1
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Collier GE, Hulleman JD. A spectrum of clinically-identified cysteine mutations in fibulin-3 (EFEMP1) highlight its disulfide bonding complexity and potential to induce stress response activation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.22.604634. [PMID: 39091771 PMCID: PMC11291045 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.22.604634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Fibulin-3 (FBLN3), also known as EFEMP1, is a secreted extracellular matrix (ECM) glycoprotein that contains forty cysteine residues. These cysteines, which are distributed across one atypical and five canonical calcium-binding epidermal growth factor (EGF) domains, are important for regulating FBLN3 structure, secretion, and presumably function. As evidence of this importance, a rare homozygous p.C55R mutation in FBLN3 negates its function, alters disulfide bonding, and causes marfanoid syndrome. Additional studies suggest that heterozygous premature stop codon mutations in FBLN3 may also cause similar, albeit less severe, connective tissue disorders. Interestingly, a series of twenty-four cysteine mutations in FBLN3 have been identified in the human population and published in the Clinical Variation (ClinVar) and gnomAD databases. We tested how seven of these cysteine mutants (five loss-of-cysteine variants: C42Y, C190R, C218R, C252F, and C365S, two gain-of-cysteine variants: R358C, Y369C) and two newly developed mutations (G57C and Y397C) altered FBLN3 secretion, disulfide bonding, MMP2 zymography, and stress response activation Surprisingly, we found a wide variety of biochemical behaviors: i) loss-of-cysteine variants correlated with an increased likelihood of disulfide dimer formation, ii) N-terminal mutations were less likely to disrupt secretion, and were less prone to aggregation, iii) in contrast to wild-type FBLN3, multiple, but not all variants failed to induce MMP2 levels in cell culture, and iv) C-terminal mutations (either loss or gain of cysteines) were more prone to significant secretion defects, intracellular accumulation/misfolding, and stress response activation. These results provide molecular and biochemical insight into FBLN3 folding, secretion, and function for many cysteine mutations found in the human population, some of which may increase the likelihood of subclinical connective tissue or other FBLN3-associated haploinsufficiency diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gracen E. Collier
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, Texas, 75390, United States
| | - John D. Hulleman
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, 2001 6 St. SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55455, United States
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2
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Staerz SD, Anamoah C, Tepe JJ. 20S proteasome enhancers prevent cytotoxic tubulin polymerization-promoting protein induced α-synuclein aggregation. iScience 2024; 27:110166. [PMID: 38974969 PMCID: PMC11225362 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Synucleinopathies are a class of neurodegenerative diseases defined by the presence of α-synuclein inclusions. The location and composition of these α-synuclein inclusions directly correlate to the disease pattern. The inclusions in Multiple System Atrophy are located predominantly in oligodendrocytes and are rich in a second protein, p25α. P25α plays a key role in neuronal myelination by oligodendrocytes. In healthy oligodendrocytes, there is little to no α-synuclein present. If aberrant α-synuclein is present, p25α leaves the myelin sheaths and quickly co-aggregates with α-synuclein, resulting in the disruption of the cellular process and ultimately cell death. Herein, we report that p25α is susceptible for 20S proteasome-mediated degradation and that p25α induces α-synuclein aggregation, resulting in proteasome impairment and cell death. In addition, we identified small molecules 20S proteasome enhancers that prevent p25α induced α-synuclein fibrilization, restore proteasome impairment, and enhance cell viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia D. Staerz
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Charles Anamoah
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Jetze J. Tepe
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
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3
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Jin M, Wang S, Gao X, Zou Z, Hirotsune S, Sun L. Pathological and physiological functional cross-talks of α-synuclein and tau in the central nervous system. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:855-862. [PMID: 37843221 PMCID: PMC10664117 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.382231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
α-Synuclein and tau are abundant multifunctional brain proteins that are mainly expressed in the presynaptic and axonal compartments of neurons, respectively. Previous works have revealed that intracellular deposition of α-synuclein and/or tau causes many neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Despite intense investigation, the normal physiological functions and roles of α-synuclein and tau are still unclear, owing to the fact that mice with knockout of either of these proteins do not present apparent phenotypes. Interestingly, the co-occurrence of α-synuclein and tau aggregates was found in post-mortem brains with synucleinopathies and tauopathies, some of which share similarities in clinical manifestations. Furthermore, the direct interaction of α-synuclein with tau is considered to promote the fibrillization of each of the proteins in vitro and in vivo. On the other hand, our recent findings have revealed that α-synuclein and tau are cooperatively involved in brain development in a stage-dependent manner. These findings indicate strong cross-talk between the two proteins in physiology and pathology. In this review, we provide a summary of the recent findings on the functional roles of α-synuclein and tau in the physiological conditions and pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. A deep understanding of the interplay between α-synuclein and tau in physiological and pathological conditions might provide novel targets for clinical diagnosis and therapeutic strategies to treat neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyue Jin
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Neuroscience, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
- Department of Genetic Disease Research, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shengming Wang
- Department of Genetic Disease Research, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Xiaodie Gao
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Neuroscience, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Zhenyou Zou
- Department of Scientific Research, Brain Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Liuzhou, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Shinji Hirotsune
- Department of Genetic Disease Research, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Liyuan Sun
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Neuroscience, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
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4
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Nazeen S, Wang X, Zielinski D, Lam I, Hallacli E, Xu P, Ethier E, Strom R, Zanella CA, Nithianandam V, Ritter D, Henderson A, Saurat N, Afroz J, Nutter-Upham A, Benyamini H, Copty J, Ravishankar S, Morrow A, Mitchel J, Neavin D, Gupta R, Farbehi N, Grundman J, Myers RH, Scherzer CR, Trojanowski JQ, Van Deerlin VM, Cooper AA, Lee EB, Erlich Y, Lindquist S, Peng J, Geschwind DH, Powell J, Studer L, Feany MB, Sunyaev SR, Khurana V. Deep sequencing of proteotoxicity modifier genes uncovers a Presenilin-2/beta-amyloid-actin genetic risk module shared among alpha-synucleinopathies. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.03.583145. [PMID: 38496508 PMCID: PMC10942362 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.03.583145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Whether neurodegenerative diseases linked to misfolding of the same protein share genetic risk drivers or whether different protein-aggregation pathologies in neurodegeneration are mechanistically related remains uncertain. Conventional genetic analyses are underpowered to address these questions. Through careful selection of patients based on protein aggregation phenotype (rather than clinical diagnosis) we can increase statistical power to detect associated variants in a targeted set of genes that modify proteotoxicities. Genetic modifiers of alpha-synuclein (ɑS) and beta-amyloid (Aβ) cytotoxicity in yeast are enriched in risk factors for Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD), respectively. Here, along with known AD/PD risk genes, we deeply sequenced exomes of 430 ɑS/Aβ modifier genes in patients across alpha-synucleinopathies (PD, Lewy body dementia and multiple system atrophy). Beyond known PD genes GBA1 and LRRK2, rare variants AD genes (CD33, CR1 and PSEN2) and Aβ toxicity modifiers involved in RhoA/actin cytoskeleton regulation (ARGHEF1, ARHGEF28, MICAL3, PASK, PKN2, PSEN2) were shared risk factors across synucleinopathies. Actin pathology occurred in iPSC synucleinopathy models and RhoA downregulation exacerbated ɑS pathology. Even in sporadic PD, the expression of these genes was altered across CNS cell types. Genome-wide CRISPR screens revealed the essentiality of PSEN2 in both human cortical and dopaminergic neurons, and PSEN2 mutation carriers exhibited diffuse brainstem and cortical synucleinopathy independent of AD pathology. PSEN2 contributes to a common-risk signal in PD GWAS and regulates ɑS expression in neurons. Our results identify convergent mechanisms across synucleinopathies, some shared with AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumaiya Nazeen
- Division of Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xinyuan Wang
- Division of Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dina Zielinski
- Division of Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Whitehead Institute of Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Isabel Lam
- Division of Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Erinc Hallacli
- Division of Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ping Xu
- Division of Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Ethier
- Division of Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ronya Strom
- Division of Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Camila A Zanella
