1
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da Silva ANR, Pereira GRC, Bonet LFS, Outeiro TF, De Mesquita JF. In silico analysis of alpha-synuclein protein variants and posttranslational modifications related to Parkinson's disease. J Cell Biochem 2024; 125:e30523. [PMID: 38239037 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30523] [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: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is among the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorders, affecting over 10 million people worldwide. The protein encoded by the SNCA gene, alpha-synuclein (ASYN), is the major component of Lewy body (LB) aggregates, a histopathological hallmark of PD. Mutations and posttranslational modifications (PTMs) in ASYN are known to influence protein aggregation and LB formation, possibly playing a crucial role in PD pathogenesis. In this work, we applied computational methods to characterize the effects of missense mutations and PTMs on the structure and function of ASYN. Missense mutations in ASYN were compiled from the literature/databases and underwent a comprehensive predictive analysis. Phosphorylation and SUMOylation sites of ASYN were retrieved from databases and predicted by algorithms. ConSurf was used to estimate the evolutionary conservation of ASYN amino acids. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of ASYN wild-type and variants A30G, A30P, A53T, and G51D were performed using the GROMACS package. Seventy-seven missense mutations in ASYN were compiled. Although most mutations were not predicted to affect ASYN stability, aggregation propensity, amyloid formation, and chaperone binding, the analyzed mutations received relatively high rates of deleterious predictions and predominantly occurred at evolutionarily conserved sites within the protein. Moreover, our predictive analyses suggested that the following mutations may be possibly harmful to ASYN and, consequently, potential targets for future investigation: K6N, T22I, K34E, G36R, G36S, V37F, L38P, G41D, and K102E. The MD analyses pointed to remarkable flexibility and essential dynamics alterations at nearly all domains of the studied variants, which could lead to impaired contact between NAC and the C-terminal domain triggering protein aggregation. These alterations may have functional implications for ASYN and provide important insight into the molecular mechanism of PD, supporting the design of future biomedical research and improvements in existing therapies for the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aloma N R da Silva
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Laboratory, Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gabriel R C Pereira
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Laboratory, Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luiz Felippe Sarmento Bonet
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Laboratory, Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Tiago Fleming Outeiro
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Joelma F De Mesquita
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Laboratory, Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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2
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Bayandina SV, Mukha DV. Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a Model for Studying Human Neurodegenerative Disorders: Viral Capsid Protein Expression. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17213. [PMID: 38139041 PMCID: PMC10743263 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417213] [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: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In this article, we briefly describe human neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) and the experimental models used to study them. The main focus is the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as an experimental model used to study neurodegenerative processes. We review recent experimental data on the aggregation of human neurodegenerative disease-related proteins in yeast cells. In addition, we describe the results of studies that were designed to investigate the molecular mechanisms that underlie the aggregation of reporter proteins. The advantages and disadvantages of the experimental approaches that are currently used to study the formation of protein aggregates are described. Special attention is given to the similarity between aggregates that form as a result of protein misfolding and viral factories-special structural formations in which viral particles are formed inside virus-infected cells. A separate part of the review is devoted to our previously published study on the formation of aggregates upon expression of the insect densovirus capsid protein in yeast cells. Based on the reviewed results of studies on NDs and related protein aggregation, as well as viral protein aggregation, a new experimental model system for the study of human NDs is proposed. The core of the proposed system is a comparative transcriptomic analysis of changes in signaling pathways during the expression of viral capsid proteins in yeast cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dmitry V. Mukha
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
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3
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Hassanzadeh K, Morrone C, Akhtari K, Gerhardt E, Zaccagnini L, Outeiro TF, Feligioni M. Non-SUMOylated alternative spliced isoforms of alpha-synuclein are more aggregation-prone and toxic. Mech Ageing Dev 2023; 209:111759. [PMID: 36464085 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2022.111759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The exon skipping of α-Synuclein (α-Syn), the main constituent of the abnormal protein aggregation in Lewy bodies of Parkinson's disease (PD), forms four isoforms. In contrast to the full length α-Syn (α-Syn 140), little is known about the splice isoforms' properties and functions. SUMOylation, a post-translational modification, regulates α-Syn function, aggregation, and degradation, but information about α-Syn isoforms and the effect of SUMOylation on them is unknown. Therefore, this study aims to characterize the SUMOylation of α-Syn isoforms and its impact on cell death and α-Syn aggregation. In a cellular model of PD induced by rotenone, cell toxicity, SUMOylation, and α-Syn aggregation with or without isoforms overexpression were evaluated. First, rotenone induced cell toxicity and α-Syn aggregation, with a significant reduction of SUMOylation and autophagy. Boosting SUMOylation prevented α-Syn aggregation, phosphorylation and recovery of autophagy. Moreover, α-Syn 140 and α-Syn 126 were SUMOylated while the other two isoforms, α-Syn 112 and 98 were not and their overexpression showed that were more toxic and induced more α-Syn aggregation. Rotenone increased their toxicity that was not affected by boosting SUMOylation. These results may indicate a role of SUMOylation in modulating α-Syn aggregation, inducing to understanding more about the behavior of α-Syn isoforms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Keivan Akhtari
- Department of Physics, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Ellen Gerhardt
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Tiago Fleming Outeiro
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany; Max Planck Institute for Natural Sciences, 37075 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), 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Marco Feligioni
- EBRI Rita Levi-Montalcini Foundation, Rome 00161, Italy; Department of Neurorehabilitation Sciences, Casa di Cura del Policlinico, Milan 20144, Italy.
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Mutation of Tyrosine Sites in the Human Alpha-Synuclein Gene Induces Neurotoxicity in Transgenic Mice with Soluble Alpha-Synuclein Oligomer Formation. Cells 2022; 11:cells11223673. [PMID: 36429099 PMCID: PMC9688722 DOI: 10.3390/cells11223673] [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: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Overexpression of α-synuclein with tyrosine mutated to phenylalanine at position 125 leads to a severe phenotype with motor impairment and neuropathology in Drosophila. Here, we hypothesized that tyrosine mutations would similarly lead to impaired motor performance with neuropathology in a rodent model. In transgenic mice (ASO), tyrosines at positions 125, 133, and 136 in human α-synuclein were mutated to phenylalanine and cloned into a Thy1.2 expression vector, which was used to create transgenic mouse lines on a mixed genetic background TgN(Thy-1-SNCA-YF)4Emfu (YF). The YF mice had a decreased lifespan and displayed a dramatic motor phenotype with paralysis of both hind- and forelegs. Post-translational modification of α-synuclein due to phosphorylation of serine 129 is often seen in inclusions in the brains of patients with α-synucleinopathies. We observed a slight but significant increase in phosphorylation of serine 129 in the cytosol in YF mice compared to age-matched human α-synuclein transgenic mice (ASO). Conversely, significantly decreased phosphorylation of serine 129 was seen in synaptosomes of YF mice that also contained higher amounts of soluble oligomers. YF mice deposited full-length α-synuclein aggregates in neurons widespread in the CNS with the main occurrence in the forebrain structures of the cerebral cortex, the basal ganglia, and limbic structures. Full-length α-synuclein labeling was also prominent in many nuclear regions of the brain stem, deep cerebellar nuclei, and cerebellar cortex. The study shows that the substitution of tyrosines to phenylalanine in α-synuclein at positions 125, 133, and 136 leads to severe toxicity in vivo. An insignificant change upon tyrosine substitution suggests that the phosphorylation of serine 129 is not the cause of the toxicity.
