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Okekenwa S, Tsai M, Dooley P, Wang B, Comassio P, Moreira J, Kriefall N, Martin S, Morfini G, Brady S, Song Y. Divergent Molecular Pathways for Toxicity of Selected Mutant C9ORF72-derived Dipeptide Repeats. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.09.28.558663. [PMID: 37808871 PMCID: PMC10557653 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.28.558663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Expansion of a hexanucleotide repeat in a noncoding region of the C9ORF72 gene is responsible for a significant fraction of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) cases, but mechanisms linking mutant gene products to neuronal toxicity remain debatable. Pathogenesis was proposed to involve the production of toxic RNA species and/or accumulation of toxic dipeptide repeats (DPRs) but distinguishing between these mechanisms has been challenging. In this study, we first use complementary model systems for analyzing pathogenesis in adult-onset neurodegenerative diseases to characterize the pathogenicity of DPRs produced by Repeat Associated Non-ATG translation of C9ORF72 in specific cellular compartments: isolated axoplasm and giant synapse from the squid. Results showed selective axonal and presynaptic toxicity of GP-DPRs, independent of associated RNA. These effects involved a MAPK signaling pathway that affects fast axonal transport and synaptic function, a pathogenic mechanism shared with other mutant proteins associated with familial ALS, like SOD1 and FUS. In primary cultured neurons, GP but not other DPRs promote the "dying-back" axonopathy seen in ALS. Interestingly, GR- and PR-DPRs, which had no effect on axonal transport or synaptic transmission, were found to disrupt the nuclear membrane, promoting "dying-forward" neuropathy. All C9-DPR-mediated toxic effects observed in these studies are independent of whether the corresponding mRNAs contained hexanucleotide repeats or alternative codons. Finally, C9ORF72 human tissues confirmed a close association between GP and active P38 in degenerating motor neurons as well as GR-associated nuclear damage in the cortex. Collectively, our studies establish compartment-specific toxic effects of C9-DPRs associated with degeneration, suggesting that two independent pathogenic mechanisms may contribute to disease heterogeneity and/or synergize on disease progression in C9ORF72 patients with ALS and/or FTD symptoms.
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2
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Buchan JR. Stress granule and P-body clearance: Seeking coherence in acts of disappearance. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2024; 159-160:10-26. [PMID: 38278052 PMCID: PMC10939798 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2024.01.002] [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: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Stress granules and P-bodies are conserved cytoplasmic biomolecular condensates whose assembly and composition are well documented, but whose clearance mechanisms remain controversial or poorly described. Such understanding could provide new insight into how cells regulate biomolecular condensate formation and function, and identify therapeutic strategies in disease states where aberrant persistence of stress granules in particular is implicated. Here, I review and compare the contributions of chaperones, the cytoskeleton, post-translational modifications, RNA helicases, granulophagy and the proteasome to stress granule and P-body clearance. Additionally, I highlight the potentially vital role of RNA regulation, cellular energy, and changes in the interaction networks of stress granules and P-bodies as means of eliciting clearance. Finally, I discuss evidence for interplay of distinct clearance mechanisms, suggest future experimental directions, and suggest a simple working model of stress granule clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Ross Buchan
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson 85716, United States.
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3
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Sellier C, Corcia P, Vourc'h P, Dupuis L. C9ORF72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion: From ALS and FTD to a broader pathogenic role? Rev Neurol (Paris) 2024; 180:417-428. [PMID: 38609750 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2024.03.008] [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: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
The major gene underlying monogenic forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and fronto-temporal dementia (FTD) is C9ORF72. The causative mutation in C9ORF72 is an abnormal hexanucleotide (G4C2) repeat expansion (HRE) located in the first intron of the gene. The aim of this review is to propose a comprehensive update on recent developments on clinical, biological and therapeutics aspects related to C9ORF72 in order to highlight the current understanding of genotype-phenotype correlations, and also on biological machinery leading to neuronal death. We will particularly focus on the broad phenotypic presentation of C9ORF72-related diseases, that goes well beyond the classical phenotypes observed in ALS and FTD patients. Last, we will comment the possible therapeutical hopes for patients carrying a C9ORF72 HRE.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Sellier
- Centre de recherches en biomédecine de Strasbourg, UMR-S1329, Inserm, université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - P Corcia
- UMR 1253 iBrain, Inserm, université de Tours, Tours, France; Centre constitutif de coordination SLA, CHU de Bretonneau, 2, boulevard Tonnelle, 37044 Tours cedex 1, France
| | - P Vourc'h
- UMR 1253 iBrain, Inserm, université de Tours, Tours, France; Service de biochimie et biologie moléculaire, CHU de Tours, Tours, France
| | - L Dupuis
- Centre de recherches en biomédecine de Strasbourg, UMR-S1329, Inserm, université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.
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4
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Jagaraj CJ, Shadfar S, Kashani SA, Saravanabavan S, Farzana F, Atkin JD. Molecular hallmarks of ageing in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:111. [PMID: 38430277 PMCID: PMC10908642 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05164-9] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal, severely debilitating and rapidly progressing disorder affecting motor neurons in the brain, brainstem, and spinal cord. Unfortunately, there are few effective treatments, thus there remains a critical need to find novel interventions that can mitigate against its effects. Whilst the aetiology of ALS remains unclear, ageing is the major risk factor. Ageing is a slowly progressive process marked by functional decline of an organism over its lifespan. However, it remains unclear how ageing promotes the risk of ALS. At the molecular and cellular level there are specific hallmarks characteristic of normal ageing. These hallmarks are highly inter-related and overlap significantly with each other. Moreover, whilst ageing is a normal process, there are striking similarities at the molecular level between these factors and neurodegeneration in ALS. Nine ageing hallmarks were originally proposed: genomic instability, loss of telomeres, senescence, epigenetic modifications, dysregulated nutrient sensing, loss of proteostasis, mitochondrial dysfunction, stem cell exhaustion, and altered inter-cellular communication. However, these were recently (2023) expanded to include dysregulation of autophagy, inflammation and dysbiosis. Hence, given the latest updates to these hallmarks, and their close association to disease processes in ALS, a new examination of their relationship to pathophysiology is warranted. In this review, we describe possible mechanisms by which normal ageing impacts on neurodegenerative mechanisms implicated in ALS, and new therapeutic interventions that may arise from this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyril Jones Jagaraj
- MND Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, 75 Talavera Road, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Sina Shadfar
- MND Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, 75 Talavera Road, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Sara Assar Kashani
- MND Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, 75 Talavera Road, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Sayanthooran Saravanabavan
- MND Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, 75 Talavera Road, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Fabiha Farzana
- MND Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, 75 Talavera Road, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Julie D Atkin
- MND Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, 75 Talavera Road, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia.
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia.
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5
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Zhang Y, Nelson SCK, Viera Ortiz AP, Lee EB, Fairman R. C9orf72 proline-arginine dipeptide repeats disrupt the proteasome and perturb proteolytic activities. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2023; 82:901-910. [PMID: 37791472 PMCID: PMC10587997 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlad078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The hexanucleotide G4C2 repeat expansion in C9orf72 is the most frequent genetic cause of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Aberrant translation of this hexanucleotide sequence leads to production of 5 dipeptide repeats (DPRs). One of these DPRs is proline-arginine (polyPR), which is found in C9orf72-expanded ALS (C9ALS) patient brain tissue and is neurotoxic across multiple model systems. PolyPR was previously reported to bind and impair proteasomes in vitro. Nevertheless, the clinical relevance of the polyPR-proteasome interaction and its functional consequences in vivo are yet to be established. Here, we aim to confirm and functionally characterize polyPR-induced impairment of proteolysis in C9ALS patient tissue and an in vivo model system. Confocal microscopy and immunofluorescence studies on both human and Drosophila melanogaster brain tissues revealed sequestration of proteasomes by polyPR into inclusion-like bodies. Co-immunoprecipitation in D. melanogaster showed that polyPR strongly binds to the proteasome. In vivo, functional evidence for proteasome impairment is further shown by the accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins along with lysosomal accumulation and hyper-acidification, which can be rescued by a small-molecule proteasomal enhancer. Together, we provide the first clinical report of polyPR-proteasome interactions and offer in vivo evidence proposing polyPR-induced proteolytic dysfunction as a pathogenic mechanism in C9ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Zhang
- Department of Biology, Haverford College, Haverford, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sophia C K Nelson
- Department of Biology, Haverford College, Haverford, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ashley P Viera Ortiz
- Translational Neuropathology Research Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 613A Stellar Chance Laboratories, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Edward B Lee
- Translational Neuropathology Research Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 613A Stellar Chance Laboratories, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Robert Fairman
- Department of Biology, Haverford College, Haverford, Pennsylvania, USA
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6
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Morón-Oset J, Fischer LK, Carcolé M, Giblin A, Zhang P, Isaacs AM, Grönke S, Partridge L. Toxicity of C9orf72-associated dipeptide repeat peptides is modified by commonly used protein tags. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202201739. [PMID: 37308278 PMCID: PMC10262077 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Hexanucleotide repeat expansions in the C9orf72 gene are the most prevalent genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. Transcripts of the expansions are translated into toxic dipeptide repeat (DPR) proteins. Most preclinical studies in cell and animal models have used protein-tagged polyDPR constructs to investigate DPR toxicity but the effects of tags on DPR toxicity have not been systematically explored. Here, we used Drosophila to assess the influence of protein tags on DPR toxicity. Tagging of 36 but not 100 arginine-rich DPRs with mCherry increased toxicity, whereas adding mCherry or GFP to GA100 completely abolished toxicity. FLAG tagging also reduced GA100 toxicity but less than the longer fluorescent tags. Expression of untagged but not GFP- or mCherry-tagged GA100 caused DNA damage and increased p62 levels. Fluorescent tags also affected GA100 stability and degradation. In summary, protein tags affect DPR toxicity in a tag- and DPR-dependent manner, and GA toxicity might be underestimated in studies using tagged GA proteins. Thus, including untagged DPRs as controls is important when assessing DPR toxicity in preclinical models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mireia Carcolé
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Ashling Giblin
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, Institute of Healthy Ageing, University College London, London, UK
| | - Pingze Zhang
- Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Cologne, Germany
| | - Adrian M Isaacs
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | | | - Linda Partridge
- Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, Institute of Healthy Ageing, University College London, London, UK
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7
