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Guo X, Asthana P, Zhai L, Cheng KW, Gurung S, Huang J, Wu J, Zhang Y, Mahato AK, Saarma M, Ustav M, Kwan HY, Lyu A, Chan KM, Xu P, Bian ZX, Wong HLX. Artesunate treats obesity in male mice and non-human primates through GDF15/GFRAL signalling axis. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1034. [PMID: 38310105 PMCID: PMC10838268 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45452-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Obesity, a global health challenge, is a major risk factor for multiple life-threatening diseases, including diabetes, fatty liver, and cancer. There is an ongoing need to identify safe and tolerable therapeutics for obesity management. Herein, we show that treatment with artesunate, an artemisinin derivative approved by the FDA for the treatment of severe malaria, effectively reduces body weight and improves metabolic profiles in preclinical models of obesity, including male mice with overnutrition-induced obesity and male cynomolgus macaques with spontaneous obesity, without inducing nausea and malaise. Artesunate promotes weight loss and reduces food intake in obese mice and cynomolgus macaques by increasing circulating levels of Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF15), an appetite-regulating hormone with a brainstem-restricted receptor, the GDNF family receptor α-like (GFRAL). Mechanistically, artesunate induces the expression of GDF15 in multiple organs, especially the liver, in mice through a C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP)-directed integrated stress response. Inhibition of GDF15/GFRAL signalling by genetic ablation of GFRAL or tissue-specific knockdown of GDF15 abrogates the anti-obesity effect of artesunate in mice with diet-induced obesity, suggesting that artesunate controls bodyweight and appetite in a GDF15/GFRAL signalling-dependent manner. These data highlight the therapeutic benefits of artesunate in the treatment of obesity and related comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanming Guo
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Pallavi Asthana
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Lixiang Zhai
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ka Wing Cheng
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Centre for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development Limited, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Susma Gurung
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jiangang Huang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jiayan Wu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yijing Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Arun Kumar Mahato
- Institute of Biotechnology-HILIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology-HILIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Hiu Yee Kwan
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Aiping Lyu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kui Ming Chan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Pingyi Xu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhao-Xiang Bian
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Centre for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development Limited, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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Lõhelaid H, Saarma M, Airavaara M. CDNF and ER stress: Pharmacology and therapeutic possibilities. Pharmacol Ther 2024; 254:108594. [PMID: 38290651 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2024.108594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor (CDNF) is an endogenous protein in humans and other vertebrates, and it has been shown to have protective and restorative effects on cells in various disease models. Although it is named as a neurotrophic factor, its actions are drastically different from classical neurotrophic factors such as neurotrophins or the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic family of proteins. Like all secreted proteins, CDNF has a signal sequence at the N-terminus, but unlike common growth factors it has a KDEL-receptor retrieval sequence at the C-terminus. Thus, CDNF is mainly located in the ER. In response to adverse effects, such as ER stress, the expression of CDNF is upregulated and can alleviate ER stress. Also different from other neurotrophic factors, CDNF reduces protein aggregation and inflammation in disease models. Although it is an ER luminal protein, it can surprisingly directly interact with alpha-synuclein, a protein involved in the pathogenesis of synucleinopathies e.g., Parkinson's disease. Pleiotropic CDNF has therapeutic potential and has been tested as a recombinant human protein and gene therapy. The neuroprotective and neurorestorative effects have been described in a number of preclinical studies of Parkinson's disease, stroke and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Currently, it was successfully evaluated for safety in a phase 1/2 clinical trial for Parkinson's disease. Collectively, based on recent findings on the mode of action and therapeutic potential of CDNF, its use as a drug could be expanded to other ER stress-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helike Lõhelaid
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Finland; Neuroscience Center, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mikko Airavaara
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Finland; Neuroscience Center, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Finland.
