1
|
Rashid S, Dimitriadi M. Autophagy in spinal muscular atrophy: from pathogenic mechanisms to therapeutic approaches. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 17:1307636. [PMID: 38259504 PMCID: PMC10801191 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1307636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a devastating neuromuscular disorder caused by the depletion of the ubiquitously expressed survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. While the genetic cause of SMA has been well documented, the exact mechanism(s) by which SMN depletion results in disease progression remain elusive. A wide body of evidence has highlighted the involvement and dysregulation of autophagy in SMA. Autophagy is a highly conserved lysosomal degradation process which is necessary for cellular homeostasis; defects in the autophagic machinery have been linked with a wide range of neurodegenerative disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. The pathway is particularly known to prevent neurodegeneration and has been suggested to act as a neuroprotective factor, thus presenting an attractive target for novel therapies for SMA patients. In this review, (a) we provide for the first time a comprehensive summary of the perturbations in the autophagic networks that characterize SMA development, (b) highlight the autophagic regulators which may play a key role in SMA pathogenesis and (c) propose decreased autophagic flux as the causative agent underlying the autophagic dysregulation observed in these patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Dimitriadi
- School of Life and Medical Science, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Incebacak Eltemur RD, Nguyen HP, Weber JJ. Calpain-mediated proteolysis as driver and modulator of polyglutamine toxicity. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1020104. [PMID: 36385755 PMCID: PMC9648470 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1020104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Among posttranslational modifications, directed proteolytic processes have the strongest impact on protein integrity. They are executed by a variety of cellular machineries and lead to a wide range of molecular consequences. Compared to other forms of proteolytic enzymes, the class of calcium-activated calpains is considered as modulator proteases due to their limited proteolytic activity, which changes the structure and function of their target substrates. In the context of neurodegeneration and - in particular - polyglutamine disorders, proteolytic events have been linked to modulatory effects on the molecular pathogenesis by generating harmful breakdown products of disease proteins. These findings led to the formulation of the toxic fragment hypothesis, and calpains appeared to be one of the key players and auspicious therapeutic targets in Huntington disease and Machado Joseph disease. This review provides a current survey of the role of calpains in proteolytic processes found in polyglutamine disorders. Together with insights into general concepts behind toxic fragments and findings in polyglutamine disorders, this work aims to inspire researchers to broaden and deepen the knowledge in this field, which will help to evaluate calpain-mediated proteolysis as a unifying and therapeutically targetable posttranslational mechanism in neurodegeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rana Dilara Incebacak Eltemur
- Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Huu Phuc Nguyen
- Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Jonasz Jeremiasz Weber
- Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Therapeutic Strategies in Huntington’s Disease: From Genetic Defect to Gene Therapy. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081895. [PMID: 36009443 PMCID: PMC9405755 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the identification of an expanded CAG repeat on exon 1 of the huntingtin gene located on chromosome 1 as the genetic defect causing Huntington’s disease almost 30 years ago, currently approved therapies provide only limited symptomatic relief and do not influence the age of onset or disease progression rate. Research has identified various intricate pathogenic cascades which lead to neuronal degeneration, but therapies interfering with these mechanisms have been marked by many failures and remain to be validated. Exciting new opportunities are opened by the emerging techniques which target the mutant protein DNA and RNA, allowing for “gene editing”. Although some issues relating to “off-target” effects or immune-mediated side effects need to be solved, these strategies, combined with stem cell therapies and more traditional approaches targeting specific pathogenic cascades, such as excitotoxicity and bioavailability of neurotrophic factors, could lead to significant improvement of the outcomes of treated Huntington’s disease patients.
Collapse
|
4
|
Molecular Pathophysiological Mechanisms in Huntington's Disease. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10061432. [PMID: 35740453 PMCID: PMC9219859 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington’s disease is an inherited neurodegenerative disease described 150 years ago by George Huntington. The genetic defect was identified in 1993 to be an expanded CAG repeat on exon 1 of the huntingtin gene located on chromosome 4. In the following almost 30 years, a considerable amount of research, using mainly animal models or in vitro experiments, has tried to unravel the complex molecular cascades through which the transcription of the mutant protein leads to neuronal loss, especially in the medium spiny neurons of the striatum, and identified excitotoxicity, transcriptional dysregulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, impaired proteostasis, altered axonal trafficking and reduced availability of trophic factors to be crucial contributors. This review discusses the pathogenic cascades described in the literature through which mutant huntingtin leads to neuronal demise. However, due to the ubiquitous presence of huntingtin, astrocytes are also dysfunctional, and neuroinflammation may additionally contribute to Huntington’s disease pathology. The quest for therapies to delay the onset and reduce the rate of Huntington’s disease progression is ongoing, but is based on findings from basic research.
Collapse
|
5
|
Liu C, Fu Z, Wu S, Wang X, Zhang S, Chu C, Hong Y, Wu W, Chen S, Jiang Y, Wu Y, Song Y, Liu Y, Guo X. Mitochondrial HSF1 triggers mitochondrial dysfunction and neurodegeneration in Huntington's disease. EMBO Mol Med 2022; 14:e15851. [PMID: 35670111 PMCID: PMC9260212 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202215851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chunyue Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province Department of Neurobiology Interdisciplinary InnoCenter for Organoids School of Basic Medical Sciences Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine Interdisciplinary InnoCenter for Organoids Institute for Stem Cell and Neural Regeneration School of Pharmacy Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
| | - Zixing Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province Department of Neurobiology Interdisciplinary InnoCenter for Organoids School of Basic Medical Sciences Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
| | - Shanshan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine Interdisciplinary InnoCenter for Organoids Institute for Stem Cell and Neural Regeneration School of Pharmacy Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
| | - Xiaosong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province Department of Neurobiology Interdisciplinary InnoCenter for Organoids School of Basic Medical Sciences Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
| | - Shengrong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province Department of Neurobiology Interdisciplinary InnoCenter for Organoids School of Basic Medical Sciences Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
| | - Chu Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine Interdisciplinary InnoCenter for Organoids Institute for Stem Cell and Neural Regeneration School of Pharmacy Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
| | - Yuan Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine Interdisciplinary InnoCenter for Organoids Institute for Stem Cell and Neural Regeneration School of Pharmacy Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
| | - Wenbo Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province Department of Neurobiology Interdisciplinary InnoCenter for Organoids School of Basic Medical Sciences Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
| | - Shengqi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province Department of Neurobiology Interdisciplinary InnoCenter for Organoids School of Basic Medical Sciences Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
| | - Yueqing Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province Department of Neurobiology Interdisciplinary InnoCenter for Organoids School of Basic Medical Sciences Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
| | - Yang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems Wuhan Center for Magnetic Resonance, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology Chinese Academy of Sciences Wuhan China
| | - Yongbo Song
- Department of Pharmacology Shenyang Pharmaceutical University Shenyang China
| | - Yan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine Interdisciplinary InnoCenter for Organoids Institute for Stem Cell and Neural Regeneration School of Pharmacy Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
| | - Xing Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province Department of Neurobiology Interdisciplinary InnoCenter for Organoids School of Basic Medical Sciences Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
- Department of Endocrinology Sir Run Run Hospital Nanjing Medical University Nanjing Jiangsu China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Weber JJ, Anger SC, Pereira Sena P, Incebacak Eltemur RD, Huridou C, Fath F, Gross C, Casadei N, Riess O, Nguyen HP. Calpains as novel players in the molecular pathogenesis of spinocerebellar ataxia type 17. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:262. [PMID: 35482253 PMCID: PMC9050766 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04274-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 17 (SCA17) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by a polyglutamine-encoding trinucleotide repeat expansion in the gene of transcription factor TATA box-binding protein (TBP). While its underlying pathomechanism is elusive, polyglutamine-expanded TBP fragments of unknown origin mediate the mutant protein’s toxicity. Calcium-dependent calpain proteases are protagonists in neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we demonstrate that calpains cleave TBP, and emerging C-terminal fragments mislocalize to the cytoplasm. SCA17 cell and rat models exhibited calpain overactivation, leading to excessive fragmentation and depletion of neuronal proteins in vivo. Transcriptome analysis of SCA17 cells revealed synaptogenesis and calcium signaling perturbations, indicating the potential cause of elevated calpain activity. Pharmacological or genetic calpain inhibition reduced TBP cleavage and aggregation, consequently improving cell viability. Our work underlines the general significance of calpains and their activating pathways in neurodegenerative disorders and presents these proteases as novel players in the molecular pathogenesis of SCA17.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonasz Jeremiasz Weber
- Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, 44801, Bochum, Germany.,Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stefanie Cari Anger
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Priscila Pereira Sena
