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Hemandhar Kumar S, Tapken I, Kuhn D, Claus P, Jung K. bootGSEA: a bootstrap and rank aggregation pipeline for multi-study and multi-omics enrichment analyses. FRONTIERS IN BIOINFORMATICS 2024; 4:1380928. [PMID: 38633435 PMCID: PMC11021641 DOI: 10.3389/fbinf.2024.1380928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) subsequent to differential expression analysis is a standard step in transcriptomics and proteomics data analysis. Although many tools for this step are available, the results are often difficult to reproduce because set annotations can change in the databases, that is, new features can be added or existing features can be removed. Finally, such changes in set compositions can have an impact on biological interpretation. Methods: We present bootGSEA, a novel computational pipeline, to study the robustness of GSEA. By repeating GSEA based on bootstrap samples, the variability and robustness of results can be studied. In our pipeline, not all genes or proteins are involved in the different bootstrap replicates of the analyses. Finally, we aggregate the ranks from the bootstrap replicates to obtain a score per gene set that shows whether it gains or loses evidence compared to the ranking of the standard GSEA. Rank aggregation is also used to combine GSEA results from different omics levels or from multiple independent studies at the same omics level. Results: By applying our approach to six independent cancer transcriptomics datasets, we showed that bootstrap GSEA can aid in the selection of more robust enriched gene sets. Additionally, we applied our approach to paired transcriptomics and proteomics data obtained from a mouse model of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disease associated with multi-system involvement. After obtaining a robust ranking at both omics levels, both ranking lists were combined to aggregate the findings from the transcriptomics and proteomics results. Furthermore, we constructed the new R-package "bootGSEA," which implements the proposed methods and provides graphical views of the findings. Bootstrap-based GSEA was able in the example datasets to identify gene or protein sets that were less robust when the set composition changed during bootstrap analysis. Discussion: The rank aggregation step was useful for combining bootstrap results and making them comparable to the original findings on the single-omics level or for combining findings from multiple different omics levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shamini Hemandhar Kumar
- Institute for Animal Genomics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ines Tapken
- Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
- SMATHERIA gGmbH—Non-Profit Biomedical Research Institute, Hannover, Germany
| | - Daniela Kuhn
- SMATHERIA gGmbH—Non-Profit Biomedical Research Institute, Hannover, Germany
- Clinic for Conservative Dentistry, Periodontology and Preventive Dentistry, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Peter Claus
- Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
- SMATHERIA gGmbH—Non-Profit Biomedical Research Institute, Hannover, Germany
| | - Klaus Jung
- Institute for Animal Genomics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
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Huang YR, Xie XX, Yang J, Sun XY, Niu XY, Yang CG, Li LJ, Zhang L, Wang D, Liu CY, Hou SJ, Jiang CY, Xu YM, Liu RT. ArhGAP11A mediates amyloid-β generation and neuropathology in an Alzheimer's disease-like mouse model. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112624. [PMID: 37302068 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyloid-β (Aβ) plays an important role in the neuropathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD), but some factors promoting Aβ generation and Aβ oligomer (Aβo) neurotoxicity remain unclear. We here find that the levels of ArhGAP11A, a Ras homology GTPase-activating protein, significantly increase in patients with AD and amyloid precursor protein (APP)/presenilin-1 (PS1) mice. Reducing the ArhGAP11A level in neurons not only inhibits Aβ generation by decreasing the expression of APP, PS1, and β-secretase (BACE1) through the RhoA/ROCK/Erk signaling pathway but also reduces Aβo neurotoxicity by decreasing the expressions of apoptosis-related p53 target genes. In APP/PS1 mice, specific reduction of the ArhGAP11A level in neurons significantly reduces Aβ production and plaque deposition and ameliorates neuronal damage, neuroinflammation, and cognitive deficits. Moreover, Aβos enhance ArhGAP11A expression in neurons by activating E2F1, which thus forms a deleterious cycle. Our results demonstrate that ArhGAP11A may be involved in AD pathogenesis and that decreasing ArhGAP11A expression may be a promising therapeutic strategy for AD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Ru Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xi-Xiu Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China; Henan Medical Key Laboratory of Neurogenetic and Neurodegenerative Disease, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China
| | - Xiao-Ying Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiao-Yun Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, Ningxia, China
| | - Cheng-Gang Yang
- Department of BigData, Beijing Medintell Bioinformatic Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing 100081, China; Department of Research and Development, Gu'an Bojian Bio-Technology Co., Ltd., Langfang 065000, Hebei, China
| | - Ling-Jie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of BigData, Beijing Medintell Bioinformatic Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing 100081, China
| | - Chun-Yu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271000, Shandong, China
| | - Sheng-Jie Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chen-Yang Jiang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China
| | - Yu-Ming Xu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China; Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Disease of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China.
| | - Rui-Tian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China.
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Spinal astrocyte dysfunction drives motor neuron loss in late-onset spinal muscular atrophy. Acta Neuropathol 2023; 145:611-635. [PMID: 36930296 PMCID: PMC10119066 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-023-02554-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a progressive neuromuscular disorder caused by a loss of the survival of motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene, resulting in a loss of spinal motor neurons (MNs), leading to muscle weakness and wasting. The pathogenesis of MN loss in SMA and the selective vulnerability in different cellular populations are not fully understood. To investigate the role of spinal astrocytes in the pathogenesis of late-onset SMA, we used a mouse model in addition to in vitro approaches. Immunostaining, Western blot analysis, small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) transfections, functional assays, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), behavioral tests, and electrophysiological measurements were performed. Early activation of spinal astrocytes and a reduction of the excitatory amino acid transporter 1 (EAAT1) on postnatal day (P) 20 preceded the loss of spinal MNs in SMA mice occurring on P42. EAAT1 reduction resulted in elevated glutamate levels in the spinal cord of SMA mice at P20 and P42. SMA-like astrocytes generated by siRNA and an ex vivo model of glutamate excitotoxicity involving organotypic spinal cord slice cultures revealed the critical role of glutamate homeostasis in the degeneration of MNs. The pre-emptive administration of arundic acid (AA), as an inhibitor of astrocyte activation, to SMA mice prior to the loss of motor neurons (P28) resulted in elevated EAAT1 protein levels compared to vehicle-treated SMA mice and prevented the increase of glutamate in the spinal cord and the loss of spinal MNs. Furthermore, AA preserved motor functions during behavioral experiments, the electrophysiological properties, and muscle alteration of SMA mice. In a translational approach, we transfected healthy human fibroblasts with SMN1 siRNA, resulting in reduced EAAT1 expression and reduced uptake but increased glutamate release. These findings were verified by detecting elevated glutamate levels and reduced levels of EAAT1 in cerebrospinal fluid of untreated SMA type 2 and 3 patients. In addition, glutamate was elevated in serum samples, while EAAT1 was not detectable. Our data give evidence for the crucial role of spinal astrocytes in the pathogenesis of late-onset SMA, a potential driving force for MN loss by glutamate excitotoxicity caused by EAAT1 reduction as an early pathophysiological event. Furthermore, our study introduces EAAT1 as a potential therapeutic target for additional SMN-independent therapy strategies to complement SMN-enhancing drugs.
