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Parvizi T, Klotz S, Keritam O, Caliskan H, Imhof S, König T, Haider L, Traub‐Weidinger T, Wagner M, Brunet T, Brugger M, Zimprich A, Rath J, Stögmann E, Gelpi E, Cetin H. Clinical heterogeneity within the ALS-FTD spectrum in a family with a homozygous optineurin mutation. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2024; 11:1579-1589. [PMID: 38689506 PMCID: PMC11187959 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.52075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Mutations in the gene encoding for optineurin (OPTN) have been reported in the context of different neurodegenerative diseases including the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) spectrum. Based on single case reports, neuropathological data in OPTN mutation carriers have revealed transactive response DNA-binding protein 43 kDa (TDP-43) pathology, in addition to accumulations of tau and alpha-synuclein. Herein, we present two siblings from a consanguineous family with a homozygous frameshift mutation in the OPTN gene and different clinical presentations. METHODS Both affected siblings underwent (i) clinical, (ii) neurophysiological, (iii) neuropsychological, (iv) radiological, and (v) laboratory examinations, and (vi) whole-exome sequencing (WES). Postmortem histopathological examination was conducted in the index patient, who deceased at the age of 41. RESULTS The index patient developed rapidly progressing clinical features of upper and lower motor neuron dysfunction as well as apathy and cognitive deterioration at the age of 41. Autopsy revealed an ALS-FTLD pattern associated with prominent neuronal and oligodendroglial TDP-43 pathology, and an atypical limbic 4-repeat tau pathology reminiscent of argyrophilic grain disease. The brother of the index patient exhibited behavioral changes and mnestic deficits at the age of 38 and was diagnosed with behavioral FTD 5 years later, without any evidence of motor neuron dysfunction. WES revealed a homozygous frameshift mutation in the OPTN gene in both siblings (NM_001008212.2: c.1078_1079del; p.Lys360ValfsTer18). INTERPRETATION OPTN mutations can be associated with extensive TDP-43 pathology and limbic-predominant tauopathy and present with a heterogeneous clinical phenotype within the ALS-FTD spectrum within the same family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tandis Parvizi
- Department of NeurologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences and Mental HealthMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Sigrid Klotz
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences and Mental HealthMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of NeurologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Omar Keritam
- Department of NeurologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences and Mental HealthMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Haluk Caliskan
- Department of NeurologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Sophie Imhof
- Department of NeurologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences and Mental HealthMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Theresa König
- Department of NeurologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences and Mental HealthMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Lukas Haider
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image‐Guided TherapyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of NeuroinflammationUCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College LondonLondonUK
| | - Tatjana Traub‐Weidinger
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image‐Guided TherapyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Matias Wagner
- Institute of Neurogenomics, Helmholtz CentrumMunichGermany
- Institute of Human Genetics, Technical University MunichMunichGermany
| | - Theresa Brunet
- Institute of Human Genetics, Technical University MunichMunichGermany
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Developmental Medicine and Social Pediatrics, Dr. von Hauner's Children's HospitalUniversity of MunichMunichGermany
| | - Melanie Brugger
- Institute of Human Genetics, Technical University MunichMunichGermany
| | - Alexander Zimprich
- Department of NeurologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences and Mental HealthMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Jakob Rath
- Department of NeurologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences and Mental HealthMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Elisabeth Stögmann
- Department of NeurologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences and Mental HealthMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Ellen Gelpi
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences and Mental HealthMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of NeurologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Hakan Cetin
- Department of NeurologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences and Mental HealthMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