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De Lorenzo F, Lüningschrör P, Nam J, Beckett L, Pilotto F, Galli E, Lindholm P, Rüdt von Collenberg C, Mungwa ST, Jablonka S, Kauder J, Thau-Habermann N, Petri S, Lindholm D, Saxena S, Sendtner M, Saarma M, Voutilainen MH. CDNF rescues motor neurons in models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis by targeting endoplasmic reticulum stress. Brain 2023; 146:3783-3799. [PMID: 36928391 PMCID: PMC10473573 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons in the spinal cord, brainstem and motor cortex, leading to paralysis and eventually to death within 3-5 years of symptom onset. To date, no cure or effective therapy is available. The role of chronic endoplasmic reticulum stress in the pathophysiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, as well as a potential drug target, has received increasing attention. Here, we investigated the mode of action and therapeutic effect of the endoplasmic reticulum-resident protein cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor in three preclinical models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, exhibiting different disease development and aetiology: (i) the conditional choline acetyltransferase-tTA/TRE-hTDP43-M337V rat model previously described; (ii) the widely used SOD1-G93A mouse model; and (iii) a novel slow-progressive TDP43-M337V mouse model. To specifically analyse the endoplasmic reticulum stress response in motor neurons, we used three main methods: (i) primary cultures of motor neurons derived from embryonic Day 13 embryos; (ii) immunohistochemical analyses of spinal cord sections with choline acetyltransferase as spinal motor neuron marker; and (iii) quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses of lumbar motor neurons isolated via laser microdissection. We show that intracerebroventricular administration of cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor significantly halts the progression of the disease and improves motor behaviour in TDP43-M337V and SOD1-G93A rodent models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor rescues motor neurons in vitro and in vivo from endoplasmic reticulum stress-associated cell death and its beneficial effect is independent of genetic disease aetiology. Notably, cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor regulates the unfolded protein response initiated by transducers IRE1α, PERK and ATF6, thereby enhancing motor neuron survival. Thus, cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor holds great promise for the design of new rational treatments for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca De Lorenzo
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Patrick Lüningschrör
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97078 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jinhan Nam
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Liam Beckett
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Federica Pilotto
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital University Hospital, University of Bern, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Emilia Galli
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Päivi Lindholm
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Simon Tii Mungwa
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97078 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sibylle Jablonka
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97078 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Julia Kauder
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Susanne Petri
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Dan Lindholm
- Medicum, Department of Biochemistry and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Minerva Foundation Institute for Medical Research, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Smita Saxena
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital University Hospital, University of Bern, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Michael Sendtner
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97078 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Merja H Voutilainen
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland
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Huttunen HJ, Booms S, Sjögren M, Kerstens V, Johansson J, Holmnäs R, Koskinen J, Kulesskaya N, Fazio P, Woolley M, Brady A, Williams J, Johnson D, Dailami N, Gray W, Levo R, Saarma M, Halldin C, Marjamaa J, Resendiz-Nieves J, Grubor I, Lind G, Eerola-Rautio J, Mertsalmi T, Andréasson M, Paul G, Rinne J, Kivisaari R, Bjartmarz H, Almqvist P, Varrone A, Scheperjans F, Widner H, Svenningsson P. Intraputamenal Cerebral Dopamine Neurotrophic Factor in Parkinson's Disease: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Multicenter Phase 1 Trial. Mov Disord 2023; 38:1209-1222. [PMID: 37212361 DOI: 10.1002/mds.29426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor (CDNF) is an unconventional neurotrophic factor that protects dopamine neurons and improves motor function in animal models of Parkinson's disease (PD). OBJECTIVE The primary objectives of this study were to assess the safety and tolerability of both CDNF and the drug delivery system (DDS) in patients with PD of moderate severity. METHODS We assessed the safety and tolerability of monthly intraputamenal CDNF infusions in patients with PD using an investigational DDS, a bone-anchored transcutaneous port connected to four catheters. This phase 1 trial was divided into a placebo-controlled, double-blind, 6-month main study followed by an active-treatment 6-month extension. Eligible patients, aged 35 to 75 years, had moderate idiopathic PD for 5 to 15 years and Hoehn and Yahr score ≤ 3 (off state). Seventeen patients were randomized to placebo (n = 6), 0.4 mg CDNF (n = 6), or 1.2 mg CDNF (n = 5). The primary endpoints were safety and tolerability of CDNF and DDS and catheter implantation accuracy. Secondary endpoints were measures of PD symptoms, including Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, and DDS patency and port stability. Exploratory endpoints included motor symptom assessment (PKG, Global Kinetics Pty Ltd, Melbourne, Australia) and positron emission tomography using dopamine transporter radioligand [18 F]FE-PE2I. RESULTS Drug-related adverse events were mild to moderate with no difference between placebo and treatment groups. No severe adverse events were associated with the drug, and device delivery accuracy met specification. The severe adverse events recorded were associated with the infusion procedure and did not reoccur after procedural modification. There were no significant changes between placebo and CDNF treatment groups in secondary endpoints between baseline and the end of the main and extension studies. CONCLUSIONS Intraputamenally administered CDNF was safe and well tolerated, and possible signs of biological response to the drug were observed in individual patients. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Magnus Sjögren
