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Hassanzadeh S, Sabetvand M, Sardar R, Aryanpour R, Namjoo Z. Spinal Cord Injury Model Mitochondria Connect Altered Function with Defects of Mitochondrion Morphology: an Ultrastructural Study. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:2241-2248. [PMID: 37870678 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03710-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
The key role of mitochondria in neurodegenerative disease patients is well documented. Recent studies claimed that mitochondrial regulatory dysfunction might play a role in ongoing cell death and dysfunction. In the present study, we characterized ultrastructural morphometry of mitochondrial alterations occurring at the level of motor neuron cell bodies in SCI-induced rats. We applied 17β-estradiol (E2) to determine whether it can improve mitochondria structural integrity of motor neurons. We used a rat model of acute SCI generated by spinal cord contusion at the T9-T10 level, followed by tissue processing 21 days post-SCI. Samples were divided into five groups: laminectomy, SCI, vehicle, SCI + 25 µg/kg E2, and SCI + 10 µg/kg E2. Assessments included analysis of hind limb motor recovery, quantifying tissue repair, and evaluation of morphological changes in the ultrastructure of mitochondria in motor neurons by transmission electron microscopy. In the E2-treated groups, especially the group receiving 25 µg/kg E2, less irregular mitochondria were observed, as there was a significant reduction in swelling or vacuolization, or fragmentation compared to the SCI group. Furthermore, E2 significantly reduced membrane rupture in the SCI group. E2 could be a proper therapeutic agent to relieve mitochondrial deleterious effects on neurons in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajad Hassanzadeh
- Eye Research Center, The Five Senses Institute, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Sabetvand
- Students Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Reza Sardar
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roya Aryanpour
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran
| | - Zeinab Namjoo
- Department of Anatomical Science, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran.
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Lenzi P, Biagioni F, Busceti CL, Lazzeri G, Polzella M, Frati A, Ferrucci M, Fornai F. Alterations of Mitochondrial Structure in Methamphetamine Toxicity. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23168926. [PMID: 36012188 PMCID: PMC9408775 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23168926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence shows that methamphetamine (METH) produces mitochondrial alterations that contribute to neurotoxicity. Nonetheless, most of these studies focus on mitochondrial activity, whereas mitochondrial morphology remains poorly investigated. In fact, morphological evidence about the fine structure of mitochondria during METH toxicity is not available. Thus, in the present study we analyzed dose-dependent mitochondrial structural alterations during METH exposure. Light and transmission electron microscopy were used, along with ultrastructural stoichiometry of catecholamine cells following various doses of METH. In the first part of the study cell death and cell degeneration were assessed and they were correlated with mitochondrial alterations observed using light microscopy. In the second part of the study, ultrastructural evidence of specific mitochondrial alterations of crests, inner and outer membranes and matrix were quantified, along with in situ alterations of mitochondrial proteins. Neurodegeneration induced by METH correlates significantly with specific mitochondrial damage, which allows definition of a scoring system for mitochondrial integrity. In turn, mitochondrial alterations are concomitant with a decrease in fission/mitophagy protein Fis1 and DRP1 and an increase in Pink1 and Parkin in situ, at the mitochondrial level. These findings provide structural evidence that mitochondria represent both direct and indirect targets of METH-induced toxicity
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Lenzi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Biagioni
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (I.R.C.C.S.) Neuromed, Via Atinense 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Carla L. Busceti
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (I.R.C.C.S.) Neuromed, Via Atinense 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Gloria Lazzeri
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Maico Polzella
- Aliveda Laboratories, Viale Karol Wojtyla, 19, 56042 Crespina Lorenzana, Italy
| | - Alessandro Frati
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (I.R.C.C.S.) Neuromed, Via Atinense 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
- Neurosurgery Division, Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University, 00135 Roma, Italy
| | - Michela Ferrucci
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesco Fornai
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (I.R.C.C.S.) Neuromed, Via Atinense 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +39-050-2218667
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Gómez-Virgilio L, Silva-Lucero MDC, Flores-Morelos DS, Gallardo-Nieto J, Lopez-Toledo G, Abarca-Fernandez AM, Zacapala-Gómez AE, Luna-Muñoz J, Montiel-Sosa F, Soto-Rojas LO, Pacheco-Herrero M, Cardenas-Aguayo MDC. Autophagy: A Key Regulator of Homeostasis and Disease: An Overview of Molecular Mechanisms and Modulators. Cells 2022; 11:cells11152262. [PMID: 35892559 PMCID: PMC9329718 DOI: 10.3390/cells11152262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a highly conserved lysosomal degradation pathway active at basal levels in all cells. However, under stress conditions, such as a lack of nutrients or trophic factors, it works as a survival mechanism that allows the generation of metabolic precursors for the proper functioning of the cells until the nutrients are available. Neurons, as post-mitotic cells, depend largely on autophagy to maintain cell homeostasis to get rid of damaged and/or old organelles and misfolded or aggregated proteins. Therefore, the dysfunction of this process contributes to the pathologies of many human diseases. Furthermore, autophagy is highly active during differentiation and development. In this review, we describe the current knowledge of the different pathways, molecular mechanisms, factors that induce it, and the regulation of mammalian autophagy. We also discuss its relevant role in development and disease. Finally, here we summarize several investigations demonstrating that autophagic abnormalities have been considered the underlying reasons for many human diseases, including liver disease, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, neoplastic diseases, cancers, and, more recently, infectious diseases, such as SARS-CoV-2 caused COVID-19 disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Gómez-Virgilio
- Laboratory of Cellular Reprogramming, Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (L.G.-V.); (M.-d.-C.S.-L.); (D.-S.F.-M.); (J.G.-N.); (G.L.-T.); (A.-M.A.-F.)
| | - Maria-del-Carmen Silva-Lucero
- Laboratory of Cellular Reprogramming, Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (L.G.-V.); (M.-d.-C.S.-L.); (D.-S.F.-M.); (J.G.-N.); (G.L.-T.); (A.-M.A.-F.)
| | - Diego-Salvador Flores-Morelos
- Laboratory of Cellular Reprogramming, Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (L.G.-V.); (M.-d.-C.S.-L.); (D.-S.F.-M.); (J.G.-N.); (G.L.-T.); (A.-M.A.-F.)
- Laboratorio de Biomedicina Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químico-Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo de los Bravo 39070, Guerrero, Mexico;
| | - Jazmin Gallardo-Nieto
- Laboratory of Cellular Reprogramming, Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (L.G.-V.); (M.-d.-C.S.-L.); (D.-S.F.-M.); (J.G.-N.); (G.L.-T.); (A.-M.A.-F.)
- Biotechnology Engeniering, Universidad Politécnica de Quintana Roo, Cancún 77500, Quintana Roo, Mexico
| | - Gustavo Lopez-Toledo
- Laboratory of Cellular Reprogramming, Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (L.G.-V.); (M.-d.-C.S.-L.); (D.-S.F.-M.); (J.G.-N.); (G.L.-T.); (A.-M.A.-F.)
| | - Arminda-Mercedes Abarca-Fernandez
- Laboratory of Cellular Reprogramming, Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (L.G.-V.); (M.-d.-C.S.-L.); (D.-S.F.-M.); (J.G.-N.); (G.L.-T.); (A.-M.A.-F.)
- Biotechnology Engeniering, Universidad Politécnica de Quintana Roo, Cancún 77500, Quintana Roo, Mexico
| | - Ana-Elvira Zacapala-Gómez
- Laboratorio de Biomedicina Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químico-Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo de los Bravo 39070, Guerrero, Mexico;
| | - José Luna-Muñoz
- National Dementia BioBank, Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuautitlan Izcalli 53150, Estado de México, Mexico; (J.L.-M.); (F.M.-S.)
