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García-García E, Carreras-Caballé M, Coll-Manzano A, Ramón-Lainez A, Besa-Selva G, Pérez-Navarro E, Malagelada C, Alberch J, Masana M, Rodríguez MJ. Preserved VPS13A distribution and expression in Huntington's disease: divergent mechanisms of action for similar movement disorders? Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1394478. [PMID: 38903599 PMCID: PMC11188336 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1394478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
VPS13A disease and Huntington's disease (HD) are two basal ganglia disorders that may be difficult to distinguish clinically because they have similar symptoms, neuropathological features, and cellular dysfunctions with selective degeneration of the medium spiny neurons of the striatum. However, their etiology is different. VPS13A disease is caused by a mutation in the VPS13A gene leading to a lack of protein in the cells, while HD is due to an expansion of CAG repeat in the huntingtin (Htt) gene, leading to aberrant accumulation of mutant Htt. Considering the similarities of both diseases regarding the selective degeneration of striatal medium spiny neurons, the involvement of VPS13A in the molecular mechanisms of HD pathophysiology cannot be discarded. We analyzed the VPS13A distribution in the striatum, cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum of a transgenic mouse model of HD. We also quantified the VPS13A levels in the human cortex and putamen nucleus; and compared data on mutant Htt-induced changes in VPS13A expression from differential expression datasets. We found that VPS13A brain distribution or expression was unaltered in most situations with a decrease in the putamen of HD patients and small mRNA changes in the striatum and cerebellum of HD mice. We concluded that the selective susceptibility of the striatum in VPS13A disease and HD may be a consequence of disturbances in different cellular processes with convergent molecular mechanisms already to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther García-García
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Carreras-Caballé
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Albert Coll-Manzano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alba Ramón-Lainez
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gisela Besa-Selva
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Esther Pérez-Navarro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Malagelada
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Alberch
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
- Production and Validation Center of Advanced Therapies (Creatio), Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mercè Masana
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manuel J. Rodríguez
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
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2
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Alkahtani S, Alkahtane AA, Alarifi S. Physiological and Pathogenesis Significance of Chorein in Health and Disease. Physiol Res 2024; 73:189-203. [PMID: 38710051 PMCID: PMC11081191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
This comprehensive review explores the physiological and pathophysiological significance of VPS13A, a protein encoded by the VPS13A gene. The VPS13A gene is associated with Chorea-acanthocytosis (ChAc), a rare hereditary neurodegenerative disorder. The review covers essential aspects, beginning with the genetics of VPS13A, highlighting its role in the pathogenesis of ChAc, and addressing the spectrum of genetic variants involved. It delves into the structure and function of the VPS13A protein, emphasizing its presence in various tissues and its potential involvement in protein trafficking and lipid homeostasis. Molecular functions of VPS13A in the brain tissue and other cell types or tissues with respect to their role in cytoskeletal regulation and autophagy are explored. Finally, it explores the intriguing link between VPS13A mutations, lipid imbalances, and neurodegeneration, shedding light on future research directions. Overall, this review serves as a comprehensive resource for understanding the pivotal role of VPS13A in health and disease, particularly in the context of ChAc. Key words: Chorein , Tumor, Actin, Microfilament, Gene expression, Chorea-acanthocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Alkahtani
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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García-García E, Ramón-Lainez A, Conde-Berriozabal S, Del Toro D, Escaramis G, Giralt A, Masana M, Alberch J, Rodríguez MJ. VPS13A knockdown impairs corticostriatal synaptic plasticity and locomotor behavior in a new mouse model of chorea-acanthocytosis. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 187:106292. [PMID: 37714309 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106292] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Chorea-acanthocytosis (ChAc) is an inherited neurodegenerative movement disorder caused by VPS13A gene mutations leading to the absence of protein expression. The striatum is the most affected brain region in ChAc patients. However, the study of the VPS13A function in the brain has been poorly addressed. Here we generated a VPS13A knockdown (KD) model and aimed to elucidate the contribution of VPS13A to synaptic plasticity and neuronal communication in the corticostriatal circuit. First, we infected primary cortical neurons with miR30-shRNA against VPS13A and analyzed its effects on neuronal plasticity. VPS13A-KD neurons showed a higher degree of branching than controls, accompanied by decreased BDNF and PSD-95 levels, indicative of synaptic alterations. We then injected AAV-KD bilaterally in the frontal cortex and two different regions of the striatum of mice and analyzed the effects of VPS13A-KD on animal behavior and synaptic plasticity. VPS13A-KD mice showed modification of the locomotor behavior pattern, with increased exploratory behavior and hyperlocomotion. Corticostriatal dysfunction in VPS13A-KD mice was evidenced by impaired striatal long-term depression (LTD) after stimulation of cortical afferents, which was partially recovered by BDNF administration. VPS13A-KD did not lead to neuronal loss in the cortex or the striatum but induced a decrease in the neuronal release of CX3CL1 and triggered a microglial reaction, especially in the striatum. Notably, CX3CL1 administration partially restored the impaired corticostriatal LTD in VPS13A-KD mice. Our results unveil the involvement of VPS13A in neuronal connectivity modifying BDNF and CX3CL1 release. Moreover, the involvement of VPS13A in synaptic plasticity and motor behavior provides key information to further understand not only ChAc pathophysiology but also other neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther García-García
- Dept Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, E-08036 Barcelona, Spain; August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), E-08036 Barcelona, Spain; Networked Biomedical Research Centre for Neurodegenerative Disorders (CIBERNED), E-08036 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Alba Ramón-Lainez
- Dept Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, E-08036 Barcelona, Spain; August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), E-08036 Barcelona, Spain; Networked Biomedical Research Centre for Neurodegenerative Disorders (CIBERNED), E-08036 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Sara Conde-Berriozabal
- Dept Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, E-08036 Barcelona, Spain; August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), E-08036 Barcelona, Spain; Networked Biomedical Research Centre for Neurodegenerative Disorders (CIBERNED), E-08036 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Daniel Del Toro
- Dept Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, E-08036 Barcelona, Spain; August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), E-08036 Barcelona, Spain; Networked Biomedical Research Centre for Neurodegenerative Disorders (CIBERNED), E-08036 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Georgia Escaramis
- Dept Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, E-08036 Barcelona, Spain; Biomedical Research Networking Center for Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Albert Giralt
- Dept Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, E-08036 Barcelona, Spain; August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), E-08036 Barcelona, Spain; Networked Biomedical Research Centre for Neurodegenerative Disorders (CIBERNED), E-08036 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Mercè Masana
- Dept Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, E-08036 Barcelona, Spain; August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), E-08036 Barcelona, Spain; Networked Biomedical Research Centre for Neurodegenerative Disorders (CIBERNED), E-08036 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Jordi Alberch
- Dept Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, E-08036 Barcelona, Spain; August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), E-08036 Barcelona, Spain; Networked Biomedical Research Centre for Neurodegenerative Disorders (CIBERNED), E-08036 Barcelona, Spain; Production and Validation Center of Advanced Therapies (Creatio), Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Barcelona, E-08036 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Manuel J Rodríguez
- Dept Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, E-08036 Barcelona, Spain; August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), E-08036 Barcelona, Spain; Networked Biomedical Research Centre for Neurodegenerative Disorders (CIBERNED), E-08036 Barcelona, Spain.
