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Parra Bravo C, Krukowski K, Barker S, Wang C, Li Y, Fan L, Vázquez-Rosa E, Shin MK, Wong MY, McCullough LD, Kitagawa RS, Choi HA, Cacace A, Sinha SC, Pieper AA, Rosi S, Chen X, Gan L. Anti-acetylated-tau immunotherapy is neuroprotective in tauopathy and brain injury. Mol Neurodegener 2024; 19:51. [PMID: 38915105 PMCID: PMC11197196 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-024-00733-9] [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: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tau is aberrantly acetylated in various neurodegenerative conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Previously, we reported that reducing acetylated tau by pharmacologically inhibiting p300-mediated tau acetylation at lysine 174 reduces tau pathology and improves cognitive function in animal models. METHODS We investigated the therapeutic efficacy of two different antibodies that specifically target acetylated lysine 174 on tau (ac-tauK174). We treated PS19 mice, which harbor the P301S tauopathy mutation that causes FTLD, with anti-ac-tauK174 and measured effects on tau pathology, neurodegeneration, and neurobehavioral outcomes. Furthermore, PS19 mice received treatment post-TBI to evaluate the ability of the immunotherapy to prevent TBI-induced exacerbation of tauopathy phenotypes. Ac-tauK174 measurements in human plasma following TBI were also collected to establish a link between trauma and acetylated tau levels, and single nuclei RNA-sequencing of post-TBI brain tissues from treated mice provided insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the observed treatment effects. RESULTS Anti-ac-tauK174 treatment mitigates neurobehavioral impairment and reduces tau pathology in PS19 mice. Ac-tauK174 increases significantly in human plasma 24 h after TBI, and anti-ac-tauK174 treatment of PS19 mice blocked TBI-induced neurodegeneration and preserved memory functions. Anti-ac-tauK174 treatment rescues alterations of microglial and oligodendrocyte transcriptomic states following TBI in PS19 mice. CONCLUSIONS The ability of anti-ac-tauK174 treatment to rescue neurobehavioral impairment, reduce tau pathology, and rescue glial responses demonstrates that targeting tau acetylation at K174 is a promising neuroprotective therapeutic approach to human tauopathies resulting from TBI or genetic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celeste Parra Bravo
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, Helen and Appel Alzheimer Disease Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Karen Krukowski
- Department of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Science, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sarah Barker
- Brain Health Medicines Center, Harrington Discovery Institute, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Institute for Transformative Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Geriatric Psychiatry, GRECC, Louis Stokes VA Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Chao Wang
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yaqiao Li
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Li Fan
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, Helen and Appel Alzheimer Disease Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Edwin Vázquez-Rosa
- Brain Health Medicines Center, Harrington Discovery Institute, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Institute for Transformative Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Geriatric Psychiatry, GRECC, Louis Stokes VA Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Min-Kyoo Shin
- Brain Health Medicines Center, Harrington Discovery Institute, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Institute for Transformative Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Geriatric Psychiatry, GRECC, Louis Stokes VA Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Man Ying Wong
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, Helen and Appel Alzheimer Disease Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Louise D McCullough
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ryan S Kitagawa
- Department of Neurosurgery, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - H Alex Choi
- Department of Neurosurgery, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Subhash C Sinha
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, Helen and Appel Alzheimer Disease Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Andrew A Pieper
- Brain Health Medicines Center, Harrington Discovery Institute, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Institute for Transformative Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Geriatric Psychiatry, GRECC, Louis Stokes VA Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Susanna Rosi
- Department of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Science, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Weill Institute for Neuroscience, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Xu Chen
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, USA.