- Banco Nacional de Cerebros-UNPHU, Universidad Nacional Pedro Henríquez Ureña, Santo Domingo 11805, Dominican Republic
| | - Francisco Montiel-Sosa
- National Dementia BioBank, Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuautitlan Izcalli 53150, Estado de México, Mexico; (J.L.-M.); (F.M.-S.)
| | - Luis O. Soto-Rojas
- Laboratorio de Patogénesis Molecular, Laboratorio 4, Edificio A4, Carrera Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de México, Mexico;
- Red MEDICI, Carrera Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - Mar Pacheco-Herrero
- Neuroscience Research Laboratory, Faculty of Health Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra, Santiago de los Caballeros 51000, Dominican Republic;
| | - Maria-del-Carmen Cardenas-Aguayo
- Laboratory of Cellular Reprogramming, Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (L.G.-V.); (M.-d.-C.S.-L.); (D.-S.F.-M.); (J.G.-N.); (G.L.-T.); (A.-M.A.-F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +52-55-2907-0937
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Puglisi-Allegra S, Ruggieri S, Fornai F. Translational evidence for lithium-induced brain plasticity and neuroprotection in the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:366. [PMID: 34226487 PMCID: PMC8257731 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01492-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates lithium (Li+) efficacy in neuropsychiatry, pointing to overlapping mechanisms that occur within distinct neuronal populations. In fact, the same pathway depending on which circuitry operates may fall in the psychiatric and/or neurological domains. Li+ restores both neurotransmission and brain structure unveiling that psychiatric and neurological disorders share common dysfunctional molecular and morphological mechanisms, which may involve distinct brain circuitries. Here an overview is provided concerning the therapeutic/neuroprotective effects of Li+ in different neuropsychiatric disorders to highlight common molecular mechanisms through which Li+ produces its mood-stabilizing effects and to what extent these overlap with plasticity in distinct brain circuitries. Li+ mood-stabilizing effects are evident in typical bipolar disorder (BD) characterized by a cyclic course of mania or hypomania followed by depressive episodes, while its efficacy is weaker in the opposite pattern. We focus here on neural adaptations that may underlie psychostimulant-induced psychotic development and to dissect, through the sensitization process, which features are shared in BD and other psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia. The multiple functions of Li+ highlighted here prove its exceptional pharmacology, which may help to elucidate its mechanisms of action. These may serve as a guide toward a multi-drug strategy. We propose that the onset of sensitization in a specific BD subtype may predict the therapeutic efficacy of Li+. This model may help to infer in BD which molecular mechanisms are relevant to the therapeutic efficacy of Li+.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Francesco Fornai
- IRCCS Neuromed, Via Atinense 18, 86077, Pozzilli (IS), Italy.
- Human Anatomy, Department of Translational Research and New technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126, Pisa (PI), Italy.
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Limanaqi F, Busceti CL, Celli R, Biagioni F, Fornai F. Autophagy as a gateway for the effects of methamphetamine: From neurotransmitter release and synaptic plasticity to psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. Prog Neurobiol 2021; 204:102112. [PMID: 34171442 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2021.102112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
As a major eukaryotic cell clearing machinery, autophagy grants cell proteostasis, which is key for neurotransmitter release, synaptic plasticity, and neuronal survival. In line with this, besides neuropathological events, autophagy dysfunctions are bound to synaptic alterations that occur in mental disorders, and early on, in neurodegenerative diseases. This is also the case of methamphetamine (METH) abuse, which leads to psychiatric disturbances and neurotoxicity. While consistently altering the autophagy machinery, METH produces behavioral and neurotoxic effects through molecular and biochemical events that can be recapitulated by autophagy blockade. These consist of altered physiological dopamine (DA) release, abnormal stimulation of DA and glutamate receptors, as well as oxidative, excitotoxic, and neuroinflammatory events. Recent molecular insights suggest that METH early impairs the autophagy machinery, though its functional significance remains to be investigated. Here we discuss evidence suggesting that alterations of DA transmission and autophagy are intermingled within a chain of events underlying behavioral alterations and neurodegenerative phenomena produced by METH. Understanding how METH alters the autophagy machinery is expected to provide novel insights into the neurobiology of METH addiction sharing some features with psychiatric disorders and parkinsonism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Limanaqi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma, 55, 56126, Pisa, PI, Italy
| | | | - Roberta Celli
- IRCCS Neuromed, Via Atinense 18, 86077 Pozzilli, IS, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Fornai
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma, 55, 56126, Pisa, PI, Italy; IRCCS Neuromed, Via Atinense 18, 86077 Pozzilli, IS, Italy.
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Stoichiometric Analysis of Shifting in Subcellular Compartmentalization of HSP70 within Ischemic Penumbra. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26123578. [PMID: 34208178 PMCID: PMC8230775 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26123578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The heat shock protein (HSP) 70 is considered the main hallmark in preclinical studies to stain the peri-infarct region defined area penumbra in preclinical models of brain ischemia. This protein is also considered as a potential disease modifier, which may improve the outcome of ischemic damage. In fact, the molecule HSP70 acts as a chaperonine being able to impact at several level the homeostasis of neurons. Despite being used routinely to stain area penumbra in light microscopy, the subcellular placement of this protein within area penumbra neurons, to our knowledge, remains undefined. This is key mostly when considering studies aimed at deciphering the functional role of this protein as a determinant of neuronal survival. The general subcellular placement of HSP70 was grossly reported in studies using confocal microscopy, although no direct visualization of this molecule at electron microscopy was carried out. The present study aims to provide a direct evidence of HSP70 within various subcellular compartments. In detail, by using ultrastructural morphometry to quantify HSP70 stoichiometrically detected by immuno-gold within specific organelles we could compare the compartmentalization of the molecule within area penumbra compared with control brain areas. The study indicates that two cell compartments in control conditions own a high density of HSP70, cytosolic vacuoles and mitochondria. In these organelles, HSP70 is present in amount exceeding several-fold the presence in the cytosol. Remarkably, within area penumbra a loss of such a specific polarization is documented. This leads to the depletion of HSP70 from mitochondria and mostly cell vacuoles. Such an effect is expected to lead to significant variations in the ability of HSP70 to exert its physiological roles. The present findings, beyond defining the neuronal compartmentalization of HSP70 within area penumbra may lead to a better comprehension of its beneficial/detrimental role in promoting neuronal survival.
