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Li B, Xiao X, Bi M, Jiao Q, Chen X, Yan C, Du X, Jiang H. Modulating α-synuclein propagation and decomposition: Implications in Parkinson's disease therapy. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 98:102319. [PMID: 38719160 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102319] [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: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
α-Synuclein (α-Syn) is closely related to the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Under pathological conditions, the conformation of α-syn changes and different forms of α-syn lead to neurotoxicity. According to Braak stages, α-syn can propagate in different brain regions, inducing neurodegeneration and corresponding clinical manifestations through abnormal aggregation of Lewy bodies (LBs) and lewy axons in different types of neurons in PD. So far, PD lacks early diagnosis biomarkers, and treatments are mainly targeted at some clinical symptoms. There is no effective therapy to delay the progression of PD. This review first summarized the role of α-syn in physiological and pathological states, and the relationship between α-syn and PD. Then, we focused on the origin, secretion, aggregation, propagation and degradation of α-syn as well as the important regulatory factors in these processes systematically. Finally, we reviewed some potential drug candidates for alleviating the abnormal aggregation of α-syn in order to provide valuable targets for the treatment of PD to cope with the occurrence and progression of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beining Li
- School of Basic Medicine, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Xue Xiao
- School of Basic Medicine, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Mingxia Bi
- School of Basic Medicine, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Qian Jiao
- School of Basic Medicine, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Xi Chen
- School of Basic Medicine, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Chunling Yan
- School of Basic Medicine, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Xixun Du
- School of Basic Medicine, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China.
| | - Hong Jiang
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao 266113, China; School of Basic Medicine, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China.
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Ghosh D, Biswas A, Radhakrishna M. Advanced computational approaches to understand protein aggregation. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2024; 5:021302. [PMID: 38681860 PMCID: PMC11045254 DOI: 10.1063/5.0180691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Protein aggregation is a widespread phenomenon implicated in debilitating diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and cataracts, presenting complex hurdles for the field of molecular biology. In this review, we explore the evolving realm of computational methods and bioinformatics tools that have revolutionized our comprehension of protein aggregation. Beginning with a discussion of the multifaceted challenges associated with understanding this process and emphasizing the critical need for precise predictive tools, we highlight how computational techniques have become indispensable for understanding protein aggregation. We focus on molecular simulations, notably molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, spanning from atomistic to coarse-grained levels, which have emerged as pivotal tools in unraveling the complex dynamics governing protein aggregation in diseases such as cataracts, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's. MD simulations provide microscopic insights into protein interactions and the subtleties of aggregation pathways, with advanced techniques like replica exchange molecular dynamics, Metadynamics (MetaD), and umbrella sampling enhancing our understanding by probing intricate energy landscapes and transition states. We delve into specific applications of MD simulations, elucidating the chaperone mechanism underlying cataract formation using Markov state modeling and the intricate pathways and interactions driving the toxic aggregate formation in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Transitioning we highlight how computational techniques, including bioinformatics, sequence analysis, structural data, machine learning algorithms, and artificial intelligence have become indispensable for predicting protein aggregation propensity and locating aggregation-prone regions within protein sequences. Throughout our exploration, we underscore the symbiotic relationship between computational approaches and empirical data, which has paved the way for potential therapeutic strategies against protein aggregation-related diseases. In conclusion, this review offers a comprehensive overview of advanced computational methodologies and bioinformatics tools that have catalyzed breakthroughs in unraveling the molecular basis of protein aggregation, with significant implications for clinical interventions, standing at the intersection of computational biology and experimental research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepshikha Ghosh
- Department of Biological Sciences and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Gandhinagar, Palaj, Gujarat 382355, India
| | - Anushka Biswas
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Gandhinagar, Palaj, Gujarat 382355, India