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5
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Design of typical genes for heterologous gene expression. Sci Rep 2022; 12:9625. [PMID: 35688911 PMCID: PMC9187722 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13089-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Heterologous protein expression is an important method for analysing cellular functions of proteins, in genetic circuit engineering and in overexpressing proteins for biopharmaceutical applications and structural biology research. The degeneracy of the genetic code, which enables a single protein to be encoded by a multitude of synonymous gene sequences, plays an important role in regulating protein expression, but substantial uncertainty exists concerning the details of this phenomenon. Here we analyse the influence of a profiled codon usage adaptation approach on protein expression levels in the eukaryotic model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We selected green fluorescent protein (GFP) and human α-synuclein (αSyn) as representatives for stable and intrinsically disordered proteins and representing a benchmark and a challenging test case. A new approach was implemented to design typical genes resembling the codon usage of any subset of endogenous genes. Using this approach, synthetic genes for GFP and αSyn were generated, heterologously expressed and evaluated in yeast. We demonstrate that GFP is expressed at high levels, and that the toxic αSyn can be adapted to endogenous, low-level expression. The new software is publicly available as a web-application for performing host-specific protein adaptations to a set of the most commonly used model organisms ( https://odysseus.motorprotein.de ).
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Bonam SR, Tranchant C, Muller S. Autophagy-Lysosomal Pathway as Potential Therapeutic Target in Parkinson's Disease. Cells 2021; 10:3547. [PMID: 34944054 PMCID: PMC8700067 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular quality control systems have gained much attention in recent decades. Among these, autophagy is a natural self-preservation mechanism that continuously eliminates toxic cellular components and acts as an anti-ageing process. It is vital for cell survival and to preserve homeostasis. Several cell-type-dependent canonical or non-canonical autophagy pathways have been reported showing varying degrees of selectivity with regard to the substrates targeted. Here, we provide an updated review of the autophagy machinery and discuss the role of various forms of autophagy in neurodegenerative diseases, with a particular focus on Parkinson's disease. We describe recent findings that have led to the proposal of therapeutic strategies targeting autophagy to alter the course of Parkinson's disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srinivasa Reddy Bonam
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe-Immunopathologie et Immunointervention Thérapeutique, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Christine Tranchant
- Service de Neurologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France;
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), INSERM-U964/CNRS-UMR7104/Université de Strasbourg, 67400 Illkirch, France
- Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Sylviane Muller
- Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- CNRS and Strasbourg University, Unit Biotechnology and Cell Signaling/Strasbourg Drug Discovery and Development Institute (IMS), 67000 Strasbourg, France
- University of Strasbourg Institute for Advanced Study (USIAS), 67000 Strasbourg, France
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Lorentzon E, Horvath I, Kumar R, Rodrigues JI, Tamás MJ, Wittung-Stafshede P. Effects of the Toxic Metals Arsenite and Cadmium on α-Synuclein Aggregation In Vitro and in Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111455. [PMID: 34768886 PMCID: PMC8584132 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to heavy metals, including arsenic and cadmium, is associated with neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. However, the mechanistic details of how these metals contribute to pathogenesis are not well understood. To search for underlying mechanisms involving α-synuclein, the protein that forms amyloids in Parkinson’s disease, we here assessed the effects of arsenic and cadmium on α-synuclein amyloid formation in vitro and in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (budding yeast) cells. Atomic force microscopy experiments with acetylated human α-synuclein demonstrated that amyloid fibers formed in the presence of the metals have a different fiber pitch compared to those formed without metals. Both metal ions become incorporated into the amyloid fibers, and cadmium also accelerated the nucleation step in the amyloid formation process, likely via binding to intermediate species. Fluorescence microscopy analyses of yeast cells expressing fluorescently tagged α-synuclein demonstrated that arsenic and cadmium affected the distribution of α-synuclein aggregates within the cells, reduced aggregate clearance, and aggravated α-synuclein toxicity. Taken together, our in vitro data demonstrate that interactions between these two metals and α-synuclein modulate the resulting amyloid fiber structures, which, in turn, might relate to the observed effects in the yeast cells. Whilst our study advances our understanding of how these metals affect α-synuclein biophysics, further in vitro characterization as well as human cell studies are desired to fully appreciate their role in the progression of Parkinson’s disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Lorentzon
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden; (E.L.); (J.I.R.)
| | - Istvan Horvath
- Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, SE-412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden; (I.H.); (R.K.)
| | - Ranjeet Kumar
- Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, SE-412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden; (I.H.); (R.K.)
| | - Joana Isabel Rodrigues
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden; (E.L.); (J.I.R.)
| | - Markus J. Tamás
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden; (E.L.); (J.I.R.)
- Correspondence: (M.J.T.); (P.W.-S.)
| | - Pernilla Wittung-Stafshede
- Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, SE-412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden; (I.H.); (R.K.)
- Correspondence: (M.J.T.); (P.W.-S.)
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Popova B, Galka D, Häffner N, Wang D, Schmitt K, Valerius O, Knop M, Braus GH. α-Synuclein Decreases the Abundance of Proteasome Subunits and Alters Ubiquitin Conjugates in Yeast. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092229. [PMID: 34571878 PMCID: PMC8468666 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the most prevalent movement disorder characterized with loss of dopaminergic neurons in the brain. One of the pathological hallmarks of the disease is accumulation of aggregated α-synuclein (αSyn) in cytoplasmic Lewy body inclusions that indicates significant dysfunction of protein homeostasis in PD. Accumulation is accompanied with highly elevated S129 phosphorylation, suggesting that this posttranslational modification is linked to pathogenicity and altered αSyn inclusion dynamics. To address the role of S129 phosphorylation on protein dynamics further we investigated the wild type and S129A variants using yeast and a tandem fluorescent timer protein reporter approach to monitor protein turnover and stability. Overexpression of both variants leads to inhibited yeast growth. Soluble S129A is more stable and additional Y133F substitution permits αSyn degradation in a phosphorylation-independent manner. Quantitative cellular proteomics revealed significant αSyn-dependent disturbances of the cellular protein homeostasis, which are increased upon S129 phosphorylation. Disturbances are characterized by decreased abundance of the ubiquitin-dependent protein degradation machinery. Biotin proximity labelling revealed that αSyn interacts with the Rpt2 base subunit. Proteasome subunit depletion by reducing the expression of the corresponding genes enhances αSyn toxicity. Our studies demonstrate that turnover of αSyn and depletion of the proteasome pool correlate in a complex relationship between altered proteasome composition and increased αSyn toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blagovesta Popova
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics, Institute for Microbiology and Genetics, University of Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; (D.G.); (N.H.); (D.W.); (K.S.); (O.V.)
- Correspondence: (B.P.); (G.H.B.)
| | - Dajana Galka
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics, Institute for Microbiology and Genetics, University of Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; (D.G.); (N.H.); (D.W.); (K.S.); (O.V.)
| | - Nicola Häffner
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics, Institute for Microbiology and Genetics, University of Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; (D.G.); (N.H.); (D.W.); (K.S.); (O.V.)