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Zhou W, Xu R. Current insights in the molecular genetic pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1189470. [PMID: 37638324 PMCID: PMC10448825 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1189470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease that leads to the massive loss of motor neurons in cerebrum, brain stem and spinal cord. It affects not only motor neurons but also other neurons and glial cells, resulting in the progressive muscle atrophy, the severe disability and the eventual death due to the respiratory failure. The pathogenesis of ALS is not fully understood. Currently, several factors are considered to be involved in the pathogenesis of ALS, such as genetic factors, imbalances in protein homeostasis, RNA metabolism disorders, mitochondrial dysfunctions, glutamate-mediated excitatory toxicities and intra-neuronal material transport disorders in neurons. The study of genetic mutations related to ALS pathogenesis will link the molecular and cellular mechanisms of the disease, thus enhancing the understanding of its occurrence and progression, thereby providing new insights for the pathogenesis of ALS. This review summarizes the current insights in the molecular genetic pathogenesis of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan Zhou
- Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, The Clinical College of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, China
| | - Renshi Xu
- Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, The Clinical College of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, China
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8
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Banerjee P, Mehta AR, Nirujogi RS, Cooper J, James OG, Nanda J, Longden J, Burr K, McDade K, Salzinger A, Paza E, Newton J, Story D, Pal S, Smith C, Alessi DR, Selvaraj BT, Priller J, Chandran S. Cell-autonomous immune dysfunction driven by disrupted autophagy in C9orf72-ALS iPSC-derived microglia contributes to neurodegeneration. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eabq0651. [PMID: 37083530 PMCID: PMC10121169 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abq0651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Although microglial activation is widely found in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), the underlying mechanism(s) are poorly understood. Here, using human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived microglia-like cells (hiPSC-MG) harboring the most common ALS/FTD mutation (C9orf72, mC9-MG), gene-corrected isogenic controls (isoC9-MG), and C9orf72 knockout hiPSC-MG (C9KO-MG), we show that reduced C9ORF72 protein is associated with impaired phagocytosis and an exaggerated immune response upon stimulation with lipopolysaccharide. Analysis of the C9ORF72 interactome revealed that C9ORF72 interacts with regulators of autophagy and functional studies showed impaired initiation of autophagy in mC9-MG and C9KO-MG. Coculture studies with motor neurons (MNs) demonstrated that the autophagy deficit in mC9-MG drives increased vulnerability of mC9-MNs to excitotoxic stimulus. Pharmacological activation of autophagy ameliorated both cell-autonomous functional deficits in hiPSC-MG and MN death in MG-MN coculture. Together, these findings reveal an important role for C9ORF72 in regulating immune homeostasis and identify dysregulation in myeloid cells as a contributor to neurodegeneration in ALS/FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poulomi Banerjee
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Arpan R. Mehta
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Raja S. Nirujogi
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - James Cooper
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Owen G. James
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Jyoti Nanda
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - James Longden
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Karen Burr
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Karina McDade
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Edinburgh Brain Bank, Academic Department of Neuropathology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Edinburgh Pathology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Andrea Salzinger
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Evdokia Paza
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Judith Newton
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - David Story
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Suvankar Pal
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Colin Smith
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Edinburgh Brain Bank, Academic Department of Neuropathology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Edinburgh Pathology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Dario R. Alessi
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Bhuvaneish T. Selvaraj
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Josef Priller
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy; School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675 Munich, Germany
- Neuropsychiatry, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin and DZNE, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Siddharthan Chandran
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
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9
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Merjane J, Chung R, Patani R, Lisowski L. Molecular mechanisms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis as broad therapeutic targets for gene therapy applications utilizing adeno-associated viral vectors. Med Res Rev 2023. [PMID: 36786126 DOI: 10.1002/med.21937] [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: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Despite the devastating clinical outcome of the neurodegenerative disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), its etiology remains mysterious. Approximately 90% of ALS is characterized as sporadic, signifying that the patient has no family history of the disease. The development of an impactful disease modifying therapy across the ALS spectrum has remained out of grasp, largely due to the poorly understood mechanisms of disease onset and progression. Currently, ALS is invariably fatal and rapidly progressive. It is hypothesized that multiple factors can lead to the development of ALS, however, treatments are often focused on targeting specific familial forms of the disease (10% of total cases). There is a strong need to develop disease modifying treatments for ALS that can be effective across the full ALS spectrum of familial and sporadic cases. Although the onset of disease varies significantly between patients, there are general disease mechanisms and progressions that can be seen broadly across ALS patients. Therefore, this review explores the targeting of these widespread disease mechanisms as possible areas for therapeutic intervention to treat ALS broadly. In particular, this review will focus on targeting mechanisms of defective protein homeostasis and RNA processing, which are both increasingly recognized as design principles of ALS pathogenesis. Additionally, this review will explore the benefits of gene therapy as an approach to treating ALS, specifically focusing on the use of adeno-associated virus (AAV) as a vector for gene delivery to the CNS and recent advances in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Merjane
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Roger Chung
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rickie Patani
- Department of Neuromuscular Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK.,The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Leszek Lisowski
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.,Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Innovative Therapies, Military Institute of Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
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10
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Zhong B, Shu HB. MITA/STING-mediated antiviral immunity and autoimmunity: the evolution, mechanism, and intervention. Curr Opin Immunol 2022; 78:102248. [PMID: 36193584 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2022.102248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Mediator of IRF3 activation (MITA, also known as stimulator of interferon genes (STING) and endoplasmic reticulum interferon stimulator (ERIS)) is an ER-associated protein that senses cellular and bacterium-derived cyclic dinucleotide (CDN), leading to induction of type-I interferons (IFNs) and innate immune responses against viruses and bacteria. Recently, it has become clear that sensing of CDN and induction of autophagy are two evolutionarily conserved functions of MITA, predating its role in mediating type-I IFN induction. Studies have shown that MITA-mediated signaling promotes a number of autoimmune disorders caused by gene mutations in human. Here, we summarize the most recent progress on MITA-mediated signaling in a view of evolution and highlight the roles of MITA in human inflammatory disorders caused by gene mutations and in genetically modified mouse models. We also briefly introduce the chemicals targeting MITA and discuss their potential in treatment of MITA-mediated inflammatory diseases. Finally, we propose several key questions that should be addressed for targeting MITA for treatment of related autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zhong
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Research Unit of Innate Immune and Inflammatory Diseases, Wuhan Research Center for Infectious Diseases and Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China.
| | - Hong-Bing Shu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Research Unit of Innate Immune and Inflammatory Diseases, Wuhan Research Center for Infectious Diseases and Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China.
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11
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Scarian E, Fiamingo G, Diamanti L, Palmieri I, Gagliardi S, Pansarasa O. The Role of VCP Mutations in the Spectrum of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis-Frontotemporal Dementia. Front Neurol 2022; 13:841394. [PMID: 35273561 PMCID: PMC8902152 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.841394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) are two neurological diseases which, respectively, and primarily affect motor neurons and frontotemporal lobes. Although they can lead to different signs and symptoms, it is now evident that these two pathologies form a continuum and that hallmarks of both diseases can be present within the same person in the so-called ALS-FTD spectrum. Many studies have focused on the genetic overlap of these pathologies and it is now clear that different genes, such as C9orf72, TARDBP, SQSTM1, FUS, and p97/VCP can be mutated in both the diseases. VCP was one of the first genes associated with both FTD and ALS representing an early example of gene overlapping. VCP belongs to the type II AAA (ATPases Associated with diverse cellular activities) family and is involved in ubiquitinated proteins degradation, autophagy, lysosomal clearance and mitochondrial quality control. Since its numerous roles, mutations in this gene lead to different pathological features, first and foremost TDP-43 mislocalization. This review aims to outline recent findings on VCP roles and on how its mutations are linked to the neuropathology of ALS and FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eveljn Scarian
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Cellular Models and Neuroepigenetics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fiamingo
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Luca Diamanti
- Neuroncology Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Ilaria Palmieri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Neurogenetics Research Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stella Gagliardi
- Molecular Biology and Transcriptomics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Orietta Pansarasa
- Cellular Models and Neuroepigenetics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
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12
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De Marco G, Lomartire A, Manera U, Canosa A, Grassano M, Casale F, Fuda G, Salamone P, Rinaudo MT, Colombatto S, Moglia C, Chiò A, Calvo A. Effects of intracellular calcium accumulation on proteins encoded by the major genes underlying amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Sci Rep 2022; 12:395. [PMID: 35013445 PMCID: PMC8748718 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-04267-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The aetiology of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is still poorly understood. The discovery of genetic forms of ALS pointed out the mechanisms underlying this pathology, but also showed how complex these mechanisms are. Excitotoxicity is strongly suspected to play a role in ALS pathogenesis. Excitotoxicity is defined as neuron damage due to excessive intake of calcium ions (Ca2+) by the cell. This study aims to find a relationship between the proteins coded by the most relevant genes associated with ALS and intracellular Ca2+ accumulation. In detail, the profile of eight proteins (TDP-43, C9orf72, p62/sequestosome-1, matrin-3, VCP, FUS, SOD1 and profilin-1), was analysed in three different cell types induced to raise their cytoplasmic amount of Ca2+. Intracellular Ca2+ accumulation causes a decrease in the levels of TDP-43, C9orf72, matrin3, VCP, FUS, SOD1 and profilin-1 and an increase in those of p62/sequestosome-1. These events are associated with the proteolytic action of two proteases, calpains and caspases, as well as with the activation of autophagy. Interestingly, Ca2+ appears to both favour and hinder autophagy. Understanding how and why calpain-mediated proteolysis and autophagy, which are physiological processes, become pathological may elucidate the mechanisms responsible for ALS and help discover new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni De Marco
- Department of Neuroscience, ALS Centre, "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy. .,Neurology Unit 1, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy.