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iPSC-Derived Striatal Medium Spiny Neurons from Patients with Multiple System Atrophy Show Hypoexcitability and Elevated α-Synuclein Release. Cells 2023; 12:cells12020223. [PMID: 36672158 PMCID: PMC9856678 DOI: 10.3390/cells12020223] [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: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple system atrophy of the parkinsonian type (MSA-P) is a rare, fatal neurodegenerative disease with sporadic onset. It is still unknown if MSA-P is a primary oligodendropathy or caused by neuronal pathophysiology leading to severe, α-synuclein-associated neurodegeneration, mainly in the striatum. In this study, we generated and differentiated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from patients with the clinical diagnosis of probable MSA-P (n = 3) and from three matched healthy controls into GABAergic striatal medium spiny neurons (MSNs). We found a significantly elevated release and neuronal distribution for α-synuclein, as well as hypoexcitability in the MSNs derived from the MSA-P patients compared to the healthy controls. These data suggest that the striatal hypoexcitable neurons of MSA-P patients contribute to a pathological α-synuclein burden which is likely to spread to neighboring cells and projection targets, facilitating disease progression.
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Garcia Jareño P, Bartley OJM, Precious SV, Rosser AE, Lelos MJ. Challenges in progressing cell therapies to the clinic for Huntington's disease: A review of the progress made with pluripotent stem cell derived medium spiny neurons. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2022; 166:1-48. [PMID: 36424090 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2022.09.003] [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: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a hereditary, neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a triad of symptoms: motor, cognitive and psychiatric. HD is caused by a genetic mutation, expansion of the CAG repeat in the huntingtin gene, which results in loss of medium spiny neurons (MSNs) of the striatum. Cell replacement therapy (CRT) has emerged as a possible therapy for HD, aiming to replace those cells lost to the disease process and alleviate its symptoms. Initial pre-clinical studies used primary fetal striatal cells to provide proof-of-principal that CRT can bring about functional recovery on some behavioral tasks following transplantation into HD models. Alternative donor cell sources are required if CRT is to become a viable therapeutic option and human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) sources, which have undergone differentiation toward the MSNs lost to the disease process, have proved to be strong candidates. The focus of this chapter is to review work conducted on the functional assessment of animals following transplantation of hPSC-derived MSNs. We discuss different ways that graft function has been assessed, and the results that have been achieved to date. In addition, this chapter presents and discusses challenges that remain in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Oliver J M Bartley
- Brain Repair Group, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie V Precious
- Brain Repair Group, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Anne E Rosser
- Brain Repair Group, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom; Cardiff University Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff, United Kingdom; Brain Repair and Intracranial Neurotherapeutics (B.R.A.I.N.) Biomedical Research Unit, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Mariah J Lelos
- Brain Repair Group, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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Kaminska J, Soczewka P, Rzepnikowska W, Zoladek T. Yeast as a Model to Find New Drugs and Drug Targets for VPS13-Dependent Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23095106. [PMID: 35563497 PMCID: PMC9104724 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23095106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in human VPS13A-D genes result in rare neurological diseases, including chorea-acanthocytosis. The pathogenesis of these diseases is poorly understood, and no effective treatment is available. As VPS13 genes are evolutionarily conserved, the effects of the pathogenic mutations could be studied in model organisms, including yeast, where one VPS13 gene is present. In this review, we summarize advancements obtained using yeast. In recent studies, vps13Δ and vps13-I2749 yeast mutants, which are models of chorea-acanthocytosis, were used to screen for multicopy and chemical suppressors. Two of the suppressors, a fragment of the MYO3 and RCN2 genes, act by downregulating calcineurin activity. In addition, vps13Δ suppression was achieved by using calcineurin inhibitors. The other group of multicopy suppressors were genes: FET4, encoding iron transporter, and CTR1, CTR3 and CCC2, encoding copper transporters. Mechanisms of their suppression rely on causing an increase in the intracellular iron content. Moreover, among the identified chemical suppressors were copper ionophores, which require a functional iron uptake system for activity, and flavonoids, which bind iron. These findings point at areas for further investigation in a higher eukaryotic model of VPS13-related diseases and to new therapeutic targets: calcium signalling and copper and iron homeostasis. Furthermore, the identified drugs are interesting candidates for drug repurposing for these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Kaminska
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (J.K.); (P.S.)
| | - Piotr Soczewka
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (J.K.); (P.S.)
| | - Weronika Rzepnikowska
- Neuromuscular Unit, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Teresa Zoladek
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (J.K.); (P.S.)
- Correspondence:
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Do foetal transplant studies continue to be justified in Huntington's disease? Neuronal Signal 2021; 5:NS20210019. [PMID: 34956650 PMCID: PMC8674623 DOI: 10.1042/ns20210019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Early CNS transplantation studies used foetal derived cell products to provide a foundation of evidence for functional recovery in preclinical studies and early clinical trials. However, it was soon recognised that the practical limitations of foetal tissue make it unsuitable for widespread clinical use. Considerable effort has since been directed towards producing target cell phenotypes from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) instead, and there now exist several publications detailing the differentiation and characterisation of PSC-derived products relevant for transplantation in Huntington's disease (HD). In light of this progress, we ask if foetal tissue transplantation continues to be justified in HD research. We argue that (i) the extent to which accurately differentiated target cells can presently be produced from PSCs is still unclear, currently making them undesirable for studying wider CNS transplantation issues; (ii) foetal derived cells remain a valuable tool in preclinical research for advancing our understanding of which products produce functional striatal grafts and as a reference to further improve PSC-derived products; and (iii) until PSC-derived products are ready for human trials, it is important to continue using foetal cells to gather clinical evidence that transplantation is a viable option in HD and to use this opportunity to optimise practical parameters (such as trial design, clinical practices, and delivery strategies) to pave the way for future PSC-derived products.
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The Potential of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells to Treat and Model Alzheimer's Disease. Stem Cells Int 2021; 2021:5511630. [PMID: 34122554 PMCID: PMC8172295 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5511630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
An estimated 6.2 million Americans aged 65 or older are currently living with Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disease that disrupts an individual's ability to function independently through the degeneration of key regions in the brain, including but not limited to the hippocampus, the prefrontal cortex, and the motor cortex. The cause of this degeneration is not known, but research has found two proteins that undergo posttranslational modifications: tau, a protein concentrated in the axons of neurons, and amyloid precursor protein (APP), a protein concentrated near the synapse. Through mechanisms that have yet to be elucidated, the accumulation of these two proteins in their abnormal aggregate forms leads to the neurodegeneration that is characteristic of AD. Until the invention of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in 2006, the bulk of research was carried out using transgenic animal models that offered little promise in their ability to translate well from benchtop to bedside, creating a bottleneck in the development of therapeutics. However, with iPSC, patient-specific cell cultures can be utilized to create models based on human cells. These human cells have the potential to avoid issues in translatability that have plagued animal models by providing researchers with a model that closely resembles and mimics the neurons found in humans. By using human iPSC technology, researchers can create more accurate models of AD ex vivo while also focusing on regenerative medicine using iPSC in vivo. The following review focuses on the current uses of iPSC and how they have the potential to regenerate damaged neuronal tissue, in the hopes that these technologies can assist in getting through the bottleneck of AD therapeutic research.