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics, Institute for Microbiology and Genetics, University of Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; (D.G.); (N.H.); (D.W.); (K.S.); (O.V.)
| | - Kerstin Schmitt
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics, Institute for Microbiology and Genetics, University of Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; (D.G.); (N.H.); (D.W.); (K.S.); (O.V.)
| | - Oliver Valerius
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics, Institute for Microbiology and Genetics, University of Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; (D.G.); (N.H.); (D.W.); (K.S.); (O.V.)
| | - Michael Knop
- Zentrum für Molekulare Biologie der Universität Heidelberg (ZMBH), DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
| | - Gerhard H. Braus
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics, Institute for Microbiology and Genetics, University of Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; (D.G.); (N.H.); (D.W.); (K.S.); (O.V.)
- Correspondence: (B.P.); (G.H.B.)
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9
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Bell R, Vendruscolo M. Modulation of the Interactions Between α-Synuclein and Lipid Membranes by Post-translational Modifications. Front Neurol 2021; 12:661117. [PMID: 34335440 PMCID: PMC8319954 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.661117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is characterised by the presence in brain tissue of aberrant inclusions known as Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites, which are deposits composed by α-synuclein and a variety of other cellular components, including in particular lipid membranes. The dysregulation of the balance between lipid homeostasis and α-synuclein homeostasis is therefore likely to be closely involved in the onset and progression of Parkinson's disease and related synucleinopathies. As our understanding of this balance is increasing, we describe recent advances in the characterisation of the role of post-translational modifications in modulating the interactions of α-synuclein with lipid membranes. We then discuss the impact of these advances on the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic tools for synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michele Vendruscolo
- Centre for Misfolding Disease, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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10
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Popova B, Wang D, Rajavel A, Dhamotharan K, Lázaro DF, Gerke J, Uhrig JF, Hoppert M, Outeiro TF, Braus GH. Identification of Two Novel Peptides That Inhibit α-Synuclein Toxicity and Aggregation. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:659926. [PMID: 33912013 PMCID: PMC8072481 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.659926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Aggregation of α-synuclein (αSyn) into proteinaceous deposits is a pathological hallmark of a range of neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson’s disease (PD). Numerous lines of evidence indicate that the accumulation of toxic oligomeric and prefibrillar αSyn species may underpin the cellular toxicity and spread of pathology between cells. Therefore, aggregation of αSyn is considered a priority target for drug development, as aggregation inhibitors are expected to reduce αSyn toxicity and serve as therapeutic agents. Here, we used the budding yeast S. cerevisiae as a platform for the identification of short peptides that inhibit αSyn aggregation and toxicity. A library consisting of approximately one million peptide variants was utilized in two high-throughput screening approaches for isolation of library representatives that reduce αSyn-associated toxicity and aggregation. Seven peptides were isolated that were able to suppress specifically αSyn toxicity and aggregation in living cells. Expression of the peptides in yeast reduced the accumulation of αSyn-induced reactive oxygen species and increased cell viability. Next, the peptides were chemically synthesized and probed for their ability to modulate αSyn aggregation in vitro. Two synthetic peptides, K84s and K102s, of 25 and 19 amino acids, respectively, significantly inhibited αSyn oligomerization and aggregation at sub-stoichiometric molar ratios. Importantly, K84s reduced αSyn aggregation in human cells. These peptides represent promising αSyn aggregation antagonists for the development of future therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blagovesta Popova
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics, Institute for Microbiology and Genetics, University of Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics, Institute for Microbiology and Genetics, University of Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Abirami Rajavel
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics, Institute for Microbiology and Genetics, University of Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Karthikeyan Dhamotharan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics, Institute for Microbiology and Genetics, University of Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Diana F Lázaro
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jennifer Gerke
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics, Institute for Microbiology and Genetics, University of Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Joachim F Uhrig
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology and Physiology, University of Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Michael Hoppert
- Department of General Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, University of Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Tiago F Outeiro
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany.,Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.,Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Gerhard H Braus
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics, Institute for Microbiology and Genetics, University of Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany
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11
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Pang C, Zhang N, Falahati M. Acceleration of α-synuclein fibril formation and associated cytotoxicity stimulated by silica nanoparticles as a model of neurodegenerative diseases. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 169:532-540. [PMID: 33352154 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.12.130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A wide range of biophysical and theoretical analysis were employed to explore the formation of (α-syn) amyloid fibril formation as a model of Parkinson's disease in the presence of silica oxide nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs). Also, different cellular and molecular assays such as MTT, LDH, caspase, ROS, and qPCR were performed to reveal the α-syn amyloid fibrils-associated cytotoxicity against SH-SY5Y cells. Fluorescence measurements showed that SiO2 NPs accelerate the α-syn aggregation and exposure of hydrophobic moieties. Congo red absorbance, circular dichroism (CD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis depicted the SiO2 NPs accelerated the formation of α-syn amyloid fibrils. Molecular docking study showed that SiO2 clusters preferably bind to the N-terminal of α-syn as the helix folding site. We also realized that SiO2 NPs increase the cytotoxicity of α-syn amyloid fibrils through a significant decrease in cell viability, increase in membrane leakage, activation of caspase-9 and -3, elevation of ROS, and increase in the ratio of Bax/Bcl2 mRNA. The cellular assay indicated that α-syn amyloid fibrils formed in the presence of SiO2 NPs induce their cytotoxic effects through the mitochondrial-mediated intrinsic apoptosis pathway. We concluded that these data may reveal some adverse effects of NPs on the progression of Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Pang
- Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shengyang 110000, China.
