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Rogers ML, Schultz DW, Karnaros V, Shepheard SR. Urinary biomarkers for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: candidates, opportunities and considerations. Brain Commun 2023; 5:fcad287. [PMID: 37946793 PMCID: PMC10631861 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcad287] [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: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a relentless neurodegenerative disease that is mostly fatal within 3-5 years and is diagnosed on evidence of progressive upper and lower motor neuron degeneration. Around 15% of those with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis also have frontotemporal degeneration, and gene mutations account for ∼10%. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a variable heterogeneous disease, and it is becoming increasingly clear that numerous different disease processes culminate in the final degeneration of motor neurons. There is a profound need to clearly articulate and measure pathological process that occurs. Such information is needed to tailor treatments to individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis according to an individual's pathological fingerprint. For new candidate therapies, there is also a need for methods to select patients according to expected treatment outcomes and measure the success, or not, of treatments. Biomarkers are essential tools to fulfil these needs, and urine is a rich source for candidate biofluid biomarkers. This review will describe promising candidate urinary biomarkers of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and other possible urinary candidates in future areas of investigation as well as the limitations of urinary biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary-Louise Rogers
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide 5042, South Australia, Australia
| | - David W Schultz
- Neurology Department and MND Clinic, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide 5042, South Australia, Australia
| | - Vassilios Karnaros
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide 5042, South Australia, Australia
| | - Stephanie R Shepheard
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide 5042, South Australia, Australia
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2
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Ali Z, Godoy-Corchuelo JM, Martins-Bach AB, Garcia-Toledo I, Fernández-Beltrán LC, Nair RR, Spring S, Nieman BJ, Jimenez-Coca I, Bains RS, Forrest H, Lerch JP, Miller KL, Fisher EMC, Cunningham TJ, Corrochano S. Mutation in the FUS nuclear localisation signal domain causes neurodevelopmental and systemic metabolic alterations. Dis Model Mech 2023; 16:dmm050200. [PMID: 37772684 PMCID: PMC10642611 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050200] [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: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Variants in the ubiquitously expressed DNA/RNA-binding protein FUS cause aggressive juvenile forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Most FUS mutation studies have focused on motor neuron degeneration; little is known about wider systemic or developmental effects. We studied pleiotropic phenotypes in a physiological knock-in mouse model carrying the pathogenic FUSDelta14 mutation in homozygosity. RNA sequencing of multiple organs aimed to identify pathways altered by the mutant protein in the systemic transcriptome, including metabolic tissues, given the link between ALS-frontotemporal dementia and altered metabolism. Few genes were commonly altered across all tissues, and most genes and pathways affected were generally tissue specific. Phenotypic assessment of mice revealed systemic metabolic alterations related to the pathway changes identified. Magnetic resonance imaging brain scans and histological characterisation revealed that homozygous FUSDelta14 brains were smaller than heterozygous and wild-type brains and displayed significant morphological alterations, including a thinner cortex, reduced neuronal number and increased gliosis, which correlated with early cognitive impairment and fatal seizures. These findings show that the disease aetiology of FUS variants can include both neurodevelopmental and systemic alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Ali
- Neurological Disorders Group, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdiSSC), Madrid 28040, Spain
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, MRC Harwell Institute, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 ORD, UK
| | - Juan M. Godoy-Corchuelo
- Neurological Disorders Group, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdiSSC), Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Aurea B. Martins-Bach
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9D, UK
| | - Irene Garcia-Toledo
- Neurological Disorders Group, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdiSSC), Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Luis C. Fernández-Beltrán
- Neurological Disorders Group, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdiSSC), Madrid 28040, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Remya R. Nair
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, MRC Harwell Institute, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 ORD, UK
| | - Shoshana Spring
- Mouse Imaging Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M57 3H7, Canada
| | - Brian J. Nieman
- Mouse Imaging Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M57 3H7, Canada
| | - Irene Jimenez-Coca
- Neurological Disorders Group, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdiSSC), Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Rasneer S. Bains
- Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 ORD, UK
| | - Hamish Forrest
- Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 ORD, UK
| | - Jason P. Lerch
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9D, UK
| | - Karla L. Miller
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9D, UK
| | - Elizabeth M. C. Fisher
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Thomas J. Cunningham
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, MRC Harwell Institute, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 ORD, UK
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, University College London, London W1W 7FF, UK
| | - Silvia Corrochano
- Neurological Disorders Group, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdiSSC), Madrid 28040, Spain
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, MRC Harwell Institute, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 ORD, UK
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Gimenez J, Spalloni A, Cappelli S, Ciaiola F, Orlando V, Buratti E, Longone P. TDP-43 Epigenetic Facets and Their Neurodegenerative Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13807. [PMID: 37762112 PMCID: PMC10530927 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813807] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Since its initial involvement in numerous neurodegenerative pathologies in 2006, either as a principal actor or as a cofactor, new pathologies implicating transactive response (TAR) DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) are regularly emerging also beyond the neuronal system. This reflects the fact that TDP-43 functions are particularly complex and broad in a great variety of human cells. In neurodegenerative diseases, this protein is often pathologically delocalized to the cytoplasm, where it irreversibly aggregates and is subjected to various post-translational modifications such as phosphorylation, polyubiquitination, and cleavage. Until a few years ago, the research emphasis has been focused particularly on the impacts of this aggregation and/or on its widely described role in complex RNA splicing, whether related to loss- or gain-of-function mechanisms. Interestingly, recent studies have strengthened the knowledge of TDP-43 activity at the chromatin level and its implication in the regulation of DNA transcription and stability. These discoveries have highlighted new features regarding its own transcriptional regulation and suggested additional mechanistic and disease models for the effects of TPD-43. In this review, we aim to give a comprehensive view of the potential epigenetic (de)regulations driven by (and driving) this multitask DNA/RNA-binding protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliette Gimenez
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia (FSL), 00143 Rome, Italy; (A.S.); (P.L.)
| | - Alida Spalloni
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia (FSL), 00143 Rome, Italy; (A.S.); (P.L.)
| | - Sara Cappelli
- Molecular Pathology Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), 34149 Trieste, Italy; (S.C.); (E.B.)
| | - Francesca Ciaiola
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia (FSL), 00143 Rome, Italy; (A.S.); (P.L.)
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Roma Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Orlando
- KAUST Environmental Epigenetics Program, Biological Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division BESE, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Emanuele Buratti
- Molecular Pathology Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), 34149 Trieste, Italy; (S.C.); (E.B.)
| | - Patrizia Longone
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia (FSL), 00143 Rome, Italy; (A.S.); (P.L.)
