1
|
Lenzi P, Lazzeri G, Ferrucci M, Scotto M, Frati A, Puglisi-Allegra S, Busceti CL, Fornai F. Is There a Place for Lewy Bodies before and beyond Alpha-Synuclein Accumulation? Provocative Issues in Need of Solid Explanations. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3929. [PMID: 38612739 PMCID: PMC11011529 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
In the last two decades, alpha-synuclein (alpha-syn) assumed a prominent role as a major component and seeding structure of Lewy bodies (LBs). This concept is driving ongoing research on the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease (PD). In line with this, alpha-syn is considered to be the guilty protein in the disease process, and it may be targeted through precision medicine to modify disease progression. Therefore, designing specific tools to block the aggregation and spreading of alpha-syn represents a major effort in the development of disease-modifying therapies in PD. The present article analyzes concrete evidence about the significance of alpha-syn within LBs. In this effort, some dogmas are challenged. This concerns the question of whether alpha-syn is more abundant compared with other proteins within LBs. Again, the occurrence of alpha-syn compared with non-protein constituents is scrutinized. Finally, the prominent role of alpha-syn in seeding LBs as the guilty structure causing PD is questioned. These revisited concepts may be helpful in the process of validating which proteins, organelles, and pathways are likely to be involved in the damage to meso-striatal dopamine neurons and other brain regions involved in PD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paola Lenzi
- Human Anatomy, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (P.L.); (G.L.); (M.F.); (M.S.)
| | - Gloria Lazzeri
- Human Anatomy, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (P.L.); (G.L.); (M.F.); (M.S.)
| | - Michela Ferrucci
- Human Anatomy, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (P.L.); (G.L.); (M.F.); (M.S.)
| | - Marco Scotto
- Human Anatomy, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (P.L.); (G.L.); (M.F.); (M.S.)
| | - Alessandro Frati
- IRCCS—Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Neuromed, 86077 Pozzili, Italy or (A.F.); (S.P.-A.); (C.L.B.)
- Neurosurgery Division, Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University, 00135 Roma, Italy
| | - Stefano Puglisi-Allegra
- IRCCS—Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Neuromed, 86077 Pozzili, Italy or (A.F.); (S.P.-A.); (C.L.B.)
| | - Carla Letizia Busceti
- IRCCS—Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Neuromed, 86077 Pozzili, Italy or (A.F.); (S.P.-A.); (C.L.B.)
| | - Francesco Fornai
- Human Anatomy, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (P.L.); (G.L.); (M.F.); (M.S.)
- IRCCS—Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Neuromed, 86077 Pozzili, Italy or (A.F.); (S.P.-A.); (C.L.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Qasem B, Dąbrowska A, Króliczewski J, Łyczko J, Marycz K. Trodusquemine (MSI-1436) Restores Metabolic Flexibility and Mitochondrial Dynamics in Insulin-Resistant Equine Hepatic Progenitor Cells (HPCs). Cells 2024; 13:152. [PMID: 38247843 PMCID: PMC10814577 DOI: 10.3390/cells13020152] [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: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) is a significant global health concern in veterinary medicine. There is increasing interest in utilizing molecular agents to modulate hepatocyte function for potential clinical applications. Recent studies have shown promising results in inhibiting protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP1B) to maintain cell function in various models. In this study, we investigated the effects of the inhibitor Trodusquemine (MSI-1436) on equine hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) under lipotoxic conditions. We examined proliferative activity, glucose uptake, and mitochondrial morphogenesis. Our study found that MSI-1436 promotes HPC entry into the cell cycle and protects them from palmitate-induced apoptosis by regulating mitochondrial dynamics and biogenesis. MSI-1436 also increases glucose uptake and protects HPCs from palmitate-induced stress by reorganizing the cells' morphological architecture. Furthermore, our findings suggest that MSI-1436 enhances 2-NBDG uptake by increasing the expression of SIRT1, which is associated with liver insulin sensitivity. It also promotes mitochondrial dynamics by modulating mitochondria quantity and morphotype as well as increasing the expression of PINK1, MFN1, and MFN2. Our study provides evidence that MSI-1436 has a positive impact on equine hepatic progenitor cells, indicating its potential therapeutic value in treating EMS and insulin dysregulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Badr Qasem
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology and Animal Science, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Norwida 27B, 50-375 Wrocław, Poland; (B.Q.); (A.D.); (J.K.)
