1
|
Ding EA, Kumar S. Neurofilament Biophysics: From Structure to Biomechanics. Mol Biol Cell 2024; 35:re1. [PMID: 38598299 PMCID: PMC11151108 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e23-11-0438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurofilaments (NFs) are multisubunit, neuron-specific intermediate filaments consisting of a 10-nm diameter filament "core" surrounded by a layer of long intrinsically disordered protein (IDP) "tails." NFs are thought to regulate axonal caliber during development and then stabilize the mature axon, with NF subunit misregulation, mutation, and aggregation featuring prominently in multiple neurological diseases. The field's understanding of NF structure, mechanics, and function has been deeply informed by a rich variety of biochemical, cell biological, and mouse genetic studies spanning more than four decades. These studies have contributed much to our collective understanding of NF function in axonal physiology and disease. In recent years, however, there has been a resurgence of interest in NF subunit proteins in two new contexts: as potential blood- and cerebrospinal fluid-based biomarkers of neuronal damage, and as model IDPs with intriguing properties. Here, we review established principles and more recent discoveries in NF structure and function. Where possible, we place these findings in the context of biophysics of NF assembly, interaction, and contributions to axonal mechanics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erika A. Ding
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720
| | - Sanjay Kumar
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bin JM, Suminaite D, Benito-Kwiecinski SK, Kegel L, Rubio-Brotons M, Early JJ, Soong D, Livesey MR, Poole RJ, Lyons DA. Importin 13-dependent axon diameter growth regulates conduction speeds along myelinated CNS axons. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1790. [PMID: 38413580 PMCID: PMC10899189 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45908-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Axon diameter influences the conduction properties of myelinated axons, both directly, and indirectly through effects on myelin. However, we have limited understanding of mechanisms controlling axon diameter growth in the central nervous system, preventing systematic dissection of how manipulating diameter affects myelination and conduction along individual axons. Here we establish zebrafish to study axon diameter. We find that importin 13b is required for axon diameter growth, but does not affect cell body size or axon length. Using neuron-specific ipo13b mutants, we assess how reduced axon diameter affects myelination and conduction, and find no changes to myelin thickness, precision of action potential propagation, or ability to sustain high frequency firing. However, increases in conduction speed that occur along single myelinated axons with development are tightly linked to their growth in diameter. This suggests that axon diameter growth is a major driver of increases in conduction speeds along myelinated axons over time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jenea M Bin
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK.
| | - Daumante Suminaite
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
| | | | - Linde Kegel
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Maria Rubio-Brotons
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Jason J Early
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Daniel Soong
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Matthew R Livesey
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Richard J Poole
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - David A Lyons
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
LoBue C, Stopschinski BE, Calveras NS, Douglas PM, Huebinger R, Cullum CM, Hart J, Gonzales MM. Blood Markers in Relation to a History of Traumatic Brain Injury Across Stages of Cognitive Impairment in a Diverse Cohort. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 97:345-358. [PMID: 38143366 PMCID: PMC10947497 DOI: 10.3233/jad-231027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been linked to multiple pathophysiological processes that could increase risk for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). However, the impact of prior TBI on blood biomarkers for ADRD remains unknown. OBJECTIVE Using cross-sectional data, we assessed whether a history of TBI influences serum biomarkers in a diverse cohort (approximately 50% Hispanic) with normal cognition, mild cognitive impairment, or dementia. METHODS Levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), neurofilament light (NFL), total tau (T-tau), and ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase-L1 (UCHL1) were measured for participants across the cognitive spectrum. Participants were categorized based on presence and absence of a history of TBI with loss of consciousness, and study samples were derived through case-control matching. Multivariable general linear models compared concentrations of biomarkers in relation to a history of TBI and smoothing splines modelled biomarkers non-linearly in the cognitively impaired groups as a function of time since symptom onset. RESULTS Each biomarker was higher across stages of cognitive impairment, characterized by clinical diagnosis and Mini-Mental State Examination performance, but these associations were not influenced by a history of TBI. However, modelling biomarkers in relation to duration of cognitive symptoms for ADRD showed differences by history of TBI, with only GFAP and UCHL1 being elevated. CONCLUSIONS Serum GFAP, NFL, T-tau, and UCHL1 were higher across stages of cognitive impairment in this diverse clinical cohort, regardless of TBI history, though longitudinal investigation of the timing, order, and trajectory of the biomarkers in relation to prior TBI is warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian LoBue
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas,TX
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Barbara E. Stopschinski
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
- Center for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Nil Saez Calveras
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
- Center for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Peter M. Douglas
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Ryan Huebinger
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - C. Munro Cullum
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas,TX
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - John Hart
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas,TX
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Mitzi M. Gonzales
- Department of Neurology, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, San Antonio, TX
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Antonioni A, Raho EM, Lopriore P, Pace AP, Latino RR, Assogna M, Mancuso M, Gragnaniello D, Granieri E, Pugliatti M, Di Lorenzo F, Koch G. Frontotemporal Dementia, Where Do We Stand? A Narrative Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11732. [PMID: 37511491 PMCID: PMC10380352 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a neurodegenerative disease of growing interest, since it accounts for up to 10% of middle-age-onset dementias and entails a social, economic, and emotional burden for the patients and caregivers. It is characterised by a (at least initially) selective degeneration of the frontal and/or temporal lobe, generally leading to behavioural alterations, speech disorders, and psychiatric symptoms. Despite the recent advances, given its extreme heterogeneity, an overview that can bring together all the data currently available is still lacking. Here, we aim to provide a state of the art on the pathogenesis of this disease, starting with established findings and integrating them with more recent ones. In particular, advances in the genetics field will be examined, assessing them in relation to both the clinical manifestations and histopathological findings, as well as considering the link with other diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Furthermore, the current diagnostic criteria will be explored, including neuroimaging methods, nuclear medicine investigations, and biomarkers on biological fluids. Of note, the promising information provided by neurophysiological investigations, i.e., electroencephalography and non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, concerning the alterations in brain networks and neurotransmitter systems will be reviewed. Finally, current and experimental therapies will be considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annibale Antonioni
- Unit of Clinical Neurology, Neurosciences and Rehabilitation Department, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Doctoral Program in Translational Neurosciences and Neurotechnologies, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Emanuela Maria Raho
- Unit of Clinical Neurology, Neurosciences and Rehabilitation Department, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Piervito Lopriore
- Neurological Institute, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonia Pia Pace
- Institute of Radiology, Department of Medicine, University of Udine, University Hospital S. Maria della Misericordia, Azienda Sanitaria-Universitaria Friuli Centrale, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Raffaela Rita Latino
- Complex Structure of Neurology, Emergency Department, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Martina Assogna
- Centro Demenze, Policlinico Tor Vergata, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', 00133 Rome, Italy
- Non Invasive Brain Stimulation Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Michelangelo Mancuso
- Neurological Institute, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Daniela Gragnaniello
- Nuerology Unit, Neurosciences and Rehabilitation Department, Ferrara University Hospital, 44124 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Enrico Granieri
- Unit of Clinical Neurology, Neurosciences and Rehabilitation Department, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maura Pugliatti
- Unit of Clinical Neurology, Neurosciences and Rehabilitation Department, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesco Di Lorenzo
- Non Invasive Brain Stimulation Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Giacomo Koch
- Non Invasive Brain Stimulation Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy
- Iit@Unife Center for Translational Neurophysiology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Section of Human Physiology, Neurosciences and Rehabilitation Department, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Runge K, Balla A, Fiebich BL, Maier SJ, von Zedtwitz K, Nickel K, Dersch R, Domschke K, Tebartz van Elst L, Endres D. Neurodegeneration Markers in the Cerebrospinal Fluid of 100 Patients with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder. Schizophr Bull 2023; 49:464-473. [PMID: 36200879 PMCID: PMC10016411 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbac135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) can be associated with neurodegenerative processes causing disruption of neuronal, synaptic, or axonal integrity. Some previous studies have reported alterations of neurodegenerative markers (such as amyloid beta [Aβ], tau, or neurofilaments) in patients with SSD. However, the current state of research remains inconclusive. Therefore, the rationale of this study was to investigate established neurodegenerative markers in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of a large group of patients with SSD. STUDY DESIGN Measurements of Aβ1-40, Aß1-42, phospho- and total-tau in addition to neurofilament light (NFL), medium (NFM), and heavy (NFH) chains were performed in the CSF of 100 patients with SSD (60 F, 40 M; age 33.7 ± 12.0) and 39 controls with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (33 F, 6 M; age 34.6 ± 12.0) using enzyme-linked immunoassays. STUDY RESULTS The NFM levels were significantly increased in SSD patients (P = .009), whereas phospho-tau levels were lower in comparison to the control group (P = .018). No other significant differences in total-tau, beta-amyloid-quotient (Aβ1-42/Aβ1-40), NFL, and NFH were identified. CONCLUSIONS The findings argue against a general tauopathy or amyloid pathology in patients with SSD. However, high levels of NFM, which has been linked to regulatory functions in dopaminergic neurotransmission, were associated with SSD. Therefore, NFM could be a promising candidate for further research on SSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kimon Runge
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Agnes Balla
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Bernd L Fiebich
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Simon J Maier
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katharina von Zedtwitz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Kathrin Nickel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Rick Dersch
- Clinic of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Domschke
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Basics in Neuromodulation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ludger Tebartz van Elst
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dominique Endres
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhang Q, Fan W, Sun J, Zhang J, Yin Y. Review of Neurofilaments as Biomarkers in Sepsis-Associated Encephalopathy. J Inflamm Res 2023; 16:161-168. [PMID: 36660377 PMCID: PMC9843472 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s391325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Sepsis is a common and fatal disease, especially in critically ill patients. Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is a diffuse brain dysfunction with acute altered consciousness, permanent cognitive impairment, and even coma, accompanied by sepsis, without direct central nervous system infection. When managing SAE, early identification and quantification of axonal damage facilitate faster and more accurate diagnosis and prognosis. Although no specific markers for SAE have been identified, several biomarkers have been proposed. Neurofilament light chain (NFL) is a highly expressed cytoskeletal component of neurofilament (NF) proteins that can be found in blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) after exposure to axonal injury. NFs can be used as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for sepsis-related brain injury. Phosphorylation of NFs contributes to the maturation and stabilization of cytoskeletal structures, especially axons, and facilitates axonal transport, including mitochondrial transport and energy transport. The stability of NF proteins can be assessed by monitoring the expression of NF genes. Furthermore, phosphorylation levels of NFs can be monitored to determine mitochondrial axonal transport associated with cellular energy metabolism at distal axons to assess progression during SAE treatment. This paper provides new insights into the biological characteristics, detection techniques, and scientific achievements of NFs, and discusses the underlying mechanisms and future research directions of NFs in SAE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiulei Zhang
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Weixuan Fan
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian Sun
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingxiao Zhang
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, People’s Republic of China,Correspondence: Jingxiao Zhang; Yongjie Yin, Tel +86-13756314698; +86-13596103459, Email ;
| | - Yongjie Yin
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Tyagi M, Kapoor I, Mahajan C, Gupta N, Prabhakar H. Brain Biomarkers in Patients with COVID-19 and Neurological Manifestations: A Narrative Review. JOURNAL OF NEUROANAESTHESIOLOGY AND CRITICAL CARE 2022. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1744395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractAcute hyperinflammatory response (cytokine storm) and immunosuppression are responsible for critical illness in patients infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). It is a serious public health crisis that has affected millions of people worldwide. The main clinical manifestations are mostly by respiratory tract involvement and have been extensively researched. Increasing numbers of evidence from emerging studies point out the possibility of neurological involvement by COVID-19 highlighting the need for developing technology to diagnose, manage, and treat brain injury in such patients. Here, we aimed to discuss the rationale for the use of an emerging spectrum of blood biomarkers to guide future diagnostic strategies to mitigate brain injury-associated morbidity and mortality risks in COVID-19 patients, their use in clinical practice, and prediction of neurological outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mayank Tyagi
- Department of Neuroanaesthesiology and Critical Care, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Indu Kapoor
- Department of Neuroanaesthesiology and Critical Care, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Charu Mahajan
- Department of Neuroanaesthesiology and Critical Care, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Nidhi Gupta
- Department of Neuroanesthesia, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Hemanshu Prabhakar
- Department of Neuroanaesthesiology and Critical Care, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Biernacki T, Kokas Z, Sandi D, Füvesi J, Fricska-Nagy Z, Faragó P, Kincses TZ, Klivényi P, Bencsik K, Vécsei L. Emerging Biomarkers of Multiple Sclerosis in the Blood and the CSF: A Focus on Neurofilaments and Therapeutic Considerations. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063383. [PMID: 35328802 PMCID: PMC8951485 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the most common immune-mediated chronic neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS) affecting young people. This is due to the permanent disability, cognitive impairment, and the enormous detrimental impact MS can exert on a patient's health-related quality of life. It is of great importance to recognise it in time and commence adequate treatment at an early stage. The currently used disease-modifying therapies (DMT) aim to reduce disease activity and thus halt disability development, which in current clinical practice are monitored by clinical and imaging parameters but not by biomarkers found in blood and/or the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Both clinical and radiological measures routinely used to monitor disease activity lack information on the fundamental pathophysiological features and mechanisms of MS. Furthermore, they lag behind the disease process itself. By the time a clinical relapse becomes evident or a new lesion appears on the MRI scan, potentially irreversible damage has already occurred in the CNS. In recent years, several biomarkers that previously have been linked to other neurological and immunological diseases have received increased attention in MS. Additionally, other novel, potential biomarkers with prognostic and diagnostic properties have been detected in the CSF and blood of MS patients. AREAS COVERED In this review, we summarise the most up-to-date knowledge and research conducted on the already known and most promising new biomarker candidates found in the CSF and blood of MS patients. DISCUSSION the current diagnostic criteria of MS relies on three pillars: MRI imaging, clinical events, and the presence of oligoclonal bands in the CSF (which was reinstated into the diagnostic criteria by the most recent revision). Even though the most recent McDonald criteria made the diagnosis of MS faster than the prior iteration, it is still not an infallible diagnostic toolset, especially at the very early stage of the clinically isolated syndrome. Together with the gold standard MRI and clinical measures, ancillary blood and CSF biomarkers may not just improve diagnostic accuracy and speed but very well may become agents to monitor therapeutic efficacy and make even more personalised treatment in MS a reality in the near future. The major disadvantage of these biomarkers in the past has been the need to obtain CSF to measure them. However, the recent advances in extremely sensitive immunoassays made their measurement possible from peripheral blood even when present only in minuscule concentrations. This should mark the beginning of a new biomarker research and utilisation era in MS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamás Biernacki
- Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, Department of Neurology, Faculty of General Medicine, University of Szeged, 6725 Szeged, Hungary; (T.B.); (Z.K.); (D.S.); (J.F.); (Z.F.-N.); (P.F.); (T.Z.K.); (P.K.); (K.B.)
| | - Zsófia Kokas
- Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, Department of Neurology, Faculty of General Medicine, University of Szeged, 6725 Szeged, Hungary; (T.B.); (Z.K.); (D.S.); (J.F.); (Z.F.-N.); (P.F.); (T.Z.K.); (P.K.); (K.B.)
| | - Dániel Sandi
- Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, Department of Neurology, Faculty of General Medicine, University of Szeged, 6725 Szeged, Hungary; (T.B.); (Z.K.); (D.S.); (J.F.); (Z.F.-N.); (P.F.); (T.Z.K.); (P.K.); (K.B.)
| | - Judit Füvesi
- Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, Department of Neurology, Faculty of General Medicine, University of Szeged, 6725 Szeged, Hungary; (T.B.); (Z.K.); (D.S.); (J.F.); (Z.F.-N.); (P.F.); (T.Z.K.); (P.K.); (K.B.)
| | - Zsanett Fricska-Nagy
- Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, Department of Neurology, Faculty of General Medicine, University of Szeged, 6725 Szeged, Hungary; (T.B.); (Z.K.); (D.S.); (J.F.); (Z.F.-N.); (P.F.); (T.Z.K.); (P.K.); (K.B.)
| | - Péter Faragó
- Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, Department of Neurology, Faculty of General Medicine, University of Szeged, 6725 Szeged, Hungary; (T.B.); (Z.K.); (D.S.); (J.F.); (Z.F.-N.); (P.F.); (T.Z.K.); (P.K.); (K.B.)
| | - Tamás Zsigmond Kincses
- Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, Department of Neurology, Faculty of General Medicine, University of Szeged, 6725 Szeged, Hungary; (T.B.); (Z.K.); (D.S.); (J.F.); (Z.F.-N.); (P.F.); (T.Z.K.); (P.K.); (K.B.)
- Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, Department of Radiology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, 6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Péter Klivényi
- Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, Department of Neurology, Faculty of General Medicine, University of Szeged, 6725 Szeged, Hungary; (T.B.); (Z.K.); (D.S.); (J.F.); (Z.F.-N.); (P.F.); (T.Z.K.); (P.K.); (K.B.)
| | - Krisztina Bencsik
- Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, Department of Neurology, Faculty of General Medicine, University of Szeged, 6725 Szeged, Hungary; (T.B.); (Z.K.); (D.S.); (J.F.); (Z.F.-N.); (P.F.); (T.Z.K.); (P.K.); (K.B.)
| | - László Vécsei
- Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, Department of Neurology, Faculty of General Medicine, University of Szeged, 6725 Szeged, Hungary; (T.B.); (Z.K.); (D.S.); (J.F.); (Z.F.-N.); (P.F.); (T.Z.K.); (P.K.); (K.B.)
- MTA-SZTE Neuroscience Research Group, University of Szeged, 6725 Szeged, Hungary
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +36-62-545-356; Fax: +36-62-545-597
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Nabizadeh F, Pourhamzeh M, Khani S, Rezaei A, Ranjbaran F, Deravi N. Plasma phosphorylated-tau181 levels reflect white matter microstructural changes across Alzheimer's disease progression. Metab Brain Dis 2022; 37:761-771. [PMID: 35015198 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-022-00908-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is characterized by cognitive impairments that hinder daily activities and lead to personal and behavioral problems. Plasma hyperphosphorylated tau protein at threonine 181 (p-tau181) has recently emerged as a new sensitive tool for the diagnosis of AD patients. We herein investigated the association of plasma P-tau181 and white matter (WM) microstructural changes in AD. We obtained data from a large prospective cohort of elderly individuals participating in the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI), which included baseline measurements of plasma P-tau181 and imaging findings. A subset of 41 patients with AD, 119 patients with mild cognitive impairments (MCI), and 43 healthy controls (HC) was included in the study, all of whom had baseline blood P-tau181 levels and had also undergone Diffusion Tensor Imaging. The analysis revealed that the plasma level of P-tau181 has a positive correlation with changes in Mean Diffusivity (MD), Radial Diffusivity (RD), and Axial Diffusivity (AxD), but a negative with Fractional Anisotropy (FA) parameters in WM regions of all participants. There is also a significant association between WM microstructural changes in different regions and P-tau181 plasma measurements within each MCI, HC, and AD group. In conclusion, our findings clarified that plasma P-tau181 levels are associated with changes in WM integrity in AD. P-tau181 could improve the accuracy of diagnostic procedures and support the application of blood-based biomarkers to diagnose WM neurodegeneration. Longitudinal clinical studies are also needed to demonstrate the efficacy of the P-tau181 biomarker and predict its role in structural changes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fardin Nabizadeh
- School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Neuroscience Research Group (NRG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mahsa Pourhamzeh
- Division of Neuroscience, Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Saghar Khani
- School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ayda Rezaei
- Neuroscience Research Group (NRG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ranjbaran
- School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Niloofar Deravi
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Plasma neurofilament light levels correlate with white matter damage prior to Alzheimer's disease: results from ADNI. Aging Clin Exp Res 2022; 34:2363-2372. [PMID: 35226303 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-022-02095-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The blood biomarker neurofilament light (NFL) is one of the most widely used for monitoring Alzheimer's disease (AD). According to recent research, a higher NFL plasma level has a substantial predictive value for cognitive deterioration in AD patients. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is an MRI-based approach for detecting neurodegeneration, white matter (WM) disruption, and synaptic damage. There have been few studies on the relationship between plasma NFL and WM microstructure integrity. AIMS The goal of the current study is to assess the associations between plasma levels of NFL, CSF total tau, phosphorylated tau181 (P-tau181), and amyloid-β (Aβ) with WM microstructural alterations. METHODS We herein have investigated the cross-sectional association between plasma levels of NFL and WM microstructural alterations as evaluated by DTI in 92 patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) provided by Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) participants. We analyzed the potential association between plasma NFL levels and radial diffusivity (RD), axial diffusivity (AxD), mean diffusivity (MD), and fractional anisotropy (FA) in each region of the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital (MNI) atlas, using simple linear regression models stratified by age, sex, and APOE ε4 genotype. RESULTS Our findings demonstrated a significant association between plasma NFL levels and disrupted WM microstructure across the brain. In distinct areas, plasma NFL has a negative association with FA in the fornix, fronto-occipital fasciculus, corpus callosum, uncinate fasciculus, internal capsule, and corona radiata and a positive association with RD, AxD, and MD values in sagittal stratum, corpus callosum, fronto-occipital fasciculus, corona radiata, internal capsule, thalamic radiation, hippocampal cingulum, fornix, and cingulum. Lower FA and higher RD, AxD, and MD values are related to demyelination and degeneration in WM. CONCLUSION Our findings revealed that the level of NFL in the blood is linked to WM alterations in MCI patients. Plasma NFL has the potential to be a biomarker for microstructural alterations. However, further longitudinal studies are necessary to validate the predictive role of plasma NFL in cognitive decline.
Collapse
|
11
|
Gutiérrez‑Vargas J, Castro‑Álvarez J, Zapata‑Berruecos J, Abdul‑Rahim K, Arteaga‑Noriega A. Neurodegeneration and convergent factors contributing to the deterioration of the cytoskeleton in Alzheimer's disease, cerebral ischemia and multiple sclerosis (Review). Biomed Rep 2022; 16:27. [PMID: 35251614 PMCID: PMC8889542 DOI: 10.3892/br.2022.1510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The cytoskeleton is the main intracellular structure that determines the morphology of neurons and maintains their integrity. Therefore, disruption of its structure and function may underlie several neurodegenerative diseases. This review summarizes the current literature on the tau protein, microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) and neurofilaments as common denominators in pathological conditions such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), cerebral ischemia, and multiple sclerosis (MS). Insights obtained from experimental models using biochemical and immunocytochemical techniques highlight that changes in these proteins may be potentially used as protein targets in clinical settings, which provides novel opportunities for the detection, monitoring and treatment of patients with these neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Gutiérrez‑Vargas
- Neuroscience and Aging Group (GISAM), Faculty of Health Sciences, Life Sciences Laboratory, Remington University Corporation, Medellín 050023, Colombia
| | - John Castro‑Álvarez
- Neuroscience and Aging Group (GISAM), Faculty of Health Sciences, Life Sciences Laboratory, Remington University Corporation, Medellín 050023, Colombia
| | - Jose Zapata‑Berruecos
- INDEC‑CES Research Group, Neurological Institute of Colombia, Medellín 050023, Colombia
| | | | - Anibal Arteaga‑Noriega
- Family and Community Health Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Life Sciences Laboratory, Remington University Corporation, Medellín 050023, Colombia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Structural connectivity and subcellular changes after antidepressant doses of ketamine and Ro 25-6981 in the rat: an MRI and immuno-labeling study. Brain Struct Funct 2021; 226:2603-2616. [PMID: 34363521 PMCID: PMC8448713 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-021-02354-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Ketamine has rapid and robust antidepressant effects. However, unwanted psychotomimetic effects limit its widespread use. Hence, several studies examined whether GluN2B-subunit selective NMDA antagonists would exhibit a better therapeutic profile. Although preclinical work has revealed some of the mechanisms of action of ketamine at cellular and molecular levels, the impact on brain circuitry is poorly understood. Several neuroimaging studies have examined the functional changes in the brain induced by acute administration of ketamine and Ro 25-6981 (a GluN2B-subunit selective antagonist), but the changes in the microstructure of gray and white matter have received less attention. Here, the effects of ketamine and Ro 25-6981 on gray and white matter integrity in male Sprague-Dawley rats were determined using diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI). In addition, DWI-based structural brain networks were estimated and connectivity metrics were computed at the regional level. Immunohistochemical analyses were also performed to determine whether changes in myelin basic protein (MBP) and neurofilament heavy-chain protein (NF200) may underlie connectivity changes. In general, ketamine and Ro 25-6981 showed some opposite structural alterations, but both compounds coincided only in increasing the fractional anisotropy in infralimbic prefrontal cortex and dorsal raphe nucleus. These changes were associated with increments of NF200 in deep layers of the infralimbic cortex (together with increased MBP) and the dorsal raphe nucleus. Our results suggest that the synthesis of NF200 and MBP may contribute to the formation of new dendritic spines and myelination, respectively. We also suggest that the increase of fractional anisotropy of the infralimbic and dorsal raphe nucleus areas could represent a biomarker of a rapid antidepressant response.
