1
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Kobayashi R, Nabika H. Liquid-liquid phase separation induced by crowding condition affects amyloid-β aggregation mechanism. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:5331-5342. [PMID: 38847095 DOI: 10.1039/d4sm00470a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is common in the aggregation of proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Many efforts have been made to reproduce crowded conditions with artificial polymeric materials to understand the effect of LLPS in physiological conditions with significantly highly concentrated proteins, such as intrinsically disordered proteins. Although the possibility that LLPS is involved in intracellular amyloid-β (Aβ) aggregation, a protein related to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease, has been investigated, the relationship between LLPS and the aggregation of Aβ is poorly characterized. Thus, in this study, we mimicked the intracellular crowding environment using polyethylene glycol and dextran, used commonly as model polymers, to examine the relationship of Aβ with LLPS and aggregation dynamics in vitro. We confirmed that Aβ undergoes LLPS under specific polymer coexistence conditions. Moreover, the addition of different electrolytes modulated LLPS and fibril formation. These results suggest that hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions are the driving forces for the LLPS of Aβ. Similar to the role of the liposome interface, the interface of droplets induced by LLPS functioned as the site for heterogeneous nucleation. These findings offer valuable insights into the complex mechanisms of Aβ aggregation in vivo and may be useful in establishing therapeutic methods for Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryuki Kobayashi
- Department of Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Yamagata University, 1-4-12, Kojirakawa, Yamagata 990-8560, Japan
| | - Hideki Nabika
- Faculty of Science, Yamagata University, 1-4-12 Kojirakawa, Yamagata 990-8560, Japan.
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2
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Šneiderienė G, Czekalska MA, Xu CK, Jayaram AK, Krainer G, Arter WE, Peter QAE, Castellana-Cruz M, Saar KL, Levin A, Mueller T, Fiedler S, Devenish SRA, Fiegler H, Kumita JR, Knowles TPJ. α-Synuclein Oligomers Displace Monomeric α-Synuclein from Lipid Membranes. ACS NANO 2024; 18:17469-17482. [PMID: 38916260 PMCID: PMC11238581 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c10889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is an increasingly prevalent and currently incurable neurodegenerative disorder linked to the accumulation of α-synuclein (αS) protein aggregates in the nervous system. While αS binding to membranes in its monomeric state is correlated to its physiological role, αS oligomerization and subsequent aberrant interactions with lipid bilayers have emerged as key steps in PD-associated neurotoxicity. However, little is known of the mechanisms that govern the interactions of oligomeric αS (OαS) with lipid membranes and the factors that modulate such interactions. This is in large part due to experimental challenges underlying studies of OαS-membrane interactions due to their dynamic and transient nature. Here, we address this challenge by using a suite of microfluidics-based assays that enable in-solution quantification of OαS-membrane interactions. We find that OαS bind more strongly to highly curved, rather than flat, lipid membranes. By comparing the membrane-binding properties of OαS and monomeric αS (MαS), we further demonstrate that OαS bind to membranes with up to 150-fold higher affinity than their monomeric counterparts. Moreover, OαS compete with and displace bound MαS from the membrane surface, suggesting that disruption to the functional binding of MαS to membranes may provide an additional toxicity mechanism in PD. These findings present a binding mechanism of oligomers to model membranes, which can potentially be targeted to inhibit the progression of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Šneiderienė
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United
Kingdom
| | - Magdalena A. Czekalska
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United
Kingdom
- Fluidic
Analytics Limited, Unit A, The Paddocks Business Centre, Cherry Hinton Road, Cambridge CB1 8DH, United Kingdom
- Nencki
Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish
Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Catherine K. Xu
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United
Kingdom
| | - Akhila K. Jayaram
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United
Kingdom
- Cavendish
Laboratory, University of Cambridge, J J Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Georg Krainer
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United
Kingdom
- Institute
of Molecular Biosciences (IMB), University
of Graz, Humboldtstraße
50, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - William E. Arter
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United
Kingdom
| | - Quentin A. E. Peter
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United
Kingdom
| | - Marta Castellana-Cruz
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United
Kingdom
| | - Kadi Liis Saar
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United
Kingdom
| | - Aviad Levin
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United
Kingdom
| | - Thomas Mueller
- Fluidic
Analytics Limited, Unit A, The Paddocks Business Centre, Cherry Hinton Road, Cambridge CB1 8DH, United Kingdom
| | - Sebastian Fiedler
- Fluidic
Analytics Limited, Unit A, The Paddocks Business Centre, Cherry Hinton Road, Cambridge CB1 8DH, United Kingdom
| | - Sean R. A. Devenish
- Fluidic
Analytics Limited, Unit A, The Paddocks Business Centre, Cherry Hinton Road, Cambridge CB1 8DH, United Kingdom
| | - Heike Fiegler
- Fluidic
Analytics Limited, Unit A, The Paddocks Business Centre, Cherry Hinton Road, Cambridge CB1 8DH, United Kingdom
| | - Janet R. Kumita
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United
Kingdom
- Department
of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1PD, United Kingdom
| | - Tuomas P. J. Knowles
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United
Kingdom
- Cavendish
Laboratory, University of Cambridge, J J Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
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3
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Espay AJ, Lees AJ. Loss of monomeric alpha-synuclein (synucleinopenia) and the origin of Parkinson's disease. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2024; 122:106077. [PMID: 38461037 DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2024.106077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
These facts argue against the gain-of-function synucleinopathy hypothesis, which proposes that Lewy pathology causes Parkinson's disease: (1) most brains from people without neurological symptoms have multiple pathologies; (2) neither pathology type nor distribution correlate with disease severity or progression in Parkinson's disease; (3) aggregated α-synuclein in the form of Lewy bodies is not a space-occupying lesion but the insoluble fraction of its precursor, soluble monomeric α-synuclein; (4) pathology spread is passive, occurring by irreversible nucleation, not active replication; and (5) low cerebrospinal fluid α-synuclein levels predict brain atrophy and clinical disease progression. The transformation of α-synuclein into Lewy pathology may occur as a response to biological, toxic, or infectious stressors whose persistence perpetuates the nucleation process, depleting normal α-synuclein and eventually leading to Parkinson's symptoms from neuronal death. We propose testing the loss-of-function synucleinopenia hypothesis by evaluating the clinical and neurodegenerative rescue effect of replenishing the levels of monomeric α-synuclein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto J Espay
- James J. and Joan A. Gardner Family Center for Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - Andrew J Lees
- The National Hospital, Queen Square and Reta Lila Weston Institute for Neurological Studies University College London, London, UK
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4
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Sturchio A, Rocha EM, Kauffman MA, Marsili L, Mahajan A, Saraf AA, Vizcarra JA, Guo Z, Espay AJ. Recalibrating the Why and Whom of Animal Models in Parkinson Disease: A Clinician's Perspective. Brain Sci 2024; 14:151. [PMID: 38391726 PMCID: PMC10887152 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14020151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Animal models have been used to gain pathophysiologic insights into Parkinson's disease (PD) and aid in the translational efforts of interventions with therapeutic potential in human clinical trials. However, no disease-modifying therapy for PD has successfully emerged from model predictions. These translational disappointments warrant a reappraisal of the types of preclinical questions asked of animal models. Besides the limitations of experimental designs, the one-size convergence and oversimplification yielded by a model cannot recapitulate the molecular diversity within and between PD patients. Here, we compare the strengths and pitfalls of different models, review the discrepancies between animal and human data on similar pathologic and molecular mechanisms, assess the potential of organoids as novel modeling tools, and evaluate the types of questions for which models can guide and misguide. We propose that animal models may be of greatest utility in the evaluation of molecular mechanisms, neural pathways, drug toxicity, and safety but can be unreliable or misleading when used to generate pathophysiologic hypotheses or predict therapeutic efficacy for compounds with potential neuroprotective effects in humans. To enhance the translational disease-modification potential, the modeling must reflect the biology not of a diseased population but of subtypes of diseased humans to distinguish What data are relevant and to Whom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Sturchio
- James J. and Joan A. Gardner Family Center for Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA
| | - Emily M Rocha
- Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Marcelo A Kauffman
- Consultorio y Laboratorio de Neurogenética, Centro Universitario de Neurología José María Ramos Mejía, Buenos Aires C1221ADC, Argentina
| | - Luca Marsili
- James J. and Joan A. Gardner Family Center for Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA
| | - Abhimanyu Mahajan
- James J. and Joan A. Gardner Family Center for Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA
| | - Ameya A Saraf
- James J. and Joan A. Gardner Family Center for Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA
| | - Joaquin A Vizcarra
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 15213, USA
| | - Ziyuan Guo
- Center for Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine (CuSTOM), Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Alberto J Espay
- James J. and Joan A. Gardner Family Center for Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA
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5
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Lomeli-Lepe AK, Castañeda-Cabral JL, López-Pérez SJ. Synucleinopathies: Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors. Cell Biochem Biophys 2023; 81:427-442. [PMID: 37526884 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-023-01154-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
α-Synucleinopathies are a group of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by alterations in α-synuclein (α-syn), a protein associated with membrane phospholipids, whose precise function in normal cells is still unknown. These kinds of diseases are caused by multiple factors, but the regulation of the α-syn gene is believed to play a central role in the pathology of these disorders; therefore, the α-syn gene is one of the most studied genes. α-Synucleinopathies are complex disorders that derive from the interaction between genetic and environmental factors. Here, we offer an update on the landscape of the epigenetic regulation of α-syn gene expression that has been linked with α-synucleinopathies. We also delve into the reciprocal influence between epigenetic modifications and other factors related to these disorders, such as posttranslational modifications, microbiota participation, interactions with lipids, neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, to promote α-syn aggregation by acting on the transcription and/or translation of the α-syn gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alma Karen Lomeli-Lepe
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, CUCBA, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, JAL, México
| | - Jose Luis Castañeda-Cabral
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, CUCBA, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, JAL, México
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6
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Espay AJ, McFarthing K. Alpha-synuclein and the Parkinson's disease drug pipeline. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2023:105432. [PMID: 37244791 DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2023.105432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The process of protein aggregation involves the transformation of soluble peptides into insoluble cross-beta amyloids. In Parkinson's disease (PD), soluble monomeric α-synuclein transforms into the amyloid state known as Lewy pathology. Monomeric (functional) α-synuclein depletes as the fraction of Lewy pathology increases. We examined the allocation of disease-modifying projects in the PD therapeutic pipeline classified based on whether they aimed to reduce directly or indirectly the insoluble or increase the soluble α-synuclein. A project was defined as a drug development program that may include more than one registered clinical trial, according to the Parkinson's Hope List, a database of therapies under development for PD. Of 67 projects, 46 aimed to reduce α-synuclein, 15 (22.4%) directly and 31 (46.3%) indirectly, amounting to 68.7% of all disease-modifying projects. No projects explicitly aimed to increase soluble α-synuclein levels. Altogether, α-synuclein is the target of more than two-thirds of the disease-modifying pipeline, with treatments aimed at reducing or preventing an increase in its insoluble fraction. As no treatments aim to restore soluble α-synuclein levels within a normal range, we propose rebalancing the therapeutic PD pipeline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto J Espay
- Department of Neurology, James J. and Joan A. Gardner Family Center for Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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7