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vanitha Nithianandam
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dylan Ritter
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alexander Henderson
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nathalie Saurat
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jalwa Afroz
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Hadar Benyamini
- Whitehead Institute of Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Joseph Copty
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Autumn Morrow
- Division of Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jonathan Mitchel
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Program in Health Sciences & Technology, Harvard Medical School & Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, MA
| | - Drew Neavin
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Renuka Gupta
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nona Farbehi
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jennifer Grundman
- Department of Human Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Richard H Myers
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Clemens R Scherzer
- Division of Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - John Q Trojanowski
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Vivianna M Van Deerlin
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Antony A Cooper
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Edward B Lee
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yaniv Erlich
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Susan Lindquist
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jian Peng
- Department of Computer Science, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Daniel H Geschwind
- Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Semel Institute, Program in Neurogenetics, Department of Neurology and Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Joseph Powell
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Lorenz Studer
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Mel B Feany
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Shamil R Sunyaev
- Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Vikram Khurana
- Division of Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
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5
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Zamel J, Chen J, Zaer S, Harris PD, Drori P, Lebendiker M, Kalisman N, Dokholyan NV, Lerner E. Structural and dynamic insights into α-synuclein dimer conformations. Structure 2023; 31:411-423.e6. [PMID: 36809765 PMCID: PMC10081966 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2023.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson disease is associated with the aggregation of the protein α-synuclein. While α-synuclein can exist in multiple oligomeric states, the dimer has been a subject of extensive debates. Here, using an array of biophysical approaches, we demonstrate that α-synuclein in vitro exhibits primarily a monomer-dimer equilibrium in nanomolar concentrations and up to a few micromolars. We then use spatial information from hetero-isotopic cross-linking mass spectrometry experiments as restrains in discrete molecular dynamics simulations to obtain the ensemble structure of dimeric species. Out of eight structural sub-populations of dimers, we identify one that is compact, stable, abundant, and exhibits partially exposed β-sheet structures. This compact dimer is the only one where the hydroxyls of tyrosine 39 are in proximity that may promote dityrosine covalent linkage upon hydroxyl radicalization, which is implicated in α-synuclein amyloid fibrils. We propose that this α-synuclein dimer features etiological relevance to Parkinson disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Zamel
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Faculty of Mathematics & Science, The Edmond J. Safra Campus, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Jiaxing Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Sofia Zaer
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Faculty of Mathematics & Science, The Edmond J. Safra Campus, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Paul David Harris
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Faculty of Mathematics & Science, The Edmond J. Safra Campus, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Paz Drori
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Faculty of Mathematics & Science, The Edmond J. Safra Campus, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Mario Lebendiker
- Wolfson Centre for Applied Structural Biology, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, Jerusalem, 9190401, Israel
| | - Nir Kalisman
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Faculty of Mathematics & Science, The Edmond J. Safra Campus, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Nikolay V Dokholyan
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; Departments of Chemistry and Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
| | - Eitan Lerner
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Faculty of Mathematics & Science, The Edmond J. Safra Campus, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel; The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel.
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6
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Mankoo OK, Kaur A, Goyal D, Goyal B. Unravelling the destabilization potential of ellagic acid on α-synuclein fibrils using molecular dynamics simulations. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2023; 25:8128-8143. [PMID: 36877087 DOI: 10.1039/d2cp06006j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
The aberrant deposition of α-synuclein (α-Syn) protein into the intracellular neuronal aggregates termed Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites characterizes the devastating neurodegenerative condition known as Parkinson's disease (PD). The disruption of pre-existing disease-relevant α-Syn fibrils is recognized as a viable therapeutic approach for PD. Ellagic acid (EA), a natural polyphenolic compound, is experimentally proven as a potential candidate that prevents or reverses the α-Syn fibrillization process. However, the detailed inhibitory mechanism of EA against the destabilization of α-Syn fibril remains largely unclear. In this work, the influence of EA on α-Syn fibril and its putative binding mechanism were explored using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. EA interacted primarily with the non-amyloid-β component (NAC) of α-Syn fibril, disrupting its β-sheet content and thereby increasing the coil content. The E46-K80 salt bridge, critical for the stability of Greek-key-like α-Syn fibril, was disrupted in the presence of EA. The binding free energy analysis using the MM-PBSA method demonstrates the favourable binding of EA to α-Syn fibril (ΔGbinding = -34.62 ± 11.33 kcal mol-1). Interestingly, the binding affinity between chains H and J of the α-Syn fibril was significantly reduced on the incorporation of EA, which highlights the disruptive ability of EA towards α-Syn fibril. The MD simulations provide mechanistic insights into the α-Syn fibril disruption by EA, which gives a valuable direction for the development of potential inhibitors of α-Syn fibrillization and its associated cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Opinder Kaur Mankoo
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences, Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, Fatehgarh Sahib 140406, Punjab, India
| | - Anupamjeet Kaur
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences, Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, Fatehgarh Sahib 140406, Punjab, India
| | - Deepti Goyal
- Department of Chemistry, DAV College, Sector 10, Chandigarh 160011, India.
| | - Bhupesh Goyal
- School of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, Patiala 147004, Punjab, India.
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7
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Shahpasand-Kroner H, Siddique I, Malik R, Linares GR, Ivanova MI, Ichida J, Weil T, Münch J, Sanchez-Garcia E, Klärner FG, Schrader T, Bitan G. Molecular Tweezers: Supramolecular Hosts with Broad-Spectrum Biological Applications. Pharmacol Rev 2023; 75:263-308. [PMID: 36549866 PMCID: PMC9976797 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.122.000654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Lysine-selective molecular tweezers (MTs) are supramolecular host molecules displaying a remarkably broad spectrum of biologic activities. MTs act as inhibitors of the self-assembly and toxicity of amyloidogenic proteins using a unique mechanism. They destroy viral membranes and inhibit infection by enveloped viruses, such as HIV-1 and SARS-CoV-2, by mechanisms unrelated to their action on protein self-assembly. They also disrupt biofilm of Gram-positive bacteria. The efficacy and safety of MTs have been demonstrated in vitro, in cell culture, and in vivo, suggesting that these versatile compounds are attractive therapeutic candidates for various diseases, infections, and injuries. A lead compound called CLR01 has been shown to inhibit the aggregation of various amyloidogenic proteins, facilitate their clearance in vivo, prevent infection by multiple viruses, display potent anti-biofilm activity, and have a high safety margin in animal models. The inhibitory effect of CLR01 against amyloidogenic proteins is highly specific to abnormal self-assembly of amyloidogenic proteins with no disruption of normal mammalian biologic processes at the doses needed for inhibition. Therapeutic effects of CLR01 have been demonstrated in animal models of proteinopathies, lysosomal-storage diseases, and spinal-cord injury. Here we review the activity and mechanisms of action of these intriguing compounds and discuss future research directions. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Molecular tweezers are supramolecular host molecules with broad biological applications, including inhibition of abnormal protein aggregation, facilitation of lysosomal clearance of toxic aggregates, disruption of viral membranes, and interference of biofilm formation by Gram-positive bacteria. This review discusses the molecular and cellular mechanisms of action of the molecular tweezers, including the discovery of distinct mechanisms acting in vitro and in vivo, and the application of these compounds in multiple preclinical disease models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hedieh Shahpasand-Kroner
