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Eck RJ, Stair JG, Kraemer BC, Liachko NF. Simple models to understand complex disease: 10 years of progress from Caenorhabditis elegans models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal lobar degeneration. Front Neurosci 2024; 17:1300705. [PMID: 38239833 PMCID: PMC10794587 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1300705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans are a powerful model system to study human disease, with numerous experimental advantages including significant genetic and cellular homology to vertebrate animals, a short lifespan, and tractable behavioral, molecular biology and imaging assays. Beginning with the identification of SOD1 as a genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), C. elegans have contributed to a deeper understanding of the mechanistic underpinnings of this devastating neurodegenerative disease. More recently this work has expanded to encompass models of other types of ALS and the related disease frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD-TDP), including those characterized by mutation or accumulation of the proteins TDP-43, C9orf72, FUS, HnRNPA2B1, ALS2, DCTN1, CHCHD10, ELP3, TUBA4A, CAV1, UBQLN2, ATXN3, TIA1, KIF5A, VAPB, GRN, and RAB38. In this review we summarize these models and the progress and insights from the last ten years of using C. elegans to study the neurodegenerative diseases ALS and FTLD-TDP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randall J. Eck
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Jade G. Stair
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Brian C. Kraemer
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Nicole F. Liachko
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, United States
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2
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Chen L, Zhang S, Liu S, Gao S. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Mechanism: Insights from the Caenorhabditis elegans Models. Cells 2024; 13:99. [PMID: 38201303 PMCID: PMC10778397 DOI: 10.3390/cells13010099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a debilitating neurodegenerative condition characterized by the progressive degeneration of motor neurons. Despite extensive research in various model animals, the cellular signal mechanisms of ALS remain elusive, impeding the development of efficacious treatments. Among these models, a well-characterized and diminutive organism, Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), has emerged as a potent tool for investigating the molecular and cellular dimensions of ALS pathogenesis. This review summarizes the contributions of C. elegans models to our comprehension of ALS, emphasizing pivotal findings pertaining to genetics, protein aggregation, cellular pathways, and potential therapeutic strategies. We analyze both the merits and constraints of the C. elegans system in the realm of ALS research and point towards future investigations that could bridge the chasm between C. elegans foundational discoveries and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Shangbang Gao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China; (L.C.); (S.Z.); (S.L.)
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3
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Wu Y, Chen Y, Yu X, Zhang M, Li Z. Towards Understanding Neurodegenerative Diseases: Insights from Caenorhabditis elegans. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:443. [PMID: 38203614 PMCID: PMC10778690 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The elevated occurrence of debilitating neurodegenerative disorders, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Huntington's disease (HD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD) and Machado-Joseph disease (MJD), demands urgent disease-modifying therapeutics. Owing to the evolutionarily conserved molecular signalling pathways with mammalian species and facile genetic manipulation, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) emerges as a powerful and manipulative model system for mechanistic insights into neurodegenerative diseases. Herein, we review several representative C. elegans models established for five common neurodegenerative diseases, which closely simulate disease phenotypes specifically in the gain-of-function aspect. We exemplify applications of high-throughput genetic and drug screenings to illustrate the potential of C. elegans to probe novel therapeutic targets. This review highlights the utility of C. elegans as a comprehensive and versatile platform for the dissection of neurodegenerative diseases at the molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Zhaoyu Li
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (Y.W.); (Y.C.); (X.Y.); (M.Z.)
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4
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Tsioras K, Smith KC, Edassery SL, Garjani M, Li Y, Williams C, McKenna ED, Guo W, Wilen AP, Hark TJ, Marklund SL, Ostrow LW, Gilthorpe JD, Ichida JK, Kalb RG, Savas JN, Kiskinis E. Analysis of proteome-wide degradation dynamics in ALS SOD1 iPSC-derived patient neurons reveals disrupted VCP homeostasis. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113160. [PMID: 37776851 PMCID: PMC10785776 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in SOD1 cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) through gain-of-function effects, yet the mechanisms by which misfolded mutant SOD1 (mutSOD1) protein impairs human motor neurons (MNs) remain unclear. Here, we use induced-pluripotent-stem-cell-derived MNs coupled to metabolic stable isotope labeling and mass spectrometry to investigate proteome-wide degradation dynamics. We find several proteins, including the ALS-causal valosin-containing protein (VCP), which predominantly acts in proteasome degradation and autophagy, that degrade slower in mutSOD1 relative to isogenic control MNs. The interactome of VCP is altered in mutSOD1 MNs in vitro, while VCP selectively accumulates in the affected motor cortex of ALS-SOD1 patients. Overexpression of VCP rescues mutSOD1 toxicity in MNs in vitro and in a C. elegans model in vivo, in part due to its ability to modulate the degradation of insoluble mutSOD1. Our results demonstrate that VCP contributes to mutSOD1-dependent degeneration, link two distinct ALS-causal genes, and highlight selective protein degradation impairment in ALS pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Tsioras
- The Ken & Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Kevin C Smith
- The Ken & Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Seby L Edassery
- The Ken & Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Mehraveh Garjani
- The Ken & Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Yichen Li
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Chloe Williams
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Elizabeth D McKenna
- The Ken & Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Wenxuan Guo
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Anika P Wilen
- The Ken & Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Timothy J Hark
- The Ken & Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Stefan L Marklund
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Clinical Chemistry, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Lyle W Ostrow
- Department of Neurology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Justin K Ichida
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Robert G Kalb
- The Ken & Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Jeffrey N Savas
- The Ken & Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Evangelos Kiskinis
- The Ken & Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Simpson Querrey Institute, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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5
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Ko B, Van Raamsdonk JM. RNA Sequencing of Pooled Samples Effectively Identifies Differentially Expressed Genes. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:812. [PMID: 37372097 DOI: 10.3390/biology12060812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Analysis of gene expression changes across the genome provides a powerful, unbiased tool for gaining insight into molecular mechanisms. We have effectively used RNA sequencing to identify differentially expressed genes in long-lived genetic mutants in C. elegans to advance our understanding of the genetic pathways that control longevity. Although RNA sequencing costs have come down, cost remains a barrier to examining multiple strains and time points with a sufficient number of biological replicates. To circumvent this, we have examined the efficacy of identifying differentially expressed genes by sequencing a pooled RNA sample from long-lived isp-1 mitochondrial mutant worms. We found that sequencing a pooled RNA sample could effectively identify genes that were found to be significantly upregulated in the two individually sequenced RNA-seq experiments. Finally, we compared the genes significantly upregulated in the two individually sequenced RNA-seq experiments to two previous microarray experiments to come up with a high-confidence list of modulated genes in long-lived isp-1 mutant worms. Overall, this work demonstrates that RNA sequencing of pooled RNA samples can be used to identify differentially expressed genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bokang Ko
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada
- Metabolic Disorders and Complications Program (MeDiC), Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Jeremy M Van Raamsdonk
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada
- Metabolic Disorders and Complications Program (MeDiC), Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program (BRaIN), Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
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6
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Invited review: Unearthing the mechanisms of age-related neurodegenerative disease using Caenorhabditis elegans. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2022; 267:111166. [PMID: 35176489 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2022.111166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
As human life expectancy increases, neurodegenerative diseases present a growing public health threat, for which there are currently few effective treatments. There is an urgent need to understand the molecular and genetic underpinnings of these disorders so new therapeutic targets can be identified. Here we present the argument that the simple nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans is a powerful tool to rapidly study neurodegenerative disorders due to their short lifespan and vast array of genetic tools, which can be combined with characterization of conserved neuronal processes and behavior orthologous to those disrupted in human disease. We review how pre-existing C. elegans models provide insight into human neurological disease as well as an overview of current tools available to study neurodegenerative diseases in the worm, with an emphasis on genetics and behavior. We also discuss open questions that C. elegans may be particularly well suited for in future studies and how worms will be a valuable preclinical model to better understand these devastating neurological disorders.