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Huang Z, Powell R, Kankowski S, Phillips JB, Haastert-Talini K. Culture Conditions for Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Schwann Cells: A Two-Centre Study. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065366. [PMID: 36982441 PMCID: PMC10049204 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Adult human Schwann cells represent a relevant tool for studying peripheral neuropathies and developing regenerative therapies to treat nerve damage. Primary adult human Schwann cells are, however, difficult to obtain and challenging to propagate in culture. One potential solution is to generate Schwann cells from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). Previously published protocols, however, in our hands did not deliver sufficient viable cell numbers of hiPSC-derived Schwann cells (hiPSC-SCs). We present here, two modified protocols from two collaborating laboratories that overcome these challenges. With this, we also identified the relevant parameters to be specifically considered in any proposed differentiation protocol. Furthermore, we are, to our knowledge, the first to directly compare hiPSC-SCs to primary adult human Schwann cells using immunocytochemistry and RT-qPCR. We conclude the type of coating to be important during the differentiation process from Schwann cell precursor cells or immature Schwann cells to definitive Schwann cells, as well as the amounts of glucose in the specific differentiation medium to be crucial for increasing its efficiency and the final yield of viable hiPSC-SCs. Our hiPSC-SCs further displayed high similarity to primary adult human Schwann cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong Huang
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School (MHH), 30623 Hannover, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN) Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Rebecca Powell
- Department of Pharmacology, University College London (UCL) School of Pharmacy, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK
- UCL Centre for Nerve Engineering, UCL, London WC1H 0AL, UK
| | - Svenja Kankowski
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School (MHH), 30623 Hannover, Germany
| | - James B. Phillips
- Department of Pharmacology, University College London (UCL) School of Pharmacy, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK
- UCL Centre for Nerve Engineering, UCL, London WC1H 0AL, UK
- Correspondence: (J.B.P.); (K.H.-T.)
| | - Kirsten Haastert-Talini
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School (MHH), 30623 Hannover, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN) Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany
- Correspondence: (J.B.P.); (K.H.-T.)
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5
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Hensel N, Brickwedde H, Tsaknakis K, Grages A, Braunschweig L, Lüders KA, Lorenz HM, Lippross S, Walter LM, Tavassol F, Lienenklaus S, Neunaber C, Claus P, Hell AK. Altered bone development with impaired cartilage formation precedes neuromuscular symptoms in spinal muscular atrophy. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 29:2662-2673. [PMID: 32644125 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddaa145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease of newborns and children caused by mutations or deletions of the survival of motoneuron gene 1 resulting in low levels of the SMN protein. While neuromuscular degeneration is the cardinal symptom of the disease, the reduction of the ubiquitously expressed SMN additionally elicits non-motoneuron symptoms. Impaired bone development is a key feature of SMA, but it is yet unknown whether this is an indirect functional consequence of muscle weakness or caused by bone-intrinsic mechanisms. Therefore, we radiologically examined SMA patients in a prospective, non-randomized cohort study characterizing bone size and bone mineral density (BMD) and performed equivalent measurements in pre-symptomatic SMA mice. BMD as well as lumbar vertebral body size were significantly reduced in SMA patients. This growth defect but not BMD reduction was confirmed in SMA mice by μCT before the onset of neuromuscular symptoms indicating that it is at least partially independent of neuromuscular degeneration. Interestingly, the number of chondroblasts in the hypertrophic zone of the growth plate was significantly reduced. This was underlined by RNAseq and expression data from developing SMA mice vertebral bodies, which revealed molecular changes related to cell division and cartilage remodeling. Together, these findings suggest a bone intrinsic defect in SMA. This phenotype may not be rescued by novel drugs that enhance SMN levels in the central nervous system only.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niko Hensel
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neurosciences (ZSN), Hannover, Germany
| | - Hermann Brickwedde
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Konstantinos Tsaknakis
- Pediatric Orthopedics, Department of Trauma, Orthopedic and Plastic Surgery, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Antonia Grages
- Pediatric Orthopedics, Department of Trauma, Orthopedic and Plastic Surgery, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Lena Braunschweig
- Pediatric Orthopedics, Department of Trauma, Orthopedic and Plastic Surgery, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Katja A Lüders
- Pediatric Orthopedics, Department of Trauma, Orthopedic and Plastic Surgery, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Heiko M Lorenz
- Pediatric Orthopedics, Department of Trauma, Orthopedic and Plastic Surgery, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Lippross
- Pediatric Orthopedics, Department of Trauma, Orthopedic and Plastic Surgery, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Lisa M Walter
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neurosciences (ZSN), Hannover, Germany
| | - Frank Tavassol
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Stefan Lienenklaus
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science and Central Animal Facility, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Peter Claus
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neurosciences (ZSN), Hannover, Germany
| | - Anna K Hell
- Pediatric Orthopedics, Department of Trauma, Orthopedic and Plastic Surgery, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
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Chong LC, Gandhi G, Lee JM, Yeo WWY, Choi SB. Drug Discovery of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) from the Computational Perspective: A Comprehensive Review. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:8962. [PMID: 34445667 PMCID: PMC8396480 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), one of the leading inherited causes of child mortality, is a rare neuromuscular disease arising from loss-of-function mutations of the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene, which encodes the SMN protein. When lacking the SMN protein in neurons, patients suffer from muscle weakness and atrophy, and in the severe cases, respiratory failure and death. Several therapeutic approaches show promise with human testing and three medications have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to date. Despite the shown promise of these approved therapies, there are some crucial limitations, one of the most important being the cost. The FDA-approved drugs are high-priced and are shortlisted among the most expensive treatments in the world. The price is still far beyond affordable and may serve as a burden for patients. The blooming of the biomedical data and advancement of computational approaches have opened new possibilities for SMA therapeutic development. This article highlights the present status of computationally aided approaches, including in silico drug repurposing, network driven drug discovery as well as artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted drug discovery, and discusses the future prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Chuin Chong
- Centre for Bioinformatics, School of Data Sciences, Perdana University, Suite 9.2, 9th Floor, Wisma Chase Perdana, Changkat Semantan, Kuala Lumpur 50490, Malaysia; (L.C.C.); (J.M.L.)
| | - Gayatri Gandhi
- Perdana University Graduate School of Medicine, Perdana University, Suite 9.2, 9th Floor, Wisma Chase Perdana, Changkat Semantan, Kuala Lumpur 50490, Malaysia; (G.G.); (W.W.Y.Y.)
| | - Jian Ming Lee
- Centre for Bioinformatics, School of Data Sciences, Perdana University, Suite 9.2, 9th Floor, Wisma Chase Perdana, Changkat Semantan, Kuala Lumpur 50490, Malaysia; (L.C.C.); (J.M.L.)
| | - Wendy Wai Yeng Yeo
- Perdana University Graduate School of Medicine, Perdana University, Suite 9.2, 9th Floor, Wisma Chase Perdana, Changkat Semantan, Kuala Lumpur 50490, Malaysia; (G.G.); (W.W.Y.Y.)
| | - Sy-Bing Choi
- Centre for Bioinformatics, School of Data Sciences, Perdana University, Suite 9.2, 9th Floor, Wisma Chase Perdana, Changkat Semantan, Kuala Lumpur 50490, Malaysia; (L.C.C.); (J.M.L.)