Collapse
|
13
|
Verde F, Otto M, Silani V. Neurofilament Light Chain as Biomarker for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:679199. [PMID: 34234641 PMCID: PMC8255624 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.679199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are two related currently incurable neurodegenerative diseases. ALS is characterized by degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons causing relentless paralysis of voluntary muscles, whereas in FTD, progressive atrophy of the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain results in deterioration of cognitive functions, language, personality, and behavior. In contrast to Alzheimer's disease (AD), ALS and FTD still lack a specific neurochemical biomarker reflecting neuropathology ex vivo. However, in the past 10 years, considerable progress has been made in the characterization of neurofilament light chain (NFL) as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood biomarker for both diseases. NFL is a structural component of the axonal cytoskeleton and is released into the CSF as a consequence of axonal damage or degeneration, thus behaving in general as a relatively non-specific marker of neuroaxonal pathology. However, in ALS, the elevation of its CSF levels exceeds that observed in most other neurological diseases, making it useful for the discrimination from mimic conditions and potentially worthy of consideration for introduction into diagnostic criteria. Moreover, NFL correlates with disease progression rate and is negatively associated with survival, thus providing prognostic information. In FTD patients, CSF NFL is elevated compared with healthy individuals and, to a lesser extent, patients with other forms of dementia, but the latter difference is not sufficient to enable a satisfying diagnostic performance at individual patient level. However, also in FTD, CSF NFL correlates with several measures of disease severity. Due to technological progress, NFL can now be quantified also in peripheral blood, where it is present at much lower concentrations compared with CSF, thus allowing less invasive sampling, scalability, and longitudinal measurements. The latter has promoted innovative studies demonstrating longitudinal kinetics of NFL in presymptomatic individuals harboring gene mutations causing ALS and FTD. Especially in ALS, NFL levels are generally stable over time, which, together with their correlation with progression rate, makes NFL an ideal pharmacodynamic biomarker for therapeutic trials. In this review, we illustrate the significance of NFL as biomarker for ALS and FTD and discuss unsolved issues and potential for future developments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federico Verde
- Department of Neurology-Stroke Unit and Laboratory of Neuroscience, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan, Italy.,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, "Dino Ferrari" Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Markus Otto
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | - Vincenzo Silani
- Department of Neurology-Stroke Unit and Laboratory of Neuroscience, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan, Italy.,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, "Dino Ferrari" Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Rosso M, Healy BC, Saxena S, Paul A, Bjornevik K, Kuhle J, Benkert P, Leppert D, Guttmann C, Bakshi R, Weiner HL, Chitnis T. MRI Lesion State Modulates the Relationship Between Serum Neurofilament Light and Age in Multiple Sclerosis. J Neuroimaging 2021; 31:388-393. [DOI: 10.1111/jon.12826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Rosso
- Brigham and Women's Hospital Harvard Medical School Boston MA
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases Harvard Medical School Boston MA
| | - Brian C. Healy
- Brigham and Women's Hospital Harvard Medical School Boston MA
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases Harvard Medical School Boston MA
- Biostatistics Center Massachusetts General Hospital Boston MA
| | - Shrishti Saxena
- Brigham and Women's Hospital Harvard Medical School Boston MA
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases Harvard Medical School Boston MA
| | - Anu Paul
- Brigham and Women's Hospital Harvard Medical School Boston MA
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases Harvard Medical School Boston MA
| | - Kjetil Bjornevik
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Harvard University Boston MA
| | - Jens Kuhle
- Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, Departments of Medicine, Biomedicine and Clinical Research University Hospital Basel University of Basel Basel Switzerland
| | - Pascal Benkert
- Clinical Trial Unit, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel University of Basel Basel Switzerland
| | - David Leppert
- Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, Departments of Medicine, Biomedicine and Clinical Research University Hospital Basel University of Basel Basel Switzerland
| | - Charles Guttmann
- Brigham and Women's Hospital Harvard Medical School Boston MA
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases Harvard Medical School Boston MA
| | - Rohit Bakshi
- Brigham and Women's Hospital Harvard Medical School Boston MA
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases Harvard Medical School Boston MA
- Brigham Multiple Sclerosis Center, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital Harvard Medical School Boston MA
| | - Howard L. Weiner
- Brigham and Women's Hospital Harvard Medical School Boston MA
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases Harvard Medical School Boston MA
- Brigham Multiple Sclerosis Center, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital Harvard Medical School Boston MA
| | - Tanuja Chitnis
- Brigham and Women's Hospital Harvard Medical School Boston MA
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases Harvard Medical School Boston MA
- Brigham Multiple Sclerosis Center, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital Harvard Medical School Boston MA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Zucchi E, Bonetto V, Sorarù G, Martinelli I, Parchi P, Liguori R, Mandrioli J. Neurofilaments in motor neuron disorders: towards promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Mol Neurodegener 2020; 15:58. [PMID: 33059698 PMCID: PMC7559190 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-020-00406-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Motor neuron diseases (MNDs) are etiologically and biologically heterogeneous diseases. The pathobiology of motor neuron degeneration is still largely unknown, and no effective therapy is available. Heterogeneity and lack of specific disease biomarkers have been appointed as leading reasons for past clinical trial failure, and biomarker discovery is pivotal in today's MND research agenda.In the last decade, neurofilaments (NFs) have emerged as promising biomarkers for the clinical assessment of neurodegeneration. NFs are scaffolding proteins with predominant structural functions contributing to the axonal cytoskeleton of myelinated axons. NFs are released in CSF and peripheral blood as a consequence of axonal degeneration, irrespective of the primary causal event. Due to the current availability of highly-sensitive automated technologies capable of precisely quantify proteins in biofluids in the femtomolar range, it is now possible to reliably measure NFs not only in CSF but also in blood.In this review, we will discuss how NFs are impacting research and clinical management in ALS and other MNDs. Besides contributing to the diagnosis at early stages by differentiating between MNDs with different clinical evolution and severity, NFs may provide a useful tool for the early enrolment of patients in clinical trials. Due to their stability across the disease, NFs convey prognostic information and, on a larger scale, help to stratify patients in homogenous groups. Shortcomings of NFs assessment in biofluids will also be discussed according to the available literature in the attempt to predict the most appropriate use of the biomarker in the MND clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Zucchi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Science, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Valentina Bonetto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianni Sorarù
- Neuromuscular Center, Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Padua, Italy.,Clinica Neurologica, Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Ilaria Martinelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Piero Parchi
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche, Ospedale Bellaria, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Rocco Liguori
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche, Ospedale Bellaria, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Jessica Mandrioli
- Department of Neurosciences, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Modena, Modena, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Boumil EF, Vohnoutka RB, Lee S, Shea TB. Tau interferes with axonal neurite stabilization and cytoskeletal composition independently of its ability to associate with microtubules. Biol Open 2020; 9:9/9/bio052530. [PMID: 32978225 PMCID: PMC7522022 DOI: 10.1242/bio.052530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Tau impacts overall axonal transport particularly when overexpressed by interfering with translocation of kinesin along microtubules (MTs) and/or as a cargo of kinesin by outcompeting other kinesin cargo. To discern between which of these mechanisms was more robust during axonal outgrowth, we overexpressed phosphomimetic (E18; which is incapable of MT binding), phospho-null (A18) or wild-type (WT) full-length human tau conjugated to EGFP, the latter two of which bind MTs. Expression of WT and A18 displayed increased acetylated MTs and resistance to colchicine, while expression of E18 did not, indicating that E18 did not contribute to MT stabilization. Expression of all tau constructs reduced overall levels of neurofilaments (NFs) within axonal neurites, and distribution of NFs along neurite lengths. Since NFs are another prominent cargo of kinesin during axonal neurite outgrowth, this finding is consistent with WT, A18 and E18 inhibiting NF transport to the same extent by competing as cargo of kinesin. These findings indicate that tau can impair axonal transport independently of association with MTs in growing axonal neurites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edward F Boumil
- Laboratory for Neuroscience, Department of Biological Sciences, UMass Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, USA
| | - Rishel B Vohnoutka
- Laboratory for Neuroscience, Department of Biological Sciences, UMass Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, USA
| | - Sangmook Lee
- Laboratory for Neuroscience, Department of Biological Sciences, UMass Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, USA
| | - Thomas B Shea
- Laboratory for Neuroscience, Department of Biological Sciences, UMass Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Serum neurofilament light chain levels are associated with white matter integrity in autosomal dominant Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 142:104960. [PMID: 32522711 PMCID: PMC7363568 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.104960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofilament light chain (NfL) is a protein that is selectively expressed in neurons. Increased levels of NfL measured in either cerebrospinal fluid or blood is thought to be a biomarker of neuronal damage in neurodegenerative diseases. However, there have been limited investigations relating NfL to the concurrent measures of white matter (WM) decline that it should reflect. White matter damage is a common feature of Alzheimer's disease. We hypothesized that serum levels of NfL would associate with WM lesion volume and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metrics cross-sectionally in 117 autosomal dominant mutation carriers (MC) compared to 84 non-carrier (NC) familial controls as well as in a subset (N = 41) of MC with longitudinal NfL and MRI data. In MC, elevated cross-sectional NfL was positively associated with WM hyperintensity lesion volume, mean diffusivity, radial diffusivity, and axial diffusivity and negatively with fractional anisotropy. Greater change in NfL levels in MC was associated with larger changes in fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, and radial diffusivity, all indicative of reduced WM integrity. There were no relationships with NfL in NC. Our results demonstrate that blood-based NfL levels reflect WM integrity and supports the view that blood levels of NfL are predictive of WM damage in the brain. This is a critical result in improving the interpretability of NfL as a marker of brain integrity, and for validating this emerging biomarker for future use in clinical and research settings across multiple neurodegenerative diseases. Serum NfL levels reflect white matter integrity in autosomal dominant Alzheimer disease. Associations between NfL and white matter imaging are present throughout all brain regions. Longitudinal white matter alterations are associated with changes in blood NfL. Results improve interpretability of NfL as a marker of brain integrity.