| | - Li Gan
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, Helen and Appel Alzheimer Disease Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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Juvenal G, Meinerz C, Ayupe AC, Campos HC, Reis EM, Longo BM, Pillat MM, Ulrich H. Bradykinin promotes immune responses in differentiated embryonic neurospheres carrying APP swe and PS1 dE9 mutations. Cell Biosci 2024; 14:82. [PMID: 38890712 PMCID: PMC11184896 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-024-01251-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neural progenitor cells (NPCs) can be cultivated from developing brains, reproducing many of the processes that occur during neural development. They can be isolated from a variety of animal models, such as transgenic mice carrying mutations in amyloid precursor protein (APP) and presenilin 1 and 2 (PSEN 1 and 2), characteristic of familial Alzheimer's disease (fAD). Modulating the development of these cells with inflammation-related peptides, such as bradykinin (BK) and its antagonist HOE-140, enables the understanding of the impact of such molecules in a relevant AD model. RESULTS We performed a global gene expression analysis on transgenic neurospheres treated with BK and HOE-140. To validate the microarray data, quantitative real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed on 8 important genes related to the immune response in AD such as CCL12, CCL5, CCL3, C3, CX3CR1, TLR2 and TNF alpha and Iba-1. Furthermore, comparative analysis of the transcriptional profiles was performed between treatments, including gene ontology and reactome enrichment, construction and analysis of protein-protein interaction networks and, finally, comparison of our data with human dataset from AD patients. The treatments affected the expression levels of genes mainly related to microglia-mediated neuroinflammatory responses, with BK promoting an increase in the expression of genes that enrich processes, biological pathways, and cellular components related to immune dysfunction, neurodegeneration and cell cycle. B2 receptor inhibition by HOE-140 resulted in the reduction of AD-related anomalies caused in this system. CONCLUSIONS BK is an important immunomodulatory agent and enhances the immunological changes identified in transgenic neurospheres carrying the genetic load of AD. Bradykinin treatments modulate the expression rates of genes related to microglia-mediated neuroinflammation. Inhibiting bradykinin activity in Alzheimer's disease may slow disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Juvenal
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes 748, São Paulo, 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Carine Meinerz
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria-RS, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Ayupe
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes 748, São Paulo, 05508-900, Brazil
| | | | - Eduardo Moraes Reis
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes 748, São Paulo, 05508-900, Brazil
| | | | - Micheli Mainardi Pillat
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria-RS, Brazil.
| | - Henning Ulrich
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes 748, São Paulo, 05508-900, Brazil.
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3
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Ransom LS, Liu CS, Dunsmore E, Palmer CR, Nicodemus J, Ziomek D, Williams N, Chun J. Human brain small extracellular vesicles contain selectively packaged, full-length mRNA. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114061. [PMID: 38578831 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114061] [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: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Brain cells release and take up small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) containing bioactive nucleic acids. sEV exchange is hypothesized to contribute to stereotyped spread of neuropathological changes in the diseased brain. We assess mRNA from sEVs of postmortem brain from non-diseased (ND) individuals and those with Alzheimer's disease (AD) using short- and long-read sequencing. sEV transcriptomes are distinct from those of bulk tissue, showing enrichment for genes including mRNAs encoding ribosomal proteins and transposable elements such as human-specific LINE-1 (L1Hs). AD versus ND sEVs show enrichment of inflammation-related mRNAs and depletion of synaptic signaling mRNAs. sEV mRNAs from cultured murine primary neurons, astrocytes, or microglia show similarities to human brain sEVs and reveal cell-type-specific packaging. Approximately 80% of neural sEV transcripts sequenced using long-read sequencing are full length. Motif analyses of sEV-enriched isoforms elucidate RNA-binding proteins that may be associated with sEV loading. Collectively, we show that mRNA in brain sEVs is intact, selectively packaged, and altered in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linnea S Ransom
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Center for Genetic Disorders and Aging Research, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Christine S Liu
- Center for Genetic Disorders and Aging Research, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Emily Dunsmore
- Center for Genetic Disorders and Aging Research, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Carter R Palmer
- Center for Genetic Disorders and Aging Research, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Juliet Nicodemus
- Center for Genetic Disorders and Aging Research, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Derya Ziomek
- Center for Genetic Disorders and Aging Research, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Nyssa Williams
- Center for Genetic Disorders and Aging Research, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jerold Chun
- Center for Genetic Disorders and Aging Research, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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Margvelani G, Welden JR, Maquera AA, Van Eyk JE, Murray C, Miranda Sardon SC, Stamm S. Influence of FTDP-17 mutants on circular tau RNAs. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167036. [PMID: 38286213 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167036] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
