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Lobato AG, Ortiz-Vega N, Canic T, Tao X, Bucan N, Ruan K, Rebelo AP, Schule R, Zuchner S, Syed S, Zhai RG. Loss of Fic causes progressive neurodegeneration in a Drosophila model of hereditary spastic paraplegia. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167348. [PMID: 38986817 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP) is a group of rare inherited disorders characterized by progressive weakness and spasticity of the legs. Recent newly discovered biallelic variants in the gene FICD were found in patients with a highly similar phenotype to early onset HSP. FICD encodes filamentation induced by cAMP domain protein. FICD is involved in the AMPylation and deAMPylation protein modifications of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperone BIP, a major constituent of the ER that regulates the unfolded protein response. Although several biochemical properties of FICD have been characterized, the neurological function of FICD and the pathological mechanism underlying HSP are unknown. We established a Drosophila model to gain mechanistic understanding of the function of FICD in HSP pathogenesis, and specifically the role of BIP in neuromuscular physiology. Our studies on Drosophila Fic null mutants uncovered that loss of Fic resulted in locomotor impairment and reduced levels of BIP in the motor neuron circuitry, as well as increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the ventral nerve cord of Fic null mutants. Finally, feeding Drosophila Fic null mutants with chemical chaperones PBA or TUDCA, or treatment of patient fibroblasts with PBA, reduced the ROS accumulation. The neuronal phenotypes of Fic null mutants recapitulate several clinical features of HSP patients and further reveal cellular patho-mechanisms. By modeling FICD in Drosophila, we provide potential targets for intervention for HSP, and advance fundamental biology that is important for understanding related rare and common neuromuscular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda G Lobato
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA; Graduate Program in Human Genetics and Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Natalie Ortiz-Vega
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA; Graduate Program in Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, FL, USA
| | - Tijana Canic
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA; Graduate Program in Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, FL, USA
| | - Xianzun Tao
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Nika Bucan
- Undergraduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Kai Ruan
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Adriana P Rebelo
- Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics and John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Rebecca Schule
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research (HIH), Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stephan Zuchner
- Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics and John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Sheyum Syed
- Department of Physics, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - R Grace Zhai
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
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Bongiorni S, Catalani E, Arisi I, Lazzarini F, Del Quondam S, Brunetti K, Cervia D, Prantera G. Pathological Defects in a Drosophila Model of Alzheimer's Disease and Beneficial Effects of the Natural Product Lisosan G. Biomolecules 2024; 14:855. [PMID: 39062569 PMCID: PMC11274821 DOI: 10.3390/biom14070855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) brains are histologically marked by the presence of intracellular and extracellular amyloid deposits, which characterize the onset of the disease pathogenesis. Increasing evidence suggests that certain nutrients exert a direct or indirect effect on amyloid β (Aβ)-peptide production and accumulation and, consequently, on AD pathogenesis. We exploited the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster model of AD to evaluate in vivo the beneficial properties of Lisosan G, a fermented powder obtained from organic whole grains, on the intracellular Aβ-42 peptide accumulation and related pathological phenotypes of AD. Our data showed that the Lisosan G-enriched diet attenuates the production of neurotoxic Aβ peptides in fly brains and reduces neuronal apoptosis. Notably, Lisosan G exerted anti-oxidant effects, lowering brain levels of reactive oxygen species and enhancing mitochondrial activity. These aspects paralleled the increase in autophagy turnover and the inhibition of nucleolar stress. Our results give support to the use of the Drosophila model not only to investigate the molecular genetic bases of neurodegenerative disease but also to rapidly and reliably test the efficiency of potential therapeutic agents and diet regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Bongiorni
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB), University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (S.B.); (F.L.); (G.P.)
| | - Elisabetta Catalani
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems (DIBAF), University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (E.C.); (S.D.Q.); (K.B.)
| | - Ivan Arisi
- Bioinformatics Facility, European Brain Research Institute (EBRI) “Rita Levi-Montalcini”, 00161 Rome, Italy;
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), National Research Council (CNR), 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Lazzarini
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB), University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (S.B.); (F.L.); (G.P.)
| | - Simona Del Quondam
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems (DIBAF), University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (E.C.); (S.D.Q.); (K.B.)
| | - Kashi Brunetti
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems (DIBAF), University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (E.C.); (S.D.Q.); (K.B.)
| | - Davide Cervia
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems (DIBAF), University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (E.C.); (S.D.Q.); (K.B.)
| | - Giorgio Prantera
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB), University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (S.B.); (F.L.); (G.P.)
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3
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Sorensen RM, Savić-Zdravković D, Jovanović B. Changes in the wing shape and size in fruit flies exposed to micro and nanoplastics. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 363:142821. [PMID: 38986775 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 07/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Geometric morphometrics analysis (GMA) is a well-known technique to identify minute changes in Drosophila wings. This study aimed to determine potential changes in Drosophila wings shape and size after exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics (NPs) (50 nm) and microplastics (MPs) (1 μm). Flies were exposed from eggs to pupal eclosion and analyzed using GMA. Results revealed a difference in shape and size between male and female wings, as expected, due to sexual dimorphism. Therefore, wings were analyzed by sex. Wings of MPs and NPs treated females were elongated compared to controls and had a constriction of the wing joint. Additionally, MPs treated female flies had the most dissimilar shape compared to controls. In male flies, NPs flies had smaller wings compared to MPs and control flies. Compared to control, NPs wings of males were shrunken at the joint and in the entire proximal region of the wing. However, male MPs wings had a narrower anal region and were slightly elongated. These results reveal that wing shape and size can change in a different way based on the sex of the flies and size of plastic particles that larvae interacted with. All the changes in the wings occurred only within the normally allowed wing variation and treatment with NPs/MPs did not cause development of the aberrant phenotypes. Results can pave the way for further understanding of how MPs and NPs can alter phenotypes of flies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M Sorensen
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.
| | - Dimitrija Savić-Zdravković
- Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, University of Niš, Višegradska 33, Niš, 18000, Serbia.
| | - Boris Jovanović
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.
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Linsley JW, Reisine T, Finkbeiner S. Three dimensional and four dimensional live imaging to study mechanisms of progressive neurodegeneration. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107433. [PMID: 38825007 PMCID: PMC11261153 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107433] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are complex and progressive, posing challenges to their study and understanding. Recent advances in microscopy imaging technologies have enabled the exploration of neurons in three spatial dimensions (3D) over time (4D). When applied to 3D cultures, tissues, or animals, these technologies can provide valuable insights into the dynamic and spatial nature of neurodegenerative diseases. This review focuses on the use of imaging techniques and neurodegenerative disease models to study neurodegeneration in 4D. Imaging techniques such as confocal microscopy, two-photon microscopy, miniscope imaging, light sheet microscopy, and robotic microscopy offer powerful tools to visualize and analyze neuronal changes over time in 3D tissue. Application of these technologies to in vitro models of neurodegeneration such as mouse organotypic culture systems and human organoid models provide versatile platforms to study neurodegeneration in a physiologically relevant context. Additionally, use of 4D imaging in vivo, including in mouse and zebrafish models of neurodegenerative diseases, allows for the investigation of early dysfunction and behavioral changes associated with neurodegeneration. We propose that these studies have the power to overcome the limitations of two-dimensional monolayer neuronal cultures and pave the way for improved understanding of the dynamics of neurodegenerative diseases and the development of effective therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy W Linsley
- Center for Systems and Therapeutics, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, California, USA; Operant Biopharma, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Terry Reisine
- Independent Scientific Consultant, Santa Cruz, California, USA
| | - Steven Finkbeiner
- Center for Systems and Therapeutics, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, California, USA; Operant Biopharma, San Francisco, California, USA; Taube/Koret Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, California, USA; Departments of Neurology and Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA; Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA.
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5
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Ye C, Ho R, Moberg KH, Zheng JQ. Sexual Dimorphism in Age-Dependent Neurodegeneration After Mild Head Trauma in Drosophila : Unveiling the Adverse Impact of Female Reproductive Signaling. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.06.583747. [PMID: 38496515 PMCID: PMC10942469 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.06.583747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Environmental insults, including mild head trauma, significantly increase the risk of neurodegeneration. However, it remains challenging to establish a causative connection between early-life exposure to mild head trauma and late-life emergence of neurodegenerative deficits, nor do we know how sex and age compound the outcome. Using a Drosophila model, we demonstrate that exposure to mild head trauma causes neurodegenerative conditions that emerge late in life and disproportionately affect females. Increasing age-at-injury further exacerbates this effect in a sexually dimorphic manner. We further identify Sex Peptide (SP) signaling as a key factor in female susceptibility to post-injury brain deficits. RNA sequencing highlights a reduction in innate immune defense transcripts specifically in mated females during late life. Our findings establish a causal relationship between early head trauma and late-life neurodegeneration, emphasizing sex differences in injury response and the impact of age-at-injury. Finally, our findings reveal that reproductive signaling adversely impacts female response to mild head insults and elevates vulnerability to late-life neurodegeneration.