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Staege S, Kutschenko A, Baumann H, Glaß H, Henkel L, Gschwendtberger T, Kalmbach N, Klietz M, Hermann A, Lohmann K, Seibler P, Wegner F. Reduced Expression of GABA A Receptor Alpha2 Subunit Is Associated With Disinhibition of DYT-THAP1 Dystonia Patient-Derived Striatal Medium Spiny Neurons. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:650586. [PMID: 34095114 PMCID: PMC8176025 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.650586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
DYT-THAP1 dystonia (formerly DYT6) is an adolescent-onset dystonia characterized by involuntary muscle contractions usually involving the upper body. It is caused by mutations in the gene THAP1 encoding for the transcription factor Thanatos-associated protein (THAP) domain containing apoptosis-associated protein 1 and inherited in an autosomal-dominant manner with reduced penetrance. Alterations in the development of striatal neuronal projections and synaptic function are known from transgenic mice models. To investigate pathogenetic mechanisms, human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived medium spiny neurons (MSNs) from two patients and one family member with reduced penetrance carrying a mutation in the gene THAP1 (c.474delA and c.38G > A) were functionally characterized in comparison to healthy controls. Calcium imaging and quantitative PCR analysis revealed significantly lower Ca2+ amplitudes upon GABA applications and a marked downregulation of the gene encoding the GABAA receptor alpha2 subunit in THAP1 MSNs indicating a decreased GABAergic transmission. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings showed a significantly lower frequency of miniature postsynaptic currents (mPSCs), whereas the frequency of spontaneous action potentials (APs) was elevated in THAP1 MSNs suggesting that decreased synaptic activity might have resulted in enhanced generation of APs. Our molecular and functional data indicate that a reduced expression of GABAA receptor alpha2 subunit could eventually lead to limited GABAergic synaptic transmission, neuronal disinhibition, and hyperexcitability of THAP1 MSNs. These data give pathophysiological insight and may contribute to the development of novel treatment strategies for DYT-THAP1 dystonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selma Staege
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hanover, Germany
| | - Anna Kutschenko
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Hauke Baumann
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Hannes Glaß
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section "Albrecht-Kossel", Department of Neurology, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Lisa Henkel
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hanover, Germany
| | - Thomas Gschwendtberger
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hanover, Germany
| | - Norman Kalmbach
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Martin Klietz
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Andreas Hermann
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section "Albrecht-Kossel", Department of Neurology, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases Rostock/Greifswald, Rostock, Germany
| | - Katja Lohmann
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Philip Seibler
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Florian Wegner
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hanover, Germany
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Targeting Lyn Kinase in Chorea-Acanthocytosis: A Translational Treatment Approach in a Rare Disease. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11050392. [PMID: 34068769 PMCID: PMC8150322 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11050392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Chorea-acanthocytosis (ChAc) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by mutations in the VPS13A gene. It is characterized by several neurological symptoms and the appearance of acanthocytes. Elevated tyrosine kinase Lyn activity has been recently identified as one of the key pathophysiological mechanisms in this disease, and therefore represents a promising drug target. Methods: We evaluated an individual off-label treatment with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor dasatinib (100 mg/d, 25.8–50.4 weeks) of three ChAc patients. Alongside thorough safety monitoring, we assessed motor and non-motor scales (e.g., MDS-UPDRS, UHDRS, quality of life) as well as routine and experimental laboratory parameters (e.g., serum neurofilament, Lyn kinase activity, actin cytoskeleton in red blood cells). Results: Dasatinib appeared to be reasonably safe. The clinical parameters remained stable without significant improvement or deterioration. Regain of deep tendon reflexes was observed in one patient. Creatine kinase, serum neurofilament levels, and acanthocyte count did not reveal consistent effects. However, a reduction of initially elevated Lyn kinase activity and accumulated autophagy markers, as well as a partial restoration of the actin cytoskeleton, was found in red blood cells. Conclusions: We report on the first treatment approach with disease-modifying intention in ChAc. The experimental parameters indicate target engagement in red blood cells, while clinical effects on the central nervous system could not be proven within a rather short treatment time. Limited knowledge on the natural history of ChAc and the lack of appropriate biomarkers remain major barriers for “clinical trial readiness”. We suggest a panel of outcome parameters for future clinical trials in ChAc.
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Peikert K, Federti E, Matte A, Constantin G, Pietronigro EC, Fabene PF, Defilippi P, Turco E, Del Gallo F, Pucci P, Amoresano A, Illiano A, Cozzolino F, Monti M, Garello F, Terreno E, Alper SL, Glaß H, Pelzl L, Akgün K, Ziemssen T, Ordemann R, Lang F, Brunati AM, Tibaldi E, Andolfo I, Iolascon A, Bertini G, Buffelli M, Zancanaro C, Lorenzetto E, Siciliano A, Bonifacio M, Danek A, Walker RH, Hermann A, De Franceschi L. Therapeutic targeting of Lyn kinase to treat chorea-acanthocytosis. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2021; 9:81. [PMID: 33941276 PMCID: PMC8091687 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-021-01181-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Chorea-Acanthocytosis (ChAc) is a devastating, little understood, and currently untreatable neurodegenerative disease caused by VPS13A mutations. Based on our recent demonstration that accumulation of activated Lyn tyrosine kinase is a key pathophysiological event in human ChAc cells, we took advantage of Vps13a−/− mice, which phenocopied human ChAc. Using proteomic approach, we found accumulation of active Lyn, γ-synuclein and phospho-tau proteins in Vps13a−/− basal ganglia secondary to impaired autophagy leading to neuroinflammation. Mice double knockout Vps13a−/− Lyn−/− showed normalization of red cell morphology and improvement of autophagy in basal ganglia. We then in vivo tested pharmacologic inhibitors of Lyn: dasatinib and nilotinib. Dasatinib failed to cross the mouse brain blood barrier (BBB), but the more specific Lyn kinase inhibitor nilotinib, crosses the BBB. Nilotinib ameliorates both Vps13a−/− hematological and neurological phenotypes, improving autophagy and preventing neuroinflammation. Our data support the proposal to repurpose nilotinib as new therapeutic option for ChAc patients.
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Kutschenko A, Staege S, Grütz K, Glaß H, Kalmbach N, Gschwendtberger T, Henkel LM, Heine J, Grünewald A, Hermann A, Seibler P, Wegner F. Functional and Molecular Properties of DYT-SGCE Myoclonus-Dystonia Patient-Derived Striatal Medium Spiny Neurons. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:3565. [PMID: 33808167 PMCID: PMC8037318 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Myoclonus-dystonia (DYT-SGCE, formerly DYT11) is characterized by alcohol-sensitive, myoclonic-like appearance of fast dystonic movements. It is caused by mutations in the SGCE gene encoding ε-sarcoglycan leading to a dysfunction of this transmembrane protein, alterations in the cerebello-thalamic pathway and impaired striatal plasticity. To elucidate underlying pathogenic mechanisms, we investigated induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived striatal medium spiny neurons (MSNs) from two myoclonus-dystonia patients carrying a heterozygous mutation in the SGCE gene (c.298T>G and c.304C>T with protein changes W100G and R102X) in comparison to two matched healthy control lines. Calcium imaging showed significantly elevated basal intracellular Ca2+ content and lower frequency of spontaneous Ca2+ signals in SGCE MSNs. Blocking of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels by verapamil was less efficient in suppressing KCl-induced Ca2+ peaks of SGCE MSNs. Ca2+ amplitudes upon glycine and acetylcholine applications were increased in SGCE MSNs, but not after GABA or glutamate applications. Expression of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels and most ionotropic receptor subunits was not altered. SGCE MSNs showed significantly reduced GABAergic synaptic density. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings displayed elevated amplitudes of miniature postsynaptic currents and action potentials in SGCE MSNs. Our data contribute to a better understanding of the pathophysiology and the development of novel therapeutic strategies for myoclonus-dystonia.
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Grants
- Karlheinz-Hartmann-Stiftung (Hannover, Germany), Ellen-Schmidt-Program (Hannover, Germany), Hermann and Lilly Schilling Stiftung für medizinische Forschung im Stifterverband, German Research Foundation (FOR2488) Karlheinz-Hartmann-Stiftung (Hannover, Germany), Ellen-Schmidt-Program (Hannover, Germany), Hermann and Lilly Schilling Stiftung für medizinische Forschung im Stifterverband, German Research Foundation (FOR2488)
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kutschenko
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (A.K.); (S.S.); (N.K.); (T.G.); (L.M.H.); (J.H.)
| | - Selma Staege
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (A.K.); (S.S.); (N.K.); (T.G.); (L.M.H.); (J.H.)