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine (H.S.-K., I.S., R.M., G.B.), Brain Research Institute (G.B.), and Molecular Biology Institute (G.B.), University of California, Los Angeles, California; Department of Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California (G.R.L., J.I.); Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan (M.I.I.); Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany (T.W., J.M.); and Department of Computational Biochemistry (E.S.-G.) and Faculty of Chemistry (F-G.K., T.S.), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ibrar Siddique
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine (H.S.-K., I.S., R.M., G.B.), Brain Research Institute (G.B.), and Molecular Biology Institute (G.B.), University of California, Los Angeles, California; Department of Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California (G.R.L., J.I.); Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan (M.I.I.); Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany (T.W., J.M.); and Department of Computational Biochemistry (E.S.-G.) and Faculty of Chemistry (F-G.K., T.S.), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ravinder Malik
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine (H.S.-K., I.S., R.M., G.B.), Brain Research Institute (G.B.), and Molecular Biology Institute (G.B.), University of California, Los Angeles, California; Department of Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California (G.R.L., J.I.); Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan (M.I.I.); Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany (T.W., J.M.); and Department of Computational Biochemistry (E.S.-G.) and Faculty of Chemistry (F-G.K., T.S.), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Gabriel R Linares
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine (H.S.-K., I.S., R.M., G.B.), Brain Research Institute (G.B.), and Molecular Biology Institute (G.B.), University of California, Los Angeles, California; Department of Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California (G.R.L., J.I.); Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan (M.I.I.); Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany (T.W., J.M.); and Department of Computational Biochemistry (E.S.-G.) and Faculty of Chemistry (F-G.K., T.S.), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Magdalena I Ivanova
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine (H.S.-K., I.S., R.M., G.B.), Brain Research Institute (G.B.), and Molecular Biology Institute (G.B.), University of California, Los Angeles, California; Department of Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California (G.R.L., J.I.); Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan (M.I.I.); Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany (T.W., J.M.); and Department of Computational Biochemistry (E.S.-G.) and Faculty of Chemistry (F-G.K., T.S.), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Justin Ichida
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine (H.S.-K., I.S., R.M., G.B.), Brain Research Institute (G.B.), and Molecular Biology Institute (G.B.), University of California, Los Angeles, California; Department of Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California (G.R.L., J.I.); Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan (M.I.I.); Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany (T.W., J.M.); and Department of Computational Biochemistry (E.S.-G.) and Faculty of Chemistry (F-G.K., T.S.), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Tatjana Weil
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine (H.S.-K., I.S., R.M., G.B.), Brain Research Institute (G.B.), and Molecular Biology Institute (G.B.), University of California, Los Angeles, California; Department of Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California (G.R.L., J.I.); Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan (M.I.I.); Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany (T.W., J.M.); and Department of Computational Biochemistry (E.S.-G.) and Faculty of Chemistry (F-G.K., T.S.), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jan Münch
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine (H.S.-K., I.S., R.M., G.B.), Brain Research Institute (G.B.), and Molecular Biology Institute (G.B.), University of California, Los Angeles, California; Department of Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California (G.R.L., J.I.); Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan (M.I.I.); Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany (T.W., J.M.); and Department of Computational Biochemistry (E.S.-G.) and Faculty of Chemistry (F-G.K., T.S.), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Elsa Sanchez-Garcia
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine (H.S.-K., I.S., R.M., G.B.), Brain Research Institute (G.B.), and Molecular Biology Institute (G.B.), University of California, Los Angeles, California; Department of Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California (G.R.L., J.I.); Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan (M.I.I.); Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany (T.W., J.M.); and Department of Computational Biochemistry (E.S.-G.) and Faculty of Chemistry (F-G.K., T.S.), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Frank-Gerrit Klärner
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine (H.S.-K., I.S., R.M., G.B.), Brain Research Institute (G.B.), and Molecular Biology Institute (G.B.), University of California, Los Angeles, California; Department of Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California (G.R.L., J.I.); Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan (M.I.I.); Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany (T.W., J.M.); and Department of Computational Biochemistry (E.S.-G.) and Faculty of Chemistry (F-G.K., T.S.), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Thomas Schrader
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine (H.S.-K., I.S., R.M., G.B.), Brain Research Institute (G.B.), and Molecular Biology Institute (G.B.), University of California, Los Angeles, California; Department of Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California (G.R.L., J.I.); Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan (M.I.I.); Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany (T.W., J.M.); and Department of Computational Biochemistry (E.S.-G.) and Faculty of Chemistry (F-G.K., T.S.), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Gal Bitan
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine (H.S.-K., I.S., R.M., G.B.), Brain Research Institute (G.B.), and Molecular Biology Institute (G.B.), University of California, Los Angeles, California; Department of Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California (G.R.L., J.I.); Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan (M.I.I.); Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany (T.W., J.M.); and Department of Computational Biochemistry (E.S.-G.) and Faculty of Chemistry (F-G.K., T.S.), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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8
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Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is clinically, pathologically, and genetically heterogeneous, resisting distillation to a single, cohesive disorder. Instead, each affected individual develops a virtually unique form of Parkinson's syndrome. Clinical manifestations consist of variable motor and nonmotor features, and myriad overlaps are recognized with other neurodegenerative conditions. Although most commonly characterized by alpha-synuclein protein pathology throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems, the distribution varies and other pathologies commonly modify PD or trigger similar manifestations. Nearly all PD is genetically influenced. More than 100 genes or genetic loci have been identified, and most cases likely arise from interactions among many common and rare genetic variants. Despite its complex architecture, insights from experimental genetic dissection coalesce to reveal unifying biological themes, including synaptic, lysosomal, mitochondrial, andimmune-mediated mechanisms of pathogenesis. This emerging understanding of Parkinson's syndrome, coupled with advances in biomarkers and targeted therapies, presages successful precision medicine strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Ye
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA; ,
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Laurie A Robak
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA;
| | - Meigen Yu
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA;
| | - Matthew Cykowski
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA;
- Department of Neurology, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Joshua M Shulman
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA; ,
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA;
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA;
- Center for Alzheimer's and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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9
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Kim JR. Oligomerization by co-assembly of β-amyloid and α-synuclein. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1153839. [PMID: 37021111 PMCID: PMC10067735 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1153839] [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: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant self-assembly of an intrinsically disordered protein is a pathological hallmark of protein misfolding diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases (AD and PD, respectively). In AD, the 40-42 amino acid-long extracellular peptide, β-amyloid (Aβ), self-assembles into oligomers, which eventually aggregate into fibrils. A similar self-association of the 140 amino acid-long intracellular protein, α-synuclein (αS), is responsible for the onset of PD pathology. While Aβ and αS are primarily extracellular and intracellular polypeptides, respectively, there is evidence of their colocalization and pathological overlaps of AD and PD. This evidence has raised the likelihood of synergistic, toxic protein-protein interactions between Aβ and αS. This mini review summarizes the findings of studies on Aβ-αS interactions related to enhanced oligomerization via co-assembly, aiming to provide a better understanding of the complex biology behind AD and PD and common pathological mechanisms among the major neurodegenerative diseases.