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.,Graduate School of Cellular Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, 72074, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Rana Dilara Incebacak Eltemur
- Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, 44801, Bochum, Germany.,Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Chrisovalantou Huridou
- Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, 44801, Bochum, Germany.,Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Florian Fath
- Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, 44801, Bochum, Germany.,Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Caspar Gross
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.,NGS Competence Center Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Nicolas Casadei
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.,NGS Competence Center Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Olaf Riess
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.,NGS Competence Center Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Huu Phuc Nguyen
- Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, 44801, Bochum, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Tong H, Wang K, Wang X, Lu T. Molecular Mechanism of Tetramethylpyrazine Ameliorating Neuroexcitotoxicity through Activating the PKA/CREB Signaling Pathway. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:2812839. [PMID: 35097116 PMCID: PMC8794663 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2812839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Excitotoxicity plays a key role in nervous system disease and can trigger a critical cascade of reaction which affects cell viability and promotes neuronal death. Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) reveals its effect in the treatment of neurovascular diseases by antiapoptosis. Recently, there were several studies that demonstrated that the PKA/CREB signaling pathway played a role in neural disease because of excitotoxicity, such as stroke, AD, and Parkinson's disease. In this study, we wanted to focus on the protective effect of tetramethylpyrazine against excitotoxicity through the PKA/CREB signaling pathway. METHODS In order to verify whether tetramethylpyrazine can attenuate excitotoxicity through the PKA/CREB signaling pathway, we first used molecular docking technology to predict the combinational strength and mode of tetramethylpyrazine with the proteins in the PKA/CREB signaling pathway. Then, we determined the optimal concentration and time according to the model effect of glutamate (Glu) with different concentration gradients and action times in PC12 cells. After the determination of concentration and time of glutamate in the previous step as the model way, tetramethylpyrazine was added to determine its influence on the cell viability under different doses and times. The TUNEL assay and flow cytometry were used to detect apoptosis. RT-PCR was used to detect the expression of Bcl-2, Bax, PKA, and 5CREB genes, and Western blot was used to detect the expression of these factors. RESULT Tetramethylpyrazine had a good docking score (-5.312) with PKA and had a moderately docking score (-3.838) with CREB. The CCK-8 cell activity assay showed that the activity of PC12 cells decreased gradually with the increase in glutamate concentration and time, and PC12 cells were treated with 10 mM/L glutamate (the half of the inhibitory concentration (IC50)) for 12 hours. Then, the cell viability increased gradually following the increased concentration of tetramethylpyrazine. When PC12 cells were treated with 0.1 mM/L tetramethylpyrazine, the cell viability was increased significantly compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The TUNEL assay and flow cytometry also showed that tetramethylpyrazine could decrease the apoptosis induced by glutamate. In the result of RT-PCR, the transcriptional levels of Bcl-2, PKA, and CREB were increased and Bax was decreased. Meanwhile, Western blot showed that expression levels of Bcl-2, PKA, CREB, and p-CREB were increased and Bax was decreased. CONCLUSIONS This study provided evidence that tetramethylpyrazine can protect against apoptosis caused by neuroexcitotoxicity and the protective mechanism is closely related to the activation of the PKA/CREB signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongxuan Tong
- Institute of Basic Theory of Chinese Medicine, Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Kaili Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Xiting Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Tao Lu
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Saroj P, Bansal Y, Singh R, Akhtar A, Sodhi RK, Bishnoi M, Sah SP, Kuhad A. Neuroprotective effects of roflumilast against quinolinic acid-induced rat model of Huntington's disease through inhibition of NF-κB mediated neuroinflammatory markers and activation of cAMP/CREB/BDNF signaling pathway. Inflammopharmacology 2021; 29:499-511. [PMID: 33517508 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-020-00787-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a progressive neurodegenerative and hyperkinetic movement disorder. Decreased activity of cAMP-responsive element-binding protein (CREB) is thought to contribute to the death of striatal medium spiny neurons in HD. The present study has been designed to explore the possible role of roflumilast against qunilonic acid (QA) induced neurotoxicity in rats intending to investigate whether it inhibits the neuroinflammatory response through activation of the cAMP/CREB/BDNF signaling pathway. QA was microinjected (200 nmol/2 µl, bilaterally) through the intrastriatal route in the stereotaxic apparatus. Roflumilast (0.5, 1, and 2 mg/kg, orally) once-daily treatment for 21 days significantly improved locomotor activity in actophotometer, motor coordination in rotarod, and impaired gait performance in narrow beam walk test. Moreover, roflumilast treatment significantly attenuated oxidative and nitrosative stress (p < 0.05) through attenuating lipid peroxidation nitrite concentration and enhancing reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase levels. Furthermore, roflumilast also significantly decreased elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α (p < 0.01), IL-6 (p < 0.01), IFN-γ (p < 0.05), NF-κB (p < 0.05) and significantly increased BDNF(p < 0.05) in the striatum and cortex of rat brain. The results further demonstrated that roflumilast effectively increased the gene expression of cAMP(p < 0.05), CREB(p < 0.05) and decreased the gene expression of PDE4 (p < 0.05) in qRT-PCR. These results conclusively depicted that roflumilast could be a potential candidate as an effective therapeutic agent in the management of HD through the cAMP/CREB/BDNF signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Saroj
- Pharmacology Division, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), UGC Centre of Advanced Study (UGC-CAS), Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India
| | - Yashika Bansal
- Pharmacology Division, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), UGC Centre of Advanced Study (UGC-CAS), Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India
| | - Raghunath Singh
- Pharmacology Division, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), UGC Centre of Advanced Study (UGC-CAS), Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India
| | - Ansab Akhtar
- Pharmacology Division, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), UGC Centre of Advanced Study (UGC-CAS), Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India
| | - Rupinder Kaur Sodhi
- Pharmacology Division, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), UGC Centre of Advanced Study (UGC-CAS), Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India
| | - Mahendra Bishnoi
- National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institue (NABI), Sector 81, SAS Nagar, Mohali, Punjab, 140306, India
| | - Sangeeta Pilkhwal Sah
- Pharmacology Division, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), UGC Centre of Advanced Study (UGC-CAS), Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India.
- Department of Physiology, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Science (UIPS), UGC Center of Advanced Study (UGC-CAS), Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India.
| | - Anurag Kuhad
- Pharmacology Division, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), UGC Centre of Advanced Study (UGC-CAS), Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sebastián-Serrano Á, Simón-García A, Belmonte-Alfaro A, Pose-Utrilla J, Santos-Galindo M, Del Puerto A, García-Guerra L, Hernández IH, Schiavo G, Campanero MR, Lucas JJ, Iglesias T. Differential regulation of Kidins220 isoforms in Huntington's disease. Brain Pathol 2019; 30:120-136. [PMID: 31264746 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.12761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by brain atrophy particularly in the striatum that produces motor impairment, and cognitive and psychiatric disturbances. Multiple pathogenic mechanisms have been proposed including dysfunctions in neurotrophic support and calpain-overactivation, among others. Kinase D-interacting substrate of 220 kDa (Kidins220), also known as ankyrin repeat-rich membrane spanning (ARMS), is an essential mediator of neurotrophin signaling. In adult brain, Kidins220 presents two main isoforms that differ in their carboxy-terminal length and critical protein-protein interaction domains. These variants are generated through alternative terminal exon splicing of the conventional exon 32 (Kidins220-C32) and the recently identified exon 33 (Kidins220-C33). The lack of domains encoded by exon 32 involved in key neuronal functions, including those controlling neurotrophin pathways, pointed to Kidins220-C33 as a form detrimental for neurons. However, the functional role of Kidins220-C33 in neurodegeneration or other pathologies, including HD, has not been explored. In the present work, we discover an unexpected selective downregulation of Kidins220-C33, in the striatum of HD patients, as well as in the R6/1 HD mouse model starting at early symptomatic stages. These changes are C33-specific as Kidins220-C32 variant remains unchanged. We also find the early decrease in Kidins220-C33 levels takes place in neurons, suggesting an unanticipated neuroprotective role for this isoform. Finally, using ex vivo assays and primary neurons, we demonstrate that Kidins220-C33 is downregulated by mechanisms that depend on the activation of the protease calpain. Altogether, these results strongly suggest that calpain-mediated Kidins220-C33 proteolysis modulates onset and/or progression of HD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Álvaro Sebastián-Serrano
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Simón-García
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alicia Belmonte-Alfaro
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Julia Pose-Utrilla
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Santos-Galindo
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa" (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Del Puerto
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lucía García-Guerra
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ivó H Hernández
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa" (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain.,Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Biología (Unidad Docente Fisiología Animal), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Giampietro Schiavo
- Department of Neuromuscular Disorders, UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Miguel R Campanero
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
| | - José J Lucas
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa" (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Teresa Iglesias