| | - Na Zhang
- Medical Education Research Center, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Mojtaba Falahati
- Department of Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Sciences and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
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12
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Multifaceted targeting of neurodegeneration with bioactive molecules of saffron (Crocus sativus): An insilco evidence-based hypothesis. Med Hypotheses 2020; 143:109872. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2020.109872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Verma DK, Ghosh A, Ruggiero L, Cartier E, Janezic E, Williams D, Jung EG, Moore M, Seo JB, Kim YH. The SUMO Conjugase Ubc9 Protects Dopaminergic Cells from Cytotoxicity and Enhances the Stability of α-Synuclein in Parkinson's Disease Models. eNeuro 2020; 7:ENEURO.0134-20.2020. [PMID: 32887693 PMCID: PMC7519168 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0134-20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) is a widespread regulatory mechanism of post-translational modification (PTM) that induces rapid and reversible changes in protein function and stability. Using SUMO conjugase Ubc9-overexpressing or knock-down cells in Parkinson's disease (PD) models, we demonstrate that SUMOylation protects dopaminergic cells against MPP+ or preformed fibrils (PFFs) of α-synuclein (α-syn)-induced toxicities in cell viability and cytotoxicity assays. In the mechanism of protection, Ubc9 overexpression significantly suppressed the MPP+ or PFF-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, while Ubc9-RNAi enhanced the toxicity-induced ROS production. Further, PFF-mediated protein aggregation was exacerbated by Ubc9-RNAi in thioflavin T staining, compared with NC1 controls. In cycloheximide (Chx)-based protein stability assays, higher protein level of α-syn was identified in Ubc9-enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) than in EGFP cells. Since there was no difference in endogenous mRNA levels of α-syn between Ubc9 and EGFP cells in quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), we assessed the mechanisms of SUMO-mediated delayed α-syn degradation via MG132, proteasomal inhibitor, and PMA, lysosomal degradation inducer. Ubc9-mediated SUMOylated α-syn avoided PMA-induced lysosomal degradation because of its high solubility. Our results suggest that Ubc9 enhances the levels of SUMO1 and ubiquitin on α-syn and interrupts SUMO1 removal from α-syn. In immunohistochemistry, dopaminergic axon tips in the striatum and cell bodies in the substantia nigra from Ubc9-overexpressing transgenic mice were protected from MPTP toxicities compared with wild-type (WT) siblings. Our results support that SUMOylation can be a regulatory target to protect dopaminergic neurons from oxidative stress and protein aggregation, with the implication that high levels of SUMOylation in dopaminergic neurons can prevent the pathologic progression of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh Kumar Verma
- Department of Biological Sciences/Neuroscience program, Delaware State University, Dover, DE 19901
| | - Anurupa Ghosh
- Department of Biological Sciences/Neuroscience program, Delaware State University, Dover, DE 19901
| | - Lindsey Ruggiero
- Department of Biological Sciences/Neuroscience program, Delaware State University, Dover, DE 19901
| | - Etienne Cartier
- Department of Biological Sciences/Neuroscience program, Delaware State University, Dover, DE 19901
| | - Eric Janezic
- Department of Biological Sciences/Neuroscience program, Delaware State University, Dover, DE 19901
| | - Dionne Williams
- Department of Biological Sciences/Neuroscience program, Delaware State University, Dover, DE 19901
| | - Eui-Gil Jung
- Seoul Center, Korea Basic Science Institute, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Michael Moore
- Imaging Core, Delaware State University, Dover, DE 19901
| | - Jong Bok Seo
- Seoul Center, Korea Basic Science Institute, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Hwan Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences/Neuroscience program, Delaware State University, Dover, DE 19901
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14
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Perrino G, Wilson C, Santorelli M, di Bernardo D. Quantitative Characterization of α-Synuclein Aggregation in Living Cells through Automated Microfluidics Feedback Control. Cell Rep 2020; 27:916-927.e5. [PMID: 30995486 PMCID: PMC6484782 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.03.081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Revised: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aggregation of α-synuclein and formation of inclusions are hallmarks of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Aggregate formation is affected by cellular environment, but it has been studied almost exclusively in cell-free systems. We quantitatively analyzed α-synuclein inclusion formation and clearance in a yeast cell model of PD expressing either wild-type (WT) α-synuclein or the disease-associated A53T mutant from the galactose (Gal)-inducible promoter. A computer-controlled microfluidics device regulated α-synuclein in cells by means of closed-loop feedback control. We demonstrated that inclusion formation is strictly concentration dependent and that the aggregation threshold of the A53T mutant is about half of the WT α-synuclein (56%). We chemically modulated the proteasomal and autophagic pathways and demonstrated that autophagy is the main determinant of A53T α-synuclein inclusions’ clearance. In addition to proposing a technology to overcome current limitations in dynamically regulating protein expression levels, our results contribute to the biology of PD and have relevance for therapeutic applications. In silico feedback control enables regulation of α-synuclein expression in yeast α-Synuclein inclusion formation is strictly concentration, but not time, dependent The aggregation threshold of the α-synuclein A53T mutant is 56% of the wild-type Autophagy induction speeds up inclusion clearance in the A53T α-synuclein strain
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Affiliation(s)
- Giansimone Perrino
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli (NA), Italy
| | - Cathal Wilson
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli (NA), Italy
| | - Marco Santorelli
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli (NA), Italy
| | - Diego di Bernardo
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli (NA), Italy; Department of Chemical, Materials and Industrial Production Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Piazzale Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy.
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15
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Chernoff YO, Grizel AV, Rubel AA, Zelinsky AA, Chandramowlishwaran P, Chernova TA. Application of yeast to studying amyloid and prion diseases. ADVANCES IN GENETICS 2020; 105:293-380. [PMID: 32560789 PMCID: PMC7527210 DOI: 10.1016/bs.adgen.2020.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyloids are fibrous cross-β protein aggregates that are capable of proliferation via nucleated polymerization. Amyloid conformation likely represents an ancient protein fold and is linked to various biological or pathological manifestations. Self-perpetuating amyloid-based protein conformers provide a molecular basis for transmissible (infectious or heritable) protein isoforms, termed prions. Amyloids and prions, as well as other types of misfolded aggregated proteins are associated with a variety of devastating mammalian and human diseases, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases, transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and transthyretinopathies. In yeast and fungi, amyloid-based prions control phenotypically detectable heritable traits. Simplicity of cultivation requirements and availability of powerful genetic approaches makes yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae an excellent model system for studying molecular and cellular mechanisms governing amyloid formation and propagation. Genetic techniques allowing for the expression of mammalian or human amyloidogenic and prionogenic proteins in yeast enable researchers to capitalize on yeast advantages for characterization of the properties of disease-related proteins. Chimeric constructs employing mammalian and human aggregation-prone proteins or domains, fused to fluorophores or to endogenous yeast proteins allow for cytological or phenotypic detection of disease-related protein aggregation in yeast cells. Yeast systems are amenable to high-throughput screening for antagonists of amyloid formation, propagation and/or toxicity. This review summarizes up to date achievements of yeast assays in application to studying mammalian and human disease-related aggregating proteins, and discusses both limitations and further perspectives of yeast-based strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yury O Chernoff
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States; Laboratory of Amyloid Biology, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia.
| | - Anastasia V Grizel
- Laboratory of Amyloid Biology, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Aleksandr A Rubel
- Laboratory of Amyloid Biology, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia; Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia; Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, Russia
| | - Andrew A Zelinsky
- Laboratory of Amyloid Biology, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | | | - Tatiana A Chernova
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
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16
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González N, Arcos-López T, König A, Quintanar L, Menacho Márquez M, Outeiro TF, Fernández CO. Effects of alpha-synuclein post-translational modifications on metal binding. J Neurochem 2019; 150:507-521. [PMID: 31099098 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder worldwide. Neurodegeneration in this pathology is characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, coupled with cytoplasmic inclusions known as Lewy bodies containing α-synuclein. The brain is an organ that concentrates metal ions, and there is emerging evidence that a break-down in metal homeostasis may be a critical factor in a variety of neurodegenerative diseases. α-synuclein has emerged as an important metal-binding protein in the brain, whereas these interactions play an important role in its aggregation and might represent a link between protein aggregation, oxidative damage, and neuronal cell loss. Additionally, α-synuclein undergoes several post-translational modifications that regulate its structure and physiological function, and may be linked to the aggregation and/or oligomer formation. This review is focused on the interaction of this protein with physiologically relevant metal ions, highlighting the cases where metal-AS interactions profile as key modulators for its structural, aggregation, and membrane-binding properties. The impact of α-synuclein phosphorylation and N-terminal acetylation in the metal-binding properties of the protein are also discussed, underscoring a potential interplay between PTMs and metal ion binding in regulating α-synuclein physiological functions and its role in pathology. This article is part of the Special Issue "Synuclein".
