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Chibanda Y, Brookes M, Churchill D, Al-Hassi H. The Ferritin, Hepcidin and Cytokines Link in the Diagnoses of Iron Deficiency Anaemia during Pregnancy: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13323. [PMID: 37686128 PMCID: PMC10488244 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Following a diagnosis of iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy, iron supplements are prescribed using UK guidelines; however, despite this, the condition remains highly prevalent, affecting up to 30% of pregnant women in the UK. According to the World Health Organisation, it globally accounts for 45% in the most vulnerable groups of pregnant women and infants (<5 years old). Recently, the efficacy of iron replacement therapy and the effectiveness of current standard testing of iron parameters have been reviewed in order to evaluate whether a more accurate diagnosis can be made using alternative and/or supplementary markers. Furthermore, many questions remain about the mechanisms involved in iron metabolism during pregnancy. The most recent studies have shed more light on serum hepcidin and raised questions on the significance of pregnancy related inflammatory markers including cytokines in iron deficiency anaemia. However, research into this is still scarce, and this review aims to contribute to further understanding and elucidating these areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Chibanda
- Research Institute in Healthcare Science, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton WV1 1LY, UK
| | - Matthew Brookes
- Gastroenterology, The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, Wolverhampton WV10 0QP, UK
| | - David Churchill
- Obstetrics, The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, Wolverhampton WV10 0QP, UK
| | - Hafid Al-Hassi
- Research Institute in Healthcare Science, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton WV1 1LY, UK
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2
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Heiden DL, Monogue B, Ali MDH, Beckham JD. A functional role for alpha-synuclein in neuroimmune responses. J Neuroimmunol 2023; 376:578047. [PMID: 36791583 PMCID: PMC10022478 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2023.578047] [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: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Alpha-synuclein is a neuronal protein with unclear function but is associated with the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease and other synucleinopathies. In this review, we discuss the emerging functional role of alpha-synuclein in support of the unique immune responses in the nervous system. Recent data now show that alpha-synuclein functions to support interferon signaling within neurons and is released from neurons to support chemoattraction and activation of local glial cells and infiltrating immune cells. Inflammatory activation and interferon signaling also induce post-translational modifications of alpha-synuclein that are commonly associated with Parkinson's disease pathogenesis. Taken together, emerging data implicate complex interactions between alpha-synuclein and host immune responses that may contribute to the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. Additional study of the function of alpha-synuclein in the brain's immune response may provide disease-modifying therapeutic targets for Parkinson's disease in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dustin L Heiden
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Brendan Monogue
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - M D Haider Ali
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - J David Beckham
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, CO, USA.
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3
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Ozoran H, Srinivasan R. Astrocytes and Alpha-Synuclein: Friend or Foe? JOURNAL OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE 2023; 13:1289-1301. [PMID: 38007674 PMCID: PMC10741342 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-230284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Despite its devastating disease burden and alarming prevalence, the etiology of Parkinson's disease (PD) remains to be completely elucidated. PD is characterized by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta and this correlates with the accumulation of misfolded α-synuclein. While the aggregation of α-synuclein in the form of Lewy bodies or Lewy neurites is a well-established intraneuronal hallmark of the disease process, our understanding of the glial contribution to aberrant α-synuclein proteostasis is lacking. In this regard, restoring astrocyte function during early PD could offer a promising therapeutic avenue and understanding the involvement of astrocytes in handling/mishandling of α-synuclein is of particular interest. Here, we explore the growing body of scientific literature implicating aberrant astrocytic α-synuclein proteostasis with the seemingly inexorable pathological sequelae typifying PD. We also provide a perspective on how heterogeneity in the morphological relationship between astrocytes and neurons will need to be considered in the context of PD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hakan Ozoran
- Clinical Medical School, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Green Templeton College, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Rahul Srinivasan
- Department of Neuroscience & Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, Bryan, TX, USA
- Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience (TAMIN), College Station, TX, USA
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4