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kang R, Wang L, Sanders SS, Zuo K, Hayden MR, Raymond LA. Altered Regulation of Striatal Neuronal N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Trafficking by Palmitoylation in Huntington Disease Mouse Model. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2019; 11:3. [PMID: 30846936 PMCID: PMC6393405 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2019.00003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) play a critical role in synaptic signaling, and alterations in the synaptic/extrasynaptic NMDAR balance affect neuronal survival. Studies have shown enhanced extrasynaptic GluN2B-type NMDAR (2B-NMDAR) activity in striatal neurons in the YAC128 mouse model of Huntington disease (HD), resulting in increased cell death pathway activation contributing to striatal vulnerability to degeneration. However, the mechanism(s) of altered GluN2B trafficking remains unclear. Previous work shows that GluN2B palmitoylation on two C-terminal cysteine clusters regulates 2B-NMDAR trafficking to the surface membrane and synapses in cortical neurons. Notably, two palmitoyl acyltransferases (PATs), zDHHC17 and zDHHC13, also called huntingtin-interacting protein 14 (HIP14) and HIP14-like (HIP14L), directly interact with the huntingtin protein (Htt), and mutant Htt disrupts this interaction. Here, we investigated whether GluN2B palmitoylation is involved in enhanced extrasynaptic surface expression of 2B-NMDARs in YAC128 striatal neurons and whether this process is regulated by HIP14 or HIP14L. We found reduced GluN2B palmitoylation in YAC128 striatum, specifically on cysteine cluster II. Consistent with that finding, the palmitoylation-deficient GluN2B Cysteine cluster II mutant exhibited enhanced, extrasynaptic surface expression in striatal neurons from wild-type mice, mimicking increased extrasynaptic 2B-NMDAR observed in YAC128 cultures. We also found that HIP14L palmitoylated GluN2B cysteine cluster II. Moreover, GluN2B palmitoylation levels were reduced in striatal tissue from HIP14L-deficient mice, and siRNA-mediated HIP14L knockdown in cultured neurons enhanced striatal neuronal GluN2B surface expression and susceptibility to NMDA toxicity. Thus, altered regulation of GluN2B palmitoylation levels by the huntingtin-associated PAT HIP14L may contribute to the cell death-signaling pathways underlying HD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rujun Kang
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Research Centre and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Liang Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Research Centre and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Shaun S Sanders
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Child and Family Research Institute, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kurt Zuo
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Research Centre and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Michael R Hayden
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Child and Family Research Institute, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Lynn A Raymond
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Research Centre and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Weber JJ, Kloock SJ, Nagel M, Ortiz-Rios MM, Hofmann J, Riess O, Nguyen HP. Calpastatin ablation aggravates the molecular phenotype in cell and animal models of Huntington disease. Neuropharmacology 2018; 133:94-106. [PMID: 29355642 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2017] [Revised: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Deciphering the molecular pathology of Huntington disease is of particular importance, not only for a better understanding of this neurodegenerative disease, but also to identify potential therapeutic targets. The polyglutamine-expanded disease protein huntingtin was shown to undergo proteolysis, which results in the accumulation of toxic and aggregation-prone fragments. Amongst several classes of proteolytic enzymes responsible for huntingtin processing, the group of calcium-activated calpains has been found to be a significant mediator of the disease protein toxicity. To confirm the impact of calpain-mediated huntingtin cleavage in Huntington disease, we analysed the effect of depleting or overexpressing the endogenous calpain inhibitor calpastatin in HEK293T cells transfected with wild-type or polyglutamine-expanded huntingtin. Moreover, we crossbred huntingtin knock-in mice with calpastatin knockout animals to assess its effect not only on huntingtin cleavage and aggregation but also additional molecular markers. We demonstrated that a reduced or ablated expression of calpastatin triggers calpain overactivation and a consequently increased mutant huntingtin cleavage in cells and in vivo. These alterations were accompanied by an elevated formation of predominantly cytoplasmic huntingtin aggregates. On the other hand, overexpression of calpastatin in cells attenuated huntingtin fragmentation and aggregation. In addition, we observed an enhanced cleavage of DARPP-32, p35 and synapsin-1 in neuronal tissue upon calpain overactivation. Our results corroborate the important role of calpains in the molecular pathogenesis of Huntington disease and endorse targeting these proteolytic enzymes as a therapeutic approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonasz Jeremiasz Weber
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Calwerstraße 7, 72076, Tübingen, Germany; Centre for Rare Diseases, University of Tübingen, Calwerstraße 7, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Simon Johannes Kloock
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Calwerstraße 7, 72076, Tübingen, Germany; Centre for Rare Diseases, University of Tübingen, Calwerstraße 7, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Maike Nagel
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Calwerstraße 7, 72076, Tübingen, Germany; Centre for Rare Diseases, University of Tübingen, Calwerstraße 7, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Midea Malena Ortiz-Rios
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Calwerstraße 7, 72076, Tübingen, Germany; Centre for Rare Diseases, University of Tübingen, Calwerstraße 7, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Julian Hofmann
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Calwerstraße 7, 72076, Tübingen, Germany; Centre for Rare Diseases, University of Tübingen, Calwerstraße 7, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Olaf Riess
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Calwerstraße 7, 72076, Tübingen, Germany; Centre for Rare Diseases, University of Tübingen, Calwerstraße 7, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Huu Phuc Nguyen
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Calwerstraße 7, 72076, Tübingen, Germany; Centre for Rare Diseases, University of Tübingen, Calwerstraße 7, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
de la Fuente S, Sansa A, Periyakaruppiah A, Garcera A, Soler RM. Calpain Inhibition Increases SMN Protein in Spinal Cord Motoneurons and Ameliorates the Spinal Muscular Atrophy Phenotype in Mice. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 56:4414-4427. [PMID: 30327977 PMCID: PMC6505520 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-1379-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a leading genetic cause of infant death, is caused by the loss of survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene. SMA is characterized by the degeneration and loss of spinal cord motoneurons (MNs), muscular atrophy, and weakness. SMN2 is the centromeric duplication of the SMN gene, whose numbers of copies determine the intracellular levels of SMN protein and define the disease onset and severity. It has been demonstrated that elevating SMN levels can be an important strategy in treating SMA and can be achieved by several mechanisms, including promotion of protein stability. SMN protein is a direct target of the calcium-dependent protease calpain and induces its proteolytic cleavage in muscle cells. In this study, we examined the involvement of calpain in SMN regulation on MNs. In vitro experiments showed that calpain activation induces SMN cleavage in CD1 and SMA mouse spinal cord MNs. Additionally, calpain 1 knockdown or inhibition increased SMN level and prevent neurite degeneration in these cells. We examined the effects of calpain inhibition on the phenotype of two severe SMA mouse models. Treatment with the calpain inhibitor, calpeptin, significantly improved the lifespan and motor function of these mice. Our observations show that calpain regulates SMN level in MNs and calpeptin administration improves SMA phenotype demonstrating the potential utility of calpain inhibitors in SMA therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra de la Fuente
- Unitat de Senyalització Neuronal, Department Medicina Experimental, Universitat de Lleida-IRBLleida, Rovira Roure 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Alba Sansa
- Unitat de Senyalització Neuronal, Department Medicina Experimental, Universitat de Lleida-IRBLleida, Rovira Roure 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Ambika Periyakaruppiah
- Unitat de Senyalització Neuronal, Department Medicina Experimental, Universitat de Lleida-IRBLleida, Rovira Roure 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Ana Garcera
- Unitat de Senyalització Neuronal, Department Medicina Experimental, Universitat de Lleida-IRBLleida, Rovira Roure 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Rosa M Soler
- Unitat de Senyalització Neuronal, Department Medicina Experimental, Universitat de Lleida-IRBLleida, Rovira Roure 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Early postnatal behavioral, cellular, and molecular changes in models of Huntington disease are reversible by HDAC inhibition. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:E8765-E8774. [PMID: 30150378 PMCID: PMC6140493 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1807962115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In Huntington disease (HD) gene carriers the disease-causing mutant Huntingtin (mHTT) is already present during early developmental stages, but, surprisingly, HD patients develop clinical symptoms only many years later. While a developmental role of Huntingtin has been described, so far new therapeutic approaches targeting those early neurodevelopmental processes are lacking. Here, we show that behavioral, cellular, and molecular changes associated with mHTT in the postnatal period of genetic animal models of HD can be reverted using low-dose treatment with a histone deacetylation inhibitor. Our findings support a neurodevelopmental basis for HD and provide proof of concept that pre-HD symptoms, including aberrant neuronal differentiation, are reversible by early therapeutic intervention in vivo. Huntington disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder caused by expanded CAG repeats in the huntingtin gene (HTT). Although mutant HTT is expressed during embryonic development and throughout life, clinical HD usually manifests later in adulthood. A number of studies document neurodevelopmental changes associated with mutant HTT, but whether these are reversible under therapy remains unclear. Here, we identify very early behavioral, molecular, and cellular changes in preweaning transgenic HD rats and mice. Reduced ultrasonic vocalization, loss of prepulse inhibition, and increased risk taking are accompanied by disturbances of dopaminergic regulation in vivo, reduced neuronal differentiation capacity in subventricular zone stem/progenitor cells, and impaired neuronal and oligodendrocyte differentiation of mouse embryo-derived neural stem cells in vitro. Interventional treatment of this early phenotype with the histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) LBH589 led to significant improvement in behavioral changes and markers of dopaminergic neurotransmission and complete reversal of aberrant neuronal differentiation in vitro and in vivo. Our data support the notion that neurodevelopmental changes contribute to the prodromal phase of HD and that early, presymptomatic intervention using HDACi may represent a promising novel treatment approach for HD.