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Candib A, Lee N, Sam N, Cho E, Rojas J, Hastings R, DeAlva K, Khon D, Gonzalez A, Molina B, Torabzadeh G, Vu J, Hasenstab K, Sant K, Phillips JA, Finley K. The Influence of Cannabinoids on Drosophila Behaviors, Longevity, and Traumatic Injury Responses of the Adult Nervous System. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2024; 9:e886-e896. [PMID: 37158809 PMCID: PMC11295667 DOI: 10.1089/can.2022.0285] [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] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The legalization of cannabis products has increased their usage in the United States. Among the ∼500 active compounds, this is especially true for cannabidiol (CBD)-based products, which are being used to treat a range of ailments. Research is ongoing regarding the safety, therapeutic potential, and molecular mechanism of cannabinoids. Drosophila (fruit flies) are widely used to model a range of factors that impact neural aging, stress responses, and longevity. Materials and Methods: Adult wild-type Drosophila melanogaster cohorts (w1118/+) were treated with different Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CBD dosages and examined for neural protective properties using established neural aging and trauma models. The therapeutic potential of each compound was assessed using circadian and locomotor behavioral assays and longevity profiles. Changes to NF-κB pathway activation were assessed by measuring expression levels of downstream targets using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis of neural cDNAs. Results: Flies exposed to different CBD or THC dosages showed minimal effects to sleep and circadian-based behaviors or the age-dependent decline in locomotion. The 2-week CBD (3 μM) treatment did significantly enhance longevity. Flies exposed to different CBD and THC dosages were also examined under stress conditions, using the Drosophila mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) model (10×). Pretreatment with either compound did not alter baseline expression of key inflammatory markers (NF-κB targets), but did reduce neural mRNA profiles at a key 4-h time point following mTBI exposure. Locomotor responses were also significantly improved 1 and 2 weeks following mTBI. After mTBI (10×) exposure, the 48-h mortality rate improved for CBD (3 μM)-treated flies, as were global average longevity profiles for other CBD doses tested. While not significant, THC (0.1 μM)-treated flies show a net positive impact on acute mortality and longevity profiles following mTBI (10×) exposure. Conclusions: This study shows that the CBD and THC dosages examined had at most a modest impact on basal neural function, while demonstrating that CBD treatments had significant neural protective properties for flies following exposure to traumatic injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alec Candib
- Shiley Bioscience Center, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Nicholas Lee
- Shiley Bioscience Center, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Natasha Sam
- Shiley Bioscience Center, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Eddie Cho
- Shiley Bioscience Center, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Jesse Rojas
- Shiley Bioscience Center, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Reina Hastings
- Shiley Bioscience Center, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Kyle DeAlva
- Shiley Bioscience Center, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Diana Khon
- Shiley Bioscience Center, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Andrea Gonzalez
- Shiley Bioscience Center, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Brandon Molina
- Shiley Bioscience Center, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Gina Torabzadeh
- Shiley Bioscience Center, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Josephine Vu
- Shiley Bioscience Center, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Kyle Hasenstab
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Karylin Sant
- Division of Environmental Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Joy A. Phillips
- Shiley Bioscience Center, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Kim Finley
- Shiley Bioscience Center, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
- Division of Environmental Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
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Hardiyanti W, Djabir YY, Fatiah D, Pratama MR, Putri TZA, Chaeratunnisa R, Latada NP, Mudjahid M, Asri RM, Nainu F. Evaluating the Impact of Vitamin D 3 on NF-κB and JAK/STAT Signaling Pathways in Drosophila melanogaster. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:20135-20141. [PMID: 38737056 PMCID: PMC11079875 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c00134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
This study delved into the consequences of prolonged administration of vitamin D3 on innate immune systems, particularly NF-κB and JAK/STAT, in Drosophila melanogaster. The outcomes indicated that vitamin D3 treatment exhibited a notable capacity to improve the survival of adult flies with compromised immune functions, a condition induced by the loss of PGRP-LB, particularly when the flies were exposed to heat-killed Escherichia coli. The PGRP-LBΔ mutant line that was treated with heat-killed E. coli experienced reduced survival. Treatment of heat-killed E. coli-treated PGRP-LBΔ with vitamin D3 resulted in improved survival, and this phenotypic feature might be due to the downregulation of gene expression in the NF-κB and JAK/STAT pathways. However, a higher concentration of vitamin D3 was associated with decreased survival, potentially linked to intricate immunological responses. The research also underscored the influence of vitamin D3 on the expression of antioxidant genes, sod1 and sod2, indicating an augmented resistance to oxidative stress. Further, this study revealed the effect of vitamin D3 on the reproductive status of the autoinflammatory model, showing an increase in pupae and adult flies with a treatment of 10 mM vitamin D3, suggesting the potential benefits of vitamin D3 on the reproductive profile. Overall, this study provides preliminary insights into the complex interactions between vitamin D3, immune pathways, oxidative responses in the cell, and reproduction in Drosophila.
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Affiliation(s)
- Widya Hardiyanti
- Postgraduate
Program in Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hasanuddin University, Tamalanrea, Makassar 90245, Indonesia
| | - Yulia Yusrini Djabir
- Department
of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hasanuddin
University, Tamalanrea, Makassar 90245, Indonesia
| | - Dewita Fatiah
- Postgraduate
Program in Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hasanuddin University, Tamalanrea, Makassar 90245, Indonesia
| | - Muhammad Rasul Pratama
- Postgraduate
Program in Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hasanuddin University, Tamalanrea, Makassar 90245, Indonesia
| | - Tenri Zulfa Ayu
Dwi Putri
- Postgraduate
Program in Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hasanuddin University, Tamalanrea, Makassar 90245, Indonesia
| | - Rizkya Chaeratunnisa
- Undergraduate
Program in Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hasanuddin University, Tamalanrea, Makassar 90245, Indonesia
| | - Nadila Pratiwi Latada
- Unhas
Fly Research Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hasanuddin University, Tamalanrea, Makassar 90245, Indonesia
| | - Mukarram Mudjahid
- Department
of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hasanuddin
University, Tamalanrea, Makassar 90245, Indonesia
| | - Rangga Meidianto Asri
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hasanuddin University, Tamalanrea, Makassar 90245, Indonesia
| | - Firzan Nainu
- Department
of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hasanuddin
University, Tamalanrea, Makassar 90245, Indonesia
- Unhas
Fly Research Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hasanuddin University, Tamalanrea, Makassar 90245, Indonesia
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Li L, Wei Z, Tang Y, Jin M, Yao H, Li X, Li Q, Tan J, Xiao B. Icaritin greatly attenuates β-amyloid-induced toxicity in vivo. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14527. [PMID: 37990437 PMCID: PMC11017459 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14527] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS The accumulation and deposition of β-amyloid (Aβ) has always been considered a major pathological feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The latest and mainstream amyloid cascade hypothesis indicates that all the main pathological changes in AD are attributed to the accumulation of soluble Aβ. However, the exploration of therapeutic drugs for Aβ toxicity has progressed slowly. This study aims to investigate the protective effects of Icaritin on the Aβ-induced Drosophila AD model and its possible mechanism. METHODS To identify the effects of Icaritin on AD, we constructed an excellent Drosophila AD model named Aβarc (arctic mutant Aβ42) Drosophila. Climbing ability, flight ability, and longevity were used to evaluate the effects of Icaritin on AD phenotypes. Aβarc was determined by immunostaining and ELISA. To identify the effects of Icaritin on oxidative stress, we performed the detection of ROS, hydrogen peroxide, MDA, SOD, catalase, GST, and Caspase-3. To identify the effects of Icaritin on energy metabolism, we performed the detection of ATP and lactate. Transcriptome analysis and qRT-PCR verifications were used to detect the genes directly involved in oxidative stress and energy metabolism. Mitochondrial structure and function were detected by an electron microscopy assay, a mitochondrial membrane potential assay, and a mitochondrial respiration assay. RESULTS We discovered that Icaritin almost completely rescues the climbing ability, flight ability, and longevity of Aβarc Drosophila. Aβarc was dramatically reduced by Icaritin treatment. We also found that Icaritin significantly reduces oxidative stress and greatly improves impaired energy metabolism. Importantly, transcriptome analysis and qRT-PCR verifications showed that many key genes, directly involved in oxidative stress and energy metabolism, are restored by Icaritin. Next, we found that Icaritin perfectly restores the integrity of mitochondrial structure and function damaged by Aβarc toxicity. CONCLUSION This study suggested that Icaritin is a potential drug to deal with the toxicity of Aβarc, at least partially realized by restoring the mitochondria/oxidative stress/energy metabolism axis, and holds potential for translation to human AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangxian Li
- Laboratory of Respiratory DiseaseAffiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical UniversityGuilinChina
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive NeuroscienceGuilin Medical UniversityGuilinChina
| | - Zaiwa Wei
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive NeuroscienceGuilin Medical UniversityGuilinChina
| | - Yafang Tang
- Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases of Guangxi ProvinceAffiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical UniversityGuilinChina
| | - Mingyue Jin
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive NeuroscienceGuilin Medical UniversityGuilinChina
| | - Hua Yao
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive NeuroscienceGuilin Medical UniversityGuilinChina
| | - Xia Li
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive NeuroscienceGuilin Medical UniversityGuilinChina
| | - Qinghua Li
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive NeuroscienceGuilin Medical UniversityGuilinChina
- Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases of Guangxi ProvinceAffiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical UniversityGuilinChina
- Guangxi Engineering Research Center for Digital Medicine and Clinical TranslationAffiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical UniversityGuilinChina
| | - Jie Tan
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive NeuroscienceGuilin Medical UniversityGuilinChina
| | - Bo Xiao
- Laboratory of Respiratory DiseaseAffiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical UniversityGuilinChina
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive NeuroscienceGuilin Medical UniversityGuilinChina
- The Key Laboratory of Respiratory DiseasesEducation Department of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous RegionGuilinChina
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9
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Zhou L, Xu R. Invertebrate genetic models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1328578. [PMID: 38500677 PMCID: PMC10944931 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1328578] [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: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a common adult-onset neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive death of motor neurons in the cerebral cortex, brain stem, and spinal cord. The exact mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of ALS remain unclear. The current consensus regarding the pathogenesis of ALS suggests that the interaction between genetic susceptibility and harmful environmental factors is a promising cause of ALS onset. The investigation of putative harmful environmental factors has been the subject of several ongoing studies, but the use of transgenic animal models to study ALS has provided valuable information on the onset of ALS. Here, we review the current common invertebrate genetic models used to study the pathology, pathophysiology, and pathogenesis of ALS. The considerations of the usage, advantages, disadvantages, costs, and availability of each invertebrate model will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- LiJun Zhou
- Department of Neurology, National Regional Center for Neurological Diseases, Clinical College of Nanchang Medical College, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University Jiangxi Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - RenShi Xu
- Department of Neurology, National Regional Center for Neurological Diseases, Clinical College of Nanchang Medical College, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University Jiangxi Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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10
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Elovsson G, Klingstedt T, Brown M, Nilsson KPR, Brorsson AC. A Novel Drosophila Model of Alzheimer's Disease to Study Aβ Proteotoxicity in the Digestive Tract. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2105. [PMID: 38396782 PMCID: PMC10888607 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyloid-β (Aβ) proteotoxicity is associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and is caused by protein aggregation, resulting in neuronal damage in the brain. In the search for novel treatments, Drosophila melanogaster has been extensively used to screen for anti-Aβ proteotoxic agents in studies where toxic Aβ peptides are expressed in the fly brain. Since drug molecules often are administered orally there is a risk that they fail to reach the brain, due to their inability to cross the brain barrier. To circumvent this problem, we have designed a novel Drosophila model that expresses the Aβ peptides in the digestive tract. In addition, a built-in apoptotic sensor provides a fluorescent signal from the green fluorescent protein as a response to caspase activity. We found that expressing different variants of Aβ1-42 resulted in proteotoxic phenotypes such as reduced longevity, aggregate deposition, and the presence of apoptotic cells. Taken together, this gut-based Aβ-expressing fly model can be used to study the mechanisms behind Aβ proteotoxicity and to identify different substances that can modify Aβ proteotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ann-Christin Brorsson
- Department of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden; (G.E.); (T.K.); (M.B.); (K.P.R.N.)
