1
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Yang C, Liu G, Chen X, Le W. Cerebellum in Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases: an emerging research frontier. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e638. [PMID: 39006764 PMCID: PMC11245631 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The cerebellum is crucial for both motor and nonmotor functions. Alzheimer's disease (AD), alongside other dementias such as vascular dementia (VaD), Lewy body dementia (DLB), and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), as well as other neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) like Parkinson's disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Huntington's disease (HD), and spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA), are characterized by specific and non-specific neurodegenerations in central nervous system. Previously, the cerebellum's significance in these conditions was underestimated. However, advancing research has elevated its profile as a critical node in disease pathology. We comprehensively review the existing evidence to elucidate the relationship between cerebellum and the aforementioned diseases. Our findings reveal a growing body of research unequivocally establishing a link between the cerebellum and AD, other forms of dementia, and other NDs, supported by clinical evidence, pathological and biochemical profiles, structural and functional neuroimaging data, and electrophysiological findings. By contrasting cerebellar observations with those from the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, we highlight the cerebellum's distinct role in the disease processes. Furthermore, we also explore the emerging therapeutic potential of targeting cerebellum for the treatment of these diseases. This review underscores the importance of the cerebellum in these diseases, offering new insights into the disease mechanisms and novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cui Yang
- Institute of Neurology Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital School of Medicine University of Electronic Science and Technology of China Chengdu China
| | - Guangdong Liu
- Institute of Neurology Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital School of Medicine University of Electronic Science and Technology of China Chengdu China
| | - Xi Chen
- Institute of Neurology Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital School of Medicine University of Electronic Science and Technology of China Chengdu China
| | - Weidong Le
- Institute of Neurology Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital School of Medicine University of Electronic Science and Technology of China Chengdu China
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2
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Moldovean-Cioroianu NS. Reviewing the Structure-Function Paradigm in Polyglutamine Disorders: A Synergistic Perspective on Theoretical and Experimental Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6789. [PMID: 38928495 PMCID: PMC11204371 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126789] [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: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Polyglutamine (polyQ) disorders are a group of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by the excessive expansion of CAG (cytosine, adenine, guanine) repeats within host proteins. The quest to unravel the complex diseases mechanism has led researchers to adopt both theoretical and experimental methods, each offering unique insights into the underlying pathogenesis. This review emphasizes the significance of combining multiple approaches in the study of polyQ disorders, focusing on the structure-function correlations and the relevance of polyQ-related protein dynamics in neurodegeneration. By integrating computational/theoretical predictions with experimental observations, one can establish robust structure-function correlations, aiding in the identification of key molecular targets for therapeutic interventions. PolyQ proteins' dynamics, influenced by their length and interactions with other molecular partners, play a pivotal role in the polyQ-related pathogenic cascade. Moreover, conformational dynamics of polyQ proteins can trigger aggregation, leading to toxic assembles that hinder proper cellular homeostasis. Understanding these intricacies offers new avenues for therapeutic strategies by fine-tuning polyQ kinetics, in order to prevent and control disease progression. Last but not least, this review highlights the importance of integrating multidisciplinary efforts to advancing research in this field, bringing us closer to the ultimate goal of finding effective treatments against polyQ disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nastasia Sanda Moldovean-Cioroianu
- Institute of Materials Science, Bioinspired Materials and Biosensor Technologies, Kiel University, Kaiserstraße 2, 24143 Kiel, Germany;
- Faculty of Physics, Babeș-Bolyai University, Kogălniceanu 1, RO-400084 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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3