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazareno González
- Max Planck Laboratory for Structural Biology, Chemistry and Molecular Biophysics of Rosario (MPLbioR, UNR-MPIbpC), Instituto de Investigaciones para el Descubrimiento de Fármacos de Rosario (IIDEFAR, UNR-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Trinidad Arcos-López
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Research and Advanced Studies (Cinvestav), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Annekatrin König
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Liliana Quintanar
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Research and Advanced Studies (Cinvestav), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Mauricio Menacho Márquez
- Max Planck Laboratory for Structural Biology, Chemistry and Molecular Biophysics of Rosario (MPLbioR, UNR-MPIbpC), Instituto de Investigaciones para el Descubrimiento de Fármacos de Rosario (IIDEFAR, UNR-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Tiago F Outeiro
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany.,Institute of Neuroscience, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Claudio O Fernández
- Max Planck Laboratory for Structural Biology, Chemistry and Molecular Biophysics of Rosario (MPLbioR, UNR-MPIbpC), Instituto de Investigaciones para el Descubrimiento de Fármacos de Rosario (IIDEFAR, UNR-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina.,Department of NMR-based Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
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17
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Froula JM, Castellana-Cruz M, Anabtawi NM, Camino JD, Chen SW, Thrasher DR, Freire J, Yazdi AA, Fleming S, Dobson CM, Kumita JR, Cremades N, Volpicelli-Daley LA. Defining α-synuclein species responsible for Parkinson's disease phenotypes in mice. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:10392-10406. [PMID: 31142553 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.007743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by fibrillar neuronal inclusions composed of aggregated α-synuclein (α-syn). These inclusions are associated with behavioral and pathological PD phenotypes. One strategy for therapeutic interventions is to prevent the formation of these inclusions to halt disease progression. α-Synuclein exists in multiple structural forms, including disordered, nonamyloid oligomers, ordered amyloid oligomers, and fibrils. It is critical to understand which conformers contribute to specific PD phenotypes. Here, we utilized a mouse model to explore the pathological effects of stable β-amyloid-sheet oligomers compared with those of fibrillar α-synuclein. We biophysically characterized these species with transmission EM, atomic-force microscopy, CD spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, analytical ultracentrifugation, and thioflavin T assays. We then injected these different α-synuclein forms into the mouse striatum to determine their ability to induce PD-related phenotypes. We found that β-sheet oligomers produce a small but significant loss of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc). Injection of small β-sheet fibril fragments, however, produced the most robust phenotypes, including reduction of striatal dopamine terminals, SNc loss of dopamine neurons, and motor-behavior defects. We conclude that although the β-sheet oligomers cause some toxicity, the potent effects of the short fibrillar fragments can be attributed to their ability to recruit monomeric α-synuclein and spread in vivo and hence contribute to the development of PD-like phenotypes. These results suggest that strategies to reduce the formation and propagation of β-sheet fibrillar species could be an important route for therapeutic intervention in PD and related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Froula
- From the Department of Neurology, Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294
| | - Marta Castellana-Cruz
- the Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom, and
| | - Nadia M Anabtawi
- From the Department of Neurology, Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294
| | - José D Camino
- the Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI)-Joint Unit BIFI-IQFR (CSIC), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza 50018, Spain
| | - Serene W Chen
- the Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom, and
| | - Drake R Thrasher
- From the Department of Neurology, Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294
| | - Jennifer Freire
- From the Department of Neurology, Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294
| | - Allen A Yazdi
- From the Department of Neurology, Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294
| | - Sheila Fleming
- the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, Ohio 44272
| | - Christopher M Dobson
- the Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom, and
| | - Janet R Kumita
- the Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom, and
| | - Nunilo Cremades
- the Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI)-Joint Unit BIFI-IQFR (CSIC), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza 50018, Spain,
| | - Laura A Volpicelli-Daley
- From the Department of Neurology, Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294,
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18
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Rapid Nuclear Exclusion of Hcm1 in Aging Saccharomyces cerevisiae Leads to Vacuolar Alkalization and Replicative Senescence. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2018. [PMID: 29519938 PMCID: PMC5940150 DOI: 10.1534/g3.118.200161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, like other higher eukaryotes, undergo a finite number of cell divisions before exiting the cell cycle due to the effects of aging. Here, we show that yeast aging begins with the nuclear exclusion of Hcm1 in young cells, resulting in loss of acidic vacuoles. Autophagy is required for healthy aging in yeast, with proteins targeted for turnover by autophagy directed to the vacuole. Consistent with this, vacuolar acidity is necessary for vacuolar function and yeast longevity. Using yeast genetics and immunofluorescence microscopy, we confirm that vacuolar acidity plays a critical role in cell health and lifespan, and is potentially maintained by a series of Forkhead Box (Fox) transcription factors. An interconnected transcriptional network involving the Fox proteins (Fkh1, Fkh2 and Hcm1) are required for transcription of v-ATPase subunits and vacuolar acidity. As cells age, Hcm1 is rapidly excluded from the nucleus in young cells, blocking the expression of Hcm1 targets (Fkh1 and Fkh2), leading to loss of v-ATPase gene expression, reduced vacuolar acidification, increased α-syn-GFP vacuolar accumulation, and finally, diminished replicative lifespan (RLS). Loss of vacuolar acidity occurs about the same time as Hcm1 nuclear exclusion and is conserved; we have recently demonstrated that lysosomal alkalization similarly contributes to aging in C. elegans following a transition from progeny producing to post-reproductive life. Our data points to a molecular mechanism regulating vacuolar acidity that signals the end of RLS when acidification is lost.