At least 53 mutations in the microtubule associated protein tau gene (MAPT) have been identified that cause frontotemporal dementia. 47 of these mutations are localized between exons 7 and 13. They could thus affect the formation of circular RNAs (circRNAs) from the MAPT gene that occurs through backsplicing from exon 12 to either exon 10 or exon 7. We analyzed representative mutants and found that five FTDP-17 mutations increase the formation of 12➔7 circRNA and three different mutations increase the amount of 12➔10 circRNA. CircRNAs are translated after undergoing adenosine to inosine RNA editing, catalyzed by ADAR enzymes. We found that the interferon induced ADAR1-p150 isoform has the strongest effect on circTau RNA translation. ADAR1-p150 activity had a stronger effect on circTau RNA expression and strongly decreased 12➔7 circRNA, but unexpectedly increased 12➔10 circRNA. In both cases, ADAR-activity strongly promoted translation of circTau RNAs. Unexpectedly, we found that the 12➔7 circTau protein interacts with eukaryotic initiation factor 4B (eIF4B), which is reduced by four FTDP-17 mutations located in the second microtubule domain. These are the first studies of the effect of human mutations on circular RNA formation and translation. They show that point mutations influence circRNA expression levels, likely through changes in pre-mRNA structures. The effect of the mutations is surpassed by editing of the circular RNAs, leading to their translation. Thus, circular RNAs and their editing status should be considered when analyzing FTDP-17 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgi Margvelani
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Justin R Welden
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA; Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Andrea Arizaca Maquera
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | | | | | - Sandra C Miranda Sardon
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Stefan Stamm
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
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5
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Vavougios GD, Tseriotis VS, Liampas A, Mavridis T, de Erausquin GA, Hadjigeorgiou G. Type I interferon signaling, cognition and neurodegeneration following COVID-19: update on a mechanistic pathogenetic model with implications for Alzheimer's disease. Front Hum Neurosci 2024; 18:1352118. [PMID: 38562226 PMCID: PMC10982434 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2024.1352118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
COVID-19's effects on the human brain reveal a multifactorial impact on cognition and the potential to inflict lasting neuronal damage. Type I interferon signaling, a pathway that represents our defense against pathogens, is primarily affected by COVID-19. Type I interferon signaling, however, is known to mediate cognitive dysfunction upon its dysregulation following synaptopathy, microgliosis and neuronal damage. In previous studies, we proposed a model of outside-in dysregulation of tonic IFN-I signaling in the brain following a COVID-19. This disruption would be mediated by the crosstalk between central and peripheral immunity, and could potentially establish feed-forward IFN-I dysregulation leading to neuroinflammation and potentially, neurodegeneration. We proposed that for the CNS, the second-order mediators would be intrinsic disease-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) such as proteopathic seeds, without the requirement of neuroinvasion to sustain inflammation. Selective vulnerability of neurogenesis sites to IFN-I dysregulation would then lead to clinical manifestations such as anosmia and cognitive impairment. Since the inception of our model at the beginning of the pandemic, a growing body of studies has provided further evidence for the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the human CNS and cognition. Several preclinical and clinical studies have displayed IFN-I dysregulation and tauopathy in gene expression and neuropathological data in new cases, correspondingly. Furthermore, neurodegeneration identified with a predilection for the extended olfactory network furthermore supports the neuroanatomical concept of our model, and its independence from fulminant neuroinvasion and encephalitis as a cause of CNS damage. In this perspective, we summarize the data on IFN-I as a plausible mechanism of cognitive impairment in this setting, and its potential contribution to Alzheimer's disease and its interplay with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- George D. Vavougios
- Department of Neurology, Medical School, University of Cyprus, Lefkosia, Cyprus
| | | | - Andreas Liampas
- Department of Neurology, Medical School, University of Cyprus, Lefkosia, Cyprus
| | - Theodore Mavridis
- Tallaght University Hospital (TUH)/The Adelaide and Meath Hospital Dublin, Incorporating the National Children's Hospital (AMNCH), Dublin, Ireland
| | - Gabriel A. de Erausquin
- Laboratory of Brain Development, Modulation and Repair, The Glenn Biggs Institute of Alzheimer's and Neurodegenerative Disorders, Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
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Das P, Chakrabarti O. ISGylation of DRP1 closely balances other post-translational modifications to mediate mitochondrial fission. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:184. [PMID: 38431611 PMCID: PMC10908869 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06543-7] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Dynamin related protein 1 (DRP1), a pivotal mitochondrial fission protein, is post-translationally modified by multiple mechanisms. Here we identify a new post-translational modification of DRP1 by the ubiquitin-like protein, interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15). DRP1 ISGylation is mediated by ISG15 E3 ligase, HERC5; this promotes mitochondrial fission. DeISGylation of DRP1 however leads to hyperfusion. Heterologous expression of SARS-CoV2 PLpro, a deISGylating enzyme, results in similar mitochondrial filamentation, significant decrease in total DRP1 protein levels and efflux of mtDNA. We report that deISGylated DRP1 gets ubiquitylated and degraded by TRIM25, instead of PARKIN and MITOL. While the cytosolic pool of DRP1 is primarily ISGylated, both mitochondrial and cytosolic fractions may be ubiquitylated. It is known that phosphorylation of DRP1 at S616 residue regulates its mitochondrial localisation; we show that ISGylation of phospho-DRP1 (S616) renders fission competence at mitochondria. This is significant because DRP1 ISGylation affects its functionality and mitochondrial dynamics in Alzheimer's disease pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palamou Das
- Biophysics & Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata, 700064, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - Oishee Chakrabarti
- Biophysics & Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata, 700064, India.