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Bonsor M, Ammar O, Schnoegl S, Wanker EE, Silva Ramos E. Polyglutamine disease proteins: Commonalities and differences in interaction profiles and pathological effects. Proteomics 2024; 24:e2300114. [PMID: 38615323 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202300114] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Currently, nine polyglutamine (polyQ) expansion diseases are known. They include spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 17), spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA), and Huntington's disease (HD). At the root of these neurodegenerative diseases are trinucleotide repeat mutations in coding regions of different genes, which lead to the production of proteins with elongated polyQ tracts. While the causative proteins differ in structure and molecular mass, the expanded polyQ domains drive pathogenesis in all these diseases. PolyQ tracts mediate the association of proteins leading to the formation of protein complexes involved in gene expression regulation, RNA processing, membrane trafficking, and signal transduction. In this review, we discuss commonalities and differences among the nine polyQ proteins focusing on their structure and function as well as the pathological features of the respective diseases. We present insights from AlphaFold-predicted structural models and discuss the biological roles of polyQ-containing proteins. Lastly, we explore reported protein-protein interaction networks to highlight shared protein interactions and their potential relevance in disease development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Bonsor
- Department of Neuroproteomics, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Orchid Ammar
- Department of Neuroproteomics, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sigrid Schnoegl
- Department of Neuroproteomics, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Erich E Wanker
- Department of Neuroproteomics, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Eduardo Silva Ramos
- Department of Neuroproteomics, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
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4
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Tandon S, Aggarwal P, Sarkar S. Polyglutamine disorders: Pathogenesis and potential drug interventions. Life Sci 2024; 344:122562. [PMID: 38492921 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122562] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Polyglutamine/poly(Q) diseases are a group nine hereditary neurodegenerative disorders caused due to abnormally expanded stretches of CAG trinucleotide in functionally distinct genes. All human poly(Q) diseases are characterized by the formation of microscopically discernable poly(Q) positive aggregates, the inclusion bodies. These toxic inclusion bodies are responsible for the impairment of several cellular pathways such as autophagy, transcription, cell death, etc., that culminate in disease manifestation. Although, these diseases remain largely without treatment, extensive research has generated mounting evidences that various events of poly(Q) pathogenesis can be developed as potential drug targets. The present review article briefly discusses the key events of disease pathogenesis, model system-based investigations that support the development of effective therapeutic interventions against pathogenesis of human poly(Q) disorders, and a comprehensive list of pharmacological and bioactive compounds that have been experimentally shown to alleviate poly(Q)-mediated neurotoxicity. Interestingly, due to the common cause of pathogenesis, all poly(Q) diseases share etiology, thus, findings from one disease can be potentially extrapolated to other poly(Q) diseases as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shweta Tandon
- Department of Genetics, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi 110021, India
| | - Prerna Aggarwal
- Department of Genetics, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi 110021, India
| | - Surajit Sarkar
- Department of Genetics, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi 110021, India.
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5
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Koppenol R, Conceição A, Afonso IT, Afonso-Reis R, Costa RG, Tomé S, Teixeira D, da Silva JP, Côdesso JM, Brito DVC, Mendonça L, Marcelo A, Pereira de Almeida L, Matos CA, Nóbrega C. The stress granule protein G3BP1 alleviates spinocerebellar ataxia-associated deficits. Brain 2023; 146:2346-2363. [PMID: 36511898 PMCID: PMC10232246 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awac473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Polyglutamine diseases are a group of neurodegenerative disorders caused by an abnormal expansion of CAG repeat tracts in the codifying regions of nine, otherwise unrelated, genes. While the protein products of these genes are suggested to play diverse cellular roles, the pathogenic mutant proteins bearing an expanded polyglutamine sequence share a tendency to self-assemble, aggregate and engage in abnormal molecular