Collapse
|
14
|
Mackay JP, Nassrallah WB, Raymond LA. Cause or compensation?-Altered neuronal Ca 2+ handling in Huntington's disease. CNS Neurosci Ther 2018; 24:301-310. [PMID: 29427371 DOI: 10.1111/cns.12817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Revised: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder of typically middle-aged onset for which there is no disease-modifying treatment. Caudate and putamen medium-sized spiny projection neurons (SPNs) most severely degenerate in HD. However, it is unclear why mutant huntingtin protein (mHTT) is preferentially toxic to these neurons or why symptoms manifest only relatively late in life. mHTT interacts with numerous neuronal proteins. Likewise, multiple SPN cellular processes have been described as altered in various HD models. Among these, altered neuronal Ca2+ influx and intracellular Ca2+ handling feature prominently and are addressed here. Specifically, we focus on extrasynaptic NMDA-type glutamate receptors, endoplasmic reticulum IP3 receptors, and mitochondria. As mHTT is expressed throughout development, compensatory processes will likely be mounted to mitigate any deleterious effects. Although some compensations can lessen mHTT's disruptive effects, others-such as upregulation of the ER-refilling store-operated Ca2+ channel response-contribute to pathogenesis. A causation-based approach is therefore necessary to decipher the complex sequence of events linking mHTT to neurodegeneration, and to design rational therapeutic interventions. With this in mind, we highlight evidence, or lack thereof, that the above alterations in Ca2+ handling occur early in the disease process, clearly interact with mHTT, and show disease-modifying potential when reversed in animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James P Mackay
- Department of Psychiatry, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Wissam B Nassrallah
- Department of Psychiatry, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Graduate Program in Neuroscience and MD/PhD Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lynn A Raymond
- Department of Psychiatry, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Park KH, Franciosi S, Parrant K, Lu G, Leavitt BR. p35 hemizygosity activates Akt but does not improve motor function in the YAC128 mouse model of Huntington’s disease. Neuroscience 2017; 352:79-87. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2017.03.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Revised: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
|
16
|
Tyebji S, Hannan AJ. Synaptopathic mechanisms of neurodegeneration and dementia: Insights from Huntington's disease. Prog Neurobiol 2017; 153:18-45. [PMID: 28377290 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2017.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2016] [Revised: 03/19/2017] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Dementia encapsulates a set of symptoms that include loss of mental abilities such as memory, problem solving or language, and reduces a person's ability to perform daily activities. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, however dementia can also occur in other neurological disorders such as Huntington's disease (HD). Many studies have demonstrated that loss of neuronal cell function manifests pre-symptomatically and thus is a relevant therapeutic target to alleviate symptoms. Synaptopathy, the physiological dysfunction of synapses, is now being approached as the target for many neurological and psychiatric disorders, including HD. HD is an autosomal dominant and progressive degenerative disorder, with clinical manifestations that encompass movement, cognition, mood and behaviour. HD is one of the most common tandem repeat disorders and is caused by a trinucleotide (CAG) repeat expansion, encoding an extended polyglutamine tract in the huntingtin protein. Animal models as well as human studies have provided detailed, although not exhaustive, evidence of synaptic dysfunction in HD. In this review, we discuss the neuropathology of HD and how the changes in synaptic signalling in the diseased brain lead to its symptoms, which include dementia. Here, we review and discuss the mechanisms by which the 'molecular orchestras' and their 'synaptic symphonies' are disrupted in neurodegeneration and dementia, focusing on HD as a model disease. We also explore the therapeutic strategies currently in pre-clinical and clinical testing that are targeted towards improving synaptic function in HD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shiraz Tyebji
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anthony J Hannan
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Arteaga-Bracho EE, Gulinello M, Winchester ML, Pichamoorthy N, Petronglo JR, Zambrano AD, Inocencio J, De Jesus CD, Louie JO, Gokhan S, Mehler MF, Molero AE. Postnatal and adult consequences of loss of huntingtin during development: Implications for Huntington's disease. Neurobiol Dis 2016; 96:144-155. [PMID: 27623015 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2016.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Revised: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The mutation in huntingtin (mHtt) leads to a spectrum of impairments in the developing forebrain of Huntington's disease (HD) mouse models. Whether these developmental alterations are due to loss- or gain-of-function mechanisms and contribute to HD pathogenesis is unknown. We examined the role of selective loss of huntingtin (Htt) function during development on postnatal vulnerability to cell death. We employed mice expressing very low levels of Htt throughout embryonic life to postnatal day 21 (Hdhd•hyp). We demonstrated that Hdhd•hyp mice exhibit: (1) late-life striatal and cortical neuronal degeneration; (2) neurological and skeletal muscle alterations; and (3) white matter tract impairments and axonal degeneration. Hdhd•hyp embryos also exhibited subpallial heterotopias, aberrant striatal maturation and deregulation of gliogenesis. These results indicate that developmental deficits associated with Htt functions render cells present at discrete neural foci increasingly susceptible to cell death, thus implying the potential existence of a loss-of-function developmental component to HD pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo E Arteaga-Bracho
- Roslyn and Leslie Goldstein Laboratory for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Institute for Brain Disorders and Neural Regeneration, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Rose F. Kennedy Center for Research on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Maria Gulinello
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Rose F. Kennedy Center for Research on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Behavioral Core Facility, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Michael L Winchester
- Roslyn and Leslie Goldstein Laboratory for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Institute for Brain Disorders and Neural Regeneration, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; The Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Rose F. Kennedy Center for Research on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Nandini Pichamoorthy
- Roslyn and Leslie Goldstein Laboratory for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Institute for Brain Disorders and Neural Regeneration, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; The Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Rose F. Kennedy Center for Research on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Jenna R Petronglo
- Roslyn and Leslie Goldstein Laboratory for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Institute for Brain Disorders and Neural Regeneration, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; The Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Rose F. Kennedy Center for Research on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Alicia D Zambrano
- Roslyn and Leslie Goldstein Laboratory for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Institute for Brain Disorders and Neural Regeneration, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; The Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Julio Inocencio
- The Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Chirstopher D De Jesus
- Roslyn and Leslie Goldstein Laboratory for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Institute for Brain Disorders and Neural Regeneration, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Rose F. Kennedy Center for Research on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Joseph O Louie
- The Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Solen Gokhan
- Roslyn and Leslie Goldstein Laboratory for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Institute for Brain Disorders and Neural Regeneration, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; The Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Rose F. Kennedy Center for Research on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Mark F Mehler
- Roslyn and Leslie Goldstein Laboratory for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Institute for Brain Disorders and Neural Regeneration, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; The Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Rose F. Kennedy Center for Research on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Einstein Cancer Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Center for Epigenomics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Institute for Aging Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Aldrin E Molero
- Roslyn and Leslie Goldstein Laboratory for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Institute for Brain Disorders and Neural Regeneration, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; The Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Rose F. Kennedy Center for Research on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Role of NMDA Receptor-Mediated Glutamatergic Signaling in Chronic and Acute Neuropathologies. Neural Plast 2016; 2016:2701526. [PMID: 27630777 PMCID: PMC5007376 DOI: 10.1155/2016/2701526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2016] [Revised: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
N-Methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) have two opposing roles in the brain. On the one hand, NMDARs control critical events in the formation and development of synaptic organization and synaptic plasticity. On the other hand, the overactivation of NMDARs can promote neuronal death in neuropathological conditions. Ca(2+) influx acts as a primary modulator after NMDAR channel activation. An imbalance in Ca(2+) homeostasis is associated with several neurological diseases including schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. These chronic conditions have a lengthy progression depending on internal and external factors. External factors such as acute episodes of brain damage are associated with an earlier onset of several of these chronic mental conditions. Here, we will review some of the current evidence of how traumatic brain injury can hasten the onset of several neurological conditions, focusing on the role of NMDAR distribution and the functional consequences in calcium homeostasis associated with synaptic dysfunction and neuronal death present in this group of chronic diseases.
Collapse
|
19
|
Periyakaruppiah A, de la Fuente S, Arumugam S, Bahí N, Garcera A, Soler RM. Autophagy modulators regulate survival motor neuron protein stability in motoneurons. Exp Neurol 2016; 283:287-97. [PMID: 27373203 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2016.06.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2016] [Revised: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ambika Periyakaruppiah
- Unitat de Senyalització Neuronal, Dep. Medicina Experimental, Universitat de Lleida-IRBLLEIDA, Rovira Roure 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain
| | - Sandra de la Fuente
- Unitat de Senyalització Neuronal, Dep. Medicina Experimental, Universitat de Lleida-IRBLLEIDA, Rovira Roure 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain
| | - Saravanan Arumugam
- Unitat de Senyalització Neuronal, Dep. Medicina Experimental, Universitat de Lleida-IRBLLEIDA, Rovira Roure 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain
| | - Núria Bahí
- Unitat de Senyalització Neuronal, Dep. Medicina Experimental, Universitat de Lleida-IRBLLEIDA, Rovira Roure 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain
| | - Ana Garcera
- Unitat de Senyalització Neuronal, Dep. Medicina Experimental, Universitat de Lleida-IRBLLEIDA, Rovira Roure 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain
| | - Rosa M Soler
- Unitat de Senyalització Neuronal, Dep. Medicina Experimental, Universitat de Lleida-IRBLLEIDA, Rovira Roure 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Wagner L, Björkqvist M, Lundh SH, Wolf R, Börgel A, Schlenzig D, Ludwig HH, Rahfeld JU, Leavitt B, Demuth HU, Petersén Å, von Hörsten S. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) in cerebrospinal fluid from patients with Huntington's Disease: increased NPY levels and differential degradation of the NPY1-30