| | - Annarosa Lomartire
- Department of Neuroscience, ALS Centre, "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Umberto Manera
- Department of Neuroscience, ALS Centre, "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Antonio Canosa
- Department of Neuroscience, ALS Centre, "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy.,Neurology Unit 1, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Maurizio Grassano
- Department of Neuroscience, ALS Centre, "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Federico Casale
- Department of Neuroscience, ALS Centre, "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fuda
- Department of Neuroscience, ALS Centre, "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Paolina Salamone
- Department of Neuroscience, ALS Centre, "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy.,Neurology Unit 1, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Rinaudo
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, via Michelangelo 27/b, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Colombatto
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, via Michelangelo 27/b, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Cristina Moglia
- Department of Neuroscience, ALS Centre, "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy.,Neurology Unit 1, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Adriano Chiò
- Department of Neuroscience, ALS Centre, "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy.,Neurology Unit 1, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy.,Neuroscience Institute of Turin (NIT), Via Verdi, 8, 10124, Turin, Italy.,Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, C.N.R., Via S. Martino della Battaglia, 44, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Calvo
- Department of Neuroscience, ALS Centre, "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy.,Neurology Unit 1, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy.,Neuroscience Institute of Turin (NIT), Via Verdi, 8, 10124, Turin, Italy
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13
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Torres P, Cabral-Miranda F, Gonzalez-Teuber V, Hetz C. Proteostasis deregulation as a driver of C9ORF72 pathogenesis. J Neurochem 2021; 159:941-957. [PMID: 34679204 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are two related neurodegenerative disorders that display overlapping features. The hexanucleotide repeat expansion GGGGCC (G4 C2 ) in C9ORF72 gene has been causally linked to both ALS and FTD emergence, thus opening a novel potential therapeutic target for disease intervention. The main driver of C9ORF72 pathology is the disruption of distinct cellular processes involved in the function of the proteostasis network. Here we discuss main findings relating to the induction of neurodegeneration by C9ORF72 mutation and proteostasis deregulation, highlighting the role of the endoplasmic reticulum stress, nuclear transport, and autophagy in the disease process. We further discuss possible points of intervention to target proteostasis mediators to treat C9ORF72-linked ALS/FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Torres
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.,FONDAP Center for Geroscience, Brain Health, and Metabolism (GERO), Santiago, Chile.,Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Felipe Cabral-Miranda
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Vicente Gonzalez-Teuber
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.,FONDAP Center for Geroscience, Brain Health, and Metabolism (GERO), Santiago, Chile.,Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudio Hetz
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.,FONDAP Center for Geroscience, Brain Health, and Metabolism (GERO), Santiago, Chile.,Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, California, USA
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14
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Varuzhanyan G, Ladinsky MS, Yamashita SI, Abe M, Sakimura K, Kanki T, Chan DC. Fis1 ablation in the male germline disrupts mitochondrial morphology and mitophagy, and arrests spermatid maturation. Development 2021; 148:271183. [PMID: 34355730 PMCID: PMC8380467 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Male germline development involves choreographed changes to mitochondrial number, morphology and organization. Mitochondrial reorganization during spermatogenesis was recently shown to require mitochondrial fusion and fission. Mitophagy, the autophagic degradation of mitochondria, is another mechanism for controlling mitochondrial number and physiology, but its role during spermatogenesis is largely unknown. During post-meiotic spermatid development, restructuring of the mitochondrial network results in packing of mitochondria into a tight array in the sperm midpiece to fuel motility. Here, we show that disruption of mouse Fis1 in the male germline results in early spermatid arrest that is associated with increased mitochondrial content. Mutant spermatids coalesce into multinucleated giant cells that accumulate mitochondria of aberrant ultrastructure and numerous mitophagic and autophagic intermediates, suggesting a defect in mitophagy. We conclude that Fis1 regulates mitochondrial morphology and turnover to promote spermatid maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grigor Varuzhanyan
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena CA 91125, USA
| | - Mark S Ladinsky
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena CA 91125, USA
| | - Shun-Ichi Yamashita
- Department of Cellular Physiology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Manabu Abe
- Department of Animal Model Development, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8585, Japan
| | - Kenji Sakimura
- Department of Animal Model Development, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8585, Japan
| | - Tomotake Kanki
- Department of Cellular Physiology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - David C Chan
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena CA 91125, USA
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15
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Lall D, Lorenzini I, Mota TA, Bell S, Mahan TE, Ulrich JD, Davtyan H, Rexach JE, Muhammad AKMG, Shelest O, Landeros J, Vazquez M, Kim J, Ghaffari L, O'Rourke JG, Geschwind DH, Blurton-Jones M, Holtzman DM, Sattler R, Baloh RH. C9orf72 deficiency promotes microglial-mediated synaptic loss in aging and amyloid accumulation. Neuron 2021; 109:2275-2291.e8. [PMID: 34133945 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2021.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
C9orf72 repeat expansions cause inherited amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)/frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and result in both loss of C9orf72 protein expression and production of potentially toxic RNA and dipeptide repeat proteins. In addition to ALS/FTD, C9orf72 repeat expansions have been reported in a broad array of neurodegenerative syndromes, including Alzheimer's disease. Here we show that C9orf72 deficiency promotes a change in the homeostatic signature in microglia and a transition to an inflammatory state characterized by an enhanced type I IFN signature. Furthermore, C9orf72-depleted microglia trigger age-dependent neuronal defects, in particular enhanced cortical synaptic pruning, leading to altered learning and memory behaviors in mice. Interestingly, C9orf72-deficient microglia promote enhanced synapse loss and neuronal deficits in a mouse model of amyloid accumulation while paradoxically improving plaque clearance. These findings suggest that altered microglial function due to decreased C9orf72 expression directly contributes to neurodegeneration in repeat expansion carriers independent of gain-of-function toxicities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepti Lall
- Center for Neural Science and Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Ileana Lorenzini
- Department of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, 350 W. Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA
| | - Thomas A Mota
- Center for Neural Science and Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Shaughn Bell
- Center for Neural Science and Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Thomas E Mahan
- Department of Neurology, Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Knight Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Jason D Ulrich
- Department of Neurology, Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Knight Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Hayk Davtyan
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, 3200 Gross Hall, 845 Health Sciences Road, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Jessica E Rexach
- Program in Neurogenetics, Department of Neurology, Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - A K M Ghulam Muhammad
- Center for Neural Science and Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Oksana Shelest
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Jesse Landeros
- Center for Neural Science and Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Michael Vazquez
- Center for Neural Science and Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Junwon Kim
- Department of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, 350 W. Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA
| | - Layla Ghaffari
- Department of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, 350 W. Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA
| | - Jacqueline Gire O'Rourke
- Center for Neural Science and Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Daniel H Geschwind
- Program in Neurogenetics, Department of Neurology, Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Mathew Blurton-Jones
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, 3200 Gross Hall, 845 Health Sciences Road, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - David M Holtzman
- Department of Neurology, Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Knight Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Rita Sattler
- Department of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, 350 W. Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA.
| | - Robert H Baloh
- Center for Neural Science and Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; Department of Neurology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.
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16
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Smeyers J, Banchi EG, Latouche M. C9ORF72: What It Is, What It Does, and Why It Matters. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:661447. [PMID: 34025358 PMCID: PMC8131521 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.661447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
When the non-coding repeat expansion in the C9ORF72 gene was discovered to be the most frequent cause of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2011, this gene and its derived protein, C9ORF72, were completely unknown. The mutation appeared to produce both haploinsufficiency and gain-of-function effects in the form of aggregating expanded RNAs and dipeptide repeat proteins (DPRs). An unprecedented effort was then unleashed to decipher the pathogenic mechanisms and the functions of C9ORF72 in order to design therapies. A decade later, while the toxicity of accumulating gain-of-function products has been established and therapeutic strategies are being developed to target it, the contribution of the loss of function starts to appear more clearly. This article reviews the current knowledge about the C9ORF72 protein, how it is affected by the repeat expansion in models and patients, and what could be the contribution of its haploinsufficiency to the disease in light of the most recent findings. We suggest that these elements should be taken into consideration to refine future therapeutic strategies, compensating for the decrease of C9ORF72 or at least preventing a further reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Smeyers
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau - Paris Brain Institute - ICM, Inserm, CNRS, APHP, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, DMU Neuroscience 6, Paris, France
- PSL Research university, EPHE, Neurogenetics team, Paris, France
| | - Elena-Gaia Banchi
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau - Paris Brain Institute - ICM, Inserm, CNRS, APHP, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, DMU Neuroscience 6, Paris, France
| | - Morwena Latouche
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau - Paris Brain Institute - ICM, Inserm, CNRS, APHP, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, DMU Neuroscience 6, Paris, France
- PSL Research university, EPHE, Neurogenetics team, Paris, France
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17
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Pattamatta A, Nguyen L, Olafson HR, Scotti MM, Laboissonniere LA, Richardson J, Berglund JA, Zu T, Wang ET, Ranum LPW. Repeat length increases disease penetrance and severity in C9orf72 ALS/FTD BAC transgenic mice. Hum Mol Genet 2020; 29:3900-3918. [PMID: 33378537 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddaa279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
C9orf72 ALS/FTD patients show remarkable clinical heterogeneity, but the complex biology of the repeat expansion mutation has limited our understanding of the disease. BAC transgenic mice were used to better understand the molecular mechanisms and repeat length effects of C9orf72 ALS/FTD. Genetic analyses of these mice demonstrate that the BAC transgene and not integration site effects cause ALS/FTD phenotypes. Transcriptomic changes in cell proliferation, inflammation and neuronal pathways are found late in disease and alternative splicing changes provide early molecular markers that worsen with disease progression. Isogenic sublines of mice with 800, 500 or 50 G4C2 repeats generated from the single-copy C9-500 line show longer repeats result in earlier onset, increased disease penetrance and increased levels of RNA foci and dipeptide RAN protein aggregates. These data demonstrate G4C2 repeat length is an important driver of disease and identify alternative splicing changes as early biomarkers of C9orf72 ALS/FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrutha Pattamatta
- Center for NeuroGenetics, Colllege of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.,Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Colllege of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.,University of Florida Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Lien Nguyen
- Center for NeuroGenetics, Colllege of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.,Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Colllege of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.,University of Florida Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Hailey R Olafson
- Center for NeuroGenetics, Colllege of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.,Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Colllege of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.,University of Florida Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Marina M Scotti
- Center for NeuroGenetics, Colllege of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.,Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Colllege of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.,University of Florida Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Lauren A Laboissonniere
- Center for NeuroGenetics, Colllege of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.,Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Colllege of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.,University of Florida Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Jared Richardson
- Center for NeuroGenetics, Colllege of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.,University of Florida Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.,McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - J Andrew Berglund
- Center for NeuroGenetics, Colllege of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Colllege of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.,RNA Institute and Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Tao Zu
- Center for NeuroGenetics, Colllege of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.,Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Colllege of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.,University of Florida Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Eric T Wang
- Center for NeuroGenetics, Colllege of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.,Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Colllege of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.,University of Florida Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.,McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Laura P W Ranum
- Center for NeuroGenetics, Colllege of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.,Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Colllege of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.,University of Florida Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.,McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.,Fixel Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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18
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Pathogenic Genome Signatures That Damage Motor Neurons in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Cells 2020; 9:cells9122687. [PMID: 33333804 PMCID: PMC7765192 DOI: 10.3390/cells9122687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most frequent motor neuron disease and a neurodegenerative disorder, affecting the upper and/or lower motor neurons. Notably, it invariably leads to death within a few years of onset. Although most ALS cases are sporadic, familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (fALS) forms 10% of the cases. In 1993, the first causative gene (SOD1) of fALS was identified. With rapid advances in genetics, over fifty potentially causative or disease-modifying genes have been found in ALS so far. Accordingly, routine diagnostic tests should encompass the oldest and most frequently mutated ALS genes as well as several new important genetic variants in ALS. Herein, we discuss current literatures on the four newly identified ALS-associated genes (CYLD, S1R, GLT8D1, and KIF5A) and the previously well-known ALS genes including SOD1, TARDBP, FUS, and C9orf72. Moreover, we review the pathogenic implications and disease mechanisms of these genes. Elucidation of the cellular and molecular functions of the mutated genes will bring substantial insights for the development of therapeutic approaches to treat ALS.