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11
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Leung HH, Mansour C, Rousseau M, Nakhla A, Kiselyov K, Venkatachalam K, Wong CO. Drosophila tweety facilitates autophagy to regulate mitochondrial homeostasis and bioenergetics in Glia. Glia 2024; 72:433-451. [PMID: 37870193 PMCID: PMC10842981 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24484] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondria support the energetic demands of the cells. Autophagic turnover of mitochondria serves as a critical pathway for mitochondrial homeostasis. It is unclear how bioenergetics and autophagy are functionally connected. Here, we identify an endolysosomal membrane protein that facilitates autophagy to regulate ATP production in glia. We determined that Drosophila tweety (tty) is highly expressed in glia and localized to endolysosomes. Diminished fusion between autophagosomes and endolysosomes in tty-deficient glia was rescued by expressing the human Tweety Homolog 1 (TTYH1). Loss of tty in glia attenuated mitochondrial turnover, elevated mitochondrial oxidative stress, and impaired locomotor functions. The cellular and organismal defects were partially reversed by antioxidant treatment. We performed live-cell imaging of genetically encoded metabolite sensors to determine the impact of tty and autophagy deficiencies on glial bioenergetics. We found that tty-deficient glia exhibited reduced mitochondrial pyruvate consumption accompanied by a shift toward glycolysis for ATP production. Likewise, genetic inhibition of autophagy in glia resulted in a similar glycolytic shift in bioenergetics. Furthermore, the survival of mutant flies became more sensitive to starvation, underlining the significance of tty in the crosstalk between autophagy and bioenergetics. Together, our findings uncover the role for tty in mitochondrial homeostasis via facilitating autophagy, which determines bioenergetic balance in glia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho Hang Leung
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
- Present address: South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Christina Mansour
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
| | - Morgan Rousseau
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center (UTHealth), Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Anwar Nakhla
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
| | - Kirill Kiselyov
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Kartik Venkatachalam
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center (UTHealth), Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ching-On Wong
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
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12
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Mizuta I, Nakao-Azuma Y, Yoshida H, Yamaguchi M, Mizuno T. Progress to Clarify How NOTCH3 Mutations Lead to CADASIL, a Hereditary Cerebral Small Vessel Disease. Biomolecules 2024; 14:127. [PMID: 38254727 PMCID: PMC10813265 DOI: 10.3390/biom14010127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Notch signaling is conserved in C. elegans, Drosophila, and mammals. Among the four NOTCH genes in humans, NOTCH1, NOTCH2, and NOTCH3 are known to cause monogenic hereditary disorders. Most NOTCH-related disorders are congenital and caused by a gain or loss of Notch signaling activity. In contrast, cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) caused by NOTCH3 is adult-onset and considered to be caused by accumulation of the mutant NOTCH3 extracellular domain (N3ECD) and, possibly, by an impairment in Notch signaling. Pathophysiological processes following mutant N3ECD accumulation have been intensively investigated; however, the process leading to N3ECD accumulation and its association with canonical NOTCH3 signaling remain unknown. We reviewed the progress in clarifying the pathophysiological process involving mutant NOTCH3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ikuko Mizuta
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan; (I.M.)
| | - Yumiko Nakao-Azuma
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan; (I.M.)
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Hideki Yoshida
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan
| | - Masamitsu Yamaguchi
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan
- Kansai Gakken Laboratory, Kankyo Eisei Yakuhin Co., Ltd., 3-6-2 Hikaridai, Seika-cho, Kyoto 619-0237, Japan
| | - Toshiki Mizuno
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan; (I.M.)
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13
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Richardson K, Sengupta M, Sujkowski A, Libohova K, Harris AC, Wessells R, Merry DE, Todi SV. A phenotypically robust model of spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy in Drosophila. J Neurosci Res 2024; 102:e25278. [PMID: 38284836 PMCID: PMC11237963 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25278] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) is an X-linked disorder that affects males who inherit the androgen receptor (AR) gene with an abnormal CAG triplet repeat expansion. The resulting protein contains an elongated polyglutamine (polyQ) tract and causes motor neuron degeneration in an androgen-dependent manner. The precise molecular sequelae of SBMA are unclear. To assist with its investigation and the identification of therapeutic options, we report here a new model of SBMA in Drosophila melanogaster. We generated transgenic flies that express the full-length, human AR with a wild-type or pathogenic polyQ repeat. Each transgene is inserted into the same safe harbor site on the third chromosome of the fly as a single copy and in the same orientation. Expression of pathogenic AR, but not of its wild-type variant, in neurons or muscles leads to consistent, progressive defects in longevity and motility that are concomitant with polyQ-expanded AR protein aggregation and reduced complexity in neuromuscular junctions. Additional assays show adult fly eye abnormalities associated with the pathogenic AR species. The detrimental effects of pathogenic AR are accentuated by feeding flies the androgen, dihydrotestosterone. This new, robust SBMA model can be a valuable tool toward future investigations of this incurable disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Richardson
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Medha Sengupta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Thomas Jefferson University Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Alyson Sujkowski
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Kozeta Libohova
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Autumn C Harris
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Maximizing Access to Science Careers Program, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Robert Wessells
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Diane E Merry
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Thomas Jefferson University Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sokol V Todi
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Maximizing Access to Science Careers Program, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Neurology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
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14
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Lin J, Mele S, Piper MDW, Johnson TK. A Simple Method for Quantifying Larval Locomotion in Drosophila melanogaster. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2746:101-108. [PMID: 38070083 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3585-8_8] [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] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster is a powerful genetic model that has been used for many decades to study nervous system function, development, and behavior. There are a large number of developmental and behavioral traits that can be measured to provide a broad readout of neurological function. These include patterned motor behaviors, such as larval locomotion, which can be used to assess whether genetic or environmental factors affect nervous system function to provide an entry point for deeper mechanistic studies. Here, we describe a protocol for quantifying larval locomotion using a simple camera setup and a freely available image analysis software. This protocol can be readily applied to human disease models or in toxicology studies, for example, to broadly assess the impact of treatments on neurological function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Lin
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Sarah Mele
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Matthew D W Piper
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Travis K Johnson
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, and La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia.
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15
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Li L, Huang Z, Wu M, Li X, Xiao B, Yao D, Mo B. Trehalose improves the movement ability of Aβ arcDrosophila by restoring the damaged mitochondria. Transl Neurosci 2024; 15:20220338. [PMID: 38623574 PMCID: PMC11017185 DOI: 10.1515/tnsci-2022-0338] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The deposition of Aβ42 has been regarded as one of the important pathological features of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, drug development for Aβ42 toxicity has been progressed slowly. Objective Our aim was to introduce the effect and related mechanism of trehalose on an Aβarc (arctic mutant Aβ42) Drosophila AD model. Methods The human Aβarc was expressed in Drosophila to construct the AD model. Trehalose was added to the culture vial. The movement ability was determined by detecting climbing ability and flight ability. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the levels of Aβarc, ATP, and lactate. Electron microscopy assay, mitochondrial membrane potential assay, and mitochondrial respiration assay were used to assess the mitochondrial structure and function. Results Trehalose strongly improved the movement ability of Aβarc Drosophila in a concentration gradient-dependent manner. Furthermore, trehalose increased the content of ATP and decreased the content of Aβarc and lactate both in the brain and thorax of Aβarc Drosophila. More importantly, the mitochondrial structure and function were greatly improved by trehalose treatment in Aβarc Drosophila. Conclusion Trehalose improves movement ability at least partly by reducing the Aβarc level and restoring the mitochondrial structure and function in Aβarc Drosophila.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangxian Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541199, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Neuroscience, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541199, China
| | - Zhiheng Huang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541199, China
- Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541002, China
| | - Mingli Wu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Neuroscience, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541199, China
| | - Xia Li
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Neuroscience, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541199, China
| | - Bo Xiao
- Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541002, China
- Laboratory of Basic Research on Respiratory Diseases, Guangxi Health Commission, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541199, China
| | - Dong Yao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541199, China
- Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Glucose and Lipid Metabolism Disorders, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, 541199, Guilin, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Metabolic Reprogramming and Intelligent Medical Engineering for Chronic Diseases, The Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Education Department of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guilin Medical University, 541199, Guilin, China
| | - Biwen Mo
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541199, China
- Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Glucose and Lipid Metabolism Disorders, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, 541199, Guilin, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Metabolic Reprogramming and Intelligent Medical Engineering for Chronic Diseases, The Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Education Department of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guilin Medical University, 541199, Guilin, China
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16
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Shan L, Heusinkveld HJ, Paul KC, Hughes S, Darweesh SKL, Bloem BR, Homberg JR. Towards improved screening of toxins for Parkinson's risk. NPJ Parkinsons Dis 2023; 9:169. [PMID: 38114496 PMCID: PMC10730534 DOI: 10.1038/s41531-023-00615-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic, progressive and disabling neurodegenerative disorder. The prevalence of PD has risen considerably over the past decades. A growing body of evidence suggest that exposure to environmental toxins, including pesticides, solvents and heavy metals (collectively called toxins), is at least in part responsible for this rapid growth. It is worrying that the current screening procedures being applied internationally to test for possible neurotoxicity of specific compounds offer inadequate insights into the risk of developing PD in humans. Improved screening procedures are therefore urgently needed. Our review first substantiates current evidence on the relation between exposure to environmental toxins and the risk of developing PD. We subsequently propose to replace the current standard toxin screening by a well-controlled multi-tier toxin screening involving the following steps: in silico studies (tier 1) followed by in vitro tests (tier 2), aiming to prioritize agents with human relevant routes of exposure. More in depth studies can be undertaken in tier 3, with whole-organism (in)vertebrate models. Tier 4 has a dedicated focus on cell loss in the substantia nigra and on the presumed mechanisms of neurotoxicity in rodent models, which are required to confirm or refute the possible neurotoxicity of any individual compound. This improved screening procedure should not only evaluate new pesticides that seek access to the market, but also critically assess all pesticides that are being used today, acknowledging that none of these has ever been proven to be safe from a perspective of PD. Importantly, the improved screening procedures should not just assess the neurotoxic risk of isolated compounds, but should also specifically look at the cumulative risk conveyed by exposure to commonly used combinations of pesticides (cocktails). The worldwide implementation of such an improved screening procedure, would be an essential step for policy makers and governments to recognize PD-related environmental risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Shan
- Department Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, an Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Harm J Heusinkveld
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Kimberly C Paul
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Samantha Hughes
- A-LIFE Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, Section Environmental Health and Toxicology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sirwan K L Darweesh
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Bastiaan R Bloem
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Judith R Homberg
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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17
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Tafesh-Edwards G, Eleftherianos I. The Drosophila melanogaster prophenoloxidase system participates in immunity against Zika virus infection. Eur J Immunol 2023; 53:e2350632. [PMID: 37793051 PMCID: PMC10841153 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202350632] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Drosophila melanogaster relies on an evolutionarily conserved innate immune system to protect itself from a wide range of pathogens, making it a convenient genetic model to study various human pathogenic viruses and host antiviral immunity. Here we explore for the first time the contribution of the Drosophila phenoloxidase (PO) system to host survival and defenses against Zika virus (ZIKV) infection by analyzing the role of mutations in the three prophenoloxidase (PPO) genes in female and male flies. We show that only PPO1 and PPO2 genes contribute to host survival and appear to be upregulated following ZIKV infection in Drosophila. Also, we present data suggesting that a complex regulatory system exists between Drosophila PPOs, potentially allowing for a sex-dependent compensation of PPOs by one another or other immune responses such as the Toll, Imd, and JAK/STAT pathways. Furthermore, we show that PPO1 and PPO2 are essential for melanization in the hemolymph and the wound site in flies upon ZIKV infection. Our results reveal an important role played by the melanization pathway in response to ZIKV infection, hence highlighting the importance of this pathway in insect host defense against viral pathogens and potential vector control strategies to alleviate ZIKV outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghada Tafesh-Edwards
- Infection and Innate Immunity Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - Ioannis Eleftherianos
- Infection and Innate Immunity Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
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18
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Catalani E, Del Quondam S, Brunetti K, Cherubini A, Bongiorni S, Taddei AR, Zecchini S, Giovarelli M, De Palma C, Perrotta C, Clementi E, Prantera G, Cervia D. Neuroprotective role of plumbagin on eye damage induced by high-sucrose diet in adult fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 166:115298. [PMID: 37597318 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The natural compound plumbagin has a wide range of pharmacological and potential therapeutic activities, although its role in neuroretina degeneration is unknown. Here we evaluated the effects of plumbagin on retina homeostasis of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster fed with high glucose diet, a model of hyperglycemia-induced eye impairment to study the pathophysiology of diabetic retinopathy at the early stages. To this aim, the visual system of flies orally administered with plumbagin has been analyzed at structural, functional, and molecular/cellular level as for instance neuronal apoptosis/autophagy dysregulation and oxidative stress-related signals. Our results demonstrated that plumbagin ameliorates the visual performance of hyperglycemic flies. Drosophila eye-structure, clearly altered by hyperglycemia, i.e. defects of the pattern of ommatidia, irregular rhabdomeres, vacuoles, damaged mitochondria, and abnormal phototransduction units were rescued, at least in part, by plumbagin. In addition, it reactivated autophagy, decreased the presence of cell death/apoptotic features, and exerted antioxidant effects in the retina. In terms of mechanisms favoring death/survival ratio, Nrf2 signaling activation may be one of the strategies by which plumbagin reduced redox unbalance mainly increasing the levels of glutathione-S-transferase. Likewise, plumbagin may act additively and/or synergistically inhibiting the mitochondrial-endoplasmic reticulum stress and unfolded protein response pathways, which prevented neuronal impairment and eye damage induced by reactive oxygen species. These results provide an avenue for further studies, which may be helpful to develop novel therapeutic candidates and drug targets against eye neurotoxicity by high glucose, a key aspect in retinal complications of diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Catalani
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-food and Forest systems (DIBAF), Università degli Studi della Tuscia, largo dell'Università snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
| | - Simona Del Quondam
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-food and Forest systems (DIBAF), Università degli Studi della Tuscia, largo dell'Università snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
| | - Kashi Brunetti
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-food and Forest systems (DIBAF), Università degli Studi della Tuscia, largo dell'Università snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
| | - Agnese Cherubini
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-food and Forest systems (DIBAF), Università degli Studi della Tuscia, largo dell'Università snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
| | - Silvia Bongiorni
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB), Università degli Studi della Tuscia, largo dell'Università snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Taddei
- Section of Electron Microscopy, Great Equipment Center, Università degli Studi della Tuscia, largo dell'Università snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
| | - Silvia Zecchini
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (DIBIC), Università degli Studi di Milano, via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157 Milano, Italy
| | - Matteo Giovarelli
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (DIBIC), Università degli Studi di Milano, via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157 Milano, Italy
| | - Clara De Palma
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (BioMeTra), Università degli Studi di Milano, via L. Vanvitelli 32, 20129 Milano, Italy
| | - Cristiana Perrotta
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (DIBIC), Università degli Studi di Milano, via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157 Milano, Italy
| | - Emilio Clementi
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (DIBIC), Università degli Studi di Milano, via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157 Milano, Italy; Scientific Institute IRCCS "Eugenio Medea", via Don Luigi Monza 20, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Giorgio Prantera
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB), Università degli Studi della Tuscia, largo dell'Università snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
| | - Davide Cervia
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-food and Forest systems (DIBAF), Università degli Studi della Tuscia, largo dell'Università snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy.