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19
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Popova B, Kleinknecht A, Arendarski P, Mischke J, Wang D, Braus GH. Sumoylation Protects Against β-Synuclein Toxicity in Yeast. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:94. [PMID: 29636661 PMCID: PMC5880895 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Aggregation of α-synuclein (αSyn) plays a central role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD). The budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae serves as reference cell to study the interplay between αSyn misfolding, cytotoxicity and post-translational modifications (PTMs). The synuclein family includes α, β and γ isoforms. β-synuclein (βSyn) and αSyn are found at presynaptic terminals and both proteins are presumably involved in disease pathogenesis. Similar to αSyn, expression of βSyn leads to growth deficiency and formation of intracellular aggregates in yeast. Co-expression of αSyn and βSyn exacerbates the cytotoxicity. This suggests an important role of βSyn homeostasis in PD pathology. We show here that the small ubiquitin-like modifier SUMO is an important determinant of protein stability and βSyn-induced toxicity in eukaryotic cells. Downregulation of sumoylation in a yeast strain, defective for the SUMO-encoding gene resulted in reduced yeast growth, whereas upregulation of sumoylation rescued growth of yeast cell expressing βSyn. This corroborates a protective role of the cellular sumoylation machinery against βSyn-induced toxicity. Upregulation of sumoylation significantly reduced βSyn aggregate formation. This is an indirect molecular process, which is not directly linked to βSyn sumoylation because amino acid substitutions in the lysine residues required for βSyn sumoylation decreased aggregation without changing yeast cellular toxicity. αSyn aggregates are more predominantly degraded by the autophagy/vacuole than by the 26S ubiquitin proteasome system. We demonstrate a vice versa situation for βSyn, which is mainly degraded in the 26S proteasome. Downregulation of sumoylation significantly compromised the clearance of βSyn by the 26S proteasome and increased protein stability. This effect is specific, because depletion of functional SUMO did neither affect βSyn aggregate formation nor its degradation by the autophagy/vacuolar pathway. Our data support that cellular βSyn toxicity and aggregation do not correlate in their cellular impact as for αSyn but rather represent two distinct independent molecular functions and molecular mechanisms. These insights into the relationship between βSyn-induced toxicity, aggregate formation and degradation demonstrate a significant distinction between the impact of αSyn compared to βSyn on eukaryotic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blagovesta Popova
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics and Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), Institute for Microbiology and Genetics, Universität Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Alexandra Kleinknecht
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics and Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), Institute for Microbiology and Genetics, Universität Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Patricia Arendarski
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics and Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), Institute for Microbiology and Genetics, Universität Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jasmin Mischke
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics and Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), Institute for Microbiology and Genetics, Universität Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics and Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), Institute for Microbiology and Genetics, Universität Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Gerhard H Braus
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics and Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), Institute for Microbiology and Genetics, Universität Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), Göttingen, Germany
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20
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Tenreiro S, Franssens V, Winderickx J, Outeiro TF. Yeast models of Parkinson's disease-associated molecular pathologies. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2018; 44:74-83. [PMID: 28232272 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2017.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The aging of the human population is resulting in an increase in the number of people afflicted by neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease (PD), creating tremendous socio-economic challenges. This requires the urgent for the development of effective therapies, and of tools for early diagnosis of the disease. However, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying PD pathogenesis is still incomplete, hampering progress in those areas. In recent years, the progression made in genetics has considerably contributed to our knowledge, by identifying several novel PD genes. Furthermore, many cellular and animal models have proven their value to decipher pathways involved in PD development. In this review we highlight the value of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model for PD. This unicellular eukaryote has contributed to our understanding of the cellular mechanisms targeted by most important PD genes and offers an excellent tool for discovering novel players via powerful and informative high throughput screens that accelerate further validation in more complex models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Tenreiro
- CEDOC-Chronic Diseases Research Center, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Vanessa Franssens
- Department of Biology, Functional Biology, KU Leuven, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Joris Winderickx
- Department of Biology, Functional Biology, KU Leuven, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Tiago Fleming Outeiro
- CEDOC-Chronic Diseases Research Center, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; Department of Neurodegeneration and Restorative Research, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany.
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21
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Protein Glutathionylation in the Pathogenesis of Neurodegenerative Diseases. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2017; 2017:2818565. [PMID: 29456785 PMCID: PMC5804111 DOI: 10.1155/2017/2818565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Revised: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Protein glutathionylation is a redox-mediated posttranslational modification that regulates the function of target proteins by conjugating glutathione with a cysteine thiol group on the target proteins. Protein glutathionylation has several biological functions such as regulation of metabolic pathways, calcium homeostasis, signal transduction, remodeling of cytoskeleton, inflammation, and protein folding. However, the exact role and mechanism of glutathionylation during irreversible oxidative stress has not been completely defined. Irreversible oxidative damage is implicated in a number of neurological disorders. Here, we discuss and highlight the most recent findings and several evidences for the association of glutathionylation with neurodegenerative diseases and the role of glutathionylation of specific proteins in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Understanding the important role of glutathionylation in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases may provide insights into novel therapeutic interventions.
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22
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Santos AL, Lindner AB. Protein Posttranslational Modifications: Roles in Aging and Age-Related Disease. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2017; 2017:5716409. [PMID: 28894508 PMCID: PMC5574318 DOI: 10.1155/2017/5716409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/28/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Aging is characterized by the progressive decline of biochemical and physiological function in an individual. Consequently, aging is a major risk factor for diseases like cancer, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. The cellular and molecular mechanisms of aging are not well understood, nor is the relationship between aging and the onset of diseases. One of the hallmarks of aging is a decrease in cellular proteome homeostasis, allowing abnormal proteins to accumulate. This phenomenon is observed in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes, suggesting that the underlying molecular processes are evolutionarily conserved. Similar protein aggregation occurs in the pathogenesis of diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Further, protein posttranslational modifications (PTMs), either spontaneous or physiological/pathological, are emerging as important markers of aging and aging-related diseases, though clear causality has not yet been firmly established. This review presents an overview of the interplay of PTMs in aging-associated molecular processes in eukaryotic aging models. Understanding PTM roles in aging could facilitate targeted therapies or interventions for age-related diseases. In addition, the study of PTMs in prokaryotes is highlighted, revealing the potential of simple prokaryotic models to uncover complex aging-associated molecular processes in the emerging field of microbiogerontology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana L. Santos
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1001, Université Paris Descartes and Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Ariel B. Lindner
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1001, Université Paris Descartes and Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
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23
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Lin D, Jing X, Chen Y, Liang Y, Lei M, Peng S, Zhou T, Zheng D, Zeng Z, Wu X, Yang L, Xiao S, Liu J, Tao E. Rifampicin pre-treatment inhibits the toxicity of rotenone-induced PC12 cells by enhancing sumoylation modification of α-synuclein. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2017; 485:23-29. [PMID: 28132806 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.01.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Our previous research revealed that rifampicin could protect PC12 (pheochromocytoma 12) cells from rotenone-induced cytotoxicity by reversing the aggregation of α-synuclein. Furthermore, increasing evidence indicated that the misfolded α-synuclein with SUMOylation, an important protein posttranslational modification, was easier to solubilize and was less toxic. Here, we investigated whether rifampicin could stabilize α-synuclein and prevent rotenone-induced PC12 cells from undergoing apoptosis by enhancing SUMOylation of α-synuclein. The expression of SUMO1 and SUMO2/3, the two main proteins responsible for the SUMOylation modification in PC12 cells, were detected by western blotting. Co-immunoprecipitation was performed to compare qualitatively the SUMOylation modification of α-synuclein. The cell viability and apoptosis rate were measured by a CCK-8 assay kit and flow cytometry, respectively. We targeted Ubc9 as a key enzyme in the SUMOylation modification pathway and knocked down the UBC9 gene using a short interfering RNA. Treatment with 150 μmol/L rifampicin, increased the expressions of SUMO1 and SUMO2/3 in cells by 1.5 times compared with the control group; meanwhile, the cell viability of rotenone-induced cells increased from 20 to 80% (P < 0.05). In addition, the increased SUMOylation activity in the cells stimulated by rifampicin was observed 18 h earlier compared with cells treated by rotenone alone. SUMOylation of α-synuclein was more significant in rifampicin-treated cells and Ubc9 upregulated cells. However, the same phenomenon and the protective effect of rifampicin were reversed after UBC9 knockout. In conclusion, rifampicin might reduce the cytotoxicity of rotenone-induced PC12 cells by promoting SUMOylation of α-synuclein.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Lin
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yanjiang West Road, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - X Jing
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yanjiang West Road, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Y Chen
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yanjiang West Road, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Y Liang
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yanjiang West Road, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - M Lei
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yanjiang West Road, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - S Peng
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yanjiang West Road, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - T Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yanjiang West Road, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - D Zheng
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yanjiang West Road, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Z Zeng
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yanjiang West Road, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - X Wu
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yanjiang West Road, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - L Yang
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yanjiang West Road, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - S Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yanjiang West Road, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - J Liu
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yanjiang West Road, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - E Tao
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yanjiang West Road, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, 74 Zhongshan 2nd Road, Guangzhou 510080, China.
