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Tanaka T, Chung HL. Exploiting fly models to investigate rare human neurological disorders. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:21-28. [PMID: 38767473 PMCID: PMC11246155 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Rare neurological diseases, while individually are rare, collectively impact millions globally, leading to diverse and often severe neurological symptoms. Often attributed to genetic mutations that disrupt protein function or structure, understanding their genetic basis is crucial for accurate diagnosis and targeted therapies. To investigate the underlying pathogenesis of these conditions, researchers often use non-mammalian model organisms, such as Drosophila (fruit flies), which is valued for their genetic manipulability, cost-efficiency, and preservation of genes and biological functions across evolutionary time. Genetic tools available in Drosophila, including CRISPR-Cas9, offer a means to manipulate gene expression, allowing for a deep exploration of the genetic underpinnings of rare neurological diseases. Drosophila boasts a versatile genetic toolkit, rapid generation turnover, and ease of large-scale experimentation, making it an invaluable resource for identifying potential drug candidates. Researchers can expose flies carrying disease-associated mutations to various compounds, rapidly pinpointing promising therapeutic agents for further investigation in mammalian models and, ultimately, clinical trials. In this comprehensive review, we explore rare neurological diseases where fly research has significantly contributed to our understanding of their genetic basis, pathophysiology, and potential therapeutic implications. We discuss rare diseases associated with both neuron-expressed and glial-expressed genes. Specific cases include mutations in CDK19 resulting in epilepsy and developmental delay, mutations in TIAM1 leading to a neurodevelopmental disorder with seizures and language delay, and mutations in IRF2BPL causing seizures, a neurodevelopmental disorder with regression, loss of speech, and abnormal movements. And we explore mutations in EMC1 related to cerebellar atrophy, visual impairment, psychomotor retardation, and gain-of-function mutations in ACOX1 causing Mitchell syndrome. Loss-of-function mutations in ACOX1 result in ACOX1 deficiency, characterized by very-long-chain fatty acid accumulation and glial degeneration. Notably, this review highlights how modeling these diseases in Drosophila has provided valuable insights into their pathophysiology, offering a platform for the rapid identification of potential therapeutic interventions. Rare neurological diseases involve a wide range of expression systems, and sometimes common phenotypes can be found among different genes that cause abnormalities in neurons or glia. Furthermore, mutations within the same gene may result in varying functional outcomes, such as complete loss of function, partial loss of function, or gain-of-function mutations. The phenotypes observed in patients can differ significantly, underscoring the complexity of these conditions. In conclusion, Drosophila represents an indispensable and cost-effective tool for investigating rare neurological diseases. By facilitating the modeling of these conditions, Drosophila contributes to a deeper understanding of their genetic basis, pathophysiology, and potential therapies. This approach accelerates the discovery of promising drug candidates, ultimately benefiting patients affected by these complex and understudied diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomomi Tanaka
- Department of Neurology, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hyung-Lok Chung
- Department of Neurology, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
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Fatima A, Abuhijleh SA, Fatah A, Mohsin MM, Kar SS, Dube R, George BT, Kuruba MGB. Infantile Neuroaxonal Dystrophy: Case Report and Review of Literature. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:1322. [PMID: 39202603 PMCID: PMC11356075 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60081322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2024] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024]
Abstract
Infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy (INAD) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder affecting 1:1,000,000 children. It results from pathogenic variants in the PLA2G6 gene located on chromosome 22q13.1. The onset of symptoms usually occurs between 6 and 18 months, causing developmental regression leading to debilitating symptoms such as muscle weakness, dementia, and loss of basic skills. Eventually, it progresses to life-threatening symptoms, including breathing difficulties, which limit the life expectancy to 5-10 years. While potential genetic therapies for treatment are being developed, they are yet to be approved for use, and management remains essentially supportive. This case report is about a nine-year-old Pakistani girl with INAD. She presented with recurrent chest infections, developmental regression, loss of speech, paralysis, hypertension, and eventually breathing difficulties. Brain magnetic resonance imaging and genetic testing confirmed the diagnosis. This case posed diagnostic challenges in view of its overlapping clinical presentation. Through this report, we aim to raise awareness about this condition among practitioners, outline the importance of genetic counseling in susceptible couples, and suggest potential areas of further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alian Fatima
- Department of Pediatrics, Saqr Hospital, Ras Al-Khaimah P.O. Box 5450, United Arab Emirates; (A.F.); (S.A.A.); (A.F.); (M.M.M.)
| | - Shahd A. Abuhijleh
- Department of Pediatrics, Saqr Hospital, Ras Al-Khaimah P.O. Box 5450, United Arab Emirates; (A.F.); (S.A.A.); (A.F.); (M.M.M.)
| | - Abdul Fatah
- Department of Pediatrics, Saqr Hospital, Ras Al-Khaimah P.O. Box 5450, United Arab Emirates; (A.F.); (S.A.A.); (A.F.); (M.M.M.)
| | - Mariam M. Mohsin
- Department of Pediatrics, Saqr Hospital, Ras Al-Khaimah P.O. Box 5450, United Arab Emirates; (A.F.); (S.A.A.); (A.F.); (M.M.M.)