interactions. Understanding the shared paths that link polyglutamine protein expansion to the nervous system dysfunction and the degeneration that takes place in these disorders is instrumental to the identification of targets for therapeutic intervention. Among polyglutamine diseases, spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) share many common aspects, including the fact that they involve dysfunction of the cerebellum, resulting in ataxia. Our work aimed at exploring a putative new therapeutic target for the two forms of SCA with higher worldwide prevalence, SCA type 2 (SCA2) and type 3 (SCA3), which are caused by expanded forms of ataxin-2 (ATXN2) and ataxin-3 (ATXN3), respectively. The pathophysiology of polyglutamine diseases has been described to involve an inability to properly respond to cell stress. We evaluated the ability of GTPase-activating protein-binding protein 1 (G3BP1), an RNA-binding protein involved in RNA metabolism regulation and stress responses, to counteract SCA2 and SCA3 pathology, using both in vitro and in vivo disease models. Our results indicate that G3BP1 overexpression in cell models leads to a reduction of ATXN2 and ATXN3 aggregation, associated with a decrease in protein expression. This protective effect of G3BP1 against polyglutamine protein aggregation was reinforced by the fact that silencing G3bp1 in the mouse brain increases human expanded ATXN2 and ATXN3 aggregation. Moreover, a decrease of G3BP1 levels was detected in cells derived from patients with SCA2 and SCA3, suggesting that G3BP1 function is compromised in the context of these diseases. In lentiviral mouse models of SCA2 and SCA3, G3BP1 overexpression not only decreased protein aggregation but also contributed to the preservation of neuronal cells. Finally, in an SCA3 transgenic mouse model with a severe ataxic phenotype, G3BP1 lentiviral delivery to the cerebellum led to amelioration of several motor behavioural deficits. Overall, our results indicate that a decrease in G3BP1 levels may be a contributing factor to SCA2 and SCA3 pathophysiology, and that administration of this protein through viral vector-mediated delivery may constitute a putative approach to therapy for these diseases, and possibly other polyglutamine disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah Koppenol
- ABC-RI, Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- PhD Program in Biomedial Sciences, Faculdade de Medicina e Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina e Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - André Conceição
- ABC-RI, Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- PhD Program in Biomedial Sciences, Faculdade de Medicina e Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina e Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Inês T Afonso
- ABC-RI, Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina e Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Afonso-Reis
- ABC-RI, Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina e Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Rafael G Costa
- ABC-RI, Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina e Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Sandra Tomé
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Diogo Teixeira
- ABC-RI, Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | | | - José Miguel Côdesso
- ABC-RI, Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- PhD Program in Biomedial Sciences, Faculdade de Medicina e Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina e Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - David V C Brito
- ABC-RI, Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Liliana Mendonça
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Adriana Marcelo
- ABC-RI, Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina e Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Luís Pereira de Almeida
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carlos A Matos
- ABC-RI, Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina e Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Clévio Nóbrega
- ABC-RI, Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina e Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Champalimaud Research Program, Champalimaud Center for the Unknown, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal
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6
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Putka AF, McLoughlin HS. Diverse regional mechanisms drive spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 phenotypes. Neuron 2023; 111:447-449. [PMID: 36796325 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
In this issue of Neuron, a pair of studies (Handler et al.1 and Coffin et al.2) elucidate new insights into spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) pathogenesis by genetically assessing mechanistic drivers of regional vulnerability and their relationships to SCA1 phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra F Putka
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Hayley S McLoughlin
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200, USA.