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Alhindi A, Shand M, Smith HL, Leite AS, Huang YT, van der Hoorn D, Ridgway Z, Faller KME, Jones RA, Gillingwater TH, Chaytow H. Neuromuscular junction denervation and terminal Schwann cell loss in the hTDP-43 overexpression mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2023; 49:e12925. [PMID: 37465879 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12925] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease with complex aetiology. Despite evidence of neuromuscular junction (NMJ) denervation and 'dying-back' pathology in models of SOD1-dependent ALS, evidence in other genetic forms of ALS is limited by a lack of suitable animal models. TDP-43, a key mediator protein in ALS, is overexpressed in neurons in Thy1-hTDP-43WT mice. We therefore aimed to comprehensively analyse NMJ pathology in this model of ALS. METHODS Expression of TDP-43 was assessed via western blotting. Immunohistochemistry techniques, alongside NMJ-morph quantification, were used to analyse motor neuron number, NMJ denervation status and terminal Schwann cell morphology. RESULTS We present a time course of progressive, region-specific motor neuron pathology in Thy1-hTDP-43WT mice. Thy1-driven hTDP-43 expression increased steadily, correlating with developing hindlimb motor weakness and associated motor neuron loss in the spinal cord with a median survival of 21 days. Pronounced NMJ denervation was observed in hindlimb muscles, mild denervation in cranial muscles but no evidence of denervation in either forelimb or trunk muscles. NMJ pathology was restricted to motor nerve terminals, with denervation following the same time course as motor neuron loss. Terminal Schwann cells were lost from NMJs in hindlimb muscles, directly correlating with denervation status. CONCLUSIONS Thy1-hTDP-43WT mice represent a severe model of ALS, with NMJ pathology/denervation of distal muscles and motor neuron loss, as observed in ALS patients. This model therefore provides an ideal platform to investigate mechanisms of dying-back pathology, as well as NMJ-targeting disease-modifying therapies in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abrar Alhindi
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anatomy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Megan Shand
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Hannah L Smith
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ana S Leite
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
- School of Medicine, UNESP-São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Yu-Ting Huang
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Dinja van der Hoorn
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Zara Ridgway
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Kiterie M E Faller
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ross A Jones
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Thomas H Gillingwater
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Helena Chaytow
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
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5
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Pacetti M, De Conti L, Marasco LE, Romano M, Rashid MM, Nubiè M, Baralle FE, Baralle M. Physiological tissue-specific and age-related reduction of mouse TDP-43 levels is regulated by epigenetic modifications. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:274621. [PMID: 35243489 PMCID: PMC9066495 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The cellular level of TDP-43 (also known as TARDBP) is tightly regulated; increases or decreases in TDP-43 have deleterious effects in cells. The predominant mechanism responsible for the regulation of the level of TDP-43 is an autoregulatory negative feedback loop. In this study, we identified an in vivo cause-effect relationship between Tardbp gene promoter methylation and specific histone modification and the TDP-43 level in tissues of mice at two different ages. Furthermore, epigenetic control was observed in mouse and human cultured cell lines. In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the formation of TDP-43-containing brain inclusions removes functional protein from the system. This phenomenon is continuous but compensated by newly synthesized protein. The balance between sequestration and new synthesis might become critical with ageing, if accompanied by an epigenetic modification-regulated decrease in newly synthesized TDP-43. Sequestration by aggregates would then decrease the amount of functional TDP-43 to a level lower than those needed by the cell and thereby trigger the onset of symptoms. Summary: Identification of a cause-effect relationship between epigenetic modifications that occur on the promoter and histones of mouse TARDBP and the level of TDP-43 both in tissues and in cell culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Pacetti
- RNA Biology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Padriciano 99, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Laura De Conti
- RNA Biology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Padriciano 99, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Luciano E Marasco
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular and CONICET-UBA, Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), CP1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maurizio Romano
- Department of Life Sciences, Via Valerio 28, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Mohammad M Rashid
- RNA Biology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Padriciano 99, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Martina Nubiè
- RNA Biology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Padriciano 99, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Francisco E Baralle
- Fondazione Italiana Fegato-Onlus, Bldg. Q, AREA Science Park, ss14, Km 163.5, Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Marco Baralle
- RNA Biology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Padriciano 99, 34149 Trieste, Italy
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6
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Devoy A, Price G, De Giorgio F, Bunton-Stasyshyn R, Thompson D, Gasco S, Allan A, Codner GF, Nair RR, Tibbit C, McLeod R, Ali Z, Noda J, Marrero-Gagliardi A, Brito-Armas JM, Williams C, Öztürk MM, Simon M, O'Neill E, Bryce-Smith S, Harrison J, Atkins G, Corrochano S, Stewart M, Gilthorpe JD, Teboul L, Acevedo-Arozena A, Fisher EM, Cunningham TJ. Generation and analysis of innovative genomically humanized knockin SOD1, TARDBP (TDP-43), and FUS mouse models. iScience 2021; 24:103463. [PMID: 34988393 PMCID: PMC8710557 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/frontotemporal dementia (ALS/FTD) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder, and continued innovation is needed for improved understanding and for developing therapeutics. We have created next-generation genomically humanized knockin mouse models, by replacing the mouse genomic region of Sod1, Tardbp (TDP-43), and Fus, with their human orthologs, preserving human protein biochemistry and splicing with exons and introns intact. We establish a new standard of large knockin allele quality control, demonstrating the utility of indirect capture for enrichment of a genomic region of interest followed by Oxford Nanopore sequencing. Extensive analysis shows that homozygous humanized animals only express human protein at endogenous levels. Characterization of humanized FUS animals showed that they are phenotypically normal throughout their lifespan. These humanized strains are vital for preclinical assessment of interventions and serve as templates for the addition of coding or non-coding human ALS/FTD mutations to dissect disease pathomechanisms, in a physiological context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anny Devoy
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Georgia Price
- UK MRC Harwell Institute, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Francesca De Giorgio
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Rosie Bunton-Stasyshyn
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
- UK MRC Harwell Institute, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - David Thompson
- UK MRC Harwell Institute, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Samanta Gasco
- UK MRC Harwell Institute, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Alasdair Allan
- UK MRC Harwell Institute, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Gemma F. Codner
- UK MRC Harwell Institute, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Remya R. Nair
- UK MRC Harwell Institute, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Charlotte Tibbit
- UK MRC Harwell Institute, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Ross McLeod
- UK MRC Harwell Institute, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Zeinab Ali
- UK MRC Harwell Institute, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Judith Noda
- Research Unit, Hospital Universitario de Canarias; ITB-ULL and CIBERNED, 38320 La Laguna, Spain
| | | | - José M. Brito-Armas
- Research Unit, Hospital Universitario de Canarias; ITB-ULL and CIBERNED, 38320 La Laguna, Spain
| | - Chloe Williams
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Umeå University, 901 87, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Muhammet M. Öztürk
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Michelle Simon
- UK MRC Harwell Institute, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Edward O'Neill
- UK MRC Harwell Institute, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Sam Bryce-Smith
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Jackie Harrison
- UK MRC Harwell Institute, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Gemma Atkins
- UK MRC Harwell Institute, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | | | - Michelle Stewart
- UK MRC Harwell Institute, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | | | - Lydia Teboul
- UK MRC Harwell Institute, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Abraham Acevedo-Arozena
- Research Unit, Hospital Universitario de Canarias; ITB-ULL and CIBERNED, 38320 La Laguna, Spain
| | - Elizabeth M.C. Fisher
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
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7
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TDP-43 and HERV-K Envelope-Specific Immunogenic Epitopes Are Recognized in ALS Patients. Viruses 2021; 13:v13112301. [PMID: 34835107 PMCID: PMC8623164 DOI: 10.3390/v13112301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The human endogenous retrovirus-K (HERV-K) and TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) have been associated with the pathophysiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Given these findings, we investigated the humoral response against HERV-K envelope surface (env-su) glycoprotein antigens and TDP-43 in the plasma of ALS patients and healthy controls (HCs). The measured levels of Abs against the different epitopes’ fragments were significantly elevated in ALS patients, both in long-survivor (LS) and newly diagnosed (ND) patients, compared to HCs. We observed a positive correlation between HERV-K and TDP-43 antibodies (Abs) levels, which seemed to strengthen with disease progression, that was not found in HCs. The TDP-43 and HERV-K epitopes identified in this study are highly immunogenic and recognized by the humoral response of ALS patients. Increased circulating levels of Abs directed against specific HERV-K- and TDP-43-derived epitopes could serve as possible biomarkers.
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8
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Gagné M, Deshaies JE, Sidibé H, Benchaar Y, Arbour D, Dubinski A, Litt G, Peyrard S, Robitaille R, Sephton CF, Vande Velde C. hnRNP A1B, a Splice Variant of HNRNPA1, Is Spatially and Temporally Regulated. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:724307. [PMID: 34630013 PMCID: PMC8498194 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.724307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA binding proteins (RBPs) play a key role in cellular growth, homoeostasis and survival and are tightly regulated. A deep understanding of their spatiotemporal regulation is needed to understand their contribution to physiology and pathology. Here, we have characterized the spatiotemporal expression pattern of hnRNP A1 and its splice variant hnRNP A1B in mice. We have found that hnRNP A1B expression is more restricted to the CNS compared to hnRNP A1, and that it can form an SDS-resistant dimer in the CNS. Also, hnRNP A1B expression becomes progressively restricted to motor neurons in the ventral horn of the spinal cord, compared to hnRNP A1 which is more broadly expressed. We also demonstrate that hnRNP A1B is present in neuronal processes, while hnRNP A1 is absent. This finding supports a hypothesis that hnRNP A1B may have a cytosolic function in neurons that is not shared with hnRNP A1. Our results demonstrate that both isoforms are differentially expressed across tissues and have distinct localization profiles, suggesting that the two isoforms may have specific subcellular functions that can uniquely contribute to disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriam Gagné
- Department of Biochemistry, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Jade-Emmanuelle Deshaies
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Hadjara Sidibé
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada.,Department of Neurosciences, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Yousri Benchaar
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, CERVO Brain Research Centre, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Danielle Arbour
- Department of Neurosciences, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Alicia Dubinski
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada.,Department of Neurosciences, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Gurleen Litt
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Sarah Peyrard
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Richard Robitaille