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Modified Hyaluronic Acid-Laminin-Hydrogel as Luminal Filler for Clinically Approved Hollow Nerve Guides in a Rat Critical Defect Size Model. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126554. [PMID: 34207389 PMCID: PMC8235360 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hollow nerve guidance conduits are approved for clinical use for defect lengths of up to 3 cm. This is because also in pre-clinical evaluation they are less effective in the support of nerve regeneration over critical defect lengths. Hydrogel luminal fillers are thought to improve the regeneration outcome by providing an optimized matrix inside bioartificial nerve grafts. We evaluated here a modified hyaluronic acid-laminin-hydrogel (M-HAL) as luminal filler for two clinically approved hollow nerve guides. Collagen-based and chitosan-based nerve guides were filled with M-HAL in two different concentrations and the regeneration outcome comprehensively studied in the acute repair rat sciatic nerve 15 mm critical defect size model. Autologous nerve graft (ANG) repair served as gold-standard control. At 120 days post-surgery, all ANG rats demonstrated electrodiagnostically detectable motor recovery. Both concentrations of the hydrogel luminal filler induced improved regeneration outcome over empty nerve guides. However, neither combination with collagen- nor chitosan-based nerve guides resulted in functional recovery comparable to the ANG repair. In contrast to our previous studies, we demonstrate here that M-HAL slightly improved the overall performance of either empty nerve guide type in the critical defect size model.
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Impairment of the neurotrophic signaling hub B-Raf contributes to motoneuron degeneration in spinal muscular atrophy. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2007785118. [PMID: 33931501 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2007785118] [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] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a motoneuron disease caused by deletions of the Survival of Motoneuron 1 gene (SMN1) and low SMN protein levels. SMN restoration is the concept behind a number of recently approved drugs which result in impressive yet limited effects. Since SMN has already been enhanced in treated patients, complementary SMN-independent approaches are needed. Previously, a number of altered signaling pathways which regulate motoneuron degeneration have been identified as candidate targets. However, signaling pathways form networks, and their connectivity is still unknown in SMA. Here, we used presymptomatic SMA mice to elucidate the network of altered signaling in SMA. The SMA network is structured in two clusters with AKT and 14-3-3 ζ/δ in their centers. Both clusters are connected by B-Raf as a major signaling hub. The direct interaction of B-Raf with 14-3-3 ζ/δ is important for an efficient neurotrophic activation of the MEK/ERK pathway and crucial for motoneuron survival. Further analyses in SMA mice revealed that both proteins were down-regulated in motoneurons and the spinal cord with B-Raf being reduced at presymptomatic stages. Primary fibroblasts and iPSC-derived motoneurons from SMA patients both showed the same pattern of down-regulation. This mechanism is conserved across species since a Caenorhabditis elegans SMA model showed less expression of the B-Raf homolog lin-45 Accordingly, motoneuron survival was rescued by a cell autonomous lin-45 expression in a C. elegans SMA model resulting in improved motor functions. This rescue was effective even after the onset of motoneuron degeneration and mediated by the MEK/ERK pathway.
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Freiin von Hövel F, Kefalakes E, Grothe C. What Can We Learn from FGF-2 Isoform-Specific Mouse Mutants? Differential Insights into FGF-2 Physiology In Vivo. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010390. [PMID: 33396566 PMCID: PMC7795026 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010390] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2), ubiquitously expressed in humans and mice, is functionally involved in cell growth, migration and maturation in vitro and in vivo. Based on the same mRNA, an 18-kilo Dalton (kDa) FGF-2 isoform named FGF-2 low molecular weight (FGF-2LMW) isoform is translated in humans and rodents. Additionally, two larger isoforms weighing 21 and 22 kDa also exist, summarized as the FGF-2 high molecular weight (FGF-2HMW) isoform. Meanwhile, the human FGF-2HMW comprises a 22, 23, 24 and 34 kDa protein. Independent studies verified a specific intracellular localization, mode of action and tissue-specific spatiotemporal expression of the FGF-2 isoforms, increasing the complexity of their physiological and pathophysiological roles. In order to analyze their spectrum of effects, FGF-2LMW knock out (ko) and FGF-2HMWko mice have been generated, as well as mice specifically overexpressing either FGF-2LMW or FGF-2HMW. So far, the development and functionality of the cardiovascular system, bone formation and regeneration as well as their impact on the central nervous system including disease models of neurodegeneration, have been examined. This review provides a summary of the studies characterizing the in vivo effects modulated by the FGF-2 isoforms and, thus, offers a comprehensive overview of its actions in the aforementioned organ systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friederike Freiin von Hövel
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, D-30625 Hannover, Germany;
- Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), University of Veterinary Medicine, Bünteweg 2, D-30559 Hannover, Germany;
| | - Ekaterini Kefalakes
- Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), University of Veterinary Medicine, Bünteweg 2, D-30559 Hannover, Germany;
| | - Claudia Grothe
- Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), University of Veterinary Medicine, Bünteweg 2, D-30559 Hannover, Germany;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-511-532-2897; Fax: +49-511-532-2880
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Rademacher S, Detering NT, Schüning T, Lindner R, Santonicola P, Wefel IM, Dehus J, Walter LM, Brinkmann H, Niewienda A, Janek K, Varela MA, Bowerman M, Di Schiavi E, Claus P. A Single Amino Acid Residue Regulates PTEN-Binding and Stability of the Spinal Muscular Atrophy Protein SMN. Cells 2020; 9:cells9112405. [PMID: 33153033 PMCID: PMC7692393 DOI: 10.3390/cells9112405] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a neuromuscular disease caused by decreased levels of the survival of motoneuron (SMN) protein. Post-translational mechanisms for regulation of its stability are still elusive. Thus, we aimed to identify regulatory phosphorylation sites that modulate function and stability. Our results show that SMN residues S290 and S292 are phosphorylated, of which SMN pS290 has a detrimental effect on protein stability and nuclear localization. Furthermore, we propose that phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), a novel phosphatase for SMN, counteracts this effect. In light of recent advancements in SMA therapies, a significant need for additional approaches has become apparent. Our study demonstrates S290 as a novel molecular target site to increase the stability of SMN. Characterization of relevant kinases and phosphatases provides not only a new understanding of SMN function, but also constitutes a novel strategy for combinatorial therapeutic approaches to increase the level of SMN in SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Rademacher
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (S.R.); (N.T.D.); (T.S.); (R.L.); (I.-M.W.); (J.D.); (L.M.W.); (H.B.)
| | - Nora T. Detering
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (S.R.); (N.T.D.); (T.S.); (R.L.); (I.-M.W.); (J.D.); (L.M.W.); (H.B.)
- Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Tobias Schüning
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (S.R.); (N.T.D.); (T.S.); (R.L.); (I.-M.W.); (J.D.); (L.M.W.); (H.B.)
- Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Robert Lindner
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (S.R.); (N.T.D.); (T.S.); (R.L.); (I.-M.W.); (J.D.); (L.M.W.); (H.B.)
| | - Pamela Santonicola
- Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources, National Research Council of Italy, 80131 Naples, Italy; (P.S.); (E.D.S.)
| | - Inga-Maria Wefel
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (S.R.); (N.T.D.); (T.S.); (R.L.); (I.-M.W.); (J.D.); (L.M.W.); (H.B.)
| | - Janina Dehus
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (S.R.); (N.T.D.); (T.S.); (R.L.); (I.-M.W.); (J.D.); (L.M.W.); (H.B.)
| | - Lisa M. Walter
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (S.R.); (N.T.D.); (T.S.); (R.L.); (I.-M.W.); (J.D.); (L.M.W.); (H.B.)
- Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Hella Brinkmann
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (S.R.); (N.T.D.); (T.S.); (R.L.); (I.-M.W.); (J.D.); (L.M.W.); (H.B.)
| | - Agathe Niewienda
- Shared Facility for Mass Spectrometry, Institute of Biochemistry, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (A.N.); (K.J.)
| | - Katharina Janek
- Shared Facility for Mass Spectrometry, Institute of Biochemistry, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (A.N.); (K.J.)
| | - Miguel A. Varela
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK; (M.A.V.); (M.B.)