fragment. J Neurochem 2016; 137:820-37. [DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Revised: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 03/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Leona Wagner
- Deutschsprachige Selbsthilfegruppe für Alkaptonurie (DSAKU) e.V.; Stuttgart Germany
- Probiodrug AG; Halle (Saale) Germany
- Department of Experimental Therapy; Franz-Penzoldt-Center; Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg; Erlangen Germany
| | - Maria Björkqvist
- Brain Disease Biomarker Unit; Department of Experimental Medical Science; Wallenberg Neuroscience Centre; Lund University; Lund Sweden
| | - Sofia Hult Lundh
- Translational Neuroendocrine Research Unit; Lund University; Lund Sweden
| | - Raik Wolf
- Probiodrug AG; Halle (Saale) Germany
- Center for Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Transfusion; Klinikum St. Georg GmbH; Leipzig Germany
| | - Arne Börgel
- Probiodrug AG; Halle (Saale) Germany
- Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB); Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz; Mainz Germany
| | - Dagmar Schlenzig
- Department of Drug Design and Target Validation; Fraunhofer-Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology; Halle (Saale) Germany
| | | | - Jens-Ulrich Rahfeld
- Department of Drug Design and Target Validation; Fraunhofer-Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology; Halle (Saale) Germany
| | - Blair Leavitt
- The Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics Child and Family Research Institute; BC Children's Hospital; The University of British Columbia; Vancouver British Columbia
| | - Hans-Ulrich Demuth
- Department of Drug Design and Target Validation; Fraunhofer-Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology; Halle (Saale) Germany
| | - Åsa Petersén
- Translational Neuroendocrine Research Unit; Lund University; Lund Sweden
| | - Stephan von Hörsten
- Department of Experimental Therapy; Franz-Penzoldt-Center; Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg; Erlangen Germany
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Park KHJ, Lu G, Fan J, Raymond LA, Leavitt BR. Decreasing Levels of the cdk5 Activators, p25 and p35, Reduces Excitotoxicity in Striatal Neurons. J Huntingtons Dis 2016; 1:89-96. [PMID: 24353748 DOI: 10.3233/jhd-2012-129000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by an expanded CAG trinucleotide repeat sequence in the huntingtin gene. The resulting poly-glutamine expansion in the huntingtin protein imparts a novel toxic gain of function causing selective loss of medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in the striatum. Although the exact mechanism of cell death is unclear, recent evidence suggests involvement of NMDA-receptor mediated excitotoxicity and aberrant cyclin dependent kinase 5 (cdk5) activity in striatal cells undergoing neurodegeneration. In this study we directly tested the effect of reduced levels of p25 and p35, two proteins required for cdk5 activation, on striatal neurodegeneration using mice with targeted deletion of p35. Quinolinic acid (QA) injected into the striatum of mice causes NMDA-receptor mediated cell death, and these QA-induced striatal lesions were examined in p35 hemizygous null (p35+/-) and wildtype (WT) mice. Striatal QA lesion volumes were 30% smaller in p35+/- mice than in WT mice. Furthermore, primary neuronal cultures of MSNs from P0 p35+/- pups displayed 33% less apoptotic neurons following NMDA treatment than those from WT pups. Examination of YAC128 mouse model of HD showed elevated p25 levels in striatum following intrastriatal QA injection. Our findings provide direct evidence for p25 and p35 involvement in excitotoxic neurodegeneration of MSNs and suggest a role for the cdk5 pathway in HD striatal neurodegeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin H J Park
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Department of Medical Genetics, Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ge Lu
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Department of Medical Genetics, Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jing Fan
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Lynn A Raymond
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada ; Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Blair R Leavitt
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Department of Medical Genetics, Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada ; Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Rangel-Barajas C, Coronel I, Florán B. Dopamine Receptors and Neurodegeneration. Aging Dis 2015; 6:349-68. [PMID: 26425390 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2015.0330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2014] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Dopamine (DA) is one of the major neurotransmitters and participates in a number of functions such as motor coordination, emotions, memory, reward mechanism, neuroendocrine regulation etc. DA exerts its effects through five DA receptors that are subdivided in 2 families: D1-like DA receptors (D1 and D5) and the D2-like (D2, D3 and D4). All DA receptors are widely expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) and play an important role in not only in physiological conditions but also pathological scenarios. Abnormalities in the DAergic system and its receptors in the basal ganglia structures are the basis Parkinson's disease (PD), however DA also participates in other neurodegenerative disorders such as Huntington disease (HD) and multiple sclerosis (MS). Under pathological conditions reorganization of DAergic system has been observed and most of the times, those changes occur as a mechanism of compensation, but in some cases contributes to worsening the alterations. Here we review the changes that occur on DA transmission and DA receptors (DARs) at both levels expression and signals transduction pathways as a result of neurotoxicity, inflammation and in neurodegenerative processes. The better understanding of the role of DA receptors in neuropathological conditions is crucial for development of novel therapeutic approaches to treat alterations related to neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Rangel-Barajas
- 1Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences Program in Neurosciences, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA ; 2Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Israel Coronel
- 3Health Sciences Faculty, Anahuac University, Mexico Norte, State of Mexico, Mexico
| | - Benjamín Florán
- 4Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Neurosciences CINVESTAV-IPN, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Roselli F, Caroni P. From Intrinsic Firing Properties to Selective Neuronal Vulnerability in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Neuron 2015; 85:901-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2014.12.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
24
|
From pathways to targets: understanding the mechanisms behind polyglutamine disease. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:701758. [PMID: 25309920 PMCID: PMC4189765 DOI: 10.1155/2014/701758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2014] [Accepted: 09/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The history of polyglutamine diseases dates back approximately 20 years to the discovery of a polyglutamine repeat in the androgen receptor of SBMA followed by the identification of similar expansion mutations in Huntington's disease, SCA1, DRPLA, and the other spinocerebellar ataxias. This common molecular feature of polyglutamine diseases suggests shared mechanisms in disease pathology and neurodegeneration of disease specific brain regions. In this review, we discuss the main pathogenic pathways including proteolytic processing, nuclear shuttling and aggregation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and clearance of misfolded polyglutamine proteins and point out possible targets for treatment.
Collapse
|
25
|
Schapira AHV, Olanow CW, Greenamyre JT, Bezard E. Slowing of neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease: future therapeutic perspectives. Lancet 2014; 384:545-55. [PMID: 24954676 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(14)61010-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 280] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Several important advances have been made in our understanding of the pathways that lead to cell dysfunction and death in Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease. These advances have been informed by both direct analysis of the post-mortem brain and by study of the biological consequences of the genetic causes of these diseases. Some of the pathways that have been implicated so far include mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, kinase pathways, calcium dysregulation, inflammation, protein handling, and prion-like processes. Intriguingly, these pathways seem to be important in the pathogenesis of both diseases and have led to the identification of molecular targets for candidate interventions designed to slow or reverse their course. We review some recent advances that underlie putative therapies for neuroprotection in Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease, and potential targets that might be exploited in the future. Although we will need to overcome important hurdles, especially in terms of clinical trial design, we propose several target pathways that merit further study. In Parkinson's disease, these targets include agents that might improve mitochondrial function or increase degradation of defective mitochondria, kinase inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, and approaches that interfere with the misfolding, templating, and transmission of α-synuclein. In Huntington's disease, strategies might also be directed at mitochondrial bioenergetics and turnover, the prevention of protein dysregulation, disruption of the interaction between huntingtin and p53 or huntingtin-interacting protein 1 to reduce apoptosis, and interference with expression of mutant huntingtin at both the nucleic acid and protein levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - C Warren Olanow
- Departments of Neurology and Neuroscience, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - J Timothy Greenamyre
- Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Erwan Bezard
- Université de Bordeaux, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, 33000 Bordeaux, France; CNRS, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Gou-Fabregas M, Ramírez-Núñez O, Cacabelos D, Bahi N, Portero M, Garcera A, Soler RM. Calpain activation and CaMKIV reduction in spinal cords from hSOD1G93A mouse model. Mol Cell Neurosci 2014; 61:219-25. [PMID: 25063475 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2014.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2013] [Revised: 07/17/2014] [Accepted: 07/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a severe neurodegenerative disease, affects the upper and lower motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. In some studies, ALS disease progression has been associated with an increase in calcium-dependent degeneration processes. Motoneurons are specifically vulnerable to sustained membrane depolarization and excessive elevation of intracellular calcium concentration. The present study analyzed intracellular events in embryonic motoneurons and adult spinal cords of the hSOD1G93A ALS mouse model. We observed activation of calpain, a calcium-dependent cysteine protease that degrades a variety of substrates, and a reduction in calcium-calmodulin dependent protein kinase type IV (CaMKIV) levels in protein extracts from spinal cords obtained at several time-points of hSOD1G93A mice disease progression. However, in cultured embryonic motoneurons these differences between controls and hSOD1G93A mutants are not evident. Our results support the hypothesis that age-dependent changes in calcium homeostasis and resulting events, e.g., calpain activation and CaMKIV processing, are involved in ALS pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Myriam Gou-Fabregas
- Unitat de Senyalització Neuronal, Dept Ciencies Mediques Basiques, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Lleida, IRBLLEIDA, Rovira Roure, 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain
| | - Omar Ramírez-Núñez
- Dept Medicina Experimental, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Lleida, IRBLLEIDA, Rovira Roure, 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain
| | - Daniel Cacabelos
- Dept Medicina Experimental, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Lleida, IRBLLEIDA, Rovira Roure, 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain
| | - Nuria Bahi
- Unitat de Senyalització Neuronal, Dept Ciencies Mediques Basiques, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Lleida, IRBLLEIDA, Rovira Roure, 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain
