1
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Tang Z, Fang Z, Wu X, Liu J, Tian L, Li X, Diao J, Ji B, Li D. Folding of N-terminally acetylated α-synuclein upon interaction with lipid membranes. Biophys J 2024:S0006-3495(24)00631-3. [PMID: 39306670 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2024.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 08/30/2024] [Accepted: 09/19/2024] [Indexed: 10/10/2024] Open
Abstract
α-Synuclein (α-syn) is an abundant presynaptic neuronal protein whose aggregation is strongly associated with Parkinson's disease. It has been proposed that lipid membranes significantly affect α-syn's aggregation process. Extensive studies have been conducted to understand the interactions between α-syn and lipid membranes and have demonstrated that the N-terminus plays a critical role. However, the dynamics of the interactions and the conformational transitions of the N-terminus of α-syn at the atomistic scale details are still highly desired. In this study, we performed extensive enhanced sampling molecular dynamics simulations to quantify the folding and interactions of wild-type and N-terminally acetylated α-syn when interacting with lipid structures. We found that N-terminal acetylation significantly increases the helicity of the first few residues in solution or when interacting with lipid membranes. The observations in simulations showed that the binding of α-syn with lipid membranes mainly follows the induced-fit model, where the disordered α-syn binds with the lipid membrane through the electrostatic interactions and hydrophobic contacts with the packing defects; after stable insertion, N-terminal acetylation promotes the helical folding of the N-terminus to enhance the anchoring, thus increasing the binding affinity. We have shown the critical role of the first N-terminal residue methionine for recognition and anchoring to the negatively charged membrane. Although N-terminal acetylation neutralizes the positive charge of Met1 that may affect the electrostatic interactions of α-syn with membranes, the increase in helicity of the N-terminus should compensate for the binding affinity. This study provides detailed insight into the folding dynamics of α-syn's N-terminus with or without acetylation in solution and upon interaction with lipids, which clarifies how the N-terminal acetylation regulates the affinity of α-syn binding to lipid membranes. It also shows how packing defects and electrostatic effects coregulate the N-terminus of α-syn folding and its interaction with membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihan Tang
- Key Laboratory of Soft Machines and Smart Devices of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Biomechanics and Applications, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhou Fang
- Key Laboratory of Soft Machines and Smart Devices of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Biomechanics and Applications, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuwei Wu
- Key Laboratory of Soft Machines and Smart Devices of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Biomechanics and Applications, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jie Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardio-Cerebral Vascular Detection Technology and Medicinal Effectiveness Appraisal, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liangfei Tian
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardio-Cerebral Vascular Detection Technology and Medicinal Effectiveness Appraisal, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuejin Li
- Key Laboratory of Soft Machines and Smart Devices of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Biomechanics and Applications, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiajie Diao
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Baohua Ji
- Key Laboratory of Soft Machines and Smart Devices of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Biomechanics and Applications, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision, and Brain Health) and Wenzhou Institute of University of Chinese Academy of Science, Wenzhou, China
| | - Dechang Li
- Key Laboratory of Soft Machines and Smart Devices of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Biomechanics and Applications, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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2
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Makwana R, Christ C, Marchi E, Harpell R, Lyon GJ. Longitudinal adaptive behavioral outcomes in Ogden syndrome by seizure status and therapeutic intervention. Am J Med Genet A 2024; 194:e63651. [PMID: 38747166 PMCID: PMC11315639 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.63651] [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: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
Ogden syndrome, also known as NAA10-related neurodevelopmental syndrome, is a rare genetic condition associated with pathogenic variants in the NAA10 N-terminal acetylation family of proteins. The condition was initially described in 2011 and is characterized by a range of neurologic symptoms, including intellectual disability and seizures, as well as developmental delays, psychiatric symptoms, congenital heart abnormalities, hypotonia, and others. Previously published articles have described the etiology and phenotype of Ogden syndrome, mostly with retrospective analyses; herein, we report prospective data concerning its progress over time. The current study involves a total of 58 distinct participants; of these, 43 caregivers were interviewed using the Vineland-3 and answered a survey regarding therapy and other questions, 10 of whom completed the Vineland-3 but did not answer the survey, and 5 participants who answered the survey but have not yet performed the Vineland-3 due to language constraints. The average age at the time of the most recent assessment was 12.4 years, with individuals ranging in age from 11 months to 40.2 years. Using Vineland-3 scores, we show decline in cognitive function over time in individuals with Ogden syndrome (n = 53). Sub-domain analysis found the decline to be present across all modalities. In addition, we describe the nature of seizures in this condition in greater detail, as well as investigate how already-available non-pharmaceutical therapies impact individuals with NAA10-related neurodevelopmental syndrome. Additional investigation between seizure and non-seizure groups showed no significant difference in adaptive behavior outcomes. A therapy investigation showed speech therapy to be the most commonly used therapy by individuals with NAA10-related neurodevelopmental syndrome, followed by occupational and physical therapy, with more severely affected individuals receiving more types of therapy than their less-severe counterparts. Early intervention analysis was only significantly effective for speech therapy, with analyses of all other therapies being non-significant. Our study portrays the decline in cognitive function over time of individuals within our cohort, independent of seizure status, and therapies being received, and highlights the urgent need for the development of effective treatments for Ogden syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rikhil Makwana
- Department of Human Genetics, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York, United States of America
| | - Carolina Christ
- Department of Human Genetics, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York, United States of America
| | - Elaine Marchi
- Department of Human Genetics, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York, United States of America
| | - Randie Harpell
- Department of Human Genetics, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York, United States of America
| | - Gholson J. Lyon
- Department of Human Genetics, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York, United States of America
- George A. Jervis Clinic, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York, United States of America
- Biology PhD Program, The Graduate Center, The City University of New York, New York, United States of America
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3
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Calis S, Gevaert K. The role of Nα-terminal acetylation in protein conformation. FEBS J 2024. [PMID: 38923676 DOI: 10.1111/febs.17209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Especially in higher eukaryotes, the N termini of proteins are subject to enzymatic modifications, with the acetylation of the alpha-amino group of nascent polypeptides being a prominent one. In recent years, the specificities and substrates of the enzymes responsible for this modification, the Nα-terminal acetyltransferases, have been mapped in several proteomic studies. Aberrant expression of, and mutations in these enzymes were found to be associated with several human diseases, explaining the growing interest in protein Nα-terminal acetylation. With some enzymes, such as the Nα-terminal acetyltransferase A complex having thousands of possible substrates, researchers are now trying to decipher the functional outcome of Nα-terminal protein acetylation. In this review, we zoom in on one possible functional consequence of Nα-terminal protein acetylation; its effect on protein folding. Using selected examples of proteins associated with human diseases such as alpha-synuclein and huntingtin, here, we discuss the sometimes contradictory findings of the effects of Nα-terminal protein acetylation on protein (mis)folding and aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Calis
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Kris Gevaert
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Belgium
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4
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Bhatt MR, Ganguly HK, Zondlo NJ. Acyl Capping Group Identity Effects on α-Helicity: On the Importance of Amide·Water Hydrogen Bonds to α-Helix Stability. Biochemistry 2024; 63:1118-1130. [PMID: 38623827 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.3c00646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Acyl capping groups stabilize α-helices relative to free N-termini by providing one additional C═Oi···Hi+4-N hydrogen bond. The electronic properties of acyl capping groups might also directly modulate α-helix stability: electron-rich N-terminal acyl groups could stabilize the α-helix by strengthening both i/i + 4 hydrogen bonds and i/i + 1 n → π* interactions. This hypothesis was tested in peptides X-AKAAAAKAAAAKAAGY-NH2, where X = different acyl groups. Surprisingly, the most electron-rich acyl groups (pivaloyl and iso-butyryl) strongly destabilized the α-helix. Moreover, the formyl group induced nearly identical α-helicity to that of the acetyl group, despite being a weaker electron donor for hydrogen bonds and for n → π* interactions. Other acyl groups exhibited intermediate α-helicity. These results indicate that the electronic properties of the acyl carbonyl do not directly determine the α-helicity in peptides in water. In order to understand these effects, DFT calculations were conducted on α-helical peptides. Using implicit solvation, α-helix stability correlated with acyl group electronics, with the pivaloyl group exhibiting closer hydrogen bonds and n → π* interactions, in contrast to the experimental results. However, DFT and MD calculations with explicit water solvation revealed that hydrogen bonding to water was impacted by the sterics of the acyl capping group. Formyl capping groups exhibited the closest water-amide hydrogen bonds, while pivaloyl groups exhibited the longest. In α-helices in the PDB, the highest frequency of close amide-water hydrogen bonds is observed when the N-cap residue is Gly. The combination of experimental and computational results indicates that solvation (hydrogen bonding of water) to the N-terminal amide groups is a central determinant of α-helix stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megh R Bhatt
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Delaware Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Himal K Ganguly
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Delaware Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Neal J Zondlo
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Delaware Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
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5
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Inci OK, Basırlı H, Can M, Yanbul S, Seyrantepe V. Gangliosides as Therapeutic Targets for Neurodegenerative Diseases. J Lipids 2024; 2024:4530255. [PMID: 38623278 PMCID: PMC11018381 DOI: 10.1155/2024/4530255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Gangliosides, sialic acid-containing glycosphingolipids, are abundant in cell membranes and primarily involved in controlling cell signaling and cell communication. The altered ganglioside pattern has been demonstrated in several neurodegenerative diseases, characterized during early-onset or infancy, emphasizing the significance of gangliosides in the brain. Enzymes required for the biosynthesis of gangliosides are linked to several devastating neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP). In this review, we summarized not only the critical roles of biosynthetic enzymes and their inhibitors in ganglioside metabolism but also the efficacy of treatment strategies of ganglioside to address their significance in those diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orhan Kerim Inci
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, Gulbahce Campus, Urla, 35430 Izmir, Türkiye
| | - Hande Basırlı
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, Gulbahce Campus, Urla, 35430 Izmir, Türkiye
| | - Melike Can
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, Gulbahce Campus, Urla, 35430 Izmir, Türkiye
| | - Selman Yanbul
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, Gulbahce Campus, Urla, 35430 Izmir, Türkiye
| | - Volkan Seyrantepe
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, Gulbahce Campus, Urla, 35430 Izmir, Türkiye
- Izmir Institute of Technology, IYTEDEHAM, Gulbahce Campus, Urla, 35430 Izmir, Türkiye
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6
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Kumar R, Chowdhury S, Ledeen R. Alpha-Synuclein and GM1 Ganglioside Co-Localize in Neuronal Cytosol Leading to Inverse Interaction-Relevance to Parkinson's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3323. [PMID: 38542297 PMCID: PMC10970170 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25063323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Research on GM1 ganglioside and its neuroprotective role in Parkinson's disease (PD), particularly in mitigating the aggregation of α-Synuclein (aSyn), is well established across various model organisms. This essential molecule, GM1, is intimately linked to preventing aSyn aggregation, and its deficiency is believed to play a key role in the initiation of PD. In our current study, we attempted to shed light on the cytosolic interactions between GM1 and aSyn based on previous reports demonstrating gangliosides and monomeric aSyn to be present in neuronal cytosol. Native-PAGE and Western blot analysis of neuronal cytosol from mouse brains demonstrated the presence of both GM1 and monomeric aSyn in the neuronal cytosol of normal mouse brain. To demonstrate that an adequate level of GM1 prevents the aggregation of aSyn, we used NG108-15 and SH-SY5Y cells with and without treatment of 1-phenyl-2-palmitoyl-3-morpholino-1-propanol (PPMP), which inhibits the synthesis/expression of GM1. Cells treated with PPMP to reduce GM1 expression showed a significant increase in the formation of aggregated aSyn compared to untreated cells. We thus demonstrated that sufficient GM1 prevents the aggregation of aSyn. For this to occur, aSyn and GM1 must show proximity within the neuron. The present study provides evidence for such co-localization in neuronal cytosol, which also facilitates the inverse interaction revealed in studies with the two cell types above. This adds to the explanation of how GM1 prevents the aggregation of aSyn and onset of Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Robert Ledeen
- Department of Pharmacology Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (R.K.); (S.C.)