- Department of Paediatrics, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Melissa Bowerman
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK; (M.A.V.); (M.B.)
- School of Medicine, Keele University, Staffordshire ST5 5BG, UK
- Wolfson Centre for Inherited Neuromuscular Disease, RJAH Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry SY10 7AG, UK
| | - Elia Di Schiavi
- Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources, National Research Council of Italy, 80131 Naples, Italy; (P.S.); (E.D.S.)
| | - Peter Claus
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (S.R.); (N.T.D.); (T.S.); (R.L.); (I.-M.W.); (J.D.); (L.M.W.); (H.B.)
- Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), 30559 Hannover, Germany
- Correspondence:
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11
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Hensel N, Kubinski S, Claus P. The Need for SMN-Independent Treatments of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) to Complement SMN-Enhancing Drugs. Front Neurol 2020; 11:45. [PMID: 32117013 PMCID: PMC7009174 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is monogenic motoneuron disease caused by low levels of the Survival of Motoneuron protein (SMN). Recently, two different drugs were approved for the treatment of the disease. The antisense oligonucleotide Nusinersen/Spinraza® and the gene replacement therapy Onasemnogene Abeparvovec/Zolgensma® both enhance SMN levels. These treatments result in impressive benefits for the patients. However, there is a significant number of non-responders and an intervention delay has a strong negative impact on the efficacy. Obviously, later stages of motoneuron degeneration cannot be reversed by SMN-restoration. Therefore, complementary, SMN-independent strategies are needed which are able to address such SMN-irreversible degenerative processes. Those are defined as pathological alterations which are not reversed by SMN-restoration for a given dose and intervention delay. It is crucial to tailor SMN-independent approaches to the novel clinical situation with SMN-restoring treatments. On the molecular level, such SMN-irreversible changes become manifest in altered signaling modules as described by molecular systems biology. Based on our current knowledge about altered signaling, we introduce a network approach for an informed decision for the most potent SMN-independent treatment targets. Finally, we present recommendations for the identification of novel treatments which can be combined with SMN-restoring drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niko Hensel
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Center of Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany
| | - Sabrina Kubinski
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Center of Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany
| | - Peter Claus
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Center of Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany
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12
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Schröder-Heurich B, von Hardenberg S, Brodowski L, Kipke B, Meyer N, Borns K, von Kaisenberg CS, Brinkmann H, Claus P, von Versen-Höynck F. Vitamin D improves endothelial barrier integrity and counteracts inflammatory effects on endothelial progenitor cells. FASEB J 2019; 33:9142-9153. [PMID: 31084577 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201802750rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs), a proliferative subpopulation of endothelial progenitor cells, are involved in angiogenesis and endothelial repair. In this study, we investigated endothelial barrier characteristics of ECFCs, whether vitamin D supports cell-cell adhesion and barrier integrity, and how it affects ECFC mobilization and actin dynamics. Although ECFC barrier was disrupted under inflammatory conditions, this effect was rescued by vitamin D treatment, leading to higher stability of an ECFC monolayer. Furthermore, vitamin D enhanced ECFC mobilization toward directional migration. In addition, immunocytochemistry, quantitative real-time PCR, and immunoblotting analysis showed that vitamin D increased endothelial interconnections through vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin) junctions and by impacting cell dynamics through cofilin and VE-cadherin phosphorylation. Our results suggest that vitamin D treatment efficiently counteracts inflammation in an ECFC monolayer, resulting in higher ECFC barrier integrity. This study provides evidence of a new beneficial effect of vitamin D for ECFC homeostasis.-Schröder-Heurich, B., von Hardenberg, S., Brodowski, L., Kipke, B., Meyer, N., Borns, K., von Kaisenberg, C. S., Brinkmann, H., Claus, P., von Versen-Höynck, F. Vitamin D improves endothelial barrier integrity and counteracts inflammatory effects on endothelial progenitor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lars Brodowski
- Gynecology Research Unit, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Berina Kipke
- Gynecology Research Unit, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Nadia Meyer
- Gynecology Research Unit, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Katja Borns
- Gynecology Research Unit, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Hella Brinkmann
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Peter Claus
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Frauke von Versen-Höynck
- Gynecology Research Unit, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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13
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Ramalho TC, de Castro AA, Tavares TS, Silva MC, Silva DR, Cesar PH, Santos LA, da Cunha EFF, Nepovimova E, Kuca K. Insights into the pharmaceuticals and mechanisms of neurological orphan diseases: Current Status and future expectations. Prog Neurobiol 2018; 169:135-157. [PMID: 29981392 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2018.06.011] [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: 11/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Several rare or orphan diseases have been characterized that singly affect low numbers of people, but cumulatively reach ∼6%-10% of the population in Europe and in the United States. Human genetics has shown to be broadly effective when evaluating subjacent genetic defects such as orphan genetic diseases, but on the other hand, a modest progress has been achieved toward comprehending the molecular pathologies and designing new therapies. Chemical genetics, placed at the interface of chemistry and genetics, could be employed to understand the molecular mechanisms of subjacent illnesses and for the discovery of new remediation processes. This review debates current progress in chemical genetics, and how a variety of compounds and reaction mechanisms can be used to study and ultimately treat rare genetic diseases. We focus here on a study involving Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and Familial Amyloid Polyneuropathy (FAP), approaching different treatment methods and the reaction mechanisms of several compounds, trying to elucidate new routes capable of assisting in the treatment profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teodorico C Ramalho
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Lavras, 37200-000, Lavras, Brazil; Center for Basic and Applied Research, Faculty of Informatics and Management, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.
| | | | - Tássia S Tavares
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Lavras, 37200-000, Lavras, Brazil
| | - Maria C Silva
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Lavras, 37200-000, Lavras, Brazil
| | - Daniela R Silva
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Lavras, 37200-000, Lavras, Brazil
| | - Pedro H Cesar
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Lavras, 37200-000, Lavras, Brazil
| | - Lucas A Santos
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Lavras, 37200-000, Lavras, Brazil
| | - Elaine F F da Cunha
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Lavras, 37200-000, Lavras, Brazil
| | - Eugenie Nepovimova
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Kamil Kuca
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.
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14
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Uhde AK, Ciurkiewicz M, Herder V, Khan MA, Hensel N, Claus P, Beckstette M, Teich R, Floess S, Baumgärtner W, Jung K, Huehn J, Beineke A. Intact interleukin-10 receptor signaling protects from hippocampal damage elicited by experimental neurotropic virus infection of SJL mice. Sci Rep 2018; 8:6106. [PMID: 29666403 PMCID: PMC5904160 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-24378-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Theiler’s murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) infection represents an experimental mouse model to study hippocampal damage induced by neurotropic viruses. IL-10 is a pleiotropic cytokine with profound anti-inflammatory properties, which critically controls immune homeostasis. In order to analyze IL-10R signaling following virus-induced polioencephalitis, SJL mice were intracerebrally infected with TMEV. RNA-based next generation sequencing revealed an up-regulation of Il10, Il10rα and further genes involved in IL-10 downstream signaling, including Jak1, Socs3 and Stat3 in the brain upon infection. Subsequent antibody-mediated blockade of IL-10R signaling led to enhanced hippocampal damage with neuronal loss and increased recruitment of CD3+ T cells, CD45R+ B cells and an up-regulation of Il1α mRNA. Increased expression of Tgfβ and Foxp3 as well as accumulation of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells and arginase-1+ macrophages/microglia was detected in the hippocampus, representing a potential compensatory mechanism following disturbed IL-10R signaling. Additionally, an increased peripheral Chi3l3 expression was found in spleens of infected mice, which may embody reactive regulatory mechanisms for prevention of excessive immunopathology. The present study highlights the importance of IL-10R signaling for immune regulation and its neuroprotective properties in the context of an acute neurotropic virus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Kathrin Uhde
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Malgorzata Ciurkiewicz
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany
| | - Vanessa Herder
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany
| | - Muhammad Akram Khan
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany.,Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Niko Hensel
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Peter Claus
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany.,Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Niedersachsen-Research Network on Neuroinfectiology (N-RENNT), Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael Beckstette
- Experimental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - René Teich
- Experimental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Stefan Floess
- Experimental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Baumgärtner
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany.,Niedersachsen-Research Network on Neuroinfectiology (N-RENNT), Hannover, Germany
| | - Klaus Jung
- Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jochen Huehn
- Experimental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Andreas Beineke
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany. .,Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany.