| | - Manuel Portero
- Dept Medicina Experimental, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Lleida, IRBLLEIDA, Rovira Roure, 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain
| | - Ana Garcera
- Unitat de Senyalització Neuronal, Dept Ciencies Mediques Basiques, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Lleida, IRBLLEIDA, Rovira Roure, 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain
| | - Rosa M Soler
- Unitat de Senyalització Neuronal, Dept Ciencies Mediques Basiques, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Lleida, IRBLLEIDA, Rovira Roure, 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Muller M, Leavitt BR. Iron dysregulation in Huntington's disease. J Neurochem 2014; 130:328-50. [PMID: 24717009 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.12739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2014] [Revised: 03/19/2014] [Accepted: 04/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is one of many neurodegenerative diseases with reported alterations in brain iron homeostasis that may contribute to neuropathogenesis. Iron accumulation in the specific brain areas of neurodegeneration in HD has been proposed based on observations in post-mortem tissue and magnetic resonance imaging studies. Altered magnetic resonance imaging signal within specific brain regions undergoing neurodegeneration has been consistently reported and interpreted as altered levels of brain iron. Biochemical studies using various techniques to measure iron species in human samples, mouse tissue, or in vitro has generated equivocal data to support such an association. Whether elevated brain iron occurs in HD, plays a significant contributing role in HD pathogenesis, or is a secondary effect remains currently unclear.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Muller
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre for Molecular Medicine & Therapeutics, University of British Columbia and Children's and Women's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Kolodziejczyk K, Parsons MP, Southwell AL, Hayden MR, Raymond LA. Striatal synaptic dysfunction and hippocampal plasticity deficits in the Hu97/18 mouse model of Huntington disease. PLoS One 2014; 9:e94562. [PMID: 24728353 PMCID: PMC3984157 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0094562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2013] [Accepted: 03/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington disease (HD) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the gene (HTT) encoding the huntingtin protein (HTT). This mutation leads to multiple cellular and synaptic alterations that are mimicked in many current HD animal models. However, the most commonly used, well-characterized HD models do not accurately reproduce the genetics of human disease. Recently, a new ‘humanized’ mouse model, termed Hu97/18, has been developed that genetically recapitulates human HD, including two human HTT alleles, no mouse Hdh alleles and heterozygosity of the HD mutation. Previously, behavioral and neuropathological testing in Hu97/18 mice revealed many features of HD, yet no electrophysiological measures were employed to investigate possible synaptic alterations. Here, we describe electrophysiological changes in the striatum and hippocampus of the Hu97/18 mice. At 9 months of age, a stage when cognitive deficits are fully developed and motor dysfunction is also evident, Hu97/18 striatal spiny projection neurons (SPNs) exhibited small changes in membrane properties and lower amplitude and frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs); however, release probability from presynaptic terminals was unaltered. Strikingly, these mice also exhibited a profound deficiency in long-term potentiation (LTP) at CA3-to-CA1 synapses. In contrast, at 6 months of age we found only subtle alterations in SPN synaptic transmission, while 3-month old animals did not display any electrophysiologically detectable changes in the striatum and CA1 LTP was intact. Together, these data reveal robust, progressive deficits in synaptic function and plasticity in Hu97/18 mice, consistent with previously reported behavioral abnormalities, and suggest an optimal age (9 months) for future electrophysiological assessment in preclinical studies of HD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Kolodziejczyk
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Matthew P. Parsons
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Amber L. Southwell
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Michael R. Hayden
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lynn A. Raymond
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Gladding CM, Fan J, Zhang LYJ, Wang L, Xu J, Li EHY, Lombroso PJ, Raymond LA. Alterations in STriatal-Enriched protein tyrosine Phosphatase expression, activation, and downstream signaling in early and late stages of the YAC128 Huntington's disease mouse model. J Neurochem 2014; 130:145-59. [PMID: 24588402 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.12700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2013] [Revised: 02/14/2014] [Accepted: 02/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Striatal neurodegeneration and synaptic dysfunction in Huntington's disease are mediated by the mutant huntingtin (mHtt) protein. MHtt disrupts calcium homeostasis and facilitates excitotoxicity, in part by altering NMDA receptor (NMDAR) trafficking and function. Pre-symptomatic (excitotoxin-sensitive) transgenic mice expressing full-length human mHtt with 128 polyglutamine repeats (YAC128 Huntington's disease mice) show increased calpain activity and extrasynaptic NMDAR (Ex-NMDAR) localization and signaling. Furthermore, Ex-NMDAR stimulation facilitates excitotoxicity in wild-type cortical neurons via calpain-mediated cleavage of STriatal-Enriched protein tyrosine Phosphatase 61 (STEP61). The cleavage product, STEP33, cannot dephosphorylate p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), thereby augmenting apoptotic signaling. Here, we show elevated extrasynaptic calpain-mediated cleavage of STEP61 and p38 phosphorylation, as well as STEP61 inactivation and reduced extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 phosphorylation (ERK1/2) in the striatum of 6-week-old, excitotoxin-sensitive YAC128 mice. Calpain inhibition reduced basal and NMDA-induced STEP61 cleavage. However, basal p38 phosphorylation was normalized by a peptide disrupting NMDAR-post-synaptic density protein-95 (PSD-95) binding but not by calpain inhibition. In 1-year-old excitotoxin-resistant YAC128 mice, STEP33 levels were not elevated, but STEP61 inactivation and p38 and ERK 1/2 phosphorylation levels were increased. These results show that in YAC128 striatal tissue, enhanced NMDAR-PSD-95 interactions contributes to elevated p38 signaling in early, excitotoxin-sensitive stages, and suggest that STEP61 inactivation enhances MAPK signaling at late, excitotoxin-resistant stages. The YAC128 Huntington's disease mouse model shows early, enhanced susceptibility to NMDA receptor-mediated striatal apoptosis, progressing to late-stage excitotoxicity resistance. This study shows that elevated NMDA receptor-PSD-95 interactions as well as decreased extrasynaptic STriatal-Enriched protein tyrosine Phosphatase 61 (STEP61) activation may contribute to early enhanced apoptotic signaling. In late-stage YAC128 mice, reduced STEP61 levels and activity correlate with elevated MAPK signaling, consistent with excitotoxicity resistance. Solid and dotted arrows indicate conclusions drawn from the current study and other literature, respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clare M Gladding
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Neuroscience, Brain Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Dau A, Gladding CM, Sepers MD, Raymond LA. Chronic blockade of extrasynaptic NMDA receptors ameliorates synaptic dysfunction and pro-death signaling in Huntington disease transgenic mice. Neurobiol Dis 2014; 62:533-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2013.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2013] [Revised: 10/17/2013] [Accepted: 11/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
|
31
|
Abstract
Of the neurodegenerative diseases presented in this book, Huntington's disease (HD) stands as the archetypal autosomal dominantly inherited neurodegenerative disorder. Its occurrence through generations of affected families was noted long before the basic genetic underpinnings of hereditary diseases was understood. The early classification of HD as a distinct hereditary neurodegenerative disorder allowed the study of this disease to lead the way in the development of our understanding of the mechanisms of human genetic disorders. Following its clinical and pathologic characterization, the causative genetic mutation in HD was subsequently identified as a trinucleotide (CAG) repeat expansion in the huntingtin (HTT) gene, and consequently, the HTT gene and huntingtin protein have been studied in great detail. Despite this concentrated effort, there is still much about the function of huntingtin that still remains unknown. Presented in this chapter is an overview of the current knowledge on the normal function of huntingtin and some of the potential neurobiologic mechanisms by which the mutant HTT gene may mediate neurodegeneration in HD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A G De Souza
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Department of Medical Genetics, Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, 950 West 28th Avenue, Room 2020, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
The NMDA receptor subunit GluN3A protects against 3-nitroproprionic-induced striatal lesions via inhibition of calpain activation. Neurobiol Dis 2012; 48:290-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2012.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2012] [Revised: 06/25/2012] [Accepted: 07/03/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
|
33
|
Mehta A, Prabhakar M, Kumar P, Deshmukh R, Sharma PL. Excitotoxicity: bridge to various triggers in neurodegenerative disorders. Eur J Pharmacol 2012; 698:6-18. [PMID: 23123057 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2012.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 456] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2012] [Revised: 09/26/2012] [Accepted: 10/06/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Glutamate is one of the most prominent neurotransmitter in the body, present in over 50% of nervous tissue and plays an important role in neuronal excitation. This neuronal excitation is short-lived and is followed by depression. Multiple abnormal triggers such as energy deficiency, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, calcium overload, etc can lead to aberration in neuronal excitation process. Such an aberration, serves as a common pool or bridge between abnormal triggers and deleterious signaling processes with which central neurons cannot cope up, leading to death. Excitotoxicity is the pathological process by which nerve cells are damaged and killed by excessive stimulation by neurotransmitters such as glutamate and similar substances. Such excitotoxic neuronal death has been implicated in spinal cord injury, stroke, traumatic brain injury, hearing loss and in neurodegenerative diseases of the central nervous system such as stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer disease, Amyltropic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Huntington disease and alcohol withdrawal. This review mainly emphasizes the triggering events which sustain neuronal excitation, role of calcium, mitochondrial dysfunction, ROS, NO, chloride homeostasis and eicosanoids pathways. Further, a brief introduction about the recent research occurring in the treatment of various neurodegenerative diseases, including a summary of the presumed physiologic mechanisms behind the pharmacology of these disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ankita Mehta
- Neuropharmacology Division, ISF College of Pharmacy, Ferozpur Road, Ghal Kalan, Moga 142 001, Punjab, India
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Targeting mutant huntingtin for the development of disease-modifying therapy. Drug Discov Today 2012; 17:1217-23. [PMID: 22772050 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2012.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2012] [Revised: 06/09/2012] [Accepted: 06/27/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease, and the most common inherited CAG repeat disorder. A polyglutamine expansion in the N-terminus of the huntingtin protein (HTT) leads to protein misfolding and downstream pathogenic processes culminating in widespread functional impairment and neurodegeneration in the striatum, cortex and other brain areas. To date, only symptomatic treatments are available that address motor, psychiatric and cognitive deficits. Here we review recent strategies for developing disease-modifying therapies designed to limit or abolish the pathogenic activities of the primary molecular target in HD, the mutant HTT protein itself.
