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Ali NH, Al-Kuraishy HM, Al-Gareeb AI, Alnaaim SA, Hetta HF, Saad HM, Batiha GES. A Mutual Nexus Between Epilepsy and α-Synuclein: A Puzzle Pathway. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04204-6. [PMID: 38703341 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04204-6] [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: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) is a specific neuronal protein that regulates neurotransmitter release and trafficking of synaptic vesicles. Exosome-associated α-Syn which is specific to the central nervous system (CNS) is involved in the pathogenesis of epilepsy. Therefore, this review aimed to elucidate the possible link between α-Syn and epilepsy, and how it affects the pathophysiology of epilepsy. A neurodegenerative protein such as α-Syn is implicated in the pathogenesis of epilepsy. Evidence from preclinical and clinical studies revealed that upregulation of α-Syn induces progressive neuronal dysfunctions through induction of oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and inhibition of autophagy in a vicious cycle with subsequent development of severe epilepsy. In addition, accumulation of α-Syn in epilepsy could be secondary to the different cellular alterations including oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, reduction of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and progranulin (PGN), and failure of the autophagy pathway. However, the mechanism of α-Syn-induced-epileptogenesis is not well elucidated. Therefore, α-Syn could be a secondary consequence of epilepsy. Preclinical and clinical studies are warranted to confirm this causal relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naif H Ali
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical College, Najran University, Najran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Hayder M Al-Kuraishy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Medicine, College of Medicine, Mustansiriyah University, M.B.Ch.B, FRCP, P.O. Box 14132, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Ali I Al-Gareeb
- Jabir Ibn Hayyan Medical University, Al-Ameer Qu, P.O. Box 13, Kufa, Najaf, Iraq
| | - Saud A Alnaaim
- Clinical Neurosciences Department, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Hofuf, Saudi Arabia
| | - Helal F Hetta
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, 71515, Egypt
| | - Hebatallah M Saad
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Matrouh University, Matrouh, 51744, Egypt.
| | - Gaber El-Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, 22511, AlBeheira, Egypt.
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2
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Moceri S, Bäuerle N, Habermeyer J, Ratz-Wirsching V, Harrer J, Distler J, Schulze-Krebs A, Timotius IK, Bluhm A, Hartlage-Rübsamen M, Roßner S, Winkler J, Xiang W, Hörsten SV. Young human alpha synuclein transgenic (BAC-SNCA) mice display sex- and gene-dose-dependent phenotypic disturbances. Behav Brain Res 2024; 460:114781. [PMID: 38043677 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114781] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative movement disorder, characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta and the accumulation of aggregated alpha synuclein (aSyn). The disease often presents with early prodromal non-motor symptoms and later motor symptoms. Diagnosing PD based purely on motor symptoms is often too late for successful intervention, as a significant neuronal loss has already occurred. Furthermore, the lower prevalence of PD in females is not well understood, highlighting the need for a better understanding of the interaction between sex and aSyn, the crucial protein for PD pathogenesis. Here, we conducted a comprehensive phenotyping study in 1- to 5-month-old mice overexpressing human aSyn gene (SNCA) in a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC-SNCA). We demonstrate a SNCA gene-dose-dependent increase of human aSyn and phosphorylated aSyn, as well as a decrease in tyrosine hydroxylase expression in BAC-SNCA mice, with more pronounced effects in male mice. Phosphorylated aSyn was already found in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve of 2-month-old mice. This was time-wise associated with significant gait altrations in BAC-SNCA mice as early as 1 and 3 months of age using CatWalk gait analysis. Furthermore, anxiety-related behavioral tests revealed an increase in anxiety levels in male BAC-SNCA mice. Finally, 5-month-old male BAC-SNCA mice exhibited a SNCA gene-dose-dependent elevation in energy expenditure in automated home-cage monitoring. For the first time, these findings describe early-onset, sex- and gene-dose-dependent, aSyn-mediated disturbances in BAC-SNCA mice, providing a model for sex-differences, early-onset neuropathology, and prodromal symptoms of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Moceri
- Department of Experimental Therapy, Preclinical Experimental Center, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Natascha Bäuerle
- Department of Experimental Therapy, Preclinical Experimental Center, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Johanna Habermeyer
- Department of Experimental Therapy, Preclinical Experimental Center, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Veronika Ratz-Wirsching
- Department of Experimental Therapy, Preclinical Experimental Center, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Julia Harrer
- Department of Experimental Therapy, Preclinical Experimental Center, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jörg Distler
- Department of Experimental Therapy, Preclinical Experimental Center, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anja Schulze-Krebs
- Department of Experimental Therapy, Preclinical Experimental Center, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ivanna K Timotius
- Department of Experimental Therapy, Preclinical Experimental Center, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; Department of Electronic Engineering, Satya Wacana Christian University, 50711 Salatiga, Indonesia
| | - Alexandra Bluhm
- Paul-Flechsig-Institute for Brain Research, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Steffen Roßner
- Paul-Flechsig-Institute for Brain Research, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jürgen Winkler
- Department of Molecular Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Wei Xiang
- Department of Molecular Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Stephan von Hörsten
- Department of Experimental Therapy, Preclinical Experimental Center, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany.