- Department of Neurosciences, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Chantelle F Sephton
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, CERVO Brain Research Centre, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Christine Vande Velde
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada.,Department of Neurosciences, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
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9
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Baralle M, Romano M. Characterization of the human TARDBP gene promoter. Sci Rep 2021; 11:10438. [PMID: 34002018 PMCID: PMC8129075 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-89973-z] [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: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The expression of TDP-43, the main component of neuronal intracellular inclusions across a broad spectrum of ALS and FTD disorders, is developmentally regulated and studies in vivo have shown that TDP-43 overexpression can be toxic, even before observation of pathological aggregates. Starting from these observations, the regulation of its expression at transcriptional level might represent a further key element for the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, we have characterized the human TARDBP promoter, in order to study the transcriptional mechanisms of expression. Mapping of cis-acting elements by luciferase assays in different cell outlined that the activity of the promoter seems to be higher in SH-SY5Y, Neuro2A, and HeLa than in HEK293. In addition, we tested effects of two SNPs found in the promoter region of ALS patients and observed no significant effect on transcription levels in all tested cell lines. Lastly, while TDP-43 overexpression did not affect significantly the activity of its promoter (suggesting that TDP-43 does not influence its own transcription), the presence of the 5'UTR sequence and of intron-1 splicing seem to impact positively on TDP-43 expression without affecting transcript stability. In conclusion, we have identified the region spanning nucleotides 451-230 upstream from the transcription start site as the minimal region with a significant transcription activity. These results lay an important foundation for exploring the regulation of the TARDBP gene transcription by exogenous and endogenous stimuli and the implication of transcriptional mechanisms in the pathogenesis of TDP-43 proteinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Baralle
- grid.425196.d0000 0004 1759 4810International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Area Science Park, Padriciano, Trieste, Italy
| | - Maurizio Romano
- grid.5133.40000 0001 1941 4308Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via A. Valerio 28, 34127 Trieste, Italy
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10
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Gao C, Wang Y. mRNA Metabolism in Cardiac Development and Disease: Life After Transcription. Physiol Rev 2020; 100:673-694. [PMID: 31751167 PMCID: PMC7327233 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00007.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The central dogma of molecular biology illustrates the importance of mRNAs as critical mediators between genetic information encoded at the DNA level and proteomes/metabolomes that determine the diverse functional outcome at the cellular and organ levels. Although the total number of protein-producing (coding) genes in the mammalian genome is ~20,000, it is evident that the intricate processes of cardiac development and the highly regulated physiological regulation in the normal heart, as well as the complex manifestation of pathological remodeling in a diseased heart, would require a much higher degree of complexity at the transcriptome level and beyond. Indeed, in addition to an extensive regulatory scheme implemented at the level of transcription, the complexity of transcript processing following transcription is dramatically increased. RNA processing includes post-transcriptional modification, alternative splicing, editing and transportation, ribosomal loading, and degradation. While transcriptional control of cardiac genes has been a major focus of investigation in recent decades, a great deal of progress has recently been made in our understanding of how post-transcriptional regulation of mRNA contributes to transcriptome complexity. In this review, we highlight some of the key molecular processes and major players in RNA maturation and post-transcriptional regulation. In addition, we provide an update to the recent progress made in the discovery of RNA processing regulators implicated in cardiac development and disease. While post-transcriptional modulation is a complex and challenging problem to study, recent technological advancements are paving the way for a new era of exciting discoveries and potential clinical translation in the context of cardiac biology and heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Gao
- Departments of Anesthesiology, Medicine, and Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Yibin Wang
- Departments of Anesthesiology, Medicine, and Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
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11
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Hergesheimer RC, Chami AA, de Assis DR, Vourc'h P, Andres CR, Corcia P, Lanznaster D, Blasco H. The debated toxic role of aggregated TDP-43 in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a resolution in sight? Brain 2020; 142:1176-1194. [PMID: 30938443 PMCID: PMC6487324 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awz078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Revised: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Transactive response DNA-binding protein-43 (TDP-43) is an RNA/DNA binding protein that forms phosphorylated and ubiquitinated aggregates in the cytoplasm of motor neurons in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, which is a hallmark of this disease. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a neurodegenerative condition affecting the upper and lower motor neurons. Even though the aggregative property of TDP-43 is considered a cornerstone of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, there has been major controversy regarding the functional link between TDP-43 aggregates and cell death. In this review, we attempt to reconcile the current literature surrounding this debate by discussing the results and limitations of the published data relating TDP-43 aggregates to cytotoxicity, as well as therapeutic perspectives of TDP-43 aggregate clearance. We point out key data suggesting that the formation of TDP-43 aggregates and the capacity to self-template and propagate among cells as a 'prion-like' protein, another pathological property of TDP-43 aggregates, are a significant cause of motor neuronal death. We discuss the disparities among the various studies, particularly with respect to the type of models and the different forms of TDP-43 used to evaluate cellular toxicity. We also examine how these disparities can interfere with the interpretation of the results pertaining to a direct toxic effect of TDP-43 aggregates. Furthermore, we present perspectives for improving models in order to better uncover the toxic role of aggregated TDP-43. Finally, we review the recent studies on the enhancement of the cellular clearance mechanisms of autophagy, the ubiquitin proteasome system, and endocytosis in an attempt to counteract TDP-43 aggregation-induced toxicity. Altogether, the data available so far encourage us to suggest that the cytoplasmic aggregation of TDP-43 is key for the neurodegeneration observed in motor neurons in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The corresponding findings provide novel avenues toward early therapeutic interventions and clinical outcomes for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna A Chami
- UMR 1253, iBRAIN, Université de Tours, INSERM, Tours, France
| | | | - Patrick Vourc'h
- UMR 1253, iBRAIN, Université de Tours, INSERM, Tours, France.,CHU de Tours, Service de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, Tours, France
| | - Christian R Andres
- UMR 1253, iBRAIN, Université de Tours, INSERM, Tours, France.,CHU de Tours, Service de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, Tours, France
| | - Philippe Corcia
- UMR 1253, iBRAIN, Université de Tours, INSERM, Tours, France.,CHU de Tours, Service de Neurologie, Tours, France
| | | | - Hélène Blasco
- UMR 1253, iBRAIN, Université de Tours, INSERM, Tours, France.,CHU de Tours, Service de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, Tours, France
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12
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François-Moutal L, Perez-Miller S, Scott DD, Miranda VG, Mollasalehi N, Khanna M. Structural Insights Into TDP-43 and Effects of Post-translational Modifications. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:301. [PMID: 31920533 PMCID: PMC6934062 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Transactive response DNA binding protein (TDP-43) is a key player in neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we have gathered and presented structural information on the different regions of TDP-43 with high resolution structures available. A thorough understanding of TDP-43 structure, effect of modifications, aggregation and sites of localization is necessary as we develop therapeutic strategies targeting TDP-43 for neurodegenerative diseases. We discuss how different domains as well as post-translational modification may influence TDP-43 overall structure, aggregation and droplet formation. The primary aim of the review is to utilize structural insights as we develop an understanding of the deleterious behavior of TDP-43 and highlight locations of established and proposed post-translation modifications. TDP-43 structure and effect on localization is paralleled by many RNA-binding proteins and this review serves as an example of how structure may be modulated by numerous compounding elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liberty François-Moutal
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States.,Center for Innovation in Brain Science, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Samantha Perez-Miller
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States.,Center for Innovation in Brain Science, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - David D Scott
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States.,Center for Innovation in Brain Science, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Victor G Miranda
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States.,Center for Innovation in Brain Science, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Niloufar Mollasalehi
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States.,Center for Innovation in Brain Science, Tucson, AZ, United States.,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - May Khanna
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States.,Center for Innovation in Brain Science, Tucson, AZ, United States
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13
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Gentile F, Scarlino S, Falzone YM, Lunetta C, Tremolizzo L, Quattrini A, Riva N. The Peripheral Nervous System in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Opportunities for Translational Research. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:601. [PMID: 31293369 PMCID: PMC6603245 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Although amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has been considered as a disorder of the motor neuron (MN) cell body, recent evidences show the non-cell-autonomous pathogenic nature of the disease. Axonal degeneration, loss of peripheral axons and destruction of nerve terminals are early events in the disease pathogenic cascade, anticipating MN degeneration, and the onset of clinical symptoms. Therefore, although ALS and peripheral axonal neuropathies should be differentiated in clinical practice, they also share damage to common molecular pathways, including axonal transport, RNA metabolism and proteostasis. Thus, an extensive evaluation of the molecular events occurring in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) could be fundamental to understand the pathogenic mechanisms of ALS, favoring the discovery of potential disease biomarkers, and new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Gentile
- Experimental Neuropathology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology – San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Scarlino
- Experimental Neuropathology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology – San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Yuri Matteo Falzone
- Experimental Neuropathology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology – San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Department of Neurology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Lucio Tremolizzo
- Neurology Unit, ALS Clinic, San Gerardo Hospital, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Angelo Quattrini
- Experimental Neuropathology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology – San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Nilo Riva
- Experimental Neuropathology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology – San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Department of Neurology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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14
