Phosphoinositides: Roles in the Development of Microglial-Mediated Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration

Differential Effects of Post-translational Modifications on the Membrane Interaction of Huntingtin Protein

Huntington's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by an expanded polyglutamine stretch near the N-terminus of the huntingtin (HTT) protein, rendering the protein more prone to aggregate. The first 17 residues in HTT (Nt17) interact with lipid membranes and harbor multiple post-translational modifications (PTMs) that can modulate HTT conformation and aggregation. In this study, we used a combination of biophysical studies and molecular simulations to investigate the effect of PTMs on the helicity of Nt17 in the presence of various lipid membranes. We demonstrate that anionic lipids such as PI4P, PI(4,5)P2, and GM1 significantly enhance the helical structure of unmodified Nt17. This effect is attenuated by single acetylation events at K6, K9, or K15, whereas tri-acetylation at these sites abolishes Nt17-membrane interaction. Similarly, single phosphorylation at S13 and S16 decreased but did not abolish the POPG and PIP2-induced helicity, while dual phosphorylation at these sites markedly diminished Nt17 helicity, regardless of lipid composition. The helicity of Nt17 with phosphorylation at T3 is insensitive to the membrane environment. Oxidation at M8 variably affects membrane-induced helicity, highlighting a lipid-dependent modulation of the Nt17 structure. Altogether, our findings reveal differential effects of PTMs and crosstalks between PTMs on membrane interaction and conformation of HTT. Intriguingly, the effects of phosphorylation at T3 or single acetylation at K6, K9, and K15 on Nt17 conformation in the presence of certain membranes do not mirror that observed in the absence of membranes. Our studies provide novel insights into the complex relationship between Nt17 structure, PTMs, and membrane binding.

Nuclear patterns of phosphatidylinositol 4,5- and 3,4-bisphosphate revealed by super-resolution microscopy differ between the consecutive stages of RNA polymerase II transcription

Phosphatidylinositol phosphates are powerful signaling molecules that orchestrate signaling and direct membrane trafficking in the cytosol. Interestingly, phosphatidylinositol phosphates also localize within the membrane-less compartments of the cell nucleus, where they participate in the regulation of gene expression. Nevertheless, current models of gene expression, which include condensates of proteins and nucleic acids, do not include nuclear phosphatidylinositol phosphates. This gap is partly a result of the missing detailed analysis of the subnuclear distribution of phosphatidylinositol phosphates and their relationships with gene expression. Here, we used quantitative dual-color direct stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy to analyze the nanoscale co-patterning between RNA polymerase II transcription initiation and elongation markers with respect to phosphatidylinositol 4,5- or 3,4-bisphosphate in the nucleoplasm and nuclear speckles and compared it with randomized data and cells with inhibited transcription. We found specific co-patterning of the transcription initiation marker P-S5 with phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate in the nucleoplasm and with phosphatidylinositol 3,4-bisphosphate at the periphery of nuclear speckles. We showed the specific accumulation of the transcription elongation marker PS-2 and of nascent RNA in the proximity of phosphatidylinositol 3,4-bisphosphate associated with nuclear speckles. Taken together, this shows that the distinct spatial associations between the consecutive stages of RNA polymerase II transcription and nuclear phosphatidylinositol phosphates exhibit specificity within the gene expression compartments. Thus, in analogy to the cellular membranes, where phospholipid composition orchestrates signaling pathways and directs membrane trafficking, we propose a model in which the phospholipid identity of gene expression compartments orchestrates RNA polymerase II transcription.

Microglial function, INPP5D/SHIP1 signaling, and NLRP3 inflammasome activation: implications for Alzheimer's disease