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Wang M, Ye H, Jiang P, Liu J, Wang B, Zhang S, Sik A, Li N, Liu K, Jin M. The alleviative effect of Calendula officinalis L. extract against Parkinson's disease-like pathology in zebrafish via the involvement of autophagy activation. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1153889. [PMID: 37179558 PMCID: PMC10169688 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1153889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder. However, effective preventative or therapeutic agents for PD remain largely limited. Marigold Calendula officinalis L. (CoL) has been reported to possess a wide range of biological activities, but its neuroprotective activity including anti-neurodegenerative diseases is unclear. Here, we aim to investigate whether the extract of CoL (ECoL) has therapeutic activity on PD. Methods We identified the chemical composition of flavonoid, an important active ingredient in ECoL, by a targeted HPLC-Q-TOF-MS analysis. Subsequently, we evaluated the anti-PD effect of ECoL by using zebrafish PD model induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). After ECoL+MPTP co-treatments, the changes of dopaminergic neurons, neural vasculature, nervous system, and locomotor activity were examined, respectively. The expressions of genes related to neurodevelopment and autophagy were detected by RT-qPCR. Further, the interaction between autophagy regulators and ECoL flavonoids was predicted using molecular docking method. Results As a result, 5 kinds of flavonoid were identified in ECoL, consisting of 121 flavones and flavonols, 32 flavanones, 22 isoflavonoids, 11 chalcones and dihydrochalcones, and 17 anthocyanins. ECoL significantly ameliorated the loss of dopaminergic neurons and neural vasculature, restored the injury of nervous system, and remarkably reversed the abnormal expressions of neurodevelopment-related genes. Besides, ECoL notably inhibited the locomotor impairment in MPTP-induced PD-like zebrafish. The underlying anti-PD effect of ECoL may be implicated in activating autophagy, as ECoL significantly upregulated the expressions of genes related to autophagy, which contributes to the degradation of α-synuclein aggregation and dysfunctional mitochondria. Molecular docking simulation showed the stable interaction between autophagy regulators (Pink, Ulk2, Atg7, and Lc3b) and 10 main compounds of flavonoid in ECoL, further affirming the involvement of autophagy activation by ECoL in anti-PD action. Conclusion Our results suggested that ECoL has the anti-PD effect, and ECoL might be a promising therapeutic candidate for PD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengfei Wang
- Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
- Engineering Research Center of Zebrafish Models for Human Diseases and Drug Screening of Shandong Province, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
| | - Haicheng Ye
- Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
- Engineering Research Center of Zebrafish Models for Human Diseases and Drug Screening of Shandong Province, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
| | - Ping Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, Qingdao Eighth People’s Hospital, Qingdao, China
| | - Jibin Liu
- Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
- Engineering Research Center of Zebrafish Models for Human Diseases and Drug Screening of Shandong Province, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
| | - Baokun Wang
- Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
- Engineering Research Center of Zebrafish Models for Human Diseases and Drug Screening of Shandong Province, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
| | - Shanshan Zhang
- Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
- Engineering Research Center of Zebrafish Models for Human Diseases and Drug Screening of Shandong Province, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
| | - Attila Sik
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
- Szentagothai Research Centre, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Ning Li
- Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
- Engineering Research Center of Zebrafish Models for Human Diseases and Drug Screening of Shandong Province, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
| | - Kechun Liu
- Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
- Engineering Research Center of Zebrafish Models for Human Diseases and Drug Screening of Shandong Province, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
| | - Meng Jin
- Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
- Engineering Research Center of Zebrafish Models for Human Diseases and Drug Screening of Shandong Province, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
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8
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Sharma M, Burré J. α-Synuclein in synaptic function and dysfunction. Trends Neurosci 2023; 46:153-166. [PMID: 36567199 PMCID: PMC9877183 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2022.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
α-Synuclein is a neuronal protein that is enriched in presynaptic terminals. Under physiological conditions, it binds to synaptic vesicle membranes and functions in neurotransmitter release, although the molecular details remain unclear, and it is controversial whether α-synuclein inhibits or facilitates neurotransmitter release. Pathologically, in synucleinopathies including Parkinson's disease (PD), α-synuclein forms aggregates that recruit monomeric α-synuclein and spread throughout the brain, which triggers neuronal dysfunction at molecular, cellular, and organ levels. Here, we present an overview of the effects of α-synuclein on SNARE-complex assembly, neurotransmitter release, and synaptic vesicle pool homeostasis, and discuss how the observed divergent effects of α-synuclein on neurotransmitter release can be reconciled. We also discuss how gain-of-function versus loss-of-function of α-synuclein may contribute to pathogenesis in synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manu Sharma
- Appel Alzheimer's Disease Research Institute, Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Jacqueline Burré
- Appel Alzheimer's Disease Research Institute, Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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9
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Fridolf S, Pham QD, Pallbo J, Bernfur K, Linse S, Topgaard D, Sparr E. Ganglioside GM3 stimulates lipid-protein co-assembly in α-synuclein amyloid formation. Biophys Chem 2023; 293:106934. [PMID: 36493587 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2022.106934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is characterized by the aggregation of the presynaptic protein α-synuclein (αSyn), and its co-assembly with lipids and other cellular matter in the brain. Here we investigated lipid-protein co-assembly in a system composed of αSyn and model membranes containing the glycolipid ganglioside GM3. We quantified the uptake of lipids into the co-assembled aggregates and investigated how lipid molecular dynamics is altered by being present in the co-assemblies using solution 1H- and solid-state 13C NMR spectroscopy. Aggregate morphology was studied using cryo-TEM. The overall lipid uptake in the co-assembled aggregates was found to increase with the molar ratio of GM3 in the vesicles. The lipids present in the co-assembled aggregates have reduced acyl chain and headgroup dynamics compared to the protein-free bilayer system. These findings may improve our understanding of how different types of lipids can influence the composition of αSyn aggregates, which may have consequences for amyloid formation in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Fridolf
- Division of Physical Chemistry, Lund University, Box 124, 221 00 Lund, Sweden.
| | - Quoc Dat Pham
- Division of Physical Chemistry, Lund University, Box 124, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - Jon Pallbo
- Division of Physical Chemistry, Lund University, Box 124, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - Katja Bernfur
- Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Lund University, Box 124, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - Sara Linse
- Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Lund University, Box 124, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - Daniel Topgaard
- Division of Physical Chemistry, Lund University, Box 124, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - Emma Sparr
- Division of Physical Chemistry, Lund University, Box 124, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
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10
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Gao V, Briano JA, Komer LE, Burré J. Functional and Pathological Effects of α-Synuclein on Synaptic SNARE Complexes. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:167714. [PMID: 35787839 PMCID: PMC10472340 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
α-Synuclein is an abundant protein at the neuronal synapse that has been implicated in Parkinson's disease for over 25 years and characterizes the hallmark pathology of a group of neurodegenerative diseases now known as the synucleinopathies. Physiologically, α-synuclein exists in an equilibrium between a synaptic vesicle membrane-bound α-helical multimer and a cytosolic largely unstructured monomer. Through its membrane-bound state, α-synuclein functions in neurotransmitter release by modulating several steps in the synaptic vesicle cycle, including synaptic vesicle clustering and docking, SNARE complex assembly, and homeostasis of synaptic vesicle pools. These functions have been ascribed to α-synuclein's interactions with the synaptic vesicle SNARE protein VAMP2/synaptobrevin-2, the synaptic vesicle-attached synapsins, and the synaptic vesicle membrane itself. How α-synuclein affects these processes, and whether disease is due to loss-of-function or gain-of-toxic-function of α-synuclein remains unclear. In this review, we provide an in-depth summary of the existing literature, discuss possible reasons for the discrepancies in the field, and propose a working model that reconciles the findings in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Gao
- Appel Alzheimer's Disease Research Institute & Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Neurology, New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Juan A Briano
- Appel Alzheimer's Disease Research Institute & Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lauren E Komer
- Appel Alzheimer's Disease Research Institute & Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA. https://www.twitter.com/lauren_komer
| | - Jacqueline Burré
- Appel Alzheimer's Disease Research Institute & Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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11
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Phase separation and other forms of α-Synuclein self-assemblies. Essays Biochem 2022; 66:987-1000. [DOI: 10.1042/ebc20220055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
α-Synuclein (α-Syn) is a natively unstructured protein, which self-assembles into higher-order aggregates possessing serious pathophysiological implications. α-Syn aberrantly self-assembles into protein aggregates, which have been widely implicated in Parkinson’s disease (PD) pathogenesis and other synucleinopathies. The self-assembly of α-Syn involves the structural conversion of soluble monomeric protein into oligomeric intermediates and eventually fibrillar aggregates of amyloids with cross-β-sheet rich conformation. These aggregated α-Syn species majorly constitute the intraneuronal inclusions, which is a hallmark of PD neuropathology. Self-assembly/aggregation of α-Syn is not a single-state conversion process as unfolded protein can access multiple conformational states through the formation of metastable, transient pre-fibrillar intermediate species. Recent studies have indicated that soluble oligomers are the potential neurotoxic species responsible for cell death in PD pathogenesis. The heterogeneous and transient nature of oligomers formed during the early stage of aggregation pathway limit their detailed study in understanding the structure–toxicity relationship. Moreover, the precise molecular events occurring in the early stage of α-Syn aggregation process majorly remain unsolved. Recently, liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) of α-Syn has been designated as an alternate nucleation mechanism, which occurs in the early lag phase of the aggregation pathway leading to the formation of dynamic supramolecular assemblies. The stronger self-association among the protein molecules triggers the irreversible liquid-to-solid transition of these supramolecular assemblies into the amyloid-like hydrogel, which may serve as a reservoir entrapping toxic oligomeric intermediates and fibrils. This review strives to provide insights into different modes of α-Syn self-assemblies including LLPS-mediated self-assembly and its recent advancements.
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Leveraging the preformed fibril model to distinguish between alpha-synuclein inclusion- and nigrostriatal degeneration-associated immunogenicity. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 171:105804. [PMID: 35764290 PMCID: PMC9803935 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation has become a well-accepted pathologic hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, it remains unclear whether inflammation, triggered by α-syn aggregation and/or degeneration, contributes to the progression of the disease. Studies examining neuroinflammation in PD are unable to distinguish between Lewy body-associated inflammation and degeneration-associated inflammation, as both pathologies are present simultaneously. Intrastriatal and intranigral injections of alpha-synuclein (α-syn) preformed fibrils (PFFs) results in two distinct pathologic phases: Phase 1: The accumulation and peak formation of α-syn inclusions in nigrostriatal system and, Phase 2: Protracted dopaminergic neuron degeneration. In this review we summarize the current understanding of neuroinflammation in the α-syn PFF model, leveraging the distinct Phase 1 aggregation phase and Phase 2 degeneration phase to guide our interpretations. Studies consistently demonstrate an association between pathologic α-syn aggregation in the substantia nigra (SN) and activation of the innate immune system. Further, major histocompatibility complex-II (MHC-II) antigen presentation is proportionate to inclusion load. The α-syn aggregation phase is also associated with peripheral and adaptive immune cell infiltration to the SN. These findings suggest that α-syn like aggregates are immunogenic and thus have the potential to contribute to the degenerative process. Studies examining neuroinflammation during the neurodegenerative phase reveal elevated innate, adaptive, and peripheral immune cell markers, however limitations of single time point experimental design hinder interpretations as to whether this neuroinflammation preceded, or was triggered by, nigral degeneration. Longitudinal studies across both the aggregation and degeneration phases of the model suggest that microglial activation (MHC-II) is greater in magnitude during the aggregation phase that precedes degeneration. Overall, the consistency between neuroinflammatory markers in the parkinsonian brain and in the α-syn PFF model, combined with the distinct aggregation and degenerative phases, establishes the utility of this model platform to yield insights into pathologic events that contribute to neuroinflammation and disease progression in PD.