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D'Urso B, Weil R, Génin P. [Optineurin and mitochondrial dysfunction in neurodegeneration]. Med Sci (Paris) 2024; 40:167-175. [PMID: 38411425 DOI: 10.1051/medsci/2023220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Optineurin (OPTN) is a multifunctional protein playing a crucial role as a receptor in selective autophagy. OPTN gene mutations are linked to diseases such as normal-tension glaucoma and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Recognized as a critical receptor for mitophagy, OPTN is pivotal in selectively degrading damaged mitochondria. This process is essential to prevent their accumulation, the generation of reactive oxygen species, and the release of pro-apoptotic factors. Mitophagy's quality control is governed by the PINK1 kinase and the cytosolic ubiquitin ligase Parkin, whose mutations are associated with Parkinson's disease. This review highlights recent insights emphasizing OPTN's role in mitophagy and its potential involvement in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baptiste D'Urso
- CIMI-Paris, UPMC UMRS CR7 - Inserm U1135 - CNRS EMR8255, Faculté de médecine Sorbonne Université site Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France - Sorbonne Université, Faculté des sciences et ingénierie, Paris, France
| | - Robert Weil
- CIMI-Paris, UPMC UMRS CR7 - Inserm U1135 - CNRS EMR8255, Faculté de médecine Sorbonne Université site Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Génin
- CIMI-Paris, UPMC UMRS CR7 - Inserm U1135 - CNRS EMR8255, Faculté de médecine Sorbonne Université site Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
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Kacem I, Sghaier I, Peverelli S, Abida Y, Ben Brahim H, Ratti A, Nasri A, Ticozzi N, Silani V, Gouider R. Optineurin in patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis associated to atypical Parkinsonism in Tunisian population. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2024; 25:128-134. [PMID: 37904275 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2023.2273961] [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: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a heterogeneous disorder and the phenotypic variability goes far beyond the used clinical stratification parameter. Evidence has emerged that ALS may coexist with distinct neurodegenerative diseases in single cases. We aim to study the clinical features of two familial cases of ALS carriers of two distinct variants harbored in the Optineurin (OPTN) gene. We included definite familial ALS followed up in the Department of Neurology of Razi University Hospital, Tunisia, and selected according to Byrne criteria. Preliminary screening for the four main ALS genes (SOD1, C9ORF72, TARDBP, FUS) was conducted. Given the negative results, we proceeded to NGS target-re-sequencing with a custom panel including genes associated with ALS-FTD, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's diseases. Both families are carriers of two different OPTN variants and they present very different ALS clinical features. The first family comprises two siblings diagnosed with ALS and Corticobasal syndrome (ALS-CBS) at an early age of onset and carriers of OPTN p.E135X in the homozygous state. The proband for the second family was diagnosed with ALS at an early age of onset presenting as progressive muscular atrophy with rapid progression. Genetic analysis revealed the presence of the homozygous variant p.R520H. Our findings highlight the peculiarity of genetic Tunisian drift. Indeed, genes with a recessive mode of inheritance may explain part of ALS diversity in clinical features. Therefore, the screening of the OPTN gene is highly recommended among inbreeding populations such as the Tunisian one.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Kacem
- Neurology Department, LR18SP03, Razi University Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Clinical Investigation Center (CIC) "Neurosciences and Mental Health", Razi Universitary Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - I Sghaier
- Neurology Department, LR18SP03, Razi University Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Clinical Investigation Center (CIC) "Neurosciences and Mental Health", Razi Universitary Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - S Peverelli
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Y Abida
- Neurology Department, LR18SP03, Razi University Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Clinical Investigation Center (CIC) "Neurosciences and Mental Health", Razi Universitary Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - H Ben Brahim
- Neurology Department, LR18SP03, Razi University Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - A Ratti
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy, and
| | - A Nasri
- Neurology Department, LR18SP03, Razi University Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Clinical Investigation Center (CIC) "Neurosciences and Mental Health", Razi Universitary Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - N Ticozzi
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, "Dino Ferrari" Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - V Silani