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Bünteweg 2, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Karen Grütz
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Lübeck, Germany; (K.G.); (A.G.); (P.S.)
| | - Hannes Glaß
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section “Albrecht-Kossel“, Department of Neurology, University Medical Center, University of Rostock, Gehlsheimer Str. 20, 18147 Rostock, Germany; (H.G.); (A.H.)
| | - Norman Kalmbach
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (A.K.); (S.S.); (N.K.); (T.G.); (L.M.H.); (J.H.)
| | - Thomas Gschwendtberger
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (A.K.); (S.S.); (N.K.); (T.G.); (L.M.H.); (J.H.)
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Bünteweg 2, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Lisa M. Henkel
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (A.K.); (S.S.); (N.K.); (T.G.); (L.M.H.); (J.H.)
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Bünteweg 2, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Johanne Heine
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (A.K.); (S.S.); (N.K.); (T.G.); (L.M.H.); (J.H.)
| | - Anne Grünewald
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Lübeck, Germany; (K.G.); (A.G.); (P.S.)
| | - Andreas Hermann
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section “Albrecht-Kossel“, Department of Neurology, University Medical Center, University of Rostock, Gehlsheimer Str. 20, 18147 Rostock, Germany; (H.G.); (A.H.)
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases Rostock/Greifswald, 18147 Rostock, Germany
- Center for Transdisciplinary Neurosciences Rostock (CTNR), University Medical Center, University of Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany
| | - Philip Seibler
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Lübeck, Germany; (K.G.); (A.G.); (P.S.)
| | - Florian Wegner
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (A.K.); (S.S.); (N.K.); (T.G.); (L.M.H.); (J.H.)
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Bünteweg 2, 30559 Hannover, Germany
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Le Cann K, Foerster A, Rösseler C, Erickson A, Hautvast P, Giesselmann S, Pensold D, Kurth I, Rothermel M, Mattis VB, Zimmer-Bensch G, von Hörsten S, Denecke B, Clarner T, Meents J, Lampert A. The difficulty to model Huntington's disease in vitro using striatal medium spiny neurons differentiated from human induced pluripotent stem cells. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6934. [PMID: 33767215 PMCID: PMC7994641 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85656-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder caused by an expanded polyglutamine repeat in the huntingtin gene. The neuropathology of HD is characterized by the decline of a specific neuronal population within the brain, the striatal medium spiny neurons (MSNs). The origins of this extreme vulnerability remain unknown. Human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPS cell)-derived MSNs represent a powerful tool to study this genetic disease. However, the differentiation protocols published so far show a high heterogeneity of neuronal populations in vitro. Here, we compared two previously published protocols to obtain hiPS cell-derived striatal neurons from both healthy donors and HD patients. Patch-clamp experiments, immunostaining and RT-qPCR were performed to characterize the neurons in culture. While the neurons were mature enough to fire action potentials, a majority failed to express markers typical for MSNs. Voltage-clamp experiments on voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channels revealed a large variability between the two differentiation protocols. Action potential analysis did not reveal changes induced by the HD mutation. This study attempts to demonstrate the current challenges in reproducing data of previously published differentiation protocols and in generating hiPS cell-derived striatal MSNs to model a genetic neurodegenerative disorder in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Le Cann
- Institute of Physiology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Alec Foerster
- Institute of Physiology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Corinna Rösseler
- Institute of Physiology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Andelain Erickson
- Institute of Physiology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Petra Hautvast
- Institute of Physiology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | | | - Daniel Pensold
- Institute of Biology II, Division of Functional Epigenetics in the Animal Model, RWTH Aachen University, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Ingo Kurth
- Intitute of Human Genetic, RWTH Aachen University, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Markus Rothermel
- Institute Für Biology II, Department Chemosensation, AG Neuromodulation, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Virginia B Mattis
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
- Fujifilm Cellular Dynamics, Madison, WI, 53711, USA
| | - Geraldine Zimmer-Bensch
- Institute of Biology II, Division of Functional Epigenetics in the Animal Model, RWTH Aachen University, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Stephan von Hörsten
- Intitute of Virology, Clinical and Molecular Virology, Animal Center of Preclinical Experiments (PETZ), 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Tim Clarner
- Intitute for Neuroanatomy, MIT 1, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jannis Meents
- Institute of Physiology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
- Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH, Aspenhaustrasse 21, 72770, Reutlingen, Germany.
| | - Angelika Lampert
- Institute of Physiology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
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Wang Y, Zhou J, Tang C, Yu J, Zhu W, Guo J, Wang Y. Positive effect of Astragaloside IV on neurite outgrowth via talin-dependent integrin signaling and microfilament force. J Cell Physiol 2021; 236:2156-2168. [PMID: 32853433 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Integrin plays a prominent role in neurite outgrowth by transmitting both mechanical and chemical signals. Integrin expression is closely associated with Astragaloside IV (AS-IV), the main component extracted from Astragali radix, which has a positive effect on neural-protection. However, the relationship between AS-IV and neurite outgrowth has not been studied exhaustively to date. The present study investigated the underlying mechanism of AS-IV on neurite outgrowth. Longer neurites have been observed in SH-SY5Y cells or cortical neurons after AS-IV treatment. Furthermore, AS-IV not only increased the expression of integrin β but also activated it. The AS-IV-induced increased integrin activity was attributed to the integrin-activating protein talin. Application of the actin force probe showed that AS-IV led to an increase in intracellular microfilament force during neurite growth. Furthermore, in response to AS-IV, the microfilament force was regulated by talin and integrin activity during neurite growth. These results suggest that AS-IV has the ability to increase intracellular structural force and facilitate neurite elongation by integrin signaling, which highlights its therapeutic potential for neurite outgrowth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Wang
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jingwen Zhou
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Chuanfeng Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jia Yu
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Wen Zhu
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun Guo
- School of Medicine and Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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15
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Wardaszka P, Soczewka P, Sienko M, Zoladek T, Kaminska J. Partial Inhibition of Calcineurin Activity by Rcn2 as a Potential Remedy for Vps13 Deficiency. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22031193. [PMID: 33530471 PMCID: PMC7865597 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulation of calcineurin, a Ca2+/calmodulin-regulated phosphatase, is important for the nervous system, and its abnormal activity is associated with various pathologies, including neurodegenerative disorders. In yeast cells lacking the VPS13 gene (vps13Δ), a model of VPS13-linked neurological diseases, we recently demonstrated that calcineurin is activated, and its downregulation reduces the negative effects associated with vps13Δ mutation. Here, we show that overexpression of the RCN2 gene, which encodes a negative regulator of calcineurin, is beneficial for vps13Δ cells. We studied the molecular mechanism underlying this effect through site-directed mutagenesis of RCN2. The interaction of the resulting Rcn2 variants with a MAPK kinase, Slt2, and subunits of calcineurin was tested. We show that Rcn2 binds preferentially to Cmp2, one of two alternative catalytic subunits of calcineurin, and partially inhibits calcineurin. Rcn2 ability to bind to and reduce the activity of calcineurin was important for the suppression. The binding of Rcn2 to Cmp2 requires two motifs in Rcn2: the previously characterized C-terminal motif and a new N-terminal motif that was discovered in this study. Altogether, our findings can help to better understand calcineurin regulation and to develop new therapeutic strategies against neurodegenerative diseases based on modulation of the activity of selected calcineurin isoforms.