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19
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Braems E, Swinnen B, Van Den Bosch L. C9orf72 loss-of-function: a trivial, stand-alone or additive mechanism in C9 ALS/FTD? Acta Neuropathol 2020; 140:625-643. [PMID: 32876811 PMCID: PMC7547039 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-020-02214-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
A repeat expansion in C9orf72 is responsible for the characteristic neurodegeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in a still unresolved manner. Proposed mechanisms involve gain-of-functions, comprising RNA and protein toxicity, and loss-of-function of the C9orf72 gene. Their exact contribution is still inconclusive and reports regarding loss-of-function are rather inconsistent. Here, we review the function of the C9orf72 protein and its relevance in disease. We explore the potential link between reduced C9orf72 levels and disease phenotypes in postmortem, in vitro, and in vivo models. Moreover, the significance of loss-of-function in other non-coding repeat expansion diseases is used to clarify its contribution in C9orf72 ALS/FTD. In conclusion, with evidence pointing to a multiple-hit model, loss-of-function on itself seems to be insufficient to cause neurodegeneration in C9orf72 ALS/FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elke Braems
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven-University of Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Experimental Neurology, Center for Brain and Disease Research, VIB, Campus Gasthuisberg, O&N4, Herestraat 49, PB 602, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bart Swinnen
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven-University of Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Experimental Neurology, Center for Brain and Disease Research, VIB, Campus Gasthuisberg, O&N4, Herestraat 49, PB 602, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ludo Van Den Bosch
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven-University of Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Experimental Neurology, Center for Brain and Disease Research, VIB, Campus Gasthuisberg, O&N4, Herestraat 49, PB 602, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
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20
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Floare ML, Allen SP. Why TDP-43? Why Not? Mechanisms of Metabolic Dysfunction in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Neurosci Insights 2020; 15:2633105520957302. [PMID: 32995749 PMCID: PMC7503004 DOI: 10.1177/2633105520957302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disorder for which there is no effective curative treatment available and minimal palliative care. Mutations in the gene encoding the TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) are a well-recognized genetic cause of ALS, and an imbalance in energy homeostasis correlates closely to disease susceptibility and progression. Considering previous research supporting a plethora of downstream cellular impairments originating in the histopathological signature of TDP-43, and the solid evidence around metabolic dysfunction in ALS, a causal association between TDP-43 pathology and metabolic dysfunction cannot be ruled out. Here we discuss how TDP-43 contributes on a molecular level to these impairments in energy homeostasis, and whether the protein's pathological effects on cellular metabolism differ from those of other genetic risk factors associated with ALS such as superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9orf72) and fused in sarcoma (FUS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara-Luciana Floare
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Scott P. Allen
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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21
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McCauley ME, O'Rourke JG, Yáñez A, Markman JL, Ho R, Wang X, Chen S, Lall D, Jin M, Muhammad AKMG, Bell S, Landeros J, Valencia V, Harms M, Arditi M, Jefferies C, Baloh RH. C9orf72 in myeloid cells suppresses STING-induced inflammation. Nature 2020; 585:96-101. [PMID: 32814898 PMCID: PMC7484469 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-020-2625-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are neurodegenerative disorders that overlap in their clinical presentation, pathology and genetic origin. Autoimmune disorders are also overrepresented in both ALS and FTD, but this remains an unexplained epidemiologic observation1-3. Expansions of a hexanucleotide repeat (GGGGCC) in the C9orf72 gene are the most common cause of familial ALS and FTD (C9-ALS/FTD), and lead to both repeat-containing RNA and dipeptide accumulation, coupled with decreased C9orf72 protein expression in brain and peripheral blood cells4-6. Here we show in mice that loss of C9orf72 from myeloid cells alone is sufficient to recapitulate the age-dependent lymphoid hypertrophy and autoinflammation seen in animals with a complete knockout of C9orf72. Dendritic cells isolated from C9orf72-/- mice show marked early activation of the type I interferon response, and C9orf72-/- myeloid cells are selectively hyperresponsive to activators of the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) protein-a key regulator of the innate immune response to cytosolic DNA. Degradation of STING through the autolysosomal pathway is diminished in C9orf72-/- myeloid cells, and blocking STING suppresses hyperactive type I interferon responses in C9orf72-/- immune cells as well as splenomegaly and inflammation in C9orf72-/- mice. Moreover, mice lacking one or both copies of C9orf72 are more susceptible to experimental autoimmune encephalitis, mirroring the susceptibility to autoimmune diseases seen in people with C9-ALS/FTD. Finally, blood-derived macrophages, whole blood and brain tissue from patients with C9-ALS/FTD all show an elevated type I interferon signature compared with samples from people with sporadic ALS/FTD; this increased interferon response can be suppressed with a STING inhibitor. Collectively, our results suggest that patients with C9-ALS/FTD have an altered immunophenotype because their reduced levels of C9orf72 cannot suppress the inflammation mediated by the induction of type I interferons by STING.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madelyn E McCauley
- Center for Neural Science and Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jacqueline Gire O'Rourke
- Center for Neural Science and Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Alberto Yáñez
- Departament de Microbiologia i Ecologia, Universitat de València, Burjassot, Spain.,Estructura de Recerca Interdisciplinar en Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat de València, Burjassot, Spain
| | - Janet L Markman
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ritchie Ho
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Xinchen Wang
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shuang Chen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Deepti Lall
- Center for Neural Science and Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mengyao Jin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - A K M G Muhammad
- Center for Neural Science and Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Shaughn Bell
- Center for Neural Science and Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jesse Landeros
- Center for Neural Science and Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Viviana Valencia
- Center for Neural Science and Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Matthew Harms
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Moshe Arditi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Caroline Jefferies
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Robert H Baloh
- Center for Neural Science and Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA. .,Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA. .,Department of Neurology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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22
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Polymenidou M. A Gut Feeling about C9ORF72. Trends Immunol 2020; 41:755-757. [PMID: 32800706 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2020.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
C9ORF72 mutations are the most common genetic cause of ALS and FTD, leading to neurodegeneration via complex mechanisms. Mutations also lead to loss of C9ORF72 function and inflammatory diseases in patients and knockout mice. Burberry et al. now show that C9orf72-associated inflammation and premature death in mice are directly modified by the gut microbiome.