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7
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Makwana R, Christ C, Marchi E, Harpell R, Lyon GJ. Longitudinal Adaptive Behavioral Outcomes in Ogden Syndrome by Seizure Status and Therapeutic Intervention. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.02.23.24303144. [PMID: 38585745 PMCID: PMC10996826 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.23.24303144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Ogden syndrome, also known as NAA10-related neurodevelopmental syndrome, is a rare genetic condition associated with pathogenic variants in the NAA10 N-terminal acetylation family of proteins. The condition was initially described in 2011, and is characterized by a range of neurologic symptoms, including intellectual disability and seizures, as well as developmental delays, psychiatric symptoms, congenital heart abnormalities, hypotonia and others. Previously published articles have described the etiology and phenotype of Ogden syndrome, mostly with retrospective analyses; herein, we report prospective data concerning its progress over time. Additionally, we describe the nature of seizures in this condition in greater detail, as well as investigate how already-available non-pharmaceutical therapies impact individuals with NAA10-related neurodevelopmental syndrome. Using Vineland-3 scores, we show decline in cognitive function over time in individuals with Ogden syndrome. Sub-domain analysis found the decline to be present across all modalities. Additional investigation between seizure and non-seizure groups showed no significant difference in adaptive behavior outcomes. Therapy investigation showed speech therapy to be the most commonly used therapy by individuals with NAA10-related neurodevelopmental syndrome, followed by occupational and physical therapy. with more severely affected individuals receiving more types of therapy than their less-severe counterparts. Early intervention analysis was only significantly effective for speech therapy, with analyses of all other therapies being non-significant. Our study portrays the decline in cognitive function over time of individuals within our cohort, independent of seizure status and therapies being received, and highlights the urgent need for the development of effective treatments for Ogden syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rikhil Makwana
- Department of Human Genetics, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York, United States of America
| | - Carolina Christ
- Department of Human Genetics, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York, United States of America
| | - Elaine Marchi
- Department of Human Genetics, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York, United States of America
| | - Randie Harpell
- Department of Human Genetics, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York, United States of America
| | - Gholson J. Lyon
- Department of Human Genetics, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York, United States of America
- George A. Jervis Clinic, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York, United States of America
- Biology PhD Program, The Graduate Center, The City University of New York, New York, United States of America
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8
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Lunghi G, Di Biase E, Carsana EV, Henriques A, Callizot N, Mauri L, Ciampa MG, Mari L, Loberto N, Aureli M, Sonnino S, Spedding M, Chiricozzi E, Fazzari M. GM1 ganglioside exerts protective effects against glutamate-excitotoxicity via its oligosaccharide in wild-type and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis motor neurons. FEBS Open Bio 2023; 13:2324-2341. [PMID: 37885330 PMCID: PMC10699117 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13727] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Alterations in glycosphingolipid metabolism have been linked to the pathophysiological mechanisms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative disease affecting motor neurons. Accordingly, administration of GM1, a sialic acid-containing glycosphingolipid, is protective against neuronal damage and supports neuronal homeostasis, with these effects mediated by its bioactive component, the oligosaccharide head (GM1-OS). Here, we add new evidence to the therapeutic efficacy of GM1 in ALS: Its administration to WT and SOD1G93A motor neurons affected by glutamate-induced excitotoxicity significantly increased neuronal survival and preserved neurite networks, counteracting intracellular protein accumulation and mitochondria impairment. Importantly, the GM1-OS faithfully replicates GM1 activity, emphasizing that even in ALS the protective function of GM1 strictly depends on its pentasaccharide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Lunghi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational MedicineUniversity of MilanoSegrateItaly
| | - Erika Di Biase
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational MedicineUniversity of MilanoSegrateItaly
| | - Emma Veronica Carsana
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational MedicineUniversity of MilanoSegrateItaly
| | | | | | - Laura Mauri
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational MedicineUniversity of MilanoSegrateItaly
| | - Maria Grazia Ciampa
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational MedicineUniversity of MilanoSegrateItaly
| | - Luigi Mari
- Department of ImmunologySt. Jude Children's Research HospitalMemphisTNUSA
| | - Nicoletta Loberto
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational MedicineUniversity of MilanoSegrateItaly
| | - Massimo Aureli
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational MedicineUniversity of MilanoSegrateItaly
| | - Sandro Sonnino
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational MedicineUniversity of MilanoSegrateItaly
| | | | - Elena Chiricozzi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational MedicineUniversity of MilanoSegrateItaly
| | - Maria Fazzari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational MedicineUniversity of MilanoSegrateItaly
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9
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Ramirez J, Pancoe SX, Rhoades E, Petersson EJ. The Effects of Lipids on α-Synuclein Aggregation In Vitro. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1476. [PMID: 37892158 PMCID: PMC10604467 DOI: 10.3390/biom13101476] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The small neuronal protein α-synuclein (αS) is found in pre-synaptic terminals and plays a role in vesicle recycling and neurotransmission. Fibrillar aggregates of αS are the hallmark of Parkinson's disease and related neurodegenerative disorders. In both health and disease, interactions with lipids influence αS's structure and function, prompting much study of the effects of lipids on αS aggregation. A comprehensive collection (126 examples) of aggregation rate data for various αS/lipid combinations was presented, including combinations of lipid variations and mutations or post-translational modifications of αS. These data were interpreted in terms of lipid structure to identify general trends. These tabulated data serve as a resource for the community to help in the interpretation of aggregation experiments with lipids and to be potentially used as inputs for computational models of lipid effects on aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Ramirez
- Graduate Group in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 421 Curie Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | - Samantha X. Pancoe
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, 231 South 34th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Elizabeth Rhoades
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, 231 South 34th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 421 Curie Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - E. James Petersson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, 231 South 34th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 421 Curie Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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10
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Sonnino S. The relationship between depletion of brain GM1 ganglioside and Parkinson's disease. FEBS Open Bio 2023; 13:1548-1557. [PMID: 36638010 PMCID: PMC10476573 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
GM1 is one of the main gangliosides of the nervous system, and it exerts neurotrophic and neuroprotective properties in neurons. It is involved in many processes necessary for the correct physiology of neuronal cells. In particular, it is necessary for the activity of neuronal receptors that control processes such as differentiation, survival, and mitochondrial activity. A shortage of GM1 in the substantia nigra is potentially responsible for the neurodegeneration present in Parkinson's disease patients. In this review, I report on the role played by GM1 in neurons and how its genetic shortage may be responsible for the onset of Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandro Sonnino
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational MedicineUniversity of MilanItaly
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11
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Fazzari M, Di Biase E, Zaccagnini L, Henriques A, Callizot N, Ciampa MG, Mauri L, Carsana EV, Loberto N, Aureli M, Mari L, Civera M, Vasile F, Sonnino S, Bartels T, Chiricozzi E, Lunghi G. GM1 oligosaccharide efficacy against α-synuclein aggregation and toxicity in vitro. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2023; 1868:159350. [PMID: 37330108 PMCID: PMC10579883 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2023.159350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Fibrillary aggregated α-synuclein represents the neurologic hallmark of Parkinson's disease and is considered to play a causative role in the disease. Although the causes leading to α-synuclein aggregation are not clear, the GM1 ganglioside interaction is recognized to prevent this process. How GM1 exerts these functions is not completely clear, although a primary role of its soluble oligosaccharide (GM1-OS) is emerging. Indeed, we recently identified GM1-OS as the bioactive moiety responsible for GM1 neurotrophic and neuroprotective properties, specifically reverting the parkinsonian phenotype both in in vitro and in vivo models. Here, we report on GM1-OS efficacy against the α-synuclein aggregation and toxicity in vitro. By amyloid seeding aggregation assay and NMR spectroscopy, we demonstrated that GM1-OS was able to prevent both the spontaneous and the prion-like α-synuclein aggregation. Additionally, circular dichroism spectroscopy of recombinant monomeric α-synuclein showed that GM1-OS did not induce any change in α-synuclein secondary structure. Importantly, GM1-OS significantly increased neuronal survival and preserved neurite networks of dopaminergic neurons affected by α-synuclein oligomers, together with a reduction of microglia activation. These data further demonstrate that the ganglioside GM1 acts through its oligosaccharide also in preventing the α-synuclein pathogenic aggregation in Parkinson's disease, opening a perspective window for GM1-OS as drug candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Fazzari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milano, 20054 Segrate, Milano, Italy
| | - Erika Di Biase
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milano, 20054 Segrate, Milano, Italy
| | | | | | - Noëlle Callizot
- Neuro-Sys, 410 Chemin Départemental 60, 13120 Gardanne, France
| | - Maria Grazia Ciampa
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milano, 20054 Segrate, Milano, Italy
| | - Laura Mauri
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milano, 20054 Segrate, Milano, Italy
| | - Emma Veronica Carsana
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milano, 20054 Segrate, Milano, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Loberto
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milano, 20054 Segrate, Milano, Italy
| | - Massimo Aureli
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milano, 20054 Segrate, Milano, Italy
| | - Luigi Mari
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Monica Civera
- Department of Chemistry, University of Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Sandro Sonnino
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milano, 20054 Segrate, Milano, Italy.