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16
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D’Souza GX, Rose SE, Knupp A, Nicholson DA, Keene CD, Young JE. The application of in vitro-derived human neurons in neurodegenerative disease modeling. J Neurosci Res 2021; 99:124-140. [PMID: 32170790 PMCID: PMC7487003 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The development of safe and effective treatments for age-associated neurodegenerative disorders is an on-going challenge faced by the scientific field. Key to the development of such therapies is the appropriate selection of modeling systems in which to investigate disease mechanisms and to test candidate interventions. There are unique challenges in the development of representative laboratory models of neurodegenerative diseases, including the complexity of the human brain, the cumulative and variable contributions of genetic and environmental factors over the course of a lifetime, inability to culture human primary neurons, and critical central nervous system differences between small animal models and humans. While traditional rodent models have advanced our understanding of neurodegenerative disease mechanisms, key divergences such as the species-specific genetic background can limit the application of animal models in many cases. Here we review in vitro human neuronal systems that employ stem cell and reprogramming technology and their application to a range of neurodegenerative diseases. Specifically, we compare human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons to directly converted, or transdifferentiated, induced neurons, as both model systems can take advantage of patient-derived human tissue to produce neurons in culture. We present recent technical developments using these two modeling systems, as well as current limitations to these systems, with the aim of advancing investigation of neuropathogenic mechanisms using these models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary X. D’Souza
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Shannon E. Rose
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Allison Knupp
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Daniel A. Nicholson
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - C. Dirk Keene
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jessica E. Young
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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17
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Extrinsic immune cell-derived, but not intrinsic oligodendroglial factors contribute to oligodendroglial differentiation block in multiple sclerosis. Acta Neuropathol 2020; 140:715-736. [PMID: 32894330 PMCID: PMC7547031 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-020-02217-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most frequent demyelinating disease in young adults and despite significant advances in immunotherapy, disease progression still cannot be prevented. Promotion of remyelination, an endogenous repair mechanism resulting in the formation of new myelin sheaths around demyelinated axons, represents a promising new treatment approach. However, remyelination frequently fails in MS lesions, which can in part be attributed to impaired differentiation of oligodendroglial progenitor cells into mature, myelinating oligodendrocytes. The reasons for impaired oligodendroglial differentiation and defective remyelination in MS are currently unknown. To determine whether intrinsic oligodendroglial factors contribute to impaired remyelination in relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS), we compared induced pluripotent stem cell-derived oligodendrocytes (hiOL) from RRMS patients and controls, among them two monozygous twin pairs discordant for MS. We found that hiOL from RRMS patients and controls were virtually indistinguishable with respect to remyelination-associated functions and proteomic composition. However, while analyzing the effect of extrinsic factors we discovered that supernatants of activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) significantly inhibit oligodendroglial differentiation. In particular, we identified CD4+ T cells as mediators of impaired oligodendroglial differentiation; at least partly due to interferon-gamma secretion. Additionally, we observed that blocked oligodendroglial differentiation induced by PBMC supernatants could not be restored by application of oligodendroglial differentiation promoting drugs, whereas treatment of PBMCs with the immunomodulatory drug teriflunomide prior to supernatant collection partly rescued oligodendroglial differentiation. In summary, these data indicate that the oligodendroglial differentiation block is not due to intrinsic oligodendroglial factors but rather caused by the inflammatory environment in RRMS lesions which underlines the need for drug screening approaches taking the inflammatory environment into account. Combined, these findings may contribute to the development of new remyelination promoting strategies.
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18
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Peikert K, Akgün K, Beste C, Ziemssen T, Buhmann C, Danek A, Hermann A. Neurofilament light chain in serum is significantly increased in chorea-acanthocytosis. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2020; 80:28-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2020.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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19
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Kolakowski D, Kaminska J, Zoladek T. The binding of the APT1 domains to phosphoinositides is regulated by metal ions in vitro. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2020; 1862:183349. [PMID: 32407779 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2020.183349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Chorein is a protein of the Vps13 family, and defects in this protein cause the rare neurodegenerative disorder chorea-acanthocytosis (ChAc). Chorein is involved in the actin cytoskeleton organization, calcium ion flux, neuronal cell excitability, exocytosis and autophagy. The function of this protein is poorly understood, and obtaining this knowledge is a key to finding a cure for ChAc. Chorein, as well as the Vps13 protein from yeast, contains the APT1 domain. Our previous research has shown that the APT1 domain from yeast Vps13 (yAPT1v) binds phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PI3P) in vitro. In this study, we showed that although the APT1 domain from chorein (hAPT1) binds to PI3P it could not functionally replace yAPT1v. The hAPT1 domain binds, in addition to PI3P, to phosphatidylinositol 5-phosphate (PI5P). The binding of hAPT1 to PI3P, unlike the binding of yAPT1v to PI3P, is regulated by the bivalent ions, calcium and magnesium. Regulation of PI3P binding via calcium is also observed for the APT1 domain of yeast autophagy protein Atg2. The substitution I2771R, found in chorein of patient suffering from ChAc, reduces the binding of the hAPT1 domain to PI3P and PI5P. These results suggest that the ability of APT1 domains to bind phosphoinositides is regulated differently in yeast and human protein and that this regulation is important for chorein function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian Kolakowski
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawinskiego 5A, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Kaminska
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawinskiego 5A, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Teresa Zoladek
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawinskiego 5A, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
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Combined Dendritic and Axonal Deterioration Are Responsible for Motoneuronopathy in Patient-Derived Neuronal Cell Models of Chorea-Acanthocytosis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21051797. [PMID: 32151030 PMCID: PMC7084777 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21051797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chorea acanthocytosis (ChAc), an ultra-rare devastating neurodegenerative disease, is caused by mutations in the VPS13A gene, which encodes for the protein chorein. Affected patients suffer from chorea, orofacial dyskinesia, epilepsy, parkinsonism as well as peripheral neuropathy. Although medium spinal neurons of the striatum are mainly affected, other regions are impaired as well over the course of the disease. Animal studies as well as studies on human erythrocytes suggest Lyn-kinase inhibition as valuable novel opportunity to treat ChAc. In order to investigate the peripheral neuropathy aspect, we analyzed induced pluripotent stem cell derived midbrain/hindbrain cell cultures from ChAc patients in vitro. We observed dendritic microtubule fragmentation. Furthermore, by using in vitro live cell imaging, we found a reduction in the number of lysosomes and mitochondria, shortened mitochondria, an increase in retrograde transport and hyperpolarization as measured with the fluorescent probe JC-1. Deep phenotyping pointed towards a proximal axonal deterioration as the primary axonal disease phenotype. Interestingly, pharmacological interventions, which proved to be successful in different models of ChAc, were ineffective in treating the observed axonal phenotypes. Our data suggests that treatment of this multifaceted disease might be cell type and/or neuronal subtype specific, and thus necessitates precision medicine in this ultra-rare disease.
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21
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Neuropathophysiology of Lysosomal Storage Diseases: Synaptic Dysfunction as a Starting Point for Disease Progression. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9030616. [PMID: 32106459 PMCID: PMC7141115 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9030616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
About two thirds of the patients affected with lysosomal storage diseases (LSD) experience neurological manifestations, such as developmental delay, seizures, or psychiatric problems. In order to develop efficient therapies, it is crucial to understand the neuropathophysiology underlying these symptoms. How exactly lysosomal storage affects biogenesis and function of neurons is still under investigation however recent research highlights a substantial role played by synaptic defects, such as alterations in synaptic spines, synaptic proteins, postsynaptic densities, and synaptic vesicles that might lead to functional impairments in synaptic transmission and neurodegeneration, finally culminating in massive neuronal death and manifestation of cognitive symptoms. Unveiling how the synaptic components are affected in neurological LSD will thus enable a better understanding of the complexity of disease progression as well as identify crucial targets of therapeutic relevance and optimal time windows for targeted intervention.