- Herantis Pharma Plc, Espoo, Finland
- Department of Clinical Science, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Vera Kerstens
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jarkko Johansson
- Umeå Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | | | | | | | - Patrik Fazio
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Max Woolley
- Renishaw Neuro Solutions Ltd, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
| | - Alan Brady
- Renishaw Neuro Solutions Ltd, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
| | - Julia Williams
- Renishaw Neuro Solutions Ltd, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
| | - David Johnson
- Renishaw Neuro Solutions Ltd, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
| | - Narges Dailami
- Renishaw Neuro Solutions Ltd, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
- Department of Computer Science and Creative Technology, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - William Gray
- Renishaw Neuro Solutions Ltd, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
- Functional Neurosurgery, Neuroscience and Mental Health Innovation Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Reeta Levo
- Department of Neurology, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Clinicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Christer Halldin
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johan Marjamaa
- Clinicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Neurosurgery, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Julio Resendiz-Nieves
- Clinicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Neurosurgery, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Irena Grubor
- Department of Neurosurgery, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Göran Lind
- Department of Neurosurgery, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johanna Eerola-Rautio
- Department of Neurology, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Clinicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tuomas Mertsalmi
- Department of Neurology, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Clinicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mattias Andréasson
- Department of Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gesine Paul
- Department of Neurology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Juha Rinne
- Turku PET Centre, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Riku Kivisaari
- Clinicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Neurosurgery, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Per Almqvist
- Department of Neurosurgery, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andrea Varrone
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Filip Scheperjans
- Department of Neurology, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Clinicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Håkan Widner
- Department of Neurology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Per Svenningsson
- Department of Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Moliner R, Girych M, Brunello CA, Kovaleva V, Biojone C, Enkavi G, Antenucci L, Kot EF, Goncharuk SA, Kaurinkoski K, Kuutti M, Fred SM, Elsilä LV, Sakson S, Cannarozzo C, Diniz CRAF, Seiffert N, Rubiolo A, Haapaniemi H, Meshi E, Nagaeva E, Öhman T, Róg T, Kankuri E, Vilar M, Varjosalo M, Korpi ER, Permi P, Mineev KS, Saarma M, Vattulainen I, Casarotto PC, Castrén E. Psychedelics promote plasticity by directly binding to BDNF receptor TrkB. Nat Neurosci 2023; 26:1032-1041. [PMID: 37280397 PMCID: PMC10244169 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-023-01316-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 66.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Psychedelics produce fast and persistent antidepressant effects and induce neuroplasticity resembling the effects of clinically approved antidepressants. We recently reported that pharmacologically diverse antidepressants, including fluoxetine and ketamine, act by binding to TrkB, the receptor for BDNF. Here we show that lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocin directly bind to TrkB with affinities 1,000-fold higher than those for other antidepressants, and that psychedelics and antidepressants bind to distinct but partially overlapping sites within the transmembrane domain of TrkB dimers. The effects of psychedelics on neurotrophic signaling, plasticity and antidepressant-like behavior in mice depend on TrkB binding and promotion of endogenous BDNF signaling but are independent of serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT2A) activation, whereas LSD-induced head twitching is dependent on 5-HT2A and independent of TrkB binding. Our data confirm TrkB as a common primary target for antidepressants and suggest that high-affinity TrkB positive allosteric modulators lacking 5-HT2A activity may retain the antidepressant potential of psychedelics without hallucinogenic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Moliner
- Neuroscience Center, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mykhailo Girych
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Vera Kovaleva
- Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Caroline Biojone
- Neuroscience Center, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Giray Enkavi
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Lina Antenucci
- Department of Chemistry, Nanoscience Center, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Erik F Kot
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, RAS, Moscow, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Sergey A Goncharuk
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, RAS, Moscow, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Katja Kaurinkoski
- Neuroscience Center, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mirjami Kuutti
- Neuroscience Center, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Senem M Fred
- Neuroscience Center, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Lauri V Elsilä
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sven Sakson
- Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Cassiano R A F Diniz
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nina Seiffert
- Neuroscience Center, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anna Rubiolo