Recent genetic studies on Alzheimer's disease (AD) have brought microglia under the spotlight, as loci associated with AD risk are enriched in genes expressed in microglia. Several of these genes have been recognized for their central roles in microglial functions. Increasing evidence suggests that SHIP1, the protein encoded by the AD-associated gene INPP5D, is an important regulator of microglial phagocytosis and immune response. A recent study from our group identified SHIP1 as a negative regulator of the NLRP3 inflammasome in human iPSC-derived microglial cells (iMGs). In addition, we found evidence for a connection between SHIP1 activity and inflammasome activation in the AD brain. The NLRP3 inflammasome is a multiprotein complex that induces the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines as part of innate immune responses against pathogens and endogenous damage signals. Previously published studies have suggested that the NLRP3 inflammasome is activated in AD and contributes to AD-related pathology. Here, we provide an overview of the current understanding of the microglial NLRP3 inflammasome in the context of AD-related inflammation. We then review the known intracellular functions of SHIP1, including its role in phosphoinositide signaling, interactions with microglial phagocytic receptors such as TREM2 and evidence for its intersection with NLRP3 inflammasome signaling. Through rigorous examination of the intricate connections between microglial signaling pathways across several experimental systems and postmortem analyses, the field will be better equipped to tailor newly emerging therapeutic strategies targeting microglia in neurodegenerative diseases.

The rational design of ARUK2007145, a dual inhibitor of the α and γ isoforms of the lipid kinase phosphatidylinositol 5-phosphate 4-kinase (PI5P4K)

The phosphatidylinositol 5-phosphate 4-kinases (PI5P4Ks) are therapeutic targets for diseases such as cancer, neurodegeneration and immunological disorders as they are key components in regulating cell signalling pathways. In an effort to make probe molecules available for further exploring these targets, we have previously reported PI5P4Kα-selective and PI5P4Kγ-selective ligands. Herein we report the rational design of PI5P4Kα/γ dual inhibitors, using knowledge gained during the development of selective inhibitors for these proteins. ARUK2007145 (39) is disclosed as a potent, cell-active probe molecule with ADMET properties amenable to conducting experiments in cells.

Dexmedetomidine attenuates neuroinflammation and microglia activation in LPS-stimulated BV2 microglia cells through targeting circ-Shank3/miR-140-3p/TLR4 axis

It has been shown that dexmedetomidine (Dex) could attenuate postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) via targeting circular RNAs (circRNAs). Circ-Shank3 has been found to be involved in the neuroprotective effects of Dex against POCD. However, the role of circ-Shank3 in POCD remains largely unknown. Reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was performed to detect circ-Shank3 and miR-140-3p levels in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated microglia BV-2 cells in the absence or presence of Dex. The relationship among circ-Shank3, miR-140-3p and TLR4 was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Additionally, Western blot and immunofluorescence (IF) assays were conducted to evaluate TLR4, p65 and Iba-1 or CD11b levels in cells. In this study, we found that Dex notably decreased circ-Shank3 and TLR4 levels and elevated miR-140-3p level in LPS-treated BV2 cells. Mechanistically, circ-Shank3 harbor miR-140-3p, functioning as a miRNA sponge, and then miR-140-3p targeted the 3'-UTR of TLR4. Additionally, Dex treatment significantly reduced TLR4 level and phosphorylation of p65, and decreased the expressions of microglia markers Iba-1 and CD11b in LPS-treated BV2 cells. As expected, silenced circ-Shank3 further reduced TLR4, p65 and Iba-1 and CD11b levels in LPS-treated BV2 cells in the presence of Dex, whereas these phenomena were reversed by miR-140-3p inhibitor. Collectively, our results found that Dex could attenuate the neuroinflammation and microglia activation in BV2 cells exposed to LPS via targeting circ-Shank3/miR-140-3p/TLR4 axis. Our results might shed a new light on the mechanism of Dex for the treatment of POCD.

Therapeutic Potential of Nanomedicine in Management of Alzheimer's Disease and Glioma

Neoplasm (Glioblastoma) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) comprise two of the most chronic psychological ailments. Glioblastoma is one of the aggressive and prevalent malignant diseases characterized by rapid growth and invasion resulting from cell migration and degradation of extracellular matrix. While the latter is characterized by extracellular plaques of amyloid and intracellular tangles of tau proteins. Both possess a high degree of resistance to treatment owing to the restricted transport of corresponding drugs to the brain protected by the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Development of optimized therapies using advanced technologies is a great need of today. One such approach is the designing of nanoparticles (NPs) to facilitate the drug delivery at the target site. The present article elaborates the advances in nanomedicines in treatment of both AD as well as Gliomas. The intention of this review is to provide an overview of different types of NPs with their physical properties emphasizing their importance in traversing the BBB and hitting the target site. Further, we discuss the therapeutic applications of these NPs along with their specific targets. Multiple overlapping factors with a common pathway in development of AD and Glioblastoma are discussed in details that will assist the readers in developing the conceptual approach to target the NP for an aging population in the given circumstances with limitations of currently designed NPs, and the challenges to meet and the future perspectives.