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22
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Increased Neuronal Differentiation Efficiency in High Cell Density-Derived Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. Stem Cells Int 2019; 2019:2018784. [PMID: 31871463 PMCID: PMC6913159 DOI: 10.1155/2019/2018784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), including induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), provide access to hard-to-obtain cells for studies under physiological and disease conditions. For the study of neurodegenerative diseases, especially sporadic cases where the “disease condition” might be restricted towards the neuroectodermal lineage, obtaining the affected neurons is important to help unravel the underlying molecular mechanism leading to the diseases. Although differentiation of iPSCs to neural lineage allows acquisition of cell types of interest, the technology suffers from low efficiency leading to low yield of neurons. Here, we investigated the potential of adult neuroprogenitor cells (aNPCs) for iPSC derivation and possible confounders such as cell density of infected NPCs on their subsequent neuronal differentiation potential from reprogrammed cells under isogenic conditions. Characterized hiPSCs of defined cell densities generated from aNPCs were subjected to neuronal differentiation on PA6 stromal cells. The results showed that hiPSC clones obtained from low seeding density (iPSC-aNPCLow) differentiated less efficiently compared to those from higher density (iPSC-aNPCHigh). Our findings might help to further improve the yield and quality of neurons for in vitro modelling of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Rakovic A, Domingo A, Grütz K, Kulikovskaja L, Capetian P, Cowley SA, Lenz I, Brüggemann N, Rosales R, Jamora D, Rolfs A, Seibler P, Westenberger A, König I, Klein C. Genome editing in induced pluripotent stem cells rescues TAF1 levels in X-linked dystonia-parkinsonism. Mov Disord 2019; 33:1108-1118. [PMID: 30153385 DOI: 10.1002/mds.27441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Revised: 04/01/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The most likely genetic cause of X-linked dystonia-parkinsonism, a neurodegenerative movement disorder endemic to the Philippines, is a 2672-bp-long retrotransposon insertion in intron 32 of the TAF1 gene. The objectives of this study were to investigate whether (1) TAF1 expression is altered in induced pluripotent stem cells and differentiated neuronal models and (2) excision of the retrotransposon insertion restores normal TAF1 expression. METHODS Expression of TAF1 and its neuronal isoform were determined in induced pluripotent stem cells and in induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cortical neurons and spiny projection neurons using quantitative PCR. Genome editing-based excision of the retrotransposon insertion was performed on induced pluripotent stem cells from 3 X-linked dystonia-parkinsonism patients. Edited and unedited induced pluripotent stem cells from X-linked dystonia-parkinsonism patients and controls were differentiated into cortical neurons and spiny projection neurons, and TAF1 expression was compared across groups. RESULTS TAF1 was reduced in patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (P < 0.05) and spiny projection neurons (P < 0.01). After genome editing, we observed higher TAF1 expression in edited compared with unedited induced pluripotent stem cells (P < 0.0001). In edited spiny projection neurons, TAF1 expression was also increased, but did not reach statistical significance. No expression differences were observed in cortical neurons. CONCLUSIONS (1) TAF1 reduction in X-linked dystonia-parkinsonism is likely due to the retrotransposon insertion and is recapitulated in induced pluripotent stem cells and differentiated spiny projection neurons. (2) TAF1 reduction is a tractable molecular phenotype of X-linked dystonia-parkinsonism that can be driven by excision of the retrotransposon insertion. (3) Successful rescue of the molecular phenotype in an endogenous, genome-edited model serves as a proof of principle that may successfully be transferred to other inherited neurodegenerative diseases. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aloysius Domingo
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Karen Grütz
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | | | - Philipp Capetian
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Sally A Cowley
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Insa Lenz
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | | | - Raymond Rosales
- Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
| | - Dominic Jamora
- Department of Neurosciences, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital, Manila, Philippines
| | - Arndt Rolfs
- Albrecht-Kossel-Institute for Neuroregeneration (AKos), University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Philip Seibler
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Ana Westenberger
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Inke König
- Institut für Medizinische Biometrie und Statistik, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Christine Klein
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
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24
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Zunke F, Mazzulli JR. Modeling neuronopathic storage diseases with patient-derived culture systems. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 127:147-162. [PMID: 30790616 PMCID: PMC6588474 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Lysosomes are organelles involved in the degradation and recycling of macromolecules, and play a critical role in sensing metabolic information in the cell. A class of rare metabolic diseases called lysosomal storage disorders (LSD) are characterized by lysosomal dysfunction and the accumulation of macromolecular substrates. The central nervous system appears to be particularly vulnerable to lysosomal dysfunction, since many LSDs are characterized by severe, widespread neurodegeneration with pediatric onset. Furthermore, variants in lysosomal genes are strongly associated with some common neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease (PD). To better understand disease pathology and develop novel treatment strategies, it is critical to study the fundamental molecular disease mechanisms in the affected cell types that harbor endogenously expressed mutations. The discovery of methods for reprogramming of patient-derived somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and their differentiation into distinct neuronal and glial cell types, have provided novel opportunities to study mechanisms of lysosomal dysfunction within the relevant, vulnerable cell types. These models also expand our ability to develop and test novel therapeutic targets. We discuss recently developed methods for iPSC differentiation into distinct neuronal and glial cell types, while addressing the need for meticulous experimental techniques and parameters that are essential to accurately identify inherent cellular pathologies. iPSC models for neuronopathic LSDs and their relationship to sporadic age-related neurodegeneration are also discussed. These models should facilitate the discovery and development of personalized therapies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friederike Zunke
- Institute of Biochemistry, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Kiel 24118, Germany.
| | - Joseph R Mazzulli
- Ken and Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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25
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Langer LF, Ward JM, Archer TK. Tumor suppressor SMARCB1 suppresses super-enhancers to govern hESC lineage determination. eLife 2019; 8:45672. [PMID: 31033435 PMCID: PMC6538374 DOI: 10.7554/elife.45672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The SWI/SNF complex is a critical regulator of pluripotency in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), and individual subunits have varied and specific roles during development and in diseases. The core subunit SMARCB1 is required for early embryonic survival, and mutations can give rise to atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (AT/RTs) in the pediatric central nervous system. We report that in contrast to other studied systems, SMARCB1 represses bivalent genes in hESCs and antagonizes chromatin accessibility at super-enhancers. Moreover, and consistent with its established role as a CNS tumor suppressor, we find that SMARCB1 is essential for neural induction but dispensable for mesodermal or endodermal differentiation. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that SMARCB1 is essential for hESC super-enhancer silencing in neural differentiation conditions. This genomic assessment of hESC chromatin regulation by SMARCB1 reveals a novel positive regulatory function at super-enhancers and a unique lineage-specific role in regulating hESC differentiation. Our bodies contain trillions of cells that play a wide variety of roles. Despite looking and behaving very differently to one another, all of these ‘mature’ cells somehow descend from a single fertilized egg that contains just one set of genes. This process is partially controlled by how ‘accessible’ genetic material is to the cell machinery that switches genes on or off. For example, in immature brain cells, genes required for memory are accessible, but genes needed to produce bone are not. The developing embryo needs to control gene accessibility carefully to ensure that the right genes become available at the right time, and that crucial genes are not incorrectly ‘hidden’. In humans, the protein SMARCB1 plays an important role in this process: if damaged or deleted, development will be severely disrupted, sometimes causing brain cancer early in life. However, it remains unclear how exactly SMARCB1 regulates the accessibility of its ‘target’ genes. Now, Langer et al. set out to answer this question, and also to determine which parts of the body need SMARCB1 to develop properly. Human stem cells can develop into multiple mature cell types if given the right signals. Langer et al. found reducing levels of SMARCB1 prevented stem cells from maturing into brain cells, but not other kinds of cells. This suggests that SMARCB1 has a specific role in brain development, which is consistent with its devastating effect on brain health when damaged. A detailed analysis of genetic activity and DNA accessibility showed that SMARCB1 was doing this by switching off specific regions of DNA, called stem cell super-enhancers. These regions normally enhance the activity of genes that maintain stem cells in their immature state: when certain super-enhancers are turned off by SMARCB1, this allows stem cells to progress towards a brain cell fate. These results help us understand why damage to SMARCB1 during development causes brain cancer more often than other kinds of cancer. In the future, they could also help explain how certain types of cancer form, which would be the first step towards knowing how to treat them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee F Langer
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Stem Cell Biology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Durham, United States.,Postdoctoral Research Associate Program, National Institute of General Medical Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - James M Ward
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Stem Cell Biology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Durham, United States.,Integrative Bioinformatics, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Durham, United States
| | - Trevor K Archer
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Stem Cell Biology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Durham, United States
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26
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Modeling Parkinson's disease in midbrain-like organoids. NPJ PARKINSONS DISEASE 2019; 5:5. [PMID: 30963107 PMCID: PMC6450999 DOI: 10.1038/s41531-019-0078-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Modeling Parkinson's disease (PD) using advanced experimental in vitro models is a powerful tool to study disease mechanisms and to elucidate unexplored aspects of this neurodegenerative disorder. Here, we demonstrate that three-dimensional (3D) differentiation of expandable midbrain floor plate neural progenitor cells (mfNPCs) leads to organoids that resemble key features of the human midbrain. These organoids are composed of midbrain dopaminergic neurons (mDANs), which produce and secrete dopamine. Midbrain-specific organoids derived from PD patients carrying the LRRK2-G2019S mutation recapitulate disease-relevant phenotypes. Automated high-content image analysis shows a decrease in the number and complexity of mDANs in LRRK2-G2019S compared to control organoids. The floor plate marker FOXA2, required for mDAN generation, increases in PD patient-derived midbrain organoids, suggesting a neurodevelopmental defect in mDANs expressing LRRK2-G2019S. Thus, we provide a robust method to reproducibly generate 3D human midbrain organoids containing mDANs to investigate PD-relevant patho-mechanisms.