| | - Tim Bartels
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, UK
| | - Elena Chiricozzi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milano, 20054 Segrate, Milano, Italy.
| | - Giulia Lunghi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milano, 20054 Segrate, Milano, Italy
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12
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Brembati V, Faustini G, Longhena F, Outeiro TF, Bellucci A. Changes in α-Synuclein Posttranslational Modifications in an AAV-Based Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13435. [PMID: 37686236 PMCID: PMC10488235 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) pathology is characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons of the nigrostriatal system and accumulation of Lewy bodies (LB) and Lewy neurites (LN), inclusions mainly composed of alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) fibrils. Studies linking the occurrence of mutations and multiplications of the α-Syn gene (SNCA) to the onset of PD support that α-Syn deposition may play a causal role in the disease, in line with the hypothesis that disease progression may correlate with the spreading of LB pathology in the brain. Interestingly, LB accumulate posttranslationally modified forms of α-Syn, suggesting that α-Syn posttranslational modifications impinge on α-Syn aggregation and/or toxicity. Here, we aimed at investigating changes in α-Syn phosphorylation, nitration and acetylation in mice subjected to nigral stereotaxic injections of adeno-associated viral vectors inducing overexpression of human α-Syn (AAV-hα-Syn), that model genetic PD with SNCA multiplications. We detected a mild increase of serine (Ser) 129 phosphorylated α-Syn in the substantia nigra (SN) of AAV-hα-Syn-injected mice in spite of the previously described marked accumulation of this PTM in the striatum. Following AAV-hα-Syn injection, tyrosine (Tyr) 125/136 nitrated α-Syn accumulation in the absence of general 3-nitrotirosine (3NT) or nitrated-Tyr39 α-Syn changes and augmented protein acetylation abundantly overlapping with α-Syn immunopositivity were also detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Brembati
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy (F.L.)
| | - Gaia Faustini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy (F.L.)
| | - Francesca Longhena
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy (F.L.)
| | - Tiago Fleming Outeiro
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Goettingen, 37073 Goettingen, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, 37075 Goettingen, Germany
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Arianna Bellucci
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy (F.L.)
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13
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Guzman UH, Aksnes H, Ree R, Krogh N, Jakobsson ME, Jensen LJ, Arnesen T, Olsen JV. Loss of N-terminal acetyltransferase A activity induces thermally unstable ribosomal proteins and increases their turnover in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4517. [PMID: 37500638 PMCID: PMC10374663 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40224-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein N-terminal (Nt) acetylation is one of the most abundant modifications in eukaryotes, covering ~50-80 % of the proteome, depending on species. Cells with defective Nt-acetylation display a wide array of phenotypes such as impaired growth, mating defects and increased stress sensitivity. However, the pleiotropic nature of these effects has hampered our understanding of the functional impact of protein Nt-acetylation. The main enzyme responsible for Nt-acetylation throughout the eukaryotic kingdom is the N-terminal acetyltransferase NatA. Here we employ a multi-dimensional proteomics approach to analyze Saccharomyces cerevisiae lacking NatA activity, which causes global proteome remodeling. Pulsed-SILAC experiments reveals that NatA-deficient strains consistently increase degradation of ribosomal proteins compared to wild type. Explaining this phenomenon, thermal proteome profiling uncovers decreased thermostability of ribosomes in NatA-knockouts. Our data are in agreement with a role for Nt-acetylation in promoting stability for parts of the proteome by enhancing the avidity of protein-protein interactions and folding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulises H Guzman
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Proteomics Program, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Rasmus Ree
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Nicolai Krogh
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Magnus E Jakobsson
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Proteomics Program, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Immunotechnology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Lars J Jensen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Proteomics Program, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas Arnesen
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
- Department of Biosciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
- Department of Surgery, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Jesper V Olsen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Proteomics Program, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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14
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Guo Z. Ganglioside GM1 and the Central Nervous System. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119558. [PMID: 37298512 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
GM1 is one of the major glycosphingolipids (GSLs) on the cell surface in the central nervous system (CNS). Its expression level, distribution pattern, and lipid composition are dependent upon cell and tissue type, developmental stage, and disease state, which suggests a potentially broad spectrum of functions of GM1 in various neurological and neuropathological processes. The major focus of this review is the roles that GM1 plays in the development and activities of brains, such as cell differentiation, neuritogenesis, neuroregeneration, signal transducing, memory, and cognition, as well as the molecular basis and mechanisms for these functions. Overall, GM1 is protective for the CNS. Additionally, this review has also examined the relationships between GM1 and neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, GM1 gangliosidosis, Huntington's disease, epilepsy and seizure, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, depression, alcohol dependence, etc., and the functional roles and therapeutic applications of GM1 in these disorders. Finally, current obstacles that hinder more in-depth investigations and understanding of GM1 and the future directions in this field are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongwu Guo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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15
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Brembati V, Faustini G, Longhena F, Bellucci A. Alpha synuclein post translational modifications: potential targets for Parkinson's disease therapy? Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1197853. [PMID: 37305556 PMCID: PMC10248004 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1197853] [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: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder with motor symptoms. The neuropathological alterations characterizing the brain of patients with PD include the loss of dopaminergic neurons of the nigrostriatal system and the presence of Lewy bodies (LB), intraneuronal inclusions that are mainly composed of alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) fibrils. The accumulation of α-Syn in insoluble aggregates is a main neuropathological feature in PD and in other neurodegenerative diseases, including LB dementia (LBD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA), which are therefore defined as synucleinopathies. Compelling evidence supports that α-Syn post translational modifications (PTMs) such as phosphorylation, nitration, acetylation, O-GlcNAcylation, glycation, SUMOylation, ubiquitination and C-terminal cleavage, play important roles in the modulation α-Syn aggregation, solubility, turnover and membrane binding. In particular, PTMs can impact on α-Syn conformational state, thus supporting that their modulation can in turn affect α-Syn aggregation and its ability to seed further soluble α-Syn fibrillation. This review focuses on the importance of α-Syn PTMs in PD pathophysiology but also aims at highlighting their general relevance as possible biomarkers and, more importantly, as innovative therapeutic targets for synucleinopathies. In addition, we call attention to the multiple challenges that we still need to face to enable the development of novel therapeutic approaches modulating α-Syn PTMs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Arianna Bellucci
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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16
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Schneider JS. GM1 Ganglioside as a Disease-Modifying Therapeutic for Parkinson's Disease: A Multi-Functional Glycosphingolipid That Targets Multiple Parkinson's Disease-Relevant Pathogenic Mechanisms. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9183. [PMID: 37298133 PMCID: PMC10252733 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119183] [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: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting millions of patients worldwide. Many therapeutics are available for treating PD symptoms but there is no disease-modifying therapeutic that has been unequivocally shown to slow or stop the progression of the disease. There are several factors contributing to the failure of many putative disease-modifying agents in clinical trials and these include the choice of patients and clinical trial designs for disease modification trials. Perhaps more important, however, is the choice of therapeutic, which for the most part, has not taken into account the multiple and complex pathogenic mechanisms and processes involved in PD. This paper discusses some of the factors contributing to the lack of success in PD disease-modification trials, which have mostly investigated therapeutics with a singular mechanism of action directed at one of the many PD pathogenic processes, and suggests that an alternative strategy for success may be to employ multi-functional therapeutics that target multiple PD-relevant pathogenic mechanisms. Evidence is presented that the multi-functional glycosphingolipid GM1 ganglioside may be just such a therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay S Schneider
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
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17
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Tanaka M, Takarada T, Nadanaka S, Kojima R, Hosoi K, Machiba Y, Kitagawa H, Yamada T. Influences of amino-terminal modifications on amyloid fibril formation of human serum amyloid A. Arch Biochem Biophys 2023; 742:109615. [PMID: 37105512 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2023.109615] [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: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Human serum amyloid A (SAA) is a precursor protein involved in AA amyloidosis. The N-terminal region of the SAA molecule is crucial for amyloid fibril formation, and therefore modifications in this region are considered to influence the pathogenesis of AA amyloidosis. In the present study, using the N-terminal peptide corresponding to the putative first helix region of the SAA molecule, we investigated the influences of N-terminal modifications on amyloid fibril formation. Spectroscopic analyses revealed that carbamoylation of the N-terminal amino group delayed the onset of amyloid fibril formation. From transmission electron microscopic observations, the N-terminal carbamoylated aggregate showed remarkably different morphologies from the unmodified control. In contrast, acetylation of the N-terminal amino group or truncation of N-terminal amino acid(s) considerably diminished amyloidogenic properties. Furthermore, we also tested the cell toxicity of each peptide aggregate on cultured cells by two cytotoxic assays. Irrespective of carbamoylation or acetylation, MTT assay revealed that SAA peptides reduced the reductive activity of MTT on cells, whereas no apparent increase in LDH release was observed during an LDH assay. In contrast, N-terminal truncation did not affect either MTT reduction or LDH release. These results suggest that N-terminal modification of SAA molecules can act as a switch to regulate susceptibility to AA amyloidosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masafumi Tanaka
- Laboratory of Functional Molecular Chemistry, Kobe Pharmaceutical University, Kobe, 658-8558, Japan.