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Sossi V, Patterson JR, McCormick S, Kemp CJ, Miller KM, Stoll AC, Kuhn N, Kubik M, Kochmanski J, Luk KC, Sortwell CE. Dopaminergic Positron Emission Tomography Imaging in the Alpha-Synuclein Preformed Fibril Model Reveals Similarities to Early Parkinson's Disease. Mov Disord 2022; 37:1739-1748. [PMID: 35524682 PMCID: PMC9391270 DOI: 10.1002/mds.29051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in early Parkinson's disease (PD) subjects reveals that increased dopamine (DA) turnover and reduced dopamine transporter (DAT) density precede decreases in DA synthesis and storage. The rat α-synuclein preformed fibril (α-syn PFF) model provides a platform to investigate DA dynamics during multiple stages of α-syn inclusion-triggered nigrostriatal degeneration. OBJECTIVES We investigated multiple aspects of in vivo dopaminergic deficits longitudinally and similarities to human PD using translational PET imaging readouts. METHODS Longitudinal imaging was performed every 2 months in PFF and control rats for 7 months. [18 F]-Fluoro-3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-L-alanine (FDOPA) imaging was performed to investigate DA synthesis and storage (Kocc ) and DA turnover, estimated by its inverse, the effective distribution volume ratio (EDVR). 11 C-Methylphenidate (MP) was used to estimate DAT density (BPND ). RESULTS Early DA turnover increases and DAT binding decreases were observed in the ipsilateral striatum of PFF rats, progressing longitudinally. EDVR decreased 26%, 38%, and 47%, and BPND decreased 36%, 50%, and 65% at the 2-, 4-, and 6-month time points, respectively, compared to ipsilateral control striatum. In contrast, deficits in DA synthesis and storage were not observed in the ipsilateral striatum of PFF rats compared to control injections and were relatively preserved up to 6 months (Kocc decreased 20% at 6 months). CONCLUSIONS The relative preservation of DA synthesis and storage compared to robust progressive deficits in DAT density and increases in DA turnover in the rat α-syn PFF model display remarkable face validity to dopaminergic alterations in human PD. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vesna Sossi
- Department of Physics and AstronomyUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Joseph R. Patterson
- Department of Translational NeuroscienceMichigan State UniversityGrand RapidsMichiganUSA
| | - Siobhan McCormick
- Pacific Parkinson's Research CentreUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Christopher J. Kemp
- Department of Translational NeuroscienceMichigan State UniversityGrand RapidsMichiganUSA
| | - Kathryn M. Miller
- Department of Translational NeuroscienceMichigan State UniversityGrand RapidsMichiganUSA
| | - Anna C. Stoll
- Department of Translational NeuroscienceMichigan State UniversityGrand RapidsMichiganUSA
| | - Nathan Kuhn
- Department of Translational NeuroscienceMichigan State UniversityGrand RapidsMichiganUSA
| | - Michael Kubik
- Department of Translational NeuroscienceMichigan State UniversityGrand RapidsMichiganUSA
| | - Joseph Kochmanski
- Department of Translational NeuroscienceMichigan State UniversityGrand RapidsMichiganUSA
| | - Kelvin C. Luk
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Caryl E. Sortwell
- Department of Translational NeuroscienceMichigan State UniversityGrand RapidsMichiganUSA
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Prahl JD, Pierce SE, van der Schans EJC, Coetzee GA, Tyson T. The Parkinson's disease variant rs356182 regulates neuronal differentiation independently from alpha-synuclein. Hum Mol Genet 2022; 32:1-14. [PMID: 35866299 PMCID: PMC9837835 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddac161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the most significant risk variants for Parkinson's disease (PD), rs356182, is located at the PD-associated locus near the alpha-synuclein (α-syn) encoding gene, SNCA. SNCA-proximal variants, including rs356182, are thought to function in PD risk through enhancers via allele-specific regulatory effects on SNCA expression. However, this interpretation discounts the complex activity of genetic enhancers and possible non-conical functions of α-syn. Here we investigated a novel risk mechanism for rs356182. We use CRISPR-Cas9 in LUHMES cells, a model for dopaminergic midbrain neurons, to generate precise hemizygous lesions at rs356182. The PD-protective (A/-), PD-risk (G/-) and wild-type (A/G) clones were neuronally differentiated and then compared transcriptionally and morphologically. Among the affected genes was SNCA, whose expression was promoted by the PD-protective allele (A) and repressed in its absence. In addition to SNCA, hundreds of genes were differentially expressed and associated with neurogenesis and axonogenesis-an effect not typically ascribed to α-syn. We also found that the transcription factor FOXO3 specifically binds to the rs356182 A-allele in differentiated LUHMES cells. Finally, we compared the results from the rs356182-edited cells to our previously published knockouts of SNCA and found only minimal overlap between the sets of significant differentially expressed genes. Together, the data implicate a risk mechanism for rs356182 in which the risk-allele (G) is associated with abnormal neuron development, independent of SNCA expression. We speculate that these pathological effects manifest as a diminished population of dopaminergic neurons during development leading to the predisposition for PD later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan D Prahl
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +1 6162345793; Fax: +1 6162345001;
| | - Steven E Pierce
- Department of Neurodegenerative Research, Van Andel Institute, 333 Bostwick Ave NE, Grand Rapids MI 49503, USA
| | - Edwin J C van der Schans
- Department of Neurodegenerative Research, Van Andel Institute, 333 Bostwick Ave NE, Grand Rapids MI 49503, USA
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Prahl J, Coetzee GA. Genetic Elements at the Alpha-Synuclein Locus. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:889802. [PMID: 35898413 PMCID: PMC9309432 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.889802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies have consistently shown that the alpha-synuclein locus is significantly associated with Parkinson's disease. The mechanism by which this locus modulates the disease pathology and etiology remains largely under-investigated. This is due to the assumption that SNCA is the only driver of the functional aspects of several single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) risk-signals at this locus. Recent evidence has shown that the risk associated with the top GWAS-identified variant within this locus is independent of SNCA expression, calling into question the validity of assigning function to the nearest gene, SNCA. In this review, we examine additional genes and risk variants present at the SNCA locus and how they may contribute to Parkinson's disease. Using the SNCA locus as an example, we hope to demonstrate that deeper and detailed functional validations are required for high impact disease-linked variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Prahl
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
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Ren Q, Jiang X, Paudel YN, Gao X, Gao D, Zhang P, Sheng W, Shang X, Liu K, Zhang X, Jin M. Co-treatment with natural HMGB1 inhibitor Glycyrrhizin exerts neuroprotection and reverses Parkinson's disease like pathology in Zebrafish. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 292:115234. [PMID: 35358621 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most devastating age-related neurodegenerative diseases after Alzheimer diseases (AD) and is characterized by the loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) and aggregation of α-synuclein (α-syn). The precise etiology of PD is not yet fully understood and lacks the disease-modifying therapeutic strategies that could reverse the ongoing neurodegeneration. In the quest of exploring novel disease modifying therapeutic strategies, natural compounds from plant sources have gained much attention in recent days. Glycyrrhizin (GL) is the main active ingredient of the roots and rhizomes of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L), which are generally used in the treatment of inflammatory diseases or as a tonifying herbal medicine. In Persia, GL is a conventional neuroprotective agent that are used to treat neurological disorders. The traditional use of GL in Japan is to treat chronic hepatitis B. In addition, GL is a natural inhibitor of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) which has exerted neuroprotective effect against several HMGB1 mediated pathological conditions. AIM OF THE STUDY The study is aimed to evaluate therapeutic effect of GL against PD in zebrafish. MATERIAL AND METHODS PD in zebrafish larvae is induced by administration of neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). Apoptosis was assessed with TUNEL assay. Gene expression was performed to assess the modulation in genes related to neuroinflammatory and autophagy. RESULTS We observed that GL co-treatment increased the length of DA neurons, decreased the number of apoptotic cells in zebrafish brain, and inhibited the loss of vasculature and disorganized vasculature induced by MPTP. GL co-treatment relieved the MPTP-induced locomotor impairment in zebrafish. GL co-treatment suppressed MPTP-induced upregulated mRNA expression of inflammatory markers such as hmgb1a, tlr4b, nfκb, il1β, and il6. GL co-treatment suppressed the autophagy related genes α-syn and atg5 whereas increased the mRNA expression level of parkin and pink1. In addition, molecular docking study reveals that GL has binding interaction with HMGB1, TLR4, and RAGE. CONCLUSION Hence, the effect of GL co-treatment on MPTP-induced PD-like condition in zebrafish is to alleviate apoptosis and autophagy, as well as suppress inflammatory responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingyu Ren
- Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji'nan, 250103, Shandong Province, PR China; Engineering Research Center of Zebrafish Models for Human Diseases and Drug Screening of Shandong Province, 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji'nan, 250103, Shandong Province, PR China; School of Psychology, North China University of Science and Technology, 21 Bohai Road, Tang'shan, 063210, Hebei Province, PR China
| | - Xin Jiang
- Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji'nan, 250103, Shandong Province, PR China; Engineering Research Center of Zebrafish Models for Human Diseases and Drug Screening of Shandong Province, 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji'nan, 250103, Shandong Province, PR China; School of Bioengineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), 3501 Daxue Road, Ji'nan, 250353, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Yam Nath Paudel
- Neuropharmacology Research Strength, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Xin Gao
- Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji'nan, 250103, Shandong Province, PR China; Engineering Research Center of Zebrafish Models for Human Diseases and Drug Screening of Shandong Province, 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji'nan, 250103, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Daili Gao
- Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji'nan, 250103, Shandong Province, PR China; Engineering Research Center of Zebrafish Models for Human Diseases and Drug Screening of Shandong Province, 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji'nan, 250103, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Pengyu Zhang
- Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji'nan, 250103, Shandong Province, PR China; Engineering Research Center of Zebrafish Models for Human Diseases and Drug Screening of Shandong Province, 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji'nan, 250103, Shandong Province, PR China; School of Psychology, North China University of Science and Technology, 21 Bohai Road, Tang'shan, 063210, Hebei Province, PR China
| | - Wenlong Sheng
- Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji'nan, 250103, Shandong Province, PR China; Engineering Research Center of Zebrafish Models for Human Diseases and Drug Screening of Shandong Province, 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji'nan, 250103, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Xueliang Shang
- School of Psychology, North China University of Science and Technology, 21 Bohai Road, Tang'shan, 063210, Hebei Province, PR China
| | - Kechun Liu
- Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji'nan, 250103, Shandong Province, PR China; Engineering Research Center of Zebrafish Models for Human Diseases and Drug Screening of Shandong Province, 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji'nan, 250103, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Xiujun Zhang
- School of Psychology, North China University of Science and Technology, 21 Bohai Road, Tang'shan, 063210, Hebei Province, PR China.
| | - Meng Jin
- Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji'nan, 250103, Shandong Province, PR China; Engineering Research Center of Zebrafish Models for Human Diseases and Drug Screening of Shandong Province, 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji'nan, 250103, Shandong Province, PR China.