- Neuroscience, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Hele Haapaniemi
- Neuroscience Center, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Elsa Meshi
- Biomedical Sciences, Hellenic University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Elina Nagaeva
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tiina Öhman
- Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tomasz Róg
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Esko Kankuri
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Marçal Vilar
- Molecular Basis of Neurodegeneration Unit, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, CSIC, Valencia, Spain
| | - Markku Varjosalo
- Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Esa R Korpi
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Perttu Permi
- Department of Chemistry, Nanoscience Center, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, Nanoscience Center, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
- Structural and Quantitative Biology Research Program, Institute of Biotechnology, Instruct-HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Konstantin S Mineev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, RAS, Moscow, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ilpo Vattulainen
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
| | | | - Eero Castrén
- Neuroscience Center, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
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Caglayan AB, Beker MC, Sertel Evren E, Caglayan B, Kilic Ü, Ates N, Caglayan A, Dasdelen MF, Doeppner TR, Saarma M, Hermann DM, Kilic E. The Unconventional Growth Factors Cerebral Dopamine Neurotrophic Factor and Mesencephalic Astrocyte-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Promote Post-ischemic Neurological Recovery, Perilesional Brain Remodeling, and Lesion-Remote Axonal Plasticity. Transl Stroke Res 2023; 14:263-277. [PMID: 35583716 DOI: 10.1007/s12975-022-01035-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Considerable efforts are currently made to develop strategies that boost endogenous recovery once a stroke has occurred. Owing to their restorative properties, neurotrophic factors are attractive candidates that capitalize on endogenous response mechanisms. Non-conventional growth factors cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor (CDNF) and mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF) promote neuronal survival and reduce neurological deficits in the acute phase of ischemic stroke in mice. Their effects on endogenous repair and recovery mechanisms in the stroke recovery phase were so far unknown. By intracerebroventricular delivery of CDNF or MANF starting 3 days post-stroke (1 µg/day for 28 days via miniosmotic pumps), we show that delayed CDNF and MANF administration promoted functional neurological recovery assessed by a battery of behavioral tests, increased long-term neuronal survival, reduced delayed brain atrophy, glial scar formation, and, in case of CDNF but not MANF, increased endogenous neurogenesis in the perilesional brain tissue. Besides, CDNF and MANF administration increased long-distance outgrowth of terminal axons emanating from the contralesional pyramidal tract, which crossed the midline to innervate ipsilesional facial nucleus. This plasticity promoting effect was accompanied by downregulation of the axonal growth inhibitor versican and the guidance molecules ephrin B1 and B2 in the previously ischemic hemisphere at 14 dpi, which represents a sensitive time-point for axonal growth. CDNF and MANF reduced the expression of the proinflammatory cytokines IL1β and TNFα in both hemispheres. The effects of non-conventional growth factors in the ischemic brain should further be examined since they might help to identify targets for restorative stroke therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Burak Caglayan
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.,International School of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey.,Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies (SABITA), Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Caglar Beker
- Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies (SABITA), Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey.,School of Medicine, Dept. of Physiology, Regenerative and Restorative Medical Research Center, Istanbul Medipol University, Ekinciler Cad. 19, TR-34810, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Elif Sertel Evren
- Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies (SABITA), Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey.,School of Medicine, Dept. of Physiology, Regenerative and Restorative Medical Research Center, Istanbul Medipol University, Ekinciler Cad. 19, TR-34810, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Berrak Caglayan
- Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies (SABITA), Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey.,International School of Medicine, Dept. of Medical Biology, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ülkan Kilic
- Hamidiye School of Medicine, Department of Medical Biology, University of Health Sciences Turkey, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nilay Ates
- Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies (SABITA), Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey.,Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Aysun Caglayan
- Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies (SABITA), Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey.,School of Medicine, Dept. of Physiology, Regenerative and Restorative Medical Research Center, Istanbul Medipol University, Ekinciler Cad. 19, TR-34810, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Muhammed Furkan Dasdelen
- Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies (SABITA), Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey.,School of Medicine, Dept. of Physiology, Regenerative and Restorative Medical Research Center, Istanbul Medipol University, Ekinciler Cad. 19, TR-34810, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Thorsten Roland Doeppner
- Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies (SABITA), Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey.,Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Dirk Matthias Hermann
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ertugrul Kilic
- Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies (SABITA), Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey. .,School of Medicine, Dept. of Physiology, Regenerative and Restorative Medical Research Center, Istanbul Medipol University, Ekinciler Cad. 19, TR-34810, Istanbul, Turkey.