A Plethora of Functions Condensed into Tiny Phospholipids: The Story of PI4P and PI(4,5)P2

Phosphoinositides (PIs) are small, phosphorylated lipids that serve many functions in the cell. They regulate endo- and exocytosis, vesicular trafficking, actin reorganization, and cell mobility, and they act as signaling molecules. The most abundant PIs in the cell are phosphatidylinositol-4-monophosphate (PI4P) and phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P₂]. PI4P is mostly localized at the Golgi apparatus where it regulates the anterograde trafficking from the Golgi apparatus to the plasma membrane (PM), but it also localizes at the PM. On the other hand, the main localization site of PI(4,5)P₂ is the PM where it regulates the formation of endocytic vesicles. The levels of PIs are regulated by many kinases and phosphatases. Four main kinases phosphorylate the precursor molecule phosphatidylinositol into PI4P, divided into two classes (PI4KIIα, PI4KIIβ, PI4KIIIα, and PI4KIIIβ), and three main kinases phosphorylate PI4P to form PI(4,5)P₂ (PI4P5KIα, PI4P5KIβ, and PI4P5KIγ). In this review, we discuss the localization and function of the kinases that produce PI4P and PI(4,5)P₂, as well as the localization and function of their product molecules with an overview of tools for the detection of these PIs.

The effects and potential of microglial polarization and crosstalk with other cells of the central nervous system in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease

Microglia are resident immune cells in the central nervous system. During the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease, stimulatory factors continuously act on the microglia causing abnormal activation and unbalanced phenotypic changes; these events have become a significant and promising area of research. In this review, we summarize the effects of microglial polarization and crosstalk with other cells in the central nervous system in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Our literature search found that phenotypic changes occur continuously in Alzheimer's disease and that microglia exhibit extensive crosstalk with astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, neurons, and penetrated peripheral innate immune cells via specific signaling pathways and cytokines. Collectively, unlike previous efforts to modulate microglial phenotypes at a single level, targeting the phenotypes of microglia and the crosstalk with other cells in the central nervous system may be more effective in reducing inflammation in the central nervous system in Alzheimer's disease. This would establish a theoretical basis for reducing neuronal death from central nervous system inflammation and provide an appropriate environment to promote neuronal regeneration in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Selective Recognition of Phosphatidylinositol Phosphate Receptors by C-Terminal Tail of Mitotic Kinesin-like Protein 2 (MKlp2)

The mitotic kinesin-like protein 2 (MKlp2) plays a key role in the proper completion of cytokinetic abscission. Specifically, the C-terminal tail of MKlp2 (CTM peptides) offers a stable tethering on the plasma membrane and microtubule cytoskeleton in the midbody during abscission. However, little is known about the underlying mechanism of how the CTM peptides bind to the plasma membrane of the intercellular bridge. Herein, we identify the specific molecular interaction between the CTM peptides and phosphatidylinositol phosphate (PIP) receptors using quartz crystal microbalance-dissipation and atomic force microscopy force spectroscopic measurements. To systematically examine the effects of amino acids, we designed a series of synthetic 33-mer peptides derived from the wild-type (CTM1). First, we evaluated the peptide binding amount caused by electrostatic interactions based on 100% zwitterionic and 30% negatively charged model membranes, whereby the nonspecific attractions were nearly proportional to the net charge of peptides. Upon incubating with PIP-containing model membranes, the wild-type CTM1 and its truncated mutation showed significant PI(3)P-specific binding, which was evidenced by a 15-fold higher binding mass and 6-fold stronger adhesion force compared to other negatively charged membranes. The extent of the specific binding was predominantly dependent on the existence of S21, whereby substitution or deletion of S21 significantly hindered the binding affinity. Taken together, our findings based on a correlative measurement platform enabled the quantification of the nonelectrostatic, selective binding interactions of the C-terminal of MKlp2 to certain PIP receptors and contributed to understanding the molecular mechanisms on complete cytokinetic abscission in cells.

