMC10526845 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15184579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (Nf1) is a neurodevelopmental disorder and tumor syndrome caused by loss of function mutations in the neurofibromin gene (Nf1) and is estimated to affect 100,000 people in the US. Behavioral alterations and cognitive deficits have been found in 50-70% of children with Nf1 and include specific problems with attention, visual perception, language, learning, attention, and executive function. These behavioral alterations and cognitive deficits are observed in the absence of tumors or macroscopic structural abnormalities in the central nervous system. No effective treatments for the behavioral and cognitive disabilities of Nf1 exist. Inhibition of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (Alk), a kinase which is negatively regulated by neurofibromin, allows for testing the hypothesis that this inhibition may be therapeutically beneficial in Nf1. In this review, we discuss this area of research and directions for the development of alternative therapeutic strategies to inhibit Alk. Even if the incidence of adverse reactions of currently available Alk inhibitors was reduced to half the dose, we anticipate that a long-term treatment would pose challenges for efficacy, safety, and tolerability. Therefore, future efforts are warranted to investigate alternative, potentially less toxic and more specific strategies to inhibit Alk function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph B. Weiss
- Cardiovascular Institute and Warren Alpert School of Medicine at Brown University, Providence, RI 02840, USA
| | - Jacob Raber
- Departments of Behavioral Neuroscience, Neurology, and Radiation Medicine, Division of Neuroscience, ONPRC, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
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7
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Sobrido-Cameán D, Oswald MCW, Bailey DMD, Mukherjee A, Landgraf M. Activity-regulated growth of motoneurons at the neuromuscular junction is mediated by NADPH oxidases. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 16:1106593. [PMID: 36713781 PMCID: PMC9880070 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.1106593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurons respond to changes in the levels of activity they experience in a variety of ways, including structural changes at pre- and postsynaptic terminals. An essential plasticity signal required for such activity-regulated structural adjustments are reactive oxygen species (ROS). To identify sources of activity-regulated ROS required for structural plasticity in vivo we used the Drosophila larval neuromuscular junction as a highly tractable experimental model system. For adjustments of presynaptic motor terminals, we found a requirement for both NADPH oxidases, Nox and dual oxidase (Duox), that are encoded in the Drosophila genome. This contrasts with the postsynaptic dendrites from which Nox is excluded. NADPH oxidases generate ROS to the extracellular space. Here, we show that two aquaporins, Bib and Drip, are necessary ROS conduits in the presynaptic motoneuron for activity regulated, NADPH oxidase dependent changes in presynaptic motoneuron terminal growth. Our data further suggest that different aspects of neuronal activity-regulated structural changes might be regulated by different ROS sources: changes in bouton number require both NADPH oxidases, while activity-regulated changes in the number of active zones might be modulated by other sources of ROS. Overall, our results show NADPH oxidases as important enzymes for mediating activity-regulated plasticity adjustments in neurons.
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8
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Dyson A, Ryan M, Garg S, Evans DG, Baines RA. Loss of NF1 in Drosophila Larvae Causes Tactile Hypersensitivity and Impaired Synaptic Transmission at the Neuromuscular Junction. J Neurosci 2022; 42:9450-9472. [PMID: 36344265 PMCID: PMC9794380 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0562-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition in which the mechanisms underlying its core symptomatology are largely unknown. Studying animal models of monogenic syndromes associated with ASD, such as neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), can offer insights into its etiology. Here, we show that loss of function of the Drosophila NF1 ortholog results in tactile hypersensitivity following brief mechanical stimulation in the larva (mixed sexes), paralleling the sensory abnormalities observed in individuals with ASD. Mutant larvae also exhibit synaptic transmission deficits at the glutamatergic neuromuscular junction (NMJ), with increased spontaneous but reduced evoked release. While the latter is homeostatically compensated for by a postsynaptic increase in input resistance, the former is consistent with neuronal hyperexcitability. Indeed, diminished expression of NF1 specifically within central cholinergic neurons induces both excessive neuronal firing and tactile hypersensitivity, suggesting the two may be linked. Furthermore, both impaired synaptic transmission and behavioral deficits are fully rescued via knock-down of Ras proteins. These findings validate NF1 -/- Drosophila as a tractable model of ASD with the potential to elucidate important pathophysiological mechanisms.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects 1-2% of the overall population and can considerably impact an individual's quality of life. However, there are currently no treatments available for its core symptoms, largely because of a poor understanding of the underlying mechanisms involved. Examining how loss of function of the ASD-associated NF1 gene affects behavior and physiology in Drosophila may shed light on this. In this study, we identify a novel, ASD-relevant behavioral phenotype in NF1 -/- larvae, namely an enhanced response to mechanical stimulation, which is associated with Ras-dependent synaptic transmission deficits indicative of neuronal hyperexcitability. Such insights support the use of Drosophila neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) models in ASD research and may provide outputs for genetic or pharmacological screens in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Dyson
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9PT, United Kingdom
| | - Megan Ryan
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9PT, United Kingdom
| | - Shruti Garg
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9PT, United Kingdom
- Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL, United Kingdom
| | - D Gareth Evans
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9PT, United Kingdom
| | - Richard A Baines
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9PT, United Kingdom
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9
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Somatilaka BN, Sadek A, McKay RM, Le LQ. Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor: models, biology, and translation. Oncogene 2022; 41:2405-2421. [PMID: 35393544 PMCID: PMC9035132 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02290-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are aggressive, invasive cancer that comprise around 10% of all soft tissue sarcomas and develop in about 8-13% of patients with Neurofibromatosis Type 1. They are associated with poor prognosis and are the leading cause of mortality in NF1 patients. MPNSTs can also develop sporadically or following exposure to radiation. There is currently no effective targeted therapy to treat MPNSTs and surgical removal remains the mainstay treatment. Unfortunately, surgery is not always possible due to the size and location of the tumor, thus, a better understanding of MPNST initiation and development is required to design novel therapeutics. Here, we provide an overview of MPNST biology and genetics, discuss findings regarding the developmental origin of MPNST, and summarize the various model systems employed to study MPNST. Finally, we discuss current management strategies for MPNST, as well as recent developments in translating basic research findings into potential therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bandarigoda N. Somatilaka