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7
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Cho JH, Jo MG, Kim ES, Lee NY, Kim SH, Chung CG, Park JH, Lee SB. CBP-Mediated Acetylation of Importin α Mediates Calcium-Dependent Nucleocytoplasmic Transport of Selective Proteins in Drosophila Neurons. Mol Cells 2022; 45:855-867. [PMID: 36172977 PMCID: PMC9676984 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2022.0104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
For proper function of proteins, their subcellular localization needs to be monitored and regulated in response to the changes in cellular demands. In this regard, dysregulation in the nucleocytoplasmic transport (NCT) of proteins is closely associated with the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative diseases. However, it remains unclear whether there exists an intrinsic regulatory pathway(s) that controls NCT of proteins either in a commonly shared manner or in a target-selectively different manner. To dissect between these possibilities, in the current study, we investigated the molecular mechanism regulating NCT of truncated ataxin-3 (ATXN3) proteins of which genetic mutation leads to a type of polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases, in comparison with that of TDP-43. In Drosophila dendritic arborization (da) neurons, we observed dynamic changes in the subcellular localization of truncated ATXN3 proteins between the nucleus and the cytosol during development. Moreover, ectopic neuronal toxicity was induced by truncated ATXN3 proteins upon their nuclear accumulation. Consistent with a previous study showing intracellular calcium-dependent NCT of TDP-43, NCT of ATXN3 was also regulated by intracellular calcium level and involves Importin α3 (Imp α3). Interestingly, NCT of ATXN3, but not TDP-43, was primarily mediated by CBP. We further showed that acetyltransferase activity of CBP is important for NCT of ATXN3, which may acetylate Imp α3 to regulate NCT of ATXN3. These findings demonstrate that CBP-dependent acetylation of Imp α3 is crucial for intracellular calcium-dependent NCT of ATXN3 proteins, different from that of TDP-43, in Drosophila neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Ho Cho
- Department of Brain Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu 42988, Korea
| | - Min Gu Jo
- Department of Brain Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu 42988, Korea
| | - Eun Seon Kim
- Department of Brain Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu 42988, Korea
| | - Na Yoon Lee
- Department of Brain Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu 42988, Korea
| | - Soon Ha Kim
- MitoImmune Therapeutics Inc., Seoul 06123, Korea
| | - Chang Geon Chung
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | | | - Sung Bae Lee
- Department of Brain Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu 42988, Korea
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8
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Venkata Lakshmi S, Anline Rejula M, Sujatha K, Ahilan A. Recognition of brain stroke shape using multiscale morphological image processing. THE IMAGING SCIENCE JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/13682199.2022.2146877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Venkata Lakshmi
- Department of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, Sri Krishna College of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - M. Anline Rejula
- Department of Computer Applications-PG, Scott Christian College (Autonomous), Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - K. Sujatha
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Wenzhou-Kean University, Wenzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - A. Ahilan
- Electrical and Communication Engineering, PSN College of Engineering and Technology, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India
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9
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An Y, Chen ZS, Chan H, Ngo J. Molecular insights into the interaction of CAG trinucleotide RNA repeats with nucleolin and its implication in polyglutamine diseases. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:7655-7668. [PMID: 35776134 PMCID: PMC9303306 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases are a type of inherited neurodegenerative disorders caused by cytosine-adenine-guanine (CAG) trinucleotide expansion within the coding region of the disease-associated genes. We previously demonstrated that a pathogenic interaction between expanded CAG RNA and the nucleolin (NCL) protein triggers the nucleolar stress and neuronal cell death in polyQ diseases. However, mechanisms behind the molecular interaction remain unknown. Here, we report a 1.45 Å crystal structure of the r(CAG)5 oligo that comprises a full A'-form helical turn with widened grooves. Based on this structure, we simulated a model of r(CAG)5 RNA complexed with the RNA recognition motif 2 (RRM2) of NCL and identified NCL residues that are critical for its binding to CAG RNA. Combined with in vitro and in vivo site-directed mutagenesis studies, our model reveals that CAG RNA binds to NCL sites that are not important for other cellular functions like gene expression and rRNA synthesis regulation, indicating that toxic CAG RNA interferes with NCL functions by sequestering it. Accordingly, an NCL mutant that is aberrant in CAG RNA-binding could rescue RNA-induced cytotoxicity effectively. Taken together, our study provides new molecular insights into the pathogenic mechanism of polyQ diseases mediated by NCL-CAG RNA interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying An
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China
- Center for Soybean Research of the State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zhefan S Chen