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Jebali A, Rashidi M, Keikha R, Daliri K, Outeiro TF. Novel multifunctional nanoliposomes inhibit α-synuclein fibrillization, attenuate microglial activation, and silence the expression of SNCA gene. Neurologia 2024; 39:321-328. [PMID: 38616059 DOI: 10.1016/j.nrleng.2021.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to compare the effect of five types of PEGlated nanoliposomes (PNLs) on α-synuclein (α-syn) fibrillization, attenuation of microglial activation, and silence of the SNCA gene, which encodes α-syn. METHODS To evaluate the inhibition of α-syn fibrillization, we used standard in vitro assay based on Thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence. Next, to evaluate the attenuation of microglial activation, the concentration of TNF-a and IL-6 was quantified by ELISA assay in BV2 microglia cells treated with 100nM A53T α-syn and PNLs. In order to determine the silencing of the SNCA, real-time PCR and Western blot analysis was used. Finally, the efficacy of PNLs was confirmed in a transgenic mouse model expressing human α-syn. RESULTS ThT assay showed both PNL1 and PNL2 significantly inhibited a-syn fibrillization. ELISA test also showed the production of TNF-a and IL-6 was significantly attenuated when microglial cells treated with PNL1 or PNL2. We also found that SNCA gene, at both mRNA and protein levels, was significantly silenced when BV2 microglia cells were treated with PNL1 or PNL2. Importantly, the efficacy of PNL1 and PNL2 was finally confirmed in vivo in a transgenic mouse model. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, the novel multifunctional nanoliposomes tested in our study inhibit α-syn fibrillization, attenuate microglial activation, and silence SNCA gene. Our findings suggest the therapeutic potential of PNL1 and PNL2 for treating synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Jebali
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Sciences and Technology, Pharmaceutical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - M Rashidi
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; The Health of Plant and Livestock Products Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - R Keikha
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran; Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran.
| | - K Daliri
- Child Development Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Dehkadeh Salamat Faroq, Faroq, Fars, Iran
| | - T F Outeiro
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Gottingen, Gottingen, Germany; Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany; Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, NE2 4HH, United Kingdom; Scientific employee with an honorary contract at German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany
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Hatano T, Okuzumi A, Matsumoto G, Tsunemi T, Hattori N. α-Synuclein: A Promising Biomarker for Parkinson's Disease and Related Disorders. J Mov Disord 2024; 17:127-137. [PMID: 38589016 PMCID: PMC11082597 DOI: 10.14802/jmd.24075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the SNCA gene, which encodes α-synuclein (α-syn), play a key role in the development of genetic Parkinson's disease (PD). α-Syn is a major component of Lewy bodies in PD and glial cytoplasmic inclusions in multiple system atrophy (MSA). Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder patients often progress to PD, dementia with Lewy bodies, or MSA, which are collectively known as α-synucleinopathies. The loss of dopaminergic neurons with Lewy bodies precedes motor dysfunction in these diseases, but the mechanisms of neurodegeneration due to α-syn aggregation are poorly understood. Monitoring α-syn aggregation in vivo could serve as a diagnostic biomarker and help elucidate pathogenesis, necessitating a simple and accurate detection method. Seed amplification assays (SAAs), such as real-time quaking-induced conversion and protein misfolding cyclic amplification, are used to detect small amounts of abnormally structured α-syn protofibrils, which are central to aggregation. These methods are promising for the early diagnosis of α-synucleinopathy. Differences in α-syn filament structures between α-synucleinopathies, as observed through transmission electron microscopy and cryo-electron microscopy, suggest their role in the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration. SAAs may differentiate between subtypes of α-synucleinopathy and other diseases. Efforts are also being made to identify α-syn from blood using various methods. This review introduces body fluid α-syn biomarkers based on pathogenic α-syn seeds, which are expected to redefine α-synucleinopathy diagnosis and staging, improving clinical research accuracy and facilitating biomarker development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taku Hatano
- Department of Neurology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayami Okuzumi
- Department of Neurology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Gen Matsumoto
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Nagasaki University School of Medicine, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Taiji Tsunemi
- Department of Neurology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nobutaka Hattori
- Department of Neurology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Neurodegenerative Disorders Collaboration Laboratory, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama, Japan