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern
Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, 75390-9069, USA
| | - Ali Sadek
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern
Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, 75390-9069, USA
| | - Renee M. McKay
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern
Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, 75390-9069, USA
| | - Lu Q. Le
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern
Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, 75390-9069, USA,Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas
Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, 75390-9069, USA,UTSW Comprehensive Neurofibromatosis Clinic, University of
Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, 75390-9069, USA,Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine,
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas,
75390-9069, USA,O’Donnell Brain Institute, University of Texas
Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, 75390-9069, USA
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10
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Anastasaki C, Orozco P, Gutmann DH. RAS and beyond: the many faces of the neurofibromatosis type 1 protein. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:274437. [PMID: 35188187 PMCID: PMC8891636 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 is a rare neurogenetic syndrome, characterized by pigmentary abnormalities, learning and social deficits, and a predisposition for benign and malignant tumor formation caused by germline mutations in the NF1 gene. With the cloning of the NF1 gene and the recognition that the encoded protein, neurofibromin, largely functions as a negative regulator of RAS activity, attention has mainly focused on RAS and canonical RAS effector pathway signaling relevant to disease pathogenesis and treatment. However, as neurofibromin is a large cytoplasmic protein the RAS regulatory domain of which occupies only 10% of its entire coding sequence, both canonical and non-canonical RAS pathway modulation, as well as the existence of potential non-RAS functions, are becoming apparent. In this Special article, we discuss our current understanding of neurofibromin function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corina Anastasaki
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Paola Orozco
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - David H Gutmann
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
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11
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Long-term effects of pharmacological inhibition of Anaplastic lymphoma kinase in Neurofibromatosis 1 mutant mice. Behav Brain Res 2022; 423:113767. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.113767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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12
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Krenik D, Weiss JB, Raber J. Role of the parental NF1 carrier in effects of pharmacological inhibition of anaplastic lymphoma kinase in Neurofibromatosis 1 mutant mice. Brain Res 2021; 1769:147594. [PMID: 34339711 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2021.147594] [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: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a genetically determined neurodevelopmental disorder and tumor syndrome, is associated with cognitive impairments, including in executive function and sleep-related problems. Consistent with the human data, NF1 heterozygous (Het) mice show impaired spatial learning and memory in the water maze and extinction of contextual fear memory. It is not clear whether neurological phenotypes might depend on the parental carrier. In this study, we compared the behavioral and cognitive performance of NF1 Het and wild-type litter mates with either the father (PC) or the mother (MC) as the NF1 carrier on a F1 C57BL/66/129SvJ background. The behavioral and cognitive phenotypes and responsiveness to Alk inhibition in heterozygous NF1 offspring depended on whether the parental carrier was maternal or paternal. Alk inhibition (20 mg/kg) increased activity levels during the dark period in NF1 Het PC, but not MC, mice. In the water maze, NF1 Het PC, but not MC, mice showed reduced cognitive flexibility and impaired ability to locate the third hidden platform location, which was improved by Alk inhibition (3.6 mg/kg). Consistent with reduced cognitive flexibility, WT, but not NF1, mice showed better performance in the third than second water maze probe trial. Finally, Alk inhibition (10 mg/kg) increased baseline activity of NF1 MC, but not PC, mice during the fear conditioning test. Thus, the effective dose depends on the behavioral test and genotype but indicates that in NF1 patients cognitive flexibility might be particularly sensitive to Alk inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Destine Krenik
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Joseph B Weiss
- Cardiovascular Institute and Warren Alpert School of Medicine at Brown University Providence, RI 02840, USA
| | - Jacob Raber
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA; Departments of Neurology, Psychiatry, and Radiation Medicine, Division of Neuroscience ONPRC, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA; College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, OR 97331, USA.
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13
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Botero V, Stanhope BA, Brown EB, Grenci EC, Boto T, Park SJ, King LB, Murphy KR, Colodner KJ, Walker JA, Keene AC, Ja WW, Tomchik SM. Neurofibromin regulates metabolic rate via neuronal mechanisms in Drosophila. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4285. [PMID: 34257279 PMCID: PMC8277851 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24505-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 is a chronic multisystemic genetic disorder that results from loss of function in the neurofibromin protein. Neurofibromin may regulate metabolism, though the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here we show that neurofibromin regulates metabolic homeostasis in Drosophila via a discrete neuronal circuit. Loss of neurofibromin increases metabolic rate via a Ras GAP-related domain-dependent mechanism, increases feeding homeostatically, and alters lipid stores and turnover kinetics. The increase in metabolic rate is independent of locomotor activity, and maps to a sparse subset of neurons. Stimulating these neurons increases metabolic rate, linking their dynamic activity state to metabolism over short time scales. Our results indicate that neurofibromin regulates metabolic rate via neuronal mechanisms, suggest that cellular and systemic metabolic alterations may represent a pathophysiological mechanism in neurofibromatosis type 1, and provide a platform for investigating the cellular role of neurofibromin in metabolic homeostasis. Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in neurofibromin and associated with disruptions in physiology and behavior. Here the authors show that neurofibromin regulates metabolic homeostasis via a discrete brain circuit in a Drosophila model of NF1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Botero
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Bethany A Stanhope
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Elizabeth B Brown
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Eliza C Grenci
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Tamara Boto
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, FL, USA.,Department of Physiology, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Scarlet J Park
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Lanikea B King
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Keith R Murphy
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Kenneth J Colodner
- Program in Neuroscience and Behavior, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA, USA
| | - James A Walker
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Alex C Keene
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - William W Ja
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Seth M Tomchik
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, FL, USA.