Collapse
|
35
|
Gil-Mohapel JM. Screening of therapeutic strategies for Huntington's disease in YAC128 transgenic mice. CNS Neurosci Ther 2012; 18:77-86. [PMID: 21501423 DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-5949.2011.00246.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington’s disease (HD) is a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder caused by an unstable expansion of cytosine-adenine-guanine (CAG) repeats in the HD gene. The symptoms include cognitive dysfunction and severe motor impairment with loss of voluntary movement coordination that is later replaced by bradykinesia and rigidity. The neuropathology is characterized by neuronal loss mainly in the striatum and cortex, and the appearance of neuronal intranuclear inclusions of mutant huntingtin. The mechanisms responsible for neurodegeneration are still not fully understood although excitotoxicity and a consequent increase in intracellular calcium concentration as well as the activation of caspases and calapins are known to play a key role. There is currently no satisfactory treatment or cure for this disease. The YAC128 transgenic mice express the full-length human HD gene with 128 CAG repeats and constitute a unique model for the study of HD as they replicate the slow and biphasic progression of behavioral deficits characteristic of the human condition and show striatal neuronal loss. As such, these transgenic mice have been an invaluable model not only for the elucidation of the neurodegenerative pathways in HD, but also for the screening and development of new therapeutic approaches. Here, I will review the unique characteristics of this transgenic HD model and will provide a summary of the therapies that have been tested in these mice, namely: potentiation of the protective roles of wild-type huntingtin and mutant huntingtin aggregation, transglutaminase inhibition, inhibition of glutamate- and dopamine-induced toxicity, apoptosis inhibition, use of essential fatty acids, and the novel approach of intrabody gene therapy. The insights obtained from these and future studies will help identify potential candidates for clinical trials and will ultimately contribute to the discovery of a successful treatment for this devastating neurodegenerative disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joana M Gil-Mohapel
- Division of Medical Sciences, Island Medical Program, University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Gladding CM, Sepers MD, Xu J, Zhang LYJ, Milnerwood AJ, Lombroso PJ, Raymond LA. Calpain and STriatal-Enriched protein tyrosine phosphatase (STEP) activation contribute to extrasynaptic NMDA receptor localization in a Huntington's disease mouse model. Hum Mol Genet 2012; 21:3739-52. [PMID: 22523092 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/dds154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In Huntington's disease (HD), the mutant huntingtin (mhtt) protein is associated with striatal dysfunction and degeneration. Excitotoxicity and early synaptic defects are attributed, in part, to altered NMDA receptor (NMDAR) trafficking and function. Deleterious extrasynaptic NMDAR localization and signalling are increased early in yeast artificial chromosome mice expressing full-length mhtt with 128 polyglutamine repeats (YAC128 mice). NMDAR trafficking at the plasma membrane is regulated by dephosphorylation of the NMDAR subunit GluN2B tyrosine 1472 (Y1472) residue by STriatal-Enriched protein tyrosine Phosphatase (STEP). NMDAR function is also regulated by calpain cleavage of the GluN2B C-terminus. Activation of both STEP and calpain is calcium-dependent, and disruption of calcium homeostasis occurs early in the HD striatum. Here, we show increased calpain cleavage of GluN2B at both synaptic and extrasynaptic sites, and elevated extrasynaptic total GluN2B expression in the YAC128 striatum. Calpain inhibition significantly reduced extrasynaptic GluN2B expression in the YAC128 but not wild-type striatum. Furthermore, calpain inhibition reduced whole-cell NMDAR current and the surface/internal GluN2B ratio in co-cultured striatal neurons, without affecting synaptic GluN2B localization. Synaptic STEP activity was also significantly higher in the YAC128 striatum, correlating with decreased GluN2B Y1472 phosphorylation. A substrate-trapping STEP protein (TAT-STEP C-S) significantly increased VGLUT1-GluN2B colocalization, as well as increasing synaptic GluN2B expression and Y1472 phosphorylation. Moreover, combined calpain inhibition and STEP inactivation reduced extrasynaptic, while increasing synaptic GluN2B expression in the YAC128 striatum. These results indicate that increased STEP and calpain activation contribute to altered NMDAR localization in an HD mouse model, suggesting new therapeutic targets for HD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clare M Gladding
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Neuroscience, Brain Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6T 1Z3
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Ehrlich ME. Huntington's disease and the striatal medium spiny neuron: cell-autonomous and non-cell-autonomous mechanisms of disease. Neurotherapeutics 2012; 9:270-84. [PMID: 22441874 PMCID: PMC3337013 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-012-0112-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by a mutation in the gene encoding the protein huntingtin on chromosome 4. The mutation is an expanded CAG repeat in the first exon, encoding a polyglutamine tract. If the polyglutamine tract is > 40, penetrance is 100% and death is inevitable. Despite the widespread expression of huntingtin, HD has long been considered primarily as a disease of the striatum. It is characterized by selective vulnerability with dysfunction followed by death of the medium size spiny neuron. Considerable effort is being expended to determine whether striatal damage is cell-autonomous, non-cell-autonomous, requiring cell-cell and region to region communication, or both. We review data supporting both mechanisms. We also attempt to organize the data into common mechanisms that may arise outside the medium, spiny neuron, but ultimately have their greatest impact in the striatum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle E Ehrlich
- Department of Pediatrics, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Annenberg 14-44, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10019, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
P38 MAPK is involved in enhanced NMDA receptor-dependent excitotoxicity in YAC transgenic mouse model of Huntington disease. Neurobiol Dis 2012; 45:999-1009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2011.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2011] [Accepted: 12/04/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
|
39
|
Raymond LA, André VM, Cepeda C, Gladding CM, Milnerwood AJ, Levine MS. Pathophysiology of Huntington's disease: time-dependent alterations in synaptic and receptor function. Neuroscience 2011; 198:252-73. [PMID: 21907762 PMCID: PMC3221774 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2011.08.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 228] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2011] [Revised: 07/31/2011] [Accepted: 08/22/2011] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a progressive, fatal neurological condition caused by an expansion of CAG (glutamine) repeats in the coding region of the Huntington gene. To date, there is no cure but great strides have been made to understand pathophysiological mechanisms. In particular, genetic animal models of HD have been instrumental in elucidating the progression of behavioral and physiological alterations, which had not been possible using classic neurotoxin models. Our groups have pioneered the use of transgenic HD mice to examine the excitotoxicity hypothesis of striatal neuronal dysfunction and degeneration, as well as alterations in excitation and inhibition in striatum and cerebral cortex. In this review, we focus on synaptic and receptor alterations of striatal medium-sized spiny (MSNs) and cortical pyramidal neurons in genetic HD mouse models. We demonstrate a complex series of alterations that are region-specific and time-dependent. In particular, many changes are bidirectional depending on the degree of disease progression, that is, early vs. late, and also on the region examined. Early synaptic dysfunction is manifested by dysregulated glutamate release in striatum followed by progressive disconnection between cortex and striatum. The differential effects of altered glutamate release on MSNs originating the direct and indirect pathways is also elucidated, with the unexpected finding that cells of the direct striatal pathway are involved early in the course of the disease. In addition, we review evidence for early N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) dysfunction leading to enhanced sensitivity of extrasynaptic receptors and a critical role of GluN2B subunits. Some of the alterations in late HD could be compensatory mechanisms designed to cope with early synaptic and receptor dysfunctions. The main findings indicate that HD treatments need to be designed according to the stage of disease progression and should consider regional differences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lynn A. Raymond
- Department of Psychiatry and Brain Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Véronique M. André
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Carlos Cepeda
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Clare M. Gladding
- Department of Psychiatry and Brain Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Austen J. Milnerwood
- Department of Psychiatry and Brain Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Michael S. Levine
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a complex and severe disorder characterized by the gradual and the progressive loss of neurons, predominantly in the striatum, which leads to the typical motor and cognitive impairments associated with this pathology. HD is caused by a highly polymorphic CAG trinucleotide repeat expansion in the exon-1 of the gene encoding for huntingtin protein. Since the first discovery of the huntingtin gene, investigations with a consistent number of in-vitro and in-vivo models have provided insights into the toxic events related to the expression of the mutant protein. In this review, we will summarize the progress made in characterizing the signaling pathways that contribute to neuronal degeneration in HD. We will highlight the age-dependent loss of proteostasis that is primarily responsible for the formation of aggregates observed in HD patients. The most promising molecular targets for the development of pharmacological interventions will also be discussed.
Collapse
|
41
|
Rajput PS, Kharmate G, Norman M, Liu SH, Sastry BR, Brunicardi CF, Kumar U. Somatostatin receptor 1 and 5 double knockout mice mimic neurochemical changes of Huntington's disease transgenic mice. PLoS One 2011; 6:e24467. [PMID: 21912697 PMCID: PMC3166321 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0024467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2011] [Accepted: 08/10/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Selective degeneration of medium spiny neurons and preservation of medium sized aspiny interneurons in striatum has been implicated in excitotoxicity and pathophysiology of Huntington's disease (HD). However, the molecular mechanism for the selective sparing of medium sized aspiny neurons and vulnerability of projection neurons is still elusive. The pathological characteristic of HD is an extensive reduction of the striatal mass, affecting caudate putamen. Somatostatin (SST) positive neurons are selectively spared in HD and Quinolinic acid/N-methyl-D-aspartic acid induced excitotoxicity, mimic the model of HD. SST plays neuroprotective role in excitotoxicity and the biological effects of SST are mediated by five somatostatin receptor subtypes (SSTR1-5). METHODS AND FINDINGS To delineate subtype selective biological responses we have here investigated changes in SSTR1 and 5 double knockout mice brain and compared with HD transgenic mouse model (R6/2). Our study revealed significant loss of dopamine and cAMP regulated phosphoprotein of 32 kDa (DARPP-32) and comparable changes in SST, N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptors subtypes, calbindin and brain nitric oxide synthase expression as well as in key signaling proteins including calpain, phospho-extracellular-signal-regulated kinases1/2, synapsin-IIa, protein kinase C-α and calcineurin in SSTR1/5(-/-) and R6/2 mice. Conversely, the expression of somatostatin receptor subtypes, enkephalin and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases were strain specific. SSTR1/5 appears to be important in regulating NMDARs, DARPP-32 and signaling molecules in similar fashion as seen in HD transgenic mice. CONCLUSIONS This is the first comprehensive description of disease related changes upon ablation of G- protein coupled receptor gene. Our results indicate that SST and SSTRs might play an important role in regulation of neurodegeneration and targeting this pathway can provide a novel insight in understanding the pathophysiology of Huntington's disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Padmesh S. Rajput
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Geetanjali Kharmate
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Michael Norman
- Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Shi-He Liu
- Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Bhagavatula R. Sastry
- Neuroscience Research Laboratory, Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Charles F. Brunicardi
- Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Ujendra Kumar