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Chua JP, De Calbiac H, Kabashi E, Barmada SJ. Autophagy and ALS: mechanistic insights and therapeutic implications. Autophagy 2021; 18:254-282. [PMID: 34057020 PMCID: PMC8942428 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2021.1926656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanisms of protein homeostasis are crucial for overseeing the clearance of misfolded and toxic proteins over the lifetime of an organism, thereby ensuring the health of neurons and other cells of the central nervous system. The highly conserved pathway of autophagy is particularly necessary for preventing and counteracting pathogenic insults that may lead to neurodegeneration. In line with this, mutations in genes that encode essential autophagy factors result in impaired autophagy and lead to neurodegenerative conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, the mechanistic details underlying the neuroprotective role of autophagy, neuronal resistance to autophagy induction, and the neuron-specific effects of autophagy-impairing mutations remain incompletely defined. Further, the manner and extent to which non-cell autonomous effects of autophagy dysfunction contribute to ALS pathogenesis are not fully understood. Here, we review the current understanding of the interplay between autophagy and ALS pathogenesis by providing an overview of critical steps in the autophagy pathway, with special focus on pivotal factors impaired by ALS-causing mutations, their physiologic effects on autophagy in disease models, and the cell type-specific mechanisms regulating autophagy in non-neuronal cells which, when impaired, can contribute to neurodegeneration. This review thereby provides a framework not only to guide further investigations of neuronal autophagy but also to refine therapeutic strategies for ALS and related neurodegenerative diseases.Abbreviations: ALS: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; Atg: autophagy-related; CHMP2B: charged multivesicular body protein 2B; DPR: dipeptide repeat; FTD: frontotemporal dementia; iPSC: induced pluripotent stem cell; LIR: LC3-interacting region; MAP1LC3/LC3: microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3; MTOR: mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase; PINK1: PTEN induced kinase 1; RNP: ribonuclear protein; sALS: sporadic ALS; SPHK1: sphingosine kinase 1; TARDBP/TDP-43: TAR DNA binding protein; TBK1: TANK-binding kinase 1; TFEB: transcription factor EB; ULK: unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase; UPR: unfolded protein response; UPS: ubiquitin-proteasome system; VCP: valosin containing protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason P Chua
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Hortense De Calbiac
- Recherche translationnelle sur les maladies neurologiques, Institut Imagine, UMR-1163 INSERM et Université Paris Descartes, Hôpital Universitaire Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France
| | - Edor Kabashi
- Recherche translationnelle sur les maladies neurologiques, Institut Imagine, UMR-1163 INSERM et Université Paris Descartes, Hôpital Universitaire Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France
| | - Sami J Barmada
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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Rapamycin Ameliorates Defects in Mitochondrial Fission and Mitophagy in Glioblastoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22105379. [PMID: 34065350 PMCID: PMC8161366 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) cells feature mitochondrial alterations, which are documented and quantified in the present study, by using ultrastructural morphometry. Mitochondrial impairment, which roughly occurs in half of the organelles, is shown to be related to mTOR overexpression and autophagy suppression. The novelty of the present study consists of detailing an mTOR-dependent mitophagy occlusion, along with suppression of mitochondrial fission. These phenomena contribute to explain the increase in altered mitochondria reported here. Administration of the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin rescues mitochondrial alterations. In detail, rapamycin induces the expression of genes promoting mitophagy (PINK1, PARKIN, ULK1, AMBRA1) and mitochondrial fission (FIS1, DRP1). This occurs along with over-expression of VPS34, an early gene placed upstream in the autophagy pathway. The topographic stoichiometry of proteins coded by these genes within mitochondria indicates that, a remarkable polarization of proteins involved in fission and mitophagy within mitochondria including LC3 takes place. Co-localization of these proteins within mitochondria, persists for weeks following rapamycin, which produces long-lasting mitochondrial plasticity. Thus, rapamycin restores mitochondrial status in GBM cells. These findings add novel evidence about mitochondria and GBM, while fostering a novel therapeutic approach to restore healthy mitochondria through mTOR inhibition.
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Fulceri F, Biagioni F, Limanaqi F, Busceti CL, Ryskalin L, Lenzi P, Fornai F. Ultrastructural characterization of peripheral denervation in a mouse model of Type III spinal muscular atrophy. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2021; 128:771-791. [PMID: 33999256 PMCID: PMC8205903 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-021-02353-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a heritable, autosomal recessive neuromuscular disorder characterized by a loss of the survival of motor neurons (SMN) protein, which leads to degeneration of lower motor neurons, and muscle atrophy. Despite SMA being nosographically classified as a motor neuron disease, recent advances indicate that peripheral alterations at the level of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), involving the muscle, and axons of the sensory-motor system, occur early, and may even precede motor neuron loss. In the present study, we used a mouse model of slow progressive (type III) SMA, whereby the absence of the mouse SMN protein is compensated by the expression of two human genes (heterozygous SMN1A2G, and SMN2). This leads to late disease onset and prolonged survival, which allows for dissecting slow degenerative steps operating early in SMA pathogenesis. In this purely morphological study carried out at transmission electron microscopy, we extend the examination of motor neurons and proximal axons towards peripheral components, including distal axons, muscle fibers, and also muscle spindles. We document remarkable ultrastructural alterations being consistent with early peripheral denervation in SMA, which may shift the ultimate anatomical target in neuromuscular disease from the spinal cord towards the muscle. This concerns mostly mitochondrial alterations within distal axons and muscle, which are quantified here through ultrastructural morphometry. The present study is expected to provide a deeper knowledge of early pathogenic mechanisms in SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Fulceri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Fiona Limanaqi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Carla L Busceti
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, Via Atinense 18, 86077, Pozzilli, IS, Italy
| | - Larisa Ryskalin
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paola Lenzi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesco Fornai
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, Via Atinense 18, 86077, Pozzilli, IS, Italy. .,Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126, Pisa, Italy.
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Fogarty MJ, Rana S, Mantilla CB, Sieck GC. Quantifying mitochondrial volume density in phrenic motor neurons. J Neurosci Methods 2021; 353:109093. [PMID: 33549636 PMCID: PMC7990712 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2021.109093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous assessments of mitochondrial volume density within motor neurons used electron microscopy (EM) to image mitochondria. However, adequate identification and sampling of motor neurons within a particular motor neuron pool is largely precluded using EM. Here, we present an alternative method for determining mitochondrial volume density in identified motor neurons within the phrenic motor neuron (PhMN) pool, with greatly increased sampling. NEW METHOD This novel method for assessing mitochondrial volume density in PhMNs uses a combination of intrapleural injection of Alexa 488-conjugated cholera toxin B (CTB) to retrogradely label PhMNs, followed by intrathecal application of MitoTracker Red to label mitochondria. This technique was validated by comparison to 3D EM determination of mitochondrial volume density as a "gold standard". RESULTS A mean mitochondrial volume density of ∼11 % was observed across PhMNs using the new MitoTracker Red method. This compared favourably with mitochondrial volume density (∼11 %) measurements using EM. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD The range, mean and variance of mitochondrial volume density estimates in PhMNs were not different between EM and fluorescent imaging techniques. CONCLUSIONS Fluorescent imaging may be used to estimate mitochondrial volume density in a large sample of motor neurons, with results similar to EM, although EM did distinguish finer mitochondrion morphology compared to MitoTracker fluorescence. Compared to EM methods, the assessment of a larger sample size and unambiguous identification of motor neurons belonging to a specific motor neuron pool represent major advantages over previous methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Fogarty
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, United States; School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4067, Australia
| | - Sabhya Rana
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, United States
| | - Carlos B Mantilla
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, United States; Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, United States
| | - Gary C Sieck
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, United States.