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14
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Georganta EM, Moressis A, Skoulakis EMC. Associative Learning Requires Neurofibromin to Modulate GABAergic Inputs to Drosophila Mushroom Bodies. J Neurosci 2021; 41:5274-5286. [PMID: 33972401 PMCID: PMC8211548 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1605-20.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive dysfunction is among the hallmark symptoms of Neurofibromatosis 1, and accordingly, loss of the Drosophila melanogaster ortholog of Neurofibromin 1 (dNf1) precipitates associative learning deficits. However, the affected circuitry in the adult CNS remained unclear and the compromised mechanisms debatable. Although the main evolutionarily conserved function attributed to Nf1 is to inactivate Ras, decreased cAMP signaling on its loss has been thought to underlie impaired learning. Using mixed sex populations, we determine that dNf1 loss results in excess GABAergic signaling to the central for associative learning mushroom body (MB) neurons, apparently suppressing learning. dNf1 is necessary and sufficient for learning within these non-MB neurons, as a dAlk and Ras1-dependent, but PKA-independent modulator of GABAergic neurotransmission. Surprisingly, we also uncovered and discuss a postsynaptic Ras1-dependent, but dNf1-independnet signaling within the MBs that apparently responds to presynaptic GABA levels and contributes to the learning deficit of the mutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eirini-Maria Georganta
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming" Vari, 16672, Greece
| | - Anastasios Moressis
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming" Vari, 16672, Greece
| | - Efthimios M C Skoulakis
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming" Vari, 16672, Greece
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15
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Moscato EH, Dubowy C, Walker JA, Kayser MS. Social Behavioral Deficits with Loss of Neurofibromin Emerge from Peripheral Chemosensory Neuron Dysfunction. Cell Rep 2021; 32:107856. [PMID: 32640222 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.107856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with social and communicative disabilities. The cellular and circuit mechanisms by which loss of neurofibromin 1 (Nf1) results in social deficits are unknown. Here, we identify social behavioral dysregulation with Nf1 loss in Drosophila. These deficits map to primary dysfunction of a group of peripheral sensory neurons. Nf1 regulation of Ras signaling in adult ppk23+ chemosensory cells is required for normal social behaviors in flies. Loss of Nf1 attenuates ppk23+ neuronal activity in response to pheromones, and circuit-specific manipulation of Nf1 expression or neuronal activity in ppk23+ neurons rescues social deficits. This disrupted sensory processing gives rise to persistent changes in behavior beyond the social interaction, indicating a sustained effect of an acute sensory misperception. Together our data identify a specific circuit mechanism through which Nf1 regulates social behaviors and suggest social deficits in NF1 arise from propagation of sensory misinformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia H Moscato
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Christine Dubowy
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - James A Walker
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Matthew S Kayser
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Chronobiology and Sleep Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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16
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Yanagawa A, Huang W, Yamamoto A, Wada-Katsumata A, Schal C, Mackay TFC. Genetic Basis of Natural Variation in Spontaneous Grooming in Drosophila melanogaster. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2020; 10:3453-3460. [PMID: 32727922 PMCID: PMC7467001 DOI: 10.1534/g3.120.401360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Spontaneous grooming behavior is a component of insect fitness. We quantified spontaneous grooming behavior in 201 sequenced lines of the Drosophila melanogaster Genetic Reference Panel and observed significant genetic variation in spontaneous grooming, with broad-sense heritabilities of 0.25 and 0.24 in females and males, respectively. Although grooming behavior is highly correlated between males and females, we observed significant sex by genotype interactions, indicating that the genetic basis of spontaneous grooming is partially distinct in the two sexes. We performed genome-wide association analyses of grooming behavior, and mapped 107 molecular polymorphisms associated with spontaneous grooming behavior, of which 73 were in or near 70 genes and 34 were over 1 kilobase from the nearest gene. The candidate genes were associated with a wide variety of gene ontology terms, and several of the candidate genes were significantly enriched in a genetic interaction network. We performed functional assessments of 29 candidate genes using RNA interference, and found that 11 affected spontaneous grooming behavior. The genes associated with natural variation in Drosophila grooming are involved with glutamate metabolism (Gdh) and transport (Eaat); interact genetically with (CCKLR-17D1) or are in the same gene family as (PGRP-LA) genes previously implicated in grooming behavior; are involved in the development of the nervous system and other tissues; or regulate the Notch and Epidermal growth factor receptor signaling pathways. Several DGRP lines exhibited extreme grooming behavior. Excessive grooming behavior can serve as a model for repetitive behaviors diagnostic of several human neuropsychiatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya Yanagawa
- Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, Kyoto University, Uji, Japan
| | - Wen Huang
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824
| | - Akihiko Yamamoto
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7613
| | - Ayako Wada-Katsumata
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7613
| | - Coby Schal
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7613
| | - Trudy F C Mackay
- Center for Human Genetics and Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, Clemson University, Greenwood, SC 29646
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17
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King LB, Boto T, Botero V, Aviles AM, Jomsky BM, Joseph C, Walker JA, Tomchik SM. Developmental loss of neurofibromin across distributed neuronal circuits drives excessive grooming in Drosophila. PLoS Genet 2020; 16:e1008920. [PMID: 32697780 PMCID: PMC7398555 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 is a monogenetic disorder that predisposes individuals to tumor formation and cognitive and behavioral symptoms. The neuronal circuitry and developmental events underlying these neurological symptoms are unknown. To better understand how mutations of the underlying gene (NF1) drive behavioral alterations, we have examined grooming in the Drosophila neurofibromatosis 1 model. Mutations of the fly NF1 ortholog drive excessive grooming, and increased grooming was observed in adults when Nf1 was knocked down during development. Furthermore, intact Nf1 Ras GAP-related domain signaling was required to maintain normal grooming. The requirement for Nf1 was distributed across neuronal circuits, which were additive when targeted in parallel, rather than mapping to discrete microcircuits. Overall, these data suggest that broadly-distributed alterations in neuronal function during development, requiring intact Ras signaling, drive key Nf1-mediated behavioral alterations. Thus, global developmental alterations in brain circuits/systems function may contribute to behavioral phenotypes in neurofibromatosis type 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanikea B. King
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida, United States of America
| | - Tamara Boto
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida, United States of America
| | - Valentina Botero
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida, United States of America
| | - Ari M. Aviles
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida, United States of America
- Honors College, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida, United States of America
| | - Breanna M. Jomsky
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida, United States of America
- Honors College, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida, United States of America
| | - Chevara Joseph
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida, United States of America
- Honors College, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida, United States of America