| | - Agnieszka Dąbrowska
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology and Animal Science, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Norwida 27B, 50-375 Wrocław, Poland; (B.Q.); (A.D.); (J.K.)
| | - Jarosław Króliczewski
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology and Animal Science, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Norwida 27B, 50-375 Wrocław, Poland; (B.Q.); (A.D.); (J.K.)
| | - Jacek Łyczko
- Department of Food Chemistry and Biocatalysis, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 50-375 Wrocław, Poland;
| | - Krzysztof Marycz
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology and Animal Science, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Norwida 27B, 50-375 Wrocław, Poland; (B.Q.); (A.D.); (J.K.)
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95516, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mohamed W. Leveraging genetic diversity to understand monogenic Parkinson's disease's landscape in AfrAbia. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASE 2023; 12:108-122. [PMID: 37736165 PMCID: PMC10509492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease may be caused by a single highly deleterious and penetrant pathogenic variant in 5-10% of cases (monogenic). Research into these mutational disorders yields important pathophysiological insights. This article examines the phenotype, genotype, pathophysiology, and geographic and ethnic distribution of genetic forms of disease. Well established Parkinson's disease (PD) causal variants can follow an autosomal dominant (SNCA, LRRK2, and VPS35) and autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance (PRKN, PINK1, and DJ). Parkinson's disease is a worldwide condition, yet the AfrAbia population is understudied in this regard. No prevalence or incidence investigations have been conducted yet. Few studies on genetic risk factors for PD in AfrAbia communities have been reported which supported the notion that the prevalence and incidence rates of PD in AfrAbia are generally lower than those reported for European and North American populations. There have been only a handful of documented genetic studies of PD in AfrAbia and very limited cohort and case-control research studies on PD have been documented. In this article, we provide a summary of prior conducted research on monogenic PD in Africa and highlight data gaps and promising new research directions. We emphasize that monogenic Parkinson's disease is influenced by distinctions in ethnicity and geography, thereby reinforcing the need for global initiatives to aggregate large numbers of patients and identify novel candidate genes. The current article increases our knowledge of the genetics of Parkinson's disease (PD) and helps to further our knowledge on the genetic factors that contribute to PD, such as the lower penetrance and varying clinical expressivity of known genetic variants, particularly in AfrAbian PD patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wael Mohamed
- Basic Medical Science Department, Kulliyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Protasoni M, Taanman JW. Remodelling of the Mitochondrial Bioenergetic Pathways in Human Cultured Fibroblasts with Carbohydrates. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1002. [PMID: 37508431 PMCID: PMC10376623 DOI: 10.3390/biology12071002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation defects underlie many neurological and neuromuscular diseases. Patients' primary dermal fibroblasts are one of the most commonly used in vitro models to study mitochondrial pathologies. However, fibroblasts tend to rely more on glycolysis than oxidative phosphorylation for their energy when cultivated in standard high-glucose medium, rendering it difficult to expose mitochondrial dysfunctions. This study aimed to systematically investigate to which extent the use of galactose- or fructose-based medium switches the fibroblasts' energy metabolism to a more oxidative state. Highly proliferative cells depend more on glycolysis than less proliferative cells. Therefore, we investigated two primary dermal fibroblast cultures from healthy subjects: a highly proliferative neonatal culture and a slower-growing adult culture. Cells were cultured with 25 mM glucose, galactose or fructose, and 4 mM glutamine as carbon sources. Compared to glucose, both galactose and fructose reduce the cellular proliferation rate, but the galactose-induced drop in proliferation is much more profound than the one observed in cells cultivated in fructose. Both galactose and fructose result in a modest increase in mitochondrial content, including mitochondrial DNA, and a disproportionate increase in protein levels, assembly, and activity of the oxidative phosphorylation enzyme complexes. Galactose- and fructose-based media induce a switch of the prevalent biochemical pathway in cultured fibroblasts, enhancing aerobic metabolism when compared to glucose-based medium. While both galactose and fructose stimulate oxidative phosphorylation to a comparable degree, galactose decreases the cellular proliferation rate more than fructose, suggesting that a fructose-based medium is a better choice when studying partial oxidative phosphorylation defects in patients' fibroblasts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Protasoni