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Smith KJ, Gwyer Findlay E. Expression of antimicrobial host defence peptides in the central nervous system during health and disease. DISCOVERY IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 1:kyac003. [PMID: 38566904 PMCID: PMC10917193 DOI: 10.1093/discim/kyac003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Antimicrobial host defence peptides (HDP) are critical for the first line of defence against bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogens. Over the past decade we have become more aware that, in addition to their antimicrobial roles, they also possess the potent immunomodulatory capacity. This includes chemoattracting immune cells, activating dendritic cells and macrophages, and altering T-cell differentiation. Most examinations of their immunomodulatory roles have focused on tissues in which they are very abundant, such as the intestine and the inflamed skin. However, HDP have now been detected in the brain and the spinal cord during a number of conditions. We propose that their presence in the central nervous system (CNS) during homeostasis, infection, and neurodegenerative disease has the potential to contribute to immunosurveillance, alter host responses and skew developing immunity. Here, we review the evidence for HDP expression and function in the CNS in health and disease. We describe how a wide range of HDP are expressed in the CNS of humans, rodents, birds, and fish, suggesting a conserved role in protecting the brain from pathogens, with evidence of production by resident CNS cells. We highlight differences in methodology used and how this may have resulted in the immunomodulatory roles of HDP being overlooked. Finally, we discuss what HDP expression may mean for CNS immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie J Smith
- Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, EH16 4TJ, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Emily Gwyer Findlay
- Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, EH16 4TJ, Edinburgh, UK
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5
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Sphingosine-1-phosphate transporter spinster homolog 2 is essential for iron-regulated metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Mol Ther 2022; 30:703-713. [PMID: 34547466 PMCID: PMC8821935 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Iron dyshomeostasis is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. However, the role of iron in HCC metastasis is unknown. This study aimed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of iron's enhancement activity on HCC metastasis. In addition to the HCC cell lines and clinical samples in vitro, iron-deficient (ID) mouse models were generated using iron-free diet and transferrin receptor protein knockout, followed by administration of HCC tumors through either orthotopic or ectopic route. Clinical metastatic HCC samples showed significant ID status, accompanied by overexpression of sphingosine-1-phosphate transporter spinster homolog 2 (SPNS2). Mechanistically, ID increased SPNS2 expression, leading to HCC metastasis in both cell cultures and mouse models. ID not only altered the anti-tumor immunity, which was indicated by phenotypes of lymphatic subsets in the liver and lung of tumor-bearing mice, but also promoted HCC metastasis in a cancer cell autonomous manner through the SPNS2. Since germline knockout of globe SPNS2 showed significantly reduced HCC metastasis, we further developed hepatic-targeting recombinant adeno-associated virus vectors to knockdown SPNS2 expression and to inhibit iron-regulated HCC metastasis. Our observation indicates the role of iron in HCC pulmonary metastasis and suggests SPNS2 as a potential therapeutic target for the prevention of HCC pulmonary metastasis.
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6
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Cui J, Yuan Y, Wang J, Song N, Xie J. Desferrioxamine Ameliorates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Lipocalin-2 Upregulation via Autophagy Activation in Primary Astrocytes. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:2052-2067. [PMID: 35040039 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02687-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Lipocalin-2 (LCN2) is an important regulator of both neuroinflammation and iron homeostasis. Upregulated LCN2 was observed in reactive astrocytes in the Parkinson's disease (PD) models. In the present study, we reported iron chelator deferoxamine (DFO) abolished lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced LCN2 upregulation in primary astrocytes, although iron overload had no effects. The suppressive effects of DFO were consistent with autophagy inducer rapamycin or carfilzomib, blocked by autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine rather than chloroquine or bafilomycin A1, meanwhile, while were not dependent on proteasome system and NF-κB pathway. DFO was not able to ameliorate LCN2 upregulation in α-synuclein-treated astrocytes, because DFO failed to induce autophagy in these cells. We further demonstrated that DFO could not enhance autophagy lysosomal degradation, however promoted secretory autophagy in primary astrocytes with LPS insults. These data suggest that DFO could serve as an autophagy activator, capable of ameliorating the upregulation of LCN2 in astrocytes by acting on the formation of autophagosomes and secretory autophagy. This provides better understandings of DFO-mediated neuroprotection against neuroinflammation and provides new insights that autophagy activation could be beneficial approaches in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juntao Cui
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, School of Basic Medicine, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Yu Yuan
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, School of Basic Medicine, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, School of Basic Medicine, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Ning Song
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, School of Basic Medicine, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China.