| | - James A. Walker
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Seth M. Tomchik
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida, United States of America
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18
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Bai L, Lee Y, Hsu CT, Williams JA, Cavanaugh D, Zheng X, Stein C, Haynes P, Wang H, Gutmann DH, Sehgal A. A Conserved Circadian Function for the Neurofibromatosis 1 Gene. Cell Rep 2019; 22:3416-3426. [PMID: 29590612 PMCID: PMC5898822 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Revised: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Loss of the Neurofibromatosis 1 (Nf1) protein, neurofibromin, in Drosophila disrupts circadian rhythms of locomotor activity without impairing central clock function, suggesting effects downstream of the clock. However, the relevant cellular mechanisms are not known. Leveraging the discovery of output circuits for locomotor rhythms, we dissected cellular actions of neurofibromin in recently identified substrates. Herein, we show that neurofibromin affects the levels and cycling of calcium in multiple circadian peptidergic neurons. A prominent site of action is the pars intercerebralis (PI), the fly equivalent of the hypothalamus, with cell-autonomous effects of Nf1 in PI cells that secrete DH44. Nf1 interacts genetically with peptide signaling to affect circadian behavior. We extended these studies to mammals to demonstrate that mouse astrocytes exhibit a 24-hr rhythm of calcium levels, which is also attenuated by lack of neurofibromin. These findings establish a conserved role for neurofibromin in intracellular signaling rhythms within the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Bai
- Penn Chronobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yool Lee
- Penn Chronobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Cynthia T Hsu
- Penn Chronobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Julie A Williams
- Penn Chronobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Daniel Cavanaugh
- Penn Chronobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Biology, Loyola University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Xiangzhong Zheng
- Penn Chronobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Bloomington Stock Center, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Carly Stein
- Penn Chronobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Paula Haynes
- Penn Chronobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Han Wang
- Penn Chronobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; School of Law, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - David H Gutmann
- Penn Chronobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Neurology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Amita Sehgal
- Penn Chronobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Papanikolopoulou K, Mudher A, Skoulakis E. An assessment of the translational relevance of Drosophila in drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2019; 14:303-313. [PMID: 30664368 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2019.1569624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Drosophila melanogaster offers a powerful expedient and economical system with facile genetics. Because of the high sequence and functional conservation with human disease-associated genes, it has been cardinal in deciphering disease mechanisms at the genetic and molecular level. Drosophila are amenable to and respond well to pharmaceutical treatment which coupled to their genetic tractability has led to discovery, repositioning, and validation of a number of compounds. Areas covered: This review summarizes the generation of fly models of human diseases, their advantages and use in elucidation of human disease mechanisms. Representative studies provide examples of the utility of this system in modeling diseases and the discovery, repositioning and testing on pharmaceuticals to ameliorate them. Expert opinion: Drosophila offers a facile and economical whole animal system with many homologous organs to humans, high functional conservation and established methods of generating and validating human disease models. Nevertheless, it remains relatively underused as a drug discovery tool probably because its relevance to mammalian systems remains under question. However, recent exciting success stories using Drosophila disease models for drug screening, repositioning and validation strongly suggest that fly models should figure prominently in the drug discovery pipeline from bench to bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Papanikolopoulou
- a Division of Neuroscience , Biomedical Sciences Research Centre "Alexander Fleming" , Vari , Greece
| | - Amrit Mudher
- b Centre for Biological Sciences , University of Southampton , Southampton , UK
| | - Efthimios Skoulakis
- a Division of Neuroscience , Biomedical Sciences Research Centre "Alexander Fleming" , Vari , Greece
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20
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Oswald MC, Brooks PS, Zwart MF, Mukherjee A, West RJ, Giachello CN, Morarach K, Baines RA, Sweeney ST, Landgraf M. Reactive oxygen species regulate activity-dependent neuronal plasticity in Drosophila. eLife 2018; 7:39393. [PMID: 30540251 PMCID: PMC6307858 DOI: 10.7554/elife.39393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been extensively studied as damaging agents associated with ageing and neurodegenerative conditions. Their role in the nervous system under non-pathological conditions has remained poorly understood. Working with the Drosophila larval locomotor network, we show that in neurons ROS act as obligate signals required for neuronal activity-dependent structural plasticity, of both pre- and postsynaptic terminals. ROS signaling is also necessary for maintaining evoked synaptic transmission at the neuromuscular junction, and for activity-regulated homeostatic adjustment of motor network output, as measured by larval crawling behavior. We identified the highly conserved Parkinson’s disease-linked protein DJ-1β as a redox sensor in neurons where it regulates structural plasticity, in part via modulation of the PTEN-PI3Kinase pathway. This study provides a new conceptual framework of neuronal ROS as second messengers required for neuronal plasticity and for network tuning, whose dysregulation in the ageing brain and under neurodegenerative conditions may contribute to synaptic dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Cw Oswald
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Paul S Brooks
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Amrita Mukherjee
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Ryan Jh West
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Department of Biology, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Carlo Ng Giachello
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Khomgrit Morarach
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Richard A Baines
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Sean T Sweeney
- Department of Biology, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Matthias Landgraf
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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21
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A cell surface protein controls endocrine ring gland morphogenesis and steroid production. Dev Biol 2018; 445:16-28. [PMID: 30367846 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2018.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Revised: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Identification of signals for systemic adaption of hormonal regulation would help to understand the crosstalk between cells and environmental cues contributing to growth, metabolic homeostasis and development. Physiological states are controlled by precise pulsatile hormonal release, including endocrine steroids in human and ecdysteroids in insects. We show in Drosophila that regulation of genes that control biosynthesis and signaling of the steroid hormone ecdysone, a central regulator of developmental progress, depends on the extracellular matrix protein Obstructor-A (Obst-A). Ecdysone is produced by the prothoracic gland (PG), where sensory neurons projecting axons from the brain integrate stimuli for endocrine control. By defining the extracellular surface, Obst-A promotes morphogenesis and axonal growth in the PG. This process requires Obst-A-matrix reorganization by Clathrin/Wurst-mediated endocytosis. Our data identifies the extracellular matrix as essential for endocrine ring gland function, which coordinates physiology, axon morphogenesis, and developmental programs. As Obst-A and Wurst homologs are found among all arthropods, we propose that this mechanism is evolutionary conserved.