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7
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Xia Y, Qadota H, Wang ZH, Liu P, Liu X, Ye KX, Matheny CJ, Berglund K, Yu SP, Drake D, Bennett DA, Wang XC, Yankner BA, Benian GM, Ye K. Neuronal C/EBPβ/AEP pathway shortens life span via selective GABAnergic neuronal degeneration by FOXO repression. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabj8658. [PMID: 35353567 PMCID: PMC8967231 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abj8658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The age-related cognitive decline of normal aging is exacerbated in neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, it remains unclear whether age-related cognitive regulators in AD pathologies contribute to life span. Here, we show that C/EBPβ, an Aβ and inflammatory cytokine-activated transcription factor that promotes AD pathologies via activating asparagine endopeptidase (AEP), mediates longevity in a gene dose-dependent manner in neuronal C/EBPβ transgenic mice. C/EBPβ selectively triggers inhibitory GABAnergic neuronal degeneration by repressing FOXOs and up-regulating AEP, leading to aberrant neural excitation and cognitive dysfunction. Overexpression of CEBP-2 or LGMN-1 (AEP) in Caenorhabditis elegans neurons but not muscle stimulates neural excitation and shortens life span. CEBP-2 or LGMN-1 reduces daf-2 mutant-elongated life span and diminishes daf-16-induced longevity. C/EBPβ and AEP are lower in humans with extended longevity and inversely correlated with REST/FOXO1. These findings demonstrate a conserved mechanism of aging that couples pathological cognitive decline to life span by the neuronal C/EBPβ/AEP pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyuan Xia
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Hiroshi Qadota
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Zhi-Hao Wang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Pai Liu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Neuroscience program, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Xia Liu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Karen X. Ye
- Emory College of Arts and Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Courtney J. Matheny
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Ken Berglund
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Shan Ping Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Derek Drake
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David A. Bennett
- Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Xiao-Chuan Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of Neurological Diseases, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | | | - Guy M. Benian
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Keqiang Ye
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Shenzhen, China
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8
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Braems E, Tziortzouda P, Van Den Bosch L. Exploring the alternative: Fish, flies and worms as preclinical models for ALS. Neurosci Lett 2021; 759:136041. [PMID: 34118308 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.136041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an incurable neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of upper and lower motor neurons. In general, patients succumb to respiratory insufficiency due to respiratory muscle weakness. Despite many promising therapeutic strategies primarily identified in rodent models, patient trials remain rather unsuccessful. There is a clear need for alternative approaches, which could provide directions towards the justified use of rodents and which increase the likelihood to identify new promising clinical candidates. In the last decades, the use of fast genetic approaches and the development of high-throughput screening platforms in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, in the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) and in zebrafish (Danio rerio) have contributed to new insights into ALS pathomechanisms, disease modifiers and therapeutic targets. In this mini-review, we provide an overview of these alternative small animal studies, modeling the most common ALS genes and discuss the most recent preclinical discoveries. We conclude that small animal models will not replace rodent models, yet they clearly represent an important asset for preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elke Braems
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Leuven, Belgium; VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Paraskevi Tziortzouda
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Leuven, Belgium; VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ludo Van Den Bosch
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Leuven, Belgium; VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium.