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Stone TW, Forrest CM, Stoy N, Darlington LG. Involvement of kynurenines in Huntington's disease and stroke-induced brain damage. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2011; 119:261-74. [PMID: 21695417 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-011-0676-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2011] [Accepted: 06/08/2011] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Several components of the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism are now recognised to have actions of profound biological importance. These include the ability to modulate the activation of glutamate and nicotinic receptors, to modify the responsiveness of the immune system to inflammation and infection, and to modify the generation and removal of reactive oxygen species. As each of these factors is being recognised increasingly as contributing to major disorders of the central nervous system (CNS), so the potentially fundamental role of the kynurenine pathway in those disorders is presenting a valuable target both for understanding the progress of those disorders and for developing potential drug treatments. This review will summarise some of the evidence for an important contribution of the kynurenines to Huntington's disease and to stroke damage in the CNS. Together with preliminary evidence from a study of kynurenine metabolites after major surgery, an important conclusion is that kynurenine pathway activation closely reflects cognitive function, and may play a significant role in cognitive ability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Trevor W Stone
- Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, West Medical Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Eidelberg D, Surmeier DJ. Brain networks in Huntington disease. J Clin Invest 2011; 121:484-92. [PMID: 21285521 DOI: 10.1172/jci45646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have focused on understanding the neural mechanisms underlying the emergence of clinical signs and symptoms in early stage Huntington disease (HD). Although cell-based assays have focused on cell autonomous effects of mutant huntingtin, animal HD models have revealed alterations in the function of neuronal networks, particularly those linking the cerebral cortex and striatum. These findings are complemented by metabolic imaging studies of disease progression in premanifest subjects. Quantifying metabolic progression at the systems level may identify network biomarkers to aid in the objective assessment of new disease-modifying therapies and identify new regions that merit mechanistic study in HD models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Eidelberg
- Center for Neurosciences, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, New York 11030, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Milnerwood AJ, Raymond LA. Early synaptic pathophysiology in neurodegeneration: insights from Huntington's disease. Trends Neurosci 2010; 33:513-23. [PMID: 20850189 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2010.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2010] [Revised: 07/26/2010] [Accepted: 08/11/2010] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Investigations of synaptic transmission and plasticity in mouse models of Huntington's disease (HD) demonstrate neuronal dysfunction long before the onset of classical disease indicators. Similarly, recent human studies reveal synaptic dysfunction decades before predicted clinical diagnosis in HD gene carriers. These studies guide premanifest tracking of disease and the development of treatment assessment tools. New discoveries of mechanisms underlying early neuronal dysfunction, including elevated pathogenic extrasynaptic NMDA receptor signaling, reduced synaptic connectivity and loss of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) support have led to pharmacological interventions that can reverse or delay phenotype onset and disease progression in HD mice. Further understanding the primary effects of gene mutations associated with late-onset neurodegeneration should translate to novel treatments for HD families and guide therapeutic strategies for other neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Austen J Milnerwood
- Department of Psychiatry and Brain Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Zuccato C, Valenza M, Cattaneo E. Molecular Mechanisms and Potential Therapeutical Targets in Huntington's Disease. Physiol Rev 2010; 90:905-81. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00041.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 626] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the gene encoding for huntingtin protein. A lot has been learned about this disease since its first description in 1872 and the identification of its causative gene and mutation in 1993. We now know that the disease is characterized by several molecular and cellular abnormalities whose precise timing and relative roles in pathogenesis have yet to be understood. HD is triggered by the mutant protein, and both gain-of-function (of the mutant protein) and loss-of-function (of the normal protein) mechanisms are involved. Here we review the data that describe the emergence of the ancient huntingtin gene and of the polyglutamine trait during the last 800 million years of evolution. We focus on the known functions of wild-type huntingtin that are fundamental for the survival and functioning of the brain neurons that predominantly degenerate in HD. We summarize data indicating how the loss of these beneficial activities reduces the ability of these neurons to survive. We also review the different mechanisms by which the mutation in huntingtin causes toxicity. This may arise both from cell-autonomous processes and dysfunction of neuronal circuitries. We then focus on novel therapeutical targets and pathways and on the attractive option to counteract HD at its primary source, i.e., by blocking the production of the mutant protein. Strategies and technologies used to screen for candidate HD biomarkers and their potential application are presented. Furthermore, we discuss the opportunities offered by intracerebral cell transplantation and the likely need for these multiple routes into therapies to converge at some point as, ideally, one would wish to stop the disease process and, at the same time, possibly replace the damaged neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Zuccato
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences and Centre for Stem Cell Research, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Valenza
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences and Centre for Stem Cell Research, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Cattaneo
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences and Centre for Stem Cell Research, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Kumar P, Kalonia H, Kumar A. Possible nitric oxide modulation in protective effect of FK-506 against 3-nitropropionic acid-induced behavioral, oxidative, neurochemical, and mitochondrial alterations in rat brain. Drug Chem Toxicol 2010; 33:377-92. [DOI: 10.3109/01480541003642050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
|
47
|
Reijonen S, Kukkonen JP, Hyrskyluoto A, Kivinen J, Kairisalo M, Takei N, Lindholm D, Korhonen L. Downregulation of NF-kappaB signaling by mutant huntingtin proteins induces oxidative stress and cell death. Cell Mol Life Sci 2010; 67:1929-41. [PMID: 20232225 PMCID: PMC11115952 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-010-0305-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2009] [Revised: 02/01/2010] [Accepted: 02/03/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Accumulation of abnormal proteins and endoplasmic reticulum stress accompany neurodegenerative diseases including Huntington's disease. We show that the expression of mutant huntingtin proteins with extended polyglutamine repeats differentially affected endoplasmic reticulum signaling cascades linked to the inositol-requiring enzyme-1 (IRE1) pathway. Thus, the p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase pathways were activated, while the levels of the nuclear factor-kappaB-p65 (NF-kappaB-p65) protein decreased. Downregulation of NF-kappaB signaling was linked to decreased antioxidant levels, increased oxidative stress, and enhanced cell death. Concomitantly, calpain was activated, and treatment with calpain inhibitors restored NF-kappaB-p65 levels and increased cell viability. The calpain regulator, calpastatin, was low in cells expressing mutant huntingtin, and overexpression of calpastatin counteracted the deleterious effects caused by N-terminal mutant huntingtin proteins. These results show that calpastatin and an altered NF-kappaB-p65 signaling are crucial factors involved in oxidative stress and cell death mediated by mutant huntingtin proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sami Reijonen
- Minerva Medical Research Institute, Biomedicum Helsinki, Tukholmankatu 8, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jyrki P. Kukkonen
- Minerva Medical Research Institute, Biomedicum Helsinki, Tukholmankatu 8, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
- Unit of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Post Box 66, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Alise Hyrskyluoto
- Minerva Medical Research Institute, Biomedicum Helsinki, Tukholmankatu 8, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jenny Kivinen
- Minerva Medical Research Institute, Biomedicum Helsinki, Tukholmankatu 8, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Minna Kairisalo
- Minerva Medical Research Institute, Biomedicum Helsinki, Tukholmankatu 8, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Nobuyuki Takei
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Dan Lindholm
- Minerva Medical Research Institute, Biomedicum Helsinki, Tukholmankatu 8, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Laura Korhonen
- Minerva Medical Research Institute, Biomedicum Helsinki, Tukholmankatu 8, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
- Division of Child Psychiatry, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Post Box 280, 00029 HUS, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Faideau M, Kim J, Cormier K, Gilmore R, Welch M, Auregan G, Dufour N, Guillermier M, Brouillet E, Hantraye P, Déglon N, Ferrante RJ, Bonvento G. In vivo expression of polyglutamine-expanded huntingtin by mouse striatal astrocytes impairs glutamate transport: a correlation with Huntington's disease subjects. Hum Mol Genet 2010; 19:3053-67. [PMID: 20494921 PMCID: PMC2901144 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddq212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 225] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder previously thought to be of primary neuronal origin, despite ubiquitous expression of mutant huntingtin (mHtt). We tested the hypothesis that mHtt expressed in astrocytes may contribute to the pathogenesis of HD. To better understand the contribution of astrocytes in HD in vivo, we developed a novel mouse model using lentiviral vectors that results in selective expression of mHtt into striatal astrocytes. Astrocytes expressing mHtt developed a progressive phenotype of reactive astrocytes that was characterized by a marked decreased expression of both glutamate transporters, GLAST and GLT-1, and of glutamate uptake. These effects were associated with neuronal dysfunction, as observed by a reduction in DARPP-32 and NR2B expression. Parallel studies in brain samples from HD subjects revealed early glial fibrillary acidic protein expression in striatal astrocytes from Grade 0 HD cases. Astrogliosis was associated with morphological changes that increased with severity of disease, from Grades 0 through 4 and was more prominent in the putamen. Combined immunofluorescence showed co-localization of mHtt in astrocytes in all striatal HD specimens, inclusive of Grade 0 HD. Consistent with the findings from experimental mice, there was a significant grade-dependent decrease in striatal GLT-1 expression from HD subjects. These findings suggest that the presence of mHtt in astrocytes alters glial glutamate transport capacity early in the disease process and may contribute to HD pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Faideau
- CEA, Institute of Biomedical Imaging, Molecular Imaging Research Center, F-92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Puerta E, Hervias I, Barros-Miñones L, Jordan J, Ricobaraza A, Cuadrado-Tejedor M, García-Osta A, Aguirre N. Sildenafil protects against 3-nitropropionic acid neurotoxicity through the modulation of calpain, CREB, and BDNF. Neurobiol Dis 2010; 38:237-45. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2010.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2009] [Revised: 12/24/2009] [Accepted: 01/17/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
|
50
|
Bezprozvanny I. Calcium signaling and neurodegeneration. Acta Naturae 2010; 2:72-82. [PMID: 22649630 PMCID: PMC3347543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Huntington's disease (HD), and spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA) are very important both for fundamental science and for practical medicine. Despite extensive research into the causes of these diseases, clinical researchers have had very limited progress and, as of now, there is still no cure for any of these diseases. One of the main obstacles in the way of creating treatments for these disorders is the fact that their etiology and pathophysiology still remain unclear. This paper reviews results that support the so-called "calcium hypothesis of neurodegenerative diseases." The calcium hypothesis states that the atrophic and degenerative processes in the neurons of AD, PD, ALS, HD, and SCA patients are accompanied by alterations in calcium homeostasis. Moreover, the calcium hypothesis states that this deregulation of calcium signaling is one of the early-stage and key processes in the pathogenesis of these diseases. Based on the results we reviewed, we conclude that the calcium channels and other proteins involved in the neuronal calcium signaling system are potential drug targets for AD, PD, ALS, HD, and SCA therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I.B. Bezprozvanny
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center,Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences
| |
Collapse
|