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3
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Pandey M, Karmakar V, Majie A, Dwivedi M, Md S, Gorain B. The SH-SY5Y cell line: a valuable tool for Parkinson's disease drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:303-316. [PMID: 38112196 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2293158] [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: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Owing to limited efficient treatment strategies for highly prevalent and distressing Parkinson's disease (PD), an impending need emerged for deciphering new modes and mechanisms for effective management. SH-SY5Y-based in vitro neuronal models have emerged as a new possibility for the elucidation of cellular and molecular processes in the pathogenesis of PD. SH-SY5Y cells are of human origin, adhered to catecholaminergic neuronal attributes, which consequences in imparting wide acceptance and significance to this model over conventional in vitro PD models for high-throughput screening of therapeutics. AREAS COVERED Herein, the authors review the SH-SY5Y cell line and its value to PD research. The authors also provide the reader with their expert perspectives on how these developments can lead to the development of new impactful therapeutics. EXPERT OPINION Encouraged by recent research on SH-SY5Y cell lines, it was envisaged that this in vitro model can serve as a primary model for assessing efficacy and toxicity of new therapeutics as well as for nanocarriers' capacity in delivering therapeutic agents across BBB. Considering the proximity with human neuronal environment as in pathogenic PD conditions, SH-SY5Y cell lines vindicated consistency and reproducibility in experimental results. Accordingly, exploitation of this standardized SH-SY5Y cell line can fast-track the drug discovery and development path for novel therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manisha Pandey
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central University of Haryana, Mahendergarh, India
| | - Varnita Karmakar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, India
| | - Ankit Majie
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, India
| | - Monika Dwivedi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, India
| | - Shadab Md
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bapi Gorain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, India
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4
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Mazzetti S, Giampietro F, Calogero AM, Isilgan HB, Gagliardi G, Rolando C, Cantele F, Ascagni M, Bramerio M, Giaccone G, Isaias IU, Pezzoli G, Cappelletti G. Linking acetylated α-Tubulin redistribution to α-Synuclein pathology in brain of Parkinson's disease patients. NPJ Parkinsons Dis 2024; 10:2. [PMID: 38167511 PMCID: PMC10761989 DOI: 10.1038/s41531-023-00607-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Highly specialized microtubules in neurons are crucial to both health and disease of the nervous system, and their properties are strictly regulated by different post-translational modifications, including α-Tubulin acetylation. An imbalance in the levels of acetylated α-Tubulin has been reported in experimental models of Parkinson's disease (PD) whereas pharmacological or genetic modulation that leads to increased acetylated α-Tubulin successfully rescues axonal transport defects and inhibits α-Synuclein aggregation. However, the role of acetylation of α-Tubulin in the human nervous system is largely unknown as most studies are based on in vitro evidence. To capture the complexity of the pathological processes in vivo, we analysed post-mortem human brain of PD patients and control subjects. In the brain of PD patients at Braak stage 6, we found a redistribution of acetylated α-Tubulin, which accumulates in the neuronal cell bodies in subcortical structures but not in the cerebral cortex, and decreases in the axonal compartment, both in putamen bundles of fibres and in sudomotor fibres. High-resolution and 3D reconstruction analysis linked acetylated α-Tubulin redistribution to α-Synuclein oligomerization and to phosphorylated Ser 129 α-Synuclein, leading us to propose a model for Lewy body (LB) formation. Finally, in post-mortem human brain, we observed threadlike structures, resembling tunnelling nanotubes that contain α-Synuclein oligomers and are associated with acetylated α-Tubulin enriched neurons. In conclusion, we support the role of acetylated α-Tubulin in PD pathogenesis and LB formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samanta Mazzetti
- Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
- Fondazione Grigioni per il Morbo di Parkinson, Milan, Italy.