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27
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Muñoz-Braceras S, Tornero-Écija AR, Vincent O, Escalante R. VPS13A is closely associated with mitochondria and is required for efficient lysosomal degradation. Dis Model Mech 2019; 12:dmm036681. [PMID: 30709847 PMCID: PMC6398486 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.036681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Members of the VPS13 family are associated with various human diseases. In particular, the loss of function of VPS13A leads to chorea-acanthocytosis (ChAc), a rare neurodegenerative disease without available curative treatments. Autophagy has been considered a promising therapeutic target because the absence of VPS13A causes a defective autophagy flux. However, the mechanistic details of this deficiency are unknown. Here, we identified Rab7A as an interactor of one of the VPS13 family members in Dictyostelium discoideum and showed that this interaction is conserved between the human homologs VPS13A and RAB7A in HeLa cells. As RAB7A is a key player in endosome trafficking, we addressed the possible function of VPS13A in endosome dynamics and lysosome degradation. Our results suggest that the decrease in autophagy observed in the absence of VPS13A may be the result of a more general defect in endocytic trafficking and lysosomal degradation. Unexpectedly, we found that VPS13A is closely localized to mitochondria, suggesting that the role of VPS13A in the endolysosomal pathway might be related to inter-organelle communication. We show that VPS13A localizes at the interface between mitochondria-endosomes and mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum and that the presence of membrane contact sites is altered in the absence of VPS13A. Based on these findings, we propose that therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating the endolysosomal pathway could be beneficial in the treatment of ChAc.This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Muñoz-Braceras
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols, Department of Experimental Models of Human Diseases, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)/Universidad Autónoma Madrid (UAM), 28029-Madrid, Spain
| | - Alba R Tornero-Écija
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols, Department of Experimental Models of Human Diseases, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)/Universidad Autónoma Madrid (UAM), 28029-Madrid, Spain
| | - Olivier Vincent
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols, Department of Experimental Models of Human Diseases, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)/Universidad Autónoma Madrid (UAM), 28029-Madrid, Spain
| | - Ricardo Escalante
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols, Department of Experimental Models of Human Diseases, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)/Universidad Autónoma Madrid (UAM), 28029-Madrid, Spain
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28
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Peikert K, Danek A, Hermann A. Current state of knowledge in Chorea-Acanthocytosis as core Neuroacanthocytosis syndrome. Eur J Med Genet 2018; 61:699-705. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2017.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Revised: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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29
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Defective mitochondrial and lysosomal trafficking in chorea-acanthocytosis is independent of Src-kinase signaling. Mol Cell Neurosci 2018; 92:137-148. [PMID: 30081151 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2018.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Revised: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the VPS13A gene leading to depletion of chorein protein are causative for Chorea Acanthocytosis (ChAc), a rare devastating disease, which is characterized by neurodegeneration mainly affecting the basal ganglia as well as deformation of erythrocytes. Studies on patient blood samples highlighted a dysregulation of Actin cytoskeleton caused by downregulation of the PI3K pathway and hyper-activation of Lyn-kinase, but to what extent these mechanisms are present and relevant in the affected neurons remains elusive. We studied the effects of the absence of chorein protein on the morphology and trafficking of lysosomal and mitochondrial compartments in ChAc patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cell-derived medium spiny neurons (MSNs). Numbers of both organelle types were reduced in ChAc MSNs. Mitochondrial length was shortened and their membrane potential showed significant hyperpolarization. In contrast to previous studies, showing Lyn kinase dependency of ChAc-associated pathological events in erythrocytes, pharmacological studies demonstrate that the impairment of mitochondria and lysosomes are independent of Lyn kinase activity. These data suggest that impairment in mitochondrial and lysosomal morphologies in MSNs is not mediated by a dysregulation of Lyn kinase and thus the pathological pathways in ChAc might be - at least in part - cell-type specific.