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, "Dino Ferrari" Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - R Gouider
- Neurology Department, LR18SP03, Razi University Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Clinical Investigation Center (CIC) "Neurosciences and Mental Health", Razi Universitary Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
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Tan YJ, Yong ACW, Foo JN, Lian MM, Lim WK, Dominguez J, Fong ZH, Narasimhalu K, Chiew HJ, Ng KP, Ting SKS, Kandiah N, Ng ASL. C9orf72 expansions are the most common cause of genetic frontotemporal dementia in a Southeast Asian cohort. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2023; 10:568-578. [PMID: 36799407 PMCID: PMC10109321 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) encompasses a spectrum of neurodegenerative disorders, including behavioural variant FTD (bvFTD), semantic variant primary progressive aphasia (svPPA) and non-fluent variant PPA (nfvPPA). While a strong genetic component is implicated in FTD, genetic FTD in Asia is less frequently reported. We aimed to investigate the frequency of Southeast Asian FTD patients harbouring known genetic FTD variants. METHODS A total of 60 FTD-spectrum patients (25 familial and 35 sporadic) from Singapore and the Philippines were included. All underwent next-generation sequencing and repeat-primed PCR for C9orf72 expansion testing. Neurofilament light chain (NfL) levels were measured in a subset of patients. RESULTS Overall, 26.6% (16/60 cases) carried pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in a FTD-related gene, including: MAPT Gln351Arg (n = 1); GRN Cys92Ter (n = 1), Ser301Ter (n = 2), c.462 + 1G > C (n = 1); C9orf72 expansion (35-70 repeats; n = 8); TREM2 Arg47Cys (n = 1); and OPTN frameshift insertion (n = 2). Genetic mutations accounted for 48% (12/25) of patients with familial FTD, and 11.4% (4/35) of patients with sporadic FTD. C9orf72 repeat expansions were the most common genetic mutation (13.3%, 8/60), followed by GRN (6.7%, 4/60) variants. Within mutation carriers, plasma NfL was highest in a C9orf72 expansion carrier, and CSF NfL was highest in a GRN splice variant carrier. INTERPRETATION In our cohort, genetic mutations are present in one-quarter of FTD-spectrum cases, and up to half of those with family history. Our findings highlight the importance of wider implementation of genetic testing in FTD patients from Southeast Asia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Jayne Tan
- Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Alisa C W Yong
- Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jia Nee Foo
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.,Human Genetics, Genome Institute of Singapore, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Michelle M Lian
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Weng Khong Lim
- Singhealth Duke-NUS Institute of Precision Medicine, Singapore, Singapore.,Cancer & Stem Cell Biology Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Zhi Hui Fong
- Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kaavya Narasimhalu
- Singhealth Duke-NUS Institute of Precision Medicine, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hui Jin Chiew
- Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kok Pin Ng
- Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Simon K S Ting
- Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nagaendran Kandiah
- Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Adeline S L Ng
- Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.,Neuroscience and Behavioural Disorders Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
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Role of Mitophagy in Regulating Intestinal Oxidative Damage. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12020480. [PMID: 36830038 PMCID: PMC9952109 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12020480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The mitochondrion is also a major site for maintaining redox homeostasis between reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and scavenging. The quantity, quality, and functional integrity of mitochondria are crucial for regulating intracellular homeostasis and maintaining the normal physiological function of cells. The role of oxidative stress in human disease is well established, particularly in inflammatory bowel disease and gastrointestinal mucosal diseases. Oxidative stress could result from an imbalance between ROS and the antioxidative system. Mitochondria are both the main sites of production and the main target of ROS. It is a vicious cycle in which initial ROS-induced mitochondrial damage enhanced ROS production that, in turn, leads to further mitochondrial damage and eventually massive intestinal cell death. Oxidative damage can be significantly mitigated by mitophagy, which clears damaged mitochondria. In this review, we aimed to review the molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of mitophagy and oxidative stress and their relationship in some intestinal diseases. We believe the reviews can provide new ideas and a scientific basis for researching antioxidants and preventing diseases related to oxidative damage.