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Scaricamazza S, Salvatori I, Ferri A, Valle C. Skeletal Muscle in ALS: An Unappreciated Therapeutic Opportunity? Cells 2021; 10:cells10030525. [PMID: 33801336 PMCID: PMC8000428 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the selective degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons and by the progressive weakness and paralysis of voluntary muscles. Despite intense research efforts and numerous clinical trials, it is still an incurable disease. ALS had long been considered a pure motor neuron disease; however, recent studies have shown that motor neuron protection is not sufficient to prevent the course of the disease since the dismantlement of neuromuscular junctions occurs before motor neuron degeneration. Skeletal muscle alterations have been described in the early stages of the disease, and they seem to be mainly involved in the “dying back” phenomenon of motor neurons and metabolic dysfunctions. In recent years, skeletal muscles have been considered crucial not only for the etiology of ALS but also for its treatment. Here, we review clinical and preclinical studies that targeted skeletal muscles and discuss the different approaches, including pharmacological interventions, supplements or diets, genetic modifications, and training programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Scaricamazza
- Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, c/o CERC, 00143 Rome, Italy
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Illari Salvatori
- Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, c/o CERC, 00143 Rome, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "La Sapienza", 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Ferri
- Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, c/o CERC, 00143 Rome, Italy
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Cristiana Valle
- Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, c/o CERC, 00143 Rome, Italy
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, 00133 Rome, Italy
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12
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Swerdlow NS, Wilkins HM. Mitophagy and the Brain. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21249661. [PMID: 33352896 PMCID: PMC7765816 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress mechanisms have long been associated with neuronal loss and neurodegenerative diseases. The origin of cell stress and neuronal loss likely stems from multiple pathways. These include (but are not limited to) bioenergetic failure, neuroinflammation, and loss of proteostasis. Cells have adapted compensatory mechanisms to overcome stress and circumvent death. One mechanism is mitophagy. Mitophagy is a form of macroautophagy, were mitochondria and their contents are ubiquitinated, engulfed, and removed through lysosome degradation. Recent studies have implicated mitophagy dysregulation in several neurodegenerative diseases and clinical trials are underway which target mitophagy pathways. Here we review mitophagy pathways, the role of mitophagy in neurodegeneration, potential therapeutics, and the need for further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie S. Swerdlow
- University of Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Center, University of Kansas, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA;
| | - Heather M. Wilkins
- University of Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Center, University of Kansas, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA;
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Correspondence:
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13
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Huang C, Yan S, Zhang Z. Maintaining the balance of TDP-43, mitochondria, and autophagy: a promising therapeutic strategy for neurodegenerative diseases. Transl Neurodegener 2020; 9:40. [PMID: 33126923 PMCID: PMC7597011 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-020-00219-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are the energy center of cell operations and are involved in physiological functions and maintenance of metabolic balance and homeostasis in the body. Alterations of mitochondrial function are associated with a variety of degenerative and acute diseases. As mitochondria age in cells, they gradually become inefficient and potentially toxic. Acute injury can trigger the permeability of mitochondrial membranes, which can lead to apoptosis or necrosis. Transactive response DNA-binding protein 43 kDa (TDP-43) is a protein widely present in cells. It can bind to RNA, regulate a variety of RNA processes, and play a role in the formation of multi-protein/RNA complexes. Thus, the normal physiological functions of TDP-43 are particularly important for cell survival. Normal TDP-43 is located in various subcellular structures including mitochondria, mitochondrial-associated membrane, RNA particles and stress granules to regulate the endoplasmic reticulum–mitochondrial binding, mitochondrial protein translation, and mRNA transport and translation. Importantly, TDP-43 is associated with a variety of neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal dementia and Alzheimer's disease, which are characterized by abnormal phosphorylation, ubiquitination, lysis or nuclear depletion of TDP-43 in neurons and glial cells. Although the pathogenesis of TDP-43 proteinopathy remains unknown, the presence of pathological TDP-43 inside or outside of mitochondria and the functional involvement of TDP-43 in the regulation of mitochondrial morphology, transport, and function suggest that mitochondria are associated with TDP-43-related diseases. Autophagy is a basic physiological process that maintains the homeostasis of cells, including targeted clearance of abnormally aggregated proteins and damaged organelles in the cytoplasm; therefore, it is considered protective against neurodegenerative diseases. However, the combination of abnormal TDP-43 aggregation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and insufficient autophagy can lead to a variety of aging-related pathologies. In this review, we describe the current knowledge on the associations of mitochondria with TDP-43 and the role of autophagy in the clearance of abnormally aggregated TDP-43 and dysfunctional mitochondria. Finally, we discuss a novel approach for neurodegenerative treatment based on the knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhui Huang
- Institute of New Drug Research, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic, Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Sen Yan
- Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Zaijun Zhang
- Institute of New Drug Research, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic, Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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14
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Limanaqi F, Biagioni F, Mastroiacovo F, Polzella M, Lazzeri G, Fornai F. Merging the Multi-Target Effects of Phytochemicals in Neurodegeneration: From Oxidative Stress to Protein Aggregation and Inflammation. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:antiox9101022. [PMID: 33092300 PMCID: PMC7589770 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9101022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Wide experimental evidence has been provided in the last decade concerning the neuroprotective effects of phytochemicals in a variety of neurodegenerative disorders. Generally, the neuroprotective effects of bioactive compounds belonging to different phytochemical classes are attributed to antioxidant, anti-aggregation, and anti-inflammatory activity along with the restoration of mitochondrial homeostasis and targeting alterations of cell-clearing systems. Far from being independent, these multi-target effects represent interconnected events that are commonly implicated in the pathogenesis of most neurodegenerative diseases, independently of etiology, nosography, and the specific misfolded proteins being involved. Nonetheless, the increasing amount of data applying to a variety of neurodegenerative disorders joined with the multiple effects exerted by the wide variety of plant-derived neuroprotective agents may rather confound the reader. The present review is an attempt to provide a general guideline about the most relevant mechanisms through which naturally occurring agents may counteract neurodegeneration. With such an aim, we focus on some popular phytochemical classes and bioactive compounds as representative examples to design a sort of main highway aimed at deciphering the most relevant protective mechanisms which make phytochemicals potentially useful in counteracting neurodegeneration. In this frame, we emphasize the potential role of the cell-clearing machinery as a kernel in the antioxidant, anti-aggregation, anti-inflammatory, and mitochondrial protecting effects of phytochemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Limanaqi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Francesca Biagioni
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Neuromed, Via Atinense 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy; (F.B.); (F.M.)
| | - Federica Mastroiacovo
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Neuromed, Via Atinense 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy; (F.B.); (F.M.)
| | - Maico Polzella
- Aliveda Laboratories, Viale Karol Wojtyla 19, 56042 Crespina Lorenzana, Italy;
| | - Gloria Lazzeri
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
- Correspondence: (G.L.); (F.F.)
| | - Francesco Fornai
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Neuromed, Via Atinense 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy; (F.B.); (F.M.)
- Correspondence: (G.L.); (F.F.)