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9
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Soo SK, Rudich PD, Traa A, Harris-Gauthier N, Shields HJ, Van Raamsdonk JM. Compounds that extend longevity are protective in neurodegenerative diseases and provide a novel treatment strategy for these devastating disorders. Mech Ageing Dev 2020; 190:111297. [PMID: 32610099 PMCID: PMC7484136 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2020.111297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
While aging is the greatest risk factor for the development of neurodegenerative disease, the role of aging in these diseases is poorly understood. In the inherited forms of these diseases, the disease-causing mutation is present from birth but symptoms appear decades later. This indicates that these mutations are well tolerated in younger individuals but not in older adults. Based on this observation, we hypothesized that changes taking place during normal aging make the cells in the brain (and elsewhere) susceptible to the disease-causing mutations. If so, then delaying some of these age-related changes may be beneficial in the treatment of neurodegenerative disease. In this review, we examine the effects of five compounds that have been shown to extend longevity (metformin, rapamycin, resveratrol, N-acetyl-l-cysteine, curcumin) in four of the most common neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). While not all investigations observe a beneficial effect of these compounds, there are multiple studies that show a protective effect of each of these lifespan-extending compounds in animal models of neurodegenerative disease. Combined with genetic studies, this suggests the possibility that targeting the aging process may be an effective strategy to treat neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja K Soo
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada; Metabolic Disorders and Complications Program, and Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Paige D Rudich
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada; Metabolic Disorders and Complications Program, and Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Annika Traa
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada; Metabolic Disorders and Complications Program, and Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Namasthée Harris-Gauthier
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada; Metabolic Disorders and Complications Program, and Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Hazel J Shields
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada; Metabolic Disorders and Complications Program, and Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Jeremy M Van Raamsdonk
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada; Metabolic Disorders and Complications Program, and Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada; Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada; Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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Prahlad V. The discovery and consequences of the central role of the nervous system in the control of protein homeostasis. J Neurogenet 2020; 34:489-499. [PMID: 32527175 PMCID: PMC7736053 DOI: 10.1080/01677063.2020.1771333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Organisms function despite wide fluctuations in their environment through the maintenance of homeostasis. At the cellular level, the maintenance of proteins as functional entities at target expression levels is called protein homeostasis (or proteostasis). Cells implement proteostasis through universal and conserved quality control mechanisms that surveil and monitor protein conformation. Recent studies that exploit the powerful ability to genetically manipulate specific neurons in C. elegans have shown that cells within this metazoan lose their autonomy over this fundamental survival mechanism. These studies have uncovered novel roles for the nervous system in controlling how and when cells activate their protein quality control mechanisms. Here we discuss the conceptual underpinnings, experimental evidence and the possible consequences of such a control mechanism. PRELUDE: Whether the detailed examination of parts of the nervous system and their selective perturbation is sufficient to reconstruct how the brain generates behavior, mental disease, music and religion remains an open question. Yet, Sydney Brenner's development of C. elegans as an experimental organism and his faith in the bold reductionist approach that 'the understanding of wild-type behavior comes best after the discovery and analysis of mutations that alter it', has led to discoveries of unexpected roles for neurons in the biology of organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veena Prahlad
- Department of Biology, Aging Mind and Brain Initiative, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
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11
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Van Pelt KM, Truttmann MC. Caenorhabditis elegans as a model system for studying aging-associated neurodegenerative diseases. TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE OF AGING 2020; 4:60-72. [PMID: 34327290 PMCID: PMC8317484 DOI: 10.1016/j.tma.2020.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are a heterogeneous group of aging-associated disorders characterized by the disruption of cellular proteostasis machinery and the misfolding of distinct protein species to form toxic aggregates in neurons. The increasing prevalence of NDs represents a growing healthcare burden worldwide, a concern compounded by the fact that few, if any, treatments exist to target the underlying cause of these diseases. Consequently, the application of a high-throughput, physiologically relevant model system to studies dissecting the molecular mechanisms governing ND pathology is crucial for identifying novel avenues for the development of targeted therapeutics. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) has emerged as a powerful tool for the study of disease mechanisms due to its ease of genetic manipulation and swift cultivation, while providing a whole-animal system amendable to numerous molecular and biochemical techniques. To date, numerous C. elegans models have been generated for a variety of NDs, allowing for the large-scale in vivo study of protein-conformation disorders. Furthermore, the comparatively low barriers to entry in the development of transgenic worm models have facilitated the modeling of rare or "orphan" NDs, thereby providing unparalleled insight into the shared mechanisms underlying these pathologies. In this review, we summarize findings from a comprehensive collection of C. elegans neurodegenerative disease models of varying prevalence to emphasize shared mechanisms of proteotoxicity, and highlight the utility of these models in elucidating the molecular basis of ND pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate M. Van Pelt
- Cellular & Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Matthias C. Truttmann
- Cellular & Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Geriatrics Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
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12
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Rudich P, Snoznik C, Puleo N, Lamitina T. Measuring RAN Peptide Toxicity in C. elegans. J Vis Exp 2020. [PMID: 32420986 DOI: 10.3791/61024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
C. elegans is commonly used to model age-related neurodegenerative diseases caused by repeat expansion mutations, such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Huntington's disease. Recently, repeat expansion-containing RNA was shown to be the substrate for a novel type of protein translation called repeat-associated non-AUG-dependent (RAN) translation. Unlike canonical translation, RAN translation does not require a start codon and only occurs when repeats exceed a threshold length. Because there is no start codon to determine the reading frame, RAN translation occurs in all reading frames from both sense and antisense RNA templates that contain a repeat expansion sequence. Therefore, RAN translation expands the number of possible disease-associated toxic peptides from one to six. Thus far, RAN translation has been documented in eight different repeat expansion-based neurodegenerative and neuromuscular diseases. In each case, deciphering which RAN products are toxic, as well as their mechanisms of toxicity, is a critical step towards understanding how these peptides contribute to disease pathophysiology. In this paper, we present strategies to measure the toxicity of RAN peptides in the model system C. elegans. First, we describe procedures for measuring RAN peptide toxicity on the growth and motility of developing C. elegans. Second, we detail an assay for measuring postdevelopmental, age-dependent effects of RAN peptides on motility. Finally, we describe a neurotoxicity assay for evaluating the effects of RAN peptides on neuron morphology. These assays provide a broad assessment of RAN peptide toxicity and may be useful for performing large-scale genetic or small molecule screens to identify disease mechanisms or therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paige Rudich
- Graduate Program in Cell Biology and Molecular Physiology, University of Pittsburgh
| | - Carley Snoznik
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
| | - Noah Puleo
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
| | - Todd Lamitina
- Graduate Program in Cell Biology and Molecular Physiology, University of Pittsburgh; Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine;
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13
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Yanagi KS, Wu Z, Amaya J, Chapkis N, Duffy AM, Hajdarovic KH, Held A, Mathur AD, Russo K, Ryan VH, Steinert BL, Whitt JP, Fallon JR, Fawzi NL, Lipscombe D, Reenan RA, Wharton KA, Hart AC. Meta-analysis of Genetic Modifiers Reveals Candidate Dysregulated Pathways in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Neuroscience 2019; 396:A3-A20. [PMID: 30594291 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.10.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Revised: 10/14/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that has significant overlap with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Mutations in specific genes have been identified that can cause and/or predispose patients to ALS. However, the clinical variability seen in ALS patients suggests that additional genes impact pathology, susceptibility, severity, and/or progression of the disease. To identify molecular pathways involved in ALS, we undertook a meta-analysis of published genetic modifiers both in patients and in model organisms, and undertook bioinformatic pathway analysis. From 72 published studies, we generated a list of 946 genes whose perturbation (1) impacted ALS in patient populations, (2) altered defects in laboratory models, or (3) modified defects caused by ALS gene ortholog loss of function. Herein, these are all called modifier genes. We found 727 modifier genes that encode proteins with human orthologs. Of these, 43 modifier genes were identified as modifiers of more than one ALS gene/model, consistent with the hypothesis that shared genes and pathways may underlie ALS. Further, we used a gene ontology-based bioinformatic analysis to identify pathways and associated genes that may be important in ALS. To our knowledge this is the first comprehensive survey of ALS modifier genes. This work suggests that shared molecular mechanisms may underlie pathology caused by different ALS disease genes. Surprisingly, few ALS modifier genes have been tested in more than one disease model. Understanding genes that modify ALS-associated defects will help to elucidate the molecular pathways that underlie ALS and provide additional targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine S Yanagi
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States; Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States.