| | | | - Alessandra Maria Calogero
- Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Fondazione Grigioni per il Morbo di Parkinson, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Gloria Gagliardi
- Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Rolando
- Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Cantele
- Department of Chemistry, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Miriam Ascagni
- Unitech NOLIMITS, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Manuela Bramerio
- S. C. Divisione Oncologia Falck and S. C. Divisione Anatomia Patologica, Ospedale Niguarda Ca' Granda, Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgio Giaccone
- Unit of Neuropathology and Neurology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Ioannis Ugo Isaias
- Parkinson Institute, ASST G. Pini-CTO, Milan, Milan, Italy
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Würzburg and the Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Gianni Pezzoli
- Fondazione Grigioni per il Morbo di Parkinson, Milan, Italy
| | - Graziella Cappelletti
- Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
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5
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Calogero AM, Basellini MJ, Isilgan HB, Longhena F, Bellucci A, Mazzetti S, Rolando C, Pezzoli G, Cappelletti G. Acetylated α-Tubulin and α-Synuclein: Physiological Interplay and Contribution to α-Synuclein Oligomerization. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12287. [PMID: 37569662 PMCID: PMC10418364 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence supports that altered α-tubulin acetylation occurs in Parkinson's disease (PD), a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the deposition of α-synuclein fibrillary aggregates within Lewy bodies and nigrostriatal neuron degeneration. Nevertheless, studies addressing the interplay between α-tubulin acetylation and α-synuclein are lacking. Here, we investigated the relationship between α-synuclein and microtubules in primary midbrain murine neurons and the substantia nigra of post-mortem human brains. Taking advantage of immunofluorescence and Proximity Ligation Assay (PLA), a method allowing us to visualize protein-protein interactions in situ, combined with confocal and super-resolution microscopy, we found that α-synuclein and acetylated α-tubulin colocalized and were in close proximity. Next, we employed an α-synuclein overexpressing cellular model and tested the role of α-tubulin acetylation in α-synuclein oligomer formation. We used the α-tubulin deacetylase HDAC6 inhibitor Tubacin to modulate α-tubulin acetylation, and we evaluated the presence of α-synuclein oligomers by PLA. We found that the increase in acetylated α-tubulin significantly induced α-synuclein oligomerization. In conclusion, we unraveled the link between acetylated α-tubulin and α-synuclein and demonstrated that α-tubulin acetylation could trigger the early step of α-synuclein aggregation. These data suggest that the proper regulation of α-tubulin acetylation might be considered a therapeutic strategy to take on PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Maria Calogero
- Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (M.J.B.); (H.B.I.); (S.M.); (C.R.)
- Fondazione Grigioni per il Morbo di Parkinson, 20125 Milan, Italy;
| | - Milo Jarno Basellini
- Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (M.J.B.); (H.B.I.); (S.M.); (C.R.)
| | - Huseyin Berkcan Isilgan
- Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (M.J.B.); (H.B.I.); (S.M.); (C.R.)
| | - Francesca Longhena
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (F.L.); (A.B.)
| | - Arianna Bellucci
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (F.L.); (A.B.)
| | - Samanta Mazzetti
- Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (M.J.B.); (H.B.I.); (S.M.); (C.R.)
- Fondazione Grigioni per il Morbo di Parkinson, 20125 Milan, Italy;
| | - Chiara Rolando
- Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (M.J.B.); (H.B.I.); (S.M.); (C.R.)
| | - Gianni Pezzoli
- Fondazione Grigioni per il Morbo di Parkinson, 20125 Milan, Italy;
- Parkinson Institute, ASST-Pini-CTO, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Graziella Cappelletti
- Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (M.J.B.); (H.B.I.); (S.M.); (C.R.)
- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
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6
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Zocchi R, Bellacchio E, Piccione M, Scardigli R, D’Oria V, Petrini S, Baranano K, Bertini E, Sferra A. Novel loss of function mutation in TUBA1A gene compromises tubulin stability and proteostasis causing spastic paraplegia and ataxia. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1162363. [PMID: 37435044 PMCID: PMC10332271 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1162363] [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: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Microtubules are dynamic cytoskeletal structures involved in several cellular functions, such as intracellular trafficking, cell division and motility. More than other cell types, neurons rely on the proper functioning of microtubules to conduct their activities and achieve complex morphologies. Pathogenic variants in genes encoding for α and β-tubulins, the structural subunits of microtubules, give rise to a wide class of neurological disorders collectively known as "tubulinopathies" and mainly involving a wide and overlapping range of brain malformations resulting from defective neuronal proliferation, migration, differentiation and axon guidance. Although tubulin mutations have been classically linked to neurodevelopmental defects, growing evidence demonstrates that perturbations of tubulin functions and activities may also drive neurodegeneration. In this study, we causally link the previously unreported missense mutation p.I384N in TUBA1A, one of the neuron-specific α-tubulin isotype I, to a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive spastic paraplegia and ataxia. We demonstrate that, in contrast to the p.R402H substitution, which is one of the most recurrent TUBA1A pathogenic variants associated to lissencephaly, the present mutation impairs TUBA1A stability, reducing the abundance of TUBA1A available in the cell and preventing its incorporation into microtubules. We also show that the isoleucine at position 384 is an amino acid residue, which is critical for α-tubulin stability, since the introduction of the p.I384N substitution in three different tubulin paralogs reduces their protein level and assembly into microtubules, increasing their propensity to aggregation. Moreover, we demonstrate that the inhibition of the proteasome degradative systems increases the protein levels of TUBA1A mutant, promoting the formation of tubulin aggregates that, as their size increases, coalesce into inclusions that precipitate within the insoluble cellular fraction. Overall, our data describe a novel pathogenic effect of p.I384N mutation that differs from the previously described substitutions in TUBA1A, and expand both phenotypic and mutational spectrum related to this gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Zocchi
- Unit of Neuromuscular Disorders, Translational Pediatrics and Clinical Genetics, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Bellacchio
- Molecular Genetics and Functional Genomics Research Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Piccione
- Research Laboratories, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCSS, Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaella Scardigli
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), Rome, Italy
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI) “Rita Levi-Montalcini,” Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina D’Oria
- Research Laboratories, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCSS, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Petrini
- Research Laboratories, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCSS, Rome, Italy
| | - Kristin Baranano
- Department of Neurology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Enrico Bertini
- Unit of Neuromuscular Disorders, Translational Pediatrics and Clinical Genetics, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Sferra
- Unit of Neuromuscular Disorders, Translational Pediatrics and Clinical Genetics, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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7
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Mazzetti S, Calogero AM, Pezzoli G, Cappelletti G. Cross-talk between α-synuclein and the microtubule cytoskeleton in neurodegeneration. Exp Neurol 2023; 359:114251. [PMID: 36243059 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.114251] [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: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Looking at the puzzle that depicts the molecular determinants in neurodegeneration, many pieces are lacking and multiple interconnections among key proteins and intracellular pathways still remain unclear. Here we focus on the concerted action of α-synuclein and the microtubule cytoskeleton, whose interplay, indeed, is emerging but remains largely unexplored in both its physiology and pathology. α-Synuclein is a key protein involved in neurodegeneration, underlying those diseases termed synucleinopathies. Its propensity to interact with other proteins and structures