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15
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Kim HJ, Lee WH, Kim MJ, Shin S, Jang B, Park JB, Wasco W, Buxbaum JD, Kim YS, Choi EK. Calsenilin, a Presenilin Interactor, Regulates RhoA Signaling and Neurite Outgrowth. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19041196. [PMID: 29652865 PMCID: PMC5979497 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19041196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Revised: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Calsenilin modulates A-type potassium channels, regulates presenilin-mediated γ-secretase activity, and represses prodynorphin and c-fos genes expression. RhoA is involved in various cellular functions including proliferation, differentiation, migration, transcription, and regulation of the actin cytoskeleton. Although recent studies demonstrate that calsenilin can directly interact with RhoA and that RhoA inactivation is essential for neuritogenesis, it is uncertain whether there is a link between calsenilin and RhoA-regulated neuritogenesis. Here, we investigated the role of calsenilin in RhoA-regulated neuritogenesis using in vitro and in vivo systems. We found that calsenilin induced RhoA inactivation, which accompanied RhoA phosphorylation and the reduced phosphorylation levels of LIM kinase (LIMK) and cofilin. Interestingly, PC12 cells overexpressing either full-length (FL) or the caspase 3-derived C-terminal fragment (CTF) of calsenilin significantly inactivated RhoA through its interaction with RhoA and p190 Rho GTPase-activating protein (p190RhoGAP). In addition, cells expressing FL and the CTF of calsenilin had increased neurite outgrowth compared to cells expressing the N-terminal fragment (NTF) of calsenilin or vector alone. Moreover, Tat-C3 and Y27632 treatment significantly increased the percentage of neurite-bearing cells, neurite length, and the number of neurites in cells. Finally, calsenilin deficiency in the brains of calsenilin-knockout mice significantly interfered with RhoA inactivation. These findings suggest that calsenilin contributes to neuritogenesis through RhoA inactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee-Jun Kim
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Gyeonggi-do 14066, Korea.
| | - Won-Haeng Lee
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Gyeonggi-do 14066, Korea.
- Department of Biomedical Gerontology, Graduate School of Hallym University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24252, Korea.
| | - Mo-Jong Kim
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Gyeonggi-do 14066, Korea.
- Department of Biomedical Gerontology, Graduate School of Hallym University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24252, Korea.
| | - Sunmee Shin
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Gyeonggi-do 14066, Korea.
| | - Byungki Jang
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Gyeonggi-do 14066, Korea.
| | - Jae-Bong Park
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24252, Korea.
| | - Wilma Wasco
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, Mass General Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA.
| | - Joseph D Buxbaum
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.
| | - Yong-Sun Kim
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Gyeonggi-do 14066, Korea.
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24252, Korea.
| | - Eun-Kyoung Choi
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Gyeonggi-do 14066, Korea.
- Department of Biomedical Gerontology, Graduate School of Hallym University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24252, Korea.
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16
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Rademacher S, Verheijen BM, Hensel N, Peters M, Bora G, Brandes G, Vieira de Sá R, Heidrich N, Fischer S, Brinkmann H, van der Pol WL, Wirth B, Pasterkamp RJ, Claus P. Metalloprotease-mediated cleavage of PlexinD1 and its sequestration to actin rods in the motoneuron disease spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Hum Mol Genet 2018; 26:3946-3959. [PMID: 29016853 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddx282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytoskeletal rearrangement during axon growth is mediated by guidance receptors and their ligands which act either as repellent, attractant or both. Regulation of the actin cytoskeleton is disturbed in Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a devastating neurodegenerative disease affecting mainly motoneurons, but receptor-ligand interactions leading to the dysregulation causing SMA are poorly understood. In this study, we analysed the role of the guidance receptor PlexinD1 in SMA pathogenesis. We showed that PlexinD1 is cleaved by metalloproteases in SMA and that this cleavage switches its function from an attractant to repellent. Moreover, we found that the PlexinD1 cleavage product binds to actin rods, pathological aggregate-like structures which had so far been described for age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Our data suggest a novel disease mechanism for SMA involving formation of actin rods as a molecular sink for a cleaved PlexinD1 fragment leading to dysregulation of receptor signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Rademacher
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany
| | - Bert M Verheijen
- Department of Translational Neuroscience & MIND Facility, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Niko Hensel
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Miriam Peters
- Institute of Human Genetics, Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Center for Rare Diseases Cologne, and Institute of Genetics, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Gamze Bora
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, 06100 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Gudrun Brandes
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Renata Vieira de Sá
- Department of Translational Neuroscience & MIND Facility, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Natascha Heidrich
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Silke Fischer
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Hella Brinkmann
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - W Ludo van der Pol
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Brunhilde Wirth
- Institute of Human Genetics, Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Center for Rare Diseases Cologne, and Institute of Genetics, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - R Jeroen Pasterkamp
- Department of Translational Neuroscience & MIND Facility, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Claus
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany.,Niedersachsen-Research Network on Neuroinfectiology (N-RENNT), Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany
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17
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Ito K, Ohkawara B, Yagi H, Nakashima H, Tsushima M, Ota K, Konishi H, Masuda A, Imagama S, Kiyama H, Ishiguro N, Ohno K. Lack of Fgf18 causes abnormal clustering of motor nerve terminals at the neuromuscular junction with reduced acetylcholine receptor clusters. Sci Rep 2018; 8:434. [PMID: 29323161 PMCID: PMC5765005 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-18753-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
FGF receptor 2 is involved in the formation of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), but its in vivo ligand remains to be determined. Laser capture microdissection of the mouse spinal motor neurons (SMNs) revealed that Fgf18 mRNA is highly expressed in SMNs in adults. Expression of Fgf18 mRNA was the highest in the spinal cord at embryonic day (E) 15.5, which gradually decreased to postnatal day 7. FGF18 protein was localized at the NMJs of the tibialis anterior muscle at E18.5 and in adults. Fgf18−/− mice at E18.5 showed decreased expressions of the NMJ-specific Chrne and Colq genes in the diaphragm. In Fgf18−/− diaphragms, the synaptophysin-positive areas at the nerve terminals and the acetylcholine receptor (AChR)-positive areas at the motor endplates were both approximately one-third of those in wild-type embryos. Fgf18−/− diaphragms ultrastructurally showed abnormal aggregation of multiple nerve terminals making a gigantic presynapse with sparse synaptic vesicles, and simplified motor endplates. In Fgf18−/− diaphragms, miniature endplate potentials were low in amplitude with markedly reduced frequency. In C2C12 myotubes, FGF18 enhanced AChR clustering, which was blocked by inhibiting FGFRs or MEK1. We propose that FGF18 plays a pivotal role in AChR clustering and NMJ formation in mouse embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenyu Ito
- Division of Neurogenetics, Center for Neurological Diseases and Cancer, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.,Departments of Orthopedic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Bisei Ohkawara
- Division of Neurogenetics, Center for Neurological Diseases and Cancer, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hideki Yagi
- Division of Neurogenetics, Center for Neurological Diseases and Cancer, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.,Departments of Orthopedic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Nakashima
- Division of Neurogenetics, Center for Neurological Diseases and Cancer, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.,Departments of Orthopedic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Mikito Tsushima
- Division of Neurogenetics, Center for Neurological Diseases and Cancer, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.,Departments of Orthopedic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kyotaro Ota
- Division of Neurogenetics, Center for Neurological Diseases and Cancer, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.,Departments of Orthopedic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Konishi
- Departments of Functional Anatomy and Neuroscience, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Akio Masuda
- Division of Neurogenetics, Center for Neurological Diseases and Cancer, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shiro Imagama
- Departments of Orthopedic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kiyama
- Departments of Functional Anatomy and Neuroscience, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Naoki Ishiguro
- Departments of Orthopedic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kinji Ohno
- Division of Neurogenetics, Center for Neurological Diseases and Cancer, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.