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Jeon GS, Shim YM, Lee DY, Kim JS, Kang M, Ahn SH, Shin JY, Geum D, Hong YH, Sung JJ. Pathological Modification of TDP-43 in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis with SOD1 Mutations. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 56:2007-2021. [PMID: 29982983 PMCID: PMC6394608 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-1218-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal, adult-onset, progressive neurodegenerative disorder with no known cure. Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD1) was the first identified protein associated with familial ALS (fALS). Recently, TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) has been found to be a principal component of ubiquitinated cytoplasmic inclusions in neurons and glia in ALS. However, it remains unclear whether these ALS-linked proteins partly have a shared pathogenesis. Here, we determine the association between mutant SOD1 and the modification of TDP-43 and the relationship of pathologic TDP-43 to neuronal cytotoxicity in SOD1 ALS. In this work, using animal model, human tissue, and cell models, we provide the evidence that the association between the TDP-43 modification and the pathogenesis of SOD1 fALS. We demonstrated an age-dependent increase in TDP-43 C-terminal fragments and phosphorylation in motor neurons and glia of SOD1 mice and SOD1G85S ALS patient. Cytoplasmic TDP-43 was also observed in iPSC-derived motor neurons from SOD1G17S ALS patient. Moreover, we observed that mutant SOD1 interacts with TDP-43 in co-immunoprecipitation assays with G93A hSOD1-transfected cell lines. Mutant SOD1 overexpression led to an increase in TDP-43 modification in the detergent-insoluble fraction in the spinal cord of SOD1 mice and fALS patient. Additionally, we showed cellular apoptosis in response to the interaction of mutant SOD1 and fragment forms of TDP-43. These findings suggest that mutant SOD1 could affect the solubility/insolubility of TDP-43 through physical interactions and the resulting pathological modifications of TDP-43 may be involved in motor neuron death in SOD1 fALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gye Sun Jeon
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea.,Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yu-Mi Shim
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Do-Yeon Lee
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jun-Soon Kim
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - MinJin Kang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - So Hyun Ahn
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Je-Young Shin
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Dongho Geum
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yoon Ho Hong
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Seoul Metropolitan Government Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jung-Joon Sung
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea. .,Neuroscience Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
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15
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Chang JC, Morton DB. Drosophila lines with mutant and wild type human TDP-43 replacing the endogenous gene reveals phosphorylation and ubiquitination in mutant lines in the absence of viability or lifespan defects. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0180828. [PMID: 28686708 PMCID: PMC5501610 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in TDP-43 are associated with proteinaceous inclusions in neurons and are believed to be causative in neurodegenerative diseases such as frontotemporal dementia or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Here we describe a Drosophila system where we have engineered the genome to replace the endogenous TDP-43 orthologue with wild type or mutant human TDP-43(hTDP-43). In contrast to other models, these flies express both mutant and wild type hTDP-43 at similar levels to those of the endogenous gene and importantly, no age-related TDP-43 accumulation observed among all the transgenic fly lines. Immunoprecipitation of TDP-43 showed that flies with hTDP-43 mutations had increased levels of ubiquitination and phosphorylation of the hTDP-43 protein. Furthermore, histologically, flies expressing hTDP-43 M337V showed global, robust neuronal staining for phospho-TDP. All three lines: wild type hTDP-43, -G294A and -M337V were homozygous viable, with no defects in development, life span or behaviors observed. The primary behavioral defect was that flies expressing either hTDP-43 G294A or M337V showed a faster decline with age in negative geotaxis. Together, these observations implied that neurons could handle these TDP-43 mutations by phosphorylation- and ubiquitin-dependent proteasome systems, even in a background without the wild type TDP-43. Our findings suggest that these two specific TDP-43 mutations are not inherently toxic, but may require additional environmental or genetic factors to affect longevity or survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jer-Cherng Chang
- Department of Integrative Biosciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - David B. Morton
- Department of Integrative Biosciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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16
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McAteer KM, Turner RJ, Corrigan F. Animal models of chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Concussion 2017; 2:CNC32. [PMID: 30202573 PMCID: PMC6093772 DOI: 10.2217/cnc-2016-0031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Repeated head impacts have been suggested to be associated with the development of the neurodegenerative disorder, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). CTE is characterized by the accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau within the brain, with accompanying cognitive and behavioral deficits. How a history of repeated head impacts can lead to the later development of CTE is not yet known, and as such appropriate animal models are required. Over the last decade a number of rodent models of repeated mild traumatic brain injury have been developed that are broadly based on traditional traumatic brain injury models, in controlled cortical impact, fluid percussion and weight drop models, with adaptations to allow for better modeling of the mechanical forces associated with concussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly M McAteer
- Discipline of Anatomy & Pathology, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Renee J Turner
- Discipline of Anatomy & Pathology, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Frances Corrigan
- Discipline of Anatomy & Pathology, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
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17
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Cui J, Chen X, Zhai X, Shi D, Zhang R, Zhi X, Li X, Gu Z, Cao L, Weng W, Zhang J, Wang L, Sun X, Ji F, Hou J, Su J. Inhalation of water electrolysis-derived hydrogen ameliorates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats - A possible new hydrogen resource for clinical use. Neuroscience 2016; 335:232-41. [PMID: 27555551 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2015] [Revised: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogen is a kind of noble gas with the character to selectively neutralize reactive oxygen species. Former researches proved that low-concentration of hydrogen can be used to ameliorating cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. Hydrogen electrolyzed from water has a hydrogen concentration of 66.7%, which is much higher than that used in previous studies. And water electrolysis is a potential new hydrogen resource for regular clinical use. This study was designed and carried out for the determination of safety and neuroprotective effects of water electrolysis-derived hydrogen. Sprague-Dawley rats were used as experimental animals, and middle cerebral artery occlusion was used to make cerebral ischemia/reperfusion model. Pathologically, tissues from rats in hydrogen inhalation group showed no significant difference compared with the control group in HE staining pictures. The blood biochemical findings matched the HE staining result. TTC, Nissl, and TUNEL staining showed the significant improvement of infarction volume, neuron morphology, and neuron apoptosis in rat with hydrogen treatment. Biochemically, hydrogen inhalation decreased brain caspase-3, 3-nitrotyrosine and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine-positive cells and inflammation factors concentration. Water electrolysis-derived hydrogen inhalation had neuroprotective effects on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats with the effect of suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation, and it is a possible new hydrogen resource to electrolyze water at the bedside clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Cui
- Graduate Management Unit, Changhai Hospital Affiliated to the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Xiao Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Changhai hospital Affiliated to the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Xiao Zhai
- Graduate Management Unit, Changhai Hospital Affiliated to the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Dongchen Shi
- Graduate Management Unit, Changhai Hospital Affiliated to the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Rongjia Zhang
- Department of Naval Aviation Medicine, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Xin Zhi
- Graduate Management Unit, Changhai Hospital Affiliated to the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Xiaoqun Li
- Graduate Management Unit, Changhai Hospital Affiliated to the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Zhengrong Gu
- Department of Orthopedics, Changhai hospital Affiliated to the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Liehu Cao
- Department of Orthopedics, Changhai hospital Affiliated to the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Weizong Weng
- Department of Orthopedics, Changhai hospital Affiliated to the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Changhai hospital Affiliated to the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Liping Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Fuzhou General Hospital of PLA, Fuzhou, PR China
| | - Xuejun Sun
- Department of Naval Aviation Medicine, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Fang Ji
- Department of Orthopedics, Changhai hospital Affiliated to the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Jiong Hou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Changhai Hospital Affiliated to the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, PR China.
| | - Jiacan Su
- Department of Orthopedics, Changhai hospital Affiliated to the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, PR China.
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18
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Lu Y, Tang C, Zhu L, Li J, Liang H, Zhang J, Xu R. The Overexpression of TDP-43 Protein in the Neuron and Oligodendrocyte Cells Causes the Progressive Motor Neuron Degeneration in the SOD1 G93A Transgenic Mouse Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Int J Biol Sci 2016; 12:1140-9. [PMID: 27570488 PMCID: PMC4997058 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.15938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2016] [Accepted: 07/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent investigation suggested that the TDP-43 protein was closely related to the motor neuron degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but the pathogenesis contributed to motor neuron degeneration largely remained unknown. Therefore, we detected the alteration of TDP-43 expression and distribution in the adult spinal cord of the SOD1 G93A transgenic mouse model for searching the possible pathogenesis of ALS. We examined the TDP-43 expression and distribution in the different anatomic regions, segments and neural cells in the adult spinal cord at the different stages of the SOD1 wild-type and G93A transgenic model by the fluorescent immunohistochemical technology. We revealed that the amount of TDP-43 positive cell was cervical>lumbar>thoracic segment, that in the ventral horn was more than that in the dorsal horn, a few of TDP-43 protein sparsely expressed and distributed in the other regions, the TDP-43 protein weren't detected in the white matter and the central canal. The TDP-43 protein was mostly expressed and distributed in the nuclear of neuron cells and the cytoplasm of oligodendrocyte cells of the gray matter surrounding the central canal of spinal cord by the granular shape in the SOD1 wild-type and G93A transgenic mice. The amount of TDP-43 positive cell significantly increased at the onset and progression stages of ALS following with the increase of neuron death in spinal cord, particularly in the ventral horn of cervical segment at the progression stage. Our results suggested that the overexpression of TDP-43 protein in the neuron and oligodendrocyte cell causes the progressive motor neuron degeneration in the ALS-like mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Lu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Chunyan Tang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Lei Zhu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jiao Li
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Huiting Liang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China;; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Renshi Xu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
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19
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Roles for RNA-binding proteins in development and disease. Brain Res 2016; 1647:1-8. [PMID: 26972534 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2016.02.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Revised: 02/24/2016] [Accepted: 02/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
RNA-binding protein activities are highly regulated through protein levels, intracellular localization, and post-translation modifications. During development, mRNA processing of specific gene sets is regulated through manipulation of functional RNA-binding protein activities. The impact of altered RNA-binding protein activities also affects human diseases in which there are either a gain-of-function or loss-of-function causes pathogenesis. We will discuss RNA-binding proteins and their normal developmental RNA metabolism and contrast how their function is disrupted in disease. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled SI:RNA Metabolism in Disease.