renders the identification of neuronal death trigger extremely difficult. Conversely, the unbalance of microtubule cytoskeleton in terms of structure, dynamics and function is emerging as a point of convergence in neurodegeneration. Interestingly, α-synuclein and microtubules have been shown to interact and mediate cross-talks with other intracellular structures. This is supported by an increasing amount of evidence ranging from their direct interaction to the engagement of in-common partners and culminating with their respective impact on microtubule-dependent neuronal functions. Last, but not least, it is becoming even more clear that α-synuclein and tubulin work synergically towards pathological aggregation, ultimately resulting in neurodegeneration. In this respect, we supply a novel perspective towards the understanding of α-synuclein biology and, most importantly, of the link between α-synuclein with microtubule cytoskeleton and its impact for neurodegeneration and future development of novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samanta Mazzetti
- Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Fondazione Grigioni per il Morbo di Parkinson, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Gianni Pezzoli
- Fondazione Grigioni per il Morbo di Parkinson, Milan, Italy
| | - Graziella Cappelletti
- Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
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8
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Schneider Y, Turan S, Koller A, Krumbiegel M, Farrell M, Plötz S, Winkler J, Xiang W. Generation of a homozygous and a heterozygous SNCA gene knockout human-induced pluripotent stem cell line by CRISPR/Cas9 mediated allele-specific tuning of SNCA expression. Stem Cell Res 2022; 65:102952. [PMID: 36283273 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2022.102952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Aggregation of alpha-synuclein (aSyn) is closely linked to Parkinson's disease, probably due to the loss of physiological functions and/or gain of toxic functions of aggregated aSyn. Significant efforts have been made elucidating the physiological structure and function of aSyn, however, with limited success thus far in human-derived cells, partly because of restricted resources. Here, we developed two human-induced pluripotent stem cell lines using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated allele-specific frame-shift deletion of the aSyn encoding gene SNCA, resulting in homo- and heterozygous SNCA knockout. The generated cell lines are promising cellular tools for studying aSyn dosage-dependent functions and structural alterations in human neural cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanni Schneider
- Department of Molecular Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Soeren Turan
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Aron Koller
- Department of Molecular Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Mandy Krumbiegel
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Michaela Farrell
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sonja Plötz
- Department of Molecular Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jürgen Winkler
- Department of Molecular Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Wei Xiang
- Department of Molecular Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany.
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9
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Biochemical Pathways of Cellular Mechanosensing/Mechanotransduction and Their Role in Neurodegenerative Diseases Pathogenesis. Cells 2022; 11:cells11193093. [PMID: 36231055 PMCID: PMC9563116 DOI: 10.3390/cells11193093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we shed light on recent advances regarding the characterization of biochemical pathways of cellular mechanosensing and mechanotransduction with particular attention to their role in neurodegenerative disease pathogenesis. While the mechanistic components of these pathways are mostly uncovered today, the crosstalk between mechanical forces and soluble intracellular signaling is still not fully elucidated. Here, we recapitulate the general concepts of mechanobiology and the mechanisms that govern the mechanosensing and mechanotransduction processes, and we examine the crosstalk between mechanical stimuli and intracellular biochemical response, highlighting their effect on cellular organelles' homeostasis and dysfunction. In particular, we discuss the current knowledge about the translation of mechanosignaling into biochemical signaling, focusing on those diseases that encompass metabolic accumulation of mutant proteins and have as primary characteristics the formation of pathological intracellular aggregates, such as Alzheimer's Disease, Huntington's Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Parkinson's Disease. Overall, recent findings elucidate how mechanosensing and mechanotransduction pathways may be crucial to understand the pathogenic mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases and emphasize the importance of these pathways for identifying potential therapeutic targets.