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19
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Bernardes LMM, Malta SM, Rodrigues TS, Covizzi LF, Rosa RB, Justino AB, Teixeira RR, Espíndola FS, Oliveira dos Santos D, Vieira CU, Vieira da Silva M. Drosophila melanogaster as a model for studies related to the toxicity of lavender, ginger and copaiba essential oils. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291242. [PMID: 37768921 PMCID: PMC10538661 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
This study addresses the current trend of essential oils in alternative medicine using the non-chordate model Drosophila melanogaster. Following the three R's principles, it proposes non-chordate models to fill knowledge gaps on essential oil toxicity. Copaiba, lavender, and ginger essential oils are evaluated for effects on D. melanogaster lifespan, climbing ability, and brain structure, while their anti-inflammatory properties are also analyzed. Results show dose-related differences: higher concentrations (0.25% v/v) cause brain deterioration and impaired climbing, while lower concentrations (0.0625% v/v for copaiba and ginger; 0.125% for lavender) have no effect on climbing or brain structure. Lavender oil significantly extends lifespan and maintains anti-inflammatory activity when ingested, underscoring its therapeutic potential. These findings highlight the importance of D. melanogaster as a model for studying essential oil properties, potentially replacing chordate models. In addition, this research advances alternative remedies for currently incurable diseases, with lavender oil emerging as a promising candidate for drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Serena Mares Malta
- Genetics Laboratory, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | | | | | - Rafael Borges Rosa
- Biotechnology in Experimental Models Laboratory, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
- Rodents Animal Facilities Complex, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Allisson Benatti Justino
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Renata Roland Teixeira
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Foued Salmen Espíndola
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Débora Oliveira dos Santos
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Carlos Ueira Vieira
- Genetics Laboratory, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Murilo Vieira da Silva
- Biotechnology in Experimental Models Laboratory, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
- Rodents Animal Facilities Complex, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
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20
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Ju L, Glastad KM, Sheng L, Gospocic J, Kingwell CJ, Davidson SM, Kocher SD, Bonasio R, Berger SL. Hormonal gatekeeping via the blood-brain barrier governs caste-specific behavior in ants. Cell 2023; 186:4289-4309.e23. [PMID: 37683635 PMCID: PMC10807403 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Here, we reveal an unanticipated role of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in regulating complex social behavior in ants. Using scRNA-seq, we find localization in the BBB of a key hormone-degrading enzyme called juvenile hormone esterase (Jhe), and we show that this localization governs the level of juvenile hormone (JH3) entering the brain. Manipulation of the Jhe level reprograms the brain transcriptome between ant castes. Although ant Jhe is retained and functions intracellularly within the BBB, we show that Drosophila Jhe is naturally extracellular. Heterologous expression of ant Jhe into the Drosophila BBB alters behavior in fly to mimic what is seen in ants. Most strikingly, manipulation of Jhe levels in ants reprograms complex behavior between worker castes. Our study thus uncovers a remarkable, potentially conserved role of the BBB serving as a molecular gatekeeper for a neurohormonal pathway that regulates social behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linyang Ju
- Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Karl M Glastad
- Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Lihong Sheng
- Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Janko Gospocic
- Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Urology and Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Callum J Kingwell
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Shawn M Davidson
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Sarah D Kocher
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA; Lewis-Sigler Institute for Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Roberto Bonasio
- Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Shelley L Berger
- Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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21
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Zhu L, Li S, Li XJ, Yin P. Pathological insights from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis animal models: comparisons, limitations, and challenges. Transl Neurodegener 2023; 12:46. [PMID: 37730668 PMCID: PMC10510301 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-023-00377-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In order to dissect amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a multigenic, multifactorial, and progressive neurodegenerative disease with heterogeneous clinical presentations, researchers have generated numerous animal models to mimic the genetic defects. Concurrent and comparative analysis of these various models allows identification of the causes and mechanisms of ALS in order to finally obtain effective therapeutics. However, most genetically modified rodent models lack overt pathological features, imposing challenges and limitations in utilizing them to rigorously test the potential mechanisms. Recent studies using large animals, including pigs and non-human primates, have uncovered important events that resemble neurodegeneration in patients' brains but could not be produced in small animals. Here we describe common features as well as discrepancies among these models, highlighting new insights from these models. Furthermore, we will discuss how to make rodent models more capable of recapitulating important pathological features based on the important pathogenic insights from large animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longhong Zhu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Shihua Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Xiao-Jiang Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Peng Yin
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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22
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Cembran A, Fernandez-Funez P. Intrinsic determinants of prion protein neurotoxicity in Drosophila: from sequence to (dys)function. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1231079. [PMID: 37645703 PMCID: PMC10461008 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1231079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases are fatal brain disorders characterized by deposition of insoluble isoforms of the prion protein (PrP). The normal and pathogenic structures of PrP are relatively well known after decades of studies. Yet our current understanding of the intrinsic determinants regulating PrP misfolding are largely missing. A 3D subdomain of PrP comprising the β2-α2 loop and helix 3 contains high sequence and structural variability among animals and has been proposed as a key domain regulating PrP misfolding. We combined in vivo work in Drosophila with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, which provide additional insight to assess the impact of candidate substitutions in PrP from conformational dynamics. MD simulations revealed that in human PrP WT the β2-α2 loop explores multiple β-turn conformations, whereas the Y225A (rabbit PrP-like) substitution strongly favors a 310-turn conformation, a short right-handed helix. This shift in conformational diversity correlates with lower neurotoxicity in flies. We have identified additional conformational features and candidate amino acids regulating the high toxicity of human PrP and propose a new strategy for testing candidate modifiers first in MD simulations followed by functional experiments in flies. In this review we expand on these new results to provide additional insight into the structural and functional biology of PrP through the prism of the conformational dynamics of a 3D domain in the C-terminus. We propose that the conformational dynamics of this domain is a sensitive measure of the propensity of PrP to misfold and cause toxicity. This provides renewed opportunities to identify the intrinsic determinants of PrP misfolding through the contribution of key amino acids to different conformational states by MD simulations followed by experimental validation in transgenic flies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Cembran
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Minnesota Duluth, Duluth, MN, United States
| | - Pedro Fernandez-Funez
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth, MN, United States
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23
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Rozich E, Randolph LK, Insolera R. An optimized temporally controlled Gal4 system in Drosophila reveals degeneration caused by adult-onset neuronal Vps13D knockdown. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1204068. [PMID: 37457002 PMCID: PMC10339317 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1204068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the human gene VPS13D cause the adult-onset neurodegenerative disease ataxia. Our previous work showed that disruptions in the Vps13D gene in Drosophila neurons causes mitochondrial defects. However, developmental lethality caused by Vps13D loss limited our understanding of the long-term physiological effects of Vps13D perturbation in neurons. Here, we optimized a previously generated system to temporally knock down Vps13D expression precisely in adult Drosophila neurons using a modification to the Gal4/UAS system. Adult-onset activation of Gal4 was enacted using the chemically-inducible tool which fuses a destabilization-domain to the Gal4 repressor Gal80 (Gal80-DD). Optimization of the Gal80-DD tool shows that feeding animals the DD-stabilizing drug trimethoprim (TMP) during development and rearing at a reduced temperature maximally represses Gal4 activity. Temperature shift and removal of TMP from the food after eclosion robustly activates Gal4 expression in adult neurons. Using the optimized Gal80-DD system, we find that adult-onset Vps13D RNAi expression in neurons causes the accumulation of mitophagy intermediates, progressive deficits in locomotor activity, early lethality, and brain vacuolization characteristic of neurodegeneration. The development of this optimized system allows us to more precisely examine the degenerative phenotypes caused by Vps13D disruption, and can likely be utilized in the future for other genes associated with neurological diseases whose manipulation causes developmental lethality in Drosophila.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Rozich
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Lynsey K. Randolph
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Ryan Insolera
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
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24
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Unraveling the Role of Antimicrobial Peptides in Insects. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065753. [PMID: 36982826 PMCID: PMC10059942 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are short, mainly positively charged, amphipathic molecules. AMPs are important effectors of the immune response in insects with a broad spectrum of antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic activity. In addition to these well-known roles, AMPs exhibit many other, often unobvious, functions in the host. They support insects in the elimination of viral infections. AMPs participate in the regulation of brain-controlled processes, e.g., sleep and non-associative learning. By influencing neuronal health, communication, and activity, they can affect the functioning of the insect nervous system. Expansion of the AMP repertoire and loss of their specificity is connected with the aging process and lifespan of insects. Moreover, AMPs take part in maintaining gut homeostasis, regulating the number of endosymbionts as well as reducing the number of foreign microbiota. In turn, the presence of AMPs in insect venom prevents the spread of infection in social insects, where the prey may be a source of pathogens.