| | - Zhijin Wu
- Department of Biostatistics, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States.
| | - Joshua Amaya
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States; Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States.
| | - Natalie Chapkis
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States; Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States.
| | - Amanda M Duffy
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States; Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States.
| | - Kaitlyn H Hajdarovic
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States; Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States.
| | - Aaron Held
- Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry Graduate Program, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States; Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States.
| | - Arjun D Mathur
- Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry Graduate Program, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States; Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States.
| | - Kathryn Russo
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States; Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States.
| | - Veronica H Ryan
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States; Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States.
| | - Beatrice L Steinert
- Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry Department, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States; Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States.
| | - Joshua P Whitt
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States; Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States.
| | - Justin R Fallon
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States; Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States.
| | - Nicolas L Fawzi
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States; Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States.
| | - Diane Lipscombe
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States; Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States.
| | - Robert A Reenan
- Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry Department, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States; Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States.
| | - Kristi A Wharton
- Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry Department, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States; Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States.
| | - Anne C Hart
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States; Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States.
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14
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Wu CY, Gagnon DA, Sardin JS, Barot U, Telenson A, Arratia PE, Kalb RG. Enhancing GABAergic Transmission Improves Locomotion in a Caenorhabditis elegans Model of Spinal Muscular Atrophy. eNeuro 2018; 5:ENEURO.0289-18.2018. [PMID: 30627660 PMCID: PMC6325564 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0289-18.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neuromuscular disease characterized by degeneration of spinal motor neurons resulting in variable degrees of muscular wasting and weakness. It is caused by a loss-of-function mutation in the survival motor neuron (SMN1) gene. Caenorhabditis elegans mutants lacking SMN recapitulate several aspects of the disease including impaired movement and shorted life span. We examined whether genes previously implicated in life span extension conferred benefits to C. elegans lacking SMN. We find that reducing daf-2/insulin receptor signaling activity promotes survival and improves locomotor behavior in this C. elegans model of SMA. The locomotor dysfunction in C. elegans lacking SMN correlated with structural and functional abnormalities in GABAergic neuromuscular junctions (NMJs). Moreover, we demonstrated that reduction in daf-2 signaling reversed these abnormalities. Remarkably, enhancing GABAergic neurotransmission alone was able to correct the locomotor dysfunction. Our work indicated that an imbalance of excitatory/inhibitory activity within motor circuits and underlies motor system dysfunction in this SMA model. Interventions aimed at restoring the balance of excitatory/inhibitory activity in motor circuits could be of benefit to individuals with SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Yen Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - David A Gagnon
- Department of Physics, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057
- Institute for Soft Matter Synthesis and Metrology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Juliette S Sardin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Urva Barot
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Alex Telenson
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Paulo E Arratia
- Department of Physics, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057
| | - Robert G Kalb
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
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15
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Rudich P, Snoznik C, Watkins SC, Monaghan J, Pandey UB, Lamitina ST. Nuclear localized C9orf72-associated arginine-containing dipeptides exhibit age-dependent toxicity in C. elegans. Hum Mol Genet 2018; 26:4916-4928. [PMID: 29036691 PMCID: PMC5886095 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddx372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A hexanucleotide repeat expansion mutation in the C9orf72 gene represents a prevalent genetic cause of several neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia. Non-canonical translation of this repeat gives rise to several distinct dipeptide protein species that could play pathological roles in disease. Here, we show in the model system Caenorhabditis elegans that expression of the arginine-containing dipeptides, but not alanine-containing dipeptides, produces toxic phenotypes in multiple cellular contexts, including motor neurons. Expression of either (PR)50 or (GR)50 during development caused a highly penetrant developmental arrest, while post-developmental expression caused age-onset paralysis. Both (PR)50- and (GR)50-green fluorescent protein tagged dipeptides were present in the nucleus and nuclear localization was necessary and sufficient for their toxicity. Using an inducible expression system, we discovered that age-onset phenotypes caused by (PR)50 required both continual (PR)50 expression and an aged cellular environment. The toxicity of (PR)50 was modified by genetic mutations that uncouple physiological aging from chronological aging. However, these same mutations failed to modify the toxicity of (GR)50, suggesting that (PR)50 and (GR)50 exert their toxicity through partially distinct mechanism(s). Changing the rate of physiological aging also mitigates toxicity in other C. elegans models of ALS, suggesting that the (PR)50 dipeptide might engage similar toxicity mechanisms as other ALS disease-causing proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paige Rudich
- Graduate Program in Cell Biology and Molecular Physiology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Carley Snoznik
- Division of Child Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Simon C Watkins
- Center for Biologic Imaging, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.,Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - John Monaghan
- Division of Child Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Udai Bhan Pandey
- Division of Child Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA.,Department of Human Genetics, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.,Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - S Todd Lamitina
- Graduate Program in Cell Biology and Molecular Physiology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA.,Division of Child Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA.,Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
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16
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Wang X, Cao M, Dong Y. Royal jelly promotes DAF-16-mediated proteostasis to tolerate β-amyloid toxicity in C. elegans model of Alzheimer's disease. Oncotarget 2018; 7:54183-54193. [PMID: 27472466 PMCID: PMC5342333 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies have demonstrated that dietary intervention may promote health and help prevent Alzheimer's disease (AD). We recently reported that bee products of royal jelly (RJ) and enzyme-treated royal jelly (eRJ) were potent to promote healthy aging in C. elegans. Here, we examined whether RJ/eRJ consumption may benefit to mitigate the AD symptom in the disease model of C. elegans. Our results showed that RJ/eRJ supplementation significantly delayed the body paralysis in AD worms, suggesting the β-amyloid (Aβ) toxicity attenuation effects of RJ/eRJ. Genetic analyses suggested that RJ/eRJ-mediated alleviation of Aβ toxicity in AD worms required DAF-16, rather than HSF-1 and SKN-1, in an insulin/IGF signaling dependent manner. Moreover, RJ/eRJ modulated the transactivity of DAF-16 and dramatically improved the protein solubility in aged worms. Given protein solubility is a hallmark of healthy proteostasis, our findings demonstrated that RJ/eRJ supplementation improved proteostasis, and this promotion depended on the transactivity of DAF-16. Collectively, the present study not only elucidated the possible anti-AD mechanism of RJ/eRJ, but also provided evidence from a practical point of view to shed light on the extensive correlation of proteostasis and the prevention of neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxia Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - Min Cao
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA.,Institute for Engaged Aging, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - Yuqing Dong
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA.,Institute for Engaged Aging, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
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17
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The Neuroprotective Marine Compound Psammaplysene A Binds the RNA-Binding Protein HNRNPK. Mar Drugs 2017; 15:md15080246. [PMID: 28783126 PMCID: PMC5577601 DOI: 10.3390/md15080246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Revised: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In previous work, we characterized the strong neuroprotective properties of the marine compound Psammaplysene A (PA) in in vitro and in vivo models of neurodegeneration. Based on its strong neuroprotective activity, the current work attempts to identify the physical target of PA to gain mechanistic insight into its molecular action. Two distinct methods, used in parallel, to purify protein-binding partners of PA led to the identification of HNRNPK as a direct target of PA. Based on surface plasmon resonance, we find that the binding of PA to HNRNPK is RNA-dependent. These findings suggest a role for HNRNPK-dependent processes in neurodegeneration/neuroprotection, and warrant further study of HNRNPK in this context.