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20
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Schoen M, Reichel JM, Demestre M, Putz S, Deshpande D, Proepper C, Liebau S, Schmeisser MJ, Ludolph AC, Michaelis J, Boeckers TM. Super-Resolution Microscopy Reveals Presynaptic Localization of the ALS/FTD Related Protein FUS in Hippocampal Neurons. Front Cell Neurosci 2016; 9:496. [PMID: 26834559 PMCID: PMC4709451 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2015] [Accepted: 12/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Fused in Sarcoma (FUS) is a multifunctional RNA-/DNA-binding protein, which is involved in the pathogenesis of the neurodegenerative disorders amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). A common hallmark of these disorders is the abnormal accumulation of mutated FUS protein in the cytoplasm. Under normal conditions FUS is confined to the nuclear compartment, in neurons, however, additional somatodendritic localization can be observed. In this study, we carefully analyzed the subcellular localization of endogenous FUS at synaptic sites of hippocampal neurons which are among the most affected cell types in FTD with FUS pathology. We could confirm a strong nuclear localization of FUS as well as its prominent and widespread neuronal expression throughout the adult and developing rat brain, particularly in the hippocampus, the cerebellum and the outer layers of the cortex. Intriguingly, FUS was also consistently observed at synaptic sites as detected by neuronal subcellular fractionation as well as by immunolabeling. To define a pre- and/or postsynaptic localization of FUS, we employed super-resolution fluorescence localization microscopy. FUS was found to be localized within the axon terminal in close proximity to the presynaptic vesicle protein Synaptophysin1 and adjacent to the active zone protein Bassoon, but well separated from the postsynaptic protein PSD-95. Having shown the presynaptic localization of FUS in the nervous system, a novel extranuclear role of FUS at neuronal contact sites has to be considered. Since there is growing evidence that local presynaptic translation might also be an important mechanism for plasticity, FUS - like the fragile X mental retardation protein FMRP - might act as one of the presynaptic RNA-binding proteins regulating this machinery. Our observation of presynaptic FUS should foster further investigations to determine its role in neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS and FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Schoen
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Maria Demestre
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University Ulm, Germany
| | - Stefan Putz
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm UniversityUlm, Germany; Department of Neurology, Ulm UniversityUlm, Germany
| | | | | | - Stefan Liebau
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen Tübingen, Germany
| | - Michael J Schmeisser
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm UniversityUlm, Germany; Department of Neurology, Ulm UniversityUlm, Germany
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Cragnaz L, Klima R, De Conti L, Romano G, Feiguin F, Buratti E, Baralle M, Baralle FE. An age-related reduction of brain TBPH/TDP-43 levels precedes the onset of locomotion defects in a Drosophila ALS model. Neuroscience 2015; 311:415-21. [PMID: 26518462 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.10.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2015] [Revised: 10/19/2015] [Accepted: 10/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease. The average age of onset of both sporadic and familial cases is 50-60 years of age. The presence of cytoplasmic inclusions of the RNA-binding protein TAR DNA-binding protein-43 (TDP-43) in the affected neurons is seen in 95% of the ALS cases, which results in TDP-43 nuclear clearance and loss of function. The Drosophila melanogaster ortholog of TDP-43 (TBPH) shares many characteristics with the human protein. Using a TDP-43 aggregation inducer previously developed in human cells, we created a transgenic fly that shows an adult locomotive defect. Phenotype onset correlates with a physiologically age-related drop of TDP-43/TBPH mRNA and protein levels, seen both in mice and flies. Artificial reduction of mRNA levels, in vivo, anticipates the locomotion defect to the larval stage. Our study links, for the first time, aggregation and the age-related, evolutionary conserved reduction of TDP-43/TBPH levels with the onset of an ALS-like locomotion defect in a Drosophila model. A similar process might trigger the human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Cragnaz
- ICGEB - International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Padriciano 99, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - R Klima
- ICGEB - International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Padriciano 99, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - L De Conti
- ICGEB - International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Padriciano 99, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - G Romano
- ICGEB - International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Padriciano 99, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - F Feiguin
- ICGEB - International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Padriciano 99, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - E Buratti
- ICGEB - International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Padriciano 99, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - M Baralle
- ICGEB - International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Padriciano 99, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - F E Baralle
- ICGEB - International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Padriciano 99, 34149 Trieste, Italy.
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22
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Wächter N, Storch A, Hermann A. Human TDP-43 and FUS selectively affect motor neuron maturation and survival in a murine cell model of ALS by non-cell-autonomous mechanisms. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2015; 16:431-41. [PMID: 26174443 DOI: 10.3109/21678421.2015.1055275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) and fused in sarcoma (FUS) were recently found to cause familial and sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The mechanisms by which mutations within these genes cause ALS are not understood. We established murine embryonic stem cell (ESC)-based cell models that stably express the human wild-type (WT) and various ALS causing mutations of TDP-43 (A315T) and FUS (R514S, R521C and P525L). We investigated their effect on pan-neuron as well as motor neuron degeneration. Finally, non-cell-autonomous mediated neurodegeneration by muscle cells was investigated. Expression of mutant hTDP-43, but not wild-type TDP-43, as well as wild-type and mutant hFUS proteins induced neuronal degeneration with partial selectivity for motor neurons. Motor neuron loss was accompanied by abnormal neurite morphology and length. In chimeric coculture experiments with control motor neurons and mutant muscle cells (as their major target cells), we detected that mutant hTDP-43 A315T as well as wild-type and hFUS P525L expression only in muscle cells is sufficient to exert degenerative effects on control motor neurons. In conclusion, our data indicate that a selective vulnerability of motor neurons expressing the pathogenic ALS-causing genes TDP-43 and FUS, is, at least in part, mediated through non-cell-autonomous mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Wächter
- a Division for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology , Technische Universität Dresden , Dresden , Germany.,b German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) , Dresden , Germany
| | - Alexander Storch
- a Division for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology , Technische Universität Dresden , Dresden , Germany.,b German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) , Dresden , Germany.,c DFG-Centre for Regenerative Therapies Dresden Cluster of Excellence / Technische Universität Dresden , Dresden , Germany
| | - Andreas Hermann
- a Division for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology , Technische Universität Dresden , Dresden , Germany.,b German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) , Dresden , Germany
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23
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Mancuso R, Navarro X. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Current perspectives from basic research to the clinic. Prog Neurobiol 2015; 133:1-26. [PMID: 26253783 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2015.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2014] [Revised: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 07/31/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive degeneration of upper and lower motoneurons, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis, and finally death. Considerable recent advances have been made in basic research and preclinical therapeutic attempts using experimental models, leading to increasing clinical and translational research in the context of this disease. In this review we aim to summarize the most relevant findings from a variety of aspects about ALS, including evaluation methods, animal models, pathophysiology, and clinical findings, with particular emphasis in understanding the role of every contributing mechanism to the disease for elucidating the causes underlying degeneration of motoneurons and the development of new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renzo Mancuso
- Institute of Neurosciences and Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Xavier Navarro
- Institute of Neurosciences and Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Bellaterra, Spain.
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24
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Kovacs GG, Adle-Biassette H, Milenkovic I, Cipriani S, van Scheppingen J, Aronica E. Linking pathways in the developing and aging brain with neurodegeneration. Neuroscience 2014; 269:152-72. [PMID: 24699227 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2014.03.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2014] [Revised: 03/21/2014] [Accepted: 03/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The molecular and cellular mechanisms, which coordinate the critical stages of brain development to reach a normal structural organization with appropriate networks, are progressively being elucidated. Experimental and clinical studies provide evidence of the occurrence of developmental alterations induced by genetic or environmental factors leading to the formation of aberrant networks associated with learning disabilities. Moreover, evidence is accumulating that suggests that also late-onset neurological disorders, even Alzheimer's disease, might be considered disorders of aberrant neural development with pathological changes that are set up at early stages of development before the appearance of the symptoms. Thus, evaluating proteins and pathways that are important in age-related neurodegeneration in the developing brain together with the characterization of mechanisms important during brain development with relevance to brain aging are of crucial importance. In the present review we focus on (1) aspects of neurogenesis with relevance to aging; (2) neurodegenerative disease (NDD)-associated proteins/pathways in the developing brain; and (3) further pathways of the developing or neurodegenerating brains that show commonalities. Elucidation of complex pathogenetic routes characterizing the earliest stage of the detrimental processes that result in pathological aging represents an essential first step toward a therapeutic intervention which is able to reverse these pathological processes and prevent the onset of the disease. Based on the shared features between pathways, we conclude that prevention of NDDs of the elderly might begin during the fetal and childhood life by providing the mothers and their children a healthy environment for the fetal and childhood development.