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22
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Tajan M, Paccoud R, Branka S, Edouard T, Yart A. The RASopathy Family: Consequences of Germline Activation of the RAS/MAPK Pathway. Endocr Rev 2018; 39:676-700. [PMID: 29924299 DOI: 10.1210/er.2017-00232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Noonan syndrome [NS; Mendelian Inheritance in Men (MIM) #163950] and related syndromes [Noonan syndrome with multiple lentigines (formerly called LEOPARD syndrome; MIM #151100), Noonan-like syndrome with loose anagen hair (MIM #607721), Costello syndrome (MIM #218040), cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome (MIM #115150), type I neurofibromatosis (MIM #162200), and Legius syndrome (MIM #611431)] are a group of related genetic disorders associated with distinctive facial features, cardiopathies, growth and skeletal abnormalities, developmental delay/mental retardation, and tumor predisposition. NS was clinically described more than 50 years ago, and disease genes have been identified throughout the last 3 decades, providing a molecular basis to better understand their physiopathology and identify targets for therapeutic strategies. Most of these genes encode proteins belonging to or regulating the so-called RAS/MAPK signaling pathway, so these syndromes have been gathered under the name RASopathies. In this review, we provide a clinical overview of RASopathies and an update on their genetics. We then focus on the functional and pathophysiological effects of RASopathy-causing mutations and discuss therapeutic perspectives and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mylène Tajan
- INSERM UMR 1048, Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases (I2MC), University of Toulouse Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Romain Paccoud
- INSERM UMR 1048, Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases (I2MC), University of Toulouse Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Sophie Branka
- INSERM UMR 1048, Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases (I2MC), University of Toulouse Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Thomas Edouard
- Endocrine, Bone Diseases, and Genetics Unit, Children's Hospital, Toulouse University Hospital, Toulouse, France
| | - Armelle Yart
- INSERM UMR 1048, Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases (I2MC), University of Toulouse Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominantly inherited tumor predisposition syndrome with an incidence of one in 3000-4000 individuals with no currently effective therapies. The NF1 gene encodes neurofibromin, which functions as a negative regulator of RAS. NF1 is a chronic multisystem disorder affecting many different tissues. Due to cell-specific complexities of RAS signaling, therapeutic approaches for NF1 will likely have to focus on a particular tissue and manifestation of the disease. Areas covered: We discuss the multisystem nature of NF1 and the signaling pathways affected due to neurofibromin deficiency. We explore the cell-/tissue-specific molecular and cellular consequences of aberrant RAS signaling in NF1 and speculate on their potential as therapeutic targets for the disease. We discuss recent genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic studies combined with molecular, cellular, and biochemical analyses which have identified several targets for specific NF1 manifestations. We also consider the possibility of patient-specific gene therapy approaches for NF1. Expert opinion: The emergence of NF1 genotype-phenotype correlations, characterization of cell-specific signaling pathways affected in NF1, identification of novel biomarkers, and the development of sophisticated animal models accurately reflecting human pathology will continue to provide opportunities to develop therapeutic approaches to combat this multisystem disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A Walker
- a Center for Genomic Medicine , Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School , Boston , MA , USA
| | - Meena Upadhyaya
- b Division of Cancer and Genetics , Cardiff University , Cardiff , UK
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24
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Vagnoni A, Bullock SL. A cAMP/PKA/Kinesin-1 Axis Promotes the Axonal Transport of Mitochondria in Aging Drosophila Neurons. Curr Biol 2018; 28:1265-1272.e4. [PMID: 29606421 PMCID: PMC5912900 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2018.02.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Revised: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria play fundamental roles within cells, including energy provision, calcium homeostasis, and the regulation of apoptosis. The transport of mitochondria by microtubule-based motors is critical for neuronal structure and function. This process allows local requirements for mitochondrial functions to be met and also facilitates recycling of these organelles [1, 2]. An age-related reduction in mitochondrial transport has been observed in neurons of mammalian and non-mammalian organisms [3, 4, 5, 6], and has been proposed to contribute to the broader decline in neuronal function that occurs during aging [3, 5, 6, 7]. However, the factors that influence mitochondrial transport in aging neurons are poorly understood. Here we provide evidence using the tractable Drosophila wing nerve system that the cyclic AMP/protein kinase A (cAMP/PKA) pathway promotes the axonal transport of mitochondria in adult neurons. The level of the catalytic subunit of PKA decreases during aging, and acute activation of the cAMP/PKA pathway in aged flies strongly stimulates mitochondrial motility. Thus, the age-related impairment of transport is reversible. The expression of many genes is increased by PKA activation in aged flies. However, our results indicate that elevated mitochondrial transport is due in part to upregulation of the heavy chain of the kinesin-1 motor, the level of which declines during aging. Our study identifies evolutionarily conserved factors that can strongly influence mitochondrial motility in aging neurons. cAMP/PKA pathway promotes mitochondrial transport in adult Drosophila wing neurons Pathway activation in aged flies suppresses age-related reduction in transport Levels of PKAc and kinesin-1 motor decline during aging Kinesin-1 upregulation is an important output of PKA activation in aged flies
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Vagnoni
- Division of Cell Biology, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK; Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, King's College London, London SE5 9RX, UK.
| | - Simon L Bullock
- Division of Cell Biology, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK.