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Barba L, Paolini Paoletti F, Bellomo G, Gaetani L, Halbgebauer S, Oeckl P, Otto M, Parnetti L. Alpha and Beta Synucleins: From Pathophysiology to Clinical Application as Biomarkers. Mov Disord 2022; 37:669-683. [PMID: 35122299 PMCID: PMC9303453 DOI: 10.1002/mds.28941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The synuclein family includes three neuronal proteins, named α‐synuclein, β‐synuclein, and γ‐synuclein, that have peculiar structural features. α‐synuclein is largely known for being a key protein in the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease (PD) and other synucleinopathies, namely, dementia with Lewy bodies and multisystem atrophy. The role of β‐synuclein and γ‐synuclein is less well understood in terms of physiological functions and potential contribution to human diseases. α‐synuclein has been investigated extensively in both cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood as a potential biomarker for synucleinopathies. Recently, great attention has been also paid to β‐synuclein, whose CSF and blood levels seem to reflect synaptic damage and neurodegeneration independent of the presence of synucleinopathy. In this review, we aim to provide an overview on the pathophysiological roles of the synucleins. Because γ‐synuclein has been poorly investigated in the field of synucleinopathy and its pathophysiological roles are far from being clear, we focus on the interactions between α‐synuclein and β‐synuclein in PD. We also discuss the role of α‐synuclein and β‐synuclein as potential biomarkers to improve the diagnostic characterization of synucleinopathies, thus highlighting their potential application in clinical trials for disease‐modifying therapies. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Barba
- Section of Neurology, Laboratory of Clinical Neurochemistry, Department of Medicine and Surgery University of Perugia Perugia Italy
- Department of Neurology University of Ulm Ulm Germany
- Department of Neurology Martin‐Luther‐University Halle‐Wittenberg Halle/Saale Germany
| | - Federico Paolini Paoletti
- Section of Neurology, Laboratory of Clinical Neurochemistry, Department of Medicine and Surgery University of Perugia Perugia Italy
| | - Giovanni Bellomo
- Section of Neurology, Laboratory of Clinical Neurochemistry, Department of Medicine and Surgery University of Perugia Perugia Italy
| | - Lorenzo Gaetani
- Section of Neurology, Laboratory of Clinical Neurochemistry, Department of Medicine and Surgery University of Perugia Perugia Italy
| | | | - Patrick Oeckl
- Department of Neurology University of Ulm Ulm Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders Ulm (DZNE e. V.) Ulm Germany
| | - Markus Otto
- Department of Neurology University of Ulm Ulm Germany
- Department of Neurology Martin‐Luther‐University Halle‐Wittenberg Halle/Saale Germany
| | - Lucilla Parnetti
- Section of Neurology, Laboratory of Clinical Neurochemistry, Department of Medicine and Surgery University of Perugia Perugia Italy
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Prahl J, Pierce SE, Coetzee GA, Tyson T. Alpha-synuclein negatively controls cell proliferation in dopaminergic neurons. Mol Cell Neurosci 2022; 119:103702. [PMID: 35093507 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2022.103702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
As researchers grapple with the mechanisms and implications of alpha-synuclein (α-syn) in neuropathology, it is often forgotten that the function(s) of α-syn in healthy cells remain largely elusive. Previous work has relied on observing α-syn localization in the cell or using knockout mouse models. Here, we address the specific role of α-syn in human dopaminergic neurons by disrupting its gene (SNCA) in the human dopaminergic neuron cell line, LUHMES. SNCA-null cells were able to differentiate grossly normally and showed modest effects on gene expression. The effects on gene expression were monodirectional, resulting primarily in the significant decrease of expression for 401 genes, implicating them as direct, or indirect positive targets of α-syn. Gene ontological analysis of these genes showed enrichment in terms associated with proliferation, differentiation, and synapse activity. These results add to the tapestry of α-syn biological functions. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The normal functions of α-syn have remained controversial, despite its clear importance in Parkinson's Disease pathology, where it accumulates in Lewy bodies and contributes to neurodegeneration. Its name implies synaptic and nuclear functions, but how it participates at these locations has not been resolved. Via knock-out experiments in dopaminergic neurons, we implicate α-syn as a functional participant in synapse activity and in proliferation/differentiation, the latter being novel and provide insight into α-syn's role in neuronal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Prahl
- Department of Neurodegenerative Research, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapid, MI 49503, USA.
| | - Steven E Pierce
- Department of Neurodegenerative Research, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapid, MI 49503, USA
| | - Gerhard A Coetzee
- Department of Neurodegenerative Research, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapid, MI 49503, USA.
| | - Trevor Tyson
- Department of Neurodegenerative Research, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapid, MI 49503, USA.
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Gadhe L, Sakunthala A, Mukherjee S, Gahlot N, Bera R, Sawner AS, Kadu P, Maji SK. Intermediates of α-synuclein aggregation: Implications in Parkinson's disease pathogenesis. Biophys Chem 2021; 281:106736. [PMID: 34923391 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2021.106736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cytoplasmic deposition of aberrantly misfolded α-synuclein (α-Syn) is a common feature of synucleinopathies, including Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the precise pathogenic mechanism of α-Syn in synucleinopathies remains elusive. Emerging evidence has suggested that α-Syn may contribute to PD pathogenesis in several ways; wherein the contribution of fibrillar species, for exerting toxicity and disease transmission, cannot be neglected. Further, the oligomeric species could be the most plausible neurotoxic species causing neuronal cell death. However, understanding the structural and molecular insights of these oligomers are very challenging due to the heterogeneity and transient nature of the species. In this review, we discuss the recent advancements in understanding the formation and role of α-Syn oligomers in PD pathogenesis. We also summarize the different types of α-Syn oligomeric species and potential mechanisms to exert neurotoxicity. Finally, we address the possible ways to target α-Syn as a promising approach against PD and the possible future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laxmikant Gadhe
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, India
| | - Arunima Sakunthala
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, India
| | - Semanti Mukherjee
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, India
| | - Nitisha Gahlot
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, India
| | - Riya Bera
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, India
| | - Ajay Singh Sawner
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, India
| | - Pradeep Kadu
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, India
| | - Samir K Maji
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, India.
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Upcott M, Chaprov KD, Buchman VL. Toward a Disease-Modifying Therapy of Alpha-Synucleinopathies: New Molecules and New Approaches Came into the Limelight. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26237351. [PMID: 34885933 PMCID: PMC8658846 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26237351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The accumulation of the various products of alpha-synuclein aggregation has been associated with the etiology and pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative conditions, including both familial and sporadic forms of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). It is now well established that the aggregation and spread of alpha-synuclein aggregation pathology activate numerous pathogenic mechanisms that contribute to neurodegeneration and, ultimately, to disease progression. Therefore, the development of a safe and effective disease-modifying therapy that limits or prevents the accumulation of the toxic intermediate products of alpha-synuclein aggregation and the spread of alpha-synuclein aggregation pathology could provide significant positive clinical outcomes in PD/DLB cohorts. It has been suggested that this goal can be achieved by reducing the intracellular and/or extracellular levels of monomeric and already aggregated alpha-synuclein. The principal aim of this review is to critically evaluate the potential of therapeutic strategies that target the post-transcriptional steps of alpha-synuclein production and immunotherapy-based approaches to alpha-synuclein degradation in PD/DLB patients. Strategies aimed at the downregulation of alpha-synuclein production are at an early preclinical stage of drug development and, although they have shown promise in animal models of alpha-synuclein aggregation, many limitations need to be resolved before in-human clinical trials can be seriously considered. In contrast, many strategies aimed at the degradation of alpha-synuclein using immunotherapeutic approaches are at a more advanced stage of development, with some in-human Phase II clinical trials currently in progress. Translational barriers for both strategies include the limitations of alpha-synuclein aggregation models, poor understanding of the therapeutic window for the alpha-synuclein knockdown, and variability in alpha-synuclein pathology across patient cohorts. Overcoming such barriers should be the main focus of further studies. However, it is already clear that these strategies do have the potential to achieve a disease-modifying effect in PD and DLB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Upcott
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK;
| | - Kirill D. Chaprov
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds Russian Academy of Sciences (IPAC RAS), 1 Severniy Proezd, Chernogolovk, 142432 Moscow, Russia;
- Belgorod State National Research University, 85 Pobedy Street, 308015 Belgorod, Russia
| | - Vladimir L. Buchman
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK;
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds Russian Academy of Sciences (IPAC RAS), 1 Severniy Proezd, Chernogolovk, 142432 Moscow, Russia;
- Belgorod State National Research University, 85 Pobedy Street, 308015 Belgorod, Russia
- Correspondence:
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Boutros SW, Raber J, Unni VK. Effects of Alpha-Synuclein Targeted Antisense Oligonucleotides on Lewy Body-Like Pathology and Behavioral Disturbances Induced by Injections of Pre-Formed Fibrils in the Mouse Motor Cortex. JOURNAL OF PARKINSONS DISEASE 2021; 11:1091-1115. [PMID: 34057097 PMCID: PMC8461707 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-212566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Background: Alpha-synuclein (αsyn) characterizes neurodegenerative diseases known as synucleinopathies. The phosphorylated form (psyn) is the primary component of protein aggregates known as Lewy bodies (LBs), which are the hallmark of diseases such as Parkinson’s disease (PD). Synucleinopathies might spread in a prion-like fashion, leading to a progressive emergence of symptoms over time. αsyn pre-formed fibrils (PFFs) induce LB-like pathology in wild-type (WT) mice, but questions remain about their progressive spread and their associated effects on behavioral performance. Objective: To characterize the behavioral, cognitive, and pathological long-term effects of LB-like pathology induced after bilateral motor cortex PFF injection in WT mice and to assess the ability of mouse αsyn-targeted antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) to ameliorate those effects. Methods: We induced LB-like pathology in the motor cortex and connected brain regions of male WT mice using PFFs. Three months post-PFF injection (mpi), we assessed behavioral and cognitive performance. We then delivered a targeted ASO via the ventricle and assessed behavioral and cognitive performance 5 weeks later, followed by pathological analysis. Results: At 3 and 6 mpi, PFF-injected mice showed mild, progressive behavioral deficits. The ASO reduced total αsyn and psyn protein levels, and LB-like pathology, but was also associated with some deleterious off-target effects not involving lowering of αsyn, such as a decline in body weight and impairments in motor function. Conclusions: These results increase understanding of the progressive nature of the PFF model and support the therapeutic potential of ASOs, though more investigation into effects of ASO-mediated reduction in αsyn on brain function is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney Weber Boutros
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Jacob Raber
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.,Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.,Departments of Psychiatry and Radiation Medicine, Division of Neuroscience, ONPRC, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Vivek K Unni
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.,Jungers Center for Neurosciences Research and OHSU Parkinson Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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22
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Lotz SK, Blackhurst BM, Reagin KL, Funk KE. Microbial Infections Are a Risk Factor for Neurodegenerative Diseases. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:691136. [PMID: 34305533 PMCID: PMC8292681 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.691136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, comprise a family of disorders characterized by progressive loss of nervous system function. Neuroinflammation is increasingly recognized to be associated with many neurodegenerative diseases but whether it is a cause or consequence of the disease process is unclear. Of growing interest is the role of microbial infections in inciting degenerative neuroinflammatory responses and genetic factors that may regulate those responses. Microbial infections cause inflammation within the central nervous system through activation of brain-resident immune cells and infiltration of peripheral immune cells. These responses are necessary to protect the brain from lethal infections but may also induce neuropathological changes that lead to neurodegeneration. This review discusses the molecular and cellular mechanisms through which microbial infections may increase susceptibility to neurodegenerative diseases. Elucidating these mechanisms is critical for developing targeted therapeutic approaches that prevent the onset and slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kristen E. Funk
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, United States
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23
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Potent inhibitors of toxic alpha-synuclein identified via cellular time-resolved FRET biosensors. NPJ Parkinsons Dis 2021; 7:52. [PMID: 34183676 PMCID: PMC8238948 DOI: 10.1038/s41531-021-00195-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
We have developed a high-throughput drug discovery platform, measuring fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) with fluorescent alpha-synuclein (αSN) biosensors, to detect spontaneous pre-fibrillar oligomers in living cells. Our two αSN FRET biosensors provide complementary insight into αSN oligomerization and conformation in order to improve the success of drug discovery campaigns for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. We measure FRET by fluorescence lifetime, rather than traditional fluorescence intensity, providing a structural readout with greater resolution and precision. This facilitates identification of compounds that cause subtle but significant conformational changes in the ensemble of oligomeric states that are easily missed using intensity-based FRET. We screened a 1280-compound small-molecule library and identified 21 compounds that changed the lifetime by >5 SD. Two of these compounds have nanomolar potency in protecting SH-SY5Y cells from αSN-induced death, providing a nearly tenfold improvement over known inhibitors. We tested the efficacy of several compounds in a primary mouse neuron assay of αSN pathology (phosphorylation of mouse αSN pre-formed fibrils) and show rescue of pathology for two of them. These hits were further characterized with biophysical and biochemical assays to explore potential mechanisms of action. In vitro αSN oligomerization, single-molecule FRET, and protein-observed fluorine NMR experiments demonstrate that these compounds modulate αSN oligomers but not monomers. Subsequent aggregation assays further show that these compounds also deter or block αSN fibril assembly.