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24
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Fruhmann G, Seynnaeve D, Zheng J, Ven K, Molenberghs S, Wilms T, Liu B, Winderickx J, Franssens V. Yeast buddies helping to unravel the complexity of neurodegenerative disorders. Mech Ageing Dev 2017; 161:288-305. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2016.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Revised: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 05/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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25
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Wang B, Abraham N, Gao G, Yang Q. Dysregulation of autophagy and mitochondrial function in Parkinson's disease. Transl Neurodegener 2016; 5:19. [PMID: 27822367 PMCID: PMC5087125 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-016-0065-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease. Increasing evidence supports that dysregulation of autophagy and mitochondrial function are closely related with PD pathogenesis. In this review, we briefly summarized autophagy pathway, which consists of macroautophagy, microautophagy and chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA). Then, we discussed the involvement of mitochondrial dysfunction in PD pathogenesis. We specifically reviewed the recent developments in the relationship among several PD related genes, autophagy and mitochondrial dysfunction, followed by the therapeutic implications of these pathways. In conclusion, we propose that autophagy activity and mitochondrial homeostasis are of high importance in the pathogenesis of PD. Better understanding of these pathways can shed light on the novel therapeutic methods for PD prevention and amelioration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, No. 569 Xinsi Road, Baqiao District, Xi'an, 710038 Shaanxi Province China ; Department of Neurology, Beth Isreal Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, 02215 MA USA
| | - Neeta Abraham
- Department of Neurology, Beth Isreal Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, 02215 MA USA
| | - Guodong Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, No. 569 Xinsi Road, Baqiao District, Xi'an, 710038 Shaanxi Province China
| | - Qian Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, No. 569 Xinsi Road, Baqiao District, Xi'an, 710038 Shaanxi Province China
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26
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Ghosh D, Mehra S, Sahay S, Singh PK, Maji SK. α-synuclein aggregation and its modulation. Int J Biol Macromol 2016; 100:37-54. [PMID: 27737778 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2016.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Revised: 10/06/2016] [Accepted: 10/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurological disorder marked by the presence of cytoplasmic inclusions, Lewy bodies (LBs) and Lewy neurites (LNs) as well as the degeneration of dopamine producing neurons in the substantia nigra region of the brain. The LBs and LNs in PD are mainly composed of aggregated form of a presynaptic protein, α-synuclein (α-Syn). However, the mechanisms of α-Syn aggregation and actual aggregated species responsible for the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons have not yet been resolved. Despite the fact that α-Syn aggregation in LBs and LNs is crucial and mutations of α-Syn are associated with early onset PD, it is really a challenging task to establish a correlation between α-Syn aggregation rate and PD pathogenesis. Regardless of strong genetic contribution, PD is mostly sporadic and familial forms of the disease represent only a minor part (<10%) of all cases. The complexity in PD further increases due to the involvement of several cellular factors in the pathogenesis of the disease as well as the environmental factors associated with the risk of developing PD. Therefore, effect of these factors on α-Syn aggregation pathway and how these factors modulate the properties of wild type (WT) as well as mutated α-Syn should be collectively taken into account. The present review specifically provides an overview of recent research on α-Syn aggregation pathways and its modulation by several cellular factors potentially relevant to PD pathogenesis. We also briefly discuss about effect of environmental risk factors on α-Syn aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhiman Ghosh
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Surabhi Mehra
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Shruti Sahay
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Pradeep K Singh
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Samir K Maji
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
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27
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Kleinknecht A, Popova B, Lázaro DF, Pinho R, Valerius O, Outeiro TF, Braus GH. C-Terminal Tyrosine Residue Modifications Modulate the Protective Phosphorylation of Serine 129 of α-Synuclein in a Yeast Model of Parkinson's Disease. PLoS Genet 2016; 12:e1006098. [PMID: 27341336 PMCID: PMC4920419 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1006098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson´s disease (PD) is characterized by the presence of proteinaceous inclusions called Lewy bodies that are mainly composed of α-synuclein (αSyn). Elevated levels of oxidative or nitrative stresses have been implicated in αSyn related toxicity. Phosphorylation of αSyn on serine 129 (S129) modulates autophagic clearance of inclusions and is prominently found in Lewy bodies. The neighboring tyrosine residues Y125, Y133 and Y136 are phosphorylation and nitration sites. Using a yeast model of PD, we found that Y133 is required for protective S129 phosphorylation and for S129-independent proteasome clearance. αSyn can be nitrated and form stable covalent dimers originating from covalent crosslinking of two tyrosine residues. Nitrated tyrosine residues, but not di-tyrosine-crosslinked dimers, contributed to αSyn cytotoxicity and aggregation. Analysis of tyrosine residues involved in nitration and crosslinking revealed that the C-terminus, rather than the N-terminus of αSyn, is modified by nitration and di-tyrosine formation. The nitration level of wild-type αSyn was higher compared to that of A30P mutant that is non-toxic in yeast. A30P formed more dimers than wild-type αSyn, suggesting that dimer formation represents a cellular detoxification pathway in yeast. Deletion of the yeast flavohemoglobin gene YHB1 resulted in an increase of cellular nitrative stress and cytotoxicity leading to enhanced aggregation of A30P αSyn. Yhb1 protected yeast from A30P-induced mitochondrial fragmentation and peroxynitrite-induced nitrative stress. Strikingly, overexpression of neuroglobin, the human homolog of YHB1, protected against αSyn inclusion formation in mammalian cells. In total, our data suggest that C-terminal Y133 plays a major role in αSyn aggregate clearance by supporting the protective S129 phosphorylation for autophagy and by promoting proteasome clearance. C-terminal tyrosine nitration increases pathogenicity and can only be partially detoxified by αSyn di-tyrosine dimers. Our findings uncover a complex interplay between S129 phosphorylation and C-terminal tyrosine modifications of αSyn that likely participates in PD pathology. Parkinson’s disease is characterized by loss of dopaminergic neurons in midbrain and the presence of αSyn protein inclusions. Human αSyn mimics the disease pathology in yeast resulting in cytotoxicity and aggregate formation. αSyn is abundantly phosphorylated at serine S129 and possesses four tyrosines (Y39, Y125, Y133, and Y136) that can be posttranslationally modified by nitration or phosphorylation. The consequence of each of these possible modifications is still unclear. Nitration as consequence of oxidative stress is a hallmark for neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we addressed the molecular mechanism, how tyrosine posttranslational modifications affect αSyn cytotoxicity. Tyrosine nitration can contribute to αSyn toxicity or can be part of a cellular salvage pathway when di-tyrosine-crosslinked dimers are formed. The Y133 residue, which can be either phosphorylated or nitrated, determines whether S129 is protectively phosphorylated and αSyn inclusions are cleared. This interplay with S129 phosphorylation demonstrates a dual role for C-terminal tyrosine residues. Yeast flavohemoglobin Yhb1 and its human counterpart neuroglobin NGB protect cells against cytotoxicity and aggregate formation. These novel insights into the molecular pathways responsible for αSyn cytotoxicity indicate NGB as a potential target for therapeutic intervention in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Kleinknecht
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics and Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, Georg-August-Universität, Göttingen, Germany
- Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Blagovesta Popova
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics and Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, Georg-August-Universität, Göttingen, Germany
- Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Diana F. Lázaro
- Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), Göttingen, Germany