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Royal Free Campus (M12), Rowland Hill Street, London NW3 2PF, UK
| | - Jan-Willem Taanman
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Royal Free Campus (M12), Rowland Hill Street, London NW3 2PF, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gómez-Tortosa E, Baradaran-Heravi Y, Dillen L, Choudhury NR, Agüero Rabes P, Pérez-Pérez J, Kocoglu C, Sainz MJ, Ruiz González A, Téllez R, Cremades-Jimeno L, Cárdaba B, Van Broeckhoven C, Michlewski G, van der Zee J. TRIM25 mutation (p.C168*), coding for an E3 ubiquitin ligase, is a cause of early-onset autosomal dominant dementia with amyloid load and parkinsonism. Alzheimers Dement 2022. [PMID: 36576960 DOI: 10.1002/alz.12913] [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: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patients with familial early-onset dementia (EOD) pose a unique opportunity for gene identification studies. METHODS We present the phenotype and whole-exome sequencing (WES) study of an autosomal dominant EOD family. Candidate genes were examined in a set of dementia cases and controls (n = 3712). Western blotting was conducted of the wild-type and mutant protein of the final candidate. RESULTS Age at disease onset was 60 years (range 56 to 63). The phenotype comprised mixed amnestic and behavioral features, and parkinsonism. Cerebrospinal fluid and plasma biomarkers, and a positron emission tomography amyloid study suggested Alzheimer's disease. WES and the segregation pattern pointed to a nonsense mutation in the TRIM25 gene (p.C168*), coding for an E3 ubiquitin ligase, which was absent in the cohorts studied. Protein studies supported a loss-of-function mechanism. DISCUSSION This study supports a new physiopathological mechanism for brain amyloidosis. Furthermore, it extends the role of E3 ubiquitin ligases dysfunction in the development of neurodegenerative diseases. HIGHLIGHTS A TRIM25 nonsense mutation (p.C168*) is associated with autosomal dominant early-onset dementia and parkinsonism with biomarkers suggestive of Alzheimer's disease. TRIM25 protein studies support that the mutation exerts its effect through loss of function. TRIM25, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, is known for its role in the innate immune response but this is the first report of association with neurodegeneration. The role of TRIM25 dysfunction in development of amyloidosis and neurodegeneration merits a new line of research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Yalda Baradaran-Heravi
- Neurodegenerative Brain Diseases, VIB Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Lubina Dillen
- Neurodegenerative Brain Diseases, VIB Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Nila Roy Choudhury
- Infection Medicine, University of Edinburgh, The Chancellor's Building, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | | | - Cemile Kocoglu
- Neurodegenerative Brain Diseases, VIB Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - M José Sainz
- Department of Neurology, Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Raquel Téllez
- Department of Immunology, Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Blanca Cárdaba
- Department of Immunology, Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| | -
- Department of Neurology, Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Christine Van Broeckhoven
- Neurodegenerative Brain Diseases, VIB Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Gracjan Michlewski
- Infection Medicine, University of Edinburgh, The Chancellor's Building, Edinburgh, UK.,Dioscuri Centre for RNA-Protein Interactions in Human Health and Disease, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Julie van der Zee