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10
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Kulenkampff K, Emin D, Staats R, Zhang YP, Sakhnini L, Kouli A, Rimon O, Lobanova E, Williams-Gray CH, Aprile FA, Sormanni P, Klenerman D, Vendruscolo M. An antibody scanning method for the detection of α-synuclein oligomers in the serum of Parkinson's disease patients. Chem Sci 2022; 13:13815-13828. [PMID: 36544716 PMCID: PMC9710209 DOI: 10.1039/d2sc00066k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Misfolded α-synuclein oligomers are closely implicated in the pathology of Parkinson's disease and related synucleinopathies. The elusive nature of these aberrant assemblies makes it challenging to develop quantitative methods to detect them and modify their behavior. Existing detection methods use antibodies to bind α-synuclein aggregates in biofluids, although it remains challenging to raise antibodies against α-synuclein oligomers. To address this problem, we used an antibody scanning approach in which we designed a panel of 9 single-domain epitope-specific antibodies against α-synuclein. We screened these antibodies for their ability to inhibit the aggregation process of α-synuclein, finding that they affected the generation of α-synuclein oligomers to different extents. We then used these antibodies to investigate the size distribution and morphology of soluble α-synuclein aggregates in serum and cerebrospinal fluid samples from Parkinson's disease patients. Our results indicate that the approach that we present offers a promising route for the development of antibodies to characterize soluble α-synuclein aggregates in biofluids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klara Kulenkampff
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - Derya Emin
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Cambridge Cambridge CB2 0XY UK
| | - Roxine Staats
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - Yu P Zhang
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - Laila Sakhnini
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - Antonina Kouli
- John Van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge UK
| | - Oded Rimon
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - Evgeniia Lobanova
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Cambridge Cambridge CB2 0XY UK
| | - Caroline H Williams-Gray
- John Van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge UK
| | - Francesco A Aprile
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - Pietro Sormanni
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - David Klenerman
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Cambridge Cambridge CB2 0XY UK
| | - Michele Vendruscolo
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
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11
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Zhang Y, Wang Y, Liu Y, Wei G, Ding F, Sun Y. Molecular Insights into the Misfolding and Dimerization Dynamics of the Full-Length α-Synuclein from Atomistic Discrete Molecular Dynamics Simulations. ACS Chem Neurosci 2022; 13:3126-3137. [PMID: 36278939 PMCID: PMC9797213 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The misfolding and pathological aggregation of α-synuclein forming insoluble amyloid deposits is associated with Parkinson's disease, the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the world population. Characterizing the self-assembly mechanism of α-synuclein is critical for discovering treatments against synucleinopathies. The intrinsically disordered property, high degrees of freedom, and macroscopic timescales of conformational conversion make its characterization extremely challenging in vitro and in silico. Here, we systematically investigated the dynamics of monomer misfolding and dimerization of the full-length α-synuclein using atomistic discrete molecular dynamics simulations. Our results suggested that both α-synuclein monomers and dimers mainly adopted unstructured formations with partial helices around the N-terminus (residues 8-32) and various β-sheets spanning the residues 35-56 (N-terminal tail) and residues 61-95 (NAC region). The C-terminus mostly assumed an unstructured formation wrapping around the lateral surface and the elongation edge of the β-sheet core formed by an N-terminal tail and NAC regions. Dimerization enhanced the β-sheet formation along with a decrease in the unstructured content. The inter-peptide β-sheets were mainly formed by the N-terminal tail and NACore (residues 68-78) regions, suggesting that these two regions played critical roles in the amyloid aggregation of α-synuclein. Interactions of the C-terminus with the N-terminal tail and the NAC region were significantly suppressed in the α-synuclein dimer, indicating that the interaction of the C-terminus with the N-terminal tail and NAC regions could prevent α-synuclein aggregation. These results on the structural ensembles and early aggregation dynamics of α-synuclein will help understand the nucleation and fibrillization of α-synuclein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Department of Physics, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Physics, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Yuying Liu
- Department of Physics, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Guanghong Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics and Department of Physics, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Feng Ding
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Yunxiang Sun
- Department of Physics, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
- State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics and Department of Physics, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
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12
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Žerovnik E. Human stefin B: from its structure, folding, and aggregation to its function in health and disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1009976. [PMID: 36340691 PMCID: PMC9634419 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1009976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the gene for human stefin B (cystatin B) cause progressive myoclonic epilepsy type 1 (EPM1), a neurodegenerative disorder. The most common change is dodecamer repeats in the promoter region of the gene, though missense and frameshift mutations also appear. Human stefin B primarily acts as a cysteine cathepsin inhibitor, and it also exhibits alternative functions. It plays a protective role against oxidative stress, likely via reducing mitochondrial damage and thus generating fewer mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS). Accordingly, lack of stefin B results in increased inflammation and NLRP3 inflammasome activation, producing more ROS. The protein is cytosolic but also has an important role in the nucleus, where it prevents cleavage of the N terminal part of histone 3 by inhibiting cathepsins L and B and thus regulates transcription and cell cycle. Furthermore, it has been shown that stefin B is oligomeric in cells and that it has a specific role in the physiology of the synapse and in vesicular transport. On the basis of my research team's data on the structure, folding, and aggregation of stefin B, we have proposed that it might regulate proteostasis, possessing a chaperone-like function. In this review, I synthesize these observations and derive some conclusions on possible sources of EPM1 pathology. The interaction partners of stefin B and other gene mutations leading to EPM1-like pathology are discussed and common pathways are pinpointed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Žerovnik
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Structural Biology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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13
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Takami Y, Wang C, Nakagami H, Yamamoto K, Nozato Y, Imaizumi Y, Nagasawa M, Takeshita H, Nakajima T, Takeda S, Takeya Y, Kaneda Y, Rakugi H. Novel pathophysiological roles of α-synuclein in age-related vascular endothelial dysfunction. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22555. [PMID: 36125010 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101621r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Although α-synuclein (SNCA) is a well-known pathological molecule involved in synucleinopathy in neurons, its physiological roles remain largely unknown. We reported that serum SNCA levels have a close inverse correlation with blood pressure and age, which indicates the involvement of SNCA in age-related endothelial dysfunction. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the molecular functions of SNCA in the endothelium. We confirmed that SNCA was expressed in and secreted from endothelial cells (ECs). Exogenous treatment with recombinant SNCA (rSNCA) activated the Akt-eNOS axis and increased nitric oxide production in ECs. Treatment with rSNCA also suppressed TNF-α- and palmitic acid-induced NF-κB activation, leading to the suppression of VCAM-1 upregulation and restoration of eNOS downregulation in ECs. As for endogenous SNCA expression, replicative senescence resulted in the attenuation of SNCA expression in cultured ECs, similar to the effects of physiological aging on mice aortas. The siRNA-mediated silencing of SNCA consistently resulted in senescent phenotypes, such as eNOS downregulation, increased β-gal activity, decreased Sirt1 expression, and increased p53 expression, in ECs. Ex vivo assessment of endothelial functions using aortic rings revealed impaired endothelium-dependent acetylcholine-induced relaxation in SNCA knockout (KO) mice. Furthermore, SNCA KO mice, especially those on a high-fat diet, displayed elevated blood pressure compared with wild-type mice; this could be eNOS dysfunction-dependent because of the lower difference caused by L-NAME administration. These results indicate that exogenous and endogenous SNCA in ECs might physiologically maintain vascular integrity, and age-related endothelial dysfunction might be partially ascribed to loss-of-function of SNCA in ECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoichi Takami
- Department of Geriatric and General Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Cheng Wang
- Department of Geriatric and General Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hironori Nakagami
- Department of Health Development and Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Koichi Yamamoto
- Department of Geriatric and General Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoichi Nozato
- Department of Geriatric and General Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuki Imaizumi
- Department of Geriatric and General Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Motonori Nagasawa
- Department of Geriatric and General Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hikari Takeshita
- Department of Geriatric and General Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tsuneo Nakajima
- Department of Geriatric and General Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shuko Takeda
- Department of Clinical Gene Therapy, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan.,Osaka Psychiatric Research Center, Osaka Psychiatric Medical Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yasushi Takeya
- Department of Geriatric and General Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yasufumi Kaneda
- Division of Gene Therapy Science, Department of Genome Biology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hiromi Rakugi
- Department of Geriatric and General Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
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14
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Harris PD, Lerner E. Identification and quantification of within-burst dynamics in singly labeled single-molecule fluorescence lifetime experiments. BIOPHYSICAL REPORTS 2022; 2. [PMID: 36204594 PMCID: PMC9534301 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpr.2022.100071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Single-molecule spectroscopy has revolutionized molecular biophysics and provided means to probe how structural moieties within biomolecules spatially reorganize at different timescales. There are several single-molecule methodologies that probe local structural dynamics in the vicinity of a single dye-labeled residue, which rely on fluorescence lifetimes as readout. Nevertheless, an analytical framework to quantify dynamics in such single-molecule single dye fluorescence bursts, at timescales of microseconds to milliseconds, has not yet been demonstrated. Here, we suggest an analytical framework for identifying and quantifying within-burst lifetime-based dynamics, such as conformational dynamics recorded in single-molecule photo-isomerization-related fluorescence enhancement. After testing the capabilities of the analysis on simulations, we proceed to exhibit within-burst millisecond local structural dynamics in the unbound α-synuclein monomer. The analytical framework provided in this work paves the way for extracting a full picture of the energy landscape for the coordinate probed by fluorescence lifetime-based single-molecule measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul David Harris
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Faculty of Mathematics & Science, The Edmond J. Safra Campus, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Eitan Lerner
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Faculty of Mathematics & Science, The Edmond J. Safra Campus, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel.,The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
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15
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Ho PWL, Chang EES, Leung CT, Liu H, Malki Y, Pang SYY, Choi ZYK, Liang Y, Lai WS, Ruan Y, Leung KMY, Yung S, Mak JCW, Kung MHW, Ramsden DB, Ho SL. Long-term inhibition of mutant LRRK2 hyper-kinase activity reduced mouse brain α-synuclein oligomers without adverse effects. NPJ Parkinsons Dis 2022; 8:115. [PMID: 36088364 PMCID: PMC9464237 DOI: 10.1038/s41531-022-00386-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by dopaminergic neurodegeneration in nigrostriatal and cortical brain regions associated with pathogenic α-synuclein (αSyn) aggregate/oligomer accumulation. LRRK2 hyperactivity is a disease-modifying therapeutic target in PD. However, LRRK2 inhibition may be associated with peripheral effects, albeit with unclear clinical consequences. Here, we significantly reduced αSyn oligomer accumulation in mouse striatum through long-term LRRK2 inhibition using GNE-7915 (specific brain-penetrant LRRK2 inhibitor) without causing adverse peripheral effects. GNE-7915 concentrations in wild-type (WT) mouse sera and brain samples reached a peak at 1 h, which gradually decreased over 24 h following a single subcutaneous (100 mg/kg) injection. The same dose in young WT and LRRK2R1441G mutant mice significantly inhibited LRRK2 kinase activity (Thr73-Rab10 and Ser106-Rab12 phosphorylation) in the lung, which dissipated by 72 h post-injection. 14-month-old mutant mice injected with GNE-7915 twice weekly for 18 weeks (equivalent to ~13 human years) exhibited reduced striatal αSyn oligomer and cortical pSer129-αSyn levels, correlating with inhibition of LRRK2 hyperactivity in brain and lung to WT levels. No GNE-7915-treated mice showed increased mortality or morbidity. Unlike reports of abnormalities in lung and kidney at acute high doses of LRRK2 inhibitors, our GNE-7915-treated mice did not exhibit swollen lamellar bodies in type II pneumocytes or abnormal vacuolation in the kidney. Functional and histopathological assessments of lung, kidney and liver, including whole-body plethysmography, urinary albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR), serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and serum interleukin-6 (inflammatory marker) did not reveal abnormalities after long-term GNE-7915 treatment. Long-term inhibition of mutant LRRK2 hyper-kinase activity to physiological levels presents an efficacious and safe disease-modifying therapy to ameliorate synucleinopathy in PD.