| | - Toru Takarada
- Laboratory of Functional Molecular Chemistry, Kobe Pharmaceutical University, Kobe, 658-8558, Japan
| | - Satomi Nadanaka
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Kobe Pharmaceutical University, Kobe, 658-8558, Japan
| | - Risa Kojima
- Laboratory of Functional Molecular Chemistry, Kobe Pharmaceutical University, Kobe, 658-8558, Japan
| | - Kimiko Hosoi
- Laboratory of Functional Molecular Chemistry, Kobe Pharmaceutical University, Kobe, 658-8558, Japan
| | - Yuki Machiba
- Laboratory of Functional Molecular Chemistry, Kobe Pharmaceutical University, Kobe, 658-8558, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kitagawa
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Kobe Pharmaceutical University, Kobe, 658-8558, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Yamada
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, 329-0498, Japan
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18
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Zamel J, Chen J, Zaer S, Harris PD, Drori P, Lebendiker M, Kalisman N, Dokholyan NV, Lerner E. Structural and dynamic insights into α-synuclein dimer conformations. Structure 2023; 31:411-423.e6. [PMID: 36809765 PMCID: PMC10081966 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2023.01.011] [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: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson disease is associated with the aggregation of the protein α-synuclein. While α-synuclein can exist in multiple oligomeric states, the dimer has been a subject of extensive debates. Here, using an array of biophysical approaches, we demonstrate that α-synuclein in vitro exhibits primarily a monomer-dimer equilibrium in nanomolar concentrations and up to a few micromolars. We then use spatial information from hetero-isotopic cross-linking mass spectrometry experiments as restrains in discrete molecular dynamics simulations to obtain the ensemble structure of dimeric species. Out of eight structural sub-populations of dimers, we identify one that is compact, stable, abundant, and exhibits partially exposed β-sheet structures. This compact dimer is the only one where the hydroxyls of tyrosine 39 are in proximity that may promote dityrosine covalent linkage upon hydroxyl radicalization, which is implicated in α-synuclein amyloid fibrils. We propose that this α-synuclein dimer features etiological relevance to Parkinson disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Zamel
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Faculty of Mathematics & Science, The Edmond J. Safra Campus, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Jiaxing Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Sofia Zaer
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Faculty of Mathematics & Science, The Edmond J. Safra Campus, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Paul David Harris
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Faculty of Mathematics & Science, The Edmond J. Safra Campus, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Paz Drori
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Faculty of Mathematics & Science, The Edmond J. Safra Campus, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Mario Lebendiker
- Wolfson Centre for Applied Structural Biology, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, Jerusalem, 9190401, Israel
| | - Nir Kalisman
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Faculty of Mathematics & Science, The Edmond J. Safra Campus, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Nikolay V Dokholyan
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; Departments of Chemistry and Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
| | - Eitan Lerner
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Faculty of Mathematics & Science, The Edmond J. Safra Campus, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel; The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel.
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19
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Eastwood TA, Baker K, Streather BR, Allen N, Wang L, Botchway SW, Brown IR, Hiscock JR, Lennon C, Mulvihill DP. High-yield vesicle-packaged recombinant protein production from E. coli. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2023; 3:100396. [PMID: 36936078 PMCID: PMC10014274 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2023.100396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
We describe an innovative system that exports diverse recombinant proteins in membrane-bound vesicles from E. coli. These recombinant vesicles compartmentalize proteins within a micro-environment that enables production of otherwise challenging insoluble, toxic, or disulfide-bond containing proteins from bacteria. The release of vesicle-packaged proteins supports isolation from the culture and allows long-term storage of active protein. This technology results in high yields of vesicle-packaged, functional proteins for efficient downstream processing for a wide range of applications from discovery science to applied biotechnology and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara A. Eastwood
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NJ, UK
| | - Karen Baker
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NJ, UK
| | - Bree R. Streather
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NJ, UK
| | - Nyasha Allen
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NJ, UK
- School of Chemistry and Forensics, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NJ, UK
| | - Lin Wang
- Central Laser Facility, Research Complex at Harwell, Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell, Didcot, Oxford OX11 0QX, UK
| | - Stanley W. Botchway
- Central Laser Facility, Research Complex at Harwell, Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell, Didcot, Oxford OX11 0QX, UK
| | - Ian R. Brown
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NJ, UK
| | - Jennifer R. Hiscock
- School of Chemistry and Forensics, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NJ, UK
| | - Christopher Lennon
- Fujifilm-Diosynth Biotechnologies UK, Ltd., Belasis Avenue, Billingham TS23 1LH, UK
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20
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Bell R, Castellana-Cruz M, Nene A, Thrush RJ, Xu CK, Kumita JR, Vendruscolo M. Effects of N-terminal Acetylation on the Aggregation of Disease-related α-synuclein Variants. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:167825. [PMID: 36099961 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in the SNCA gene, which encodes the protein α-synuclein, have been linked with early onset Parkinson's disease. The exact nature of this association, however, is still poorly understood. To investigate this problem, we started from the observation that α-synuclein is constitutively N-terminally acetylated, a post-translational modification that alters the charge and structure of α-synuclein molecules and affects their interaction with lipid membranes, as well as their aggregation process. We thus studied five N-terminal acetylated familial variants (A30P, E46K, H50Q, G51D and A53T) of α-synuclein through a wide range of biophysical assays to probe the microscopic steps in their aggregation process and the structures of the resulting aggregates. Our results reveal a great complexity in the combined effects of the disease-related mutations with N-terminal acetylation on the aggregation of α-synuclein, which underscores the great sensitivity to even relatively small perturbations of the behaviour of this protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosie Bell
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Marta Castellana-Cruz
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Aishwarya Nene
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Rebecca J Thrush
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Catherine K Xu
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Janet R Kumita
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1PD, UK.
| | - Michele Vendruscolo
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK.
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21
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Chowdhury S, Wu G, Lu ZH, Kumar R, Ledeen R. Age-Related Decline in Gangliosides GM1 and GD1a in Non-CNS Tissues of Normal Mice: Implications for Peripheral Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11010209. [PMID: 36672717 PMCID: PMC9855670 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11010209] [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: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine whether the age-related decline in a-series gangliosides (especially GM1), shown to be a factor in the brain-related etiology of Parkinson's disease (PD), also pertains to the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and aspects of PD unrelated to the central nervous system (CNS). Following Svennerholm's demonstration of the age-dependent decline in a-series gangliosides (both GM1 and GD1a) in the human brain, we previously demonstrated a similar decline in the normal mouse brain. The present study seeks to determine whether a similar a-series decline occurs in the periphery of normal mice as a possible prelude to the non-CNS symptoms of PD. We used mice of increasing age to measure a-series gangliosides in three peripheral tissues closely associated with PD pathology. Employing high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC), we found a substantial decrease in both GM1 and GD1a in all three tissues from 191 days of age. Motor and cognitive dysfunction were also shown to worsen, as expected, in synchrony with the decrease in GM1. Based on the previously demonstrated parallel between mice and humans concerning age-related a-series ganglioside decline in the brain, we propose the present findings to suggest a similar a-series decline in human peripheral tissues as the primary contributor to non-CNS pathologies of PD. An onset of sporadic PD would thus be seen as occurring simultaneously throughout the brain and body, albeit at varying rates, in association with the decline in a-series gangliosides. This would obviate the need to postulate the transfer of aggregated α-synuclein between brain and body or to debate brain vs. body as the origin of PD.