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Wiseman JA, Murray HC, Faull RLMF, Dragunow M, Turner CP, Dieriks BV, Curtis MA. Aggregate-prone brain regions in Parkinson's disease are rich in unique N-terminus α-synuclein conformers with high proteolysis susceptibility. NPJ Parkinsons Dis 2024; 10:1. [PMID: 38167744 PMCID: PMC10762179 DOI: 10.1038/s41531-023-00614-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
In Parkinson's disease (PD), and other α-synucleinopathies, α-synuclein (α-Syn) aggregates form a myriad of conformational and truncational variants. Most antibodies used to detect and quantify α-Syn in the human brain target epitopes within the C-terminus (residues 96-140) of the 140 amino acid protein and may fail to capture the diversity of α-Syn variants present in PD. We sought to investigate the heterogeneity of α-Syn conformations and aggregation states in the PD human brain by labelling with multiple antibodies that detect epitopes along the entire length of α-Syn. We used multiplex immunohistochemistry to simultaneously immunolabel tissue sections with antibodies mapping the three structural domains of α-Syn. Discrete epitope-specific immunoreactivities were visualised and quantified in the olfactory bulb, medulla, substantia nigra, hippocampus, entorhinal cortex, middle temporal gyrus, and middle frontal gyrus of ten PD cases, and the middle temporal gyrus of 23 PD, and 24 neurologically normal cases. Distinct Lewy neurite and Lewy body aggregate morphologies were detected across all interrogated regions/cases. Lewy neurites were the most prominent in the olfactory bulb and hippocampus, while the substantia nigra, medulla and cortical regions showed a mixture of Lewy neurites and Lewy bodies. Importantly, unique N-terminus immunoreactivity revealed previously uncharacterised populations of (1) perinuclear, (2) glial (microglial and astrocytic), and (3) neuronal lysosomal α-Syn aggregates. These epitope-specific N-terminus immunoreactive aggregate populations were susceptible to proteolysis via time-dependent proteinase K digestion, suggesting a less stable oligomeric aggregation state. Our identification of unique N-terminus immunoreactive α-Syn aggregates adds to the emerging paradigm that α-Syn pathology is more abundant and complex in human brains with PD than previously realised. Our findings highlight that labelling multiple regions of the α-Syn protein is necessary to investigate the full spectrum of α-Syn pathology and prompt further investigation into the functional role of these N-terminus polymorphs.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A Wiseman
- Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand.
| | - Helen C Murray
- Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
| | - Richard L M F Faull
- Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
| | - Michael Dragunow
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
| | - Clinton P Turner
- LabPlus, Department of Anatomical Pathology, Te Whatu Ora, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Birger Victor Dieriks
- Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
| | - Maurice A Curtis
- Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand.
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Graves NJ, Gambin Y, Sierecki E. α-Synuclein Strains and Their Relevance to Parkinson's Disease, Multiple System Atrophy, and Dementia with Lewy Bodies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12134. [PMID: 37569510 PMCID: PMC10418915 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Like many neurodegenerative diseases, Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by the formation of proteinaceous aggregates in brain cells. In PD, those proteinaceous aggregates are formed by the α-synuclein (αSyn) and are considered the trademark of this neurodegenerative disease. In addition to PD, αSyn pathological aggregation is also detected in atypical Parkinsonism, including Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB), Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), as well as neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation, some cases of traumatic brain injuries, and variants of Alzheimer's disease. Collectively, these (and other) disorders are referred to as synucleinopathies, highlighting the relation between disease type and protein misfolding/aggregation. Despite these pathological relationships, however, synucleinopathies cover a wide range of pathologies, present with a multiplicity of symptoms, and arise from dysfunctions in different neuroanatomical regions and cell populations. Strikingly, αSyn deposition occurs in different types of cells, with oligodendrocytes being mainly affected in MSA, while aggregates are found in neurons in PD. If multiple factors contribute to the development of a pathology, especially in the cases of slow-developing neurodegenerative disorders, the common presence of αSyn aggregation, as both a marker and potential driver of disease, is puzzling. In this review, we will focus on comparing PD, DLB, and MSA, from symptomatology to molecular description, highlighting the role and contribution of αSyn aggregates in each disorder. We will particularly present recent evidence for the involvement of conformational strains of αSyn aggregates and discuss the reciprocal relationship between αSyn strains and the cellular milieu. Moreover, we will highlight the need for effective methodologies for the strainotyping of aggregates to ameliorate diagnosing capabilities and therapeutic treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Emma Sierecki
- EMBL Australia Node for Single Molecule Sciences and School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; (N.J.G.)