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Affiliation(s)
- G G Kovacs
- Institute of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria.
| | - H Adle-Biassette
- Inserm U1141, F-75019 Paris, France; Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMRS 676, F-75019 Paris, France; Department of Pathology, Lariboisière Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - I Milenkovic
- Institute of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | | | - J van Scheppingen
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - E Aronica
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands; SEIN - Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland, Heemstede, The Netherlands; Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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25
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Bembich S, Herzog JS, De Conti L, Stuani C, Avendaño-Vázquez SE, Buratti E, Baralle M, Baralle FE. Predominance of spliceosomal complex formation over polyadenylation site selection in TDP-43 autoregulation. Nucleic Acids Res 2013; 42:3362-71. [PMID: 24369426 PMCID: PMC3950720 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkt1343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
TDP-43 is a nuclear protein involved in many aspects of RNA metabolism. To ensure cellular viability, its expression levels within cells must be tightly regulated. We have previously demonstrated that TDP-43 autoregulation occurs through the activation of a normally silent intron in its 3′-UTR sequence that results in the use of alternative polyadenylation sites. In this work, we analyse which is the dominant event in autoregulation: the recognition of the splice sites of 3′-UTR intron 7 or the intrinsic quality of the alternative polyadenylation sites. A panel of minigene constructs was tested for autoregulation functionality, protein production and subcellular messenger RNA localization. Our data clearly indicate that constitutive spliceosome complex formation across intron 7 does not lead to high protein production but, on the contrary, to lower TDP-43 messenger RNA and protein levels. This is due to altered nucleocytoplasmic distribution of the RNA that is mostly retained in the nucleus and degraded. This study provides a novel in-depth characterization of how RNA binding proteins can autoregulate their own levels within cells, an essential regulatory process in maintaining cellular viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Bembich
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), 34149 Trieste, Italy
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26
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Xia Y, Yan LH, Huang B, Liu M, Liu X, Huang C. Pathogenic mutation of UBQLN2 impairs its interaction with UBXD8 and disrupts endoplasmic reticulum-associated protein degradation. J Neurochem 2013; 129:99-106. [PMID: 24215460 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.12606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2013] [Revised: 11/05/2013] [Accepted: 11/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Protein aggregation is a common feature of several neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration. How protein aggregates are formed and contribute to neurodegeneration, however, is not clear. Mutation of Ubiquilin 2 (UBQLN2) has recently been linked to ALS and frontotemporal lobar degeneration. Therefore, we examined the effect of ALS-linked UBQLN2 mutation on endoplasmic reticulum-associated protein degradation (ERAD). Compared to its wild-type counterpart, mutated UBQLN2 caused greater accumulation of the ERAD substrate Hong Kong variant of α-1-antitrypsin, although ERAD was disturbed by both UBQLN2 over-expression and knockdown. Also, UBQLN2 interacted with ubiquitin regulatory X domain-containing protein 8 (UBXD8) in vitro and in vivo, and this interaction was impaired by pathogenic mutation of UBQLN2. As UBXD8 is an endoplasmic membrane protein involved in the translocation of ubiquitinated ERAD substrates, UBQLN2 likely cooperates with UBXD8 to transport defective proteins from the endoplasmic reticulum to the cytosol for degradation, and this cell-protective function is disturbed by pathogenic mutation of UBQLN2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxing Xia
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, 1020 Locust Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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27
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Janssens J, Van Broeckhoven C. Pathological mechanisms underlying TDP-43 driven neurodegeneration in FTLD-ALS spectrum disorders. Hum Mol Genet 2013; 22:R77-87. [PMID: 23900071 PMCID: PMC3782069 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddt349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2013] [Revised: 07/07/2013] [Accepted: 07/21/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Aggregation of misfolded TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) is a striking hallmark of neurodegenerative processes that are observed in several neurological disorders, and in particular in most patients diagnosed with frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). A direct causal link with TDP-43 brain proteinopathy was provided by the identification of pathogenic mutations in TARDBP, the gene encoding TDP-43, in ALS families. However, TDP-43 proteinopathy has also been observed in carriers of mutations in several other genes associated with both ALS and FTLD demonstrating a key role for TDP-43 in neurodegeneration. To date, and despite substantial research into the biology of TDP-43, its functioning in normal brain and in neurodegeneration processes remains largely elusive. Nonetheless, breakthroughs using cellular and animal models have provided valuable insights into ALS and FTLD pathogenesis. Accumulating evidence has redirected the research focus towards a major role for impaired RNA metabolism and protein homeostasis. At the same time, the concept that toxic TDP-43 protein aggregates promote neurodegeneration is losing its credibility. This review aims at highlighting and discussing the current knowledge on TDP-43 driven pathomechanisms leading to neurodegeneration as observed in TDP-43 proteinopathies. Based on the complexity of the associated neurological diseases, a clear understanding of the essential pathological modifications will be crucial for further therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Janssens
- Neurodegenerative Brain Diseases Group, Department of Molecular Genetics, VIB, Antwerp, Belgium
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics Institute Born-Bunge, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Christine Van Broeckhoven
- Neurodegenerative Brain Diseases Group, Department of Molecular Genetics, VIB, Antwerp, Belgium
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics Institute Born-Bunge, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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28
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McGoldrick P, Joyce PI, Fisher EMC, Greensmith L. Rodent models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2013; 1832:1421-36. [PMID: 23524377 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2013.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2012] [Revised: 03/11/2013] [Accepted: 03/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterised by the degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons. Recent advances in our understanding of some of the genetic causes of ALS, such as mutations in SOD1, TARDBP, FUS and VCP have led to the generation of rodent models of the disease, as a strategy to help our understanding of the pathophysiology of ALS and to assist in the development of therapeutic strategies. This review provides detailed descriptions of TDP-43, FUS and VCP models of ALS, and summarises potential therapeutics which have been recently trialled in rodent models of the disease. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Animal Models of Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip McGoldrick
- MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.
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29
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Watabe K, Akiyama K, Kawakami E, Ishii T, Endo K, Yanagisawa H, Sango K, Tsukamoto M. Adenoviral expression of TDP-43 and FUS genes and shRNAs for protein degradation pathways in rodent motoneurons in vitro and in vivo. Neuropathology 2013; 34:83-98. [DOI: 10.1111/neup.12058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2013] [Accepted: 07/17/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiko Watabe
- ALS/Neuropathy Project; Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science; Tokyo Japan
| | - Keiko Akiyama
- ALS/Neuropathy Project; Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science; Tokyo Japan
| | - Emiko Kawakami
- ALS/Neuropathy Project; Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science; Tokyo Japan
| | - Tomohiro Ishii
- ALS/Neuropathy Project; Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science; Tokyo Japan
| | - Kentaro Endo
- Center for Basic Technology Research; Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science; Tokyo Japan
| | - Hiroko Yanagisawa
- ALS/Neuropathy Project; Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science; Tokyo Japan
| | - Kazunori Sango
- ALS/Neuropathy Project; Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science; Tokyo Japan
| | - Masami Tsukamoto
- ALS/Neuropathy Project; Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science; Tokyo Japan
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30
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Sephton CF, Cenik B, Cenik BK, Herz J, Yu G. TDP-43 in central nervous system development and function: clues to TDP-43-associated neurodegeneration. Biol Chem 2013; 393:589-94. [PMID: 22944662 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2012-0115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2012] [Accepted: 04/17/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
From the earliest stages of embryogenesis and throughout life, transcriptional regulation is carefully orchestrated in order to generate, shape, and reshape the central nervous system (CNS). TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) is identified as a regulator of essential transcriptional events in the CNS. Evidence for its importance comes from the identification of TDP-43 protein aggregates and genetic mutations in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal lobar degeneration. Efforts are being made to learn more about the biological function of TDP-43 and gain a better understanding of its role in neurodegeneration. TDP-43 RNA targets and protein interactions have now been identified, and in vivo evidence shows that TDP-43 is essential in CNS development and function. This review will highlight aspects of these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantelle F Sephton
- Deparment of Neuroscience, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA.