Collapse
|
18
|
Rosso M, Gonzalez CT, Healy BC, Saxena S, Paul A, Bjornevik K, Kuhle J, Benkert P, Leppert D, Guttmann C, Bakshi R, Weiner HL, Chitnis T. Temporal association of sNfL and gad-enhancing lesions in multiple sclerosis. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2020; 7:945-955. [PMID: 32452160 PMCID: PMC7318095 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune demyelinating disorder, which is characterized by relapses and remissions. Serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) is an emerging biomarker of disease activity but its clinical use is still limited. In this study, we aim to characterize the temporal association between sNfL and new clinical relapses and new gadolinium‐enhancing (Gd+) lesions. Methods Annual sNfL levels were measured with a single‐molecule array (SIMOA) assay in 94 patients with MS enrolled in the Comprehensive Longitudinal Investigation of Multiple Sclerosis at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital (CLIMB) study. We used a multivariable linear mixed‐effects model to test the temporal association of sNfL with clinical relapses and/or new Gd+ lesions. We adjusted this model for age, disease duration, sex, and disease‐modifying therapies (DMTs) use. Results In the 3 months after a Gd+ lesion, we observed an average 35% elevation in sNfL (P < 0.0001) compared to remission samples. We also observed an average 32.3% elevation in sNfL at the time of or prior to a Gd+ lesion (P = 0.002) compared to remission. We observed a significant elevation in sNfL after a clinical relapse only when associated with a Gd+ lesion. Interpretation Our findings support sNfL as a marker of clinical relapses and Gd+ lesions. sNfL peaks in a 3‐month window around Gd+ lesions. sNfL shows promise as a biomarker of neurological inflammation and possibly of simultaneous Gd+ lesions during a clinical relapse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Rosso
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA.,Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Disease, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA
| | - Cindy T Gonzalez
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA.,Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Disease, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA
| | - Brian C Healy
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA.,Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Disease, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA.,Massachusetts General Hospital Biostatistics Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shrishti Saxena
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA.,Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Disease, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA
| | - Anu Paul
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA.,Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Disease, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA
| | - Kjetil Bjornevik
- Department on Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jens Kuhle
- Departments of Medicine, Biomedicine and Clinical Research, Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Benkert
- Department of Clinical Research, Clinical Trial Unit, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - David Leppert
- Departments of Medicine, Biomedicine and Clinical Research, Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Charles Guttmann
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA.,Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Disease, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA
| | - Rohit Bakshi
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA.,Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Disease, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA.,Department of Neurology, Partners Multiple Sclerosis Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Howard L Weiner
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA.,Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Disease, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA.,Department of Neurology, Partners Multiple Sclerosis Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tanuja Chitnis
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA.,Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Disease, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA.,Department of Neurology, Partners Multiple Sclerosis Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Anti-neurofilament antibodies and neurodegeneration: Markers and generators. J Neuroimmunol 2020; 344:577248. [PMID: 32344161 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2020.577248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Neuroaxonal injury and loss result in the release of cytoskeleton components, including neurofilaments, into the cerebrospinal fluid and peripheral blood. Once released, neurofilaments are highly immunogenic, inducing a specific antibody response. Anti-neurofilament antibody levels correlate with the progression of diverse neurological diseases; however, their role both in the pathogenesis of disease and as a tool for monitoring disease progression is not well understood. This study reviews the current literature on anti-neurofilament antibodies. We suggest the testing of anti-neurofilament antibodies be further developed for diagnosis and targeted for treatment.
Collapse
|
20
|
Alifirova VM, Kamenskikh EM, Koroleva ES. [Evaluation of serum neurofilament light chains levels for diagnosis, treatment monitoring and prognosis in multiple sclerosis]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2020; 119:7-13. [PMID: 31934983 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro2019119107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Pathophysiological processes in multiple sclerosis frequently not diagnosed by clinicians become available for analysis only on the basis of paraclinical data (biomarkers). Nowadays neurofilament light chain can be defined as a promising biomarker for multiple sclerosis (MS). Neurofilaments are a structural part of normal neuronal processes consisting of light, intermediate and heavy chains. However, a damage of neurons such as neurodegeneration or axonal damage causes the escape of neurofilaments into extracellular space. Cutting-edge highly sensitive methods make it possible to detect neurofilament light chains not only in the cerebrospinal fluid but also in the blood serum thus opening the opportunities to utilize them in routine diagnosis in clinical practice. This review comprises existing data on the possible opportunities for research of serum neurofilament light chains in terms of exacerbations, effectiveness of basic therapy, assessment of individual disability, the atrophy of central nervous system structures. Also, there is some information on comparison of two methods: routine MRI of the brain with the contrast agents and detection of serum neurofilament light chains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - E S Koroleva
- Siberian State Medical University, Tomsk, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Wang P, Fan J, Yuan L, Nan Y, Nan S. Serum Neurofilament Light Predicts Severity and Prognosis in Patients with Ischemic Stroke. Neurotox Res 2020; 37:987-995. [PMID: 31898161 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-019-00159-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Serum neurofilaments are markers of axonal injury. We investigated whether serum neurofilament light (sNfL) is a potential prognostic marker of functional outcome in Chinese patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). From May 2015 to December 2018, consecutive patients with AIS from the Department of Neurology of the Second Hospital of Jilin University were included. sNfL concentration was tested at baseline, and stroke severity was analyzed at admission using the NIHSS score. Functional outcome was assessed at discharge by the modified Rankin scale (mRS). The sNfL concentration was tested in 343 patients with a median value of 17.8 (IQR, 13.4-25.2) pg/ml. sNfL concentration paralleled lesion size (P = 0.035). At admission, 174 patients were defined as moderate-to-high stroke (NIHSS ≥ 5); the sNfL concentration in those patients were higher than that observed in patients with minor clinical severity [21.2 (IQR, 15.1-31.7) vs. 14.9 (11.8-19.4) pg/ml, P < 0.001]. For each 1 quartile increase of sNfL concentration, the unadjusted and adjusted risk of moderate-to-high stroke increased by 202% (with the OR of 3.04 (95% CI 2.15-4.32), P < 0.001) and 102% [2.02 (1.10-3.16), P = 0.001), respectively. At discharge, 85 patients (24.8%) had poor functional outcome (mRS, 3-6); the sNfL concentration in those patients were higher than that observed in patients with good outcome [24.1 (IQR, 18.8-33.9) vs. 15.7 (11.9-21.8) pg/ml, P < 0.001]. For each 1 quartile increase of sNfL concentration, the unadjusted and adjusted risk of poor outcome increased by 236% [with the OR of 3.36 (95% CI 2.23-5.06), P < 0.001] and 102% [2.29 (1.37-3.82), P < 0.001], respectively. The results show sNfL is meaningful blood biomarker to monitor stroke severity and functional outcome in ischemic stroke, suggesting that sNfL may play a role in stroke progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, No.218, Ziqiang Street, Nanguan District, Changchun, 130041, Jilin Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia Fan
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, No.218, Ziqiang Street, Nanguan District, Changchun, 130041, Jilin Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling Yuan
- Pharmacy College of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Nan
- Traditional Chinese Medicine College of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, People's Republic of China
| | - Shanji Nan