| | - Junxia Xie
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, School of Basic Medicine, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China.
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7
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Rethinking IRPs/IRE system in neurodegenerative disorders: Looking beyond iron metabolism. Ageing Res Rev 2022; 73:101511. [PMID: 34767973 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Iron regulatory proteins (IRPs) and iron regulatory element (IRE) systems are well known in the progression of neurodegenerative disorders by regulating iron related proteins. IRPs are also regulated by iron homeostasis. However, an increasing number of studies have suggested a close relationship between the IRPs/IRE system and non-iron-related neurodegenerative disorders. In this paper, we reviewed that the IRPs/IRE system is not only controlled by iron ions, but also regulated by such factors as post-translational modification, oxygen, nitric oxide (NO), heme, interleukin-1 (IL-1), and metal ions. In addition, by regulating the transcription of non-iron related proteins, the IRPs/IRE system functioned in oxidative metabolism, cell cycle regulation, abnormal proteins aggregation, and neuroinflammation. Finally, by emphasizing the multiple regulations of IRPs/IRE system and its potential relationship with non-iron metabolic neurodegenerative disorders, we provided new strategies for disease treatment targeting IRPs/IRE system.
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Jellen LC, Lewis MM, Du G, Wang X, Galvis MLE, Krzyzanowski S, Capan CD, Snyder AM, Connor JR, Kong L, Mailman RB, Brundin P, Brundin L, Huang X. Low plasma serotonin linked to higher nigral iron in Parkinson's disease. Sci Rep 2021; 11:24384. [PMID: 34934078 PMCID: PMC8692322 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-03700-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A growing body of evidence suggests nigral iron accumulation plays an important role in the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease (PD), contributing to dopaminergic neuron loss in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc). Converging evidence suggests this accumulation might be related to, or increased by, serotonergic dysfunction, a common, often early feature of the disease. We investigated whether lower plasma serotonin in PD is associated with higher nigral iron. We obtained plasma samples from 97 PD patients and 89 controls and MRI scans from a sub-cohort (62 PD, 70 controls). We measured serotonin concentrations using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography and regional iron content using MRI-based quantitative susceptibility mapping. PD patients had lower plasma serotonin (p < 0.0001) and higher nigral iron content (SNc: p < 0.001) overall. Exclusively in PD, lower plasma serotonin was correlated with higher nigral iron (SNc: r(58) = - 0.501, p < 0.001). This correlation was significant even in patients newly diagnosed (< 1 year) and stronger in the SNc than any other region examined. This study reveals an early, linear association between low serotonin and higher nigral iron in PD patients, which is absent in controls. This is consistent with a serotonin-iron relationship in the disease process, warranting further studies to determine its cause and directionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie C Jellen
- Department of Neurology, Penn State University-Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Mechelle M Lewis
- Department of Neurology, Penn State University-Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State University-Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Guangwei Du
- Department of Neurology, Penn State University-Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Xi Wang
- Public Health Sciences, Penn State University-Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Martha L Escobar Galvis
- Parkinson's Disease Center, Department of Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, 333 Bostwick Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
| | - Stanislaw Krzyzanowski
- Parkinson's Disease Center, Department of Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, 333 Bostwick Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
| | - Colt D Capan
- Parkinson's Disease Center, Department of Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, 333 Bostwick Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
| | - Amanda M Snyder
- Department of Neurology, Penn State University-Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - James R Connor
- Department of Neurology, Penn State University-Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Lan Kong
- Public Health Sciences, Penn State University-Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Richard B Mailman
- Department of Neurology, Penn State University-Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State University-Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Patrik Brundin
- Parkinson's Disease Center, Department of Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, 333 Bostwick Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
| | - Lena Brundin
- Parkinson's Disease Center, Department of Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, 333 Bostwick Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA.
