1
|
Park H, Kam TI, Dawson VL, Dawson TM. α-Synuclein pathology as a target in neurodegenerative diseases. Nat Rev Neurol 2024:10.1038/s41582-024-01043-w. [PMID: 39609631 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-024-01043-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/31/2024] [Indexed: 11/30/2024]
Abstract
α-Synuclein misfolds into pathological forms that lead to various neurodegenerative diseases known collectively as α-synucleinopathies. In this Review, we provide a comprehensive overview of pivotal advances in α-synuclein research. We examine structural features and physiological functions of α-synuclein and summarize current insights into key post-translational modifications, such as nitration, phosphorylation, ubiquitination, sumoylation and truncation, considering their contributions to neurodegeneration. We also highlight the existence of disease-specific α-synuclein strains and their mechanisms of pathological spread, and discuss seed amplification assays and PET tracers as emerging diagnostic tools for detecting pathological α-synuclein in clinical settings. We also discuss α-synuclein aggregation and clearance mechanisms, and review cell-autonomous and non-cell-autonomous processes that contribute to neuronal death, including the roles of adaptive and innate immunity in α-synuclein-driven neurodegeneration. Finally, we highlight promising therapeutic approaches that target pathological α-synuclein and provide insights into emerging areas of research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyejin Park
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Adrienne Helis Malvin and Diana Helis Henry Medical Research Foundation, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-In Kam
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Adrienne Helis Malvin and Diana Helis Henry Medical Research Foundation, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Valina L Dawson
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Adrienne Helis Malvin and Diana Helis Henry Medical Research Foundation, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ted M Dawson
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Adrienne Helis Malvin and Diana Helis Henry Medical Research Foundation, New Orleans, LA, USA.
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang Y, Luo S, Su H, Wang Z, Chu L, Zhang C. BL-918 activates PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway to ameliorate the progression of Parkinson's disease. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107543. [PMID: 38992440 PMCID: PMC11345547 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD) has been associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Given that the PINK1/Parkin pathway governs mitochondrial quality control by inducing mitophagy to remove damaged mitochondria, therapeutic approaches to activate PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy have the potential in the treatment of PD. Here, we have identified a new small molecule, BL-918, as an inducer of mitophagy via activating the PINK1/Parkin pathway. BL-918 triggers PINK1 accumulation and Parkin mitochondrial translocation to initiate PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy. We found that mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial permeability transition pore were involved in BL-918-induced PINK1/Parkin pathway activation. Moreover, we showed that BL-918 mitigated PD progression in MPTP-induced PD mice in a PINK1-dependent manner. Our results unravel a new activator of the PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway and provide a potential strategy for the treatment of PD and other diseases with dysfunctional mitochondria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Siyuan Luo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Huili Su
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhimeng Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
| | - Ling Chu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
| | - Conggang Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Klemmensen MM, Borrowman SH, Pearce C, Pyles B, Chandra B. Mitochondrial dysfunction in neurodegenerative disorders. Neurotherapeutics 2024; 21:e00292. [PMID: 38241161 PMCID: PMC10903104 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurot.2023.10.002] [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: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in understanding the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases have expanded the opportunities for neurotherapeutics targeting mitochondria to alleviate symptoms and slow disease progression. In this review, we offer a historical account of advances in mitochondrial biology and neurodegenerative disease. Additionally, we summarize current knowledge of the normal physiology of mitochondria and the pathogenesis of mitochondrial dysfunction, the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in neurodegenerative disease, current therapeutics and recent therapeutic advances, as well as future directions for neurotherapeutics targeting mitochondrial function. A focus is placed on reactive oxygen species and their role in the disruption of telomeres and their effects on the epigenome. The effects of mitochondrial dysfunction in the etiology and progression of Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease are discussed in depth. Current clinical trials for mitochondria-targeting neurotherapeutics are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madelyn M Klemmensen
- University of Iowa Roy J and Lucille A Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Seth H Borrowman
- Division of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Colin Pearce
- Division of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Benjamin Pyles
- Aper Funis Research, Union River Innovation Center, Ellsworth, ME 04605, USA
| | - Bharatendu Chandra
- University of Iowa Roy J and Lucille A Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Division of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bottani E, Brunetti D. Advances in Mitochondria-Targeted Drug Delivery. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2089. [PMID: 37631303 PMCID: PMC10459761 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15082089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are dynamic organelles that play a crucial role in numerous cellular activities [...].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Bottani
- Department of Diagnostic and Public Health, Section of Pharmacology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Dario Brunetti
- Unità di Genetica Medica e Neurogenetica, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20126 Milan, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, 20129 Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|