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15
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Schreckenberger ZJ, Wenceslau CF, Joe B, McCarthy CG. Mitophagy in Hypertension-Associated Premature Vascular Aging. Am J Hypertens 2020; 33:804-812. [PMID: 32533696 PMCID: PMC7481986 DOI: 10.1093/ajh/hpaa058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypertension has been described as a condition of premature vascular aging, relative to actual chronological age. In fact, many factors that contribute to the deterioration of vascular function as we age are accelerated and exacerbated in hypertension. Nonetheless, the precise mechanisms that underlie the aged phenotype of arteries from hypertensive patients and animals remain elusive. Classically, the aged phenotype is the buildup of cellular debris and dysfunctional organelles. One means by which this can occur is insufficient degradation and cellular recycling. Mitophagy is the selective catabolism of damaged mitochondria. Mitochondria are organelles that contribute importantly to the determination of cellular age via their production of reactive oxygen species (ROS; Harman's free radical theory of aging). Therefore, the accumulation of dysfunctional and ROS-producing mitochondria could contribute to the acceleration of vascular age in hypertension. This review will address and critically evaluate the current literature on mitophagy in vascular physiology and hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary J Schreckenberger
- Center for Hypertension & Personalized Medicine, Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, Ohio, USA
| | - Camilla F Wenceslau
- Center for Hypertension & Personalized Medicine, Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, Ohio, USA
| | - Bina Joe
- Center for Hypertension & Personalized Medicine, Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, Ohio, USA
| | - Cameron G McCarthy
- Center for Hypertension & Personalized Medicine, Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, Ohio, USA
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16
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Ferese R, Lenzi P, Fulceri F, Biagioni F, Fabrizi C, Gambardella S, Familiari P, Frati A, Limanaqi F, Fornai F. Quantitative Ultrastructural Morphometry and Gene Expression of mTOR-Related Mitochondriogenesis within Glioblastoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21134570. [PMID: 32604996 PMCID: PMC7370179 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21134570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In glioblastoma (GBM) cells, an impairment of mitochondrial activity along with autophagy suppression occurs. Autophagy suppression in GBM promotes stemness, invasion, and poor prognosis. The autophagy deficit seems to be due, at least in part, to an abnormal up-regulation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), which may be counteracted by pharmacological mTORC1 inhibition. Since autophagy activation is tightly bound to increased mitochondriogenesis, a defect in the synthesis of novel mitochondria is expected to occur in GBM cells. In an effort to measure a baseline deficit in mitochondria and promote mitochondriogenesis, the present study used two different GBM cell lines, both featuring mTOR hyperactivity. mTORC1 inhibition increases the expression of genes and proteins related to autophagy, mitophagy, and mitochondriogenesis. Autophagy activation was counted by RT-PCR of autophagy genes, LC3- immune-fluorescent puncta and immune-gold, as well as specific mitophagy-dependent BNIP3 stoichiometric increase in situ, within mitochondria. The activation of autophagy-related molecules and organelles after rapamycin exposure occurs concomitantly with progression of autophagosomes towards lysosomes. Remarkably, mitochondrial biogenesis and plasticity (increased mitochondrial number, integrity, and density as well as decreased mitochondrial area) was long- lasting for weeks following rapamycin withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosangela Ferese
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, via Atinense 18, 86077 Pozzilli (IS), Italy; (R.F.); (F.B.); (S.G.); (A.F.)
| | - Paola Lenzi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (P.L.); (F.L.)
| | - Federica Fulceri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine University of Pisa, via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Francesca Biagioni
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, via Atinense 18, 86077 Pozzilli (IS), Italy; (R.F.); (F.B.); (S.G.); (A.F.)
| | - Cinzia Fabrizi
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University of Rome, Via A. Borelli 50, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Stefano Gambardella
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, via Atinense 18, 86077 Pozzilli (IS), Italy; (R.F.); (F.B.); (S.G.); (A.F.)
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino “Carlo Bo”, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Pietro Familiari
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Division of Neurosurgery, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Frati
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, via Atinense 18, 86077 Pozzilli (IS), Italy; (R.F.); (F.B.); (S.G.); (A.F.)
| | - Fiona Limanaqi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (P.L.); (F.L.)
| | - Francesco Fornai
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, via Atinense 18, 86077 Pozzilli (IS), Italy; (R.F.); (F.B.); (S.G.); (A.F.)
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (P.L.); (F.L.)
- Correspondence:
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17
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Limanaqi F, Busceti CL, Biagioni F, Cantini F, Lenzi P, Fornai F. Cell-Clearing Systems Bridging Repeat Expansion Proteotoxicity and Neuromuscular Junction Alterations in ALS and SBMA. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21114021. [PMID: 32512809 PMCID: PMC7312203 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21114021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The coordinated activities of autophagy and the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) are key to preventing the aggregation and toxicity of misfold-prone proteins which manifest in a number of neurodegenerative disorders. These include proteins which are encoded by genes containing nucleotide repeat expansions. In the present review we focus on the overlapping role of autophagy and the UPS in repeat expansion proteotoxicity associated with chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9ORF72) and androgen receptor (AR) genes, which are implicated in two motor neuron disorders, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinal-bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), respectively. At baseline, both C9ORF72 and AR regulate autophagy, while their aberrantly-expanded isoforms may lead to a failure in both autophagy and the UPS, further promoting protein aggregation and toxicity within motor neurons and skeletal muscles. Besides proteotoxicity, autophagy and UPS alterations are also implicated in neuromuscular junction (NMJ) alterations, which occur early in both ALS and SBMA. In fact, autophagy and the UPS intermingle with endocytic/secretory pathways to regulate axonal homeostasis and neurotransmission by interacting with key proteins which operate at the NMJ, such as agrin, acetylcholine receptors (AChRs), and adrenergic beta2 receptors (B2-ARs). Thus, alterations of autophagy and the UPS configure as a common hallmark in both ALS and SBMA disease progression. The findings here discussed may contribute to disclosing overlapping molecular mechanisms which are associated with a failure in cell-clearing systems in ALS and SBMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Limanaqi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.L.); (F.C.); (P.L.)
| | | | - Francesca Biagioni
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, Via Atinense, 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy; (C.L.B.); (F.B.)
| | - Federica Cantini
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.L.); (F.C.); (P.L.)
| | - Paola Lenzi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.L.); (F.C.); (P.L.)
| | - Francesco Fornai
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.L.); (F.C.); (P.L.)
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, Via Atinense, 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy; (C.L.B.); (F.B.)
- Correspondence:
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18
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Promiscuous Roles of Autophagy and Proteasome in Neurodegenerative Proteinopathies. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21083028. [PMID: 32344772 PMCID: PMC7215558 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21083028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alterations in autophagy and the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) are commonly implicated in protein aggregation and toxicity which manifest in a number of neurological disorders. In fact, both UPS and autophagy alterations are bound to the aggregation, spreading and toxicity of the so-called prionoid proteins, including alpha synuclein (α-syn), amyloid-beta (Aβ), tau, huntingtin, superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD-1), TAR-DNA-binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP-43) and fused in sarcoma (FUS). Recent biochemical and morphological studies add to this scenario, focusing on the coordinated, either synergistic or compensatory, interplay that occurs between autophagy and the UPS. In fact, a number of biochemical pathways such as mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), transcription factor EB (TFEB), Bcl2-associated athanogene 1/3 (BAG3/1) and glycogen synthase kinase beta (GSk3β), which are widely explored as potential targets in neurodegenerative proteinopathies, operate at the crossroad between autophagy and UPS. These biochemical steps are key in orchestrating the specificity and magnitude of the two degradation systems for effective protein homeostasis, while intermingling with intracellular secretory/trafficking and inflammatory pathways. The findings discussed in the present manuscript are supposed to add novel viewpoints which may further enrich our insight on the complex interactions occurring between cell-clearing systems, protein misfolding and propagation. Discovering novel mechanisms enabling a cross-talk between the UPS and autophagy is expected to provide novel potential molecular targets in proteinopathies.