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India.
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7
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Sanford SAI, Miller LVC, Vaysburd M, Keeling S, Tuck BJ, Clark J, Neumann M, Syanda V, James LC, McEwan WA. The type-I interferon response potentiates seeded tau aggregation and exacerbates tau pathology. Alzheimers Dement 2024; 20:1013-1025. [PMID: 37849026 PMCID: PMC10916982 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Signatures of a type-I interferon (IFN-I) response are observed in the post mortem brain in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other tauopathies. However, the effect of the IFN-I response on pathological tau accumulation remains unclear. METHODS We examined the effects of IFN-I signaling in primary neural culture models of seeded tau aggregation and P301S-tau transgenic mouse models in the context of genetic deletion of the IFN-I receptor (IFNAR). RESULTS Polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (PolyI:C), a synthetic analog of viral nucleic acids, evoked a potent cytokine response that enhanced seeded aggregation of tau in an IFN-I-dependent manner. IFN-I-induced vulnerability could be pharmacologically prevented and was intrinsic to neurons. Aged P301S-tau mice lacking Ifnar1 had significantly reduced tau pathology compared to mice with intact IFN signaling. DISCUSSION We identify a critical role for IFN-I in potentiating tau aggregation. IFN-I is therefore identified as a potential therapeutic target in AD and other tauopathies. HIGHLIGHTS Type-I IFN (IFN-I) promotes seeded tau aggregation in neural cultures. IFNAR inhibition prevents IFN-I driven sensitivity to tau aggregation. IFN-I driven vulnerability is intrinsic to neurons. Tau pathology is significantly reduced in aged P301S-tau mice lacking IFNAR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie A. I. Sanford
- UK Dementia Research Institute at the University of CambridgeCambridgeUK
- Department of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Lauren V. C. Miller
- UK Dementia Research Institute at the University of CambridgeCambridgeUK
- Department of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Marina Vaysburd
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular BiologyFrancis Crick AvenueCambridgeUK
| | - Sophie Keeling
- UK Dementia Research Institute at the University of CambridgeCambridgeUK
- Department of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Benjamin J. Tuck
- UK Dementia Research Institute at the University of CambridgeCambridgeUK
- Department of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Jessica Clark
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular BiologyFrancis Crick AvenueCambridgeUK
| | - Michal Neumann
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular BiologyFrancis Crick AvenueCambridgeUK
| | - Victoria Syanda
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular BiologyFrancis Crick AvenueCambridgeUK
| | - Leo C. James
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular BiologyFrancis Crick AvenueCambridgeUK
| | - William A. McEwan
- UK Dementia Research Institute at the University of CambridgeCambridgeUK
- Department of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
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8
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Bull D, Matte JC, Navarron CM, McIntyre R, Whiting P, Katan M, Ducotterd F, Magno L. The hypermorphic PLCγ2 S707Y variant dysregulates microglial cell function - Insight into PLCγ2 activation in brain health and disease, and opportunities for therapeutic modulation. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:166978. [PMID: 38061598 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166978] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Phospholipase C-gamma 2 (PLCγ2) is highly expressed in hematopoietic and immune cells, where it is a key signalling node enabling diverse cellular functions. Within the periphery, gain-of-function (GOF) PLCγ2 variants, such as the strongly hypermorphic S707Y, cause severe immune dysregulation. The milder hypermorphic mutation PLCγ2 P522R increases longevity and confers protection in central nervous system (CNS) neurodegenerative disorders, implicating PLCγ2 as a novel therapeutic target for treating these CNS indications. Currently, nothing is known about what consequences strong PLCγ2 GOF has on CNS functionality, and more precisely on the specific biological functions of microglia. Using the PLCγ2 S707Y variant as a model of chronic activation we investigated the functional consequences of strong PLCγ2 GOF on human microglia. PLCγ2 S707Y expressing human inducible pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC)-derived microglia exhibited hypermorphic enzymatic activity under both basal and stimulated conditions, compared to PLCγ2 wild type. Despite the increase in PLCγ2 enzymatic activity, the PLCγ2 S707Y hiPSC-derived microglia display diminished functionality for key microglial processes including phagocytosis and cytokine secretion upon inflammatory challenge. RNA sequencing revealed a downregulation of genes related to innate immunity and response, providing molecular support for the phenotype observed. Our data suggests that chronic activation of PLCγ2 elicits a detrimental phenotype that is contributing to unfavourable CNS functions, and informs on the therapeutic window for targeting PLCγ2 in the CNS. Drug candidates targeting PLCγ2 will need to precisely mimic the effects of the PLCγ2 P522R variant on microglial function, but not those of the PLCγ2 S707Y variant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Bull