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25
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Singh A, Yeates C, Deshpande P, Kango-Singh M. Signaling interactions among neurons impact cell fitness and death in Alzheimer’s disease. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:784-789. [DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.354516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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26
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De Lazzari F, Agostini F, Plotegher N, Sandre M, Greggio E, Megighian A, Bubacco L, Sandrelli F, Whitworth AJ, Bisaglia M. DJ-1 promotes energy balance by regulating both mitochondrial and autophagic homeostasis. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 176:105941. [PMID: 36473592 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105941] [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: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The protein DJ-1 is mutated in rare familial forms of recessive Parkinson's disease and in parkinsonism accompanied by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis symptoms and dementia. DJ-1 is considered a multitasking protein able to confer protection under various conditions of stress. However, the precise cellular function still remains elusive. In the present work, we evaluated fruit flies lacking the expression of the DJ-1 homolog dj-1β as compared to control aged-matched individuals. Behavioral evaluations included lifespan, locomotion in an open field arena, sensitivity to oxidative insults, and resistance to starvation. Molecular analyses were carried out by analyzing the mitochondrial morphology and functionality, and the autophagic response. We demonstrated that dj-1β null mutant flies are hypoactive and display higher sensitivity to oxidative insults and food deprivation. Analysis of mitochondrial homeostasis revealed that loss of dj-1β leads to larger and more circular mitochondria, characterized by impaired complex-I-linked respiration while preserving ATP production capacity. Additionally, dj-1β null mutant flies present an impaired autophagic response, which is suppressed by treatment with the antioxidant molecule N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine. Overall, our data point to a mechanism whereby DJ-1 plays a critical role in the maintenance of energy homeostasis, by sustaining mitochondrial homeostasis and affecting the autophagic flux through the maintenance of the cellular redox state. In light of the involvement of DJ-1 in neurodegenerative diseases and considering that neurons are highly energy-demanding cells, particularly sensitive to redox stress, our study sheds light on a key role of DJ-1 in the maintenance of cellular homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica De Lazzari
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, Padua 35121, Italy; Medical Research Council Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK.
| | | | | | - Michele Sandre
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padua, Padua 35121, Italy.
| | - Elisa Greggio
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, Padua 35121, Italy; Study Center for Neurodegeneration (CESNE), Padua 35121, Italy.
| | - Aram Megighian
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua 35121, Italy.
| | - Luigi Bubacco
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, Padua 35121, Italy; Study Center for Neurodegeneration (CESNE), Padua 35121, Italy.
| | | | - Alexander J Whitworth
- Medical Research Council Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK.
| | - Marco Bisaglia
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, Padua 35121, Italy; Study Center for Neurodegeneration (CESNE), Padua 35121, Italy.
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27
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Yeung K, Bollepogu Raja KK, Shim YK, Li Y, Chen R, Mardon G. Single cell RNA sequencing of the adult Drosophila eye reveals distinct clusters and novel marker genes for all major cell types. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1370. [PMID: 36517671 PMCID: PMC9751288 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04337-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The adult Drosophila eye is a powerful model system for phototransduction and neurodegeneration research. However, single cell resolution transcriptomic data are lacking for this tissue. We present single cell RNA-seq data on 1-day male and female, 3-day and 7-day old male adult eyes, covering early to mature adult eyes. All major cell types, including photoreceptors, cone and pigment cells in the adult eye were captured and identified. Our data sets identified novel cell type specific marker genes, some of which were validated in vivo. R7 and R8 photoreceptors form clusters that reflect their specific Rhodopsin expression and the specific Rhodopsin expression by each R7 and R8 cluster is the major determinant to their clustering. The transcriptomic data presented in this report will facilitate a deeper mechanistic understanding of the adult fly eye as a model system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelvin Yeung
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Komal Kumar Bollepogu Raja
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Yoon-Kyung Shim
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Yumei Li
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Structural and Computation Biology and Molecular Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Rui Chen
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Structural and Computation Biology and Molecular Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Graeme Mardon
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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28
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Mandik F, Kanana Y, Rody J, Misera S, Wilken B, Laabs von Holt BH, Klein C, Vos M. A new model for fatty acid hydroxylase-associated neurodegeneration reveals mitochondrial and autophagy abnormalities. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1000553. [PMID: 36589738 PMCID: PMC9794614 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1000553] [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: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Fatty acid hydroxylase-associated neurodegeneration (FAHN) is a rare disease that exhibits brain modifications and motor dysfunctions in early childhood. The condition is caused by a homozygous or compound heterozygous mutation in fatty acid 2 hydroxylase (FA2H), whose encoded protein synthesizes 2-hydroxysphingolipids and 2-hydroxyglycosphingolipids and is therefore involved in sphingolipid metabolism. A few FAHN model organisms have already been established and give the first insight into symptomatic effects. However, they fail to establish the underlying cellular mechanism of FAHN so far. Drosophila is an excellent model for many neurodegenerative disorders; hence, here, we have characterized and validated the first FAHN Drosophila model. The investigation of loss of dfa2h lines revealed behavioral abnormalities, including motor impairment and flying disability, in addition to a shortened lifespan. Furthermore, alterations in mitochondrial dynamics, and autophagy were identified. Analyses of patient-derived fibroblasts, and rescue experiments with human FA2H, indicated that these defects are evolutionarily conserved. We thus present a FAHN Drosophila model organism that provides new insights into the cellular mechanism of FAHN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frida Mandik
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Luebeck, UKSH, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Yuliia Kanana
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Luebeck, UKSH, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Jost Rody
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Luebeck, UKSH, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Sophie Misera
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Luebeck, UKSH, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Bernd Wilken
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Klinikum Kassel, Kassel, Germany
| | | | - Christine Klein
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Luebeck, UKSH, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Melissa Vos
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Luebeck, UKSH, Luebeck, Germany,*Correspondence: Melissa Vos,
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29
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Glycolysis: The Next Big Breakthrough in Parkinson's Disease. Neurotox Res 2022; 40:1707-1717. [PMID: 36152171 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-022-00579-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease characterized by the death of dopaminergic neurons. Its pathogenesis comprises defects in the physiological pathway of mitophagy and mutations in the genes involved in this process's regulatory mechanism. PD manifests itself with multiple motor and non-motor symptoms, and currently, there are multiple pharmacological treatments, and unconventional non-drug treatments available. The mainstay of Parkinson's disease treatment has centered around directly manipulating neural mechanisms to retain high dopamine levels, either by exogenous administration, increasing intrinsic production, or inhibiting the breakdown of dopamine. In this review, we highlight a new potential biochemical modality of treatment, treating PD through glycolysis. We highlight how terazosin (TZ), via PGK1, increases ATP levels and how enhanced glycolysis serves a neuroprotective role in PD, and compensates for damage caused by mitophagy. We also discuss the role of quercetin, a bioactive flavonoid, in preventing the development of PD, and reversing mitochondrial dysfunction but only so in diabetic patients. Thus, further research should be conducted on glycolysis as a protective target in PD that can serve to not just prevent, but also alleviate the non-dopaminergic signs and symptoms of PD.
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30
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Szurpnicka A, Wrońska AK, Bus K, Kozińska A, Jabłczyńska R, Szterk A, Lubelska K. Phytochemical screening and effect of Viscum album L. on monoamine oxidase A and B activity and serotonin, dopamine and serotonin receptor 5-HTR1A levels in Galleria mellonealla (Lepidoptera). JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 298:115604. [PMID: 35944736 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Viscum album L. (European mistletoe), a member of the Santalaceae, is a hemiparasitic, evergreen shrub growing on deciduous and coniferous trees. In traditional and folk medicine, mistletoe was used for the treatment of central nervous system disorders such as epilepsy, hysteria, insomnia, nervous excitability, neuralgia, headache, dizziness and fatigue. However, relatively little is known of its neuropharmacological activity. AIM OF THE STUDY The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of treatment with aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts from Viscum album L. parasitizing birch, linden and pine, on MAO-A and MAO-B activity as well as serotonin, dopamine and serotonin receptor 5-HTR1A levels in Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera) larvae. MATERIALS AND METHODS The phytochemical composition of the extracts was characterised using UPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS. To investigate the neuropharmacological activity of Viscum album L. extracts, Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera) larvae were used as a model organism. The inhibitory potential of the extracts against MAO-A and MAO-B was determined by fluorometry. The serotonin, dopamine and serotonin receptor 5-HTR1A levels in larvae hemolymph after treatment were quantified by ELISA. RESULTS UPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS analysis allowed the identification of 88 compounds, either full or in part. Most of the characterised phytochemicals were flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acids and lignans. Screening found that aqueous and hydroethanolic mistletoe extracts inhibited the enzymatic activity of either MAO-A or MAO-B or both. Additionally, mistletoe extract administration increased the levels of serotonin and serotonin receptor 5-HTR1A. None of the tested extracts had any significant effect on dopamine level. CONCLUSIONS A key novel finding was that the aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts from Viscum album L. inhibited monoamine oxidase activity and increased the levels of serotonin and serotonin receptor 5-HTR1A in Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera) larvae. These properties may be due to the presence of phenolic constituents, particularly flavonoids. Further research based on bioassay-guided fractionation of mistletoe is needed to identify CNS-active molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Szurpnicka
- Department of Natural Medicinal Products and Dietary Supplements, National Medicines Institute, Chełmska 30/34, 00-725, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Anna Katarzyna Wrońska
- Host Parasites Molecular Interaction Research Unit, Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00-818, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Katarzyna Bus
- Department of Spectrometric Methods, National Medicines Institute, Chełmska 30/34, 00-725, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Aleksandra Kozińska
- Department of Biomedical Research, National Medicines Institute, Chełmska 30/34, 00-725, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Renata Jabłczyńska
- Department of Natural Medicinal Products and Dietary Supplements, National Medicines Institute, Chełmska 30/34, 00-725, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Arkadiusz Szterk
- Transfer of Science, Strzygłowska 15, 04-872, Warsaw, Poland; Center for Translationale Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska 100, 02-797, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Katarzyna Lubelska
- Department of Natural Medicinal Products and Dietary Supplements, National Medicines Institute, Chełmska 30/34, 00-725, Warsaw, Poland.