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18
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Abstract
The FOXO family of transcription factors plays a conserved role in longevity and tissue homeostasis across species. In the mammalian nervous system, emerging evidence has implicated FOXOs in cognitive performance, stem cell maintenance, regeneration, and protection against stress. Much of what we know about neuronal functions of FOXO emerged from recent studies in C. elegans. Similar to mammalian FOXO, the worm FOXO ortholog, called DAF-16, regulates learning and memory, regeneration, and stress resistance in neurons. Here, we discuss the current state of our knowledge of FOXO’s functions in neurons in mammals and invertebrates, and highlight areas where our understanding is limited. Defining the function of FOXO factors in the healthy, aged, and diseased brain may have important implications for improving healthspan and treating neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun Y Kim
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Ashley E Webb
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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19
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Cornils A, Maurya AK, Tereshko L, Kennedy J, Brear AG, Prahlad V, Blacque OE, Sengupta P. Structural and Functional Recovery of Sensory Cilia in C. elegans IFT Mutants upon Aging. PLoS Genet 2016; 12:e1006325. [PMID: 27906968 PMCID: PMC5131903 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1006325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The majority of cilia are formed and maintained by the highly conserved process of intraflagellar transport (IFT). Mutations in IFT genes lead to ciliary structural defects and systemic disorders termed ciliopathies. Here we show that the severely truncated sensory cilia of hypomorphic IFT mutants in C. elegans transiently elongate during a discrete period of adult aging leading to markedly improved sensory behaviors. Age-dependent restoration of cilia morphology occurs in structurally diverse cilia types and requires IFT. We demonstrate that while DAF-16/FOXO is dispensable, the age-dependent suppression of cilia phenotypes in IFT mutants requires cell-autonomous functions of the HSF1 heat shock factor and the Hsp90 chaperone. Our results describe an unexpected role of early aging and protein quality control mechanisms in suppressing ciliary phenotypes of IFT mutants, and suggest possible strategies for targeting subsets of ciliopathies. Cilia are ‘antenna-like’ structures that are present on nearly all cell types in animals. These structures are important for sensing and signaling external cues to the cell. Most cilia are formed by a protein transport process called ‘intraflagellar transport’ or IFT. Mutations in IFT genes result in severe cilia defects, and are causal to a large number of diverse human disorders called ciliopathies. Since the genes and processes by which cilia are formed are similar across species, studies in experimental models such as the nematode C. elegans can greatly inform our overall understanding of cilia formation and function. Here we report the surprising observation that the structures and functions of severely defective cilia in nematodes with disrupted IFT genes markedly improve upon aging. We find that protein quality control mechanisms that normally decline in aging are required for this age-dependent recovery of cilia structure. Our results raise the possibility that the effects of some mutations in IFT genes can be bypassed under specific conditions, thereby restoring cilia functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Cornils
- Department of Biology and National Center for Behavioral Genomics, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts
| | - Ashish K. Maurya
- Department of Biology and National Center for Behavioral Genomics, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts
| | - Lauren Tereshko
- Department of Biology and National Center for Behavioral Genomics, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts
| | - Julie Kennedy
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Andrea G. Brear
- Department of Biology and National Center for Behavioral Genomics, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts
| | - Veena Prahlad
- Department of Biology, Aging Mind and Brain Initiative, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Oliver E. Blacque
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Piali Sengupta
- Department of Biology and National Center for Behavioral Genomics, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts
- * E-mail:
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20
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Kim DK, Kim TH, Lee SJ. Mechanisms of aging-related proteinopathies in Caenorhabditis elegans. Exp Mol Med 2016; 48:e263. [PMID: 27713398 PMCID: PMC5099420 DOI: 10.1038/emm.2016.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Revised: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is the most important risk factor for human neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Pathologically, these diseases are characterized by the deposition of specific protein aggregates in neurons and glia, representing the impairment of neuronal proteostasis. However, the mechanism by which aging affects the proteostasis system and promotes protein aggregation remains largely unknown. The short lifespan and ample genetic resources of Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) have made this species a favorite model organism for aging research, and the development of proteinopathy models in this organism has helped us to understand how aging processes affect protein aggregation and neurodegeneration. Here, we review the recent literature on proteinopathies in C. elegans models and discuss the insights we have gained into the mechanisms of how aging processes are integrated into the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Kyu Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science and Technology, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Tae Ho Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Medicine, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Seung-Jae Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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21
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Therrien M, Rouleau GA, Dion PA, Parker JA. FET proteins regulate lifespan and neuronal integrity. Sci Rep 2016; 6:25159. [PMID: 27117089 PMCID: PMC4846834 DOI: 10.1038/srep25159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2015] [Accepted: 04/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The FET protein family includes FUS, EWS and TAF15 proteins, all of which have been linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a fatal neurodegenerative disease affecting motor neurons. Here, we show that a reduction of FET proteins in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans causes synaptic dysfunction accompanied by impaired motor phenotypes. FET proteins are also involved in the regulation of lifespan and stress resistance, acting partially through the insulin/IGF-signalling pathway. We propose that FET proteins are involved in the maintenance of lifespan, cellular stress resistance and neuronal integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martine Therrien
- CHUM Research Center, Montreal, H2X 3H8, Canada
- Pathology and Cell biology department, University of Montreal, Montreal, H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Guy A. Rouleau
- Neurology and Neurosurgery department, McGill University, Montreal, H3A 0G4, Canada
- Montreal Neurological Hospital, Montreal, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Patrick A. Dion
- Neurology and Neurosurgery department, McGill University, Montreal, H3A 0G4, Canada
- Montreal Neurological Hospital, Montreal, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - J. Alex Parker
- CHUM Research Center, Montreal, H2X 3H8, Canada
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Montreal, Montreal, H3T 1J4, Canada
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22
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Hesp K, Smant G, Kammenga JE. Caenorhabditis elegans DAF-16/FOXO transcription factor and its mammalian homologs associate with age-related disease. Exp Gerontol 2015; 72:1-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2015.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Revised: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 09/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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24