| | - Subhranshu Sekhar Kar
- Department of Pediatrics, RAK College of Medical Sciences, RAKMHSU, Ras Al-Khaimah P.O. Box 11172, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rajani Dube
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, RAK College of Medical Sciences, RAKMHSU, Ras Al-Khaimah P.O. Box 11172, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Biji Thomas George
- Department of General Surgery, RAK College of Medical Sciences, RAKMHSU, Ras Al-Khaimah P.O. Box 11172, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Manjunatha Goud Bellary Kuruba
- Department of Biochemistry, RAK College of Medical Sciences, RAKMHSU, Ras Al-Khaimah P.O. Box 11172, United Arab Emirates;
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Liu J, Tan J, Tang B, Guo J. Unveiling the role of iPLA 2β in neurodegeneration: From molecular mechanisms to advanced therapies. Pharmacol Res 2024; 202:107114. [PMID: 38395207 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Calcium-independent phospholipase A2β (iPLA2β), a member of the phospholipase A2 (PLA2s) superfamily, is encoded by the PLA2G6 gene. Mutations in the PLA2G6 gene have been identified as the primary cause of infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy (INAD) and, less commonly, as a contributor to Parkinson's disease (PD). Recent studies have revealed that iPLA2β deficiency leads to neuroinflammation, iron accumulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, lipid dysregulation, and other pathological changes, forming a complex pathogenic network. These discoveries shed light on potential mechanisms underlying PLA2G6-associated neurodegeneration (PLAN) and offer valuable insights for therapeutic development. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the fundamental characteristics of iPLA2β, its association with neurodegeneration, the pathogenic mechanisms involved in PLAN, and potential targets for therapeutic intervention. It offers an overview of the latest advancements in this field, aiming to contribute to ongoing research endeavors and facilitate the development of effective therapies for PLAN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiabin Liu
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jieqiong Tan
- Centre for Medical Genetics and Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Beisha Tang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jifeng Guo
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Centre for Medical Genetics and Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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Yamamoto S, Kanca O, Wangler MF, Bellen HJ. Integrating non-mammalian model organisms in the diagnosis of rare genetic diseases in humans. Nat Rev Genet 2024; 25:46-60. [PMID: 37491400 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-023-00633-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Next-generation sequencing technology has rapidly accelerated the discovery of genetic variants of interest in individuals with rare diseases. However, showing that these variants are causative of the disease in question is complex and may require functional studies. Use of non-mammalian model organisms - mainly fruitflies (Drosophila melanogaster), nematode worms (Caenorhabditis elegans) and zebrafish (Danio rerio) - enables the rapid and cost-effective assessment of the effects of gene variants, which can then be validated in mammalian model organisms such as mice and in human cells. By probing mechanisms of gene action and identifying interacting genes and proteins in vivo, recent studies in these non-mammalian model organisms have facilitated the diagnosis of numerous genetic diseases and have enabled the screening and identification of therapeutic options for patients. Studies in non-mammalian model organisms have also shown that the biological processes underlying rare diseases can provide insight into more common mechanisms of disease and the biological functions of genes. Here, we discuss the opportunities afforded by non-mammalian model organisms, focusing on flies, worms and fish, and provide examples of their use in the diagnosis of rare genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinya Yamamoto
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Oguz Kanca
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michael F Wangler
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Hugo J Bellen
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
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Guichard A, Lu S, Kanca O, Bressan D, Huang Y, Ma M, Sanz Juste S, Andrews JC, Jay KL, Sneider M, Schwartz R, Huang MC, Bei D, Pan H, Ma L, Lin WW, Auradkar A, Bhagwat P, Park S, Wan KH, Ohsako T, Takano-Shimizu T, Celniker SE, Wangler MF, Yamamoto S, Bellen HJ, Bier E. A comprehensive Drosophila resource to identify key functional interactions between SARS-CoV-2 factors and host proteins. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112842. [PMID: 37480566 PMCID: PMC10962759 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112842] [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: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Development of effective therapies against SARS-CoV-2 infections relies on mechanistic knowledge of virus-host interface. Abundant physical interactions between viral and host proteins have been identified, but few have been functionally characterized. Harnessing the power of fly genetics, we develop a comprehensive Drosophila COVID-19 resource (DCR) consisting of publicly available strains for conditional tissue-specific expression of all SARS-CoV-2 encoded proteins, UAS-human cDNA transgenic lines encoding established host-viral interacting factors, and GAL4 insertion lines disrupting fly homologs of SARS-CoV-2 human interacting proteins. We demonstrate the utility of the DCR to functionally assess SARS-CoV-2 genes and candidate human binding partners. We show that NSP8 engages in strong genetic interactions with several human candidates, most prominently with the ATE1 arginyltransferase to induce actin arginylation and cytoskeletal disorganization, and that two ATE1 inhibitors can reverse NSP8 phenotypes. The DCR enables parallel global-scale functional analysis of SARS-CoV-2 components in a prime genetic model system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annabel Guichard
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Shenzhao Lu
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Oguz Kanca
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Daniel Bressan
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Mengqi Ma
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sara Sanz Juste
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Epigenetics & Molecular Carcinogenesis at MD Anderson, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA; Center for Cancer Epigenetics, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jonathan C Andrews
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kristy L Jay
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Marketta Sneider
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Ruth Schwartz
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Mei-Chu Huang
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Danqing Bei
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hongling Pan
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Liwen Ma
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Wen-Wen Lin
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ankush Auradkar
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Pranjali Bhagwat
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Soo Park
- Biological Systems and Engineering, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Kenneth H Wan
- Biological Systems and Engineering, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Takashi Ohsako
- Advanced Technology Center, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Takano-Shimizu
- Kyoto Drosophila Stock Center and Faculty of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Kyoto 616-8354, Japan
| | - Susan E Celniker
- Biological Systems and Engineering, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Michael F Wangler
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Shinya Yamamoto
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Development, Disease Models & Therapeutics Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Hugo J Bellen
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Ethan Bier
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Tata Institute for Genetics and Society - UCSD, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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