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18
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Hensel N, Baskal S, Walter LM, Brinkmann H, Gernert M, Claus P. ERK and ROCK functionally interact in a signaling network that is compensationally upregulated in Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Neurobiol Dis 2017; 108:352-361. [PMID: 28916199 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2017.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Revised: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a motoneuron disease caused by low levels of functional survival of motoneuron protein (SMN). Molecular disease mechanisms downstream of functional SMN loss are still largely unknown. Previous studies suggested an involvement of Rho kinase (ROCK) as well as the extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) pathways in the pathomechanism. Both pathways are bi-directionally linked and inhibit each other. Thus, we hypothesize that both pathways regulate SMA pathophysiology in vivo in a combined manner rather than acting separately. Here, we applied the repurposed drugs, selumetinib, an ERK inhibitor, and the ROCK inhibitor fasudil to severe SMA mice. Thereby, separately applied inhibitors as well as a combination enabled us to explore the impact of the ROCK-ERK signaling network on SMA pathophysiology. ROCK inhibition specifically ameliorated the phenotype of selumetinib-treated SMA mice demonstrating an efficient ROCK to ERK crosstalk relevant for the SMA pathophysiology. However, ERK inhibition alone aggravated the condition of SMA mice and reduced the number of motoneurons indicating a compensatory hyper-activation of ERK in motoneurons. Taken together, we identified a regulatory network acting downstream of SMN depletion and upstream of the SMA pathophysiology thus being a future treatment target in combination with SMN dependent strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niko Hensel
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Svetlana Baskal
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Lisa Marie Walter
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany
| | - Hella Brinkmann
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Manuela Gernert
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany; Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany
| | - Peter Claus
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany.
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19
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Kim HJ, Choi HS, Park JH, Kim MJ, Lee HG, Petersen RB, Kim YS, Park JB, Choi EK. Regulation of RhoA activity by the cellular prion protein. Cell Death Dis 2017; 8:e2668. [PMID: 28300846 PMCID: PMC5386549 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2017.37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Revised: 12/18/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The cellular prion protein (PrPC) is a highly conserved glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored membrane protein that is involved in the signal transduction during the initial phase of neurite outgrowth. The Ras homolog gene family member A (RhoA) is a small GTPase that is known to have an essential role in regulating the development, differentiation, survival, and death of neurons in the central nervous system. Although recent studies have shown the dysregulation of RhoA in a variety of neurodegenerative diseases, the role of RhoA in prion pathogenesis remains unclear. Here, we investigated the regulation of RhoA-mediated signaling by PrPC using both in vitro and in vivo models and found that overexpression of PrPC significantly induced RhoA inactivation and RhoA phosphorylation in hippocampal neuronal cells and in the brains of transgenic mice. Using siRNA-mediated depletion of endogenous PrPC and overexpression of disease-associated mutants of PrPC, we confirmed that PrPC induced RhoA inactivation, which accompanied RhoA phosphorylation but reduced the phosphorylation levels of LIM kinase (LIMK), leading to cofilin activation. In addition, PrPC colocalized with RhoA, and the overexpression of PrPC significantly increased neurite outgrowth in nerve growth factor-treated PC12 cells through RhoA inactivation. However, the disease-associated mutants of PrPC decreased neurite outgrowth compared with wild-type PrPC. Moreover, inhibition of Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) substantially facilitated neurite outgrowth in NGF-treated PC12 cells, similar to the effect induced by PrPC. Interestingly, we found that the induction of RhoA inactivation occurred through the interaction of PrPC with RhoA and that PrPC enhanced the interaction between RhoA and p190RhoGAP (a GTPase-activating protein). These findings suggest that the interactions of PrPC with RhoA and p190RhoGAP contribute to neurite outgrowth by controlling RhoA inactivation and RhoA-mediated signaling and that disease-associated mutations of PrPC impair RhoA inactivation, which in turn leads to prion-related neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee-Jun Kim
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong-Seok Choi
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Republic of Korea.,Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Ho Park
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Republic of Korea.,Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Mo-Jong Kim
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biomedical Gerontology, Graduate School of Hallym University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyoung-Gon Lee
- Department of Biology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Robert Bob Petersen
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Departments of Neuroscience and Neurology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Yong-Sun Kim
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Republic of Korea.,Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Bong Park
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Kyoung Choi
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biomedical Gerontology, Graduate School of Hallym University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
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20
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Rajendran R, Giraldo-Velásquez M, Stadelmann C, Berghoff M. Oligodendroglial fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 gene targeting protects mice from experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis through ERK/AKT phosphorylation. Brain Pathol 2017; 28:212-224. [PMID: 28117910 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.12487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) exert diverse biological effects by binding and activation of specific fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs). FGFs and FGFRs have been implicated in demyelinating pathologies including multiple sclerosis. In vitro activation of the FGF2/FGFR1 pathway results in downregulation of myelin proteins. FGF1, 2 and 9 have been shown to be involved in the pathology of multiple sclerosis. Recent studies on the function of oligodendroglial FGFR1 in a model of toxic demyelination showed that deletion of FGFR1 led to increased remyelination and preservation of axonal density and an increased number of mature oligodendrocytes. In the present study the in vivo function of oligodendroglial FGFR1 was characterized using an oligodendrocyte-specific genetic approach in the most frequently used model of multiple sclerosis the MOG35-55 -induced EAE. Oligodendroglial FGFR1 deficient mice (referred to as Fgfr1ind-/- ) showed a significantly ameliorated disease course in MOG35-55 -induced EAE. Less myelin and axonal loss, and reduced lymphocyte and macrophage/microglia infiltration were found in Fgfr1ind-/- mice. The reduction in disease severity in Fgfr1ind-/- mice was accompanied by ERK/AKT phosphorylation, and increased expression of BDNF and TrkB. Reduced proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine expression was seen in Fgfr1ind-/- mice compared with control mice. Considering that FGFR inhibitors are used in cancer trials, the oligodendroglial FGFR1 pathway may provide a new target for therapy in multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranjithkumar Rajendran
- Department of Neurology, University of Giessen, Klinikstrasse 33, Giessen, 35385, Germany
| | | | - Christine Stadelmann
- Institute of Neuropathology, University of Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Strasse 40, Göttingen, 37099, Germany
| | - Martin Berghoff
- Department of Neurology, University of Giessen, Klinikstrasse 33, Giessen, 35385, Germany
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21
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Ahmad S, Bhatia K, Kannan A, Gangwani L. Molecular Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration in Spinal Muscular Atrophy. J Exp Neurosci 2016; 10:39-49. [PMID: 27042141 PMCID: PMC4807884 DOI: 10.4137/jen.s33122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2015] [Revised: 02/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/25/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive motor neuron disease with a high incidence and is the most common genetic cause of infant mortality. SMA is primarily characterized by degeneration of the spinal motor neurons that leads to skeletal muscle atrophy followed by symmetric limb paralysis, respiratory failure, and death. In humans, mutation of the Survival Motor Neuron 1 (SMN1) gene shifts the load of expression of SMN protein to the SMN2 gene that produces low levels of full-length SMN protein because of alternative splicing, which are sufficient for embryonic development and survival but result in SMA. The molecular mechanisms of the (a) regulation of SMN gene expression and (b) degeneration of motor neurons caused by low levels of SMN are unclear. However, some progress has been made in recent years that have provided new insights into understanding of the cellular and molecular basis of SMA pathogenesis. In this review, we have briefly summarized recent advances toward understanding of the molecular mechanisms of regulation of SMN levels and signaling mechanisms that mediate neurodegeneration in SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saif Ahmad