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19
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Vivacqua G, Biagioni F, Busceti CL, Ferrucci M, Madonna M, Ryskalin L, Yu S, D'Este L, Fornai F. Motor Neurons Pathology After Chronic Exposure to MPTP in Mice. Neurotox Res 2019; 37:298-313. [PMID: 31721049 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-019-00121-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The neurotoxin 1-methyl,4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropiridine (MPTP) is widely used to produce experimental parkinsonism in rodents and primates. Among different administration protocols, continuous or chronic exposure to small amounts of MPTP is reported to better mimic cell pathology reminiscent of Parkinson's disease (PD). Catecholamine neurons are the most sensitive to MPTP neurotoxicity; however, recent studies have found that MPTP alters the fine anatomy of the spinal cord including motor neurons, thus overlapping again with the spinal cord involvement documented in PD. In the present study, we demonstrate that chronic exposure to low amounts of MPTP (10 mg/kg daily, × 21 days) significantly reduces motor neurons in the ventral lumbar spinal cord while increasing α-synuclein immune-staining within the ventral horn. Spinal cord involvement in MPTP-treated mice extends to Calbindin D28 KDa immune-reactive neurons other than motor neurons within lamina VII. These results were obtained in the absence of significant reduction of dopaminergic cell bodies in the Substantia Nigra pars compacta, while a slight decrease was documented in striatal tyrosine hydroxylase immune-staining. Thus, the present study highlights neuropathological similarities between dopaminergic neurons and spinal motor neurons and supports the pathological involvement of spinal cord in PD and experimental MPTP-induced parkinsonism. Remarkably, the toxic threshold for motor neurons appears to be lower compared with nigral dopaminergic neurons following a chronic pattern of MPTP intoxication. This sharply contrasts with previous studies showing that MPTP intoxication produces comparable neuronal loss within spinal cord and Substantia Nigra.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Vivacqua
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Locomotor Sciences, Via A. Borelli 50, 00161, Rome, Italy
- Department of Neurobiology, Xuan Wu Hospital, Capital University of Medical Sciences, 45 Changchun St, Beijing, 100053, China
| | | | | | - Michela Ferrucci
- Department of Traslational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, via Roma 55, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Larisa Ryskalin
- Department of Traslational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, via Roma 55, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Shun Yu
- Department of Neurobiology, Xuan Wu Hospital, Capital University of Medical Sciences, 45 Changchun St, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Loredana D'Este
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Locomotor Sciences, Via A. Borelli 50, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Fornai
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, Via Atinense, 18, Pozzilli, Italy.
- Department of Traslational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, via Roma 55, 56126, Pisa, Italy.
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20
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Limanaqi F, Biagioni F, Ryskalin L, Busceti CL, Fornai F. Molecular Mechanisms Linking ALS/FTD and Psychiatric Disorders, the Potential Effects of Lithium. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:450. [PMID: 31680867 PMCID: PMC6797817 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Altered proteostasis, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, abnormal unfolded protein response (UPR), mitochondrial dysfunction and autophagy impairment are interconnected events, which contribute to the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)/frontotemporal dementia (FTD). In recent years, the mood stabilizer lithium was shown to potentially modify ALS/FTD beyond mood disorder-related pathology. The effects of lithium are significant in ALS patients carrying genetic variations in the UNC13 presynaptic protein, which occur in ALS/FTD and psychiatric disorders as well. In the brain, lithium modulates a number of biochemical pathways involved in synaptic plasticity, proteostasis, and neuronal survival. By targeting UPR-related events, namely ER stress, excitotoxicity and autophagy dysfunction, lithium produces plastic effects. These are likely to relate to neuroprotection, which was postulated for mood and motor neuron disorders. In the present manuscript, we try to identify and discuss potential mechanisms through which lithium copes concomitantly with ER stress, UPR and autophagy dysfunctions related to UNC13 synaptic alterations and aberrant RNA and protein processing. This may serve as a paradigm to provide novel insights into the neurobiology of ALS/FTD featuring early psychiatric disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Limanaqi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Larisa Ryskalin
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Fornai
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
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21
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Gambardella S, Limanaqi F, Ferese R, Biagioni F, Campopiano R, Centonze D, Fornai F. ccf-mtDNA as a Potential Link Between the Brain and Immune System in Neuro-Immunological Disorders. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1064. [PMID: 31143191 PMCID: PMC6520662 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragments of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) are released outside the cell and they appear to persist in extracellular fluids as circulating, cell-free, mtDNA (ccf-mtDNA). When compared to nuclear DNA, such a double stranded mtDNA is more resistant to nuclease degradation. In fact, it is stable extracellularly where it can be detected in both plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), here acting as a potential biomarker in various disorders. In neurological diseases (Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and end-stage progressive Multiple Sclerosis), a decreased amount of CSF ccf-mtDNA is related with progressive cell dysfunction. This suggests an alteration in neuronal mtDNA levels (mtDNA replication, degradation and depletion) in vulnerable brain regions at early stages of neurodegeneration leading to reduced mtDNA release, which takes place before actual cell death occurs. On the other hand, elevated CSF ccf-mtDNA levels are reported in acute phases of relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS). This occurs during acute inflammation, which anticipates the neurodegenerative process. Thus, an increase in inflammatory cells in the affected regions is expected to add on mtDNA release into the CSF. In addition, similarly to bacterial DNA, the non-methylated CpG sites of mtDNA, which activate innate immunity and inflammation, are likely to participate in the molecular mechanisms of disease. Thus, ccf-mtDNA may represent a powerful biomarker for disease screening and prognosis at early stage, although its biological role may extend to generating the neurobiology of disease. The present manuscript discusses recent experimental findings in relationship with clinical evidence comparing neuro-immunological features of neurodegenerative disorders with frankly neuro-infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fiona Limanaqi
- Human Anatomy, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Diego Centonze
- I.R.C.C.S Neuromed, Via Atinense, Pozzilli, Italy.,Multiple Sclerosis Clinical and Research Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Fornai
- I.R.C.C.S Neuromed, Via Atinense, Pozzilli, Italy.,Human Anatomy, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Kou X, Chen D, Chen N. Physical Activity Alleviates Cognitive Dysfunction of Alzheimer's Disease through Regulating the mTOR Signaling Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20071591. [PMID: 30934958 PMCID: PMC6479697 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20071591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most common aging-related progressive neurodegenerative disorders, and can result in great suffering for a large portion of the aged population. Although the pathogenesis of AD is being elucidated, the exact mechanisms are still unclear, thereby impeding the development of effective drugs, supplements, and other interventional strategies for AD. In recent years, impaired autophagy associated with microRNA (miRNA) dysfunction has been reported to be involved in aging and aging-related neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, miRNA-mediated regulation for the functional status of autophagy may become one of the potent interventional strategies for AD. Mounting evidence from in vivo AD models has demonstrated that physical activity can exert a neuroprotective role in AD. In addition, autophagy is strictly regulated by the mTOR signaling pathway. In this article, the regulation of the functional status of autophagy through the mTOR signaling pathway during physical activity is systematically discussed for the prevention and treatment of AD. This concept will be beneficial to developing novel and effective targets that can create a direct link between pharmacological intervention and AD in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianjuan Kou
- Tianjiu Research and Development Center for Exercise Nutrition and Foods, Hubei Key Laboratory of Exercise Training and Monitoring, College of Health Science, Wuhan Sports University, Wuhan 430079, China.
| | - Dandan Chen
- Graduate School, Wuhan Sports University, Wuhan 430079, China.
| | - Ning Chen
- Tianjiu Research and Development Center for Exercise Nutrition and Foods, Hubei Key Laboratory of Exercise Training and Monitoring, College of Health Science, Wuhan Sports University, Wuhan 430079, China.