- Alzheimer's Research UK UCL Drug Discovery Institute, University College London, The Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Julie C Matte
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire CB10 1SA, United Kingdom
| | - Carmen M Navarron
- Alzheimer's Research UK UCL Drug Discovery Institute, University College London, The Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca McIntyre
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire CB10 1SA, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Whiting
- Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, United Kingdom
| | - Matilda Katan
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Division of Biosciences, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Fiona Ducotterd
- Alzheimer's Research UK UCL Drug Discovery Institute, University College London, The Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Lorenza Magno
- Alzheimer's Research UK UCL Drug Discovery Institute, University College London, The Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom.
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Clement M. The association of microbial infection and adaptive immune cell activation in Alzheimer's disease. DISCOVERY IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 2:kyad015. [PMID: 38567070 PMCID: PMC10917186 DOI: 10.1093/discim/kyad015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and the most common form of dementia. Early symptoms include the loss of memory and mild cognitive ability; however, as the disease progresses, these symptoms can present with increased severity manifesting as mood and behaviour changes, disorientation, and a loss of motor/body control. AD is one of the leading causes of death in the UK, and with an ever-increasing ageing society, patient numbers are predicted to rise posing a significant global health emergency. AD is a complex neurophysiological disorder where pathology is characterized by the deposition and aggregation of misfolded amyloid-beta (Aβ)-protein that in-turn promotes excessive tau-protein production which together drives neuronal cell dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration. It is widely accepted that AD is driven by a combination of both genetic and immunological processes with recent data suggesting that adaptive immune cell activity within the parenchyma occurs throughout disease. The mechanisms behind these observations remain unclear but suggest that manipulating the adaptive immune response during AD may be an effective therapeutic strategy. Using immunotherapy for AD treatment is not a new concept as the only two approved treatments for AD use antibody-based approaches to target Aβ. However, these have been shown to only temporarily ease symptoms or slow progression highlighting the urgent need for newer treatments. This review discusses the role of the adaptive immune system during AD, how microbial infections may be contributing to inflammatory immune activity and suggests how adaptive immune processes can pose as therapeutic targets for this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathew Clement
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Systems Immunity University Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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10
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Margvelani G, Welden JR, Maquera AA, Van Eyk JE, Murray C, Miranda Sardon SC, Stamm S. Influence of FTDP-17 mutants on circular Tau RNAs. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.08.556913. [PMID: 37786725 PMCID: PMC10541600 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.08.556913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
At least 53 mutations in the microtubule associated protein tau gene (MAPT) have been identified that cause frontotemporal dementia. 47 of these mutations are localized between exons 7 and 13. They could thus affect the formation of circular RNAs (circRNAs) from the MAPT gene that occur through backsplicing from exon 12 to either exon 10 or exon 7. We analyzed representative mutants and found that five FTDP-17 mutations increase the formation of 12➔7 circRNA and three different mutations increase the amount of 12➔10 circRNA. CircRNAs are translated after undergoing adenosine to inosine RNA editing, catalyzed by ADAR enzymes. We found that the interferon induced ADAR1-p150 isoform has the strongest effect on circTau RNA translation. ADAR1-p150 activity had a stronger effect on circTau RNA expression and strongly decreased 12➔7 circRNA, but unexpectedly increased 12➔10 circRNA. In both cases, ADAR-activity strongly promoted translation of circTau RNAs. Unexpectedly, we found that the 12➔7 circTau