Identification of Hub Genes and Immune Cell Infiltration Characteristics in Alzheimer's Disease

The purpose of this study was to identify hub genes closely correlated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and their association with immune cell infiltration. In this work, 119 overlapping differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained from GSE5281 and GSE122063 datasets through differential expression analysis. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed on the 119 DEGs, revealing some important biological functions and key pathways. AD immune cell infiltration analysis revealed a significant difference in the proportion of immune cells between the AD group and the control group. Finally, correlation analysis between target hub genes and immune cells indicated that GFAP had a positive or negative correlation with some specific immune cells. Our results provided useful clues, which will help to explain the molecular mechanism of AD and search for precise prognostic markers and potential therapeutic targets.

Effects of Gynostemma pentaphyllum on spinal cord motor neurons and microglial cells in vitro

The regenerative capability of spinal cord neurons is limited to impossible. Thus, experimental approaches supporting reconstruction/regeneration are in process. This study focused on the evaluation of the protective potency of an extract from Gynostemma pentaphyllum (GP), a plant used in traditional medicine with anti-oxidative and neuroprotective activities, in vitro on organotypic spinal cord cultures, the motor-neuron-like NSC-34 cell line and the microglial cell line BV-2. Organotypic cultures were mechanically stressed by the slicing procedure and the effect of GP on motor neuron survival and neurite sprouting was tested by immunohistochemistry. NSC-34 cells were neuronal differentiated by using special medium. Afterwards, cell survival (propidium iodide/fluorescein diacetate labeling), proliferation (BrdU-incorporation), and neurite sprouting were evaluated. BV-2 cells were stimulated with LPS/interferon γ and subjected to migration assay and nanoparticle uptake. Cell survival, proliferation and the expression pattern of different microglial activation markers (cFOS, iNOS) as well as transcription factors (PPARγ, YB1) were analyzed. In organotypic cultures, high-dose GP supported survival of motor neurons and especially of the neuronal fiber network. Despite reduced neurodegeneration, however, there was a GP-mediated activation of astro- and microglia. In NSC-34 cells, high-dosed GP had degenerative and anti-proliferative effects, but only in normal medium. Moreover, GP supported the neuro-differentiation ability. In BV-2 cells, high-dosed GP was toxic. In lower dosages, GP affected cell survival and proliferation when combined with LPS/interferon γ. Nanoparticle uptake, migration ability, and the transcription factor PPARγ, however, GP affected directly. The data suggest positive effects of GP on injured spinal motor neurons. Moreover, GP activated microglial cells. The dual role of microglia (protective/detrimental) in neurodegenerative processes required further experiments to enhance the knowledge about GP effects. Therefore, a possible clinical use of GP in spinal cord injuries is still a long way off.

N-Acylethanolamine-Hydrolyzing Acid Amidase Inhibition, but Not Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase Inhibition, Prevents the Development of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis in Mice

N-acylethanolamines (NAEs) are endogenous bioactive lipids reported to exert anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects mediated by cannabinoid receptors and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), among others. Therefore, interfering with NAE signaling could be a promising strategy to decrease inflammation in neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and N-acylethanolamine-hydrolyzing acid amidase (NAAA) are key modulators of NAE levels. This study aims to investigate and compare the effect of NAAA inhibition, FAAH inhibition, and dual inhibition of both enzymes in a mouse model of MS, namely the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Our data show that NAAA inhibition strongly decreased the hallmarks of the pathology. Interestingly, FAAH inhibition was less efficient in decreasing inflammatory hallmarks despite the increased NAE levels. Moreover, the inhibition of both NAAA and FAAH, using a dual-inhibitor or the co-administration of NAAA and FAAH inhibitors, did not show an added value compared to NAAA inhibition. Furthermore, our data suggest an important role of decreased activation of astrocytes and microglia in the effects of NAAA inhibition on EAE, while NAAA inhibition did not affect T cell recall. This work highlights the beneficial effects of NAAA inhibition in the context of central nervous system inflammation and suggests that the simultaneous inhibition of NAAA and FAAH has no additional beneficial effect in EAE.