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ho Yin Edwin Chan
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China
- Gerald Choa Neuroscience Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jacky Chi Ki Ngo
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China
- Center for Soybean Research of the State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China
- Center for Novel Biomaterials, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China
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10
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Transcription factor EB-mediated mesenchymal stem cell therapy induces autophagy and alleviates spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 defects in neuronal cells model. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:622. [PMID: 35851059 PMCID: PMC9293975 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05085-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Defects in ataxin-3 proteins and CAG repeat expansions in its coding gene ATXN3 cause Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3 (SCA3) or Machado-Joseph disease (MJD) polyglutamine neurodegenerative disease. The mutant proteins aggregate as inclusion bodies in cells and compete with wild-type ataxin-3, which leads to neuronal dysfunction or death and impairs Beclin1-mediated autophagy. It has been reported that Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can reliably treat several neurodegenerative diseases. Herein, we used a Transcription Factor EB (TFEB) nuclear translocation-mediated MSCs co-culture approach to reconstitute autophagy and lysosomal biogenesis, and reduce SCA3-like behaviors in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)-derived neuron cells models. Our iPSCs model showed enhanced expression of autophagy proteins, attenuated the expression and toxic effects of mutant ataxin-3 on neurons, and alleviated the effects of ataxin-3 on autophagy. Therefore, MSCs are associated with autophagy-inducing therapy and compared to animal models, our MSCs co-culture could be used as a novel and potential therapeutic approach to study SCA3 disease and other neurodegenerative diseases.
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11
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Borgert L, Mishra S, den Brave F. Quality control of cytoplasmic proteins inside the nucleus. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:4618-4625. [PMID: 36090811 PMCID: PMC9440239 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
A complex network of molecular chaperones and proteolytic machinery safeguards the proteins which comprise the proteome, from the time they are synthesized on ribosomes to their destruction via proteolysis. Impaired protein quality control results in the accumulation of aberrant proteins, which may undergo unwanted spurious interactions with other proteins, thereby interfering with a broad range of cellular functions. To protect the cellular environment, such proteins are degraded or sequestered into inclusions in different subcellular compartments. Recent findings demonstrate that aberrant or mistargeted proteins from different cytoplasmic compartments are removed from their environment by transporting them into the nucleus. These proteins are degraded by the nuclear ubiquitin–proteasome system or sequestered into intra-nuclear inclusions. Here, we discuss the emerging role of the nucleus as a cellular quality compartment based on recent findings in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We describe the current knowledge on cytoplasmic substrates of nuclear protein quality control, the mechanism of nuclear import of such proteins, as well as possible advantages and risks of nuclear sequestration of aberrant proteins.
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12
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McIntosh CS, Li D, Wilton SD, Aung-Htut MT. Polyglutamine Ataxias: Our Current Molecular Understanding and What the Future Holds for Antisense Therapies. Biomedicines 2021; 9:1499. [PMID: 34829728 PMCID: PMC8615177 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9111499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Polyglutamine (polyQ) ataxias are a heterogenous group of neurological disorders all caused by an expanded CAG trinucleotide repeat located in the coding region of each unique causative gene. To date, polyQ ataxias encompass six disorders: spinocerebellar ataxia types 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, and 17 and account for a larger group of disorders simply known as polyglutamine disorders, which also includes Huntington's disease. These diseases are typically characterised by progressive ataxia, speech and swallowing difficulties, lack of coordination and gait, and are unfortunately fatal in nature, with the exception of SCA6. All the polyQ spinocerebellar ataxias have a hallmark feature of neuronal aggregations and share many common pathogenic mechanisms, such as mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired proteasomal function, and autophagy impairment. Currently, therapeutic options are limited, with no available treatments that slow or halt disease progression. Here, we discuss the common molecular and clinical presentations of polyQ spinocerebellar ataxias. We will also discuss the promising antisense oligonucleotide therapeutics being developed as treatments for these devastating diseases. With recent advancements and therapeutic approvals of various antisense therapies, it is envisioned that some of the studies reviewed may progress into clinical trials and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig S. McIntosh
- Molecular Therapy Laboratory, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Health Futures Institute Murdoch University, Discovery Way, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; (C.S.M.); (D.L.); (S.D.W.)