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, No.218, Ziqiang Street, Nanguan District, Changchun, 130041, Jilin Province, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Zakaria M, Ferent J, Hristovska I, Laouarem Y, Zahaf A, Kassoussi A, Mayeur ME, Pascual O, Charron F, Traiffort E. The Shh receptor Boc is important for myelin formation and repair. Development 2019; 146:146/9/dev172502. [PMID: 31048318 DOI: 10.1242/dev.172502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Myelination leads to the formation of myelin sheaths surrounding neuronal axons and is crucial for function, plasticity and repair of the central nervous system (CNS). It relies on the interaction of the axons and the oligodendrocytes: the glial cells producing CNS myelin. Here, we have investigated the role of a crucial component of the Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signalling pathway, the co-receptor Boc, in developmental and repairing myelination. During development, Boc mutant mice display a transient decrease in oligodendroglial cell density together with delayed myelination. Despite recovery of oligodendroglial cells at later stages, adult mutants still exhibit a lower production of myelin basic protein correlated with a significant decrease in the calibre of callosal axons and a reduced amount of the neurofilament NF-M. During myelin repair, the altered OPC differentiation observed in the mutant is reminiscent of the phenotype observed after blockade of Shh signalling. In addition, Boc mutant microglia/macrophages unexpectedly exhibit the apparent inability to transition from a highly to a faintly ramified morphology in vivo Altogether, these results identify Boc as an important component of myelin formation and repair.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary Zakaria
- INSERM-University Paris-Sud/Paris-Saclay; Diseases and Hormones of the Nervous System, U1195, 80 rue du Général Leclerc, F-94276, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Julien Ferent
- IRCM, Molecular Biology of Neural Development, 110 Pine Avenue West, Montreal, Quebec H2W 1R7, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ines Hristovska
- Institut NeuroMyoGène CNRS UMR 5310-INSERM U1217-Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Yousra Laouarem
- INSERM-University Paris-Sud/Paris-Saclay; Diseases and Hormones of the Nervous System, U1195, 80 rue du Général Leclerc, F-94276, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Amina Zahaf
- INSERM-University Paris-Sud/Paris-Saclay; Diseases and Hormones of the Nervous System, U1195, 80 rue du Général Leclerc, F-94276, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Abdelmoumen Kassoussi
- INSERM-University Paris-Sud/Paris-Saclay; Diseases and Hormones of the Nervous System, U1195, 80 rue du Général Leclerc, F-94276, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Marie-Eve Mayeur
- Institut NeuroMyoGène CNRS UMR 5310-INSERM U1217-Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Olivier Pascual
- Institut NeuroMyoGène CNRS UMR 5310-INSERM U1217-Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Frederic Charron
- IRCM, Molecular Biology of Neural Development, 110 Pine Avenue West, Montreal, Quebec H2W 1R7, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Elisabeth Traiffort
- INSERM-University Paris-Sud/Paris-Saclay; Diseases and Hormones of the Nervous System, U1195, 80 rue du Général Leclerc, F-94276, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Khalil M, Teunissen CE, Otto M, Piehl F, Sormani MP, Gattringer T, Barro C, Kappos L, Comabella M, Fazekas F, Petzold A, Blennow K, Zetterberg H, Kuhle J. Neurofilaments as biomarkers in neurological disorders. Nat Rev Neurol 2018; 14:577-589. [DOI: 10.1038/s41582-018-0058-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 767] [Impact Index Per Article: 127.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
|
24
|
Villalón E, Barry DM, Byers N, Frizzi K, Jones MR, Landayan DS, Dale JM, Downer NL, Calcutt NA, Garcia ML. Internode length is reduced during myelination and remyelination by neurofilament medium phosphorylation in motor axons. Exp Neurol 2018; 306:158-168. [PMID: 29772247 PMCID: PMC5994378 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2018.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2017] [Revised: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The distance between nodes of Ranvier, referred to as internode length, positively correlates with axon diameter, and is optimized during development to ensure maximal neuronal conduction velocity. Following myelin loss, internode length is reestablished through remyelination. However, remyelination results in short internode lengths and reduced conduction rates. We analyzed the potential role of neurofilament phosphorylation in regulating internode length during remyelination and myelination. Following ethidium bromide induced demyelination, levels of neurofilament medium (NF-M) and heavy (NF-H) phosphorylation were unaffected. Preventing NF-M lysine-serine-proline (KSP) repeat phosphorylation increased internode length by 30% after remyelination. To further analyze the role of NF-M phosphorylation in regulating internode length, gene replacement was used to produce mice in which all KSP serine residues were replaced with glutamate to mimic constitutive phosphorylation. Mimicking constitutive KSP phosphorylation reduced internode length by 16% during myelination and motor nerve conduction velocity by ~27% without altering sensory nerve structure or function. Our results suggest that NF-M KSP phosphorylation is part of a cooperative mechanism between axons and Schwann cells that together determine internode length, and suggest motor and sensory axons utilize different mechanisms to establish internode length.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Villalón
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States; C.S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States
| | - Devin M Barry
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for the Study of Itch, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
| | - Nathan Byers
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, United States
| | - Katie Frizzi
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Maria R Jones
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States; C.S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States
| | - Dan S Landayan
- Department of Quantitative and Systems Biology, University of California Merced, Merced, CA 95343, United States
| | - Jeffrey M Dale
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States; C.S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States
| | - Natalie L Downer
- Department of Biological Science, Moberly Area Community College, Moberly, MO 65270, United States
| | - Nigel A Calcutt
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Michael L Garcia
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States; C.S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Malka-Gibor E, Kornreich M, Laser-Azogui A, Doron O, Zingerman-Koladko I, Harapin J, Medalia O, Beck R. Phosphorylation-Induced Mechanical Regulation of Intrinsically Disordered Neurofilament Proteins. Biophys J 2017; 112:892-900. [PMID: 28297648 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2016.12.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Revised: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 12/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The biological function of protein assemblies has been conventionally equated with a unique three-dimensional protein structure and protein-specific interactions. However, in the past 20 years it has been found that some assemblies contain long flexible regions that adopt multiple structural conformations. These include neurofilament proteins that constitute the stress-responsive supportive network of neurons. Herein, we show that the macroscopic properties of neurofilament networks are tuned by enzymatic regulation of the charge found on the flexible protein regions. The results reveal an enzymatic (phosphorylation) regulation of macroscopic properties such as orientation, stress response, and expansion in flexible protein assemblies. Using a model that explains the attractive electrostatic interactions induced by enzymatically added charges, we demonstrate that phosphorylation regulation is far richer and versatile than previously considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eti Malka-Gibor
- Raymond and Beverly Sackler School of Physics and Astronomy, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Micha Kornreich
- Raymond and Beverly Sackler School of Physics and Astronomy, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Adi Laser-Azogui
- Raymond and Beverly Sackler School of Physics and Astronomy, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ofer Doron
- Raymond and Beverly Sackler School of Physics and Astronomy, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Irena Zingerman-Koladko
- Department of Life Sciences and the National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Jan Harapin
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ohad Medalia
- Department of Life Sciences and the National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University, Beer-Sheva, Israel; Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Roy Beck
- Raymond and Beverly Sackler School of Physics and Astronomy, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Kirkcaldie MTK, Dwyer ST. The third wave: Intermediate filaments in the maturing nervous system. Mol Cell Neurosci 2017; 84:68-76. [PMID: 28554564 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2017.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Revised: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Intermediate filaments are critical for the extreme structural specialisations of neurons, providing integrity in dynamic environments and efficient communication along axons a metre or more in length. As neurons mature, an initial expression of nestin and vimentin gives way to the neurofilament triplet proteins and α-internexin, substituted by peripherin in axons outside the CNS, which physically consolidate axons as they elongate and find their targets. Once connection is established, these proteins are transported, assembled, stabilised and modified, structurally transforming axons and dendrites as they acquire their full function. The interaction between these neurons and myelinating glial cells optimises the structure of axons for peak functional efficiency, a property retained across their lifespan. This finely calibrated structural regulation allows the nervous system to maintain timing precision and efficient control across large distances throughout somatic growth and, in maturity, as a plasticity mechanism allowing functional adaptation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew T K Kirkcaldie
- School of Medicine, Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, Faculty of Health, University of Tasmania, Australia.