protein interacts with eukaryotic initiation factor 4B (eIF4B), which is reduced by four FTDP-17 mutations located in the second microtubule domain. These are the first studies of the effect of human mutations on circular RNA formation and translation. They show that point mutations influence circRNA expression levels, likely through changes in the secondary pre-mRNA structures. The effect of the mutations is surpassed by editing of the circular RNAs, leading to their translation. Thus, circular RNAs and their editing status should be considered when analyzing FTDP-17 mutations. Highlights 47/53 known FTDP-17 mutations are located in regions that could influence generation of circular RNAs from the MAPT geneCircular Tau RNAs are translated after adenosine to inosine RNA editing, most effectively caused by ADAR1-p150FTDP-17 mutations influence both circTau RNA and circTau protein expression levelsCircTau protein expression levels do not correlate with circTau RNA expression levelsCircTau proteins bind to eukaryotic initiation factor 4B, which is antagonized by FTDP-17 mutations in exon 10. Graphic Abstract
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Lutz MW, Chiba-Falek O. Bioinformatics pipeline to guide post-GWAS studies in Alzheimer's: A new catalogue of disease candidate short structural variants. Alzheimers Dement 2023; 19:4094-4109. [PMID: 37253165 PMCID: PMC10524333 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Short structural variants (SSVs), including insertions/deletions (indels), are common in the human genome and impact disease risk. The role of SSVs in late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) has been understudied. In this study, we developed a bioinformatics pipeline of SSVs within LOAD-genome-wide association study (GWAS) regions to prioritize regulatory SSVs based on the strength of their predicted effect on transcription factor (TF) binding sites. METHODS The pipeline utilized publicly available functional genomics data sources including candidate cis-regulatory elements (cCREs) from ENCODE and single-nucleus (sn)RNA-seq data from LOAD patient samples. RESULTS We catalogued 1581 SSVs in candidate cCREs in LOAD GWAS regions that disrupted 737 TF sites. That included SSVs that disrupted the binding of RUNX3, SPI1, and SMAD3, within the APOE-TOMM40, SPI1, and MS4A6A LOAD regions. CONCLUSIONS The pipeline developed here prioritized non-coding SSVs in cCREs and characterized their putative effects on TF binding. The approach integrates multiomics datasets for validation experiments using disease models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael W. Lutz
- Division of Translational Brain Sciences, Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Ornit Chiba-Falek
- Division of Translational Brain Sciences, Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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Fan J, Li Q, Liang J, Chen Z, Chen L, Lai J, Chen Q. Regulation of IFNβ expression: focusing on the role of its promoter and transcription regulators. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1158777. [PMID: 37396372 PMCID: PMC10309559 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1158777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
IFNβ is a single-copy gene without an intron. Under normal circumstances, it shows low or no expression in cells. It is upregulated only when the body needs it or is stimulated. Stimuli bind to the pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and pass via various signaling pathways to several basic transcriptional regulators, such as IRFs, NF-кB, and AP-1. Subsequently, the transcriptional regulators enter the nucleus and bind to regulatory elements of the IFNβ promoter. After various modifications, the position of the nucleosome is altered and the complex is assembled to activate the IFNβ expression. However, IFNβ regulation involves a complex network. For the study of immunity and diseases, it is important to understand how transcription factors bind to regulatory elements through specific forms, which elements in cells are involved in regulation, what regulation occurs during the assembly of enhancers and transcription complexes, and the possible regulatory mechanisms after transcription. Thus, this review focuses on the various regulatory mechanisms and elements involved in the activation of IFNβ expression. In addition, we discuss the impact of this regulation in biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiqiang Fan
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qiumei Li
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jiadi Liang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhirong Chen
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Linqin Chen
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Junzhong Lai
- The Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qi Chen
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