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Unraveling Synaptic GCaMP Signals: Differential Excitability and Clearance Mechanisms Underlying Distinct Ca 2+ Dynamics in Tonic and Phasic Excitatory, and Aminergic Modulatory Motor Terminals in Drosophila. eNeuro 2018; 5:eN-NWR-0362-17. [PMID: 29464198 PMCID: PMC5818553 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0362-17.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Revised: 01/27/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
GCaMP is an optogenetic Ca2+ sensor widely used for monitoring neuronal activities but the precise physiological implications of GCaMP signals remain to be further delineated among functionally distinct synapses. The Drosophila neuromuscular junction (NMJ), a powerful genetic system for studying synaptic function and plasticity, consists of tonic and phasic glutamatergic and modulatory aminergic motor terminals of distinct properties. We report a first simultaneous imaging and electric recording study to directly contrast the frequency characteristics of GCaMP signals of the three synapses for physiological implications. Different GCaMP variants were applied in genetic and pharmacological perturbation experiments to examine the Ca2+ influx and clearance processes underlying the GCaMP signal. Distinct mutational and drug effects on GCaMP signals indicate differential roles of Na+ and K+ channels, encoded by genes including paralytic (para), Shaker (Sh), Shab, and ether-a-go-go (eag), in excitability control of different motor terminals. Moreover, the Ca2+ handling properties reflected by the characteristic frequency dependence of the synaptic GCaMP signals were determined to a large extent by differential capacity of mitochondria-powered Ca2+ clearance mechanisms. Simultaneous focal recordings of synaptic activities further revealed that GCaMPs were ineffective in tracking the rapid dynamics of Ca2+ influx that triggers transmitter release, especially during low-frequency activities, but more adequately reflected cytosolic residual Ca2+ accumulation, a major factor governing activity-dependent synaptic plasticity. These results highlight the vast range of GCaMP response patterns in functionally distinct synaptic types and provide relevant information for establishing basic guidelines for the physiological interpretations of presynaptic GCaMP signals from in situ imaging studies.
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Wolfstetter G, Pfeifer K, van Dijk JR, Hugosson F, Lu X, Palmer RH. The scaffolding protein Cnk binds to the receptor tyrosine kinase Alk to promote visceral founder cell specification inDrosophila. Sci Signal 2017; 10:10/502/eaan0804. [DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aan0804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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27
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Perea D, Guiu J, Hudry B, Konstantinidou C, Milona A, Hadjieconomou D, Carroll T, Hoyer N, Natarajan D, Kallijärvi J, Walker JA, Soba P, Thapar N, Burns AJ, Jensen KB, Miguel-Aliaga I. Ret receptor tyrosine kinase sustains proliferation and tissue maturation in intestinal epithelia. EMBO J 2017; 36:3029-3045. [PMID: 28899900 PMCID: PMC5641678 DOI: 10.15252/embj.201696247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Revised: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Expression of the Ret receptor tyrosine kinase is a defining feature of enteric neurons. Its importance is underscored by the effects of its mutation in Hirschsprung disease, leading to absence of gut innervation and severe gastrointestinal symptoms. We report a new and physiologically significant site of Ret expression in the intestine: the intestinal epithelium. Experiments in Drosophila indicate that Ret is expressed both by enteric neurons and adult intestinal epithelial progenitors, which require Ret to sustain their proliferation. Mechanistically, Ret is engaged in a positive feedback loop with Wnt/Wingless signalling, modulated by Src and Fak kinases. We find that Ret is also expressed by the developing intestinal epithelium of mice, where its expression is maintained into the adult stage in a subset of enteroendocrine/enterochromaffin cells. Mouse organoid experiments point to an intrinsic role for Ret in promoting epithelial maturation and regulating Wnt signalling. Our findings reveal evolutionary conservation of the positive Ret/Wnt signalling feedback in both developmental and homeostatic contexts. They also suggest an epithelial contribution to Ret loss‐of‐function disorders such as Hirschsprung disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Perea
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Jordi Guiu
- BRIC-Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Bruno Hudry
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Alexandra Milona
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Dafni Hadjieconomou
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Thomas Carroll
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Nina Hoyer
- Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dipa Natarajan
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Jukka Kallijärvi
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - James A Walker
- Center for Human Genetic Research, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Peter Soba
- Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nikhil Thapar
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Alan J Burns
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Kim B Jensen
- BRIC-Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark.,The Danish Stem Cell Center (Danstem), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Irene Miguel-Aliaga
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Pharmacological inhibition of Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase rescues spatial memory impairments in Neurofibromatosis 1 mutant mice. Behav Brain Res 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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29
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Physical interaction between neurofibromin and serotonin 5-HT6 receptor promotes receptor constitutive activity. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:12310-12315. [PMID: 27791021 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1600914113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Active G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) conformations not only are promoted by agonists but also occur in their absence, leading to constitutive activity. Association of GPCRs with intracellular protein partners might be one of the mechanisms underlying GPCR constitutive activity. Here, we show that serotonin 5 hydroxytryptamine 6 (5-HT6) receptor constitutively activates the Gs/adenylyl cyclase pathway in various cell types, including neurons. Constitutive activity is strongly reduced by silencing expression of the Ras-GTPase activating protein (Ras-GAP) neurofibromin, a 5-HT6 receptor partner. Neurofibromin is a multidomain protein encoded by the NF1 gene, the mutation of which causes Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a genetic disorder characterized by multiple benign and malignant nervous system tumors and cognitive deficits. Disrupting association of 5-HT6 receptor with neurofibromin Pleckstrin Homology (PH) domain also inhibits receptor constitutive activity, and PH domain expression rescues 5-HT6 receptor-operated cAMP signaling in neurofibromin-deficient cells. Furthermore, PH domains carrying mutations identified in NF1 patients that prevent interaction with the 5-HT6 receptor fail to rescue receptor constitutive activity in neurofibromin-depleted cells. Further supporting a role of neurofibromin in agonist-independent Gs signaling elicited by native receptors, the phosphorylation of cAMP-responsive element-binding protein (CREB) is strongly decreased in prefrontal cortex of Nf1+/- mice compared with WT mice. Moreover, systemic administration of a 5-HT6 receptor inverse agonist reduces CREB phosphorylation in prefrontal cortex of WT mice but not Nf1+/- mice. Collectively, these findings suggest that disrupting 5-HT6 receptor-neurofibromin interaction prevents agonist-independent 5-HT6 receptor-operated cAMP signaling in prefrontal cortex, an effect that might underlie neuronal abnormalities in NF1 patients.