- Center of Emphasis in Neurosciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, Texas, USA.; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, Texas, USA
| | - Kanchan Bhatia
- Center of Emphasis in Neurosciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, Texas, USA.; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, Texas, USA
| | - Annapoorna Kannan
- Center of Emphasis in Neurosciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, Texas, USA.; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, Texas, USA
| | - Laxman Gangwani
- Center of Emphasis in Neurosciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, Texas, USA.; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, Texas, USA
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22
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Hensel N, Schön A, Konen T, Lübben V, Förthmann B, Baron O, Grothe C, Leifheit-Nestler M, Claus P, Haffner D. Fibroblast growth factor 23 signaling in hippocampal cells: impact on neuronal morphology and synaptic density. J Neurochem 2016; 137:756-69. [PMID: 26896818 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Revised: 01/18/2016] [Accepted: 02/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Endocrine fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is predominantly secreted by osteocytes and facilitates renal phosphate excretion. However, FGF23 is also present in cerebrospinal fluid. In chronic kidney disease, FGF23 serum levels are excessively elevated and associated with learning and memory deficits. Structural plasticity of the hippocampus such as formation of new synapses or an altered dendritic arborization comprises a cellular and morphological correlate of memory formation. Therefore, we hypothesize that FGF23 alters hippocampal neuron morphology and synapses. To address this, we prepared primary murine hippocampal cultures and incubated them with recombinant FGF23 alone or together with a soluble isoform of its co-receptor α-Klotho. Neuronal expression of a fluorescent reporter allowed for a detailed evaluation of the neuronal morphology by Sholl analysis. Additionally, we evaluated synaptic density, identified by stainings, for synaptic markers. We show an enhanced number of primary neurites combined with a reduced arborization, resulting in a less complex morphology of neurons treated with FGF23. Moreover, FGF23 enhances the synaptic density in a FGF-receptor (FGF-R) dependent manner. Finally, we addressed the corresponding signaling events downstream of FGF-R employing a combination of western blots and quantitative immunofluorescence. Interestingly, FGF23 induces phospholipase Cγ activity in primary hippocampal neurons. Co-application of soluble α-Klotho leads to activation of the Akt-pathway and modifies FGF23-impact on neuronal morphology and synaptic density. Compared with other FGFs, this alternative signaling pattern is a possible reason for differential effects of FGF23 on hippocampal neurons and may thereby contribute to learning and memory deficits in chronic kidney disease patients. In this study, we show that fibroblast growth factor 23 inhibits neuronal ramification and enhances the synaptic density in primary hippocampal cultures accompanied by phospholipase Cγ-activation. Co-application of the co-receptor α-Klotho leads to an Akt-activation and further modifies neuronal morphology and number of synapses. Those effects provide a mechanistic basis for memory deficits in patients suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD) characterized by excessively elevated FGF23 levels as well as memory deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niko Hensel
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Anne Schön
- Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Timo Konen
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Verena Lübben
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Center of Systems Neuroscience (ZSN) Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Olga Baron
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Claudia Grothe
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Center of Systems Neuroscience (ZSN) Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Maren Leifheit-Nestler
- Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Peter Claus
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Center of Systems Neuroscience (ZSN) Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Dieter Haffner
- Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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23
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Hensel N, Rademacher S, Claus P. Chatting with the neighbors: crosstalk between Rho-kinase (ROCK) and other signaling pathways for treatment of neurological disorders. Front Neurosci 2015; 9:198. [PMID: 26082680 PMCID: PMC4451340 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2015] [Accepted: 05/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
ROCK inhibition has been largely applied as a strategy to treat neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) and promising results have been obtained in the recent years. However, the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms are not fully understood and different models have been proposed for neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we aim to review the current knowledge obtained for NDDs identifying common mechanisms as well as disease-specific models. In addition to the role of ROCK in different cell types such as neurons and microglia, we focus on the molecular signaling-pathways which mediate the beneficial effects of ROCK. Besides canonical ROCK signaling, modulation of neighboring pathways by non-canonical ROCK-crosstalk is a recurrent pattern in many NDD-model systems and has been suggested to mediate beneficial effects of ROCK-inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niko Hensel
- Hannover Medical School, Institute of Neuroanatomy Hannover, Germany ; Niedersachsen Research Network on Neuroinfectiology Hannover, Germany
| | - Sebastian Rademacher
- Hannover Medical School, Institute of Neuroanatomy Hannover, Germany ; Center for Systems Neuroscience Hannover, Germany
| | - Peter Claus
- Hannover Medical School, Institute of Neuroanatomy Hannover, Germany ; Niedersachsen Research Network on Neuroinfectiology Hannover, Germany ; Center for Systems Neuroscience Hannover, Germany
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24
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Förthmann B, Grothe C, Claus P. A nuclear odyssey: fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) as a regulator of nuclear homeostasis in the nervous system. Cell Mol Life Sci 2015; 72:1651-62. [PMID: 25552245 PMCID: PMC11113852 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-014-1818-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2014] [Revised: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 12/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Nuclear localization of classical growth factors is a well-known phenomenon but still remains a molecular and cellular conundrum. Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) is an excellent example of a protein which functions as an extracellular molecule involved in canonical receptor tyrosine kinase signaling as well as displaying intracellular functions. Paracrine and nuclear functions are two important sides of the same protein. FGF-2 is expressed in isoforms with different molecular weights from one mRNA species. In rodents, all of these isoforms become imported to the nucleus. In this review, we discuss structural and functional aspects of FGF-2 isoforms in the nervous system. The nuclear odyssey of FGF-2 is reflected by nuclear dynamics, localization to nuclear bodies such as nucleoli, binding to chromatin and engagement in various protein interactions. Recently discovered molecular partnerships of the isoforms shed light on their nuclear functions, thereby greatly extending our knowledge of the multifaceted functions of FGF-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Förthmann
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Institute of Neuroanatomy, Hannover Medical School, OE 4140, Carl-Neuberg-Str.1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Claudia Grothe
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Institute of Neuroanatomy, Hannover Medical School, OE 4140, Carl-Neuberg-Str.1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Peter Claus
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Institute of Neuroanatomy, Hannover Medical School, OE 4140, Carl-Neuberg-Str.1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, 30625 Hannover, Germany
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25