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Light, Water, and Melatonin: The Synergistic Regulation of Phase Separation in Dementia. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065835. [PMID: 36982909 PMCID: PMC10054283 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The swift rise in acceptance of molecular principles defining phase separation by a broad array of scientific disciplines is shadowed by increasing discoveries linking phase separation to pathological aggregations associated with numerous neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, that contribute to dementia. Phase separation is powered by multivalent macromolecular interactions. Importantly, the release of water molecules from protein hydration shells into bulk creates entropic gains that promote phase separation and the subsequent generation of insoluble cytotoxic aggregates that drive healthy brain cells into diseased states. Higher viscosity in interfacial waters and limited hydration in interiors of biomolecular condensates facilitate phase separation. Light, water, and melatonin constitute an ancient synergy that ensures adequate protein hydration to prevent aberrant phase separation. The 670 nm visible red wavelength found in sunlight and employed in photobiomodulation reduces interfacial and mitochondrial matrix viscosity to enhance ATP production via increasing ATP synthase motor efficiency. Melatonin is a potent antioxidant that lowers viscosity to increase ATP by scavenging excess reactive oxygen species and free radicals. Reduced viscosity by light and melatonin elevates the availability of free water molecules that allow melatonin to adopt favorable conformations that enhance intrinsic features, including binding interactions with adenosine that reinforces the adenosine moiety effect of ATP responsible for preventing water removal that causes hydrophobic collapse and aggregation in phase separation. Precise recalibration of interspecies melatonin dosages that account for differences in metabolic rates and bioavailability will ensure the efficacious reinstatement of the once-powerful ancient synergy between light, water, and melatonin in a modern world.
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Dissecting aggregation and seeding dynamics of α-Syn polymorphs using the phasor approach to FLIM. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1345. [PMID: 36477485 PMCID: PMC9729209 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04289-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Synucleinopathies are a heterogenous group of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by the progressive accumulation of pathological α-synuclein (α-Syn). The importance of structural polymorphism of α-Syn assemblies for distinct synucleinopathies and their progression is increasingly recognized. However, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here we use fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) to investigate seeded aggregation of α-Syn in a biosensor cell line. We show that conformationally distinct α-Syn polymorphs exhibit characteristic fluorescence lifetimes. FLIM further revealed that α-Syn polymorphs were differentially processed by cellular clearance pathways, yielding fibrillar species with increased seeding capacity. Thus, FLIM is not only a powerful tool to distinguish different amyloid structures, but also to monitor the dynamic process of amyloid remodeling by the cellular environment. Our data suggest that the accumulation of highly seeding competent degradation products for particular polymorphs may account for accelerated disease progression in some patients.