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31
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Zhang PL, Lu HT, Zhao JG, Li MH. Protective effect of dl-3n-butylphthalide preconditioning on focal cerebral ischaemia-reperfusion injury in rats. Acta Neuropsychiatr 2013; 25:12-7. [PMID: 26953069 DOI: 10.1111/j.1601-5215.2012.00649.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of dl-3n-butylphthalide (NBP) on the protection of cerebral tissue and possible mechanism on ischaemia-reperfusion injury, and to find out whether NBP therapy can extend the reperfusion window in an experimental stroke model in rats. METHODS Seventy-two Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham operation, ischaemia-reperfusion and ischaemia-reperfusion with NBP groups. Focal cerebral ischaemia was induced using the modified intraluminal thread method and maintained for 2, 3 or 4 h. The ischaemia-reperfusion group received reperfusion immediately after ischaemia-reperfusion. The NBP group received intraperitoneal injection of NBP immediately after ischaemia, followed by reperfusion. The sham operation group received only injection of physiological saline. The cerebral infarction volume and neurological deficit were analysed, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in brain tissues was visualised by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS NBP treatment caused a significant decrease in both infarction volume and neurological deficit compared with the ischaemia-reperfusion group at corresponding time points in each (p < 0.05). In the NBP group, the infarction volume and neurological deficit did not change with different ischaemia times. The expression of VEGF was significantly decreased in the ischaemia-reperfusion group compared with the sham group (p < 0.01), while this change was partly prevented in the NBP group (p < 0.01). The expression of VEGF in brain tissue in both the NBP and ischaemia-reperfusion groups gradually decreased when the ischaemic period was prolonged. CONCLUSION NBP treatment has a protective effect against cerebral ischaemia; this possible mechanism maybe related to the VEGF expression and may extend the reperfusion window for subsequent salvage of cerebral ischaemia by reperfusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Lei Zhang
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventinal Radiology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200233, People's Republic of China
| | - Hai-Tao Lu
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventinal Radiology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200233, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun-Gong Zhao
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventinal Radiology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200233, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming-Hua Li
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventinal Radiology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200233, People's Republic of China
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32
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Huang C, Tong J, Bi F, Wu Q, Huang B, Zhou H, Xia XG. Entorhinal cortical neurons are the primary targets of FUS mislocalization and ubiquitin aggregation in FUS transgenic rats. Hum Mol Genet 2012; 21:4602-14. [PMID: 22833456 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/dds299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitin-positive inclusion containing Fused in Sarcoma (FUS) defines a new subtype of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). FTLD is characterized by progressive alteration in cognitions and it preferentially affects the superficial layers of frontotemporal cortex. Mutation of FUS is linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and to motor neuron disease with FTLD. To examine FUS pathology in FTLD, we developed the first mammalian animal model expressing human FUS with pathogenic mutation and developing progressive loss of memory. In FUS transgenic rats, ubiquitin aggregation and FUS mislocalization were developed primarily in the entorhinal cortex of temporal lobe, particularly in the superficial layers of affected cortex. Overexpression of mutant FUS led to Golgi fragmentation and mitochondrion aggregation. Intriguingly, aggregated ubiquitin was not colocalized with either fragmented Golgi or aggregated mitochondria, and neurons with ubiquitin aggregates were deprived of endogenous TDP-43. Agonists of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) possess anti-glial inflammation effects and are also shown to preserve the dendrite and dendritic spines of cortical neurons in culture. Here we show that rosiglitazone, a PPAR-γ agonist, rescued the dendrites and dendritic spines of neurons from FUS toxicity and preserved rats' spatial memory. Our FUS transgenic rats would be useful to the mechanistic study of cortical dementia in FTLD. As rosiglitazone is clinically used to treat diabetes, our results would encourage immediate application of PPAR-γ agonists in treating patients with cortical dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cao Huang
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
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33
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Polymenidou M, Lagier-Tourenne C, Hutt KR, Bennett CF, Cleveland DW, Yeo GW. Misregulated RNA processing in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Brain Res 2012; 1462:3-15. [PMID: 22444279 PMCID: PMC3707312 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2012.02.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2012] [Revised: 02/24/2012] [Accepted: 02/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) research is undergoing an era of unprecedented discoveries with the identification of new genes as major genetic causes of this disease. These discoveries reinforce the genetic, clinical and pathological overlap between ALS and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). Common causes of these diseases include mutations in the RNA/DNA-binding proteins, TDP-43 and FUS/TLS and most recently, hexanucleotide expansions in the C9orf72 gene, discoveries that highlight the overlapping pathogenic mechanisms that trigger ALS and FTLD. TDP-43 and FUS/TLS, both of which participate in several steps of RNA processing, are abnormally aggregated and mislocalized in ALS and FTLD, while the expansion in the C9orf72 pre-mRNA strongly suggests sequestration of one or more RNA binding proteins in pathologic RNA foci. Hence, ALS and FTLD converge in pathogenic pathways disrupting the regulation of RNA processing. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled RNA-Binding Proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalini Polymenidou
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-6070, USA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-6070, USA
| | - Clotilde Lagier-Tourenne
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-6070, USA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-6070, USA
| | - Kasey R. Hutt
- Stem Cell Program and Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-6070, USA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-6070, USA
| | - C. Frank Bennett
- Isis Pharmaceuticals, 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Don W. Cleveland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-6070, USA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-6070, USA
| | - Gene W. Yeo
- Stem Cell Program and Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-6070, USA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-6070, USA
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Polymenidou M, Cleveland DW. The seeds of neurodegeneration: prion-like spreading in ALS. Cell 2011; 147:498-508. [PMID: 22036560 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2011.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 268] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2011] [Revised: 10/05/2011] [Accepted: 10/07/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Misfolded proteins accumulating in several neurodegenerative diseases (including Alzheimer, Parkinson, and Huntington diseases) can cause aggregation of their native counterparts through a mechanism similar to the infectious prion protein's induction of a pathogenic conformation onto its cellular isoform. Evidence for such a prion-like mechanism has now spread to the main misfolded proteins, SOD1 and TDP-43, implicated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The major neurodegenerative diseases may therefore have mechanistic parallels for non-cell-autonomous spread of disease within the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalini Polymenidou
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California at San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0670, USA
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35
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Passoni M, De Conti L, Baralle M, Buratti E. UG repeats/TDP-43 interactions near 5' splice sites exert unpredictable effects on splicing modulation. J Mol Biol 2011; 415:46-60. [PMID: 22100394 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2011.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2011] [Revised: 10/18/2011] [Accepted: 11/01/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
TDP-43 is a nuclear protein implicated in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal lobar degeneration, with broad involvement in numerous stages of RNA processing ranging from transcription to translation. In diseased neurons, TDP-43 mostly aggregates in the cytoplasm, suggesting that a loss of protein function in the nucleus may play an important role in neurodegeneration. A better understanding of TDP-43 general nuclear functions is therefore an essential step to evaluate this possibility. Presently, the TDP-43 best-characterized functional property is its ability to modulate pre-mRNA splicing when binding in proximity of 3'SS acceptor sequences. In this work, using a variety of artificial and natural splicing substrates, we have investigated the effects of TDP-43 binding to UG repeats in the vicinity of 5'SS donor sequences. In general, our results show that UG repeats are not powerful splicing regulatory elements when located near to exonic 5'SS sequences. However, in cases like the BRCA1, ETF1, and RXRG genes, TDP-43 binding to natural UG-repeated sequences can act as either an activator or a suppressor of 5'SS recognition, depending on splice site strength and on the presence of additional splicing regulatory sequences. The results of this analysis suggest that a role of UG repeats/TDP-43 in 5'SS recognition may exists and may become critical in the presence of mutations that weaken the 5'SS. The general rule that can be drawn at the moment is that the importance of UG repeats near 5' splice sites should always be experimentally validated on a case-by-case basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Passoni
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, 34012 Trieste, Italy