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16
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Bayram E, Coughlin DG, Litvan I. Sex Differences for Clinical Correlates of Alzheimer's Pathology in People with Lewy Body Pathology. Mov Disord 2022; 37:1505-1515. [PMID: 35531707 PMCID: PMC9308759 DOI: 10.1002/mds.29044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lewy body (LB) dementias have limited clinical diagnostic accuracy because of frequent copathologies contributing to clinical heterogeneity. Although sex differences in clinical prevalence and frequency of pure LB pathology were shown, differences for clinicopathological correlations are less known. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine sex differences for clinical associations of Alzheimer's disease (AD) copathology in those with LB pathology. METHODS Data were from National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center for 223 women and 468 men with limbic or neocortical LB, separated into two groups as those with high likelihood and low/intermediate likelihood for LB clinical phenotype based on pathology. Clinical associations of sex and interaction of sex and pathology for the clinical phenotype were analyzed. RESULTS More severe AD copathology was associated with worse cognitive decline and lower likelihood of LB disease clinical phenotype. Women with more severe AD copathology and tau had worse cognitive decline and higher likelihood of AD clinical phenotype than men. Men with more severe AD copathology had lower likelihood of LB clinical phenotype than women. Interaction of sex and pathology was more pronounced in those aged between 70 and 80 years. CONCLUSIONS AD copathology reduces the likelihood of LB clinical phenotype for both women and men; however, men may be at higher risk for LB disease underdiagnosis and women at higher risk for dementia. The use of both LB and AD biomarkers, even when LB or AD pathology is not clinically expected, is necessary for the accurate clinical diagnosis of both LB diseases and AD. © 2022 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ece Bayram
- Parkinson and Other Movement Disorders Center, Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego
| | - David G. Coughlin
- Parkinson and Other Movement Disorders Center, Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego
| | - Irene Litvan
- Parkinson and Other Movement Disorders Center, Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego
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17
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Staerz SD, Jones CL, Tepe JJ. Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Potent 20S Proteasome Activators for the Potential Treatment of α-Synucleinopathies. J Med Chem 2022; 65:6631-6642. [PMID: 35476454 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c02158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
While neurodegenerative diseases affect millions of patients worldwide, there are insufficient available therapeutics to halt or slow down the progression of these diseases. A key pathological feature of several neurodegenerative diseases is the oligomerization and aggregation of specific intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) creating neuronal deposits, such as Lewy bodies in Parkinson's disease. Clearance of these pathogenic, aggregation-prone IDPs is mediated by the 20S isoform of the human proteasome. Thus, enhancing the 20S proteasome-mediated proteolysis could be a very useful therapeutic pathway to prevent neurotoxicity. Here, we report the successful development of sub-microM 20S proteasome activators based on a phenothiazine scaffold. This class of compounds prevented the accumulation of pathologically relevant IDPs, such as the pathogenic A53T mutated α-synuclein, in vitro and in mammalian cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia D Staerz
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48823, United States
| | - Corey L Jones
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48823, United States
| | - Jetze J Tepe
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48823, United States
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18
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Lau D, Magnan C, Hill K, Cooper A, Gambin Y, Sierecki E. Single Molecule Fingerprinting Reveals Different Amplification Properties of α-Synuclein Oligomers and Preformed Fibrils in Seeding Assay. ACS Chem Neurosci 2022; 13:883-896. [PMID: 35286811 PMCID: PMC8990999 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The quantification of α-synuclein aggregates has emerged as a promising biomarker for synucleinopathies. Assays that amplify and detect such aggregates have revealed the presence of seeding-competent species in biosamples of patients diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. However, multiple species, such as oligomers and amyloid fibrils, are formed during the aggregation of α-synuclein; these species are likely to coexist in biological samples, and thus it remains unclear which species(s) are contributing to the signal detected in seeding assays. To identify individual contributions to the amplification process, recombinant oligomers and preformed fibrils were produced and purified to characterize their individual biochemical and seeding potential. Here, we used single molecule spectroscopy to track the formation and purification of oligomers and fibrils at the single particle level and compare their respective seeding potential in an amplification assay. Single molecule detection validates that size-exclusion chromatography efficiently separates oligomers from fibrils. Oligomers were found to be seeding-competent, but our results reveal that their seeding behavior is very different compared to that of preformed fibrils, in our amplification assay. Overall, our data suggest that even a low number of preformed fibrils present in biosamples is likely to dominate the response in seeding assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derrick Lau
- EMBL Australia Node for Single Molecule Sciences and School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, the University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Chloé Magnan
- EMBL Australia Node for Single Molecule Sciences and School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, the University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Kathryn Hill
- The Australian Parkinson’s Mission, The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, New South Wales 2010, Australia
| | - Antony Cooper
- The Australian Parkinson’s Mission, The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, New South Wales 2010, Australia
- St Vincent’s Clinical School, UNSW Sydney, Darlinghurst, New South Wales 2010, Australia
| | - Yann Gambin
- EMBL Australia Node for Single Molecule Sciences and School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, the University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Emma Sierecki
- EMBL Australia Node for Single Molecule Sciences and School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, the University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
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19
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Sengupta U, Kayed R. Amyloid β, Tau, and α-Synuclein aggregates in the pathogenesis, prognosis, and therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases. Prog Neurobiol 2022; 214:102270. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2022.102270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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20
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Lan-Mark S, Miller Y. Insights into the Interactions that Trigger the Primary Nucleation of Polymorphic α-Synuclein Dimers. ACS Chem Neurosci 2022; 13:370-378. [PMID: 35044156 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is associated with the accumulation of α-synuclein (AS) aggregates that include polymorphic AS oligomers and polymorphic fibrils. There have been advances in solving the polymorphic state of AS fibrils, both by experimental techniques and molecular modeling tools. Yet, the polymorphic AS oligomers are now considered as the neurotoxic species, thus current and future studies making efforts to solve their structures at the molecular level. Importantly, it is crucial to explore the specific interactions between AS monomers within the dimer that stabilize the dimer and yield nucleation. Herein, we present a first work that probes at the molecular level the specific interactions between monomers in polymorphic AS dimers are derived from AS fibrils by applying molecular modeling tools. Our work reveals that both N-terminal and the non-amyloidogenic component domains play a role in the dimerization of all polymorphic AS dimers. In addition, helices along the N-terminal of AS monomers impede the contacts between AS monomers, thus preventing the nucleation or the dimerization of AS. This work provides insights into several mechanisms of the production of polymorphic AS dimers. Thus, the findings obtained in this work may assist in developing new therapeutic strategies for inhibiting the formation of the early-stage neurotoxic AS dimers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sapir Lan-Mark
- Department of Chemistry Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be’er Sheva 84105, Israel
- The Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science & Technology Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be’er Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Yifat Miller
- Department of Chemistry Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be’er Sheva 84105, Israel
- The Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science & Technology Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be’er Sheva 84105, Israel
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21