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Dieriks BV, Highet B, Alik A, Bellande T, Stevenson TJ, Low V, Park TIH, Correia J, Schweder P, Faull RLM, Melki R, Curtis MA, Dragunow M. Human pericytes degrade diverse α-synuclein aggregates. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0277658. [PMID: 36399706 PMCID: PMC9674377 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive, neurodegenerative disorder characterised by the abnormal accumulation of α-synuclein (α-syn) aggregates. Central to disease progression is the gradual spread of pathological α-syn. α-syn aggregation is closely linked to progressive neuron loss. As such, clearance of α-syn aggregates may slow the progression of PD and lead to less severe symptoms. Evidence is increasing that non-neuronal cells play a role in PD and other synucleinopathies such as Lewy body dementia and multiple system atrophy. Our previous work has shown that pericytes-vascular mural cells that regulate the blood-brain barrier-contain α-syn aggregates in human PD brains. Here, we demonstrate that pericytes efficiently internalise fibrillar α-syn irrespective of being in a monoculture or mixed neuronal cell culture. Pericytes cleave fibrillar α-syn aggregates (Fibrils, Ribbons, fibrils65, fibrils91 and fibrils110), with cleaved α-syn remaining present for up to 21 days. The number of α-syn aggregates/cell and average aggregate size depends on the type of strain, but differences disappear within 5 five hours of treatment. Our results highlight the role brain vasculature may play in reducing α-syn aggregate burden in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birger Victor Dieriks
- Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- * E-mail: (BVD); (MD)
| | - Blake Highet
- Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ania Alik
- Molecular Imaging Research Center, Francois Jacob Institute, Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission, and Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, National Center for Scientific Research, Fontenay‐ Aux‐Roses, France
| | - Tracy Bellande
- Molecular Imaging Research Center, Francois Jacob Institute, Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission, and Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, National Center for Scientific Research, Fontenay‐ Aux‐Roses, France
| | - Taylor J. Stevenson
- Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Victoria Low
- Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Thomas I-H Park
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jason Correia
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Patrick Schweder
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Richard L. M. Faull
- Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ronald Melki
- Molecular Imaging Research Center, Francois Jacob Institute, Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission, and Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, National Center for Scientific Research, Fontenay‐ Aux‐Roses, France
| | - Maurice A. Curtis
- Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Mike Dragunow
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- * E-mail: (BVD); (MD)
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Kushnirov VV, Dergalev AA, Alieva MK, Alexandrov AI. Structural Bases of Prion Variation in Yeast. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105738. [PMID: 35628548 PMCID: PMC9147965 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyloids are protein aggregates with a specific filamentous structure that are related to a number of human diseases, and also to some important physiological processes in animals and other kingdoms of life. Amyloids in yeast can stably propagate as heritable units, prions. Yeast prions are of interest both on their own and as a model for amyloids and prions in general. In this review, we consider the structure of yeast prions and its variation, how such structures determine the balance of aggregated and soluble prion protein through interaction with chaperones and how the aggregated state affects the non-prion functions of these proteins.
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11
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Lopez-Cuina M, Meissner WG. Targeting alpha-synuclein or tau for treating neurodegenerative movement disorders. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2022; 178:460-471. [PMID: 35562199 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2022.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The two commonest groups of neurodegenerative disorders causing movement disorders are synucleinopathies and tauopathies. These disorders are characterised by the accumulation of abnormally misfolded forms of α-synuclein and tau proteins. Our current understanding of their pathogenesis suggests that extracellular forms of these proteins are of major relevance to the mechanism of pathology propagation throughout the brain and disease progression. The most novel approaches to find disease-modifying therapies aim to reduce or block these forms of tau and α-synuclein. This article reviews therapeutic strategies targeting α-synuclein and tau protein which have entered clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Lopez-Cuina
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, 14004 Cordoba, Spain; University Bordeaux, CNRS, IMN, UMR 5293, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - W G Meissner
- University Bordeaux, CNRS, IMN, UMR 5293, 33000 Bordeaux, France; CHU Bordeaux, Service de Neurologie des Maladies Neurodégénératives, IMNc, 33000 Bordeaux, France; Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, and New Zealand Brain Research Institute, Christchurch, New Zealand.