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23
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Baboota RK, Shinde AB, Lemaire K, Fransen M, Vinckier S, Van Veldhoven PP, Schuit F, Baes M. Functional peroxisomes are required for β-cell integrity in mice. Mol Metab 2019; 22:71-83. [PMID: 30795913 PMCID: PMC6437690 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2019.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Peroxisomes play a crucial role in lipid and reactive oxygen species metabolism, but their importance for pancreatic β-cell functioning is presently unknown. To examine the contribution of peroxisomal metabolism to β-cell homeostasis in mice, we inactivated PEX5, the import receptor for peroxisomal matrix proteins, in an inducible and β-cell restricted manner (Rip-Pex5−/− mice). Methods After tamoxifen-induced recombination of the Pex5 gene at the age of 6 weeks, mice were fed either normal chow or a high-fat diet for 12 weeks and were subsequently phenotyped. Results Increased levels of very long chain fatty acids and reduced levels of plasmalogens in islets confirmed impairment of peroxisomal fatty acid oxidation and ether lipid synthesis, respectively. The Rip-Pex5−/− mice fed on either diet exhibited glucose intolerance associated with impaired insulin secretion. Ultrastructural and biochemical analysis revealed a decrease in the density of mature insulin granules and total pancreatic insulin content, which was further accompanied by mitochondrial disruptions, reduced complex I activity and massive vacuole overload in β-cells. RNAseq analysis suggested that cell death pathways were affected in islets from HFD-fed Rip-Pex5−/− mice. Consistent with this change we observed increased β-cell apoptosis in islets and a decrease in β-cell mass. Conclusions Our data indicate that normal peroxisome metabolism in β-cells is crucial to preserve their structure and function. Pex5 deletion in β-cells impairs glucose tolerance and reduces β-cell mass. Pex5-deficient β-cells display increased apoptosis. Peroxisomal loss causes mitochondrial deterioration and cytoplasmic vacuolization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritesh Kumar Baboota
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Laboratory of Cell Metabolism, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Abhijit Babaji Shinde
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Laboratory of Cell Metabolism, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Katleen Lemaire
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Gene Expression Unit, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marc Fransen
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory for Lipid Biochemistry and Protein Interactions, KU Leuven, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stefan Vinckier
- VIB-KULeuven Centre for Cancer Biology, Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Paul P Van Veldhoven
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory for Lipid Biochemistry and Protein Interactions, KU Leuven, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Frans Schuit
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Gene Expression Unit, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Myriam Baes
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Laboratory of Cell Metabolism, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium.
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24
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Ryskalin L, Limanaqi F, Frati A, Busceti CL, Fornai F. mTOR-Related Brain Dysfunctions in Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19082226. [PMID: 30061532 PMCID: PMC6121884 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19082226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is an ubiquitously expressed serine-threonine kinase, which senses and integrates several intracellular and environmental cues to orchestrate major processes such as cell growth and metabolism. Altered mTOR signalling is associated with brain malformation and neurological disorders. Emerging evidence indicates that even subtle defects in the mTOR pathway may produce severe effects, which are evident as neurological and psychiatric disorders. On the other hand, administration of mTOR inhibitors may be beneficial for a variety of neuropsychiatric alterations encompassing neurodegeneration, brain tumors, brain ischemia, epilepsy, autism, mood disorders, drugs of abuse, and schizophrenia. mTOR has been widely implicated in synaptic plasticity and autophagy activation. This review addresses the role of mTOR-dependent autophagy dysfunction in a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders, to focus mainly on psychiatric syndromes including schizophrenia and drug addiction. For instance, amphetamines-induced addiction fairly overlaps with some neuropsychiatric disorders including neurodegeneration and schizophrenia. For this reason, in the present review, a special emphasis is placed on the role of mTOR on methamphetamine-induced brain alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larisa Ryskalin
- Human Anatomy, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Fiona Limanaqi
- Human Anatomy, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | | | | | - Francesco Fornai
- Human Anatomy, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, Via Atinense 18, 86077 Isernia, Italy.
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25
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Desai S, Juncker M, Kim C. Regulation of mitophagy by the ubiquitin pathway in neurodegenerative diseases. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2018; 243:554-562. [PMID: 29316798 DOI: 10.1177/1535370217752351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitophagy is a cellular process by which dysfunctional mitochondria are degraded via autophagy. Increasing empirical evidence proposes that this mitochondrial quality-control mechanism is defective in neurons of patients with various neurodegenerative diseases such as Ataxia Telangiectasia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Accumulation of defective mitochondria and the production of reactive oxygen species due to defective mitophagy have been identified as causes underlying neurodegenerative disease pathogenesis. However, the reason mitophagy is defective in most neurodegenerative diseases is unclear. Like mitophagy, defects in the ubiquitin/26S proteasome pathway have been linked to neurodegeneration, resulting in the characteristic protein aggregates often seen in neurons of affected patients. Although initiation of mitophagy requires a functional ubiquitin pathway, whether defects in the ubiquitin pathway are causally responsible for defective mitophagy is not known. In this mini-review, we introduce mitophagy and ubiquitin pathways and provide a summary of our current understanding of the regulation of mitophagy by the ubiquitin pathway. We will then briefly review empirical evidence supporting mitophagy defects in neurodegenerative diseases. The review will conclude with a discussion of the constitutively elevated expression of ubiquitin-like protein Interferon-Stimulated Gene 15 (ISG15), an antagonist of the ubiquitin pathway, as a potential cause of defective mitophagy in neurodegenerative diseases. Impact statement Neurodegenerative diseases place an enormous burden on patients and caregivers globally. Over six million people in the United States alone suffer from neurodegenerative diseases, all of which are chronic, incurable, and with causes unknown. Identifying a common molecular mechanism underpinning neurodegenerative disease pathology is urgently needed to aid in the design of effective therapies to ease suffering, reduce economic cost, and improve the quality of life for these patients. Although the development of neurodegeneration may vary between neurodegenerative diseases, they have common cellular hallmarks, including defects in the ubiquitin-proteasome system and mitophagy. In this review, we will provide a summary of our current understanding of the regulation of mitophagy by the ubiquitin pathway and discuss the potential of targeting mitophagy and ubiquitin pathways for the treatment of neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shyamal Desai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, LSUHSC-School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Meredith Juncker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, LSUHSC-School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Catherine Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, LSUHSC-School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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26
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Abstract
We present the hypothesis that an accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria initiates a signaling cascade leading to motor neuron and muscle fiber death and culminating in sarcopenia. Interactions between neural and muscle cells that contain dysfunctional mitochondria exacerbate sarcopenia. Preventing sarcopenia will require identifying mitochondrial sources of dysfunction that are reversible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen E Alway
- 1Division of Exercise Physiology; 2Center for Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences, and Mitochondria, Metabolism, and Bioenergetics; and 3Centers for Neuroscience, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV
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27
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Budini M, Buratti E, Morselli E, Criollo A. Autophagy and Its Impact on Neurodegenerative Diseases: New Roles for TDP-43 and C9orf72. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:170. [PMID: 28611593 PMCID: PMC5447761 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a catabolic mechanism where intracellular material is degraded by vesicular structures called autophagolysosomes. Autophagy is necessary to maintain the normal function of the central nervous system (CNS), avoiding the accumulation of misfolded and aggregated proteins. Consistently, impaired autophagy has been associated with the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative diseases. The proteins TAR DNA-binding protein-43 (TDP-43), which regulates RNA processing at different levels, and chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9orf72), probably involved in membrane trafficking, are crucial in the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration (FTLD). Additionally, recent studies have identified a role for these proteins in the control of autophagy. In this manuscript, we review what is known regarding the autophagic mechanism and discuss the involvement of TDP-43 and C9orf72 in autophagy and their impact on neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio Budini