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Umeda T, Sakai A, Shigemori K, Yokota A, Kumagai T, Tomiyama T. Oligomer-Targeting Prevention of Neurodegenerative Dementia by Intranasal Rifampicin and Resveratrol Combination - A Preclinical Study in Model Mice. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:763476. [PMID: 34966254 PMCID: PMC8710719 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.763476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyloidogenic protein oligomers are thought to play an important role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, and dementia with Lewy bodies. Previously we demonstrated that oral or intranasal rifampicin improved the cognition of APP-, tau-, and α-synuclein-transgenic mice by reducing the amount of Aβ, tau, and α-synuclein oligomers in the brain. In the present study, to explore more effective and safer medications for dementia, we tested the drug combination of rifampicin and resveratrol, which is a multifunctional natural polyphenol with the potential to antagonize the adverse effects of rifampicin. The mixture was intranasally administered to APP-, tau-, and α-synuclein-transgenic mice, and their memory and oligomer-related pathologies were evaluated. Compared with rifampicin and resveratrol alone, the combinatorial medicine significantly improved mouse cognition, reduced amyloid oligomer accumulation, and recovered synaptophysin levels in the hippocampus. The plasma levels of liver enzymes, which reflect hepatic injury and normally increase by rifampicin treatment, remained normal by the combination treatment. Notably, resveratrol alone and the combinatorial medicine, but not rifampicin alone, enhanced the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its precursor, pro-BDNF, in the hippocampus. Furthermore, the combination showed a synergistic effect in ameliorating mouse cognition. These results show the advantages of this combinatorial medicine with regards to safety and effectiveness over single-drug rifampicin. Our findings may provide a feasible means for the prevention of neurodegenerative dementia that targets toxic oligomers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiro Umeda
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ayumi Sakai
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Keiko Shigemori
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ayumi Yokota
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | | | - Takami Tomiyama
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan.,Medilabo RFP, Inc., Kyoto, Japan
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22
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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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23
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George DE, Tepe JJ. Advances in Proteasome Enhancement by Small Molecules. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1789. [PMID: 34944433 PMCID: PMC8699248 DOI: 10.3390/biom11121789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The proteasome system is a large and complex molecular machinery responsible for the degradation of misfolded, damaged, and redundant cellular proteins. When proteasome function is impaired, unwanted proteins accumulate, which can lead to several diseases including age-related and neurodegenerative diseases. Enhancing proteasome-mediated substrate degradation with small molecules may therefore be a valuable strategy for the treatment of various neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and Huntington's diseases. In this review, we discuss the structure of proteasome and how proteasome's proteolytic activity is associated with aging and various neurodegenerative diseases. We also summarize various classes of compounds that are capable of enhancing, directly or indirectly, proteasome-mediated protein degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jetze J. Tepe
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacology & Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA;
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24
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Moreira R, Mendonça LS, Pereira de Almeida L. Extracellular Vesicles Physiological Role and the Particular Case of Disease-Spreading Mechanisms in Polyglutamine Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212288. [PMID: 34830171 PMCID: PMC8621536 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent research demonstrated pathological spreading of the disease-causing proteins from one focal point across other brain regions for some neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. Spreading mediated by extracellular vesicles is one of the proposed disease-spreading mechanisms. Extracellular vesicles are cell membrane-derived vesicles, used by cells for cell-to-cell communication and excretion of toxic components. Importantly, extracellular vesicles carrying pathological molecules, when internalized by "healthy" cells, may trigger pathological pathways and, consequently, promote disease spreading to neighboring cells. Polyglutamine diseases are a group of genetic neurodegenerative disorders characterized by the accumulation of mutant misfolded proteins carrying an expanded tract of glutamines, including Huntington's and Machado-Joseph disease. The pathological spread of the misfolded proteins or the corresponding mutant mRNA has been explored. The understanding of the disease-spreading mechanism that plays a key role in the pathology progression of these diseases can result in the development of effective therapeutic approaches to stop disease progression, arresting the spread of the toxic components and disease aggravation. Therefore, the present review's main focus is the disease-spreading mechanisms with emphasis on polyglutamine diseases and the putative role played by extracellular vesicles in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Moreira
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal;
- CIBB—Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Liliana S. Mendonça
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal;
- CIBB—Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Correspondence: (L.S.M.); (L.P.d.A.); Tel.: +351-239-820-190 (L.S.M.)
| | - Luís Pereira de Almeida
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal;
- CIBB—Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Correspondence: (L.S.M.); (L.P.d.A.); Tel.: +351-239-820-190 (L.S.M.)
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Nasal Rifampicin Improves Cognition in a Mouse Model of Dementia with Lewy Bodies by Reducing α-Synuclein Oligomers. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168453. [PMID: 34445158 PMCID: PMC8395129 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
α-Synuclein oligomers are thought to play an important role in the pathogenesis of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). There is no effective cure for DLB at present. Previously, we demonstrated that in APP- and tau-transgenic mice, oral or intranasal rifampicin reduced brain Aβ and tau oligomers and improved mouse cognition. In the present study, we expanded our research to DLB. Rifampicin was intranasally administered to 6-month-old A53T-mutant α-synuclein-transgenic mice at 0.1 mg/day for 1 month. The mice displayed memory impairment but no motor deficit at this age, indicating a suitable model of DLB. α-Synuclein pathologies were examined by the immunohistochemical/biochemical analyses of brain tissues. Cognitive function was evaluated by the Morris water maze test. Intranasal rifampicin significantly reduced the levels of [pSer129] α-synuclein in the hippocampus and α-synuclein oligomers in the visual cortex and hippocampus. The level of the presynaptic marker synaptophysin in the hippocampus was recovered to the level in non-transgenic littermates. In the Morris water maze, a significant improvement in spatial reference memory was observed in rifampicin-treated mice. Taken together with our previous findings, these results suggest that intranasal rifampicin is a promising remedy for the prevention of neurodegenerative dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, and DLB.
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26
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Yahi N, Di Scala C, Chahinian H, Fantini J. Innovative treatment targeting gangliosides aimed at blocking the formation of neurotoxic α-synuclein oligomers in Parkinson's disease. Glycoconj J 2021; 39:1-11. [PMID: 34328594 DOI: 10.1007/s10719-021-10012-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a major neurodegenerative disorder which exhibits many of the characteristics of a pandemic. Current therapeutic strategies are centered on the dopaminergic system, with limited efficacy, so that a treatment that has a direct impact on the underlying disease pathogenesis is urgently needed. Although α-synuclein is a privileged target for such therapies, this protein has been in the past wrongly considered as exclusively intracellular, so that the impact of paracrine neurotoxicity mechanisms in PD have been largely ignored. In this article we review the data showing that lipid rafts act as plasma membrane machineries for the formation of α-synuclein pore-like oligomers which trigger an increase of intracellular Ca2+. This Ca2+ influx is responsible for a self-sustained cascade of neurotoxic events, including mitochondrial oxidative stress, tau phosphorylation, Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum, Lewy body formation, and extracellular release of α-synuclein in exosomes. The first step of this cascade is the binding of α-synuclein to lipid raft gangliosides, suggesting that PD should be considered as both a proteinopathy and a ganglioside membrane disorder lipidopathy. Accordingly, blocking α-synuclein-ganglioside interactions should annihilate the whole neurotoxic cascade and stop disease progression. A pipeline of anti-oligomer molecules is under development, among which an in-silico designed synthetic peptide AmyP53 which is the first drug targeting gangliosides and thus able to prevent the formation of α-synuclein oligomers and all downstream neurotoxicity. These new therapeutic avenues challenge the current symptomatic approaches by finally targeting the root cause of PD through a long-awaited paradigm shift.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nouara Yahi
- INSERM UMR_S 1072, Aix-Marseille Université, 13015, Marseille, France
| | - Coralie Di Scala
- Neuroscience Center-HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Henri Chahinian
- INSERM UMR_S 1072, Aix-Marseille Université, 13015, Marseille, France
| | - Jacques Fantini
- INSERM UMR_S 1072, Aix-Marseille Université, 13015, Marseille, France.