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12
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De Giorgi F, Uversky VN, Ichas F. α-Synuclein Fibrils as Penrose Machines: A Chameleon in the Gear. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12040494. [PMID: 35454083 PMCID: PMC9029340 DOI: 10.3390/biom12040494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In 1957, Lionel Penrose built the first man-made self-replicating mechanical device and illustrated its function in a series of machine prototypes, prefiguring our current view of the genesis and the proliferation of amyloid fibrils. He invented and demonstrated, with the help of his son Roger, the concepts that decades later, would become the fundamentals of prion and prion-like neurobiology: nucleation, seeding and conformational templating of monomers, linear polymer elongation, fragmentation, and spread. He published his premonitory discovery in a movie he publicly presented at only two conferences in 1958, a movie we thus reproduce here. By making a 30-year-jump in the early 90’s, we evoke the studies performed by Peter Lansbury and his group in which α-Synuclein (α-Syn) was for the first time (i) compared to a prion; (ii) shown to contain a fibrillization-prone domain capable of seeding its own assembly into fibrils; (iii) identified as an intrinsically disordered protein (IDP), and which, in the early 2000s, (iv) was described by one of us as a protein chameleon. We use these temporally distant breakthroughs to propose that the combination of the chameleon nature of α-Syn with the rigid gear of the Penrose machine is sufficient to account for a phenomenon that is of current interest: the emergence and the spread of a variety of α-Syn fibril strains in α-Synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca De Giorgi
- CNRS, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, 33076 Bordeaux, France
- Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, Université de Bordeaux, 33076 Bordeaux, France
- Correspondence: (F.D.G.); (V.N.U.); (F.I.)
| | - Vladimir N. Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC07, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- Correspondence: (F.D.G.); (V.N.U.); (F.I.)
| | - François Ichas
- CNRS, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, 33076 Bordeaux, France
- Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, Université de Bordeaux, 33076 Bordeaux, France
- Correspondence: (F.D.G.); (V.N.U.); (F.I.)
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De Giorgi F, Abdul-Shukkoor MB, Kashyrina M, Largitte LA, De Nuccio F, Kauffmann B, Lends A, Laferrière F, Bonhommeau S, Lofrumento DD, Bousset L, Bezard E, Buffeteau T, Loquet A, Ichas F. Neurons with Cat's Eyes: A Synthetic Strain of α-Synuclein Fibrils Seeding Neuronal Intranuclear Inclusions. Biomolecules 2022; 12:436. [PMID: 35327628 PMCID: PMC8946814 DOI: 10.3390/biom12030436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The distinct neuropathological features of the different α-Synucleinopathies, as well as the diversity of the α-Synuclein (α-Syn) intracellular inclusion bodies observed in post mortem brain sections, are thought to reflect the strain diversity characterizing invasive α-Syn amyloids. However, this "one strain, one disease" view is still hypothetical, and to date, a possible disease-specific contribution of non-amyloid factors has not been ruled out. In Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), the buildup of α-Syn inclusions in oligodendrocytes seems to result from the terminal storage of α-Syn amyloid aggregates first pre-assembled in neurons. This assembly occurs at the level of neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions, and even earlier, within neuronal intranuclear inclusions (NIIs). Intriguingly, α-Syn NIIs are never observed in α-Synucleinopathies other than MSA, suggesting that these inclusions originate (i) from the unique molecular properties of the α-Syn fibril strains encountered in this disease, or alternatively, (ii) from other factors specifically dysregulated in MSA and driving the intranuclear fibrillization of α-Syn. We report the isolation and structural characterization of a synthetic human α-Syn fibril strain uniquely capable of seeding α-Syn fibrillization inside the nuclear compartment. In primary mouse cortical neurons, this strain provokes the buildup of NIIs with a remarkable morphology reminiscent of cat's eye marbles (see video abstract). These α-Syn inclusions form giant patterns made of one, two, or three lentiform beams that span the whole intranuclear volume, pushing apart the chromatin. The input fibrils are no longer detectable inside the NIIs, where they become dominated by the aggregation of endogenous α-Syn. In addition to its phosphorylation at S129, α-Syn forming the NIIs acquires an epitope antibody reactivity profile that indicates its organization into fibrils, and is associated with the classical markers of α-Syn pathology p62 and ubiquitin. NIIs are also observed in vivo after intracerebral injection of the fibril strain in mice. Our data thus show that the ability to seed NIIs is a strain property that is integrally encoded in the fibril supramolecular architecture. Upstream alterations of cellular mechanisms are not required. In contrast to the lentiform TDP-43 NIIs, which are observed in certain frontotemporal dementias and which are conditional upon GRN or VCP mutations, our data support the hypothesis that the presence of α-Syn NIIs in MSA is instead purely amyloid-strain-dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca De Giorgi
- Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, CNRS, UMR 5293, 33076 Bordeaux, France; (L.-A.L.); (F.L.); (E.B.)
- Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, Université de Bordeaux, 33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Muhammed Bilal Abdul-Shukkoor
- Institut de Chimie et de Biologie des Membranes et des Nano-objets, CNRS, UMR 5248, Université de Bordeaux, 33600 Pessac, France; (M.B.A.-S.); (A.L.); (A.L.)
- Institut Européen de Chimie et Biologie, Université de Bordeaux, 33600 Pessac, France
| | - Marianna Kashyrina
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, Section of Human Anatomy, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (M.K.); (F.D.N.); (D.D.L.)
| | - Leslie-Ann Largitte
- Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, CNRS, UMR 5293, 33076 Bordeaux, France; (L.-A.L.); (F.L.); (E.B.)
- Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, Université de Bordeaux, 33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Francesco De Nuccio
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, Section of Human Anatomy, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (M.K.); (F.D.N.); (D.D.L.)
| | - Brice Kauffmann
- Institut Européen de Chimie et Biologie, CNRS, Université de Bordeaux, INSERM, UMS3033/US001, 33600 Pessac, France;
| | - Alons Lends
- Institut de Chimie et de Biologie des Membranes et des Nano-objets, CNRS, UMR 5248, Université de Bordeaux, 33600 Pessac, France; (M.B.A.-S.); (A.L.); (A.L.)
- Institut Européen de Chimie et Biologie, Université de Bordeaux, 33600 Pessac, France
| | - Florent Laferrière
- Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, CNRS, UMR 5293, 33076 Bordeaux, France; (L.-A.L.); (F.L.); (E.B.)
- Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, Université de Bordeaux, 33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Sébastien Bonhommeau
- Institut des Sciences Moléculaires, CNRS, UMR 5255, Université de Bordeaux, 33400 Talence, France; (S.B.); (T.B.)
| | - Dario Domenico Lofrumento
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, Section of Human Anatomy, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (M.K.); (F.D.N.); (D.D.L.)
| | - Luc Bousset
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institut François Jacob, MIRCen, CEA, CNRS, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France;
| | - Erwan Bezard
- Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, CNRS, UMR 5293, 33076 Bordeaux, France; (L.-A.L.); (F.L.); (E.B.)
- Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, Université de Bordeaux, 33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Thierry Buffeteau
- Institut des Sciences Moléculaires, CNRS, UMR 5255, Université de Bordeaux, 33400 Talence, France; (S.B.); (T.B.)
| | - Antoine Loquet
- Institut de Chimie et de Biologie des Membranes et des Nano-objets, CNRS, UMR 5248, Université de Bordeaux, 33600 Pessac, France; (M.B.A.-S.); (A.L.); (A.L.)
- Institut Européen de Chimie et Biologie, Université de Bordeaux, 33600 Pessac, France
| | - François Ichas
- Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, CNRS, UMR 5293, 33076 Bordeaux, France; (L.-A.L.); (F.L.); (E.B.)
- Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, Université de Bordeaux, 33076 Bordeaux, France
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Computational methods to predict protein aggregation. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2022; 73:102343. [PMID: 35240456 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2022.102343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
In most cases, protein aggregation stems from the establishment of non-native intermolecular contacts. The formation of insoluble protein aggregates is associated with many human diseases and is a major bottleneck for the industrial production of protein-based therapeutics. Strikingly, fibrillar aggregates are naturally exploited for structural scaffolding or to generate molecular switches and can be artificially engineered to build up multi-functional nanomaterials. Thus, there is a high interest in rationalizing and forecasting protein aggregation. Here, we review the available computational toolbox to predict protein aggregation propensities, identify sequential or structural aggregation-prone regions, evaluate the impact of mutations on aggregation or recognize prion-like domains. We discuss the strengths and limitations of these algorithms and how they can evolve in the next future.
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Jebali A, Rashidi M, Keikha R, Daliri K, Outeiro T. Novel multifunctional nanoliposomes inhibit α-synuclein fibrillization, attenuate microglial activation, and silence the expression of SNCA gene. Neurologia 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nrl.2021.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
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