- Division of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.
| | - Xuemei Huang
- Department of Neurology, Penn State University-Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State University-Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA.
- Departments of Neurosurgery and Radiology, Penn State University-Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA.
- Department of Kinesiology, Penn State University-Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA.
- Translational Brain Research Center, Penn State University-Hershey Medical Center, 500 University Dr., Mail Code H037, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA.
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9
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Han J, Fan Y, Wu P, Huang Z, Li X, Zhao L, Ji Y, Zhu M. Parkinson's Disease Dementia: Synergistic Effects of Alpha-Synuclein, Tau, Beta-Amyloid, and Iron. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:743754. [PMID: 34707492 PMCID: PMC8542689 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.743754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD) is a common complication of Parkinson’s disease that seriously affects patients’ health and quality of life. At present, the process and pathological mechanisms of PDD remain controversial, which hinders the development of treatments. An increasing number of clinical studies have shown that alpha-synuclein (α-syn), tau, beta-amyloid (Aβ), and iron are closely associated with PDD severity. Thus, we inferred the vicious cycle that causes oxidative stress (OS), due to the synergistic effects of α-syn, tau, Aβ, and, iron, and which plays a pivotal role in the mechanism underlying PDD. First, iron-mediated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production can lead to neuronal protein accumulation (e.g., α-syn andAβ) and cytotoxicity. In addition, regulation of post-translational modification of α-syn by iron affects the aggregation or oligomer formation of α-syn. Iron promotes tau aggregation and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) formation. High levels of iron, α-syn, Aβ, tau, and NFTs can cause severe OS and neuroinflammation, which lead to cell death. Then, the increasing formation of α-syn, Aβ, and NFTs further increase iron levels, which promotes the spread of α-syn and Aβ in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Finally, iron-induced neurotoxicity promotes the activation of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) related pathways in the synaptic terminals, which in turn play an important role in the pathological synergistic effects of α-syn, tau and Aβ. Thus, as the central factor regulating this vicious cycle, GSK3β is a potential target for the prevention and treatment of PDD; this is worthy of future study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajun Han
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Innovation Research Center, Shenzhen Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yaohua Fan
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Innovation Research Center, Shenzhen Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Peipei Wu
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Innovation Research Center, Shenzhen Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zifeng Huang
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Innovation Research Center, Shenzhen Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xinrong Li
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Innovation Research Center, Shenzhen Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lijun Zhao
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Innovation Research Center, Shenzhen Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yichun Ji
- Shenzhen Bao'an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Meiling Zhu
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Innovation Research Center, Shenzhen Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
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10
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Wang C, Yang T, Liang M, Xie J, Song N. Astrocyte dysfunction in Parkinson's disease: from the perspectives of transmitted α-synuclein and genetic modulation. Transl Neurodegener 2021; 10:39. [PMID: 34657636 PMCID: PMC8522040 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-021-00265-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects the elderly. While the etiology of PD is likely multifactorial with the involvement of genetic, environmental, aging and other factors, α-synuclein (α-syn) pathology is a pivotal mechanism underlying the development of PD. In recent years, astrocytes have attracted considerable attention in the field. Although astrocytes perform a variety of physiological functions in the brain, they are pivotal mediators of α-syn toxicity since they internalize α-syn released from damaged neurons, and this triggers an inflammatory response, protein degradation dysfunction, mitochondrial dysfunction and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Astrocytes are indispensable coordinators in the background of several genetic mutations, including PARK7, GBA1, LRRK2, ATP13A2, PINK1, PRKN and PLA2G6. As the most abundant glial cells in the brain, functional astrocytes can be replenished and even converted to functional neurons. In this review, we discuss astrocyte dysfunction in PD with an emphasis on α-syn toxicity and genetic modulation and conclude that astrocyte replenishment is a valuable therapeutic approach in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changjing Wang
- Department of Physiology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Tongtong Yang
- Department of Physiology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Meiyu Liang
- Department of Physiology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Junxia Xie
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China.
| | - Ning Song
- Department of Physiology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China.