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27
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Dean DN, Lee JC. Linking Parkinson's Disease and Melanoma: Interplay Between α-Synuclein and Pmel17 Amyloid Formation. Mov Disord 2021; 36:1489-1498. [PMID: 34021920 DOI: 10.1002/mds.28655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with the death of dopaminergic neurons within the substantia nigra of the brain. Melanoma is a cancer of melanocytes, pigmented cells that give rise to skin tone, hair, and eye color. Although these two diseases fundamentally differ, with PD leading to cell degeneration and melanoma leading to cell proliferation, epidemiological evidence has revealed a reciprocal relationship where patients with PD are more susceptible to melanoma and patients with melanoma are more susceptible to PD. The hallmark pathology observed in PD brains is intracellular inclusions, of which the primary component is proteinaceous α-synuclein (α-syn) amyloid fibrils. α-Syn also has been detected in cultured melanoma cells and tissues derived from patients with melanoma, where an inverse correlation exists between α-syn expression and pigmentation. Although this has led to the prevailing hypothesis that α-syn inhibits enzymes involved in melanin biosynthesis, we recently reported an alternative hypothesis in which α-syn interacts with and modulates the aggregation of Pmel17, a functional amyloid that serves as a scaffold for melanin biosynthesis. In this perspective, we review the literature describing the epidemiological and molecular connections between PD and melanoma, presenting both the prevailing hypothesis and our amyloid-centric hypothesis. We offer our views of the essential questions that remain unanswered to motivate future investigations. Understanding the behavior of α-syn in melanoma could not only provide novel approaches for treating melanoma but also could reveal insights into the role of α-syn in PD. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dexter N Dean
- Laboratory of Protein Conformation and Dynamics, Biochemistry and Biophysics Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jennifer C Lee
- Laboratory of Protein Conformation and Dynamics, Biochemistry and Biophysics Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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28
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Bhumkar A, Magnan C, Lau D, Jun ESW, Dzamko N, Gambin Y, Sierecki E. Single-Molecule Counting Coupled to Rapid Amplification Enables Detection of α-Synuclein Aggregates in Cerebrospinal Fluid of Parkinson's Disease Patients. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:11874-11883. [PMID: 33511725 PMCID: PMC8251908 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202014898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
α-Synuclein aggregation is a hallmark of Parkinson's disease and a promising biomarker for early detection and assessment of disease progression. The prospect of a molecular test for Parkinson's disease is materializing with the recent developments of detection methods based on amplification of synuclein seeds (e.g. RT-QuIC or PMCA). Here we adapted single-molecule counting methods for the detection of α-synuclein aggregates in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), using a simple 3D printed microscope. Single-molecule methods enable to probe the early events in the amplification process used in RT-QuIC and a precise counting of ThT-positive aggregates. Importantly, the use of single-molecule counting also allows a refined characterization of the samples and fingerprinting of the protein aggregates present in CSF of patients. The fingerprinting of size and reactivity of individual aggregate shows a unique signature for each PD patients compared to controls and may provide new insights on synucleinopathies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshay Bhumkar
- EMBL-Australia node in Single Molecule Science and School of Medical SciencesThe University of New South WalesSydneyNSW2052Australia
| | - Chloe Magnan
- EMBL-Australia node in Single Molecule Science and School of Medical SciencesThe University of New South WalesSydneyNSW2052Australia
| | - Derrick Lau
- EMBL-Australia node in Single Molecule Science and School of Medical SciencesThe University of New South WalesSydneyNSW2052Australia
| | - Eugene Soh Wei Jun
- EMBL-Australia node in Single Molecule Science and School of Medical SciencesThe University of New South WalesSydneyNSW2052Australia
| | - Nicolas Dzamko
- Brain and Mind Centre and the School of Medical SciencesThe University of SydneySydneyNSW2006Australia
| | - Yann Gambin
- EMBL-Australia node in Single Molecule Science and School of Medical SciencesThe University of New South WalesSydneyNSW2052Australia
| | - Emma Sierecki
- EMBL-Australia node in Single Molecule Science and School of Medical SciencesThe University of New South WalesSydneyNSW2052Australia
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29
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Bhumkar A, Magnan C, Lau D, Jun ESW, Dzamko N, Gambin Y, Sierecki E. Single‐Molecule Counting Coupled to Rapid Amplification Enables Detection of α‐Synuclein Aggregates in Cerebrospinal Fluid of Parkinson's Disease Patients. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202014898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Akshay Bhumkar
- EMBL-Australia node in Single Molecule Science and School of Medical Sciences The University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Chloe Magnan
- EMBL-Australia node in Single Molecule Science and School of Medical Sciences The University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Derrick Lau
- EMBL-Australia node in Single Molecule Science and School of Medical Sciences The University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Eugene Soh Wei Jun
- EMBL-Australia node in Single Molecule Science and School of Medical Sciences The University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Nicolas Dzamko
- Brain and Mind Centre and the School of Medical Sciences The University of Sydney Sydney NSW 2006 Australia
| | - Yann Gambin
- EMBL-Australia node in Single Molecule Science and School of Medical Sciences The University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Emma Sierecki
- EMBL-Australia node in Single Molecule Science and School of Medical Sciences The University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
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Qiu G, Xu C, Guo Q, Zhu FQ. SORL1 mutations are associated with parkinsonian and psychiatric features in Alzheimer disease: Case reports. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e25585. [PMID: 33879716 PMCID: PMC8078300 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000025585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE The sortilin-related receptor 1 gene (SORL1) encodes a key protein (SORLA) involved in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer disease (AD). SORLA also mediates a trophic pathway that acts through glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), a critical survival factor for the midbrain dopaminergic (DA) neurons. PATIENT CONCERNS Four patients presented to our hospital with complaints of progressive memory decline, who developed extrapyramidal signs (EPS) and psychiatric symptoms. DIAGNOSES All 4 patients were diagnosed with AD based on their symptoms, findings from cranial magnetic resonance imaging, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. INTERVENTIONS We also performed whole-exome sequencing (WES) and found 4 novel mutations in SORL1. Donepezil, rivastigmine, memantine, madopar, quetiapine, and risperidone were administrated as therapy. OUTCOMES The four mutations would change the thermal stability of SORLA domain. This could be associated with parkinsonian and psychiatric features in AD. These patients showed improvements in parkinsonian and psychiatric features. LESSONS These cases suggest that SORL1 mutations might result in aggregation of a-synuclein through altered function of GDNF and further lead to appearance of core dementia with Lewy bodies features.
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31
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Fiolek TJ, Keel KL, Tepe JJ. Fluspirilene Analogs Activate the 20S Proteasome and Overcome Proteasome Impairment by Intrinsically Disordered Protein Oligomers. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:1438-1448. [PMID: 33788542 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Oligomerization of aggregation-prone intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs), such as α-synuclein, amyloid β, and tau, has been shown to be associated with the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. The proteasome is charged with regulating cellular levels of IDPs, but this degradation pathway can become dysregulated leading to their accumulation and subsequent aggregation. Although the pathogenesis of these neurodegenerative diseases is still under intense investigation, it has been shown that the oligomeric forms of IDPs, including α-synuclein and amyloid β, can impair proteasome function. This leads to additional accumulation of the IDPs, further promoting disease progression. Herein, we report the use of small molecule activators of the 20S subcomplex of the proteasome to restore impaired 20S proteasome activity and prevent IDP accumulation and oligomerization. We found that fluspirilene and its new synthetic analog (16) show strong 20S proteasome enhancement (doubling 20S proteolytic activity at ∼2 μM, with maximum fold enhancement of ∼1000%), overcome impaired proteasome function, and prevent the accumulation of pathogenic IDPs. These findings provide support for the use of 20S enhancers as a possible therapeutic strategy to combat neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor J. Fiolek
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Katarina L. Keel
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Jetze J. Tepe
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
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Paulus A, Engdahl A, Yang Y, Boza-Serrano A, Bachiller S, Torres-Garcia L, Svanbergsson A, Garcia MG, Gouras GK, Li JY, Deierborg T, Klementieva O. Amyloid Structural Changes Studied by Infrared Microspectroscopy in Bigenic Cellular Models of Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:3430. [PMID: 33810433 PMCID: PMC8037084 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease affects millions of lives worldwide. This terminal disease is characterized by the formation of amyloid aggregates, so-called amyloid oligomers. These oligomers are composed of β-sheet structures, which are believed to be neurotoxic. However, the actual secondary structure that contributes most to neurotoxicity remains unknown. This lack of knowledge is due to the challenging nature of characterizing the secondary structure of amyloids in cells. To overcome this and investigate the molecular changes in proteins directly in cells, we used synchrotron-based infrared microspectroscopy, a label-free and non-destructive technique available for in situ molecular imaging, to detect structural changes in proteins and lipids. Specifically, we evaluated the formation of β-sheet structures in different monogenic and bigenic cellular models of Alzheimer's disease that we generated for this study. We report on the possibility to discern different amyloid signatures directly in cells using infrared microspectroscopy and demonstrate that bigenic (amyloid-β, α-synuclein) and (amyloid-β, Tau) neuron-like cells display changes in β-sheet load. Altogether, our findings support the notion that different molecular mechanisms of amyloid aggregation, as opposed to a common mechanism, are triggered by the specific cellular environment and, therefore, that various mechanisms lead to the development of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Paulus
- Medical Microspectroscopy Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden; (A.P.); (A.E.)