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Dunhui Li
- Molecular Therapy Laboratory, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Health Futures Institute Murdoch University, Discovery Way, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; (C.S.M.); (D.L.); (S.D.W.)
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Steve D. Wilton
- Molecular Therapy Laboratory, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Health Futures Institute Murdoch University, Discovery Way, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; (C.S.M.); (D.L.); (S.D.W.)
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - May T. Aung-Htut
- Molecular Therapy Laboratory, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Health Futures Institute Murdoch University, Discovery Way, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; (C.S.M.); (D.L.); (S.D.W.)
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
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13
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Vázquez-Mojena Y, León-Arcia K, González-Zaldivar Y, Rodríguez-Labrada R, Velázquez-Pérez L. Gene Therapy for Polyglutamine Spinocerebellar Ataxias: Advances, Challenges, and Perspectives. Mov Disord 2021; 36:2731-2744. [PMID: 34628681 DOI: 10.1002/mds.28819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyglutamine spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) comprise a heterogeneous group of six autosomal dominant ataxias caused by cytosine-adenine-guanine repeat expansions in the coding region of single genes. Currently, there is no curative or disease-slowing treatment for these disorders, but their monogenic inheritance has informed rationales for development of gene therapy strategies. In fact, RNA interference strategies have shown promising findings in cellular and/or animal models of SCA1, SCA3, SCA6, and SCA7. In addition, antisense oligonucleotide therapy has provided encouraging proofs of concept in models of SCA1, SCA2, SCA3, and SCA7, but they have not yet progressed to clinical trials. On the contrary, the gene editing strategies, such as the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR/Cas9), have been introduced to a limited extent in these disorders. In this article, we review the available literature about gene therapy in polyglutamine SCAs and discuss the main technological and ethical challenges toward the prospect of their use in future clinical trials. Although antisense oligonucleotide therapies are further along the path to clinical phases, the recent failure of three clinical trials in Huntington's disease may delay their utilization for polyglutamine SCAs, but they offer lessons that could optimize the likelihood of success in potential future clinical studies. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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14
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Kozlowska U, Nichols C, Wiatr K, Figiel M. From psychiatry to neurology: Psychedelics as prospective therapeutics for neurodegenerative disorders. J Neurochem 2021; 162:89-108. [PMID: 34519052 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The studies of psychedelics, especially psychedelic tryptamines like psilocybin, are rapidly gaining interest in neuroscience research. Much of this interest stems from recent clinical studies demonstrating that they have a unique ability to improve the debilitating symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD) long-term after only a single treatment. Indeed, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently designated two Phase III clinical trials studying the ability of psilocybin to treat forms of MDD with "Breakthrough Therapy" status. If successful, the use of psychedelics to treat psychiatric diseases like depression would be revolutionary. As more evidence appears in the scientific literature to support their use in psychiatry to treat MDD on and substance use disorders (SUD), recent studies with rodents revealed that their therapeutic effects might extend beyond treating MDD and SUD. For example, psychedelics may have efficacy in the treatment and prevention of brain injury and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease. Preclinical work has highlighted psychedelics' ability to induce neuroplasticity and synaptogenesis, and neural progenitor cell proliferation. Psychedelics may also act as immunomodulators by reducing levels of proinflammatory biomarkers, including IL-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Their exact molecular mechanisms, and induction of cellular interactions, especially between neural and glial cells, leading to therapeutic efficacy, remain to be determined. In this review, we discuss recent findings and information on how psychedelics may act therapeutically on cells within the central nervous system (CNS) during brain injuries and neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urszula Kozlowska
- Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland.,Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Charles Nichols
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Kalina Wiatr
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Maciej Figiel
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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15