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10
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Pieger K, Schmitt V, Gauer C, Gießl N, Prots I, Winner B, Winkler J, Brandstätter JH, Xiang W. Translocation of Distinct Alpha Synuclein Species from the Nucleus to Neuronal Processes during Neuronal Differentiation. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12081108. [PMID: 36009004 PMCID: PMC9406079 DOI: 10.3390/biom12081108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Alpha synuclein (aSyn) and its aggregation are crucial for the neurodegeneration of Parkinson’s disease (PD). aSyn was initially described in the nucleus and presynaptic nerve terminals. However, the biology of nuclear aSyn and the link of aSyn between subcellular compartments are less understood. Current knowledge suggests the existence of various aSyn species with distinct structural and biochemical properties. Here, we identified a C-terminal-targeting aSyn antibody (Nu-aSyn-C), which has a high immunoaffinity towards aSyn in the nucleus. Comparing the Nu-aSyn-C antibody to aSyn antibodies developed against phosphorylated or aggregated forms, we observed that nuclear aSyn differs from cytosolic aSyn by an increased phosphorylation and assembly level in proliferating cells. Employing Nu-aSyn-C, we characterized aSyn distribution during neuronal differentiation in midbrain dopaminergic neurons (mDANs) derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and Lund human mesencephalic cells, and in primary rat hippocampal neurons. We detected a specific translocation pattern of aSyn during neuronal differentiation from the nucleus to the soma and finally to neuronal processes. Interestingly, a remarkable shift of Nu-aSyn-C-positive species towards neurites was detected in hiPSC mDANs from a PD patient carrying aSyn gene duplication. Together, our results reveal distinct nuclear and cytosolic aSyn species that redistribute during neuronal differentiation—a process that is altered in PD-derived neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Pieger
- Department of Biology, Animal Physiology/Neurobiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Verena Schmitt
- Department of Molecular Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Carina Gauer
- Department of Molecular Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Nadja Gießl
- Department of Biology, Animal Physiology/Neurobiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Iryna Prots
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Beate Winner
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jürgen Winkler
- Department of Molecular Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Johann Helmut Brandstätter
- Department of Biology, Animal Physiology/Neurobiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Wei Xiang
- Department of Molecular Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-9131-85-44676
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Rachinger N, Mittag N, Böhme-Schäfer I, Xiang W, Kuphal S, Bosserhoff AK. Alpha-Synuclein and Its Role in Melanocytes. Cells 2022; 11:cells11132087. [PMID: 35805172 PMCID: PMC9265281 DOI: 10.3390/cells11132087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Pigmentation is an important process in skin physiology and skin diseases and presumably also plays a role in Parkinson’s disease (PD). In PD, alpha-Synuclein (aSyn) has been shown to be involved in the pigmentation of neurons. The presynaptic protein is intensively investigated for its pathological role in PD, but its physiological function remains unknown. We hypothesized that aSyn is both involved in melanocytic differentiation and melanosome trafficking processes. We detected a strong expression of aSyn in human epidermal melanocytes (NHEMs) and observed its regulation in melanocytic differentiation via the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), a central regulator of differentiation. Moreover, we investigated its role in pigmentation by performing siRNA experiments but found no effect on the total melanin content. We discovered a localization of aSyn to melanosomes, and further analysis of aSyn knockdown revealed an important role in melanocytic morphology and a reduction in melanosome release. Additionally, we found a reduction of transferred melanosomes in co-culture experiments of melanocytes and keratinocytes but no complete inhibition of melanosome transmission. In summary, this study highlights a novel physiological role of aSyn in melanocytic morphology and its so far unknown function in the pigment secretion in melanocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Rachinger
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (N.R.); (I.B.-S.); (S.K.)
| | - Nora Mittag
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany;
| | - Ines Böhme-Schäfer
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (N.R.); (I.B.-S.); (S.K.)
| | - Wei Xiang
- Department of Molecular Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany;
| | - Silke Kuphal
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (N.R.); (I.B.-S.); (S.K.)
| | - Anja K. Bosserhoff
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (N.R.); (I.B.-S.); (S.K.)
- Correspondence:
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12
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Sorting Nexin 5 Plays an Important Role in Promoting Ferroptosis in Parkinson’s Disease. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:5463134. [PMID: 35571244 PMCID: PMC9098326 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5463134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease in the elderly, which is related to brain iron metabolism disorders. Ferroptosis is a newly discovered iron-dependent programmed cell death mode, which has been considered an essential mechanism of PD pathogenesis in recent years. However, its underlying mechanisms have not been fully understood. In the present study, the PD rat model and PD cell model were induced by 6-hydroyxdopamine (6-OHDA). The results showed that the expression of Sorting Nexin 5 (SNX5) and the level of ferroptosis will increase after treatment with 6-OHDA. Consistent with these results, ferroptosis inducer erastin synergistically reduced the expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and increased the expression of SNX5 in the PD cell model, while ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) inhibited the decrease of GPX4 and the increase of SNX5 in the PD cell model. Knockdown of SNX5 in PC-12 cells could reduce intracellular lipid peroxidation and accumulation of Fe2+ and significantly inhibit the occurrence of ferroptosis. In conclusion, the present study suggested that SNX5 promotes ferroptosis in the PD model, thus providing new insights and potential for research on the pharmacological targets of PD.
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