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Jindal GA, Goyal Y, Burdine RD, Rauen KA, Shvartsman SY. RASopathies: unraveling mechanisms with animal models. Dis Model Mech 2016. [PMID: 26203125 PMCID: PMC4527292 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.020339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
RASopathies are developmental disorders caused by germline mutations in the Ras-MAPK pathway, and are characterized by a broad spectrum of functional and morphological abnormalities. The high incidence of these disorders (∼1/1000 births) motivates the development of systematic approaches for their efficient diagnosis and potential treatment. Recent advances in genome sequencing have greatly facilitated the genotyping and discovery of mutations in affected individuals, but establishing the causal relationships between molecules and disease phenotypes is non-trivial and presents both technical and conceptual challenges. Here, we discuss how these challenges could be addressed using genetically modified model organisms that have been instrumental in delineating the Ras-MAPK pathway and its roles during development. Focusing on studies in mice, zebrafish and Drosophila, we provide an up-to-date review of animal models of RASopathies at the molecular and functional level. We also discuss how increasingly sophisticated techniques of genetic engineering can be used to rigorously connect changes in specific components of the Ras-MAPK pathway with observed functional and morphological phenotypes. Establishing these connections is essential for advancing our understanding of RASopathies and for devising rational strategies for their management and treatment. Summary: Developmental disorders caused by germline mutations in the Ras-MAPK pathway are called RASopathies. Studies with animal models, including mice, zebrafish and Drosophila, continue to enhance our understanding of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Granton A Jindal
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Yogesh Goyal
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Rebecca D Burdine
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Katherine A Rauen
- Department of Pediatrics, MIND Institute, Division of Genomic Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Stanislav Y Shvartsman
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
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31
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Abstract
Neurofibromatosis I is a common genetic disorder that results in tumor formation, and predisposes individuals to a range of cognitive/behavioral symptoms, including deficits in attention, visuospatial skills, learning, language development, and sleep, and autism spectrum disorder-like traits. The nf1-encoded neurofibromin protein (Nf1) exhibits high conservation, from the common fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, to humans. Drosophila provides a powerful platform to investigate the signaling cascades upstream and downstream of Nf1, and the fly model exhibits similar behavioral phenotypes to mammalian models. In order to understand how loss of Nf1 affects motor behavior in flies, we combined traditional activity monitoring with video analysis of grooming behavior. In nf1 mutants, spontaneous grooming was increased up to 7x. This increase in activity was distinct from previously described dopamine-dependent hyperactivity, as dopamine transporter mutants exhibited slightly decreased grooming. Finally, we found that relative grooming frequencies can be compared in standard activity monitors that measure infrared beam breaks, enabling the use of activity monitors as an automated method to screen for grooming phenotypes. Overall, these data suggest that loss of nf1 produces excessive activity that is manifested as increased grooming, providing a platform to dissect the molecular genetics of neurofibromin signaling across neuronal circuits.
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Bai L, Sehgal A. Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase Acts in the Drosophila Mushroom Body to Negatively Regulate Sleep. PLoS Genet 2015; 11:e1005611. [PMID: 26536237 PMCID: PMC4633181 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1005611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2015] [Accepted: 09/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Though evidence is mounting that a major function of sleep is to maintain brain plasticity and consolidate memory, little is known about the molecular pathways by which learning and sleep processes intercept. Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (Alk), the gene encoding a tyrosine receptor kinase whose inadvertent activation is the cause of many cancers, is implicated in synapse formation and cognitive functions. In particular, Alk genetically interacts with Neurofibromatosis 1 (Nf1) to regulate growth and associative learning in flies. We show that Alk mutants have increased sleep. Using a targeted RNAi screen we localized the negative effects of Alk on sleep to the mushroom body, a structure important for both sleep and memory. We also report that mutations in Nf1 produce a sexually dimorphic short sleep phenotype, and suppress the long sleep phenotype of Alk. Thus Alk and Nf1 interact in both learning and sleep regulation, highlighting a common pathway in these two processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Bai
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Amita Sehgal
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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33
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Copf T. Importance of gene dosage in controlling dendritic arbor formation during development. Eur J Neurosci 2015; 42:2234-49. [PMID: 26108333 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2015] [Revised: 06/05/2015] [Accepted: 06/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Proper dendrite morphology is crucial for normal nervous system functioning. While a number of genes have been implicated in dendrite morphogenesis in both invertebrates and mammals, it remains unclear how developing dendrites respond to changes in gene dosage and what type of patterns their responses may follow. To understand this, I review here evidence from the recent literature, focusing on the genetic studies performed in the Drosophila larval dendritic arborization class IV neuron, an excellent cell type to understand dendrite morphogenesis. I summarize how class IV arbors change morphology in response to developmental fluctuations in the expression levels of 47 genes, studied by means of genetic manipulations such as loss-of-function and gain-of-function, and for which sufficient information is available. I find that arbors can respond to changing gene dosage in several distinct ways, each characterized by a singular dose-response curve. Interestingly, in 72% of cases arbors are sensitive, and thus adjust their morphology, in response to both decreases and increases in the expression of a given gene, indicating that dendrite morphogenesis is a process particularly sensitive to gene dosage. By summarizing the parallels between Drosophila and mammals, I show that many Drosophila dendrite morphogenesis genes have orthologs in mammals, and that some of these are associated with mammalian dendrite outgrowth and human neurodevelopmental disorders. One notable disease-related molecule is kinase Dyrk1A, thought to be a causative factor in Down syndrome. Both increases and decreases in Dyrk1A gene dosage lead to impaired dendrite morphogenesis, which may contribute to Down syndrome pathoetiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tijana Copf
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Nikolaou Plastira 100, PO Box 1385, Heraklion, GR-70013, Crete, Greece
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34