| | - Samuel T Dwyer
- School of Medicine, Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, Faculty of Health, University of Tasmania, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Jones MR, Villalón E, Northcutt AJ, Calcutt NA, Garcia ML. Differential effects of myostatin deficiency on motor and sensory axons. Muscle Nerve 2017; 56:E100-E107. [PMID: 28073155 DOI: 10.1002/mus.25570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Revised: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Deletion of myostatin in mice (MSTN-/- ) alters structural properties of peripheral axons. However, properties like axon diameter and myelin thickness were analyzed in mixed nerves, so it is unclear whether loss of myostatin affects motor, sensory, or both types of axons. METHODS Using the MSTN-/- mouse model, we analyzed the effects of increasing the number of muscle fibers on axon diameter, myelin thickness, and internode length in motor and sensory axons. RESULTS Axon diameter and myelin thickness were increased in motor axons of MSTN-/- mice without affecting internode length or axon number. The number of sensory axons was increased without affecting their structural properties. DISCUSSION These results suggest that motor and sensory axons establish structural properties by independent mechanisms. Moreover, in motor axons, instructive cues from the neuromuscular junction may play a role in co-regulating axon diameter and myelin thickness, whereas internode length is established independently. Muscle Nerve 56: E100-E107, 2017.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria R Jones
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,C.S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, 1201 East Rollins Road, Columbia, Missouri, 65211, USA
| | - Eric Villalón
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,C.S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, 1201 East Rollins Road, Columbia, Missouri, 65211, USA
| | - Adam J Northcutt
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Nigel A Calcutt
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Michael L Garcia
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,C.S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, 1201 East Rollins Road, Columbia, Missouri, 65211, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Acute Hyperammonemia Induces NMDA-Mediated Hypophosphorylation of Intermediate Filaments Through PP1 and PP2B in Cerebral Cortex of Young Rats. Neurotox Res 2016; 30:138-49. [PMID: 26936604 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-016-9607-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2015] [Revised: 01/20/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
In the present work, we studied the effects of toxic ammonia levels on the cytoskeleton of neural cells, with emphasis in the homeostasis of the phosphorylating system associated with the intermediate filaments (IFs). We used in vivo and in vitro models of acute hyperammonemia in 10- and 21-day-old rats. In the in vivo model, animals were intraperitoneally injected with ammonium acetate (7 mmol/Kg), and the phosphorylation level of the cytoskeletal proteins was analyzed in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus 30 and 60 min after injection. The injected ammonia altered the IF phosphorylation of astrocytes (GFAP and vimentin) and neurons (neurofilament subunits of low, middle, and high molecular weight, respectively: NFL, NFM, and NFH) from cerebral cortex of 21-day-old rats. This was a transitory effect observed 30 min after injection, recovering 30 min afterward. Phosphorylation was not altered in the cerebral cortex of 10-day-old pups. The homeostasis of hippocampal IFs was preserved at the studied ages and times. In the in vitro model, cortical slices of 10- and 21-day-old rats were incubated with 0.5, 1, or 5 mM NH4Cl, and the phosphorylation level of the IF proteins was analyzed after 30 min. The IF phosphorylation was not altered in cortical slices of 10-day-old rats; however, in cortical slices of 21-day-old pups, 5 mM NH4Cl induced hypophosphorylation of GFAP and vimentin, preserving neurofilament phosphorylation levels. Hypophosphorylation was mediated by the protein phosphatases 1 (PP1) and 2B (PP2B), and this event was associated with Ca(2+) influx via N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptors. The aim of this study is to show that acute ammonia toxicity targets the phosphorylating system of IFs in the cerebral cortex of rats in a developmentally regulated manner, and NMDA-mediated Ca(2+) signaling plays a central role in this mechanism. We propose that the disruption of cytoskeletal homeostasis could be an endpoint of the acute hyperammonemia in the developing brain. We believe that these results contribute for better understanding the molecular basis of the ammonia toxicity in brain.
Collapse
|
29
|
Rescue of a Mouse Model of Spinal Muscular Atrophy With Respiratory Distress Type 1 by AAV9-IGHMBP2 Is Dose Dependent. Mol Ther 2016; 24:855-66. [PMID: 26860981 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2016.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Accepted: 01/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy with respiratory distress type 1 (SMARD1) is an autosomal recessive disease occurring during childhood. The gene responsible for disease development is a ubiquitously expressed protein, IGHMBP2. Mutations in IGHMBP2 result in the loss of α-motor neurons leading to muscle atrophy in the distal limbs accompanied by respiratory complications. Although genetically and clinically distinct, proximal SMA is also caused by the loss of a ubiquitously expressed gene (SMN). Significant preclinical success has been achieved in proximal SMA using viral-based gene replacement strategies. We leveraged the technologies employed in SMA to demonstrate gene replacement efficacy in an SMARD1 animal model. Intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of single-stranded AAV9 expressing the full-length cDNA of IGHMBP2 in a low dose led to a significant level of rescue in treated SMARD1 animals. Consistent with drastically increased survival, weight gain, and strength, the rescued animals demonstrated a significant improvement in muscle, NMJ, motor neurons, and axonal pathology. In addition, increased levels of IGHMBP2 in lumbar motor neurons verified the efficacy of the virus to transduce the target tissues. Our results indicate that AAV9-based gene replacement is a viable strategy for SMARD1, although dosing effects and potential negative impacts of high dose and ICV injection should be thoroughly investigated.
Collapse
|
30
|
Jones MR, Villalón E, Garcia ML. Genetic Manipulation of Neurofilament Protein Phosphorylation. Methods Enzymol 2015; 568:461-76. [PMID: 26795480 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2015.07.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Neurofilament biology is important to understanding structural properties of axons, such as establishment of axonal diameter by radial growth. In order to study the function of neurofilaments, a series of genetically modified mice have been generated. Here, we describe a brief history of genetic modifications used to study neurofilaments, as well as an overview of the steps required to generate a gene-targeted mouse. In addition, we describe steps utilized to analyze neurofilament phosphorylation status using immunoblotting. Taken together, these provide comprehensive analysis of neurofilament function in vivo, which can be applied to many systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria R Jones
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA; C.S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Eric Villalón
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA; C.S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Michael L Garcia
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA; C.S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Order and disorder in intermediate filament proteins. FEBS Lett 2015; 589:2464-76. [PMID: 26231765 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2015.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2015] [Revised: 07/21/2015] [Accepted: 07/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Intermediate filaments (IFs), important components of the cytoskeleton, provide a versatile, tunable network of self-assembled proteins. IF proteins contain three distinct domains: an α-helical structured rod domain, flanked by intrinsically disordered head and tail domains. Recent studies demonstrated the functional importance of the disordered domains, which differ in length and amino-acid sequence among the 70 different human IF genes. Here, we investigate the biophysical properties of the disordered domains, and review recent findings on the interactions between them. Our analysis highlights key components governing IF functional roles in the cytoskeleton, where the intrinsically disordered domains dictate protein-protein interactions, supramolecular assembly, and macro-scale order.