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23
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Ligon C, Seong E, Schroeder EJ, DeKorver NW, Yuan L, Chaudoin TR, Cai Y, Buch S, Bonasera SJ, Arikkath J. δ-Catenin engages the autophagy pathway to sculpt the developing dendritic arbor. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:10988-11001. [PMID: 32554807 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.013058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of the dendritic arbor in pyramidal neurons is critical for neural circuit function. Here, we uncovered a pathway in which δ-catenin, a component of the cadherin-catenin cell adhesion complex, promotes coordination of growth among individual dendrites and engages the autophagy mechanism to sculpt the developing dendritic arbor. Using a rat primary neuron model, time-lapse imaging, immunohistochemistry, and confocal microscopy, we found that apical and basolateral dendrites are coordinately sculpted during development. Loss or knockdown of δ-catenin uncoupled this coordination, leading to retraction of the apical dendrite without altering basolateral dendrite dynamics. Autophagy is a key cellular pathway that allows degradation of cellular components. We observed that the impairment of the dendritic arbor resulting from δ-catenin knockdown could be reversed by knockdown of autophagy-related 7 (ATG7), a component of the autophagy machinery. We propose that δ-catenin regulates the dendritic arbor by coordinating the dynamics of individual dendrites and that the autophagy mechanism may be leveraged by δ-catenin and other effectors to sculpt the developing dendritic arbor. Our findings have implications for the management of neurological disorders, such as autism and intellectual disability, that are characterized by dendritic aberrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl Ligon
- Developmental Neuroscience, Munroe-Meyer Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Eunju Seong
- Developmental Neuroscience, Munroe-Meyer Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Ethan J Schroeder
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Nicholas W DeKorver
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Li Yuan
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Tammy R Chaudoin
- Division of Geriatrics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Yu Cai
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Shilpa Buch
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Stephen J Bonasera
- Division of Geriatrics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Jyothi Arikkath
- Department of Anatomy, Howard University, Washington, D. C., USA
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24
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Burberry A, Wells MF, Limone F, Couto A, Smith KS, Keaney J, Gillet G, van Gastel N, Wang JY, Pietilainen O, Qian M, Eggan P, Cantrell C, Mok J, Kadiu I, Scadden DT, Eggan K. C9orf72 suppresses systemic and neural inflammation induced by gut bacteria. Nature 2020; 582:89-94. [PMID: 32483373 PMCID: PMC7416879 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-020-2288-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
A hexanucleotide-repeat expansion in C9ORF72 is the most common genetic variant that contributes to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia1,2. The C9ORF72 mutation acts through gain- and loss-of-function mechanisms to induce pathways that are implicated in neural degeneration3-9. The expansion is transcribed into a long repetitive RNA, which negatively sequesters RNA-binding proteins5 before its non-canonical translation into neural-toxic dipeptide proteins3,4. The failure of RNA polymerase to read through the mutation also reduces the abundance of the endogenous C9ORF72 gene product, which functions in endolysosomal pathways and suppresses systemic and neural inflammation6-9. Notably, the effects of the repeat expansion act with incomplete penetrance in families with a high prevalence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or frontotemporal dementia, indicating that either genetic or environmental factors modify the risk of disease for each individual. Identifying disease modifiers is of considerable translational interest, as it could suggest strategies to diminish the risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or frontotemporal dementia, or to slow progression. Here we report that an environment with reduced abundance of immune-stimulating bacteria10,11 protects C9orf72-mutant mice from premature mortality and significantly ameliorates their underlying systemic inflammation and autoimmunity. Consistent with C9orf72 functioning to prevent microbiota from inducing a pathological inflammatory response, we found that reducing the microbial burden in mutant mice with broad spectrum antibiotics-as well as transplanting gut microflora from a protective environment-attenuated inflammatory phenotypes, even after their onset. Our studies provide further evidence that the microbial composition of our gut has an important role in brain health and can interact in surprising ways with well-known genetic risk factors for disorders of the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Burberry
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Michael F Wells
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Francesco Limone
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Hubrecht Institute for Developmental Biology and Stem Cell Research, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander Couto
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Kevin S Smith
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - James Keaney
- Neuroscience Therapeutic Area, New Medicines, UCB Biopharma SPRL, Braine-l'Alleud, Belgium
| | - Gaëlle Gillet
- Neuroscience Therapeutic Area, New Medicines, UCB Biopharma SPRL, Braine-l'Alleud, Belgium
| | - Nick van Gastel
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jin-Yuan Wang
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Olli Pietilainen
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Menglu Qian
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Pierce Eggan
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Christopher Cantrell
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Joanie Mok
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Irena Kadiu
- Neuroscience Therapeutic Area, New Medicines, UCB Biopharma SPRL, Braine-l'Alleud, Belgium
| | - David T Scadden
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kevin Eggan
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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25
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Lanznaster D, Veyrat-Durebex C, Vourc’h P, Andres CR, Blasco H, Corcia P. Metabolomics: A Tool to Understand the Impact of Genetic Mutations in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11050537. [PMID: 32403313 PMCID: PMC7288444 DOI: 10.3390/genes11050537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolomics studies performed in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) reveal a set of distinct metabolites that can shed light on the pathological alterations taking place in each individual. Metabolites levels are influenced by disease status, and genetics play an important role both in familial and sporadic ALS cases. Metabolomics analysis helps to unravel the differential impact of the most common ALS-linked genetic mutations (as C9ORF72, SOD1, TARDBP, and FUS) in specific signaling pathways. Further, studies performed in genetic models of ALS reinforce the role of TDP-43 pathology in the vast majority of ALS cases. Studies performed in differentiated cells from ALS-iPSC (induced Pluripotent Stem Cells) reveal alterations in the cell metabolism that are also found in ALS models and ultimately in ALS patients. The development of metabolomics approaches in iPSC derived from ALS patients allow addressing and ultimately understanding the pathological mechanisms taking place in any patient. Lately, the creation of a "patient in a dish" will help to identify patients that may benefit from specific treatments and allow the implementation of personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Débora Lanznaster
- UMR 1253, iBrain, University of Tours, Inserm, 37000 Tours, France; (C.V.-D.); (P.V.); (C.R.A.); (H.B.); (P.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Charlotte Veyrat-Durebex
- UMR 1253, iBrain, University of Tours, Inserm, 37000 Tours, France; (C.V.-D.); (P.V.); (C.R.A.); (H.B.); (P.C.)
- CHU de Tours, Service de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, 37000 Tours, France
| | - Patrick Vourc’h
- UMR 1253, iBrain, University of Tours, Inserm, 37000 Tours, France; (C.V.-D.); (P.V.); (C.R.A.); (H.B.); (P.C.)
- CHU de Tours, Service de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, 37000 Tours, France
| | - Christian R. Andres
- UMR 1253, iBrain, University of Tours, Inserm, 37000 Tours, France; (C.V.-D.); (P.V.); (C.R.A.); (H.B.); (P.C.)
- CHU de Tours, Service de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, 37000 Tours, France
| | - Hélène Blasco
- UMR 1253, iBrain, University of Tours, Inserm, 37000 Tours, France; (C.V.-D.); (P.V.); (C.R.A.); (H.B.); (P.C.)
- CHU de Tours, Service de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, 37000 Tours, France
| | - Philippe Corcia
- UMR 1253, iBrain, University of Tours, Inserm, 37000 Tours, France; (C.V.-D.); (P.V.); (C.R.A.); (H.B.); (P.C.)
- CHU de Tours, Service de Neurologie, 37000 Tours, France
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26
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Zhu Q, Jiang J, Gendron TF, McAlonis-Downes M, Jiang L, Taylor A, Diaz Garcia S, Ghosh Dastidar S, Rodriguez MJ, King P, Zhang Y, La Spada AR, Xu H, Petrucelli L, Ravits J, Da Cruz S, Lagier-Tourenne C, Cleveland DW. Reduced C9ORF72 function exacerbates gain of toxicity from ALS/FTD-causing repeat expansion in C9orf72. Nat Neurosci 2020; 23:615-624. [PMID: 32284607 PMCID: PMC7384305 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-020-0619-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hexanucleotide expansions in C9orf72, which encodes a predicted guanine exchange factor, are the most frequent genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Although repeat expansion has been established to generate toxic products, mRNAs encoding the C9ORF72 protein are also reduced in affected individuals. In this study, we tested how C9ORF72 protein levels affected repeat-mediated toxicity. In somatic transgenic mice expressing 66 GGGGCC repeats, inactivation of one or both endogenous C9orf72 alleles provoked or accelerated, respectively, early death. In mice expressing a C9orf72 transgene with 450 repeats that did not encode the C9ORF72 protein, inactivation of one or both endogenous C9orf72 alleles exacerbated cognitive deficits, hippocampal neuron loss, glial activation and accumulation of dipeptide-repeat proteins from translation of repeat-containing RNAs. Reduced C9ORF72 was shown to suppress repeat-mediated elevation in autophagy. These efforts support a disease mechanism in ALS/FTD resulting from reduced C9ORF72, which can lead to autophagy deficits, synergizing with repeat-dependent gain of toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Zhu
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jie Jiang
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Tania F Gendron
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Melissa McAlonis-Downes
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Lulin Jiang
- Neuroscience Initiative, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Amy Taylor
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Sandra Diaz Garcia
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Somasish Ghosh Dastidar
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Molecular Neuroscience; Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Maria J Rodriguez
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Patrick King
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Yongjie Zhang
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Albert R La Spada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Departments of Neurology, Neurobiology, and Cell Biology, Duke Center for Neurodegeneration and Neurotherapeutics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Huaxi Xu
- Neuroscience Initiative, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - John Ravits
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Sandrine Da Cruz
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Clotilde Lagier-Tourenne
- Department of Neurology, The Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS at Mass General, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Broad Institute of Harvard University and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Don W Cleveland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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27
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Autophagy in motor neuron diseases. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2020; 172:157-202. [PMID: 32620242 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2020.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Motor neuron diseases (MNDs) are a wide group of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by the degeneration of a specific neuronal type located in the central nervous system, the motor neuron (MN). There are two main types of MNs, spinal and cortical MNs and depending on the type of MND, one or both types are affected. Cortical MNs innervate spinal MNs and these control a variety of cellular targets, being skeletal muscle their main one which is also affected in MNDs. A correct functionality of autophagy is necessary for the survival of all cellular types and it is particularly crucial for neurons, given their postmitotic and highly specialized nature. Numerous studies have identified alterations of autophagy activity in multiple MNDs. The scientific community has been particularly prolific in reporting the role that autophagy plays in the most common adult MND, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, although many studies have started to identify physiological and pathological functions of this catabolic system in other MNDs, such as spinal muscular atrophy and spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy. The degradation of selective cargo by autophagy and how this process is altered upon the presence of MND-causing mutations is currently also a matter of intense investigation, particularly regarding the selective autophagic clearance of mitochondria. Thorough reviews on this field have been recently published. This chapter will cover the current knowledge on the functionality of autophagy and lysosomal homeostasis in the main MNDs and other autophagy-related topics in the MND field that have risen special interest in the research community.
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28
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Vicencio E, Beltrán S, Labrador L, Manque P, Nassif M, Woehlbier U. Implications of Selective Autophagy Dysfunction for ALS Pathology. Cells 2020; 9:cells9020381. [PMID: 32046060 PMCID: PMC7072226 DOI: 10.3390/cells9020381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a lethal neurodegenerative disorder that progressively affects motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. Due to the biological complexity of the disease, its etiology remains unknown. Several cellular mechanisms involved in the neurodegenerative process in ALS have been found, including the loss of RNA and protein homeostasis, as well as mitochondrial dysfunction. Insoluble protein aggregates, damaged mitochondria, and stress granules, which contain RNA and protein components, are recognized and degraded by the autophagy machinery in a process known as selective autophagy. Autophagy is a highly dynamic process whose dysregulation has now been associated with neurodegenerative diseases, including ALS, by numerous studies. In ALS, the autophagy process has been found deregulated in both familial and sporadic cases of the disease. Likewise, mutations in genes coding for proteins involved in the autophagy machinery have been reported in ALS patients, including selective autophagy receptors. In this review, we focus on the role of selective autophagy in ALS pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiliano Vicencio
- Center for Integrative Biology, Faculty of Science, Universidad Mayor, Camino la Piramide 5750, Huechuraba 8580745, Santiago, Chile; (E.V.); (S.B.); (L.L.); (P.M.)
| | - Sebastián Beltrán
- Center for Integrative Biology, Faculty of Science, Universidad Mayor, Camino la Piramide 5750, Huechuraba 8580745, Santiago, Chile; (E.V.); (S.B.); (L.L.); (P.M.)
| | - Luis Labrador
- Center for Integrative Biology, Faculty of Science, Universidad Mayor, Camino la Piramide 5750, Huechuraba 8580745, Santiago, Chile; (E.V.); (S.B.); (L.L.); (P.M.)
| | - Patricio Manque
- Center for Integrative Biology, Faculty of Science, Universidad Mayor, Camino la Piramide 5750, Huechuraba 8580745, Santiago, Chile; (E.V.); (S.B.); (L.L.); (P.M.)