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Lashley T, Rohrer JD, Bandopadhyay R, Fry C, Ahmed Z, Isaacs AM, Brelstaff JH, Borroni B, Warren JD, Troakes C, King A, Al-Saraj S, Newcombe J, Quinn N, Ostergaard K, Schrøder HD, Bojsen-Møller M, Braendgaard H, Fox NC, Rossor MN, Lees AJ, Holton JL, Revesz T. A comparative clinical, pathological, biochemical and genetic study of fused in sarcoma proteinopathies. Brain 2011; 134:2548-64. [PMID: 21752791 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awr160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal intermediate filament inclusion disease and atypical frontotemporal lobar degeneration are rare diseases characterized by ubiquitin-positive inclusions lacking transactive response DNA-binding protein-43 and tau. Recently, mutations in the fused in sarcoma gene have been shown to cause familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and fused in sarcoma-positive neuronal inclusions have subsequently been demonstrated in neuronal intermediate filament inclusion disease and atypical frontotemporal lobar degeneration with ubiquitinated inclusions. Here we provide clinical, imaging, morphological findings, as well as genetic and biochemical data in 14 fused in sarcoma proteinopathy cases. In this cohort, the age of onset was variable but included cases of young-onset disease. Patients with atypical frontotemporal lobar degeneration with ubiquitinated inclusions all presented with behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia, while the clinical presentation in neuronal intermediate filament inclusion disease was more heterogeneous, including cases with motor neuron disease and extrapyramidal syndromes. Neuroimaging revealed atrophy of the frontal and anterior temporal lobes as well as the caudate in the cases with atypical frontotemporal lobar degeneration with ubiquitinated inclusions, but was more heterogeneous in the cases with neuronal intermediate filament inclusion disease, often being normal to visual inspection early on in the disease. The distribution and severity of fused in sarcoma-positive neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions, neuronal intranuclear inclusions and neurites were recorded and fused in sarcoma was biochemically analysed in both subgroups. Fused in sarcoma-positive neuronal cytoplasmic and intranuclear inclusions were found in the hippocampal granule cell layer in variable numbers. Cortical fused in sarcoma-positive neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions were often 'Pick body-like' in neuronal intermediate filament inclusion disease, and annular and crescent-shaped inclusions were seen in both conditions. Motor neurons contained variable numbers of compact, granular or skein-like cytoplasmic inclusions in all fused in sarcoma-positive cases in which brainstem and spinal cord motor neurons were available for study (five and four cases, respectively). No fused in sarcoma mutations were found in any cases. Biochemically, two major fused in sarcoma species were found and shown to be more insoluble in the atypical frontotemporal lobar degeneration with ubiquitinated inclusions subgroup compared with neuronal intermediate filament inclusion disease. There is considerable overlap and also significant differences in fused in sarcoma-positive pathology between the two subgroups, suggesting they may represent a spectrum of the same disease. The co-existence of fused in sarcoma-positive inclusions in both motor neurons and extramotor cerebral structures is a characteristic finding in sporadic fused in sarcoma proteinopathies, indicating a multisystem disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tammaryn Lashley
- Queen Square Brain Bank, Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
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37
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Sun Z, Diaz Z, Fang X, Hart MP, Chesi A, Shorter J, Gitler AD. Molecular determinants and genetic modifiers of aggregation and toxicity for the ALS disease protein FUS/TLS. PLoS Biol 2011; 9:e1000614. [PMID: 21541367 PMCID: PMC3082519 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.1000614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 354] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2010] [Accepted: 03/17/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
TDP-43 and FUS are RNA-binding proteins that form cytoplasmic inclusions in some forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). Moreover, mutations in TDP-43 and FUS are linked to ALS and FTLD. However, it is unknown whether TDP-43 and FUS aggregate and cause toxicity by similar mechanisms. Here, we exploit a yeast model and purified FUS to elucidate mechanisms of FUS aggregation and toxicity. Like TDP-43, FUS must aggregate in the cytoplasm and bind RNA to confer toxicity in yeast. These cytoplasmic FUS aggregates partition to stress granule compartments just as they do in ALS patients. Importantly, in isolation, FUS spontaneously forms pore-like oligomers and filamentous structures reminiscent of FUS inclusions in ALS patients. FUS aggregation and toxicity requires a prion-like domain, but unlike TDP-43, additional determinants within a RGG domain are critical for FUS aggregation and toxicity. In further distinction to TDP-43, ALS-linked FUS mutations do not promote aggregation. Finally, genome-wide screens uncovered stress granule assembly and RNA metabolism genes that modify FUS toxicity but not TDP-43 toxicity. Our findings suggest that TDP-43 and FUS, though similar RNA-binding proteins, aggregate and confer disease phenotypes via distinct mechanisms. These differences will likely have important therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihui Sun
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, The University of
Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of
America
| | - Zamia Diaz
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, The University of Pennsylvania
School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of
America
| | - Xiaodong Fang
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, The University of
Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of
America
| | - Michael P. Hart
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, The University of
Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of
America
| | - Alessandra Chesi
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, The University of
Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of
America
| | - James Shorter
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, The University of Pennsylvania
School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of
America
- * E-mail: (ADG); (JS)
| | - Aaron D. Gitler
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, The University of
Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of
America
- * E-mail: (ADG); (JS)
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Huang C, Zhou H, Tong J, Chen H, Liu YJ, Wang D, Wei X, Xia XG. FUS transgenic rats develop the phenotypes of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal lobar degeneration. PLoS Genet 2011; 7:e1002011. [PMID: 21408206 PMCID: PMC3048370 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1002011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2010] [Accepted: 01/03/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Fused in Sarcoma (FUS) proteinopathy is a feature of frontotemporal lobar dementia (FTLD), and mutation of the fus gene segregates with FTLD and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). To study the consequences of mutation in the fus gene, we created transgenic rats expressing the human fus gene with or without mutation. Overexpression of a mutant (R521C substitution), but not normal, human FUS induced progressive paralysis resembling ALS. Mutant FUS transgenic rats developed progressive paralysis secondary to degeneration of motor axons and displayed a substantial loss of neurons in the cortex and hippocampus. This neuronal loss was accompanied by ubiquitin aggregation and glial reaction. While transgenic rats that overexpressed the wild-type human FUS were asymptomatic at young ages, they showed a deficit in spatial learning and memory and a significant loss of cortical and hippocampal neurons at advanced ages. These results suggest that mutant FUS is more toxic to neurons than normal FUS and that increased expression of normal FUS is sufficient to induce neuron death. Our FUS transgenic rats reproduced some phenotypes of ALS and FTLD and will provide a useful model for mechanistic studies of FUS–related diseases. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal lobar degeneration are two related diseases characterized by degeneration of selected groups of neuronal cells. Neither of these diseases has a clear cause, and both are incurable at present. Mutation of the fus gene has recently been linked to these two diseases. Here, we describe a novel rat model that expresses a mutated form of the human fus gene and manifests the phenotypes and pathological features of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal lobar degeneration. Establishment of this FUS transgenic rat model will allow not only for mechanistic study of FUS–related diseases, but also for quick development of therapies for these devastating diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cao Huang
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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Suzuki H, Lee K, Matsuoka M. TDP-43-induced death is associated with altered regulation of BIM and Bcl-xL and attenuated by caspase-mediated TDP-43 cleavage. J Biol Chem 2011; 286:13171-83. [PMID: 21339291 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m110.197483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal aggregates of transactive response DNA-binding protein-43 (TDP-43) and its hyperphosphorylated and N-terminal truncated C-terminal fragments (CTFs) are deposited as major components of ubiquitinated inclusions in most cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration with ubiquitinated inclusions (FTLD-U). The mechanism underlying the contribution of TDP-43 to the pathogenesis of these neurodegenerative diseases remains unknown. In this study, we found that a 2-5-fold increase in TDP-43 expression over the endogenous level induced death of NSC34 motor neuronal cells and primary cortical neurons. TDP-43-induced death is associated with up-regulation of Bim expression and down-regulation of Bcl-xL expression. siRNA-mediated reduction of Bim expression attenuates TDP-43-induced death. Accumulated evidence indicates that caspases are activated in neurons of ALS and FTLD-U patients, and activated caspase-mediated cleavage of TDP-43 generates CTFs of TDP-43. Here, we further found that the ER (endoplasmic reticulum) stress- or staurosporine-mediated activation of caspases leads to cleavage of TDP-43 at Asp(89) and Asp(169), generating CTF35 (TDP-43-(90-414)) and CTF27 (TDP-43-(170-414)) in cultured neuronal cells. In contrast to TDP-43, CTF27 is unable to induce death while it forms aggregates. CTF35 was weaker than full-length TDP-43 in inducing death. A cleavage-resistant mutant of TDP-43 (TDP-43-D89E/D169E) showed stronger death-inducing activity than wild-type TDP-43. These results suggest that disease-related activation of caspases may attenuate TDP-43-induced toxicity by promoting TDP-43 cleavage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Suzuki
- Department of Pharmacology, Tokyo Medical University, 6-1-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8402, Japan
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40
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Zhu HF, Wan D, Luo Y, Zhou JL, Chen L, Xu XY. Catalpol increases brain angiogenesis and up-regulates VEGF and EPO in the rat after permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion. Int J Biol Sci 2010; 6:443-53. [PMID: 20827397 PMCID: PMC2935667 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.6.443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2010] [Accepted: 08/01/2010] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate the role and mechanism of catalpol in brain angiogenesis in a rat model of stroke, the effect of catalpol (5 mg/kg; i.p) or vehicle administered 24 hours after permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) on behavior, angiogenesis, ultra-structural integrity of brain capillary endothelial cells, and expression of EPO and VEGF were assessed. Repeated treatments with Catalpol reduced neurological deficits and significantly improved angiogenesis, while significantly increasing brain levels of EPO and VEGF without worsening BBB edema. These results suggested that catalpol might contribute to infarcted-brain angiogenesis and ameliorate the edema of brain capillary endothelial cells (BCECs) by upregulating VEGF and EPO coordinately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Feng Zhu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & School of Chinese Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
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