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22
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Itokazu Y, Fuchigami T, Yu RK. Functional Impairment of the Nervous System with Glycolipid Deficiencies. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 29:419-448. [PMID: 36255683 PMCID: PMC9793801 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-12390-0_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Patients with nervous system disorders suffer from impaired cognitive, sensory and motor functions that greatly inconvenience their daily life and usually burdens their family and society. It is difficult to achieve functional recovery for the damaged central nervous system (CNS) because of its limited ability to regenerate. Glycosphingolipids (GSLs) are abundant in the CNS and are known to play essential roles in cell-cell recognition, adhesion, signal transduction, and cellular migration, that are crucial in all phases of neurogenesis. Despite intense investigation of CNS regeneration, the roles of GSLs in neural regeneration remain unclear. Here we focus on the respective potentials of glycolipids to promote regeneration and repair of the CNS. Mice lacking glucosylceramide, lactosylceramide or gangliosides show lethal phenotypes. More importantly, patients with ganglioside deficiencies exhibit severe clinical phenotypes. Further, neurodegenerative diseases and mental health disorders are associated with altered GSL expression. Accumulating studies demonstrate that GSLs not only delimit physical regions but also play central roles in the maintenance of the biological functions of neurons and glia. We anticipate that the ability of GSLs to modulate behavior of a variety of molecules will enable them to ameliorate biochemical and neurobiological defects in patients. The use of GSLs to treat such defects in the human CNS will be a paradigm-shift in approach since GSL-replacement therapy has not yet been achieved in this manner clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutaka Itokazu
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA.
| | - Takahiro Fuchigami
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Robert K Yu
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
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23
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Gangliosides in Neurodegenerative Diseases. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 29:391-418. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-12390-0_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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24
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Pancoe SX, Wang YJ, Shimogawa M, Perez RM, Giannakoulias S, Petersson EJ. Effects of Mutations and Post-Translational Modifications on α-Synuclein In Vitro Aggregation. J Mol Biol 2022; 434:167859. [PMID: 36270580 PMCID: PMC9922159 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Fibrillar aggregates of the α-synuclein (αS) protein are the hallmark of Parkinson's Disease and related neurodegenerative disorders. Characterization of the effects of mutations and post-translational modifications (PTMs) on the αS aggregation rate can provide insight into the mechanism of fibril formation, which remains elusive in spite of intense study. A comprehensive collection (375 examples) of mutant and PTM aggregation rate data measured using the fluorescent probe thioflavin T is presented, as well as a summary of the effects of fluorescent labeling on αS aggregation (20 examples). A curated set of 131 single mutant de novo aggregation experiments are normalized to wild type controls and analyzed in terms of structural data for the monomer and fibrillar forms of αS. These tabulated data serve as a resource to the community to help in interpretation of aggregation experiments and to potentially be used as inputs for computational models of aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha X Pancoe
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, 231 South 34th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Yanxin J Wang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, 231 South 34th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Marie Shimogawa
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, 231 South 34th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ryann M Perez
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, 231 South 34th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Sam Giannakoulias
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, 231 South 34th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - E James Petersson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, 231 South 34th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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25
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Gerez JA, Prymaczok NC, Kadavath H, Ghosh D, Bütikofer M, Fleischmann Y, Güntert P, Riek R. Protein structure determination in human cells by in-cell NMR and a reporter system to optimize protein delivery or transexpression. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1322. [PMID: 36460747 PMCID: PMC9718737 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04251-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Most experimental methods for structural biology proceed in vitro and therefore the contribution of the intracellular environment on protein structure and dynamics is absent. Studying proteins at atomic resolution in living mammalian cells has been elusive due to the lack of methodologies. In-cell nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (in-cell NMR) is an emerging technique with the power to do so. Here, we improved current methods of in-cell NMR by the development of a reporter system that allows monitoring the delivery of exogenous proteins into mammalian cells, a process that we called here "transexpression". The reporter system was used to develop an efficient protocol for in-cell NMR which enables spectral acquisition with higher quality for both disordered and folded proteins. With this method, the 3D atomic resolution structure of the model protein GB1 in human cells was determined with a backbone root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) of 1.1 Å.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan A Gerez
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, ETH Zürich, 8093, Zürich, Switzerland.
| | | | | | - Dhiman Ghosh
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, ETH Zürich, 8093, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Peter Güntert
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, ETH Zürich, 8093, Zürich, Switzerland
- Institute of Biophysical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Department of Chemistry, Tokyo Metropolitan University, 1-1 Minami-Osawa, Hachioji, 192-0397, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Roland Riek
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, ETH Zürich, 8093, Zürich, Switzerland.
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26
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Iyer A, Sidhu A, Subramaniam V. How important is the N-terminal acetylation of alpha-synuclein for its function and aggregation into amyloids? Front Neurosci 2022; 16:1003997. [PMID: 36466161 PMCID: PMC9709446 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1003997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
N-α-acetylation is a frequently occurring post-translational modification in eukaryotic proteins. It has manifold physiological consequences on the regulation and function of several proteins, with emerging studies suggesting that it is a global regulator of stress responses. For decades, in vitro biochemical investigations into the precise role of the intrinsically disordered protein alpha-synuclein (αS) in the etiology of Parkinson's disease (PD) were performed using non-acetylated αS. The N-terminus of α-synuclein is now unequivocally known to be acetylated in vivo, however, there are many aspects of this post-translational modifications that are not understood well. Is N-α-acetylation of αS a constitutive modification akin to most cellular proteins, or is it spatio-temporally regulated? Is N-α-acetylation of αS relevant to the as yet elusive function of αS? How does the N-α-acetylation of αS influence the aggregation of αS into amyloids? Here, we provide an overview of the current knowledge and discuss prevailing hypotheses on the impact of N-α-acetylation of αS on its conformational, oligomeric, and fibrillar states. The extent to which N-α-acetylation of αS is vital for its function, membrane binding, and aggregation into amyloids is also explored here. We further discuss the overall significance of N-α-acetylation of αS for its functional and pathogenic implications in Lewy body formation and synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditya Iyer
- Department of Biochemistry, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Arshdeep Sidhu
- Nitte University Centre for Science Education and Research, Nitte University (DU), Mangalore, India
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27
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Bell R, Thrush RJ, Castellana-Cruz M, Oeller M, Staats R, Nene A, Flagmeier P, Xu CK, Satapathy S, Galvagnion C, Wilson MR, Dobson CM, Kumita JR, Vendruscolo M. N-Terminal Acetylation of α-Synuclein Slows down Its Aggregation Process and Alters the Morphology of the Resulting Aggregates. Biochemistry 2022; 61:1743-1756. [PMID: 35944093 PMCID: PMC9454101 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.2c00104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is associated with the aberrant aggregation of α-synuclein. Although the causes of this process are still unclear, post-translational modifications of α-synuclein are likely to play a modulatory role. Since α-synuclein is constitutively N-terminally acetylated, we investigated how this post-translational modification alters the aggregation behavior of this protein. By applying a three-pronged aggregation kinetics approach, we observed that N-terminal acetylation results in a reduced rate of lipid-induced aggregation and slows down both elongation and fibril-catalyzed aggregate proliferation. An analysis of the amyloid fibrils produced by the aggregation process revealed different morphologies for the acetylated and non-acetylated forms in both lipid-induced aggregation and seed-induced aggregation assays. In addition, we found that fibrils formed by acetylated α-synuclein exhibit a lower β-sheet content. These findings indicate that N-terminal acetylation of α-synuclein alters its lipid-dependent aggregation behavior, reduces its rate of in vitro aggregation, and affects the structural properties of its fibrillar aggregates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosie Bell
- Centre for
Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
| | - Rebecca J. Thrush
- Centre for
Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
| | - Marta Castellana-Cruz
- Centre for
Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
| | - Marc Oeller
- Centre for
Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
| | - Roxine Staats
- Centre for
Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
| | - Aishwarya Nene
- Centre for
Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
| | - Patrick Flagmeier
- Centre for
Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
| | - Catherine K. Xu
- Centre for
Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
| | - Sandeep Satapathy
- Department
of Cell Biology, Blavantik Institute, Harvard
Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Celine Galvagnion
- Department
of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen DK-2100, Denmark
| | - Mark R. Wilson
- School
of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Molecular Horizons Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Christopher M. Dobson
- Centre for
Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
| | - Janet R. Kumita
- Department
of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1PD, U.K.
| | - Michele Vendruscolo
- Centre for
Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
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28
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Yoo H, Lee J, Kim B, Moon H, Jeong H, Lee K, Song WJ, Hur JK, Oh Y. Role of post-translational modifications on the alpha-synuclein aggregation-related pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease. BMB Rep 2022. [PMID: 35733294 PMCID: PMC9340086 DOI: 10.5483/bmbrep.2022.55.7.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Together with neuronal loss, the existence of insoluble inclusions of alpha-synuclein (α-syn) in the brain is widely accepted as a hallmark of synucleinopathies including Parkinson’s disease (PD), multiple system atrophy, and dementia with Lewy body. Because the α-syn aggregates are deeply involved in the pathogenesis, there have been many attempts to demonstrate the mechanism of the aggregation and its potential causative factors including post-translational modifications (PTMs). Although no concrete conclusions have been made based on the previous study results, growing evidence suggests that modifications such as phosphorylation and ubiquitination can alter α-syn characteristics to have certain effects on the aggregation process in PD; either facilitating or inhibiting fibrillization. In the present work, we reviewed studies showing the significant impacts of PTMs on α-syn aggregation. Furthermore, the PTMs modulating α-syn aggregation-induced cell death have been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajung Yoo
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
| | - Jeongmin Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
| | - Bokwang Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
| | - Heechang Moon
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
| | - Huisu Jeong
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
| | - Kyungmi Lee
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
| | - Woo Jeung Song
- Department of Medical Genetics, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
| | - Junho K. Hur
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
- Department of Medical Genetics, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
- Hanyang Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
| | - Yohan Oh
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
- Hanyang Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
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29
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Xu Y, Sun J, Yang L, Zhao S, Liu X, Su Y, Zhang J, Zhao M. Gangliosides play important roles in the nervous system by regulating ion concentrations. Neurochem Res 2022; 47:1791-1798. [PMID: 35426597 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-022-03576-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Gangliosides are important components of the neuronal cell membrane and play a vital role in the development of neurons and the brain. They participate in neurotransmission and are considered as the structural basis of learning and memory. Gangliosides participate in several and important physiological processes, such as cell differentiation, cell signaling, neuroprotection, nerve regeneration and apoptosis. The stability of ion concentration in excitable cells is particularly important in the maintenance of a steady state of cells and in the regulation of physiological functions. Ion concentration has been found to be related to the ganglioside's regulation in many neurological diseases, and several studies have found that they can stabilize intracellular ion concentration by regulating ion channels, which highlights their important regulatory role in neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission. Gangliosides can influence some forms of ion transport, by directly binding to ion transporters or through indirect binding and activation of transport proteins via appropriate signaling pathways. Therefore, the important and special role of gangliosides in the homeostasis of ion concentration is becoming a hot topic in the field and a theoretical basis in promoting help gangliosides use as key drugs for the treatment of nervous system diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijia Xu
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutical Science, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 110016, Shenyang, Liaoning, PR China
| | - Jianfang Sun
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutical Science, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 110016, Shenyang, Liaoning, PR China
| | - Liying Yang
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutical Science, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 110016, Shenyang, Liaoning, PR China
| | - Shangfeng Zhao
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutical Science, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 110016, Shenyang, Liaoning, PR China
| | - Xin Liu
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutical Science, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 110016, Shenyang, Liaoning, PR China
| | - Yang Su
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 110004, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Jinghai Zhang
- School of Medical Devices, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 110016, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Mingyi Zhao
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutical Science, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 110016, Shenyang, Liaoning, PR China.