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Carvalhal Marques F, Volovik Y, Cohen E. The Roles of Cellular and Organismal Aging in the Development of Late-Onset Maladies. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY-MECHANISMS OF DISEASE 2015; 10:1-23. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathol-012414-040508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Filipa Carvalhal Marques
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Hebrew University School of Medicine, 91120 Jerusalem, Israel;
- Centre of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Yuli Volovik
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Hebrew University School of Medicine, 91120 Jerusalem, Israel;
| | - Ehud Cohen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Hebrew University School of Medicine, 91120 Jerusalem, Israel;
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25
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Alexander AG, Marfil V, Li C. Use of Caenorhabditis elegans as a model to study Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. Front Genet 2014; 5:279. [PMID: 25250042 PMCID: PMC4155875 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2014.00279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2014] [Accepted: 07/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in research and technology has increased our quality of life, allowed us to combat diseases, and achieve increased longevity. Unfortunately, increased longevity is accompanied by a rise in the incidences of age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). AD is the sixth leading cause of death, and one of the leading causes of dementia amongst the aged population in the USA. It is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by the prevalence of extracellular Aβ plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles, derived from the proteolysis of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and the hyperphosphorylation of microtubule-associated protein tau, respectively. Despite years of extensive research, the molecular mechanisms that underlie the pathology of AD remain unclear. Model organisms, such as the nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans, present a complementary approach to addressing these questions. C. elegans has many advantages as a model system to study AD and other neurodegenerative diseases. Like their mammalian counterparts, they have complex biochemical pathways, most of which are conserved. Genes in which mutations are correlated with AD have counterparts in C. elegans, including an APP-related gene, apl-1, a tau homolog, ptl-1, and presenilin homologs, such as sel-12 and hop-1. Since the neuronal connectivity in C. elegans has already been established, C. elegans is also advantageous in modeling learning and memory impairments seen during AD. This article addresses the insights C. elegans provide in studying AD and other neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, we explore the advantages and drawbacks associated with using this model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adanna G Alexander
- Department of Biology, City College of New York New York, NY, USA ; Department of Biology, The Graduate Center, City University of New York New York, NY, USA
| | - Vanessa Marfil
- Department of Biology, City College of New York New York, NY, USA
| | - Chris Li
- Department of Biology, City College of New York New York, NY, USA ; Department of Biology, The Graduate Center, City University of New York New York, NY, USA
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26
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O'Reilly LP, Benson JA, Cummings EE, Perlmutter DH, Silverman GA, Pak SC. Worming our way to novel drug discovery with the Caenorhabditis elegans proteostasis network, stress response and insulin-signaling pathways. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2014; 9:1021-32. [PMID: 24998976 DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2014.930125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Many human diseases result from a failure of a single protein to achieve the correct folding and tertiary conformation. These so-called 'conformational diseases' involve diverse proteins and distinctive cellular pathologies. They all engage the proteostasis network (PN), to varying degrees in an attempt to mange cellular stress and restore protein homeostasis. The insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling (IIS) pathway is a master regulator of cellular stress response, which is implicated in regulating components of the PN. AREAS COVERED This review focuses on novel approaches to target conformational diseases. The authors discuss the evidence supporting the involvement of the IIS pathway in modulating the PN and regulating proteostasis in Caenorhabditis elegans. Furthermore, they review previous PN and IIS drug screens and explore the possibility of using C. elegans for whole organism-based drug discovery for modulators of IIS-proteostasis pathways. EXPERT OPINION An alternative approach to develop individualized therapy for each conformational disease is to modulate the global PN. The involvement of the IIS pathway in regulating longevity and response to a variety of stresses is well documented. Increasing data now provide evidence for the close association between the IIS and the PN pathways. The authors believe that high-throughput screening campaigns, which target the C. elegans IIS pathway, may identify drugs that are efficacious in treating numerous conformational diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda P O'Reilly
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC and Magee-Womens Hospital Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics , 4401 Penn Avenue, Rangos Room 7131, Pittsburgh, PA 15224 , USA +1 412 692 9457 ; +1 412 641 1844 ;
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27
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Knight AL, Yan X, Hamamichi S, Ajjuri RR, Mazzulli JR, Zhang MW, Daigle JG, Zhang S, Borom AR, Roberts LR, Lee SK, DeLeon SM, Viollet-Djelassi C, Krainc D, O'Donnell JM, Caldwell KA, Caldwell GA. The glycolytic enzyme, GPI, is a functionally conserved modifier of dopaminergic neurodegeneration in Parkinson's models. Cell Metab 2014; 20:145-57. [PMID: 24882066 PMCID: PMC4097176 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2014.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2013] [Revised: 03/16/2014] [Accepted: 04/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases represent an increasing burden in our aging society, yet the underlying metabolic factors influencing onset and progression remain poorly defined. The relationship between impaired IGF-1/insulin-like signaling (IIS) and lifespan extension represents an opportunity to investigate the interface of metabolism with age-associated neurodegeneration. Using data sets of established DAF-2/IIS-signaling components in Caenorhabditis elegans, we conducted systematic RNAi screens in worms to select for daf-2-associated genetic modifiers of α-synuclein misfolding and dopaminergic neurodegeneration, two clinical hallmarks of Parkinson's disease. An outcome of this strategy was the identification of GPI-1/GPI, an enzyme in glucose metabolism, as a daf-2-regulated modifier that acts independent of the downstream cytoprotective transcription factor DAF-16/FOXO to modulate neuroprotection. Subsequent mechanistic analyses using Drosophila and mouse primary neuron cultures further validated the conserved nature of GPI neuroprotection from α-synuclein proteotoxicity. Collectively, these results support glucose metabolism as a conserved functional node at the intersection of proteostasis and neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam L Knight
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA; The Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Xiaohui Yan
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA
| | - Shusei Hamamichi
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA
| | - Rami R Ajjuri
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA
| | - Joseph R Mazzulli
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Mike W Zhang
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA
| | - J Gavin Daigle