- Center for Genomics and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Science, Universidad Mayor, Camino la Piramide 5750, Huechuraba 8580745, Santiago, Chile
| | - Melissa Nassif
- Center for Integrative Biology, Faculty of Science, Universidad Mayor, Camino la Piramide 5750, Huechuraba 8580745, Santiago, Chile; (E.V.); (S.B.); (L.L.); (P.M.)
- Escuela de Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Mayor, Camino la Piramide 5750, Huechuraba 8580745, Santiago, Chile
- Correspondence: (U.W.); (M.N.)
| | - Ute Woehlbier
- Center for Integrative Biology, Faculty of Science, Universidad Mayor, Camino la Piramide 5750, Huechuraba 8580745, Santiago, Chile; (E.V.); (S.B.); (L.L.); (P.M.)
- Escuela de Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Mayor, Camino la Piramide 5750, Huechuraba 8580745, Santiago, Chile
- Correspondence: (U.W.); (M.N.)
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Djajadikerta A, Keshri S, Pavel M, Prestil R, Ryan L, Rubinsztein DC. Autophagy Induction as a Therapeutic Strategy for Neurodegenerative Diseases. J Mol Biol 2019; 432:2799-2821. [PMID: 31887286 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2019.12.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Autophagy is a major, conserved cellular pathway by which cells deliver cytoplasmic contents to lysosomes for degradation. Genetic studies have revealed extensive links between autophagy and neurodegenerative disease, and disruptions to autophagy may contribute to pathology in some cases. Autophagy degrades many of the toxic, aggregate-prone proteins responsible for such diseases, including mutant huntingtin (mHTT), alpha-synuclein (α-syn), tau, and others, raising the possibility that autophagy upregulation may help to reduce levels of toxic protein species, and thereby alleviate disease. This review examines autophagy induction as a potential therapy in several neurodegenerative diseases-Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, polyglutamine diseases, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Evidence in cells and in vivo demonstrates promising results in many disease models, in which autophagy upregulation is able to reduce the levels of toxic proteins, ameliorate signs of disease, and delay disease progression. However, the effective therapeutic use of autophagy induction requires detailed knowledge of how the disease affects the autophagy-lysosome pathway, as activating autophagy when the pathway cannot go to completion (e.g., when lysosomal degradation is impaired) may instead exacerbate disease in some cases. Investigating the interactions between autophagy and disease pathogenesis is thus a critical area for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvin Djajadikerta
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR), University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR), University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Swati Keshri
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR), University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR), University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mariana Pavel
- Department of Immunology, "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, 700115, Romania
| | - Ryan Prestil
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR), University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR), University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Laura Ryan
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR), University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR), University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - David C Rubinsztein
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR), University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR), University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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30
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Mejzini R, Flynn LL, Pitout IL, Fletcher S, Wilton SD, Akkari PA. ALS Genetics, Mechanisms, and Therapeutics: Where Are We Now? Front Neurosci 2019; 13:1310. [PMID: 31866818 PMCID: PMC6909825 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.01310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 435] [Impact Index Per Article: 87.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The scientific landscape surrounding amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) continues to shift as the number of genes associated with the disease risk and pathogenesis, and the cellular processes involved, continues to grow. Despite decades of intense research and over 50 potentially causative or disease-modifying genes identified, etiology remains unexplained and treatment options remain limited for the majority of ALS patients. Various factors have contributed to the slow progress in understanding and developing therapeutics for this disease. Here, we review the genetic basis of ALS, highlighting factors that have contributed to the elusiveness of genetic heritability. The most commonly mutated ALS-linked genes are reviewed with an emphasis on disease-causing mechanisms. The cellular processes involved in ALS pathogenesis are discussed, with evidence implicating their involvement in ALS summarized. Past and present therapeutic strategies and the benefits and limitations of the model systems available to ALS researchers are discussed with future directions for research that may lead to effective treatment strategies outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Mejzini
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
- The Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Loren L. Flynn
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
- The Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, Australia
- Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Ianthe L. Pitout
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
- The Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, Australia
- Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Sue Fletcher
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
- The Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, Australia
- Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Steve D. Wilton
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
- The Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, Australia
- Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - P. Anthony Akkari
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
- The Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, Australia
- Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
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31
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Biological Functions of Autophagy Genes: A Disease Perspective. Cell 2019; 176:11-42. [PMID: 30633901 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2018.09.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1661] [Impact Index Per Article: 332.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2018] [Revised: 09/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The lysosomal degradation pathway of autophagy plays a fundamental role in cellular, tissue, and organismal homeostasis and is mediated by evolutionarily conserved autophagy-related (ATG) genes. Definitive etiological links exist between mutations in genes that control autophagy and human disease, especially neurodegenerative, inflammatory disorders and cancer. Autophagy selectively targets dysfunctional organelles, intracellular microbes, and pathogenic proteins, and deficiencies in these processes may lead to disease. Moreover, ATG genes have diverse physiologically important roles in other membrane-trafficking and signaling pathways. This Review discusses the biological functions of autophagy genes from the perspective of understanding-and potentially reversing-the pathophysiology of human disease and aging.
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32
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Cali CP, Patino M, Tai YK, Ho WY, McLean CA, Morris CM, Seeley WW, Miller BL, Gaig C, Vonsattel JPG, White CL, Roeber S, Kretzschmar H, Troncoso JC, Troakes C, Gearing M, Ghetti B, Van Deerlin VM, Lee VMY, Trojanowski JQ, Mok KY, Ling H, Dickson DW, Schellenberg GD, Ling SC, Lee EB. C9orf72 intermediate repeats are associated with corticobasal degeneration, increased C9orf72 expression and disruption of autophagy. Acta Neuropathol 2019; 138:795-811. [PMID: 31327044 PMCID: PMC6802287 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-019-02045-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Microsatellite repeat expansion disease loci can exhibit pleiotropic clinical and biological effects depending on repeat length. Large expansions in C9orf72 (100s-1000s of units) are the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal degeneration (FTD). However, whether intermediate expansions also contribute to neurodegenerative disease is not well understood. Several studies have identified intermediate repeats in Parkinson's disease patients, but the association was not found in autopsy-confirmed cases. We hypothesized that intermediate C9orf72 repeats are a genetic risk factor for corticobasal degeneration (CBD), a neurodegenerative disease that can be clinically similar to Parkinson's but has distinct tau protein pathology. Indeed, intermediate C9orf72 repeats were significantly enriched in autopsy-proven CBD (n = 354 cases, odds ratio = 3.59, p = 0.00024). While large C9orf72 repeat expansions are known to decrease C9orf72 expression, intermediate C9orf72 repeats result in increased C9orf72 expression in human brain tissue and CRISPR/cas9 knockin iPSC-derived neural progenitor cells. In contrast to cases of FTD/ALS with large C9orf72 expansions, CBD with intermediate C9orf72 repeats was not associated with pathologic RNA foci or dipeptide repeat protein aggregates. Knock-in cells with intermediate repeats exhibit numerous changes in gene expression pathways relating to vesicle trafficking and autophagy. Additionally, overexpression of C9orf72 without the repeat expansion leads to defects in autophagy under nutrient starvation conditions. These results raise the possibility that therapeutic strategies to reduce C9orf72 expression may be beneficial for the treatment of CBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher P Cali
- Translational Neuropathology Research Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 613A Stellar Chance Laboratories, 422 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Maribel Patino
- Translational Neuropathology Research Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 613A Stellar Chance Laboratories, 422 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Yee Kit Tai
- Department of Physiology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wan Yun Ho
- Department of Physiology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Catriona A McLean
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Alfred Health and Victorian Brain Bank, Florey Neurosciences, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Christopher M Morris
- Newcastle Brain Tissue Resource, Edwardson Building, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 5PL, UK
| | - William W Seeley
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Bruce L Miller
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Carles Gaig
- Universitat de Barcelona Hospital Clínic and Banc de Teixits Neurològics, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Charles L White
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Sigrun Roeber
- Institute for Neuropathology and Prion Research and Brain Net Germany, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Hans Kretzschmar
- Institute for Neuropathology and Prion Research and Brain Net Germany, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Juan C Troncoso
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Claire Troakes
- London Neurodegenerative Diseases Brain Bank, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Marla Gearing
- Department of Pathology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Bernardino Ghetti
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Vivianna M Van Deerlin
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Virginia M-Y Lee
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - John Q Trojanowski
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kin Y Mok
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, University College London Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience and Molecular Neuroscience Center, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Helen Ling
- Reta Lila Weston Institute of Neurological Studies, University College London Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | | | - Gerard D Schellenberg
- Penn Neurodegeneration Genomics Center, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Shuo-Chien Ling
- Department of Physiology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Edward B Lee
- Translational Neuropathology Research Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 613A Stellar Chance Laboratories, 422 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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Effect of Mutations in SOD1 and C9orf72 Genes on Autophagy in Lymphomonocytes in Myotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Bull Exp Biol Med 2019; 167:667-670. [PMID: 31625064 DOI: 10.1007/s10517-019-04595-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Insoluble protein inclusions accumulate in somatic cells in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The most common gene mutations associated with this pathology are SOD1 and C9orf72. Protein aggregates can be removed from cells by autophagy. We studied the relationship between the presence of genetic abnormalities in the SOD1 and C9orf72 genes and changes in autophagy in lymphomonocytes in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The study included 85 patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and 15 healthy volunteers. Genetic analysis for the presence of mutations in the SOD1 and C9orf72 genes and detection of autophagy marker LC3 in lymphomonocytes were performed. In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, autophagy activation in lymphomonocytes was found. We also obtained evidence that protein product of the mutant C9orf72 gene can disturb the late stages of autophagy.