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24
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Ray B, Mahalakshmi AM, Tuladhar S, Bhat A, Srinivasan A, Pellegrino C, Kannan A, Bolla SR, Chidambaram SB, Sakharkar MK. "Janus-Faced" α-Synuclein: Role in Parkinson's Disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:673395. [PMID: 34124057 PMCID: PMC8194081 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.673395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a pathological condition characterized by the aggregation and the resultant presence of intraneuronal inclusions termed Lewy bodies (LBs) and Lewy neurites which are mainly composed of fibrillar α-synuclein (α-syn) protein. Pathogenic aggregation of α-syn is identified as the major cause of LBs deposition. Several mutations in α-syn showing varied aggregation kinetics in comparison to the wild type (WT) α-syn are reported in PD (A30P, E46K, H 50Q, G51D, A53E, and A53T). Also, the cell-to-cell spread of pathological α-syn plays a significant role in PD development. Interestingly, it has also been suggested that the pathology of PD may begin in the gastrointestinal tract and spread via the vagus nerve (VN) to brain proposing the gut-brain axis of α-syn pathology in PD. Despite multiple efforts, the behavior and functions of this protein in normal and pathological states (specifically in PD) is far from understood. Furthermore, the etiological factors responsible for triggering aggregation of this protein remain elusive. This review is an attempt to collate and present latest information on α-syn in relation to its structure, biochemistry and biophysics of aggregation in PD. Current advances in therapeutic efforts toward clearing the pathogenic α-syn via autophagy/lysosomal flux are also reviewed and reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bipul Ray
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, India
- Centre for Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Central Animal Facility, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, India
| | - Arehally M. Mahalakshmi
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, India
| | - Sunanda Tuladhar
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, India
- Centre for Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Central Animal Facility, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, India
| | - Abid Bhat
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, India
- Centre for Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Central Animal Facility, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, India
| | - Asha Srinivasan
- Division of Nanoscience & Technology, Faculty of Life Sciences, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, India
| | - Christophe Pellegrino
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Institute of Mediterranean Neurobiology, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Anbarasu Kannan
- Department of Protein Chemistry and Technology, CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysuru, India
| | - Srinivasa Rao Bolla
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan City, Kazakhstan
| | - Saravana Babu Chidambaram
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, India
- Centre for Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Central Animal Facility, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, India
- Special Interest Group – Brain, Behaviour, and Cognitive Neurosciences Research, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, India
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25
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Lu Y, Jin X, Zhao P. Serum lipids and the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Clin Pract 2021; 75:e13865. [PMID: 33244851 DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.13865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of serum lipids in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD) remains unclear, and the results of previous reports remain conflicting. We aimed to conduct this systematic review and meta-analysis to identify the potential relationships of blood lipids and the pathogenesis of PD. METHODS PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases were searched from inception to March 31, 2020, to identify potential studies with case-control or cohort study design on the relationship of serum lipids and PD. Stata 15.1 software was used for data syntheses after extraction of relevant data. RESULTS A total of 12 studies with 1506 PD patients and 7330 healthy controls were included. There were no significant differences in the TC (SMD = -0.08, 95% CI [-0.45, 0.33]), LDL-C (SMD = -0.12, 95% CI [-0.46, 0.18]), and TG (SMD = -0.05, 95% CI [-0.18, 0.06]) among PD patients and healthy controls. There was significant difference (SMD = -0.32, 95% CI [-0.42, -0.25]) in the TG level among PD patients and healthy controls. Subgroup analysis by Asian and non-Asian countries indicated that geographical location was not the source of heterogeneity. And no significant publication bias was found (all P > .05). CONCLUSIONS TG serum levels are significantly lower in PD patients, more studies are needed to further elucidate role of lipid in the PD development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Lu
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaojie Jin
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
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26
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Carlson SW, Yan HQ, Li Y, Henchir J, Ma X, Young MS, Ikonomovic MD, Dixon CE. Differential Regional Responses in Soluble Monomeric Alpha Synuclein Abundance Following Traumatic Brain Injury. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:362-374. [PMID: 32948930 PMCID: PMC7704579 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-020-02123-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Alpha synuclein (α-synuclein) is a neuronal protein found predominately in presynaptic terminals. While the pathological effect of α-synuclein aggregates has been a topic of intense study in several neurodegenerative conditions, less attention has been placed on changes in monomeric α-synuclein and related physiological consequences on neuronal function. A growing body of evidence supports an important physiological role of α-synuclein in neurotransmission. In the context of traumatic brain injury (TBI), we hypothesized that the regional abundance of soluble monomeric α-synuclein is altered over a chronic time period post-injury. To this end, we evaluated α-synuclein in the cortex, hippocampus, and striatum of adult rats at 6 h, 1 day, 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks after controlled cortical impact (CCI) injury. Western blot analysis demonstrated decreased levels of monomer α-synuclein protein in the ipsilateral hippocampus at 6 h, 1 day, 1, 2, and 8 weeks, as well as in the ipsilateral cortex at 1 and 2 weeks and in the ipsilateral striatum at 6 h after CCI compared with sham animals. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed lower α-synuclein and a modest reduction in synaptophysin staining in the ipsilateral hippocampus at 1 week after CCI compared with sham animals, with no evidence of intracellular or extracellular α-synuclein aggregates. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that monomeric α-synuclein protein abundance in the hippocampus is reduced over an extensive (acute-to-chronic) post-injury interval. This deficit may contribute to the chronically impaired neurotransmission known to occur after TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- S W Carlson
- Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15224, USA
| | - H Q Yan
- Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15224, USA
| | - Y Li
- Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15224, USA
| | - J Henchir
- Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15224, USA
| | - X Ma
- Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15224, USA
| | - M S Young
- Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15224, USA
| | - M D Ikonomovic
- Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
- VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - C E Dixon
- Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15224, USA.
- VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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27
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Bisht I, Ambasta RK, Kumar P. An integrated approach to unravel a putative crosstalk network in Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Neuropeptides 2020; 83:102078. [PMID: 32807513 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2020.102078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Integration of multiple profiling data and construction of functional regulatory networks provide a powerful approach to uncover functional relationships and significant molecular entities from transcriptomic data, highlighting the molecular mechanisms of complex diseases. Despite having an overlap in the neuropathologies of AD and PD, the molecular entities overlapped and mechanisms behind them are less known. Here we used an integrated strategy to analyze miRNA and gene transcriptomic data to understand the role of miRNAs and genes in regulatory activities taking place in cells, and find transcriptomic signatures linking AD and PD. We preprocessed and analyzed publicly available microarray datasets and identified 97 DEGs and 21 DEmiRs that may be involved in the overlapped mechanisms between these two disorders. Among the DEGs, we found HSPA9, PGK1, SDHC, FH, DLD, YWHAZ and ACLY as the major protein-coding genes involved in the crosstalk for AD-PD pathogenesis. Further we integrated these DEGs and DEmiRs with regulatory TFs to construct an overlapped dysregulated network of AD and PD. In the network, miR-27a-3p, miR-148a-3p and miR-15a-5p were found to be the most relevant with maximum interactions, describing their significance in the potential crosstalk. We also looked into the dysregulated biological processes and pathways overlapped in AD and PD. In conclusion, we highlighted the DEGs, DEmiRs, their interactions and related pathways overlapped in AD and PD pathogenesis, also describing a potential crosstalk at molecular level. Besides, our findings can further be used for molecular studies to reveal an assured AD-PD crosstalk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indu Bisht
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Delhi Technological University (Formerly DCE), Delhi, 110042, India
| | - Rashmi K Ambasta
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Delhi Technological University (Formerly DCE), Delhi, 110042, India
| | - Pravir Kumar
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Delhi Technological University (Formerly DCE), Delhi, 110042, India.
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28
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Fouka M, Mavroeidi P, Tsaka G, Xilouri M. In Search of Effective Treatments Targeting α-Synuclein Toxicity in Synucleinopathies: Pros and Cons. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:559791. [PMID: 33015057 PMCID: PMC7500083 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.559791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple system atrophy (MSA) and Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) represent pathologically similar, progressive neurodegenerative disorders characterized by the pathological aggregation of the neuronal protein α-synuclein. PD and DLB are characterized by the abnormal accumulation and aggregation of α-synuclein in proteinaceous inclusions within neurons named Lewy bodies (LBs) and Lewy neurites (LNs), whereas in MSA α-synuclein inclusions are mainly detected within oligodendrocytes named glial cytoplasmic inclusions (GCIs). The presence of pathologically aggregated α-synuclein along with components of the protein degradation machinery, such as ubiquitin and p62, in LBs and GCIs is considered to underlie the pathogenic cascade that eventually leads to the severe neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation that characterizes these diseases. Importantly, α-synuclein is proposed to undergo pathogenic misfolding and oligomerization into higher-order structures, revealing self-templating conformations, and to exert the ability of "prion-like" spreading between cells. Therefore, the manner in which the protein is produced, is modified within neural cells and is degraded, represents a major focus of current research efforts in the field. Given that α-synuclein protein load is critical to disease pathogenesis, the identification of means to limit intracellular protein burden and halt α-synuclein propagation represents an obvious therapeutic approach in synucleinopathies. However, up to date the development of effective therapeutic strategies to prevent degeneration in synucleinopathies is limited, due to the lack of knowledge regarding the precise mechanisms underlying the observed pathology. This review critically summarizes the recent developed strategies to counteract α-synuclein toxicity, including those aimed to increase protein degradation, to prevent protein aggregation and cell-to-cell propagation, or to engage antibodies against α-synuclein and discuss open questions and unknowns for future therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Maria Xilouri
- Center of Clinical Research, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
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29
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Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease typified by a movement disorder consisting of bradykinesia, rest tremor, rigidity, and postural instability. Treatment options for PD are limited, with most of the current approaches based on restoration of dopaminergic tone in the striatum. However, these do not alter disease course and do not treat the non-dopamine-dependent features of PD such as freezing of gait, cognitive impairment, and other non-motor features of the disorder, which often have the greatest impact on quality of life. As understanding of PD pathogenesis grows, novel therapeutic avenues are emerging. These include treatments that aim to control the symptoms of PD without the problematic side effects seen with currently available treatments and those that are aimed towards slowing pathology, reducing neuronal loss, and attenuating disease course. In this latter regard, there has been much interest in drug repurposing (the use of established drugs for a new indication), with many drugs being reported to affect PD-relevant intracellular processes. This approach offers an expedited route to the clinic, given that pharmacokinetic and safety data are potentially already available. In terms of better symptomatic therapies that are also regenerative, gene therapies and cell-based treatments are beginning to enter clinical trials, and developments in other neurosurgical strategies such as more nuanced deep brain stimulation approaches mean that the landscape of PD treatment is likely to evolve considerably over the coming years. In this review, we provide an overview of the novel therapeutic approaches that are close to, or are already in, clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas B Stoker
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Forvie Site, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0PY, UK
- Department of Neurology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich, UK
| | - Roger A Barker
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Forvie Site, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0PY, UK
- Wellcome Trust – Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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30
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Shin JY, Lee PH. Mesenchymal stem cells modulate misfolded α-synuclein in parkinsonian disorders: A multitarget disease-modifying strategy. Stem Cell Res 2020; 47:101908. [PMID: 32683319 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2020.101908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
α-Synuclein (α-Syn) aggregates, the major toxic component of Lewy bodies, are proteinaceous fibrillar cytoplasmic inclusions observed in α-synucleinopathies, such as Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple system atrophy, and dementia with Lewy bodies. Overexpression of α-syn induce neuronal loss and α-syn aggregation in PD animals. Recent studies show that α-syn is released by exocytosis and can be transmitted between brain areas through cell-to-cell propagation. Moreover, aggregates of extracellular α-syn can induce neuroinflammation-mediated neurotoxic signaling through microglial activation and release of pro-inflammatory factors. Thus, modulation of α-syn might be a potential therapeutic strategy for modifying disease progression of α-synucleinopathies. Our previous studies have revealed that MSCs have potent neuroprotective effects in PD animal through modulation of neuroinflammation, inhibition of cell death, and promotion of neurogenesis. Here, we provide further evidence that MSCs have the potential to modulate α-syn-related microenvironments via enhancement of autophagy, proteolysis of α-syn aggregates, inhibition of cell-to-cell transmission of α-syn, stabilization of axonal transport, and phagocytic clearance of α-syn by microglial M2 polarization. With advantages in clinical applications, these data suggests that the use of MSCs as pharmacological modulators of α-syn propagation would be an effective therapeutic approach in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Young Shin
- Department of Neurology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea; Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Phil Hyu Lee
- Department of Neurology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea; Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea.