Collapse
|
32
|
Lavrnja I, Savic D, Parabucki A, Dacic S, Laketa D, Pekovic S, Stojiljkovic M. Effect of stab injury in the rat cerebral cortex on temporal pattern of expression of neuronal cytoskeletal proteins: an immunohistochemical study. Acta Histochem 2015; 117:155-62. [PMID: 25592752 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2014.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2014] [Revised: 12/01/2014] [Accepted: 12/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Compelling evidence now points to the critical role of the cytoskeleton in neurodegeneration. In the present study, using an immunohistochemical approach, we have shown that cortical stab injury (CSI) in adult Wistar rats significantly affects temporal pattern of expression of neurofilament proteins (NFs), a major cytoskeleton components of neurons, and microtubule-associated proteins (MAP2). At 3 days post-injury (dpi) most of the NFs immunoreactivity was found in pyknotic neurons and in fragmentized axonal processes in the perilesioned cortex. These cytoskeletal alterations became more pronounced by 10dpi. At the subcellular level CSI also showed significant impact on NFs and MAP-2 expression. Thus, at 3dpi most of the dendrites disappeared, while large neuronal somata appeared like open circles pointing to membrane disintegration. Conversely, at 10dpi neuronal perikarya and a few new apical dendrites were strongly labeled. Since aberrant NF phosphorylation is a pathological hallmark of many human neurodegenerative disorders, as well as is found after stressor stimuli, the present results shed light into the expression of neurofilaments after the stab brain injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irena Lavrnja
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic" University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Danijela Savic
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic" University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ana Parabucki
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic" University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Sanja Dacic
- Institute of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Danijela Laketa
- Institute of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Sanja Pekovic
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic" University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Mirjana Stojiljkovic
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic" University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Laser-Azogui A, Kornreich M, Malka-Gibor E, Beck R. Neurofilament assembly and function during neuronal development. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2015; 32:92-101. [PMID: 25635910 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2015.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2014] [Revised: 01/06/2015] [Accepted: 01/09/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Studies on the assembly of neuronal intermediate filaments (IFs) date back to the early work of Alzheimer. Developing neurons express a series of IF proteins, sequentially, at distinct stages of mammalian cell differentiation. This correlates with altered morphologies during the neuronal development, including axon outgrowth, guidance and conductivity. Importantly, neuronal IFs that fail to properly assemble into a filamentous network are a hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's disease. Traditional structural methodologies fail to fully describe neuronal IF assembly, interactions and resulting function due to IFs structural plasticity, particularly in their C-terminal domains. We review here current progress in the field of neuronal-specific IFs, a dominant component affecting the cytoskeletal structure and function of neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adi Laser-Azogui
- The Raymond and Beverly Sackler School of Physics and Astronomy, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Micha Kornreich
- The Raymond and Beverly Sackler School of Physics and Astronomy, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Eti Malka-Gibor
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Roy Beck
- The Raymond and Beverly Sackler School of Physics and Astronomy, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 69978, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Gentil BJ, Tibshirani M, Durham HD. Neurofilament dynamics and involvement in neurological disorders. Cell Tissue Res 2015; 360:609-20. [PMID: 25567110 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-014-2082-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2014] [Accepted: 11/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Neurons are extremely polarised cells in which the cytoskeleton, composed of microtubules, microfilaments and neurofilaments, plays a crucial role in maintaining structure and function. Neurofilaments, the 10-nm intermediate filaments of neurons, provide structure and mechanoresistance but also provide a scaffolding for the organization of the nucleus and organelles such as mitochondria and ER. Disruption of neurofilament organization and expression or metabolism of neurofilament proteins is characteristic of certain neurological syndromes including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Charcot-Marie-Tooth sensorimotor neuropathies and Giant Axonal Neuropathy. Microfluorometric live imaging techniques have been instrumental in revealing the dynamics of neurofilament assembly and transport and their functions in organizing intracellular organelle networks. The insolubility of neurofilament proteins has limited identifying interactors by conventional biochemical techniques but yeast two-hybrid experiments have revealed new roles for oligomeric, nonfilamentous structures including vesicular trafficking. Although having long half-lives, new evidence points to degradation of subunits by the ubiquitin-proteasome system as a mechanism of normal turnover. Although certain E3-ligases ubiquitinating neurofilament proteins have been identified, the overall process of neurofilament degradation is not well understood. We review these mechanisms of neurofilament homeostasis and abnormalities in motor neuron and peripheral nerve disorders. Much remains to discover about the disruption of processes that leads to their pathological aggregation and accumulation and the relevance to pathogenesis. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for identifying novel therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benoit J Gentil
- Department of Neurology/Neurosurgery and Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada,
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Abstract
Axons in the vertebrate nervous system only expand beyond ∼ 1 μm in diameter if they become myelinated. This expansion is due in large part to the accumulation of space-filling cytoskeletal polymers called neurofilaments, which are cargoes of axonal transport. One possible mechanism for this accumulation is a decrease in the rate of neurofilament transport. To test this hypothesis, we used a fluorescence photoactivation pulse-escape technique to compare the kinetics of neurofilament transport in contiguous myelinated and unmyelinated segments of axons in long-term myelinating cocultures established from the dorsal root ganglia of embryonic rats. The myelinated segments contained more neurofilaments and had a larger cross-sectional area than the contiguous unmyelinated segments, and this correlated with a local slowing of neurofilament transport. By computational modeling of the pulse-escape kinetics, we found that this slowing of neurofilament transport could be explained by an increase in the proportion of the time that the neurofilaments spent pausing and that this increase in pausing was sufficient to explain the observed neurofilament accumulation. Thus we propose that myelinating cells can regulate the neurofilament content and morphology of axons locally by modulating the kinetics of neurofilament transport.
Collapse
|
36
|
Neuronal process structure and growth proteins are targets of heavy PTM regulation during brain development. J Proteomics 2014; 101:77-87. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2014.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2013] [Revised: 02/05/2014] [Accepted: 02/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
37
|
Paus T, Pesaresi M, French L. White matter as a transport system. Neuroscience 2014; 276:117-25. [PMID: 24508743 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2014.01.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2013] [Revised: 01/14/2014] [Accepted: 01/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
There are two ways to picture white matter: as a grid of electrical wires or a network of roads. The first metaphor captures the classical function of an axon as conductor of action potentials (and information) from one brain region to another. The second one points to the important role of axons in a bi-directional transport of biological molecules and organelles between the cell body and synapse. Given the wide variety of such cargoes, a well-functioning axonal transport is critical for a number of processes, including neurotransmission, metabolism and viability of neurons. This selective review will emphasize the need for considering axonal transport when interpreting functional consequences of inter-individual variations in the structural properties of white matter. We start by describing the space occupied by white matter and techniques used in vivo for its characterization. We then provide examples of key features of maturation and aging of white matter, as well as some of the common abnormalities observed in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. Next, we review work that motivated our focus on axonal diameter, and explain the relationships between transport and cytoskeleton within the axon. We will conclude by describing molecular machinery of axonal transport and genes that may contribute to inter-individual variations in axonal diameter and axonal transport.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Paus
- Rotman Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
| | - M Pesaresi
- Rotman Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - L French
- Rotman Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Llorens J. Toxic neurofilamentous axonopathies -- accumulation of neurofilaments and axonal degeneration. J Intern Med 2013; 273:478-89. [PMID: 23331301 DOI: 10.1111/joim.12030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A number of neurotoxic chemicals induce accumulation of neurofilaments in axonal swellings that appear at varying distances from the cell body. This pathology is associated with axonal degeneration of different degrees. The clinical manifestation is most commonly that of a mixed motor-sensory peripheral axonopathy with a disto-proximal pattern of progression, as in cases of chronic exposure to n-hexane and carbon disulphide. It has been demonstrated that protein adduct formation is a primary molecular mechanism of toxicity in these axonopathies, but how this mechanism leads to neurofilament accumulation and axonal degeneration remains unclear. Furthermore, little is known regarding the mechanisms of neurofilamentous axonopathy caused by 3,3'-iminodipropionitrile, an experimental toxin that induces proximal axon swelling that is strikingly similar to that found in early amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Here, we review the available data and main hypotheses regarding the toxic axonopathies and compare them with the current knowledge of the biological basis of neurofilament transport. We also review recent studies addressing the question of how these axonopathies may cause axonal degeneration. Understanding the mechanisms underlying the toxic axonopathies may provide insight into the relationship between neurofilament behaviour and axonal degeneration, hopefully enabling the identification of new targets for therapeutic intervention. Because neurofilament abnormalities are a common feature of many neurodegenerative diseases, advances in this area may have a wider impact beyond toxicological significance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Llorens
- Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques II, Universitat de Barcelona and Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Catalunya, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Lee J, Kim S, Chang R, Jayanthi L, Gebremichael Y. Effects of molecular model, ionic strength, divalent ions, and hydrophobic interaction on human neurofilament conformation. J Chem Phys 2013; 138:015103. [DOI: 10.1063/1.4773297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
|