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30
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Lin Y, Ito D, Yoo JM, Lim MH, Yu W, Kawata Y, Lee YH. Dual Effects of Presynaptic Membrane Mimetics on α-Synuclein Amyloid Aggregation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:707417. [PMID: 35747692 PMCID: PMC9209734 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.707417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Aggregation of intrinsically disordered α-synuclein (αSN) under various conditions is closely related to synucleinopathies. Although various biological membranes have shown to alter the structure and aggregation propensity of αSN, a thorough understanding of the molecular and mechanical mechanism of amyloidogenesis in membranes remains unanswered. Herein, we examined the structural changes, binding properties, and amyloidogenicity of three variations of αSN mutants under two types of liposomes, 1,2-Dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-Phosphocholine (DOPC) and presynaptic vesicle mimetic (Mimic) membranes. While neutrally charged DOPC membranes elicited marginal changes in the structure and amyloid fibrillation of αSNs, negatively charged Mimic membranes induced dramatic helical folding and biphasic amyloid generation. At low concentration of Mimic membranes, the amyloid fibrillation of αSNs was promoted in a dose-dependent manner. However, further increases in the concentration constrained the fibrillation process. These results suggest the dual effect of Mimic membranes on regulating the amyloidogenesis of αSN, which is rationalized by the amyloidogenic structure of αSN and condensation-dilution of local αSN concentration. Finally, we propose physicochemical properties of αSN and membrane surfaces, and their propensity to drive electrostatic interactions as decisive factors of amyloidogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxi Lin
- Research Center for Bioconvergence Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute, Ochang, South Korea
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- *Correspondence: Yuxi Lin, ; Young-Ho Lee,
| | - Dai Ito
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Je Min Yoo
- Biographene, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Mi Hee Lim
- Department of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Wookyung Yu
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu, South Korea
- Core Protein Resources Center, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Yasushi Kawata
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan
| | - Young-Ho Lee
- Research Center for Bioconvergence Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute, Ochang, South Korea
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Bio-Analytical Science, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
- Graduate School of Analytical Science and Technology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
- Research Headquarters, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu, South Korea
- *Correspondence: Yuxi Lin, ; Young-Ho Lee,
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31
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Extracellular alpha-synuclein: Sensors, receptors, and responses. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 168:105696. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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32
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Gangliosides and the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Long Italian Tradition. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020363. [PMID: 35203570 PMCID: PMC8962287 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Gangliosides are glycosphingolipids which are particularly abundant in the plasma membrane of mammalian neurons. The knowledge of their presence in the human brain dates back to the end of 19th century, but their structure was determined much later, in the middle of the 1950s. From this time, neurochemical studies suggested that gangliosides, and particularly GM1 ganglioside, display neurotrophic and neuroprotective properties. The involvement of GM1 in modulating neuronal processes has been studied in detail by in vitro experiments, and the results indicated its direct role in modulating the activity of neurotrophin-dependent receptor signaling, the flux of calcium through the plasma membrane, and stabilizing the correct conformation of proteins, such as α-synuclein. Following, in vivo experiments supported the use of ganglioside drugs for the therapy of peripheral neuropathies, obtaining very positive results. However, the clinical use of gangliosides for the treatment of central neurodegeneration has not been followed due to the poor penetrability of these lipids at the central level. This, together with an ambiguous association (later denied) between ganglioside administration and Guillain-Barrè syndrome, led to the suspension of ganglioside drugs. In this critical review, we report on the evolution of research on gangliosides, on the current knowledge on the role played by gangliosides in regulating the biology of neurons, on the past and present use of ganglioside-based drugs used for therapy of peripheral neuropathies or used in human trials for central neurodegenerations, and on the therapeutic potential represented by the oligosaccharide chain of GM1 ganglioside for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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33
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Ledeen R, Chowdhury S, Lu ZH, Chakraborty M, Wu G. Systemic deficiency of GM1 ganglioside in Parkinson's disease tissues and its relation to the disease etiology. Glycoconj J 2022; 39:75-82. [PMID: 34973149 PMCID: PMC8979856 DOI: 10.1007/s10719-021-10025-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Following our initial reports on subnormal levels of GM1 in the substantia nigra and occipital cortex of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients, we have examined additional tissues from such patients and found these are also deficient in the ganglioside. These include innervated tissues intimately involved in PD pathology such as colon, heart and others, somewhat less intimately involved, such as skin and fibroblasts. Finally, we have analyzed GM1 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, a type of tissue apparently with no direct innervation, and found those too to be deficient in GM1. Those patients were all afflicted with the sporadic form of PD (sPD), and we therefore conclude that systemic deficiency of GM1 is a characteristic of this major type of PD. Age is one factor in GM1 decline but is not sufficient; additional GM1 suppressive factors are involved in producing sPD. We discuss these and why GM1 replacement offers promise as a disease-altering therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Ledeen
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA.
| | - Suman Chowdhury
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Zi-Hua Lu
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Monami Chakraborty
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Gusheng Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
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34
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Baker K, Geeves MA, Mulvihill DP. Acetylation stabilises calmodulin-regulated calcium signalling. FEBS Lett 2022; 596:762-771. [PMID: 35100446 PMCID: PMC9303947 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Calmodulin is a conserved calcium signalling protein that regulates a wide range of cellular functions. Amino‐terminal acetylation is a ubiquitous post‐translational modification that affects the majority of human proteins, to stabilise structure, as well as regulate function and proteolytic degradation. Here, we present data on the impact of amino‐terminal acetylation upon structure and calcium signalling function of fission yeast calmodulin. We show that NatA‐dependent acetylation stabilises the helical structure of the Schizosaccharomyces pombe calmodulin, impacting its ability to associate with myosin at endocytic foci. We go on to show that this conserved modification impacts both the calcium‐binding capacity of yeast and human calmodulins. These findings have significant implications for research undertaken into this highly conserved essential protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Baker
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NJ, UK
| | - Michael A Geeves
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NJ, UK
| | - Daniel P Mulvihill
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NJ, UK
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35
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Novel insights on GM1 and Parkinson's disease: A critical review. Glycoconj J 2022; 39:27-38. [PMID: 35064857 PMCID: PMC8979868 DOI: 10.1007/s10719-021-10019-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
GM1 is a crucial component of neuronal membrane residing both in the soma and nerve terminals. As reported in Parkinson’s disease patients, the reduction of GM1 determines the failure of fundamental functional processes leading to cumulative cell distress up to neuron death. This review reports on the role of GM1 in the pathogenesis of the disease, illustrating the current data available but also hypotheses on the additional mechanisms in which GM1 could be involved and which require further study. In the manuscript we discuss these points trying to explain the role of diminished content of brain GM1, particularly in the nigro-striatal system, in Parkinson’s disease etiology and progression.
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36
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Chowdhury S, Ledeen R. The Key Role of GM1 Ganglioside in Parkinson’s Disease. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12020173. [PMID: 35204675 PMCID: PMC8961665 DOI: 10.3390/biom12020173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
We have endeavored in this review to summarize our findings, which point to a systemic deficiency of ganglioside GM1 in Parkinson’s disease (PD) tissues. These include neuronal tissues well known to be involved in PD, such as substantia nigra of the brain and those of the peripheral nervous system, such as the colon and heart. Moreover, we included skin and fibroblasts in the study as well as peripheral blood mononuclear cells; these are tissues not directly involved in neuronal signaling. We show similar findings for ganglioside GD1a, which is the metabolic precursor to GM1. We discuss the likely causes of these GM1 deficiencies and the resultant biochemical mechanisms underlying loss of neuronal viability and normal functioning. Strong support for this hypothesis is provided by a mouse PD model involving partial GM1 deficiency based on mono-allelic disruption of the B4galnt1 gene. We point out that progressive loss of GM1/GD1a occurs in the periphery as well as the brain, thus obviating the need to speculate PD symptom transfer between these tissues. Finally, we discuss how these findings point to a potential disease-altering therapy for PD:GM1 replacement, as is strongly implicated in animal studies and clinical trials.
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37
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Glycoconjugate journal special issue on: the glycobiology of Parkinson's disease. Glycoconj J 2021; 39:55-74. [PMID: 34757539 DOI: 10.1007/s10719-021-10024-w] [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: 06/26/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects over 10 million aging people worldwide. This condition is characterized by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the pars compacta region of the substantia nigra (SNpc) and by aggregation of proteins, commonly α-synuclein (SNCA). The formation of Lewy bodies that encapsulate aggregated proteins in lipid vesicles is a hallmark of PD. Glycosylation of proteins and neuroinflammation are involved in the pathogenesis. SNCA has many posttranslational modifications and interacts with components of membranes that affect aggregation. The large membrane lipid dolichol accumulates in the brain upon age and has a significant effect on membrane structure. The replacement of dopamine and dopaminergic neurons are at the forefront of therapeutic development. This review examines the role of membrane lipids, glycolipids, glycoproteins and dopamine in the aggregation of SNCA and development of PD. We discuss the SNCA-dopamine-neuromelanin-dolichol axis and the role of membranes in neuronal stem cells that could be a regenerative therapy for PD patients.