- Dentistry Faculty, Institute in Dentistry Sciences, University of ChileSantiago, Chile
| | - Emanuele Buratti
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and BiotechnologyTrieste, Italy
| | - Eugenia Morselli
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de ChileSantiago, Chile
| | - Alfredo Criollo
- Dentistry Faculty, Institute in Dentistry Sciences, University of ChileSantiago, Chile.,Advanced Center for Chronic DiseasesSantiago, Chile
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28
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Debye B, Schmülling L, Zhou L, Rune G, Beyer C, Johann S. Neurodegeneration and NLRP3 inflammasome expression in the anterior thalamus of SOD1(G93A) ALS mice. Brain Pathol 2017; 28:14-27. [PMID: 27880990 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.12467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is considered as a multisystem disorder, characterized by a primary degeneration of motor neurons as well as neuropathological changes in non-motor regions. Neurodegeneration in subcortical areas, such as the thalamus, are believed to contribute to cognitive and behavioral abnormalities in ALS patients. In the present study, we investigated neurodegenerative changes including neuronal loss and glia pathology in the anterodorsal thalamic nucleus (AD) of SOD1(G93A) mice, a widely used animal model for ALS. We detected massive dendrite swelling and neuronal loss in SOD1(G93A) animals, which was accompanied by a mild gliosis. Furthermore, misfolded SOD1 protein and autophagy markers were accumulating in the AD. Since innate immunity and activation inflammasomes seem to play a crucial role in ALS, we examined protein expression of Nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase-1 recruitment domain (ASC) and the cytokine interleukin 1 beta (IL1β) in AD glial cells and neurons. NLRP3 and ASC were significantly up-regulated in the AD of SOD1(G93A) mice. Finally, co-localization studies revealed expression of NLRP3, ASC and IL1β in neurons. Our study yielded two main findings: (i) neurodegenerative changes already occur at an early symptomatic stage in the AD and (ii) increased inflammasome expression may contribute to neuronal cell death. In conclusion, neurodegeneration in the anterior thalamus may critically account for cognitive changes in ALS pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berthold Debye
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Wendlingweg 2, Germany
| | - Lena Schmülling
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Wendlingweg 2, Germany
| | - Lepu Zhou
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Martinistraße 52, Germany
| | - Gabriele Rune
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Martinistraße 52, Germany
| | - Cordian Beyer
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Wendlingweg 2, Germany
| | - Sonja Johann
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Wendlingweg 2, Germany
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29
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Mathis S, Couratier P, Julian A, Vallat JM, Corcia P, Le Masson G. Management and therapeutic perspectives in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Expert Rev Neurother 2016; 17:263-276. [DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2016.1227705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Mathis
- Department of Neurology, Neuro-Muscular Unit and ALS Center, CHU de Bordeaux, groupe hospitalier Pellegrin, Bordeaux, France
| | - Philippe Couratier
- Department of Neurology, ALS center, Centre de compétence SLA-fédération Tours-Limoges, CHU de Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Adrien Julian
- Department of Neurology, CHU Poitiers, University of Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Jean-Michel Vallat
- Department and Laboratory of Neurology, Centre de Référence ‘neuropathies périphériques rares’, University Hospital of Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Philippe Corcia
- Department of Neurology, ALS center, Centre de compétence SLA-fédération Tours-Limoges, CHU de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Gwendal Le Masson
- Department of Neurology, Neuro-Muscular Unit and ALS Center, CHU de Bordeaux, groupe hospitalier Pellegrin, Bordeaux, France
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30
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The Emerging Roles of the Calcineurin-Nuclear Factor of Activated T-Lymphocytes Pathway in Nervous System Functions and Diseases. J Aging Res 2016; 2016:5081021. [PMID: 27597899 PMCID: PMC5002468 DOI: 10.1155/2016/5081021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 07/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The ongoing epidemics of metabolic diseases and increase in the older population have increased the incidences of neurodegenerative diseases. Evidence from murine and cell line models has implicated calcineurin-nuclear factor of activated T-lymphocytes (NFAT) signaling pathway, a Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent major proinflammatory pathway, in the pathogenesis of these diseases. Neurotoxins such as amyloid-β, tau protein, and α-synuclein trigger abnormal calcineurin/NFAT signaling activities. Additionally increased activities of endogenous regulators of calcineurin like plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase (PMCA) and regulator of calcineurin 1 (RCAN1) also cause neuronal and glial loss and related functional alterations, in neurodegenerative diseases, psychotic disorders, epilepsy, and traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. Treatment with calcineurin/NFAT inhibitors induces some degree of neuroprotection and decreased reactive gliosis in the central and peripheral nervous system. In this paper, we summarize and discuss the current understanding of the roles of calcineurin/NFAT signaling in physiology and pathologies of the adult and developing nervous system, with an emphasis on recent reports and cutting-edge findings. Calcineurin/NFAT signaling is known for its critical roles in the developing and adult nervous system. Its role in physiological and pathological processes is still controversial. However, available data suggest that its beneficial and detrimental effects are context-dependent. In view of recent reports calcineurin/NFAT signaling is likely to serve as a potential therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases and conditions. This review further highlights the need to characterize better all factors determining the outcome of calcineurin/NFAT signaling in diseases and the downstream targets mediating the beneficial and detrimental effects.
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31
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Santa-Cruz LD, Guerrero-Castillo S, Uribe-Carvajal S, Tapia R. Mitochondrial Dysfunction during the Early Stages of Excitotoxic Spinal Motor Neuron Degeneration in Vivo. ACS Chem Neurosci 2016; 7:886-96. [PMID: 27090876 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.6b00032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Glutamate excitotoxicity and mitochondrial dysfunction are involved in motor neuron degeneration process during amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We have previously shown that microdialysis perfusion of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionate (AMPA) in the lumbar region of the rat spinal cord produces permanent paralysis of the ipsilateral hindlimb and death of motor neurons by a Ca(2+)-dependent mechanism, in a process that starts 2-3 h after AMPA perfusion. Co-perfusion with different energy metabolic substrates, mainly pyruvate, prevented the paralysis and motor neuron degeneration induced by AMPA, suggesting that mitochondrial energetic deficiencies are involved in this excitotoxic motor neuron death. To test this, in the present work, we studied the functional and ultrastructural characteristics of mitochondria isolated from the ventral horns of lumbar spinal cords of rats, at the beginning of the AMPA-induced degeneration process, when motor neurons are still alive. Animals were divided in four groups: perfused with AMPA, AMPA + pyruvate, and pyruvate alone and Krebs-Ringer medium as controls. Mitochondria from the AMPA-treated group showed decreased oxygen consumption rates, respiratory controls, and transmembrane potentials. Additionally, activities of the respiratory chain complexes I and IV were significantly decreased. Electron microscopy showed that mitochondria from AMPA-treated rats presented swelling, disorganized cristae and disrupted membranes. Remarkably, in the animals co-perfused with AMPA and pyruvate all these abnormalities were prevented. We conclude that mitochondrial dysfunction plays a crucial role in spinal motor neuron degeneration induced by overactivation of AMPA receptors in vivo. These mechanisms could be involved in ALS motor neuron degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luz Diana Santa-Cruz
- División
de Neurociencias
and División de Investigación Básica, Instituto
de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510 México, D.F., México
| | - Sergio Guerrero-Castillo
- División
de Neurociencias
and División de Investigación Básica, Instituto
de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510 México, D.F., México
| | - Salvador Uribe-Carvajal
- División
de Neurociencias
and División de Investigación Básica, Instituto
de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510 México, D.F., México
| | - Ricardo Tapia
- División
de Neurociencias
and División de Investigación Básica, Instituto
de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510 México, D.F., México
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