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA
| | - Siyuan Zhang
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA
| | - Akeem R Borom
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA
| | - Lindsay R Roberts
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA
| | - S Kyle Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA
| | - Susan M DeLeon
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA
| | | | - Dimitri Krainc
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Janis M O'Donnell
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA
| | - Kim A Caldwell
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA; Departments of Neurology and Neurobiology, Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Gregory Fleming James Cystic Fibrosis Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Guy A Caldwell
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA; Departments of Neurology and Neurobiology, Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Gregory Fleming James Cystic Fibrosis Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
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28
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Long OS, Benson JA, Kwak JH, Luke CJ, Gosai SJ, O'Reilly LP, Wang Y, Li J, Vetica AC, Miedel MT, Stolz DB, Watkins SC, Züchner S, Perlmutter DH, Silverman GA, Pak SC. A C. elegans model of human α1-antitrypsin deficiency links components of the RNAi pathway to misfolded protein turnover. Hum Mol Genet 2014; 23:5109-22. [PMID: 24838286 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddu235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The accumulation of serpin oligomers and polymers within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) causes cellular injury in patients with the classical form α1-antitrypsin deficiency (ATD). To better understand the cellular and molecular genetic aspects of this disorder, we generated transgenic C. elegans strains expressing either the wild-type (ATM) or Z mutant form (ATZ) of the human serpin fused to GFP. Animals secreted ATM, but retained polymerized ATZ within dilated ER cisternae. These latter animals also showed slow growth, smaller brood sizes and decreased longevity; phenotypes observed in ATD patients or transgenic mouse lines expressing ATZ. Similar to mammalian models, ATZ was disposed of by autophagy and ER-associated degradation pathways. Mutant strains defective in insulin signaling (daf-2) also showed a marked decrease in ATZ accumulation. Enhanced ATZ turnover was associated with the activity of two proteins central to systemic/exogenous (exo)-RNAi pathway: the dsRNA importer, SID-1 and the argonaute, RDE-1. Animals with enhanced exo-RNAi activity (rrf-3 mutant) phenocopied the insulin signaling mutants and also showed increased ATZ turnover. Taken together, these studies allude to the existence of a novel proteostasis pathway that mechanistically links misfolded protein turnover to components of the systemic RNAi machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia S Long
- Departments of Pediatrics, Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC and Magee Womens Hospital Research Institute, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Joshua A Benson
- Departments of Pediatrics, Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC and Magee Womens Hospital Research Institute, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Joon Hyeok Kwak
- Departments of Pediatrics, Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC and Magee Womens Hospital Research Institute, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Cliff J Luke
- Departments of Pediatrics, Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC and Magee Womens Hospital Research Institute, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Sager J Gosai
- Departments of Pediatrics, Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC and Magee Womens Hospital Research Institute, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Linda P O'Reilly
- Departments of Pediatrics, Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC and Magee Womens Hospital Research Institute, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Yan Wang
- Departments of Pediatrics, Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC and Magee Womens Hospital Research Institute, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Jie Li
- Departments of Pediatrics, Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC and Magee Womens Hospital Research Institute, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Anne C Vetica
- Departments of Pediatrics, Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC and Magee Womens Hospital Research Institute, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Mark T Miedel
- Departments of Pediatrics, Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC and Magee Womens Hospital Research Institute, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Donna B Stolz
- Center for Biologic Imaging, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 3500 Terrace Street, S233 BST, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Simon C Watkins
- Center for Biologic Imaging, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 3500 Terrace Street, S233 BST, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Stephan Züchner
- Department of Human Genetics and Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1501 NW 10th Avenue, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - David H Perlmutter
- Departments of Pediatrics, Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC and Magee Womens Hospital Research Institute, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Gary A Silverman
- Departments of Pediatrics, Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC and Magee Womens Hospital Research Institute, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Stephen C Pak
- Departments of Pediatrics, Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC and Magee Womens Hospital Research Institute, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA,
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Webb AE, Brunet A. FOXO transcription factors: key regulators of cellular quality control. Trends Biochem Sci 2014; 39:159-69. [PMID: 24630600 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2014.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 398] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2013] [Revised: 02/05/2014] [Accepted: 02/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
FOXO transcription factors are conserved regulators of longevity downstream of insulin signaling. These transcription factors integrate signals emanating from nutrient deprivation and stress stimuli to coordinate programs of genes involved in cellular metabolism and resistance to oxidative stress. Here, we discuss emerging evidence for a pivotal role of FOXO factors in promoting the expression of genes involved in autophagy and the ubiquitin-proteasome system--two cell clearance processes that are essential for maintaining organelle and protein homeostasis (proteostasis). The ability of FOXO to maintain cellular quality control appears to be critical in processes and pathologies where damaged proteins and organelles accumulate, including aging and neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley E Webb
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Anne Brunet
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Glenn Laboratories for the Biology of Aging at Stanford, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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Estevez AO, Morgan KL, Szewczyk NJ, Gems D, Estevez M. The neurodegenerative effects of selenium are inhibited by FOXO and PINK1/PTEN regulation of insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling in Caenorhabditis elegans. Neurotoxicology 2014; 41:28-43. [PMID: 24406377 PMCID: PMC3979119 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2013.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2013] [Revised: 12/23/2013] [Accepted: 12/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Insulin/insulin-like signaling reduction alters selenium-induced neurodegeneration. Selenium induces nuclear translocation of DAF-16/FOXO3a. DAF-16 overexpression decreases GABAergic and cholinergic motor neuron degeneration. Loss of DAF-18/PTEN increases sensitivity to selenium-induced movement deficits. Glutathione requires DAF-18/PINK-1 to improve selenium-induced movement deficits.