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38
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Serratos IN, Hernández-Pérez E, Campos C, Aschner M, Santamaría A. An Update on the Critical Role of α-Synuclein in Parkinson's Disease and Other Synucleinopathies: from Tissue to Cellular and Molecular Levels. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 59:620-642. [PMID: 34750787 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02596-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The aggregation of alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) plays a critical role in the development of Parkinson's disease (PD) and other synucleinopathies. α-Syn, which is encoded by the SNCA gene, is a lysine-rich soluble amphipathic protein normally expressed in neurons. Located in the cytosolic domain, this protein has the ability to remodel itself in plasma membranes, where it assumes an alpha-helix conformation. However, the protein can also adopt another conformation rich in cross-beta sheets, undergoing mutations and post-translational modifications, then leading the protein to an unusual aggregation in the form of Lewy bodies (LB), which are cytoplasmic inclusions constituted predominantly by α-Syn. Pathogenic mechanisms affecting the structural and functional stability of α-Syn - such as endoplasmic reticulum stress, Golgi complex fragmentation, disfunctional protein degradation systems, aberrant interactions with mitochondrial membranes and nuclear DNA, altered cytoskeleton dynamics, disrupted neuronal plasmatic membrane, dysfunctional vesicular transport, and formation of extracellular toxic aggregates - contribute all to the pathogenic progression of PD and synucleinopathies. In this review, we describe the collective knowledge on this topic and provide an update on the critical role of α-Syn aggregates, both at the cellular and molecular levels, in the deregulation of organelles affecting the cellular homeostasis and leading to neuronal cell death in PD and other synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris N Serratos
- Departamento de Química, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, 09340, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Elizabeth Hernández-Pérez
- Departamento de Ciencias de La Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, 09340, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Carolina Campos
- Departamento de Ciencias de La Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, 09340, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Abel Santamaría
- Laboratorio de Aminoácidos Excitadores/Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología Molecular y Nanotecnología, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, SSA, 14269, Mexico City, Mexico.
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39
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N-alpha-acetylation of Huntingtin protein increases its propensity to aggregate. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:101363. [PMID: 34732320 PMCID: PMC8640455 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington’s disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by a poly-CAG expansion in the first exon of the HTT gene, resulting in an extended poly-glutamine tract in the N-terminal domain of the Huntingtin (Htt) protein product. Proteolytic fragments of the poly-glutamine–containing N-terminal domain form intranuclear aggregates that are correlated with HD. Post-translational modification of Htt has been shown to alter its function and aggregation properties. However, the effect of N-terminal Htt acetylation has not yet been considered. Here, we developed a bacterial system to produce unmodified or N-terminally acetylated and aggregation-inducible Htt protein. We used this system together with biochemical, biophysical, and imaging studies to confirm that the Htt N-terminus is an in vitro substrate for the NatA N-terminal acetyltransferase and show that N-terminal acetylation promotes aggregation. These studies represent the first link between N-terminal acetylation and the promotion of a neurodegenerative disease and implicates NatA-mediated Htt acetylation as a new potential therapeutic target in HD.
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Alselehdar SK, Chakraborty M, Chowdhury S, Alcalay RN, Surface M, Ledeen R. Subnormal GM1 in PBMCs: Promise for Early Diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11522. [PMID: 34768952 PMCID: PMC8583888 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The fact that Parkinson's disease (PD) pathologies are well advanced in most PD patients by the time of clinical elucidation attests to the importance of early diagnosis. Our attempt to achieve this has capitalized on our previous finding that GM1 ganglioside is expressed at subnormal levels in virtually all tissues of sporadic PD (sPD) patients including blood cells. GM1 is present in most vertebrate cells, is especially abundant in neurons where it was shown essential for their effective functioning and long term viability. We have utilized peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) which, despite their low GM1, we found to be significantly lower in sPD patients compared to age-matched healthy controls. To quantify GM1 (and GD1a) we used high performance thin-layer chromatography combined with cholera toxin B linked to horseradish peroxidase, followed by densitometric quantification. GM1 was also deficient in PBMCs from PD patients with mutations in the glucocerebrosidase gene (PD-GBA), apparently even lower than in sPD. Reasons are given why we believe these results obtained with patients manifesting fully developed PD will apply as well to PD patients in preclinical stages-a topic for future study. We also suggest that these findings point to a potential disease altering therapy for PD once the early diagnosis is established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar K. Alselehdar
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of NJ, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (S.K.A.); (M.C.); (S.C.)
| | - Monami Chakraborty
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of NJ, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (S.K.A.); (M.C.); (S.C.)
| | - Suman Chowdhury
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of NJ, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (S.K.A.); (M.C.); (S.C.)
| | - Roy N. Alcalay
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; (R.N.A.); (M.S.)
| | - Matthew Surface
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; (R.N.A.); (M.S.)
| | - Robert Ledeen
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of NJ, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (S.K.A.); (M.C.); (S.C.)
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41
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Teng X, Sheveleva A, Tuna F, Willison KR, Ying L. Acetylation Rather than H50Q Mutation Impacts the Kinetics of Cu(II) Binding to α-Synuclein. Chemphyschem 2021; 22:2413-2419. [PMID: 34617653 PMCID: PMC9293329 DOI: 10.1002/cphc.202100651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Revised: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The interaction between α‐synuclein (αSyn) and Cu2+ has been suggested to be closely linked to brain copper homeostasis. Disruption of copper levels could induce misfolding and aggregation of αSyn, and thus contribute to the progression of Parkinson's disease (PD). Understanding the molecular mechanism of αSyn‐Cu2+ interaction is important and controversies in Cu2+ coordination geometry with αSyn still exists. Herein, we find that the pathological H50Q mutation has no impact on the kinetics of Cu2+ binding to the high‐affinity site of wild type αSyn (WT‐αSyn), indicating the non‐involvement of His50 in high‐affinity Cu2+ binding to WT‐αSyn. In contrast, the physiological N‐terminally acetylated αSyn (NAc‐αSyn) displays several orders of magnitude weaker Cu2+ binding affinity than WT‐αSyn. Cu2+ coordination mode to NAc‐αSyn has also been proposed based on EPR spectrum. In addition, we find that Cu2+ coordinated WT‐αSyn is reduction‐active in the presence of GSH, but essentially inactive towards ascorbate. Our work provides new insights into αSyn‐Cu2+ interaction, which may help understand the multifaceted normal functions of αSyn as well as pathological consequences of αSyn aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyu Teng
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, White City Campus, London, W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Alena Sheveleva
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Floriana Tuna
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Keith R Willison
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, White City Campus, London, W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Liming Ying
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, White City Campus, London, W12 0BZ, UK
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42
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Itokazu Y, Fuchigami T, Morgan JC, Yu RK. Intranasal infusion of GD3 and GM1 gangliosides downregulates alpha-synuclein and controls tyrosine hydroxylase gene in a PD model mouse. Mol Ther 2021; 29:3059-3071. [PMID: 34111562 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by Lewy bodies (composed predominantly of alpha-synuclein [aSyn]) and loss of pigmented midbrain dopaminergic neurons comprising the nigrostriatal pathway. Most PD patients show significant deficiency of gangliosides, including GM1, in the brain, and GM1 ganglioside appears to keep dopaminergic neurons functioning properly. Thus, supplementation of GM1 could potentially provide some rescuing effects. In this study, we demonstrate that intranasal infusion of GD3 and GM1 gangliosides reduces intracellular aSyn levels. GM1 also significantly enhances expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in the substantia nigra pars compacta of the A53T aSyn overexpressing mouse, following restored nuclear expression of nuclear receptor related 1 (Nurr1, also known as NR4A2), an essential transcription factor for differentiation, maturation, and maintenance of midbrain dopaminergic neurons. GM1 induces epigenetic activation of the TH gene, including augmentation of acetylated histones and recruitment of Nurr1 to the TH promoter region. Our data indicate that intranasal administration of gangliosides could reduce neurotoxic proteins and restore functional neurons via modulating chromatin status by nuclear gangliosides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutaka Itokazu
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA.
| | - Takahiro Fuchigami
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - John C Morgan
- Movement Disorders Program, Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence, Department of Neurology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Robert K Yu
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA.