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31
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Henderson MX, Covell DJ, Chung CHY, Pitkin RM, Sandler RM, Decker SC, Riddle DM, Zhang B, Gathagan RJ, James MJ, Trojanowski JQ, Brunden KR, Lee VMY, Luk KC. Characterization of novel conformation-selective α-synuclein antibodies as potential immunotherapeutic agents for Parkinson's disease. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 136:104712. [PMID: 31837422 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.104712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) are progressive neurodegenerative diseases for which there is no disease-modifying treatment. PD and DLB are characterized by aggregation of the synaptic protein α-synuclein, and there is compelling evidence to suggest that progression of these diseases is associated with the trans-cellular spread of pathogenic α-synuclein through the brains of afflicted individuals. Therapies targeting extracellular, pathogenic α-synuclein may therefore hold promise for slowing or halting disease progression. In this regard, it has been suggested that highly-selective antibodies can be administered as therapeutic agents targeting pathogenic proteins. In the current study, we screened a series of antibodies using multiple selection criterion to identify those that selectively bind pathogenic α-synuclein and show potent inhibition of pathology seeding in a neuronal model of α-synucleinopathy. A lead antibody was tested in a mouse model of PD, and it was able to reduce the spread of α-synuclein pathology in the brain and attenuate dopamine reductions in the striatum. This study highlights the therapeutic potential of α-synuclein immunotherapy for the treatment of PD and DLB, and provides a framework for screening of α-synuclein antibodies to identify those with preferred properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael X Henderson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Dustin J Covell
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Charlotte Hiu-Yan Chung
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Rose M Pitkin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Raizel M Sandler
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Samantha C Decker
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Dawn M Riddle
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ronald J Gathagan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Michael J James
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - John Q Trojanowski
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kurt R Brunden
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Virginia M Y Lee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kelvin C Luk
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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32
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Fields CR, Bengoa-Vergniory N, Wade-Martins R. Targeting Alpha-Synuclein as a Therapy for Parkinson's Disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:299. [PMID: 31866823 PMCID: PMC6906193 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders with a global burden of approximately 6.1 million patients. Alpha-synuclein has been linked to both the sporadic and familial forms of the disease. Moreover, alpha-synuclein is present in Lewy-bodies, the neuropathological hallmark of PD, and the protein and its aggregation have been widely linked to neurotoxic pathways that ultimately lead to neurodegeneration. Such pathways include autophagy/lysosomal dysregulation, synaptic dysfunction, mitochondrial disruption, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and oxidative stress. Alpha-synuclein has not only been shown to alter cellular pathways but also to spread between cells, causing aggregation in host cells. Therapeutic approaches will need to address several, if not all, of these angles of alpha-synuclein toxicity. Here we review the current advances in therapeutic efforts for PD that aim to produce a disease-modifying therapy by targeting the spread, production, aggregation, and degradation of alpha-synuclein. These include: receptor blocking strategies whereby putative alpha-synuclein receptors could be blocked inhibiting alpha-synuclein spread, an alpha-synuclein reduction which will decrease the amount alpha-synuclein available for aggregation and pathway disruption, the use of small molecules in order to target alpha-synuclein aggregation, immunotherapy and the increase of alpha-synuclein degradation by increasing autophagy/lysosomal flux. The research discussed here may lead to a disease-modifying therapy that tackles disease onset and progression in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nora Bengoa-Vergniory
- Department of Physiology, Oxford Parkinson's Disease Center, Anatomy and Genetics, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Wade-Martins
- Department of Physiology, Oxford Parkinson's Disease Center, Anatomy and Genetics, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Palazzi L, Leri M, Cesaro S, Stefani M, Bucciantini M, Polverino de Laureto P. Insight into the molecular mechanism underlying the inhibition of α-synuclein aggregation by hydroxytyrosol. Biochem Pharmacol 2019; 173:113722. [PMID: 31756328 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2019.113722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease in the elderly people. To date, drugs able to reverse the disease are not available; the gold standard is levodopa that only relieves clinical symptoms, yet with severe side effects after prolonged administration. Many efforts are underway to find alternative targets for PD prevention or treatment, the most promising being α-synuclein (Syn). Recently, we reported that oleuropein aglycone (OleA) interferes with amyloid aggregation of Syn both stabilizing its monomeric state and inducing the formation of harmless, off-pathway oligomers. This study is focused at describing the interaction between Syn and hydroxytyrosol (HT), the phenolic moiety and main metabolite of OleA, and the interferences with Syn aggregation by using biophysical and biological techniques. Our results show that HT dose-dependently inhibits Syn aggregation and that covalent and non-covalent binding mediate HT-Syn interaction. HT does not modify the natively unfolded structure of Syn, rather, it stabilizes specific regions of the molecule leading to inhibition of protein fibrillation. Cellular assays showed that HT reduces the toxicity of Syn aggregates. Moreover, Syn aggregates interaction with the cell membrane, an important factor for prion-like properties of Syn on-pathway oligomers, was reduced in cells exposed to Syn aggregates grown in the presence of HT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luana Palazzi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, CRIBI Biotechnology Centre, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Manuela Leri
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Firenze, Italy; Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Firenze, Italy
| | - Samuele Cesaro
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, CRIBI Biotechnology Centre, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Massimo Stefani
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Firenze, Italy
| | - Monica Bucciantini
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Firenze, Italy
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Savitt D, Jankovic J. Targeting α-Synuclein in Parkinson's Disease: Progress Towards the Development of Disease-Modifying Therapeutics. Drugs 2019; 79:797-810. [PMID: 30982161 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-019-01104-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD), the second most common neurodegenerative movement disorder, is characterized by progressive motor and non-motor symptoms [1]. Despite treatment with pharmacologic and surgical therapies, the disease will continue to relentlessly advance. Hence, there is a great deal of interest in potential disease-modifying therapies with the hope that the neurodegenerative process can be slowed or halted. The purpose of this review is to highlight the role toxic α-synuclein (α-syn) plays in PD pathogenesis and critically review the relevant literature about therapeutic modalities targeting α-syn. Toxic α-syn plays a key role in PD pathogenesis, disrupting important cellular functions, and, thus, targeting α-syn is a reasonable disease-modifying strategy. Current approaches under investigation include decreasing α-syn production with RNA interference (RNAi), inhibiting α-syn aggregation, promoting intracellular degradation of α-syn aggregates (via enhancing autophagy and enhancing lysosomal degradation), and promoting extracellular degradation of α-syn via active and passive immunization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Savitt
- Parkinson's Disease Center and Movement Disorders Clinic, Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, 7200 Cambridge, Suite 9A, Houston, TX, 77030-4202, USA
| | - Joseph Jankovic
- Parkinson's Disease Center and Movement Disorders Clinic, Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, 7200 Cambridge, Suite 9A, Houston, TX, 77030-4202, USA.
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Fernández-Valle T, Gabilondo I, Gómez-Esteban JC. New therapeutic approaches to target alpha-synuclein in Parkinson's disease: The role of immunotherapy. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2019; 146:281-295. [PMID: 31349931 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2019.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder. It is characterized by a slow and progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons. Its neuropathological hallmark is the accumulation of aggregated form of α-synuclein (α-syn) protein in intracellular inclusions known as Lewy bodies. This aggregated α-syn is believed to be central to the pathogenesis of PD. Emerging evidence suggests that aggregated forms of α-syn self-amplificates and propagates spreading from cell-to-cell in a "prion-like" fashion. Genetics and environmental factors are known causes for the pathogenesis of PD. In last years, inflammation in the pathophysiology of PD is gaining more importance. This neuroinflammation seems to contribute to the progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. The currently available therapies for PD fail to modify the disease progression and neurodegeneration. The connection between α-syn and PD makes α-syn the major therapeutic target. We summarize the possible therapeutic strategies to target α-syn according to the steps in the molecular pathogenesis. The contribution of neuroinflammation to the progression of the disease and the "prion-like" hypothesis which enables targeting the extracellular phase of transmission of α-syn, make immunotherapy probably the most promising therapeutic approach for PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Fernández-Valle
- Movement Disorders and Autonomic Unit, Neurology Department, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain; Neurodegenerative Unit, Biocruces Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain.
| | - I Gabilondo
- Movement Disorders and Autonomic Unit, Neurology Department, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain; Neurodegenerative Unit, Biocruces Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - J C Gómez-Esteban
- Movement Disorders and Autonomic Unit, Neurology Department, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain; Neurodegenerative Unit, Biocruces Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
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Gerez JA, Prymaczok NC, Rockenstein E, Herrmann US, Schwarz P, Adame A, Enchev RI, Courtheoux T, Boersema PJ, Riek R, Peter M, Aguzzi A, Masliah E, Picotti P. A cullin-RING ubiquitin ligase targets exogenous α-synuclein and inhibits Lewy body-like pathology. Sci Transl Med 2019; 11:eaau6722. [PMID: 31167929 PMCID: PMC10697662 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aau6722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurological disorder characterized by the progressive accumulation of neuronal α-synuclein (αSyn) inclusions called Lewy bodies. It is believed that Lewy bodies spread throughout the nervous system due to the cell-to-cell propagation of αSyn via cycles of secretion and uptake. Here, we investigated the internalization and intracellular accumulation of exogenous αSyn, two key steps of Lewy body pathogenesis, amplification and spreading. We found that stable αSyn fibrils substantially accumulate in different cell lines upon internalization, whereas αSyn monomers, oligomers, and dissociable fibrils do not. Our data indicate that the uptake-mediated accumulation of αSyn in a human-derived neuroblastoma cell line triggered an adaptive response that involved proteins linked to ubiquitin ligases of the S-phase kinase-associated protein 1 (SKP1), cullin-1 (Cul1), and F-box domain-containing protein (SCF) family. We found that SKP1, Cul1, and the F-box/LRR repeat protein 5 (FBXL5) colocalized and physically interacted with internalized αSyn in cultured cells. Moreover, the SCF containing the F-box protein FBXL5 (SCFFBXL5) catalyzed αSyn ubiquitination in reconstitution experiments in vitro using recombinant proteins and in cultured cells. In the human brain, SKP1 and Cul1 were recruited into Lewy bodies from brainstem and neocortex of patients with PD and related neurological disorders. In both transgenic and nontransgenic mice, intracerebral administration of exogenous αSyn fibrils triggered a Lewy body-like pathology, which was amplified by SKP1 or FBXL5 loss of function. Our data thus indicate that SCFFXBL5 regulates αSyn in vivo and that SCF ligases may constitute targets for the treatment of PD and other α-synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan A Gerez
- Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Biology, ETH Zurich, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland.
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Natalia C Prymaczok
- Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Biology, ETH Zurich, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Edward Rockenstein
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Uli S Herrmann
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich CH-8091, Switzerland
| | - Petra Schwarz
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich CH-8091, Switzerland
| | - Anthony Adame
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Radoslav I Enchev
- Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Biology, ETH Zurich, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thibault Courtheoux
- Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Biology, ETH Zurich, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Paul J Boersema
- Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Biology, ETH Zurich, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Roland Riek
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Peter
- Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Biology, ETH Zurich, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Adriano Aguzzi
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich CH-8091, Switzerland
| | - Eliezer Masliah
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Paola Picotti
- Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Biology, ETH Zurich, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Molecular Systems Biology, Department of Biology, ETH Zurich, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland
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Liu L, Liu X. Contributions of Drug Transporters to Blood-Brain Barriers. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1141:407-466. [PMID: 31571171 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-7647-4_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Blood-brain interfaces comprise the cerebral microvessel endothelium forming the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the epithelium of the choroid plexuses forming the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB). Their main functions are to impede free diffusion between brain fluids and blood; to provide transport processes for essential nutrients, ions, and metabolic waste products; and to regulate the homeostasis of central nervous system (CNS), all of which are attributed to absent fenestrations, high expression of tight junction proteins at cell-cell contacts, and expression of multiple transporters, receptors, and enzymes. Existence of BBB is an important reason that systemic drug administration is not suitable for the treatment of CNS diseases. Some diseases, such epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and diabetes, alter BBB function via affecting tight junction proteins or altering expression and function of these transporters. This chapter will illustrate function of BBB, expression of transporters, as well as their alterations under disease status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Liu
- China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaodong Liu
- China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.