- Neurodegenerative Brain Diseases, VIB Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sen T, Thummer RP. CRISPR and iPSCs: Recent Developments and Future Perspectives in Neurodegenerative Disease Modelling, Research, and Therapeutics. Neurotox Res 2022; 40:1597-1623. [PMID: 36044181 PMCID: PMC9428373 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-022-00564-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are prominent causes of pain, suffering, and death worldwide. Traditional approaches modelling neurodegenerative diseases are deficient, and therefore, improved strategies that effectively recapitulate the pathophysiological conditions of neurodegenerative diseases are the need of the hour. The generation of human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) has transformed our ability to model neurodegenerative diseases in vitro and provide an unlimited source of cells (including desired neuronal cell types) for cell replacement therapy. Recently, CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing has also been gaining popularity because of the flexibility they provide to generate and ablate disease phenotypes. In addition, the recent advancements in CRISPR/Cas9 technology enables researchers to seamlessly target and introduce precise modifications in the genomic DNA of different human cell lines, including iPSCs. CRISPR-iPSC-based disease modelling, therefore, allows scientists to recapitulate the pathological aspects of most neurodegenerative processes and investigate the role of pathological gene variants in healthy non-patient cell lines. This review outlines how iPSCs, CRISPR/Cas9, and CRISPR-iPSC-based approaches accelerate research on neurodegenerative diseases and take us closer to a cure for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and so forth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tirthankar Sen
- Laboratory for Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati - 781039, Assam, India
| | - Rajkumar P Thummer
- Laboratory for Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati - 781039, Assam, India.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
CRISPR-Cas9-Based Technology and Its Relevance to Gene Editing in Parkinson's Disease. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14061252. [PMID: 35745824 PMCID: PMC9229276 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14061252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) and other chronic and debilitating neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) impose a substantial medical, emotional, and financial burden on individuals and society. The origin of PD is unknown due to a complex combination of hereditary and environmental risk factors. However, over the last several decades, a significant amount of available data from clinical and experimental studies has implicated neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, dysregulated protein degradation, and mitochondrial dysfunction as the primary causes of PD neurodegeneration. The new gene-editing techniques hold great promise for research and therapy of NDs, such as PD, for which there are currently no effective disease-modifying treatments. As a result, gene therapy may offer new treatment options, transforming our ability to treat this disease. We present a detailed overview of novel gene-editing delivery vehicles, which is essential for their successful implementation in both cutting-edge research and prospective therapeutics. Moreover, we review the most recent advancements in CRISPR-based applications and gene therapies for a better understanding of treating PD. We explore the benefits and drawbacks of using them for a range of gene-editing applications in the brain, emphasizing some fascinating possibilities.
Collapse
|
8
|
Monogenic Parkinson’s Disease: Genotype, Phenotype, Pathophysiology, and Genetic Testing. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13030471. [PMID: 35328025 PMCID: PMC8950888 DOI: 10.3390/genes13030471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease may be caused by a single pathogenic variant (monogenic) in 5–10% of cases, but investigation of these disorders provides valuable pathophysiological insights. In this review, we discuss each genetic form with a focus on genotype, phenotype, pathophysiology, and the geographic and ethnic distribution. Well-established Parkinson’s disease genes include autosomal dominant forms (SNCA, LRRK2, and VPS35) and autosomal recessive forms (PRKN, PINK1 and DJ1). Furthermore, mutations in the GBA gene are a key risk factor for Parkinson’s disease, and there have been major developments for X-linked dystonia parkinsonism. Moreover, atypical or complex parkinsonism may be due to mutations in genes such as ATP13A2, DCTN1, DNAJC6, FBXO7, PLA2G6, and SYNJ1. Furthermore, numerous genes have recently been implicated in Parkinson’s disease, such as CHCHD2, LRP10, TMEM230, UQCRC1, and VPS13C. Additionally, we discuss the role of heterozygous mutations in autosomal recessive genes, the effect of having mutations in two Parkinson’s disease genes, the outcome of deep brain stimulation, and the role of genetic testing. We highlight that monogenic Parkinson’s disease is influenced by ethnicity and geographical differences, reinforcing the need for global efforts to pool large numbers of patients and identify novel candidate genes.
Collapse
|