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Widjaya MA, Cheng YJ, Kuo YM, Liu CH, Cheng WC, Lee SD. Transcriptomic Analyses of Exercise Training in Alzheimer's Disease Cerebral Cortex. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 93:349-363. [PMID: 36970901 DOI: 10.3233/jad-221139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research reported exercise could reduce Alzheimer's disease (AD) symptoms in human and animals. However, the molecular mechanism of exercise training via transcriptomic analysis was unclear especially in AD in the cortex area. OBJECTIVE Investigate potential significant pathways in the cortex area that were affected by exercise during AD. METHODS RNA-seq analysis, differential expressed genes, functional enrichment analysis, and GSOAP clustering analysis were performed in the isolated cerebral cortex from eight 3xTg AD mice (12 weeks old) randomly and equally divided into control (AD) and exercise training (AD-EX) group. Swimming exercise training in AD-EX group was conducted 30 min/day for 1 month. RESULTS There were 412 genes significant differentially expressed in AD-EX group compared to AD group. Top 10 upregulated genes in AD-EX group against AD group mostly correlated with neuroinflammation, while top 10 downregulated genes mostly had connection with vascularization, membrane transport, learning memory, and chemokine signal. Pathway analysis revealed the upregulated interferon alpha beta signaling in AD-EX had association with cytokines delivery in microglia cells compared to AD and top 10 upregulated genes involved in interferon alpha beta were Usp18, Isg15, Mx1, Mx2, Stat1, Oas1a, and Irf9; The downregulated extracellular matrix organization in AD-EX had correlation with Aβ and neuron cells interaction and Vtn was one of the top 10 downregulated genes involved in this pathway. CONCLUSION Exercise training influenced 3xTg mice cortex through interferon alpha beta signaling upregulation and extracellular matrix organization downregulation based on transcriptomics analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Anekson Widjaya
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Jung Cheng
- Department of Physical Therapy, Graduate Institute of Rehabilitation Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Min Kuo
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hsin Liu
- Research Center for Cancer Biology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chung Cheng
- Research Center for Cancer Biology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program for Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, China Medical University and Academia Sinica, Taiwan
| | - Shin-Da Lee
- Department of Physical Therapy, Graduate Institute of Rehabilitation Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
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Vavougios GD, de Erausquin GA, Snyder HM. Type I interferon signaling in SARS-CoV-2 associated neurocognitive disorder (SAND): Mapping host-virus interactions to an etiopathogenesis. Front Neurol 2022; 13:1063298. [PMID: 36570454 PMCID: PMC9771386 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1063298] [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: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological, clinical, and radiological studies have provided insights into the phenomenology and biological basis of cognitive impairment in COVID-19 survivors. Furthermore, its association with biomarkers associated with neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration supports the notion that it is a distinct aspect of LongCOVID syndrome with specific underlying biology. Accounting for the latter, translational studies on SARS-CoV-2's interactions with its hosts have provided evidence on type I interferon dysregulation, which is seen in neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases. To date, studies attempting to describe this overlap have only described common mechanisms. In this manuscript, we attempt to propose a mechanistic model based on the host-virus interaction hypothesis. We discuss the molecular basis for a SARS-CoV-2-associated neurocognitive disorder (SAND) focusing on specific genes and pathways with potential mechanistic implications, several of which have been predicted by Vavougios and their research group. Furthermore, our hypothesis links translational evidence on interferon-responsive gene perturbations introduced by SARS-CoV-2 and known dysregulated pathways in dementia. Discussion emphasizes the crosstalk between central and peripheral immunity via danger-associated molecular patterns in inducing SAND's emergence in the absence of neuroinfection. Finally, we outline approaches to identifying targets that are both testable and druggable, and could serve in the design of future clinical and translational studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- George D. Vavougios
- Department of Neurology, University of Cyprus, Lefkosia, Cyprus,Department of Respiratory Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larisa, Greece,*Correspondence: George D. Vavougios ;
| | - Gabriel A. de Erausquin
- The Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer's and Neurodegenerative Diseases, UTHSA, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Heather M. Snyder
- Division of Medical and Scientific Relations, Alzheimer's Association, Chicago, IL, United States
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