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31
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Asthana J, Shravage BV. Exploring therapeutic potential of mitophagy modulators using Drosophila models of Parkinson’s disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:986849. [PMID: 36337696 PMCID: PMC9632658 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.986849] [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: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most popular age-associated neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer’s disease. The degeneration of dopaminergic neurons, aggregation of α-synuclein (α-syn), and locomotor defects are the main characteristic features of PD. The main cause of a familial form of PD is associated with a mutation in genes such as SNCA, PINK1, Parkin, DJ-1, LRKK2, and others. Recent advances have uncovered the different underlying mechanisms of PD but the treatment of PD is still unknown due to the unavailability of effective therapies and preventive medicines in the current scenario. The pathophysiology and genetics of PD have been strongly associated with mitochondria in disease etiology. Several studies have investigated a complex molecular mechanism governing the identification and clearance of dysfunctional mitochondria from the cell, a mitochondrial quality control mechanism called mitophagy. Reduced mitophagy and mitochondrial impairment are found in both sporadic and familial PD. Pharmacologically modulating mitophagy and accelerating the removal of defective mitochondria are of common interest in developing a therapy for PD. However, despite the extensive understanding of the mitochondrial quality control pathway and its underlying mechanism, the therapeutic potential of targeting mitophagy modulation and its role in PD remains to be explored. Thus, targeting mitophagy using chemical agents and naturally occurring phytochemicals could be an emerging therapeutic strategy in PD prevention and treatment. We discuss the current research on understanding the role of mitophagy modulators in PD using Drosophila melanogaster as a model. We further explore the contribution of Drosophila in the pathophysiology of PD, and discuss comprehensive genetic analysis in flies and pharmacological drug screening to develop potential therapeutic molecules for PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyotsna Asthana
- Developmental Biology Group, MACS-Agharkar Research Institute, Pune, India
| | - Bhupendra V. Shravage
- Developmental Biology Group, MACS-Agharkar Research Institute, Pune, India
- Department of Biotechnology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India
- Department of Zoology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India
- *Correspondence: Bhupendra V. Shravage,
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32
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Chen Y, Wang Q, Luo H, Deng S, Tian Y, Wang S. Mechanisms of the ethanol extract of Gelidium amansii for slow aging in high-fat male Drosophila by metabolomic analysis. Food Funct 2022; 13:10110-10120. [PMID: 36102920 DOI: 10.1039/d2fo02116a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Gelidium amansii (GA) is a kind of red alga homologous to medicine and food and is distributed all over the world. Studies on GA are mainly focused on its polysaccharides, with little research on the ethanol extract. The ethanol extract of Gelidium amansii (GAE) was subjected to a reverse-phase column to obtain 7 components. Among them, 100% methanol solution (GAM), enriched with phytene-1,2-diol, exhibited the strongest DPPH free radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 0.17 mg mL-1). Subsequently, high-fat male flies (HMFs) were used as a model to explore the antioxidant and anti-aging effects of GAM in vivo. Studies showed that GAM can effectively prolong the lifespan of HMFs. When GAM concentrations were 0.2 and 1.0 mg mL-1, the average lifespan of HMFs was increased by 28.7 and 40.7%, respectively, while the longest lifespan of HMFs was increased by 20.55% and 32.88%, respectively. Further research revealed that GAM can significantly downregulate the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl (PCO), and can significantly upregulate the levels of catalase (CAT) and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD). In addition, by analyzing differential metabolites, we found that GAM relieves aging caused by oxidative stress by regulating amino acid, lipid, sugar, and energy metabolism. The GAM group significantly regulated the levels of adenine, cholic acid, glutamate, L-proline, niacin, and stachyose which tend to recover to the levels of the normal diet male fly (NMF) group. In general, our research provides ideas for the high-value utilization of GA and provides a lead compound for the research and development of anti-aging food or medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yushi Chen
- College of Chemical Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China.
| | - Qishen Wang
- College of Chemical Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China.
| | - Haitao Luo
- College of Chemical Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China.
| | - Shanggui Deng
- College of Food and Pharmacy, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, Zhejiang 316022, China
| | - Yongqi Tian
- College of Chemical Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China.
| | - Shaoyun Wang
- College of Chemical Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China.
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Grzejda D, Mach J, Schweizer JA, Hummel B, Rezansoff AM, Eggenhofer F, Panhale A, Lalioti ME, Cabezas Wallscheid N, Backofen R, Felsenberg J, Hilgers V. The long noncoding RNA mimi scaffolds neuronal granules to maintain nervous system maturity. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabo5578. [PMID: 36170367 PMCID: PMC9519039 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abo5578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
RNA binding proteins and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) assemble into ribonucleoprotein granules that regulate mRNA trafficking, local translation, and turnover. The dysregulation of RNA-protein condensation disturbs synaptic plasticity and neuron survival and has been widely associated with human neurological disease. Neuronal granules are thought to condense around particular proteins that dictate the identity and composition of each granule type. Here, we show in Drosophila that a previously uncharacterized long noncoding RNA, mimi, is required to scaffold large neuronal granules in the adult nervous system. Neuronal ELAV-like proteins directly bind mimi and mediate granule assembly, while Staufen maintains condensate integrity. mimi granules contain mRNAs and proteins involved in synaptic processes; granule loss in mimi mutant flies impairs nervous system maturity and neuropeptide-mediated signaling and causes phenotypes of neurodegeneration. Our work reports an architectural RNA for a neuronal granule and provides a handle to interrogate functions of a condensate independently of those of its constituent proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Grzejda
- Max-Planck-Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg 79108, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg, Freiburg 79104, Germany
- International Max Planck Research School for Molecular and Cellular Biology (IMPRS- MCB), Freiburg 79108, Germany
| | - Jana Mach
- Max-Planck-Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg 79108, Germany
| | - Johanna Aurelia Schweizer
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research (FMI), Basel 4058, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel 4001, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Hummel
- Max-Planck-Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg 79108, Germany
| | | | - Florian Eggenhofer
- Department of Computer Science, Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg, Freiburg 79110, Germany
| | - Amol Panhale
- Max-Planck-Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg 79108, Germany
| | - Maria-Eleni Lalioti
- Max-Planck-Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg 79108, Germany
| | | | - Rolf Backofen
- Department of Computer Science, Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg, Freiburg 79110, Germany
- BIOSS and CIBSS Centres for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg 79104, Germany
| | - Johannes Felsenberg
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research (FMI), Basel 4058, Switzerland
| | - Valérie Hilgers
- Max-Planck-Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg 79108, Germany
- CIBSS Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg 79104, Germany
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Asadzadeh J, Ruchti E, Jiao W, Limoni G, MacLachlan C, Small SA, Knott G, Santa-Maria I, McCabe BD. Retromer deficiency in Tauopathy models enhances the truncation and toxicity of Tau. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5049. [PMID: 36030267 PMCID: PMC9420134 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32683-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Alteration of the levels, localization or post-translational processing of the microtubule associated protein Tau is associated with many neurodegenerative disorders. Here we develop adult-onset models for human Tau (hTau) toxicity in Drosophila that enable age-dependent quantitative measurement of central nervous system synapse loss and axonal degeneration, in addition to effects upon lifespan, to facilitate evaluation of factors that may contribute to Tau-dependent neurodegeneration. Using these models, we interrogate the interaction of hTau with the retromer complex, an evolutionarily conserved cargo-sorting protein assembly, whose reduced activity has been associated with both Parkinson’s and late onset Alzheimer’s disease. We reveal that reduction of retromer activity induces a potent enhancement of hTau toxicity upon synapse loss, axon retraction and lifespan through a specific increase in the production of a C-terminal truncated isoform of hTau. Our data establish a molecular and subcellular mechanism necessary and sufficient for the depletion of retromer activity to exacerbate Tau-dependent neurodegeneration. Tau and the Retromer complex are both linked to Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. Using Drosophila neurodegeneration models, this study finds that low retromer activity induces a specific increase of a highly toxic truncated form of human Tau.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamshid Asadzadeh
- Brain Mind Institute, EPFL - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Evelyne Ruchti
- Brain Mind Institute, EPFL - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Wei Jiao
- Brain Mind Institute, EPFL - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Greta Limoni
- Brain Mind Institute, EPFL - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Catherine MacLachlan
- BioEM Facility, EPFL - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Scott A Small
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, USA.,Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Graham Knott
- Brain Mind Institute, EPFL - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,BioEM Facility, EPFL - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ismael Santa-Maria
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, USA.,Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, USA.,Facultad Ciencias Experimentales, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Brian D McCabe
- Brain Mind Institute, EPFL - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Jiang H, Kimura T, Hai H, Yamamura R, Sonoshita M. Drosophila as a toolkit to tackle cancer and its metabolism. Front Oncol 2022; 12:982751. [PMID: 36091180 PMCID: PMC9458318 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.982751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the most severe health problems worldwide accounting for the second leading cause of death. Studies have indicated that cancers utilize different metabolic systems as compared with normal cells to produce extra energy and substances required for their survival, which contributes to tumor formation and progression. Recently, the fruit fly Drosophila has been attracting significant attention as a whole-body model for elucidating the cancer mechanisms including metabolism. This tiny organism offers a valuable toolkit with various advantages such as high genetic conservation and similar drug response to mammals. In this review, we introduce flies modeling for cancer patient genotypes which have pinpointed novel therapeutic targets and drug candidates in the salivary gland, thyroid, colon, lung, and brain. Furthermore, we introduce fly models for metabolic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, obesity, and cachexia. Diabetes mellitus and obesity are widely acknowledged risk factors for cancer, while cachexia is a cancer-related metabolic condition. In addition, we specifically focus on two cancer metabolic alterations: the Warburg effect and redox metabolism. Indeed, flies proved useful to reveal the relationship between these metabolic changes and cancer. Such accumulating achievements indicate that Drosophila offers an efficient platform to clarify the mechanisms of cancer as a systemic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Jiang
- Division of Biomedical Oncology, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Taku Kimura
- Division of Biomedical Oncology, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Department of Oral Diagnosis and Medicine, Graduate school of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Han Hai
- Division of Biomedical Oncology, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Ryodai Yamamura
- Division of Biomedical Oncology, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Global Station for Biosurfaces and Drug Discovery, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- *Correspondence: Ryodai Yamamura, ; Masahiro Sonoshita,
| | - Masahiro Sonoshita
- Division of Biomedical Oncology, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Global Station for Biosurfaces and Drug Discovery, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- *Correspondence: Ryodai Yamamura, ; Masahiro Sonoshita,
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Ulian-Benitez S, Hjelmstad AS, Barbosa GO, Haghighi P. Eosin whole-brain mount staining to analyze neurodegeneration in a fly model of Alzheimer's disease. STAR Protoc 2022; 3:101377. [PMID: 35634356 PMCID: PMC9136343 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2022.101377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
In the fly brain, neurodegeneration is detected by the presence of vacuoles using conventional hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) or phalloidin staining, which are lengthy and expensive processes. Here, we present a faster and cost-effective 2-day protocol to visualize vacuoles in a fly model of Alzheimer disease. We describe eosin staining in the whole-brain mount, followed by confocal microscopy and image analysis with an open source Fiji plugin. This protocol can be applied to visualize different modules in the fly brain.