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6
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Rossi G, Salvi E, Mehmeti E, Ricci M, Villa C, Prioni S, Moda F, Di Fede G, Tiraboschi P, Redaelli V, Coppola C, Koch G, Canu E, Filippi M, Agosta F, Giaccone G, Caroppo P. Semantic and right temporal variant of FTD: Next generation sequencing genetic analysis on a single-center cohort. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:1085406. [PMID: 36570531 PMCID: PMC9773257 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.1085406] [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: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Semantic and right temporal variant of frontotemporal dementia (svFTD and rtvFTD) are rare clinical phenotypes in which, in most cases, the underlying pathology is TDP-43 proteinopathy. They are usually sporadic disorders, but recent evidences suggest a higher frequency of genetic mutations for the right temporal versus the semantic variant. However, the genetic basis of these forms is not clear. In this study we performed a genetic screening of a single-center cohort of svFTD and rtvFTD patients, aiming at identifying the associated genetic variants. A panel of 73 dementia candidate genes has been analyzed by NGS target sequencing including both causal and risk/modifier genes in 23 patients (15 svFTD and 8 rtvFTD) and 73 healthy age-matched controls. We first performed a single variant analysis considering rare variants and then a gene-based aggregation analysis to evaluate the cumulative effects of multiple rare variants in a single gene. We found 12 variants in nearly 40% of patients (9/23), described as pathogenic or classified as VUS/likely pathogenic. The overall rate was higher in svFTD than in rtvFTD. Three mutations were located in MAPT gene and single mutations in the following genes: SQSTM1, VCP, PSEN1, TBK1, OPTN, CHCHD10, PRKN, DCTN1. Our study revealed the presence of variants in genes involved in pathways relevant for the pathology, especially autophagy and inflammation. We suggest that molecular analysis should be performed in all svFTD and rtvFTD patients, to better understand the genotype-phenotype correlation and the pathogenetic mechanisms that could drive the clinical phenotypes in FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomina Rossi
- Neurology V and Neuropathology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy,*Correspondence: Giacomina Rossi,
| | - Erika Salvi
- Neuroalgology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Elkadia Mehmeti
- Neuroalgology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Martina Ricci
- Neurology V and Neuropathology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Villa
- Neurology V and Neuropathology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Prioni
- Clinical Neuropsychology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Moda
- Neurology V and Neuropathology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Di Fede
- Neurology V and Neuropathology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Pietro Tiraboschi
- Neurology V and Neuropathology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Veronica Redaelli
- Neurology V and Neuropathology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Cinzia Coppola
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Giacomo Koch
- Non Invasive Brain Stimulation Unit/Department of Behavioral and Clinical Neurology, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Canu
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Filippi
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy,Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy,Unit of Neurorehabilitation, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy,Neurophysiology Service, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Agosta
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy,Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgio Giaccone
- Neurology V and Neuropathology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Caroppo
- Neurology V and Neuropathology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
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Regulating Phase Transition in Neurodegenerative Diseases by Nuclear Import Receptors. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11071009. [PMID: 36101390 PMCID: PMC9311884 DOI: 10.3390/biology11071009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) with a low-complexity prion-like domain (PLD) can undergo aberrant phase transitions and have been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS and FTD. Several nuclear RBPs mislocalize to cytoplasmic inclusions in disease conditions. Impairment in nucleocytoplasmic transport is another major event observed in ageing and in neurodegenerative disorders. Nuclear import receptors (NIRs) regulate the nucleocytoplasmic transport of different RBPs bearing a nuclear localization signal by restoring their nuclear localization. NIRs can also specifically dissolve or prevent the aggregation and liquid–liquid phase separation of wild-type or disease-linked mutant RBPs, due to their chaperoning activity. This review focuses on the LLPS of intrinsically disordered proteins and the role of NIRs in regulating LLPS in neurodegeneration. This review also discusses the implication of NIRs as therapeutic agents in neurogenerative diseases.
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