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Charng WL, Yamamoto S, Bellen HJ. Shared mechanisms between Drosophila peripheral nervous system development and human neurodegenerative diseases. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2014; 27:158-64. [PMID: 24762652 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2014.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2013] [Revised: 02/21/2014] [Accepted: 03/09/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Signaling pathways and cellular processes that regulate neural development are used post-developmentally for proper function and maintenance of the nervous system. Genes that have been studied in the context of the development of Drosophila peripheral nervous system (PNS) and neuromuscular junction (NMJ) have been identified as players in the pathogenesis of human neurodegenerative diseases, including spinocerebellar ataxia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and spinal muscular atrophy. Hence, by unraveling the molecular mechanisms that underlie proneural induction, cell fate determination, axonal targeting, dendritic branching, and synapse formation in Drosophila, novel features related to these disorders have been revealed. In this review, we summarize and discuss how studies of Drosophila PNS and NMJ development have provided guidance in experimental approaches for these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wu-Lin Charng
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, BCM, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Shinya Yamamoto
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, BCM, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hugo J Bellen
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, BCM, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Neuroscience, BCM, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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26
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Hensel N, Stockbrügger I, Rademacher S, Broughton N, Brinkmann H, Grothe C, Claus P. Bilateral crosstalk of rho- and extracellular-signal-regulated-kinase (ERK) pathways is confined to an unidirectional mode in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Cell Signal 2013; 26:540-8. [PMID: 24316236 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2013.11.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2013] [Revised: 11/15/2013] [Accepted: 11/26/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Rho-kinase (ROCK) as well as extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) control actin cytoskeletal organization thereby regulating dynamic changes of cellular morphology. In neurons, motility processes such as axonal guidance and neurite outgrowth demand a fine regulation of upstream pathways. Here we demonstrate a bilateral ROCK-ERK information flow in neurons. This process is shifted towards an unidirectional crosstalk in a model of the neurodegenerative disease Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), ultimately leading to neurite outgrowth dysregulations. As both pathways are of therapeutic relevance for SMA, our results argue for a combinatorial ROCK/ERK-targeting as a future treatment strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niko Hensel
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Inga Stockbrügger
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Sebastian Rademacher
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Natasha Broughton
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Hella Brinkmann
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Claudia Grothe
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Peter Claus
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), 30559 Hannover, Germany; Niedersachsen Research Network on Neuroinfection (N-RENNT), Germany.
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27
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Sleigh JN, Barreiro-Iglesias A, Oliver PL, Biba A, Becker T, Davies KE, Becker CG, Talbot K. Chondrolectin affects cell survival and neuronal outgrowth in in vitro and in vivo models of spinal muscular atrophy. Hum Mol Genet 2013; 23:855-69. [PMID: 24067532 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddt477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is characterized by the selective loss of spinal motor neurons owing to reduced levels of survival motor neuron (Smn) protein. In addition to its well-established role in assembling constituents of the spliceosome, diverse cellular functions have been proposed for Smn, but the reason why low levels of this widely expressed protein result in selective motor neuron pathology is still debated. In longitudinal studies of exon-level changes in SMA mouse model tissues, designed to determine the contribution of splicing dysfunction to the disease, we have previously shown that a generalized defect in splicing is unlikely to play a causative role in SMA. Nevertheless, we identified a small subset of genes that were alternatively spliced in the spinal cord compared with control mice before symptom onset, indicating a possible mechanistic role in disease. Here, we have performed functional studies of one of these genes, chondrolectin (Chodl), known to be highly expressed in motor neurons and important for correct motor axon outgrowth in zebrafish. Using in vitro and in vivo models of SMA, we demonstrate altered expression of Chodl in SMA mouse spinal motor neurons, show that Chodl has distinct effects on cell survival and neurite outgrowth and that increasing the expression of chodl can rescue motor neuron outgrowth defects in Smn-depleted zebrafish. Our findings thus link the dysregulation of Chodl to the pathophysiology of motor neuron degeneration in SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- James N Sleigh
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, MRC Functional Genomics Unit, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
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28
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Genetic circuitry of Survival motor neuron, the gene underlying spinal muscular atrophy. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013; 110:E2371-80. [PMID: 23757500 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1301738110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The clinical severity of the neurodegenerative disorder spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is dependent on the levels of functional Survival Motor Neuron (SMN) protein. Consequently, current strategies for developing treatments for SMA generally focus on augmenting SMN levels. To identify additional potential therapeutic avenues and achieve a greater understanding of SMN, we applied in vivo, in vitro, and in silico approaches to identify genetic and biochemical interactors of the Drosophila SMN homolog. We identified more than 300 candidate genes that alter an Smn-dependent phenotype in vivo. Integrating the results from our genetic screens, large-scale protein interaction studies, and bioinformatic analysis, we define a unique interactome for SMN that provides a knowledge base for a better understanding of SMA.
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29
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Kobayashi DT, Shi J, Stephen L, Ballard KL, Dewey R, Mapes J, Chung B, McCarthy K, Swoboda KJ, Crawford TO, Li R, Plasterer T, Joyce C, Chung WK, Kaufmann P, Darras BT, Finkel RS, Sproule DM, Martens WB, McDermott MP, De Vivo DC, Walker MG, Chen KS. SMA-MAP: a plasma protein panel for spinal muscular atrophy. PLoS One 2013; 8:e60113. [PMID: 23565191 PMCID: PMC3615018 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0060113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2012] [Accepted: 02/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) presents challenges in (i) monitoring disease activity and predicting progression, (ii) designing trials that allow rapid assessment of candidate therapies, and (iii) understanding molecular causes and consequences of the disease. Validated biomarkers of SMA motor and non-motor function would offer utility in addressing these challenges. Our objectives were (i) to discover additional markers from the Biomarkers for SMA (BforSMA) study using an immunoassay platform, and (ii) to validate the putative biomarkers in an independent cohort of SMA patients collected from a multi-site natural history study (NHS). Methods BforSMA study plasma samples (N = 129) were analyzed by immunoassay to identify new analytes correlating to SMA motor function. These immunoassays included the strongest candidate biomarkers identified previously by chromatography. We selected 35 biomarkers to validate in an independent cohort SMA type 1, 2, and 3 samples (N = 158) from an SMA NHS. The putative biomarkers were tested for association to multiple motor scales and to pulmonary function, neurophysiology, strength, and quality of life measures. We implemented a Tobit model to predict SMA motor function scores. Results 12 of the 35 putative SMA biomarkers were significantly associated (p<0.05) with motor function, with a 13th analyte being nearly significant. Several other analytes associated with non-motor SMA outcome measures. From these 35 biomarkers, 27 analytes were selected for inclusion in a commercial panel (SMA-MAP) for association with motor and other functional measures. Conclusions Discovery and validation using independent cohorts yielded a set of SMA biomarkers significantly associated with motor function and other measures of SMA disease activity. A commercial SMA-MAP biomarker panel was generated for further testing in other SMA collections and interventional trials. Future work includes evaluating the panel in other neuromuscular diseases, for pharmacodynamic responsiveness to experimental SMA therapies, and for predicting functional changes over time in SMA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dione T Kobayashi
- Spinal Muscular Atrophy Foundation, New York, New York, United States of America.
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