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Richard M, Doubková K, Nitta Y, Kawai H, Sugie A, Tavosanis G. A Quantitative Model of Sporadic Axonal Degeneration in the Drosophila Visual System. J Neurosci 2022; 42:4937-4952. [PMID: 35534228 PMCID: PMC9188428 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2115-21.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In human neurodegenerative diseases, neurons undergo axonal degeneration months to years before they die. Here, we developed a system modeling early degenerative events in Drosophila adult photoreceptor cells. Thanks to the stereotypy of their axonal projections, this system delivers quantitative data on sporadic and progressive axonal degeneration of photoreceptor cells. Using this method, we show that exposure of adult female flies to a constant light stimulation for several days overcomes the intrinsic resilience of R7 photoreceptors and leads to progressive axonal degeneration. This was not associated with apoptosis. We furthermore provide evidence that loss of synaptic integrity between R7 and a postsynaptic partner preceded axonal degeneration, thus recapitulating features of human neurodegenerative diseases. Finally, our experiments uncovered a role of postsynaptic partners of R7 to initiate degeneration, suggesting that postsynaptic cells signal back to the photoreceptor to maintain axonal structure. This model can be used to dissect cellular and circuit mechanisms involved in the early events of axonal degeneration, allowing for a better understanding of how neurons cope with stress and lose their resilience capacities.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Neurons can be active and functional for several years. In the course of aging and in disease conditions leading to neurodegeneration, subsets of neurons lose their resilience and start dying. What initiates this turning point at the cellular level is not clear. Here, we developed a model allowing to systematically describe this phase. The loss of synapses and axons represents an early and functionally relevant event toward degeneration. Using the ordered distribution of Drosophila photoreceptor axon terminals, we assembled a system to study sporadic initiation of axon loss and delineated a role for non-cell-autonomous activity regulation in the initiation of axon degeneration. This work will help shed light on key steps in the etiology of nonfamilial cases of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélisande Richard
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen e. V., 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Karolína Doubková
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen e. V., 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Yohei Nitta
- Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8585, Japan
| | | | - Atsushi Sugie
- Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8585, Japan
| | - Gaia Tavosanis
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen e. V., 53127 Bonn, Germany
- Life & Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES), University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
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38
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Tello JA, Williams HE, Eppler RM, Steinhilb ML, Khanna M. Animal Models of Neurodegenerative Disease: Recent Advances in Fly Highlight Innovative Approaches to Drug Discovery. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:883358. [PMID: 35514431 PMCID: PMC9063566 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.883358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases represent a formidable challenge to global health. As advances in other areas of medicine grant healthy living into later decades of life, aging diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative disorders can diminish the quality of these additional years, owed largely to the lack of efficacious treatments and the absence of durable cures. Alzheimer's disease prevalence is predicted to more than double in the next 30 years, affecting nearly 15 million Americans, with AD-associated costs exceeding $1 billion by 2050. Delaying onset of AD and other neurodegenerative diseases is critical to improving the quality of life for patients and reducing the burden of disease on caregivers and healthcare systems. Significant progress has been made to model disease pathogenesis and identify points of therapeutic intervention. While some researchers have contributed to our understanding of the proteins and pathways that drive biological dysfunction in disease using in vitro and in vivo models, others have provided mathematical, biophysical, and computational technologies to identify potential therapeutic compounds using in silico modeling. The most exciting phase of the drug discovery process is now: by applying a target-directed approach that leverages the strengths of multiple techniques and validates lead hits using Drosophila as an animal model of disease, we are on the fast-track to identifying novel therapeutics to restore health to those impacted by neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith A. Tello
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- Center of Innovation in Brain Science, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Haley E. Williams
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- Center of Innovation in Brain Science, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Robert M. Eppler
- Department of Biology, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, United States
| | - Michelle L. Steinhilb
- Department of Biology, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, United States
| | - May Khanna
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- Center of Innovation in Brain Science, Tucson, AZ, United States
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, New York University, New York, NY, United States
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39
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Phytochemicals of Avocado Residues as Potential Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors, Antioxidants, and Neuroprotective Agents. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27061892. [PMID: 35335256 PMCID: PMC8953789 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27061892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Avocado (Persea americana) is a widely consumed fruit and a rich source of nutrients and phytochemicals. Its industrial processing generates peels and seeds which represent 30% of the fruit. Environmental issues related to these wastes are rapidly increasing and likely to double, according to expected avocado production. Therefore, this work aimed to evaluate the potential of hexane and ethanolic peel (PEL-H, PEL-ET) and seed (SED-H, SED-ET) extracts from avocado as sources of neuroprotective compounds. Minerals, total phenol (TPC), total flavonoid (TF), and lipid contents were determined by absorption spectroscopy and gas chromatography. In addition, phytochemicals were putatively identified by paper spray mass spectrometry (PSMS). The extracts were good sources of Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, ω-6 linoleic acid, and flavonoids. Moreover, fifty-five metabolites were detected in the extracts, consisting mainly of phenolic acids, flavonoids, and alkaloids. The in vitro antioxidant capacity (FRAP and DPPH), acetylcholinesterase inhibition, and in vivo neuroprotective capacity were evaluated. PEL-ET was the best acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, with no significant difference (p > 0.05) compared to the control eserine, and it showed neither preventive nor regenerative effect in the neuroprotection assay. SED-ET demonstrated a significant protective effect compared to the control, suggesting neuroprotection against rotenone-induced neurological damage.
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40
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Abstract
Six years ago, DMM launched a subject collection called ‘Drosophila as a Disease Model’. This collection features Review-type articles and original research that highlight the power of Drosophila research in many aspects of human disease modeling. In the ensuing years, Drosophila research has further expanded to capitalize on genome editing, development of resources, and further interest in studying rare disease mechanisms. In the current issue of DMM, we again highlight the versatility, breadth, and scope of Drosophila research in human disease modeling and translational medicine. While many researchers have embraced the power of the fly, many more could still be encouraged to appreciate the strengths of Drosophila and how such research can integrate across species in a multi-pronged approach. Only when we truly acknowledge that all models contribute to our understanding of human biology, can we take advantage of the scope of current research endeavors. Summary: This Editorial encourages us to embrace the power of the fly in studying human disease and highlights how Drosophila studies can be integrated with research in other species to further our understanding of human biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther M Verheyen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Centre for Cell Biology, Development and Disease, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, CanadaV5A 1S6
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41
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Aggarwal P, Thapliyal D, Sarkar S. The past and present of Drosophila models of Traumatic Brain Injury. J Neurosci Methods 2022; 371:109533. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2022.109533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Hernandez AR, Hoffman JM, Hernandez CM, Cortes CJ, Jumbo-Lucioni P, Baxter MG, Esser KA, Liu AC, McMahon LL, Bizon JL, Burke SN, Buford TW, Carter CS. Reuniting the Body "Neck Up and Neck Down" to Understand Cognitive Aging: The Nexus of Geroscience and Neuroscience. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2022; 77:e1-e9. [PMID: 34309630 PMCID: PMC8751793 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glab215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Abbi R Hernandez
- Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Palliative Care, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.,UAB Center for Exercise Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.,Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), USA
| | | | - Caesar M Hernandez
- Department of Cellular, Development, and Integrative Biology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA
| | - Constanza J Cortes
- UAB Center for Exercise Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.,Department of Cellular, Development, and Integrative Biology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.,UAB Nathan Shock Center for the Basic Biology of Aging, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.,Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA
| | - Patricia Jumbo-Lucioni
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.,Pharmaceutical, Social, and Administrative Sciences, McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama,USA
| | - Mark G Baxter
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Karyn A Esser
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, USA
| | - Andrew C Liu
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, USA
| | - Lori L McMahon
- UAB Center for Exercise Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.,Department of Cellular, Development, and Integrative Biology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.,UAB Nathan Shock Center for the Basic Biology of Aging, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.,UAB Integrative Center for Aging Research, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA
| | - Jennifer L Bizon
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, USA
| | - Sara N Burke
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, USA
| | - Thomas W Buford
- Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Palliative Care, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.,UAB Center for Exercise Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.,UAB Nathan Shock Center for the Basic Biology of Aging, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.,UAB Integrative Center for Aging Research, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.,Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Christy S Carter
- Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Palliative Care, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.,UAB Center for Exercise Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.,UAB Nathan Shock Center for the Basic Biology of Aging, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.,UAB Integrative Center for Aging Research, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA
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Ahn Y, Han SH, Kim MG, Hong KB, Kim WJ, Suh HJ, Jo K. Anti-depressant effects of ethanol extract from Cannabis sativa (hemp) seed in chlorpromazine-induced Drosophila melanogaster depression model. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2021; 59:998-1007. [PMID: 34362287 PMCID: PMC8354181 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2021.1949356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Depression is a severe mental illness caused by a deficiency of dopamine and serotonin. Cannabis sativa L. (Cannabaceae) has long been used to treat pain, nausea, and depression. OBJECTIVE This study investigates the anti-depressant effects of C. sativa (hemp) seed ethanol extract (HE) in chlorpromazine (CPZ)-induced Drosophila melanogaster depression model. MATERIALS AND METHODS The normal group was untreated, and the control group was treated with CPZ (0.1% of media) for 7 days. The experimental groups were treated with a single HE treatment (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5% of media) and a mixture of 0.1% CPZ and HE for 7 days. The locomotor activity, behavioural patterns, depression-related gene expression, and neurotransmitters level of flies were investigated. RESULTS The behavioural patterns of individual flies were significantly reduced with 0.1% CPZ treatment. In contrast, combination treatment of 1.5% HE and 0.1% CPZ significantly increased subjective daytime activity (p < 0.001) and behavioural factors (p < 0.001). These results correlate with increased transcript levels of dopamine (p < 0.001) and serotonin (p < 0.05) receptors and concentration of dopamine (p < 0.05), levodopa (p < 0.001), 5-HTP (p < 0.05), and serotonin (p < 0.001) compared to those in the control group. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Collectively, HE administration alleviates depression-like symptoms by modulating the circadian rhythm-related behaviours, transcript levels of neurotransmitter receptors, and neurotransmitter levels in the CPZ-induced Drosophila model. However, additional research is needed to investigate the role of HE administration in behavioural patterns, reduction of the neurotransmitter, and signalling pathways of depression in a vertebrate model system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yejin Ahn
- Department of Integrated Biomedical and Life Science, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Hee Han
- Institute of Human Behavior & Genetic, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Guk Kim
- Department of Integrated Biomedical and Life Science, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Bae Hong
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo Jung Kim
- Biocenter, Gyeonggido Business and Science Accerlerator, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung Joo Suh
- Department of Integrated Biomedical and Life Science, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungae Jo
- Department of Integrated Biomedical and Life Science, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- CONTACT Kyungae Jo Department of Integrated Biomedical and Life Science, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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44