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34
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Zhang J, Zhang K, Qi L, Hu Q, Shen Z, Liu B, Deng J, Zhang C, Zhang Y. DENN domain-containing protein FAM45A regulates the homeostasis of late/multivesicular endosomes. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2019; 1866:916-929. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2019.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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35
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Hor CHH, Tang BL. Beta-propeller protein-associated neurodegeneration (BPAN) as a genetically simple model of multifaceted neuropathology resulting from defects in autophagy. Rev Neurosci 2019; 30:261-277. [DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2018-0045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AbstractAutophagy is an essential and conserved cellular homeostatic process. Defects in the core and accessory components of the autophagic machinery would most severely impact terminally differentiated cells, such as neurons. The neurodevelopmental/neurodegenerative disorder β-propeller protein-associated neurodegeneration (BPAN) resulted from heterozygous or hemizygous germline mutations/pathogenic variant of the X chromosome geneWDR45, encoding WD40 repeat protein interacting with phosphoinositides 4 (WIPI4). This most recently identified subtype of the spectrum of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation diseases is characterized by a biphasic mode of disease manifestation and progression. The first phase involves early-onset of epileptic seizures, global developmental delay, intellectual disability and autistic syndrome. Subsequently, Parkinsonism and dystonia, as well as dementia, emerge in a subacute manner in adolescence or early adulthood. BPAN disease phenotypes are thus complex and linked to a wide range of other neuropathological disorders. WIPI4/WDR45 has an essential role in autophagy, acting as a phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate binding effector that participates in autophagosome biogenesis and size control. Here, we discuss recent updates on WIPI4’s mechanistic role in autophagy and link the neuropathological manifestations of BPAN’s biphasic infantile onset (epilepsy, autism) and adolescent onset (dystonic, Parkinsonism, dementia) phenotypes to neurological consequences of autophagy impairment that are now known or emerging in many other neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. As monogenicWDR45mutations in BPAN result in a large spectrum of disease phenotypes that stem from autophagic dysfunctions, it could potentially serve as a simple and unique genetic model to investigate disease pathology and therapeutics for a wider range of neuropathological conditions with autophagy defects.
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36
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Beltran S, Nassif M, Vicencio E, Arcos J, Labrador L, Cortes BI, Cortez C, Bergmann CA, Espinoza S, Hernandez MF, Matamala JM, Bargsted L, Matus S, Rojas-Rivera D, Bertrand MJM, Medinas DB, Hetz C, Manque PA, Woehlbier U. Network approach identifies Pacer as an autophagy protein involved in ALS pathogenesis. Mol Neurodegener 2019; 14:14. [PMID: 30917850 PMCID: PMC6437924 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-019-0313-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a multifactorial fatal motoneuron disease without a cure. Ten percent of ALS cases can be pointed to a clear genetic cause, while the remaining 90% is classified as sporadic. Our study was aimed to uncover new connections within the ALS network through a bioinformatic approach, by which we identified C13orf18, recently named Pacer, as a new component of the autophagic machinery and potentially involved in ALS pathogenesis. METHODS Initially, we identified Pacer using a network-based bioinformatic analysis. Expression of Pacer was then investigated in vivo using spinal cord tissue from two ALS mouse models (SOD1G93A and TDP43A315T) and sporadic ALS patients. Mechanistic studies were performed in cell culture using the mouse motoneuron cell line NSC34. Loss of function of Pacer was achieved by knockdown using short-hairpin constructs. The effect of Pacer repression was investigated in the context of autophagy, SOD1 aggregation, and neuronal death. RESULTS Using an unbiased network-based approach, we integrated all available ALS data to identify new functional interactions involved in ALS pathogenesis. We found that Pacer associates to an ALS-specific subnetwork composed of components of the autophagy pathway, one of the main cellular processes affected in the disease. Interestingly, we found that Pacer levels are significantly reduced in spinal cord tissue from sporadic ALS patients and in tissues from two ALS mouse models. In vitro, Pacer deficiency lead to impaired autophagy and accumulation of ALS-associated protein aggregates, which correlated with the induction of cell death. CONCLUSIONS This study, therefore, identifies Pacer as a new regulator of proteostasis associated with ALS pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Beltran
- Center for Integrative Biology, Faculty of Science, Universidad Mayor, Camino la Piramide 5750, P.O.BOX 70086, Santiago, Chile.,Center for Genomics and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Science, Universidad Mayor, Camino la Piramide, 5750, Santiago, Chile
| | - M Nassif
- Center for Integrative Biology, Faculty of Science, Universidad Mayor, Camino la Piramide 5750, P.O.BOX 70086, Santiago, Chile.,Center for Genomics and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Science, Universidad Mayor, Camino la Piramide, 5750, Santiago, Chile
| | - E Vicencio
- Center for Integrative Biology, Faculty of Science, Universidad Mayor, Camino la Piramide 5750, P.O.BOX 70086, Santiago, Chile.,Center for Genomics and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Science, Universidad Mayor, Camino la Piramide, 5750, Santiago, Chile
| | - J Arcos
- Center for Integrative Biology, Faculty of Science, Universidad Mayor, Camino la Piramide 5750, P.O.BOX 70086, Santiago, Chile.,Center for Genomics and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Science, Universidad Mayor, Camino la Piramide, 5750, Santiago, Chile
| | - L Labrador
- Center for Integrative Biology, Faculty of Science, Universidad Mayor, Camino la Piramide 5750, P.O.BOX 70086, Santiago, Chile.,Center for Genomics and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Science, Universidad Mayor, Camino la Piramide, 5750, Santiago, Chile
| | - B I Cortes
- Center for Integrative Biology, Faculty of Science, Universidad Mayor, Camino la Piramide 5750, P.O.BOX 70086, Santiago, Chile.,Center for Genomics and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Science, Universidad Mayor, Camino la Piramide, 5750, Santiago, Chile
| | - C Cortez
- Center for Genomics and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Science, Universidad Mayor, Camino la Piramide, 5750, Santiago, Chile
| | - C A Bergmann
- Center for Integrative Biology, Faculty of Science, Universidad Mayor, Camino la Piramide 5750, P.O.BOX 70086, Santiago, Chile.,Center for Genomics and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Science, Universidad Mayor, Camino la Piramide, 5750, Santiago, Chile
| | - S Espinoza
- Center for Integrative Biology, Faculty of Science, Universidad Mayor, Camino la Piramide 5750, P.O.BOX 70086, Santiago, Chile
| | - M F Hernandez
- Center for Integrative Biology, Faculty of Science, Universidad Mayor, Camino la Piramide 5750, P.O.BOX 70086, Santiago, Chile.,Center for Genomics and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Science, Universidad Mayor, Camino la Piramide, 5750, Santiago, Chile
| | - J M Matamala
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Independencia, 1027, Santiago, Chile
| | - L Bargsted
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Independencia, 1027, Santiago, Chile
| | - S Matus
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Independencia, 1027, Santiago, Chile.,Fundación Ciencia & Vida, Zañartu 1482, 7780272, Santiago, Chile.,Neurounion Biomedical Foundation, 7780272, Santiago, Chile.,Center for Geroscience, Brain Health and Metabolism (GERO), Santiago, Chile
| | - D Rojas-Rivera
- Center for Integrative Biology, Faculty of Science, Universidad Mayor, Camino la Piramide 5750, P.O.BOX 70086, Santiago, Chile.,VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Technologiepark 927, Zwijnaarde, 9052, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Technologiepark 927, Zwijnaarde, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
| | - M J M Bertrand
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Technologiepark 927, Zwijnaarde, 9052, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Technologiepark 927, Zwijnaarde, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
| | - D B Medinas
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Independencia, 1027, Santiago, Chile.,Center for Geroscience, Brain Health and Metabolism (GERO), Santiago, Chile.,Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Chile, Independencia, 1027, Santiago, Chile
| | - C Hetz
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Independencia, 1027, Santiago, Chile.,Center for Geroscience, Brain Health and Metabolism (GERO), Santiago, Chile.,Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, 94945, USA.,Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Chile, Independencia, 1027, Santiago, Chile.,Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - P A Manque
- Center for Integrative Biology, Faculty of Science, Universidad Mayor, Camino la Piramide 5750, P.O.BOX 70086, Santiago, Chile. .,Center for Genomics and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Science, Universidad Mayor, Camino la Piramide, 5750, Santiago, Chile. .,Center for the Study of Biological Complexity, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA.
| | - U Woehlbier
- Center for Integrative Biology, Faculty of Science, Universidad Mayor, Camino la Piramide 5750, P.O.BOX 70086, Santiago, Chile. .,Center for Genomics and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Science, Universidad Mayor, Camino la Piramide, 5750, Santiago, Chile.