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30
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Peikert K, Hermann A. Proceedings of the Ninth International Meeting on Neuroacanthocytosis Syndromes. Tremor Other Hyperkinet Mov (N Y) 2018; 8:579. [PMID: 30370181 PMCID: PMC6201995 DOI: 10.7916/d8zc9kcw] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Peikert
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Andreas Hermann
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany,Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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31
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Bosman GJCGM. Disturbed Red Blood Cell Structure and Function: An Exploration of the Role of Red Blood Cells in Neurodegeneration. Front Med (Lausanne) 2018; 5:198. [PMID: 30062097 PMCID: PMC6054991 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2018.00198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The structure of red blood cells is affected by many inborn and acquired factors, but in most cases this does not seem to affect their function or survival in physiological conditions. Often, functional deficits become apparent only when they are subjected to biochemical or mechanical stress in vitro, or to pathological conditions in vivo. Our data on the misshapen red blood cells of patients with neuroacanthocytosis illustrate this general mechanism: an abnormal morphology is associated with an increase in the susceptibility of red blood cells to osmotic and mechanical stress, and alters their rheological properties. The underlying mutations may not only affect red cell function, but also render neurons in specific brain areas more susceptible to a concomitant reduction in oxygen supply. Through this mechanism, an increased susceptibility of already compromised red blood cells to physiological stress conditions may constitute an additional risk factor in vulnerable individuals. Also, susceptibility may be induced or enhanced by systemic pathological conditions such as inflammation. An exploration of the literature suggests that disturbed red blood cell function may play a role in the pathophysiology of various neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, interventions that reduce the susceptibility of red blood cells to physiological and pathological stress may reduce the extent or progress of neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giel J C G M Bosman
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
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32
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Stanslowsky N, Tharmarasa S, Staege S, Kalmbach N, Klietz M, Schwarz SC, Leffler A, Wegner F. Calcium, Sodium, and Transient Receptor Potential Channel Expression in Human Fetal Midbrain-Derived Neural Progenitor Cells. Stem Cells Dev 2018; 27:976-984. [DOI: 10.1089/scd.2017.0281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Selma Staege
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Norman Kalmbach
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Martin Klietz
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sigrid C. Schwarz
- Department For Translational Neurodegeneration, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Leffler
- Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Florian Wegner
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany
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33
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Capetian P, Stanslowsky N, Bernhardi E, Grütz K, Domingo A, Brüggemann N, Naujock M, Seibler P, Klein C, Wegner F. Altered glutamate response and calcium dynamics in iPSC-derived striatal neurons from XDP patients. Exp Neurol 2018; 308:47-58. [PMID: 29944858 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2018.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Revised: 05/26/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
X-linked dystonia-parkinsonism (XDP) is a neurodegenerative disorder endemic to Panay Island (Philippines). Patients present with generalizing dystonia and parkinsonism. Genetic changes surrounding the TAF1 (TATA-box binding protein associated factor 1) gene have been associated with XDP inducing a degeneration of striatal spiny projection neurons. There is little knowledge about the pathophysiology of this disorder. Our objective was to generate and analyze an in-vitro model of XDP based on striatal neurons differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC). We generated iPSC from patient and healthy control fibroblasts (3 affected, 3 controls), followed by directed differentiation of the cultures towards striatal neurons. Cells underwent characterization of immunophenotype as well as neuronal function, glutamate receptor properties and calcium dynamics by whole-cell patch-clamp recordings and calcium imaging. Furthermore, we evaluated expression levels of AMPA receptor subunits and voltage-gated calcium channels by quantitative real-time PCR. We observed no differences in basic electrophysiological properties. Application of the AMPA antagonist NBQX led to a more pronounced reduction of postsynaptic currents in XDP neurons. There was a higher expression of AMPA receptor subunits in patient-derived neurons. Basal calcium levels were lower in neurons derived from XDP patients and cells with spontaneous calcium transients were more frequent. Our data suggest altered glutamate response and calcium dynamics in striatal XDP neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Capetian
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Germany; Department of Neurology, University of Lübeck, Germany.
| | - N Stanslowsky
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Germany
| | - E Bernhardi
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Germany
| | - K Grütz
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Germany
| | - A Domingo
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Germany
| | - N Brüggemann
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Germany; Department of Neurology, University of Lübeck, Germany
| | - M Naujock
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Germany
| | - P Seibler
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Germany
| | - C Klein
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Germany.
| | - F Wegner
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Germany
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Tong L, Prieto GA, Cotman CW. IL-1β suppresses cLTP-induced surface expression of GluA1 and actin polymerization via ceramide-mediated Src activation. J Neuroinflammation 2018; 15:127. [PMID: 29712570 PMCID: PMC5925843 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-018-1158-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brain inflammation including increases in inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β is widely believed to contribute to the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease. Although IL-1β-induced impairments in long-term potentiation (LTP) in acute hippocampal slices and memory functions in vivo have been well documented, the neuron-specific molecular mechanisms of IL-1β-mediated impairments of LTP and memory remain unclear. METHODS This study uses an in vitro approach in primary hippocampal neurons to evaluate the effect of IL-1β on chemical LTP (cLTP)-induced structural plasticity and signaling. RESULTS We found that IL-1β reduces both the surface expression of alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor subunit GluA1 and the spine growth following cLTP. These effects of IL-1β were mediated by impairing actin polymerization during cLTP, as IL-1β decreased the cLTP-induced formation of F-actin, and the effect of IL-1β on cLTP-induced surface expression of GluA1 can be mimicked by latrunculin, a toxin that disrupts dynamics of actin filaments, and can be prevented by jasplakinolide, a cell-permeable peptide that stabilizes F-actin. Moreover, live-cell imaging demonstrated that IL-1β decreased the stability of the actin cytoskeleton in spines, which is required for LTP consolidation. We further examined the role of sphingolipid signaling in the IL-1β-mediated impairment of spine plasticity and found that both the neutral sphingomyelinase inhibitor GW4869 and the inhibitor of Src kinase PP2 attenuated the IL-1β-mediated suppression of cLTP-induced surface expression of GluA1 and actin polymerization. CONCLUSIONS These findings support a mechanism by which IL-1β, via the sphingomyelinase/ceramide/Src pathway, impairs structural spine remodeling essential for LTP consolidation and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqi Tong
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, 1226 Gillespie Neuroscience Research Facility, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
| | - G Aleph Prieto
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, 1226 Gillespie Neuroscience Research Facility, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Carl W Cotman
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, 1226 Gillespie Neuroscience Research Facility, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.,Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, 1226 Gillespie Neuroscience Research Facility, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
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Age-dependent neurodegeneration and organelle transport deficiencies in mutant TDP43 patient-derived neurons are independent of TDP43 aggregation. Neurobiol Dis 2018; 115:167-181. [PMID: 29630989 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2018.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Revised: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP43) plays a significant role in familiar and sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The diverse postulated mechanisms by which TDP43 mutations cause the disease are not fully understood. Human wildtype and TDP43 S393L and G294V mutant spinal motor neuron cultures were differentiated from patient-derived iPSCs. Mutant hTDP43 and wildtype motor neuron cultures did not differ in neuron differentiation capacity during early maturation stage. During aging we detected a dramatic neurodegeneration including neuron loss and pathological neurofilament abnormalities only in TDP43 mutant cultures. Additionally mitochondria and lysosomes of aging spinal motor neurons revealed robust TDP43 mutation dependent abnormal phenotypes in size, shape, speed and motility which all appeared without TDP43 mislocalization or aggregation formation. Furthermore, D-sorbitol - known to induce stress granules and cytoplasmic mislocalization of TDP43 - rescued axonal trafficking phenotypes without signs of TDP43 mislocalization or aggregation formation. Our data indicate TDP43 mutation-dependent but cytosolic aggregation-independent mechanisms of motor neuron degeneration in TDP43 ALS.
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36
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Schork NJ, Nazor K. Integrated Genomic Medicine: A Paradigm for Rare Diseases and Beyond. ADVANCES IN GENETICS 2017; 97:81-113. [PMID: 28838357 PMCID: PMC6383766 DOI: 10.1016/bs.adgen.2017.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Individualized medicine, or the tailoring of therapeutic interventions to a patient's unique genetic, biochemical, physiological, exposure and behavioral profile, has been enhanced, if not enabled, by modern biomedical technologies such as high-throughput DNA sequencing platforms, induced pluripotent stem cell assays, biomarker discovery protocols, imaging modalities, and wireless monitoring devices. Despite successes in the isolated use of these technologies, however, it is arguable that their combined and integrated use in focused studies of individual patients is the best way to not only tailor interventions for those patients, but also shed light on treatment strategies for patients with similar conditions. This is particularly true for individuals with rare diseases since, by definition, they will require study without recourse to other individuals, or at least without recourse to many other individuals. Such integration and focus will require new biomedical scientific paradigms and infrastructure, including the creation of databases harboring study results, the formation of dedicated multidisciplinary research teams and new training programs. We consider the motivation and potential for such integration, point out areas in need of improvement, and argue for greater emphasis on improving patient health via technological innovations, not merely improving the technologies themselves. We also argue that the paradigm described can, in theory, be extended to the study of individuals with more common diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J. Schork
- The Translational Genomics Research Institute, 445 North Fifth Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004, , 858-794-4054
| | - Kristopher Nazor
- MYi Diagnostics and Discovery, 5310 Eastgate Mall, San Diego, CA 92121, , 858-458-9305
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Drug-induced endovesiculation of erythrocytes is modulated by the dynamics in the cytoskeleton/membrane interaction. Blood Cells Mol Dis 2017; 64:15-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcmd.2017.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Revised: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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