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11
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Zhang N, Yu X, Xie J, Xu H. New Insights into the Role of Ferritin in Iron Homeostasis and Neurodegenerative Diseases. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:2812-2823. [PMID: 33507490 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-020-02277-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Growing evidence has indicated that iron deposition is one of the key factors leading to neuronal death in the neurodegenerative diseases. Ferritin is a hollow iron storage protein composed of 24 subunits of two types, ferritin heavy chain (FTH) and ferritin light chain (FTL), which plays an important role in maintaining iron homeostasis. Recently, the discovery of extracellular ferritin and ferritin in exosomes indicates that ferritin might be not only an iron storage protein within the cell, but might also be an important factor in the regulation of tissue and body iron homeostasis. In this review, we first described the structural characteristics, regulation and the physiological functions of ferritin. Secondly, we reviewed the current evidence concerning the mechanisms underlying the secretion of ferritin and the possible role of secreted ferritin in the brain. Then, we summarized the relationship between ferritin and the neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD) and neuroferritinopathy (NF). Given the importance and relationship between iron and neurodegenerative diseases, understanding the role of ferritin in the brain can be expected to contribute to our knowledge of iron dysfunction and neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China.,Institute of Brain Science and Disease, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Xiaoqi Yu
- Department of Physiology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China.,Institute of Brain Science and Disease, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Junxia Xie
- Department of Physiology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China. .,Institute of Brain Science and Disease, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China.
| | - Huamin Xu
- Department of Physiology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China. .,Institute of Brain Science and Disease, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China.
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12
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Cahill CM, Aleyadeh R, Gao J, Wang C, Rogers JT. Alpha-Synuclein in Alcohol Use Disorder, Connections with Parkinson's Disease and Potential Therapeutic Role of 5' Untranslated Region-Directed Small Molecules. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E1465. [PMID: 33096655 PMCID: PMC7589448 DOI: 10.3390/biom10101465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) is a 140-amino acid (aa) protein encoded by the Synuclein alpha SNCA gene. It is the synaptic protein associated with Parkinson's disease (PD) and is the most highly expressed protein in the Lewy bodies associated with PD and other alpha synucleopathies, including Lewy body dementia (LBD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA). Iron deposits are present in the core of Lewy bodies, and there are reports suggesting that divalent metal ions including Cu2+ and Fe2+ enhance the aggregation of α-Syn. Differential expression of α-Syn is associated with alcohol use disorder (AUD), and specific genetic variants contribute to the risk for alcoholism, including alcohol craving. Spliced variants of α-Syn, leading to the expression of several shorter forms which are more prone to aggregation, are associated with both PD and AUD, and common transcript variants may be able to predict at-risk populations for some movement disorders or subtypes of PD, including secondary Parkinsonism. Both PD and AUD are associated with liver and brain iron dyshomeostasis. Research over the past decade has shown that α-Syn has iron import functions with an ability to oxidize the Fe3+ form of iron to Fe2+ to facilitate its entry into cells. Our prior research has identified an iron-responsive element (IRE) in the 5' untranslated region (5'UTR) of α-Syn mRNA, and we have used the α-Syn 5'UTR to screen for small molecules that modulate its expression in the H4 neuronal cell line. These screens have led us to identify several interesting small molecules capable of both decreasing and increasing α-Syn expression and that may have the potential, together with the recently described mesenchymal stem cell therapies, to normalize α-Syn expression in different regions of the alcoholic and PD brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine M. Cahill
- Neurochemistry Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA;
| | | | - Jin Gao
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Qingdao 266011, China;
| | - Changning Wang
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA;
| | - Jack T. Rogers
- Neurochemistry Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA;
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