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37
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Campanari ML, Bourefis AR, Kabashi E. Diagnostic Challenge and Neuromuscular Junction Contribution to ALS Pathogenesis. Front Neurol 2019; 10:68. [PMID: 30787905 PMCID: PMC6372519 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) represents the major adult-onset motor neuron disease. Both human and animal studies reveal the critical implication of muscle and neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) in the initial phase of this disease. Despite the common efforts, ALS diagnosis remains particularly challenging since many other disorders can overlap yielding similar clinical phenotypic features. A combination of further research on the NMJ parameters that are specific for this disease and laboratory tests are crucial for the early determination of specific changes in the muscle, as well as in motor neuron and the prediction of ALS progression. Also, it could provide a powerful tool in the discrimination of particular ALS and ALS-mimic cases and increase the efficacy of therapeutic treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Letizia Campanari
- Sorbonne Université, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Université de Paris 06, Unité Mixte 75, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) Unité 1127, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7225 Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Épinière, Paris, France.,Imagine Institute, INSERM Unité 1163, Paris Descartes Université, Paris, France
| | - Annis-Rayan Bourefis
- Sorbonne Université, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Université de Paris 06, Unité Mixte 75, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) Unité 1127, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7225 Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Épinière, Paris, France.,Imagine Institute, INSERM Unité 1163, Paris Descartes Université, Paris, France
| | - Edor Kabashi
- Sorbonne Université, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Université de Paris 06, Unité Mixte 75, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) Unité 1127, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7225 Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Épinière, Paris, France.,Imagine Institute, INSERM Unité 1163, Paris Descartes Université, Paris, France
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38
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Iyer S, Subramanian V, Acharya KR. C9orf72, a protein associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor. PeerJ 2018; 6:e5815. [PMID: 30356970 PMCID: PMC6195791 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.5815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), two late onset neurodegenerative diseases, have been shown to share overlapping cellular pathologies and genetic origins. Studies suggest that a hexanucleotide repeat expansion in the first intron of the C9orf72 gene is the most common cause of familial FTD and ALS pathology. The C9orf72 protein is predicted to be a differentially expressed in normal and neoplastic cells domain protein implying that C9orf72 functions as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) to regulate specific Rab GTPases. Reported studies thus far point to a putative role for C9orf72 in lysosome biogenesis, vesicular trafficking, autophagy and mechanistic target of rapamycin complex1 (mTORC1) signaling. Here we report the expression, purification and biochemical characterization of C9orf72 protein. We conclusively show that C9orf72 is a GEF. The distinctive presence of both Rab- and Rho-GTPase GEF activities suggests that C9orf72 may function as a dual exchange factor coupling physiological functions such as cytoskeleton modulation and autophagy with endocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalini Iyer
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | | | - K Ravi Acharya
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath, UK
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39
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Boland B, Yu WH, Corti O, Mollereau B, Henriques A, Bezard E, Pastores GM, Rubinsztein DC, Nixon RA, Duchen MR, Mallucci GR, Kroemer G, Levine B, Eskelinen EL, Mochel F, Spedding M, Louis C, Martin OR, Millan MJ. Promoting the clearance of neurotoxic proteins in neurodegenerative disorders of ageing. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2018; 17:660-688. [PMID: 30116051 DOI: 10.1038/nrd.2018.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 313] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders of ageing (NDAs) such as Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, frontotemporal dementia, Huntington disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis represent a major socio-economic challenge in view of their high prevalence yet poor treatment. They are often called 'proteinopathies' owing to the presence of misfolded and aggregated proteins that lose their physiological roles and acquire neurotoxic properties. One reason underlying the accumulation and spread of oligomeric forms of neurotoxic proteins is insufficient clearance by the autophagic-lysosomal network. Several other clearance pathways are also compromised in NDAs: chaperone-mediated autophagy, the ubiquitin-proteasome system, extracellular clearance by proteases and extrusion into the circulation via the blood-brain barrier and glymphatic system. This article focuses on emerging mechanisms for promoting the clearance of neurotoxic proteins, a strategy that may curtail the onset and slow the progression of NDAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry Boland
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Wai Haung Yu
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Taub Institute for Alzheimer's Disease Research, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Olga Corti
- ICM Institute for Brain and Spinal Cord, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Erwan Bezard
- CNRS, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, Bordeaux, France
| | - Greg M Pastores
- Department of Metabolic Diseases, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - David C Rubinsztein
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge and UK Dementia Research Institute, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ralph A Nixon
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute, Orangeburg, NY, USA.,Departments of Psychiatry and Cell Biology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael R Duchen
- UCL Consortium for Mitochondrial Research and Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Giovanna R Mallucci
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Guido Kroemer
- Université Paris Descartes/Paris V, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.,Université Pierre et Marie Curie/Paris VI, Paris, France.,Equipe 11 labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France.,INSERM U1138, Paris, France.,Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Villejuif, France.,Karolinska Institute, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.,Pôle de Biologie, Hopitâl Européen George Pompidou (AP-HP), Paris, France
| | - Beth Levine
- Center for Autophagy Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Dallas, TX, USA
| | | | - Fanny Mochel
- INSERM U 1127, Brain and Spine Institute, Paris, France
| | | | - Caroline Louis
- Centre for Therapeutic Innovation in Neuropsychiatry, IDR Servier, 78290 Croissy sur Seine, France
| | - Olivier R Martin
- Université d'Orléans & CNRS, Institut de Chimie Organique et Analytique (ICOA), Orléans, France
| | - Mark J Millan
- Centre for Therapeutic Innovation in Neuropsychiatry, IDR Servier, 78290 Croissy sur Seine, France
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Wurster CD, Ludolph AC. Antisense oligonucleotides in neurological disorders. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2018; 11:1756286418776932. [PMID: 29854003 PMCID: PMC5971383 DOI: 10.1177/1756286418776932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 04/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The introduction of genetics revolutionized the field of neurodegenerative and neuromuscular diseases and has provided considerable insight into the underlying pathomechanisms. Nevertheless, effective treatment options have been limited. This changed recently when antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) could be translated from in vitro and experimental animal studies into clinical practice. In 2016, two ASOs were approved by the United States US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and demonstrated remarkable efficacy in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). ASOs are synthetic single-stranded strings of nucleic acids. They selectively bind to specific premessenger ribonucleic acid (pre-mRNA)/mRNA sequences and alter protein synthesis by several mechanisms of action. Thus, apart from gene replacement, ASOs may therefore provide the most direct therapeutic strategy for influencing gene expression. In this review, we shall discuss basic mechanisms of ASO action, the role of chemical modifications needed to improve the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of ASOs, and we shall then focus on several ASOs developed for the treatment of neurodegenerative and neuromuscular disorders, including SMA, DMD, myotonic dystrophies, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia D. Wurster
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Oberer Eselsberg 45, Ulm, 89081, Germany
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41
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Tang BL. Patient-Derived iPSCs and iNs-Shedding New Light on the Cellular Etiology of Neurodegenerative Diseases. Cells 2018; 7:cells7050038. [PMID: 29738460 PMCID: PMC5981262 DOI: 10.3390/cells7050038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Revised: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and induced neuronal (iN) cells are very much touted in terms of their potential promises in therapeutics. However, from a more fundamental perspective, iPSCs and iNs are invaluable tools for the postnatal generation of specific diseased cell types from patients, which may offer insights into disease etiology that are otherwise unobtainable with available animal or human proxies. There are two good recent examples of such important insights with diseased neurons derived via either the iPSC or iN approaches. In one, induced motor neurons (iMNs) derived from iPSCs of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/Frontotemporal dementia (ALS/FTD) patients with a C9orf72 repeat expansion revealed a haploinsufficiency of protein function resulting from the intronic expansion and deficiencies in motor neuron vesicular trafficking and lysosomal biogenesis that were not previously obvious in knockout mouse models. In another, striatal medium spinal neurons (MSNs) derived directly from fibroblasts of Huntington’s disease (HD) patients recapitulated age-associated disease signatures of mutant Huntingtin (mHTT) aggregation and neurodegeneration that were not prominent in neurons differentiated indirectly via iPSCs from HD patients. These results attest to the tremendous potential for pathologically accurate and mechanistically revealing disease modelling with advances in the derivation of iPSCs and iNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bor Luen Tang
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore.
- NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore.
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42
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Abstract
In recent years, the role of autophagy in the pathogenesis of most neurodegenerative diseases has transitioned into a limbo of protective or detrimental effects. Genetic evidence indicates that mutations in autophagy-regulatory genes can result in the occurrence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), suggesting a physiological role of the pathway to motoneuron function. However, experimental manipulation of autophagy in ALS models led to conflicting results depending on the intervention strategy and the disease model used. A recent work by the Maniatis group systematically explored the role of cell-specific autophagy in motoneurons at different disease stages, revealing surprising and unexpected findings. Autophagy activity at early stages may contribute to maintaining the structure and function of neuromuscular junctions, whereas at later steps of the disease it has a pathogenic activity possibly involving cell-nonautonomous mechanisms related to glial activation. This new study adds a new layer of complexity in the field, suggesting an intricate interplay between proteostasis alterations, the time-differential function of autophagy in neurons, and muscle innervation in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicente Valenzuela
- a Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), Faculty of Medicine , University of Chile , Santiago , Chile.,b Center for Geroscience , Brain Health and Metabolism (GERO) , Santiago , Chile.,c Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology , Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Chile , Santiago , Chile
| | - Melissa Nassif
- d Center for Integrative Biology (CIB), Faculty of Sciences , Universidad Mayor , Santiago , Chile
| | - Claudio Hetz
- a Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), Faculty of Medicine , University of Chile , Santiago , Chile.,b Center for Geroscience , Brain Health and Metabolism (GERO) , Santiago , Chile.,c Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology , Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Chile , Santiago , Chile.,e Buck Institute for Research on Aging , Novato , CA , USA.,f Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases , Harvard School of Public Health , Boston MA , USA
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Fernandes N, Eshleman N, Buchan JR. Stress Granules and ALS: A Case of Causation or Correlation? ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2018; 20:173-212. [PMID: 29916020 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-89689-2_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by cytoplasmic protein aggregates within motor neurons. These aggregates are linked to ALS pathogenesis. Recent evidence has suggested that stress granules may aid the formation of ALS protein aggregates. Here, we summarize current understanding of stress granules, focusing on assembly and clearance. We also assess the evidence linking alterations in stress granule formation and dynamics to ALS protein aggregates and disease pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita Fernandes
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Nichole Eshleman
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - J Ross Buchan
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
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44
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Tosolini AP, Sleigh JN. Motor Neuron Gene Therapy: Lessons from Spinal Muscular Atrophy for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:405. [PMID: 29270111 PMCID: PMC5725447 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are severe nervous system diseases characterized by the degeneration of lower motor neurons. They share a number of additional pathological, cellular, and genetic parallels suggesting that mechanistic and clinical insights into one disorder may have value for the other. While there are currently no clinical ALS gene therapies, the splice-switching antisense oligonucleotide, nusinersen, was recently approved for SMA. This milestone was achieved through extensive pre-clinical research and patient trials, which together have spawned fundamental insights into motor neuron gene therapy. We have thus tried to distil key information garnered from SMA research, in the hope that it may stimulate a more directed approach to ALS gene therapy. Not only must the type of therapeutic (e.g., antisense oligonucleotide vs. viral vector) be sensibly selected, but considerable thought must be applied to the where, which, what, and when in order to enhance treatment benefit: to where (cell types and tissues) must the drug be delivered and how can this be best achieved? Which perturbed pathways must be corrected and can they be concurrently targeted? What dosing regime and concentration should be used? When should medication be administered? These questions are intuitive, but central to identifying and optimizing a successful gene therapy. Providing definitive solutions to these quandaries will be difficult, but clear thinking about therapeutic testing is necessary if we are to have the best chance of developing viable ALS gene therapies and improving upon early generation SMA treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P Tosolini
- Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - James N Sleigh
- Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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