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Bonifacino T, Zerbo RA, Balbi M, Torazza C, Frumento G, Fedele E, Bonanno G, Milanese M. Nearly 30 Years of Animal Models to Study Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Historical Overview and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212236. [PMID: 34830115 PMCID: PMC8619465 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal, multigenic, multifactorial, and non-cell autonomous neurodegenerative disease characterized by upper and lower motor neuron loss. Several genetic mutations lead to ALS development and many emerging gene mutations have been discovered in recent years. Over the decades since 1990, several animal models have been generated to study ALS pathology including both vertebrates and invertebrates such as yeast, worms, flies, zebrafish, mice, rats, guinea pigs, dogs, and non-human primates. Although these models show different peculiarities, they are all useful and complementary to dissect the pathological mechanisms at the basis of motor neuron degeneration and ALS progression, thus contributing to the development of new promising therapeutics. In this review, we describe the up to date and available ALS genetic animal models, classified by the different genetic mutations and divided per species, pointing out their features in modeling, the onset and progression of the pathology, as well as their specific pathological hallmarks. Moreover, we highlight similarities, differences, advantages, and limitations, aimed at helping the researcher to select the most appropriate experimental animal model, when designing a preclinical ALS study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Bonifacino
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
- Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research (Centro 3R), 56122 Genoa, Italy
| | - Roberta Arianna Zerbo
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Matilde Balbi
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Carola Torazza
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Giulia Frumento
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Ernesto Fedele
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Giambattista Bonanno
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Marco Milanese
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
- Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research (Centro 3R), 56122 Genoa, Italy
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Chen J, Lu Y, Wu Y, Chen Z, Liu X, Zhang C, Sheng J, Li L, Chen W, Song X. De Novo Design of a Robust Fluorescent Probe for Basal HClO Imaging in a Mouse Parkinson's Disease Model. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:4058-4064. [PMID: 34668369 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Elevated HClO gets involved in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Herein, a novel fluorescent probe NUU-1 was designed and synthesized. Distinct from the general strategies, NUU-1 features two distinct HClO reactive sites, a HClO-specific reaction site and a HClO-nonspecific reactive site, which in turn endows NUU-1 with the "0 + 1 > 1" amplification effect, that thus dramatically promotes the selectivity. NUU-1 displayed a fast response rate (within 15 s), remarkable fluorescence enhancement (about 538-fold), and excellent sensitivity (LOD = 25.8 nM) in response to HClO while the remaining fluorescence silence toward other common ROS (H2O2, •OH, ONOO-, O2•-, and 1O2) even at high concentrations (up to 0.5 mM). NUU-1 allows for the imaging of both exogenous and endogenous HClO in living dopaminergic cells (SH-SY5Y). Moreover, by employing NUU-1 as the probe, the image of HClO in C. elegans and zebrafish was successfully achieved. Significantly, in the first trial, NUU-1 was successfully utilized for the brain basal HClO imaging in PD mice models and distinguished PD brain tissues from normal control, thereby holding great potential for in-depth biological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiali Chen
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Natural Polymer Chemistry and Physics, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanning Normal University, Nanning 530001, P. R. China
| | - Yao Lu
- Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics (KLOFE) & Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, P. R. China
| | - Yue Wu
- Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics (KLOFE) & Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, P. R. China
| | - Zhipeng Chen
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Natural Polymer Chemistry and Physics, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanning Normal University, Nanning 530001, P. R. China
| | - Xingjiang Liu
- Green Catalysis Center, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, P. R. China
| | - Chengwu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics (KLOFE) & Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, P. R. China
| | - Jiarong Sheng
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Natural Polymer Chemistry and Physics, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanning Normal University, Nanning 530001, P. R. China
| | - Lin Li
- Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics (KLOFE) & Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, P. R. China
| | - Wenqiang Chen
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Natural Polymer Chemistry and Physics, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanning Normal University, Nanning 530001, P. R. China
| | - Xiangzhi Song
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Water Environment and Agriculture Product Safety, Central South University, Changsha 410083, P. R. China
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Wang J, Cao H. Zebrafish and Medaka: Important Animal Models for Human Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10766. [PMID: 34639106 PMCID: PMC8509648 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal models of human neurodegenerative disease have been investigated for several decades. In recent years, zebrafish (Danio rerio) and medaka (Oryzias latipes) have become popular in pathogenic and therapeutic studies about human neurodegenerative diseases due to their small size, the optical clarity of embryos, their fast development, and their suitability to large-scale therapeutic screening. Following the emergence of a new generation of molecular biological technologies such as reverse and forward genetics, morpholino, transgenesis, and gene knockout, many human neurodegenerative disease models, such as Parkinson's, Huntington's, and Alzheimer's, were constructed in zebrafish and medaka. These studies proved that zebrafish and medaka genes are functionally conserved in relation to their human homologues, so they exhibit similar neurodegenerative phenotypes to human beings. Therefore, fish are a suitable model for the investigation of pathologic mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases and for the large-scale screening of drugs for potential therapy. In this review, we summarize the studies in modelling human neurodegenerative diseases in zebrafish and medaka in recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Donghu South Road 7#, Wuhan 430072, China;
- College of Advanced Agriculture Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hong Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Donghu South Road 7#, Wuhan 430072, China;
- College of Advanced Agriculture Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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Buhlman LM, Krishna G, Jones TB, Thomas TC. Drosophila as a model to explore secondary injury cascades after traumatic brain injury. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 142:112079. [PMID: 34463269 PMCID: PMC8458259 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Drosophilae are emerging as a valuable model to study traumatic brain injury (TBI)-induced secondary injury cascades that drive persisting neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative pathology that imposes significant risk for long-term neurological deficits. As in mammals, TBI in Drosophila triggers axonal injury, metabolic crisis, oxidative stress, and a robust innate immune response. Subsequent neurodegeneration stresses quality control systems and perpetuates an environment for neuroprotection, regeneration, and delayed cell death via highly conserved cell signaling pathways. Fly injury models continue to be developed and validated for both whole-body and head-specific injury to isolate, evaluate, and modulate these parallel pathways. In conjunction with powerful genetic tools, the ability for longitudinal evaluation, and associated neurological deficits that can be tested with established behavioral tasks, Drosophilae are an attractive model to explore secondary injury cascades and therapeutic intervention after TBI. Here, we review similarities and differences between mammalian and fly pathophysiology and highlight strategies for their use in translational neurotrauma research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lori M Buhlman
- Biomedical Sciences Program, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ, USA.
| | - Gokul Krishna
- Department of Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA; Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - T Bucky Jones
- Department of Anatomy, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ, USA
| | - Theresa Currier Thomas
- Department of Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA; Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix VA Health Care System, Phoenix, AZ, USA.
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Cacabelos R, Carrera I, Martínez-Iglesias O, Cacabelos N, Naidoo V. What is the gold standard model for Alzheimer's disease drug discovery and development? Expert Opin Drug Discov 2021; 16:1415-1440. [PMID: 34330186 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2021.1960502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Alzheimer's disease models (ADMs) are currently used for drug development (DD). More than 20,000 molecules were screened for AD treatment over decades, with only one drug (Aducanumab)FDA-approved over the past 18 years. A revision of pathogenic concepts and ADMs are needed.Areas covered: The authors discuss herein preclinical models including: (i) in vitro models (cell lines, primary neuron cell cultures, iPSC-derived brain cells), (ii) ex vivo models, and (iii) in vivo models (artificial, transgenic, non-transgenic and induced).Expert opinion: The following types of ADMs have been reported: Mouse models (45.08%), Rat models (15.04%), Non-human Primate models (0.76%), Rabbit models (0.46%), Cat models (0.53%), Pig models (0.30%), Guinea pig models (0.15%), Octodon degu models (0.02%), Dog models (0.54%), Drosophila melanogaster models (1.79%), Zebrafish models (0.50%), Caenorhabditis elegans (1.21%), Cell culture models (3.31%), Cholinergic models (8.26%), Neurotoxic models (6.79%), Neuroinflammation models (6.92%), Neurovascular models (7.88%), and Microbiome models (0.45%).No single ADM faithfully reproduces all the pathogenic events in the human AD phenotype spectrum. ADMs should be different for (i) pathogenic studies vs basic DD, and (ii) preventive interventions vs symptomatic treatments. There cannot be an ideal ADM for DD, because AD is a spectrum of syndromes. DD can integrate pathogenic, mechanistic, metabolic, transporter and pleiotropic genes in a multisystem model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramón Cacabelos
- Departments of Genomic Medicine, International Center of Neuroscience and Genomic Medicine, EuroEspes Biomedical Research Center, Bergondo, Spain
| | - Iván Carrera
- Health Biotechnology, International Center of Neuroscience and Genomic Medicine, EuroEspes Biomedical Research Center, Bergondo, Spain
| | - Olaia Martínez-Iglesias
- Medical Epigenetics, International Center of Neuroscience and Genomic Medicine, EuroEspes Biomedical Research Center, Bergondo, Spain
| | - Natalia Cacabelos
- Medical Documentation, International Center of Neuroscience and Genomic Medicine, EuroEspes Biomedical Research Center, Bergondo, Spain
| | - Vinogran Naidoo
- Basic Neuroscience, International Center of Neuroscience and Genomic Medicine, EuroEspes Biomedical Research Center, Bergondo, Spain
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Nutraceutical Strategy to Counteract Eye Neurodegeneration and Oxidative Stress in Drosophila melanogaster Fed with High-Sugar Diet. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10081197. [PMID: 34439445 PMCID: PMC8388935 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10081197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a common feature of damaged retinal neurons in diabetic retinopathy, and antioxidants may exert both preventive and therapeutic action. To evaluate the beneficial and antioxidant properties of food supplementation with Lisosan G, a powder of bran and germ of grain (Triticum aestivum) obtained by fermentation with selected lactobacillus and natural yeast strains, we used an in vivo model of hyperglycemia-induced retinal damage, the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster fed with high-sucrose diet. Lisosan G positively affected the visual system of hyperglycemic flies at structural/functional level, decreased apoptosis, and reactivated protective autophagy at the retina internal network. Also, in high sucrose-fed Drosophila, Lisosan G reduced the levels of brain ROS and retina peroxynitrite. The analysis of oxidative stress-related metabolites suggested 7,8-dihydrofolate, uric acid, dihydroorotate, γ-L-glutamyl-L-cysteine, allantoin, cysteinyl-glycine, and quinolate as key mediators of Lisosan G-induced inhibition of neuronal ROS, along with the upregulation of glutathione system. Of note, Lisosan G may impact oxidative stress and the ensuing retinal cell death, also independently from autophagy, although the autophagy-ROS cross-talk is critical. This study demonstrated that the continuous supplementation with the alimentary integrator Lisosan G exerts a robust and multifaceted antioxidant effect on retinal neurons, thus providing efficacious neuroprotection of hyperglycemic eye.
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Bastioli G, Regoni M, Cazzaniga F, De Luca CMG, Bistaffa E, Zanetti L, Moda F, Valtorta F, Sassone J. Animal Models of Autosomal Recessive Parkinsonism. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9070812. [PMID: 34356877 PMCID: PMC8301401 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9070812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the most common neurodegenerative movement disorder. The neuropathological hallmark of the disease is the loss of dopamine neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta. The clinical manifestations of PD are bradykinesia, rigidity, resting tremors and postural instability. PD patients often display non-motor symptoms such as depression, anxiety, weakness, sleep disturbances and cognitive disorders. Although, in 90% of cases, PD has a sporadic onset of unknown etiology, highly penetrant rare genetic mutations in many genes have been linked with typical familial PD. Understanding the mechanisms behind the DA neuron death in these Mendelian forms may help to illuminate the pathogenesis of DA neuron degeneration in the more common forms of PD. A key step in the identification of the molecular pathways underlying DA neuron death, and in the development of therapeutic strategies, is the creation and characterization of animal models that faithfully recapitulate the human disease. In this review, we outline the current status of PD modeling using mouse, rat and non-mammalian models, focusing on animal models for autosomal recessive PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guendalina Bastioli
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; (G.B.); (M.R.); (L.Z.); (F.V.)
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Regoni
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; (G.B.); (M.R.); (L.Z.); (F.V.)
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Federico Cazzaniga
- Division of Neurology 5 and Neuropathology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy; (F.C.); (C.M.G.D.L.); (E.B.); (F.M.)
| | - Chiara Maria Giulia De Luca
- Division of Neurology 5 and Neuropathology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy; (F.C.); (C.M.G.D.L.); (E.B.); (F.M.)
- Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati, 34136 Trieste, Italy
| | - Edoardo Bistaffa
- Division of Neurology 5 and Neuropathology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy; (F.C.); (C.M.G.D.L.); (E.B.); (F.M.)
| | - Letizia Zanetti
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; (G.B.); (M.R.); (L.Z.); (F.V.)
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Moda
- Division of Neurology 5 and Neuropathology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy; (F.C.); (C.M.G.D.L.); (E.B.); (F.M.)
| | - Flavia Valtorta
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; (G.B.); (M.R.); (L.Z.); (F.V.)
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Jenny Sassone
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; (G.B.); (M.R.); (L.Z.); (F.V.)
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence:
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