Exposures to high levels of environmental selenium have been associated with motor neuron disease in both animals and humans and high levels of selenite have been identified in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We have shown previously that exposures to high levels of sodium selenite in the environment of Caenorhabditis elegans adult animals can induce neurodegeneration and cell loss resulting in motor deficits and death and that this is at least partially caused by a reduction in cholinergic signaling across the neuromuscular junction. Here we provide evidence that reduction in insulin/insulin-like (IIS) signaling alters response to high dose levels of environmental selenium which in turn can regulate the IIS pathway. Most specifically we show that nuclear localization and thus activation of the DAF-16/forkhead box transcription factor occurs in response to selenium exposure although this was not observed in motor neurons of the ventral cord. Yet, tissue specific expression and generalized overexpression of DAF-16 can partially rescue the neurodegenerative and behavioral deficits observed with high dose selenium exposures in not only the cholinergic, but also the GABAergic motor neurons. In addition, two modifiers of IIS signaling, PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog, deleted on chromosome 10) and PINK1 (PTEN-induced putative kinase 1) are required for the cellular antioxidant reduced glutathione to mitigate the selenium-induced movement deficits. Studies have suggested that environmental exposures can lead to ALS or other neurological diseases and this model of selenium-induced neurodegeneration developed in a genetically tractable organism provides a tool for examining the combined roles of genetics and environment in the neuro-pathologic disease process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette O Estevez
- Department of Neurology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA.
| | - Kathleen L Morgan
- Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Research and Development (151U), University Drive C, Pittsburgh, PA 15240, USA.
| | - Nathaniel J Szewczyk
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA.
| | - David Gems
- Institute of Healthy Ageing, and Department of Genetics, Evolution, and Environment, University College London, The Darwin Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - Miguel Estevez
- Department of Neurology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA; Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Research and Development (151U), University Drive C, Pittsburgh, PA 15240, USA.
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Thompson ML, Chen P, Yan X, Kim H, Borom AR, Roberts NB, Caldwell KA, Caldwell GA. TorsinA rescues ER-associated stress and locomotive defects in C. elegans models of ALS. Dis Model Mech 2013; 7:233-43. [PMID: 24311730 PMCID: PMC3917244 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.013615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases converge at the interface of pathways impacting cellular stress, protein homeostasis and aging. Targeting the intrinsic capacities of neuroprotective proteins to restore neuronal function and/or attenuate degeneration represents a potential means toward therapeutic intervention. The product of the human DYT1 gene, torsinA, is a member of the functionally diverse AAA+ family of proteins and exhibits robust molecular-chaperone-like activity, both in vitro and in vivo. Although mutations in DYT1 are associated with a rare form of heritable generalized dystonia, the native function of torsinA seems to be cytoprotective in maintaining the cellular threshold to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Here we explore the potential for torsinA to serve as a buffer to attenuate the cellular consequences of misfolded-protein stress as it pertains to the neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The selective vulnerability of motor neurons to degeneration in ALS mouse models harboring mutations in superoxide dismutase (SOD1) has been found to correlate with regional-specific ER stress in brains. Using Caenorhabditis elegans as a system to model ER stress, we generated transgenic nematodes overexpressing either wild-type or mutant human SOD1 to evaluate their relative impact on ER stress induction in vivo. These studies revealed a mutant-SOD1-specific increase in ER stress that was further exacerbated by changes in temperature, all of which was robustly attenuated by co-expression of torsinA. Moreover, through complementary behavioral analysis, torsinA was able to restore normal neuronal function in mutant G85R SOD1 animals. Furthermore, torsinA targeted mutant SOD1 for degradation via the proteasome, representing mechanistic insight on the activity that torsinA has on aggregate-prone proteins. These results expand our understanding of proteostatic mechanisms influencing neuronal dysfunction in ALS, while simultaneously highlighting the potential for torsinA as a novel target for therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L Thompson
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA
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Li J, Le W. Modeling neurodegenerative diseases in Caenorhabditis elegans. Exp Neurol 2013; 250:94-103. [PMID: 24095843 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2013.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2013] [Revised: 09/18/2013] [Accepted: 09/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases which include Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Huntington disease (HD), and others are becoming an increasing threat to human health worldwide. The degeneration and death of certain specific groups of neurons are the hallmarks of these diseases. Despite the research progress in identification of several disease-related genes, the mechanisms underlying the neurodegeneration in these diseases remain unclear. Given the molecular conservation in neuronal signaling between Caenorhabditis elegans and vertebrates, an increasing number of research scientists have used the nematode to study this group of diseases. This review paper will focus on the model system that has been established in C. elegans to investigate the pathogenetic roles of those reported disease-related genes in AD, PD, ALS, HD and others. The progress in C. elegans provides useful information of the genetic interactions and molecular pathways that are critical in the disease process, and may help better our understanding of the disease mechanisms and search for new therapeutics for these devastating diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Li
- Institute of Health Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200025, P.R. China
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Cohen E. Aging, protein aggregation, chaperones, and neurodegenerative disorders: mechanisms of coupling and therapeutic opportunities. Rambam Maimonides Med J 2012; 3:e0021. [PMID: 23908845 PMCID: PMC3678828 DOI: 10.5041/rmmj.10088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Late onset is a key unifying feature of human neurodegenerative maladies such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases and prion disorders. While sporadic cases typically emerge during the patient's seventh decade of life or later, mutation-linked, familial cases manifest during the fifth or sixth decade. This common temporal emergence pattern raises the prospect that slowing aging may prevent the accumulation of toxic protein aggregates that lead to the development of these disorders, postpone the onset of these maladies, and alleviate their symptoms once emerged. Invertebrate-based studies indicated that reducing the activity of insulin/IGF signaling (IIS), a prominent aging regulatory pathway, protects from neurodegeneration-linked toxic protein aggregation. The validity of this approach has been tested and confirmed in mammals as reducing the activity of the IGF-1 signaling pathway-protected Alzheimer's model mice from the behavioral and biochemical impairments associated with the disease. Here I review the recent advances in the field, describe the known mechanistic links between toxic protein aggregation and the aging process, and delineate the future therapeutic potential of IIS reduction as a treatment for various neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehud Cohen
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute of Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem-Hadassah Medical School, Ein Karem, Jerusalem, Israel
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