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Vidal-Martinez G, Yang B, Vargas-Medrano J, Perez RG. Could α-Synuclein Modulation of Insulin and Dopamine Identify a Novel Link Between Parkinson's Disease and Diabetes as Well as Potential Therapies? Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:465. [PMID: 30622456 PMCID: PMC6308185 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Characterizing the normal function(s) of the protein α-Synuclein (aSyn) has the potential to illuminate links between Parkinson’s disease (PD) and diabetes and also point the way toward new therapies for these disorders. Here we provide a perspective for consideration based on our discovery that aSyn normally acts to inhibit insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells by interacting with the Kir6.2 subunit of the ATP-sensitive potassium channel (K-ATP). It is also known that K-ATP channels act to inhibit brain dopamine secretion, and we have also shown that aSyn is a normal inhibitor of dopamine synthesis. The finding, that aSyn modulates Kir6.2 and other proteins involved in dopamine and insulin secretion, suggests that aSyn interacting proteins may be negatively impacted when aSyn aggregates inside cells, whether in brain or pancreas. Furthermore, identifying therapies for PD that can counteract dysfunction found in diabetes, would be highly beneficial. One such compound may be the multiple sclerosis drug, FTY720, which like aSyn can stimulate the activity of the catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2Ac) as well as insulin secretion. In aging aSyn transgenic mice given long term oral FTY720, the mice had reduced aSyn pathology and increased levels of the protective molecule, brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) (Vidal-Martinez et al., 2016). In collaboration with medicinal chemists, we made two non-immunosuppressive FTY720s that also enhance PP2Ac activity, and BDNF expression (Vargas-Medrano et al., 2014; Enoru et al., 2016; Segura-Ulate et al., 2017a). FTY720 and our novel FTY720-based-derivatives, may thus have therapeutic potential for both diabetes and PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guadalupe Vidal-Martinez
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Center of Emphasis in Neurosciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX, United States
| | - Barbara Yang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Center of Emphasis in Neurosciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX, United States
| | - Javier Vargas-Medrano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Center of Emphasis in Neurosciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX, United States
| | - Ruth G Perez
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Center of Emphasis in Neurosciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX, United States
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Koh YH, Tan LY, Ng SY. Patient-Derived Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells and Organoids for Modeling Alpha Synuclein Propagation in Parkinson's Disease. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:413. [PMID: 30483063 PMCID: PMC6240766 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is an age-associated, progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor impairment and in some cases cognitive decline. Central to the disease pathogenesis of PD is a small, presynaptic neuronal protein known as alpha synuclein (a-syn), which tends to accumulate and aggregate in PD brains as Lewy bodies or Lewy neurites. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies confirm that a-syn aggregates can be propagated from diseased to healthy cells, and it has been suggested that preventing the spread of pathogenic a-syn species can slow PD progression. In this review, we summarize the works of recent literature elucidating mechanisms of a-syn propagation, and discussed the advantages in using patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and/or induced neurons to study a-syn transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Hui Koh
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Li Yi Tan
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shi-Yan Ng
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, Singapore.,The Third Affliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Stoker TB, Torsney KM, Barker RA. Emerging Treatment Approaches for Parkinson's Disease. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:693. [PMID: 30349448 PMCID: PMC6186796 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease, manifesting as a characteristic movement disorder with a number of additional non-motor features. The pathological hallmark of PD is the presence of intra-neuronal aggregates of α-synuclein (Lewy bodies). The movement disorder of PD occurs largely due to loss of dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra, resulting in striatal dopamine depletion. There are currently no proven disease modifying treatments for PD, with management options consisting mainly of dopaminergic drugs, and in a limited number of patients, deep brain stimulation. Long-term use of established dopaminergic therapies for PD results in significant adverse effects, and there is therefore a requirement to develop better means of restoring striatal dopamine, as well as treatments that are able to slow progression of the disease. A number of exciting treatments have yielded promising results in pre-clinical and early clinical trials, and it now seems likely that the landscape for the management of PD will change dramatically in the short to medium term future. Here, we discuss the promising regenerative cell-based and gene therapies, designed to treat the dopaminergic aspects of PD whilst limiting adverse effects, as well as novel approaches to reducing α-synuclein pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas B Stoker
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Department of Neurology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Kelli M Torsney
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Department of Medicine for the Elderly, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Roger A Barker
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Department of Neurology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Ryskalin L, Busceti CL, Limanaqi F, Biagioni F, Gambardella S, Fornai F. A Focus on the Beneficial Effects of Alpha Synuclein and a Re-Appraisal of Synucleinopathies. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2018; 19:598-611. [PMID: 29150919 PMCID: PMC5925871 DOI: 10.2174/1389203718666171117110028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Revised: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Alpha synuclein (α-syn) belongs to a class of proteins which are commonly considered to play a detrimental role in neuronal survival. This assumption is based on the occurrence of a severe neuronal degeneration in patients carrying a multiplication of the α-syn gene (SNCA) and in a variety of experimental models, where overexpression of α-syn leads to cell death and neurological impairment. In these conditions, a higher amount of normally structured α-syn produces a damage, which is even worse compared with that produced by α-syn owning an abnormal structure (as occurring following point gene mutations). In line with this, knocking out the expression of α-syn is reported to protect from specific neurotoxins such as 1-methyl, 4-phenyl 1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). In the present review we briefly discuss these well-known detrimental effects but we focus on findings showing that, in specific conditions α-syn is beneficial for cell survival. This occurs during methamphetamine intoxication which is counteracted by endogenous α-syn. Similarly, the dysfunction of the chaperone cysteine-string protein- alpha leads to cell pathology which is counteracted by over-expressing α-syn. In line with this, an increased expression of α-syn protects against oxidative damage produced by dopamine. Remarkably, when the lack of α-syn is combined with a depletion of β- and γ- synucleins, alterations in brain structure and function occur. This review tries to balance the evidence showing a beneficial effect with the bulk of data reporting a detrimental effect of endogenous α-syn. The specific role of α-syn as a chaperone protein is discussed to explain such a dual effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larisa Ryskalin
- Human Anatomy, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, via Roma 55, 56126Pisa, Italy
| | - Carla L. Busceti
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, Via Atinense 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Isernia, Italy
| | - Fiona Limanaqi
- Human Anatomy, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, via Roma 55, 56126Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | - Francesco Fornai
- Human Anatomy, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, via Roma 55, 56126Pisa, Italy
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, Via Atinense 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Isernia, Italy
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Westphal N, Theis T, Loers G, Schachner M, Kleene R. Nuclear fragments of the neural cell adhesion molecule NCAM with or without polysialic acid differentially regulate gene expression. Sci Rep 2017; 7:13631. [PMID: 29051583 PMCID: PMC5648764 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-14056-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) is the major carrier of polysialic acid (PSA) which modulates NCAM functions of neural cells at the cell surface. In previous studies, we have shown that stimulation of cultured neurons with surrogate NCAM ligands leads to the generation and nuclear import of PSA-lacking and -carrying NCAM fragments. Here, we show that the nuclear import of the PSA-carrying NCAM fragment is mediated by positive cofactor 4 and cofilin, which we identified as novel PSA-binding proteins. In the nucleus, the PSA-carrying NCAM fragment interacts via PSA with PC4 and cofilin, which are involved in RNA polymerase II-dependent transcription. Microarray analysis revealed that the nuclear PSA-carrying and -lacking NCAM fragments affect expression of different genes. By qPCR and immunoblot analysis we verified that the nuclear PSA-carrying NCAM fragment increases mRNA and protein expression of nuclear receptor subfamily 2 group F member 6, whereas the PSA-lacking NCAM fragment increases mRNA and protein expression of low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 2 and α-synuclein. Differential gene expression evoked by nuclear NCAM fragments without and with PSA indicates that PSA-carrying and -lacking NCAM play different functional roles in the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Westphal
- Zentrum für Molekulare Neurobiologie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Falkenried 94, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Theis
- Zentrum für Molekulare Neurobiologie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Falkenried 94, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gabriele Loers
- Zentrum für Molekulare Neurobiologie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Falkenried 94, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Melitta Schachner
- Center for Neuroscience, Shantou University Medical College, 22 Xin Ling Road, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, China.
- Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience and Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, 604 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA.
| | - Ralf Kleene
- Zentrum für Molekulare Neurobiologie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Falkenried 94, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
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Brundin P, Dave KD, Kordower JH. Therapeutic approaches to target alpha-synuclein pathology. Exp Neurol 2017; 298:225-235. [PMID: 28987463 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2017.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Revised: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Starting two decades ago with the discoveries of genetic links between alpha-synuclein and Parkinson's disease risk and the identification of aggregated alpha-synuclein as the main protein constituent of Lewy pathology, alpha-synuclein has emerged as the major therapeutic target in Parkinson's disease and related synucleinopathies. Following the suggestion that alpha-synuclein pathology gradually spreads through the nervous system following a stereotypic pattern and the discovery that aggregated forms of alpha-synuclein can propagate pathology from one cell to another, and thereby probably aggravate existing deficits as well as generate additional symptoms, the idea that alpha-synuclein is a viable therapeutic target gained further support. In this review we describe current challenges and possibilities with alpha-synuclein as a therapeutic target. We briefly highlight gaps in the knowledge of the role of alpha-synuclein in disease, and propose that a deeper understanding of the pathobiology of alpha-synuclein can lead to improved therapeutic strategies. We describe several treatment approaches that are currently being tested in advanced animal experiments or already are in clinical trials. We have divided them into approaches that reduce alpha-synuclein production; inhibit alpha-synuclein aggregation inside cells; promote its degradation either inside or outside cells; and reduce its uptake by neighbouring cells following release from already affected neurons. Finally, we briefly discuss challenges related to the clinical testing of alpha-synuclein therapies, for example difficulties in monitoring target engagement and the need for relatively large trials of long duration. We conclude that alpha-synuclein remains one of the most compelling therapeutic targets for Parkinson's disease, and related synucleinopathies, and that the multitude of approaches being tested provides hope for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrik Brundin
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA.
| | - Kuldip D Dave
- The Michael J Fox Foundation, New York, NY 10017, USA
| | - Jeffrey H Kordower
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA; Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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Hu ZY, Chen B, Zhang JP, Ma YY. Up-regulation of autophagy-related gene 5 ( ATG5) protects dopaminergic neurons in a zebrafish model of Parkinson's disease. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:18062-18074. [PMID: 28928221 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.764795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Revised: 08/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most epidemic neurodegenerative diseases and is characterized by movement disorders arising from loss of midbrain dopaminergic (DA) neurons. Recently, the relationship between PD and autophagy has received considerable attention, but information about the mechanisms involved is lacking. Here, we report that autophagy-related gene 5 (ATG5) is potentially important in protecting dopaminergic neurons in a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced PD model in zebrafish. Using analyses of zebrafish swimming behavior, in situ hybridization, immunofluorescence, and expressions of genes and proteins related to PD and autophagy, we found that the ATG5 expression level was decreased and autophagy flux was blocked in this model. The ATG5 down-regulation led to the upgrade of PD-associated proteins, such as β-synuclein, Parkin, and PINK1, aggravation of MPTP-induced PD-mimicking pathological locomotor behavior, DA neuron loss labeled by tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) or dopamine transporter (DAT), and blocked autophagy flux in the zebrafish model. ATG5 overexpression alleviated or reversed these PD pathological features, rescued DA neuron cells as indicated by elevated TH/DAT levels, and restored autophagy flux. The role of ATG5 in protecting DA neurons was confirmed by expression of the human atg5 gene in the zebrafish model. Our findings reveal that ATG5 has a role in neuroprotection, and up-regulation of ATG5 may serve as a goal in the development of drugs for PD prevention and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhan-Ying Hu
- From the Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Bo Chen
- From the Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Jing-Pu Zhang
- From the Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Ma
- From the Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
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45
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Collier TJ, Srivastava KR, Justman C, Grammatopoulous T, Hutter-Paier B, Prokesch M, Havas D, Rochet JC, Liu F, Jock K, de Oliveira P, Stirtz GL, Dettmer U, Sortwell CE, Feany MB, Lansbury P, Lapidus L, Paumier KL. Nortriptyline inhibits aggregation and neurotoxicity of alpha-synuclein by enhancing reconfiguration of the monomeric form. Neurobiol Dis 2017; 106:191-204. [PMID: 28711409 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2017.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Revised: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathology of Parkinson's disease and other synucleinopathies is characterized by the formation of intracellular inclusions comprised primarily of misfolded, fibrillar α-synuclein (α-syn). One strategy to slow disease progression is to prevent the misfolding and aggregation of its native monomeric form. Here we present findings that support the contention that the tricyclic antidepressant compound nortriptyline (NOR) has disease-modifying potential for synucleinopathies. Findings from in vitro aggregation and kinetics assays support the view that NOR inhibits aggregation of α-syn by directly binding to the soluble, monomeric form, and by enhancing reconfiguration of the monomer, inhibits formation of toxic conformations of the protein. We go on to demonstrate that NOR inhibits the accumulation, aggregation and neurotoxicity of α-syn in multiple cell and animal models. These findings suggest that NOR, a compound with established safety and efficacy for treatment of depression, may slow progression of α-syn pathology by directly binding to soluble, native, α-syn, thereby inhibiting pathological aggregation and preserving its normal functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy J Collier
- Department of Translational Science and Molecular Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA; Mercy Health Hauenstein Neuroscience Center, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.