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Cha IJ, Lee D, Park SS, Chung CG, Kim SY, Jo MG, Kim SY, Lee BH, Lee YS, Lee SB. Ataxin-2 Dysregulation Triggers a Compensatory Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein Decrease in Drosophila C4da Neurons. Mol Cells 2020; 43:870-879. [PMID: 33115979 PMCID: PMC7604024 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2020.0158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendrites require precise and timely delivery of protein substrates to distal areas to ensure the correct morphology and function of neurons. Many of these protein substrates are supplied in the form of ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex consisting of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and mRNAs, which are subsequently translated in distal dendritic areas. It remains elusive, however, whether key RBPs supply mRNA according to local demands individually or in a coordinated manner. In this study, we investigated how Drosophila sensory neurons respond to the dysregulation of a disease-associated RBP, Ataxin-2 (ATX2), which leads to dendritic defects. We found that ATX2 plays a crucial role in spacing dendritic branches for the optimal dendritic receptive fields in Drosophila class IV dendritic arborization (C4da) neurons, where both expression level and subcellular location of ATX2 contribute significantly to this effect. We showed that translational upregulation through the expression of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) further enhanced the ATX2-induced dendritic phenotypes. Additionally, we found that the expression level of another disease-associated RBP, fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), decreased in both cell bodies and dendrites when neurons were faced with aberrant upregulation of ATX2. Finally, we revealed that the PAM2 motif of ATX2, which mediates its interaction with poly(A)-binding protein (PABP), is potentially necessary for the decrease of FMRP in certain neuronal stress conditions. Collectively, our data suggest that dysregulation of RBPs triggers a compensatory regulation of other functionally-overlapping RBPs to minimize RBP dysregulation-associated aberrations that hinder neuronal homeostasis in dendrites.
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Affiliation(s)
- In Jun Cha
- Department of Brain & Cognitive Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology (DGIST), Daegu 42988, Korea
- Protein Dynamics-Based Proteotoxicity Control Laboratory, Basic Research Lab, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Korea
| | - Davin Lee
- Department of Brain & Cognitive Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology (DGIST), Daegu 42988, Korea
- Protein Dynamics-Based Proteotoxicity Control Laboratory, Basic Research Lab, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Korea
| | - Sung Soon Park
- Department of Brain & Cognitive Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology (DGIST), Daegu 42988, Korea
- Protein Dynamics-Based Proteotoxicity Control Laboratory, Basic Research Lab, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Korea
| | - Chang Geon Chung
- Department of Brain & Cognitive Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology (DGIST), Daegu 42988, Korea
- Protein Dynamics-Based Proteotoxicity Control Laboratory, Basic Research Lab, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Korea
| | - Seung Yeon Kim
- Department of Brain & Cognitive Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology (DGIST), Daegu 42988, Korea
- Protein Dynamics-Based Proteotoxicity Control Laboratory, Basic Research Lab, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Korea
| | - Min Gu Jo
- Department of Brain & Cognitive Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology (DGIST), Daegu 42988, Korea
- Protein Dynamics-Based Proteotoxicity Control Laboratory, Basic Research Lab, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Korea
| | - Seung Yeol Kim
- Department of Brain & Cognitive Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology (DGIST), Daegu 42988, Korea
- Protein Dynamics-Based Proteotoxicity Control Laboratory, Basic Research Lab, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Korea
| | - Byung-Hoon Lee
- Protein Dynamics-Based Proteotoxicity Control Laboratory, Basic Research Lab, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Korea
- Department of New Biology, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Korea
| | - Young-Sam Lee
- Protein Dynamics-Based Proteotoxicity Control Laboratory, Basic Research Lab, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Korea
- Department of New Biology, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Korea
- Well Aging Research Center, Division of Biotechnology, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Korea
| | - Sung Bae Lee
- Department of Brain & Cognitive Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology (DGIST), Daegu 42988, Korea
- Protein Dynamics-Based Proteotoxicity Control Laboratory, Basic Research Lab, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Korea
- Well Aging Research Center, Division of Biotechnology, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Korea
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