- Experimental Neuroinflammation Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden; (Y.Y.); (A.B.-S.); (S.B.); (M.G.G.)
| | - Anders Engdahl
- Medical Microspectroscopy Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden; (A.P.); (A.E.)
| | - Yiyi Yang
- Experimental Neuroinflammation Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden; (Y.Y.); (A.B.-S.); (S.B.); (M.G.G.)
| | - Antonio Boza-Serrano
- Experimental Neuroinflammation Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden; (Y.Y.); (A.B.-S.); (S.B.); (M.G.G.)
| | - Sara Bachiller
- Experimental Neuroinflammation Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden; (Y.Y.); (A.B.-S.); (S.B.); (M.G.G.)
| | - Laura Torres-Garcia
- Experimental Dementia Research Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden; (L.T.-G.); (G.K.G.)
- Neural Plasticity and Repair Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden; (A.S.); (J.-Y.L.)
| | - Alexander Svanbergsson
- Neural Plasticity and Repair Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden; (A.S.); (J.-Y.L.)
| | - Megg G. Garcia
- Experimental Neuroinflammation Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden; (Y.Y.); (A.B.-S.); (S.B.); (M.G.G.)
- Experimental Dementia Research Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden; (L.T.-G.); (G.K.G.)
| | - Gunnar K. Gouras
- Experimental Dementia Research Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden; (L.T.-G.); (G.K.G.)
| | - Jia-Yi Li
- Neural Plasticity and Repair Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden; (A.S.); (J.-Y.L.)
| | - Tomas Deierborg
- Experimental Neuroinflammation Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden; (Y.Y.); (A.B.-S.); (S.B.); (M.G.G.)
| | - Oxana Klementieva
- Medical Microspectroscopy Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden; (A.P.); (A.E.)
- Lund Institute for Advanced Neutron and X-ray Science (LINXS), 22370 Lund, Sweden
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Žerovnik E. Viroporins vs. Other Pore-Forming Proteins: What Lessons Can We Take? Front Chem 2021; 9:626059. [PMID: 33681145 PMCID: PMC7930612 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.626059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pore-forming proteins (PFPs) exist in virtually all domains of life, and by disrupting cellular membranes, depending on the pore size, they cause ion dis-balance, small substances, or even protein efflux/influx, influencing cell’s signaling routes and fate. Such pore-forming proteins exist from bacteria to viruses and also shape host defense systems, including innate immunity. There is strong evidence that amyloid toxicity is also caused by prefibrillar oligomers making “amyloid pores” into cellular membranes. For most of the PFPs, a 2-step mechanism of protein-membrane interaction takes place on the “lipid rafts,” membrane microdomains rich in gangliosides and cholesterol. In this mini-review paper, common traits of different PFPs are looked at. Possible ways for therapy of channelopathies and/or modulating immunity relevant to the new threat of SARS-CoV-2 infections could be learnt from such comparisons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Žerovnik
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Structural Biology, J. Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Kulenkampff K, Wolf Perez AM, Sormanni P, Habchi J, Vendruscolo M. Quantifying misfolded protein oligomers as drug targets and biomarkers in Alzheimer and Parkinson diseases. Nat Rev Chem 2021; 5:277-294. [PMID: 37117282 DOI: 10.1038/s41570-021-00254-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Protein misfolding and aggregation are characteristic of a wide range of neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer and Parkinson diseases. A hallmark of these diseases is the aggregation of otherwise soluble and functional proteins into amyloid aggregates. Although for many decades such amyloid deposits have been thought to be responsible for disease progression, it is now increasingly recognized that the misfolded protein oligomers formed during aggregation are, instead, the main agents causing pathological processes. These oligomers are transient and heterogeneous, which makes it difficult to detect and quantify them, generating confusion about their exact role in disease. The lack of suitable methods to address these challenges has hampered efforts to investigate the molecular mechanisms of oligomer toxicity and to develop oligomer-based diagnostic and therapeutic tools to combat protein misfolding diseases. In this Review, we describe methods to quantify misfolded protein oligomers, with particular emphasis on diagnostic applications as disease biomarkers and on therapeutic applications as target biomarkers. The development of these methods is ongoing, and we discuss the challenges that remain to be addressed to establish measurement tools capable of overcoming existing limitations and to meet present needs.
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Ulm BS, Borchelt DR, Moore BD. Remodeling Alzheimer-amyloidosis models by seeding. Mol Neurodegener 2021; 16:8. [PMID: 33588898 PMCID: PMC7885558 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-021-00429-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is among the most prevalent neurodegenerative diseases, with brain pathology defined by extracellular amyloid beta deposits and intracellular tau aggregates. To aid in research efforts to improve understanding of this disease, transgenic murine models have been developed that replicate aspects of AD pathology. Familial AD is associated with mutations in the amyloid precursor protein and in the presenilins (associated with amyloidosis); transgenic amyloid models feature one or more of these mutant genes. Recent advances in seeding methods provide a means to alter the morphology of resultant amyloid deposits and the age that pathology develops. In this review, we discuss the variety of factors that influence the seeding of amyloid beta pathology, including the source of seed, the time interval after seeding, the nature of the transgenic host, and the preparation of the seeding inoculum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany S Ulm
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - David R Borchelt
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Brenda D Moore
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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Venko K, Novič M, Stoka V, Žerovnik E. Prediction of Transmembrane Regions, Cholesterol, and Ganglioside Binding Sites in Amyloid-Forming Proteins Indicate Potential for Amyloid Pore Formation. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:619496. [PMID: 33642992 PMCID: PMC7902868 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.619496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Besides amyloid fibrils, amyloid pores (APs) represent another mechanism of amyloid induced toxicity. Since hypothesis put forward by Arispe and collegues in 1993 that amyloid-beta makes ion-conducting channels and that Alzheimer's disease may be due to the toxic effect of these channels, many studies have confirmed that APs are formed by prefibrillar oligomers of amyloidogenic proteins and are a common source of cytotoxicity. The mechanism of pore formation is still not well-understood and the structure and imaging of APs in living cells remains an open issue. To get closer to understand AP formation we used predictive methods to assess the propensity of a set of 30 amyloid-forming proteins (AFPs) to form transmembrane channels. A range of amino-acid sequence tools were applied to predict AP domains of AFPs, and provided context on future experiments that are needed in order to contribute toward a deeper understanding of amyloid toxicity. In a set of 30 AFPs we predicted their amyloidogenic propensity, presence of transmembrane (TM) regions, and cholesterol (CBM) and ganglioside binding motifs (GBM), to which the oligomers likely bind. Noteworthy, all pathological AFPs share the presence of TM, CBM, and GBM regions, whereas the functional amyloids seem to show just one of these regions. For comparative purposes, we also analyzed a few examples of amyloid proteins that behave as biologically non-relevant AFPs. Based on the known experimental data on the β-amyloid and α-synuclein pore formation, we suggest that many AFPs have the potential for pore formation. Oligomerization and α-TM helix to β-TM strands transition on lipid rafts seem to be the common key events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Venko
- Theory Department, National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marjana Novič
- Theory Department, National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Veronika Stoka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Structural Biology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Eva Žerovnik
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Structural Biology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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