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Hugosson F, Sjögren C, Birve A, Hedlund L, Eriksson T, Palmer RH. The Drosophila midkine/pleiotrophin homologues Miple1 and Miple2 affect adult lifespan but are dispensable for alk signaling during embryonic gut formation. PLoS One 2014; 9:e112250. [PMID: 25380037 PMCID: PMC4224452 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0112250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2014] [Accepted: 10/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Midkine (MDK) and Pleiotrophin (PTN) are small heparin-binding cytokines with closely related structures. The Drosophila genome harbours two genes encoding members of the MDK/PTN family of proteins, known as miple1 and miple2. We have investigated the role of Miple proteins in vivo, in particular with regard to their proposed role as ligands for the Alk receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK). Here we show that Miple proteins are neither required to drive Alk signaling during Drosophila embryogenesis, nor are they essential for development in the fruit fly. Additionally we show that neither MDK nor PTN can activate hALK in vivo when ectopically co-expressed in the fly. In conclusion, our data suggest that Alk is not activated by MDK/PTN related growth factors Miple1 and Miple 2 in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Camilla Sjögren
- Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Anna Birve
- Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | | | | | - Ruth H. Palmer
- Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden
- * E-mail:
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Wolman MA, de Groh ED, McBride SM, Jongens TA, Granato M, Epstein JA. Modulation of cAMP and ras signaling pathways improves distinct behavioral deficits in a zebrafish model of neurofibromatosis type 1. Cell Rep 2014; 8:1265-70. [PMID: 25176649 PMCID: PMC5850931 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2014.07.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2014] [Revised: 07/20/2014] [Accepted: 07/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a common autosomal-dominant disorder associated with attention deficits and learning disabilities. The primary known function of neurofibromin, encoded by the NF1 gene, is to downregulate Ras activity. We show that nf1-deficient zebrafish exhibit learning and memory deficits and that acute pharmacological inhibition of downstream targets of Ras (MAPK and PI3K) restores memory consolidation and recall but not learning. Conversely, acute pharmacological enhancement of cAMP signaling restores learning but not memory. Our data provide compelling evidence that neurofibromin regulates learning and memory by distinct molecular pathways in vertebrates and that deficits produced by genetic loss of function are reversible. These findings support the investigation of cAMP signaling enhancers as a companion therapy to Ras inhibition in the treatment of cognitive dysfunction in NF1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc A Wolman
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Eric D de Groh
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Sean M McBride
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Thomas A Jongens
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Michael Granato
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jonathan A Epstein
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Anastasaki C, Gutmann DH. Neuronal NF1/RAS regulation of cyclic AMP requires atypical PKC activation. Hum Mol Genet 2014; 23:6712-21. [PMID: 25070947 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddu389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in which affected individuals are prone to learning, attention and behavioral problems. Previous studies in mice and flies have yielded conflicting results regarding the specific effector pathways responsible for NF1 protein (neurofibromin) regulation of neuronal function, with both cyclic AMP (cAMP)- and RAS-dependent mechanisms described. Herein, we leverage a combination of induced pluripotent stem cell-derived NF1 patient neural progenitor cells and Nf1 genetically engineered mice to establish, for the first time, that neurofibromin regulation of cAMP requires RAS activation in human and mouse neurons. However, instead of involving RAS-mediated MEK/AKT signaling, RAS regulation of cAMP homeostasis operates through the activation of atypical protein kinase C zeta, leading to GRK2-driven Gαs inactivation. These findings reveal a novel mechanism by which RAS can regulate cAMP levels in the mammalian brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corina Anastasaki
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - David H Gutmann
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
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Maertens O, Cichowski K. An expanding role for RAS GTPase activating proteins (RAS GAPs) in cancer. Adv Biol Regul 2014; 55:1-14. [PMID: 24814062 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2014.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2014] [Revised: 04/16/2014] [Accepted: 04/16/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The RAS pathway is one of the most commonly deregulated pathways in human cancer. Mutations in RAS genes occur in nearly 30% of all human tumors. However in some tumor types RAS mutations are conspicuously absent or rare, despite the fact that RAS and downstream effector pathways are hyperactivated. Recently, RAS GTPase Activating Proteins (RAS GAPs) have emerged as an expanding class of tumor suppressors that, when inactivated, provide an alternative mechanism of activating RAS. RAS GAPs normally turn off RAS by catalyzing the hydrolysis of RAS-GTP. As such, the loss of a RAS GAP would be expected to promote excessive RAS activation. Indeed, this is the case for the NF1 gene, which plays an established role in a familial tumor predisposition syndrome and a variety of sporadic cancers. However, there are 13 additional RAS GAP family members in the human genome. We are only now beginning to understand why there are so many RAS GAPs, how they differentially function, and what their potential role(s) in human cancer are. This review will focus on our current understanding of RAS GAPs in human disease and will highlight important outstanding questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ophélia Maertens
- Genetics Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Karen Cichowski
- Genetics Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Ludwig Center at Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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38
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Walker JA, Bernards A. A Drosophila screen identifies neurofibromatosis-1 genetic modifiers involved in systemic and synaptic growth. Rare Dis 2014; 2:e28341. [PMID: 25054093 PMCID: PMC4091572 DOI: 10.4161/rdis.28341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2014] [Revised: 02/12/2014] [Accepted: 02/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is caused by loss of a negative regulator of Ras oncoproteins. Unknown genetic modifiers have been implicated in NF1's characteristic variability. Drosophila melanogaster dNf1 phenotypes include cognitive deficits and reduced growth, both of which resemble human symptoms. We recently reported results of a screen for dominant modifiers of dNf1 growth. Suppressors include the dAlk tyrosine kinase and its activating ligand, two other genes involved in Ras/ERK signal transduction, the synaptic scaffold Dap160 and the CCKLR-17D1 drosulfakinin receptor. Additional modifiers include several genes involved in cAMP/PKA signaling. Providing mechanistic insights, dAlk, jeb, and CCKLR-17D1 also suppress a dNf1 synaptic overgrowth defect, and increasing cAMP/PKA signaling in the neuroendocrine ring gland rescued the dNf1 growth deficiency. Finally, among the several suppressors identified in our screen, we specifically implicate ALK as a potential therapeutic target by showing that NF1-regulated ALK/RAS/ERK signaling is conserved in human cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A Walker
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Cancer Research and Harvard Medical School; Charlestown, MA USA ; Center for Human Genetic Research; Massachusetts General Hospital; Boston, MA USA
| | - André Bernards
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Cancer Research and Harvard Medical School; Charlestown, MA USA ; Center for Human Genetic Research; Massachusetts General Hospital; Boston, MA USA
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