| | - Kinshuk R Srivastava
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jean-Christophe Rochet
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Fang Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Kevin Jock
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Patrícia de Oliveira
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Georgia L Stirtz
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ulf Dettmer
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Caryl E Sortwell
- Department of Translational Science and Molecular Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA; Mercy Health Hauenstein Neuroscience Center, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Mel B Feany
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Peter Lansbury
- Lysosomal Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA; Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lisa Lapidus
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Katrina L Paumier
- Department of Neurology, Washington University, Saint Louis, MO, USA
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46
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García S, Chavira-Hernández G, Gallegos-Arreola MP, Dávila-Maldonado L, García Martínez F, Montes Almanza LA, Palma-Flores C, Mondragón-Terán P, Alcaraz Estrada SL, López-Hernández LB. The rs3857059 variant of the SNCA gene is associated with Parkinson's disease in Mexican Mestizos. ARQUIVOS DE NEURO-PSIQUIATRIA 2017; 74:445-9. [PMID: 27332068 DOI: 10.1590/0004-282x20160061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2015] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Among the candidate genes for Parkinson's disease (PD), SNCA has replicated association in different populations. Besides other known mutations in the SNCA gene, the rs3857059 variant has also been linked to various neurodegenerative disorders. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to search for association of this variant and sporadic PD in Mexican Mestizo patients. A case-control study was performed including 241 individuals, 106 patients, and 135 healthy controls. Genotyping was performed using real-time PCR. The rs3857059 variant demonstrated an association with PD in Mexican Mestizos (OR = 2.40, CI, 1.1 to 5.1, p = 0.02) under the recessive model. In addition, a gender effect was found for the GG genotype in females (OR = 1.31, CI, 1.01 to 1.7, p = 0.037). This is the first study to confirm an association of the rs3857059 variant with PD and also to show a gender effect. Our data contribute to the elucidation of the link between rs3857059 and susceptibility to PD observed in the Mexican Mestizo population.
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Affiliation(s)
- S García
- Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado, México DF , México, Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado, Centro Médico Nacional "20 de Noviembre", México DF, México
| | - G Chavira-Hernández
- Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado, México DF , México, Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado, Centro Médico Nacional "20 de Noviembre", México DF, México
| | - M P Gallegos-Arreola
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Occidente, Jalisco , México, Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Occidente, IMSS, Jalisco, México
| | - L Dávila-Maldonado
- Instituto de Ciencias Médicas y de la Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, México DF , México, Instituto de Ciencias Médicas y de la Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, México DF, México
| | - F García Martínez
- Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado, México DF , México, Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado, Centro Médico Nacional "20 de Noviembre", México DF, México
| | - L A Montes Almanza
- Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado, México DF , México, Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado, Centro Médico Nacional "20 de Noviembre", México DF, México
| | - C Palma-Flores
- Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado, México DF , México, Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado, Centro Médico Nacional "20 de Noviembre", México DF, México
| | - P Mondragón-Terán
- Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado, México DF , México, Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado, Centro Médico Nacional "20 de Noviembre", México DF, México
| | - S L Alcaraz Estrada
- Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado, México DF , México, Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado, Centro Médico Nacional "20 de Noviembre", México DF, México
| | - L B López-Hernández
- Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado, México DF , México, Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado, Centro Médico Nacional "20 de Noviembre", México DF, México
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Marmion DJ, Kordower JH. α-Synuclein nonhuman primate models of Parkinson's disease. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2017; 125:385-400. [PMID: 28434076 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-017-1720-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Proper understanding of the mechanism(s) by which α-synuclein misfolds and propagates may hold the key to unraveling the complex pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease. A more complete understanding of the disease itself, as well as establishing animal models that fully recapitulate pathological and functional disease progression, are needed to develop treatments that will delay, halt or reverse the disease course. Traditional neurotoxin-based animal models fail to mimic crucial aspects of Parkinson's and thus are not relevant for the study of neuroprotection and disease-modifying therapies. Therefore, a new era of animal models centered on α-synuclein has emerged with the utility of nonhuman primates in these studies beginning to become important. Indeed, disease modeling in nonhuman primates offers a more similar anatomical and genetic background to humans, and the ability to assess complex behavioral impairments that are difficult to test in rodents. Furthermore, results obtained from monkey studies translate better to applications in humans. In this review, we highlight the importance of α-synuclein in Parkinson's disease and discuss the development of α-synuclein based nonhuman primate models.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Marmion
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, 1735 West Harrison St, Cohn Bldg Room 306, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Jeffrey H Kordower
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, 1735 West Harrison St, Cohn Bldg Room 306, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
- The Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.
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48
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Non-human primate models of PD to test novel therapies. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2017; 125:291-324. [PMID: 28391443 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-017-1722-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Non-human primate (NHP) models of Parkinson disease show many similarities with the human disease. They are very useful to test novel pharmacotherapies as reviewed here. The various NHP models of this disease are described with their characteristics including the macaque, the marmoset, and the squirrel monkey models. Lesion-induced and genetic models are described. There is no drug to slow, delay, stop, or cure Parkinson disease; available treatments are symptomatic. The dopamine precursor, L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-Dopa) still remains the gold standard symptomatic treatment of Parkinson. However, involuntary movements termed L-Dopa-induced dyskinesias appear in most patients after chronic treatment and may become disabling. Dyskinesias are very difficult to manage and there is only amantadine approved providing only a modest benefit. In this respect, NHP models have been useful to seek new drug targets, since they reproduce motor complications observed in parkinsonian patients. Therapies to treat motor symptoms in NHP models are reviewed with a discussion of their translational value to humans. Disease-modifying treatments tested in NHP are reviewed as well as surgical treatments. Many biochemical changes in the brain of post-mortem Parkinson disease patients with dyskinesias are reviewed and compare well with those observed in NHP models. Non-motor symptoms can be categorized into psychiatric, autonomic, and sensory symptoms. These symptoms are present in most parkinsonian patients and are already installed many years before the pre-motor phase of the disease. The translational usefulness of NHP models of Parkinson is discussed for non-motor symptoms.
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49
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Pathak D, Berthet A, Bendor JT, Yu K, Sellnow RC, Orr AL, Nguyen MK, Edwards RH, Manfredsson FP, Nakamura K. Loss of α-Synuclein Does Not Affect Mitochondrial Bioenergetics in Rodent Neurons. eNeuro 2017; 4:ENEURO.0216-16.2017. [PMID: 28462393 PMCID: PMC5409983 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0216-16.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Revised: 04/02/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased α-synuclein (αsyn) and mitochondrial dysfunction play central roles in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD), and lowering αsyn is under intensive investigation as a therapeutic strategy for PD. Increased αsyn levels disrupt mitochondria and impair respiration, while reduced αsyn protects against mitochondrial toxins, suggesting that interactions between αsyn and mitochondria influences the pathologic and physiologic functions of αsyn. However, we do not know if αsyn affects normal mitochondrial function or if lowering αsyn levels impacts bioenergetic function, especially at the nerve terminal where αsyn is enriched. To determine if αsyn is required for normal mitochondrial function in neurons, we comprehensively evaluated how lowering αsyn affects mitochondrial function. We found that αsyn knockout (KO) does not affect the respiration of cultured hippocampal neurons or cortical and dopaminergic synaptosomes, and that neither loss of αsyn nor all three (α, β and γ) syn isoforms decreased mitochondria-derived ATP levels at the synapse. Similarly, neither αsyn KO nor knockdown altered the capacity of synaptic mitochondria to meet the energy requirements of synaptic vesicle cycling or influenced the localization of mitochondria to dopamine (DA) synapses in vivo. Finally, αsyn KO did not affect overall energy metabolism in mice assessed with a Comprehensive Lab Animal Monitoring System. These studies suggest either that αsyn has little or no significant physiological effect on mitochondrial bioenergetic function, or that any such functions are fully compensated for when lost. These results implicate that αsyn levels can be reduced in neurons without impairing (or improving) mitochondrial bioenergetics or distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Pathak
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, San Francisco, CA 94158
| | - Amandine Berthet
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, San Francisco, CA 94158
| | - Jacob T. Bendor
- Department of Neurology and Graduate Programs in Neuroscience and Biomedical Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158
| | - Katharine Yu
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, San Francisco, CA 94158
| | - Rhyomi C. Sellnow
- Department of Translational Science & Molecular Medicine, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
- Mercy Health Hauenstein Neuroscience Center, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
| | - Adam L. Orr
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, San Francisco, CA 94158
| | - Mai K Nguyen
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, San Francisco, CA 94158
| | - Robert H. Edwards
- Department of Neurology and Graduate Programs in Neuroscience and Biomedical Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158
| | - Fredric P. Manfredsson
- Department of Translational Science & Molecular Medicine, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
- Mercy Health Hauenstein Neuroscience Center, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
| | - Ken Nakamura
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, San Francisco, CA 94158
- Department of Neurology and Graduate Programs in Neuroscience and Biomedical Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158
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50
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Pham-Lake C, Aronoff EB, Camp CR, Vester A, Peters SJ, Caudle WM. Impairment in the mesohippocampal dopamine circuit following exposure to the brominated flame retardant, HBCDD. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2017; 50:167-174. [PMID: 28214749 PMCID: PMC5382642 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2017.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Many chemicals have been used to increase the safety of consumer products by reducing their flammability and risk for ignition. Recent focus on brominated flame retardants, such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) has shown them to contribute to neurobehavioral deficits in children, including learning and memory. As the manufacture and use of PBDEs have been reduced, replacement chemicals, such as hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) have been substituted. Our current study evaluated the neurotoxicity of HBCDD, concentrating on dopaminergic innervation to the hippocampus. Using an in vivo model, we exposed male mice to HBCDD and then assessed alterations to the dopamine synapse 6 weeks later. These exposures elicited significant reductions in presynaptic dopaminergic proteins, including TH, COMT, MAO-B, DAT, VMAT2, and alpha-synuclein. In contrast, postsynaptic dopamine receptors were not impaired. These findings suggest that the mesohippocampal dopamine circuit is vulnerable to HBCDD and the dopamine terminal may be a selective target for alteration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Pham-Lake
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322-3090, USA
| | - Elizabeth B Aronoff
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322-3090, USA
| | - Chad R Camp
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322-3090, USA
| | - Aimee Vester
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322-3090, USA
| | - Sam J Peters
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322-3090, USA
| | - W Michael Caudle
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322-3090, USA; Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, School of Medicine, Emory University Atlanta, GA 30322-3090, USA.
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