- Department of NeuroDegeneration and Restorative Research, University of Göttingen Medical School, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Raquel Pinho
- Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), Göttingen, Germany
- Department of NeuroDegeneration and Restorative Research, University of Göttingen Medical School, Göttingen, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Oliver Valerius
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics and Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, Georg-August-Universität, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Tiago F. Outeiro
- Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), Göttingen, Germany
- Department of NeuroDegeneration and Restorative Research, University of Göttingen Medical School, Göttingen, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Gerhard H. Braus
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics and Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, Georg-August-Universität, Göttingen, Germany
- Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), Göttingen, Germany
- * E-mail:
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28
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Blennow K, Biscetti L, Eusebi P, Parnetti L. Cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases-From pathophysiology to clinical practice. Mov Disord 2016; 31:836-47. [DOI: 10.1002/mds.26656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Revised: 03/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kaj Blennow
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg; Mölndal Campus Mölndal Sweden
| | - Leonardo Biscetti
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Center for Memory Disturbances, University of Perugia; Sant'Andrea delle Fratte Perugia Italy
| | - Paolo Eusebi
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Center for Memory Disturbances, University of Perugia; Sant'Andrea delle Fratte Perugia Italy
| | - Lucilla Parnetti
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Center for Memory Disturbances, University of Perugia; Sant'Andrea delle Fratte Perugia Italy
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29
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Ochaba J, Monteys AM, O'Rourke JG, Reidling JC, Steffan JS, Davidson BL, Thompson LM. PIAS1 Regulates Mutant Huntingtin Accumulation and Huntington's Disease-Associated Phenotypes In Vivo. Neuron 2016; 90:507-20. [PMID: 27146268 PMCID: PMC4942306 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2016.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Revised: 02/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The disruption of protein quality control networks is central to pathology in Huntington's disease (HD) and other neurodegenerative disorders. The aberrant accumulation of insoluble high-molecular-weight protein complexes containing the Huntingtin (HTT) protein and SUMOylated protein corresponds to disease manifestation. We previously identified an HTT-selective E3 SUMO ligase, PIAS1, that regulates HTT accumulation and SUMO modification in cells. Here we investigated whether PIAS1 modulation in neurons alters HD-associated phenotypes in vivo. Instrastriatal injection of a PIAS1-directed miRNA significantly improved behavioral phenotypes in rapidly progressing mutant HTT (mHTT) fragment R6/2 mice. PIAS1 reduction prevented the accumulation of mHTT and SUMO- and ubiquitin-modified proteins, increased synaptophysin levels, and normalized key inflammatory markers. In contrast, PIAS1 overexpression exacerbated mHTT-associated phenotypes and aberrant protein accumulation. These results confirm the association between aberrant accumulation of expanded polyglutamine-dependent insoluble protein species and pathogenesis, and they link phenotypic benefit to reduction of these species through PIAS1 modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Ochaba
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Alex Mas Monteys
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jacqueline G O'Rourke
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Jack C Reidling
- Institute of Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Joan S Steffan
- Institute of Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Beverly L Davidson
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Leslie M Thompson
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Institute of Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
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30
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Falkenburger BH, Saridaki T, Dinter E. Cellular models for Parkinson's disease. J Neurochem 2016; 139 Suppl 1:121-130. [PMID: 27091001 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2015] [Revised: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Developing new therapeutic strategies for Parkinson's disease requires cellular models. Current models reproduce the two most salient changes found in the brains of patients with Parkinson's disease: The degeneration of dopaminergic neurons and the existence of protein aggregates consisting mainly of α-synuclein. Cultured cells offer many advantages over studying Parkinson's disease directly in patients or in animal models. At the same time, the choice of a specific cellular model entails the requirement to focus on one aspect of the disease while ignoring others. This article is intended for researchers planning to use cellular models for their studies. It describes for commonly used cell types the aspects of Parkinson's disease they model along with technical advantages and disadvantages. It might also be helpful for researchers from other fields consulting literature on cellular models of Parkinson's disease. Important models for the study of dopaminergic neuron degeneration include Lund human mesencephalic cells and primary neurons, and a case is made for the use of non-dopaminergic cells to model pathogenesis of non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease. With regard to α-synuclein aggregates, this article describes strategies to induce and measure aggregates with a focus on fluorescent techniques. Cellular models reproduce the two most salient changes of Parkinson's disease, the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons and the existence of α-synuclein aggregates. This article is intended for researchers planning to use cellular models for their studies. It describes for commonly used cell types and treatments the aspects of Parkinson's disease they model along with technical advantages and disadvantages. Furthermore, this article describes strategies to induce and measure aggregates with a focus on fluorescent techniques. This article is part of a special issue on Parkinson disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Björn H Falkenburger
- Department of Neurology, RWTH University Aachen, Aachen, Germany. .,JARA - Translational Brain Medicine, Jülich and Aachen, Germany.
| | | | - Elisabeth Dinter
- Department of Neurology, RWTH University Aachen, Aachen, Germany
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31
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Roudeau S, Chevreux S, Carmona A, Ortega R. Reduced net charge and heterogeneity of pI isoforms in familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mutants of copper/zinc superoxide dismutase. Electrophoresis 2015; 36:2482-8. [PMID: 26084641 DOI: 10.1002/elps.201500187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2015] [Revised: 05/23/2015] [Accepted: 05/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Familial cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (fALS) are related to mutations of copper/zinc superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1). Aggregation of SOD1 plays a central role in the pathogenesis of fALS and altered metallation of SOD1 mutants could be involved in this process. Using IEF gel electrophoresis under non-denaturating conditions and particle induced X-ray emission (PIXE) analysis, we studied the pI distribution and metallation status of fALS SOD1 mutants (A4V, G93A, D125H) compared to human wild-type (hWT). SOD1 fALS mutants are characterized by a variable number of isoforms and higher pI compared to hWT, reflecting a reduced net charge that might explain their greater propensity to precipitation and aggregation. Cu/Zn ratios were slightly different for the predominant expressed isoforms of A4V, G93A, and D125H mutants compared to hWT. Differences in metallation were observed within each genotype, the more basic isoforms exhibiting lower Cu/Zn ratios. Moreover, we revealed the existence of a pool of fALS mutants SOD1 pI isoforms, slightly expressed (<10%), with a low Cu/Zn ratio and high pI values. Overall, IEF-PIXE results suggest that the toxicity of SOD1 mutants should be studied at the pI isoform level with a particular attention to the species with the lowest charges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Roudeau
- University of Bordeaux, CENBG, UMR 5797, Gradignan, France.,CNRS, IN2P3, CENBG, UMR 5797, Gradignan, France
| | - Sylviane Chevreux
- University of Bordeaux, CENBG, UMR 5797, Gradignan, France.,CNRS, IN2P3, CENBG, UMR 5797, Gradignan, France
| | - Asuncion Carmona
- University of Bordeaux, CENBG, UMR 5797, Gradignan, France.,CNRS, IN2P3, CENBG, UMR 5797, Gradignan, France
| | - Richard Ortega
- University of Bordeaux, CENBG, UMR 5797, Gradignan, France.,CNRS, IN2P3, CENBG, UMR 5797, Gradignan, France
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