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43
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Bisi N, Feni L, Peqini K, Pérez-Peña H, Ongeri S, Pieraccini S, Pellegrino S. α-Synuclein: An All-Inclusive Trip Around its Structure, Influencing Factors and Applied Techniques. Front Chem 2021; 9:666585. [PMID: 34307295 PMCID: PMC8292672 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.666585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Alpha-synuclein (αSyn) is a highly expressed and conserved protein, typically found in the presynaptic terminals of neurons. The misfolding and aggregation of αSyn into amyloid fibrils is a pathogenic hallmark of several neurodegenerative diseases called synucleinopathies, such as Parkinson’s disease. Since αSyn is an Intrinsically Disordered Protein, the characterization of its structure remains very challenging. Moreover, the mechanisms by which the structural conversion of monomeric αSyn into oligomers and finally into fibrils takes place is still far to be completely understood. Over the years, various studies have provided insights into the possible pathways that αSyn could follow to misfold and acquire oligomeric and fibrillar forms. In addition, it has been observed that αSyn structure can be influenced by different parameters, such as mutations in its sequence, the biological environment (e.g., lipids, endogenous small molecules and proteins), the interaction with exogenous compounds (e.g., drugs, diet components, heavy metals). Herein, we review the structural features of αSyn (wild-type and disease-mutated) that have been elucidated up to present by both experimental and computational techniques in different environmental and biological conditions. We believe that this gathering of current knowledge will further facilitate studies on αSyn, helping the planning of future experiments on the interactions of this protein with targeting molecules especially taking into consideration the environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolò Bisi
- BioCIS, CNRS, Université Paris Saclay, Châtenay-Malabry Cedex, France
| | - Lucia Feni
- DISFARM-Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Sezione Chimica Generale e Organica "A. Marchesini", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Kaliroi Peqini
- DISFARM-Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Sezione Chimica Generale e Organica "A. Marchesini", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Helena Pérez-Peña
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Sandrine Ongeri
- BioCIS, CNRS, Université Paris Saclay, Châtenay-Malabry Cedex, France
| | | | - Sara Pellegrino
- DISFARM-Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Sezione Chimica Generale e Organica "A. Marchesini", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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Schneider JS. A critical role for GM1 ganglioside in the pathophysiology and potential treatment of Parkinson's disease. Glycoconj J 2021; 39:13-26. [PMID: 34037912 DOI: 10.1007/s10719-021-10002-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is slowly progressing neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions of patients worldwide. While effective symptomatic therapies for PD exist, there is no currently available disease modifying agent to slow or stop the progression of the disease. Many years of research from various laboratories around the world have provided evidence in favor of the potential ability of GM1 ganglioside to be a disease modifying agent for PD. In this paper, information supporting the use of GM1 as a disease modifying therapeutic for PD is reviewed along with information concerning the role that deficiencies in GM1 ganglioside (and potentially other important brain gangliosides) may play in the pathogenesis of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Schneider
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, JAH 521, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA.
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Mavroeidi P, Xilouri M. Neurons and Glia Interplay in α-Synucleinopathies. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:4994. [PMID: 34066733 PMCID: PMC8125822 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulation of the neuronal presynaptic protein alpha-synuclein within proteinaceous inclusions represents the key histophathological hallmark of a spectrum of neurodegenerative disorders, referred to by the umbrella term a-synucleinopathies. Even though alpha-synuclein is expressed predominantly in neurons, pathological aggregates of the protein are also found in the glial cells of the brain. In Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies, alpha-synuclein accumulates mainly in neurons forming the Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites, whereas in multiple system atrophy, the protein aggregates mostly in the glial cytoplasmic inclusions within oligodendrocytes. In addition, astrogliosis and microgliosis are found in the synucleinopathy brains, whereas both astrocytes and microglia internalize alpha-synuclein and contribute to the spread of pathology. The mechanisms underlying the pathological accumulation of alpha-synuclein in glial cells that under physiological conditions express low to non-detectable levels of the protein are an area of intense research. Undoubtedly, the presence of aggregated alpha-synuclein can disrupt glial function in general and can contribute to neurodegeneration through numerous pathways. Herein, we summarize the current knowledge on the role of alpha-synuclein in both neurons and glia, highlighting the contribution of the neuron-glia connectome in the disease initiation and progression, which may represent potential therapeutic target for a-synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Xilouri
- Center of Clinical Research, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
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46
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Turning the spotlight on the oligosaccharide chain of GM1 ganglioside. Glycoconj J 2021; 38:101-117. [PMID: 33620588 PMCID: PMC7917043 DOI: 10.1007/s10719-021-09974-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
It is well over a century that glycosphingolipids are matter of interest in different fields of research. The hydrophilic oligosaccharide and the lipid moiety, the ceramide, both or separately have been considered in different moments as the crucial portion of the molecule, responsible for the role played by the glycosphingolipids associated to the plasma-membranes or to any other subcellular fraction. Glycosphingolipids are a family of compounds characterized by thousands of structures differing in both the oligosaccharide and the ceramide moieties, but among them, the nervous system monosialylated glycosphingolipid GM1, belonging to the group of gangliosides, has gained particular attention by a multitude of Scientists. In recent years, a series of studies have been conducted on the functional roles played by the hydrophilic part of GM1, its oligosaccharide, that we have named “OligoGM1”. These studies allowed to shed new light on the mechanisms underlying the properties of GM1 defining the role of the OligoGM1 in determining precise interactions with membrane proteins instrumental for the neuronal functions, leaving to the ceramide the role of correctly positioning the GM1 in the membrane crucial for the oligosaccharide-protein interactions. In this review we aim to report the recent studies on the cascade of events modulated by OligoGM1, as the bioactive portion of GM1, to support neuronal differentiation and trophism together with preclinical studies on its potential to modify the progression of Parkinson’s disease.
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N α-terminal acetylation of proteins by NatA and NatB serves distinct physiological roles in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Cell Rep 2021; 34:108711. [PMID: 33535049 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.108711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
N-terminal (Nt) acetylation is a highly prevalent co-translational protein modification in eukaryotes, catalyzed by at least five Nt acetyltransferases (Nats) with differing specificities. Nt acetylation has been implicated in protein quality control, but its broad biological significance remains elusive. We investigate the roles of the two major Nats of S. cerevisiae, NatA and NatB, by performing transcriptome, translatome, and proteome profiling of natAΔ and natBΔ mutants. Our results reveal a range of NatA- and NatB-specific phenotypes. NatA is implicated in systemic adaptation control, because natAΔ mutants display altered expression of transposons, sub-telomeric genes, pheromone response genes, and nuclear genes encoding mitochondrial ribosomal proteins. NatB predominantly affects protein folding, because natBΔ mutants, to a greater extent than natA mutants, accumulate protein aggregates, induce stress responses, and display reduced fitness in the absence of the ribosome-associated chaperone Ssb. These phenotypic differences indicate that controlling Nat activities may serve to elicit distinct cellular responses.
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48
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Mohapatra A, Chaudhary N. N-terminal acetylation does not alter α-synuclein's interfacial properties. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 174:69-76. [PMID: 33497695 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.01.147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Alpha-synuclein (αS) is a membrane-binding protein found predominantly in neurons and erythrocytes. The protein remains unordered in aqueous solutions but folds into an α-helical structure when bound to membranes. Besides, it gets deposited as β-sheet rich aggregates in diseases known as synucleinopathies. The native αS has been reported to be acetylated at the N-terminus. Here, we compare the interfacial properties of the N-terminal acetylated αS (Ac-αS) with non-acetylated αS (NH2-αS) at the air-water interface. Both the protein forms are highly surface-active, with surface pressure reaching up to ~30 mN/m upon compression. The pressure-area isotherms obtained from the repeated compression-expansion cycles display large hysteresis suggesting self-assembly at higher surface pressures. The expansion isotherm is characterized by a rapid decrease in surface pressure followed by a slower transition phase starting around 15-17 mN/m. These data suggest that the compressed monolayer breaks into small clusters upon expansion, followed by these clusters' loosening. The circular dichroism spectroscopic analysis of the Blodgett-deposited films suggests the protein to be in largely α-helical conformation. The linear dichroism investigations suggest the protein to be anisotropically deposited. Blodgett deposition of the Langmuir films, therefore, is a rather simple method for preparing oriented monolayers of surface-active macromolecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anshuman Mohapatra
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781 039, India
| | - Nitin Chaudhary
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781 039, India.
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49
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Reverse engineering Lewy bodies: how far have we come and how far can we go? Nat Rev Neurosci 2021; 22:111-131. [PMID: 33432241 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-020-00416-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Lewy bodies (LBs) are α-synuclein (α-syn)-rich intracellular inclusions that are an important pathological hallmark of Parkinson disease and several other neurodegenerative diseases. Increasing evidence suggests that the aggregation of α-syn has a central role in LB formation and is one of the key processes that drive neurodegeneration and pathology progression in Parkinson disease. However, little is known about the mechanisms underlying the formation of LBs, their biochemical composition and ultrastructural properties, how they evolve and spread with disease progression, and their role in neurodegeneration. In this Review, we discuss current knowledge of α-syn pathology, including the biochemical, structural and morphological features of LBs observed in different brain regions. We also review the most used cellular and animal models of α-syn aggregation and pathology spreading in relation to the extent to which they reproduce key features of authentic LBs. Finally, we provide important insights into molecular and cellular determinants of LB formation and spreading, and highlight the critical need for more detailed and systematic characterization of α-syn pathology, at both the biochemical and structural levels. This would advance our understanding of Parkinson disease and other neurodegenerative diseases and allow the development of more-reliable disease models and novel effective therapeutic strategies.
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50
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Bozelli JC, Kamski-Hennekam E, Melacini G, Epand RM. α-Synuclein and neuronal membranes: Conformational flexibilities in health and disease. Chem Phys Lipids 2021; 235:105034. [PMID: 33434528 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphyslip.2020.105034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease. Currently, PD has no treatment. The neuronal protein α-synuclein (αS) plays an important role in PD. However, the molecular mechanisms governing its physiological and pathological roles are not fully understood. It is becoming widely acknowledged that the biological roles of αS involve interactions with biological membranes. In these biological processes there is a fine-tuned interplay between lipids affecting the properties of αS and αS affecting lipid metabolism, αS binding to membranes, and membrane damage. In this review, the intricate interactions between αS and membranes will be reviewed and a discussion of the relationship between αS and neuronal membrane structural plasticity in health and disease will be made. It is proposed that in healthy neurons the conformational flexibilities of αS and the neuronal membranes are coupled to assist the physiological roles of αS. However, in circumstances where their conformational flexibilities are decreased or uncoupled, there is a shift toward cell toxicity. Strategies to modulate toxic αS-membrane interactions are potential approaches for the development of new therapies for PD. Future work using specific αS molecular species as well as membranes with specific physicochemical properties should widen our understanding of the intricate biological roles of αS which, in turn, would propel the development of new strategies for the treatment of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Carlos Bozelli
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Evelyn Kamski-Hennekam
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4M1, Canada
| | - Giuseppe Melacini
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4M1, Canada.
| | - Richard M Epand
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada.
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