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7
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Kovaleva V, Yu LY, Ivanova L, Shpironok O, Nam J, Eesmaa A, Kumpula EP, Sakson S, Toots U, Ustav M, Huiskonen JT, Voutilainen MH, Lindholm P, Karelson M, Saarma M. MANF regulates neuronal survival and UPR through its ER-located receptor IRE1α. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112066. [PMID: 36739529 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF) is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-located protein with cytoprotective effects in neurons and pancreatic β cells in vitro and in models of neurodegeneration and diabetes in vivo. However, the exact mode of MANF action has remained elusive. Here, we show that MANF directly interacts with the ER transmembrane unfolded protein response (UPR) sensor IRE1α, and we identify the binding interface between MANF and IRE1α. The expression of wild-type MANF, but not its IRE1α binding-deficient mutant, attenuates UPR signaling by decreasing IRE1α oligomerization; phosphorylation; splicing of Xbp1, Atf6, and Txnip levels; and protecting neurons from ER stress-induced death. MANF-IRE1α interaction and not MANF-BiP interaction is crucial for MANF pro-survival activity in neurons in vitro and is required to protect dopamine neurons in an animal model of Parkinson's disease. Our data show IRE1α as an intracellular receptor for MANF and regulator of neuronal survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Kovaleva
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Li-Ying Yu
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Larisa Ivanova
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Olesya Shpironok
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jinhan Nam
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ave Eesmaa
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Esa-Pekka Kumpula
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sven Sakson
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | | | | | - Juha T Huiskonen
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Merja H Voutilainen
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Päivi Lindholm
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mati Karelson
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland.
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8
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Eesmaa A, Yu LY, Göös H, Danilova T, Nõges K, Pakarinen E, Varjosalo M, Lindahl M, Lindholm P, Saarma M. CDNF Interacts with ER Chaperones and Requires UPR Sensors to Promote Neuronal Survival. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169489. [PMID: 36012764 PMCID: PMC9408947 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor (CDNF) is a neurotrophic factor that has beneficial effects on dopamine neurons in both in vitro and in vivo models of Parkinson's disease (PD). CDNF was recently tested in phase I-II clinical trials for the treatment of PD, but the mechanisms underlying its neuroprotective properties are still poorly understood, although studies have suggested its role in the regulation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis and the unfolded protein response (UPR). The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of action of CDNF through analyzing the involvement of UPR signaling in its anti-apoptotic function. We used tunicamycin to induce ER stress in mice in vivo and used cultured primary neurons and found that CDNF expression is regulated by ER stress in vivo and that the involvement of UPR pathways is important for the neuroprotective function of CDNF. Moreover, we used AP-MS and BiFC to perform the first interactome screening for CDNF and report novel binding partners of CDNF. These findings allowed us to hypothesize that CDNF protects neurons from ER-stress-inducing agents by modulating UPR signaling towards cell survival outcomes.
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9
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Pakarinen E, Lindholm P, Saarma M, Lindahl M. CDNF and MANF regulate ER stress in a tissue-specific manner. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:124. [PMID: 35129674 PMCID: PMC8821067 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04157-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor (CDNF) and mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF) display cytoprotective effects in animal models of neurodegenerative diseases. These endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident proteins belong to the same protein family and function as ER stress regulators. The relationship between CDNF and MANF function, as well as their capability for functional compensation, is unknown. We aimed to investigate these questions by generating mice lacking both CDNF and MANF. Results showed that CDNF-deficient Manf−/− mice presented the same phenotypes of growth defect and diabetes as Manf−/− mice. In the muscle, CDNF deficiency resulted in increased activation of unfolded protein response (UPR), which was aggravated when MANF was ablated. In the brain, the combined loss of CDNF and MANF did not exacerbate UPR activation caused by the loss of MANF alone. Consequently, CDNF and MANF deficiency in the brain did not cause degeneration of dopamine neurons. In conclusion, CDNF and MANF present functional redundancy in the muscle, but not in the other tissues examined here. Thus, they regulate the UPR in a tissue-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmi Pakarinen
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE Unit, University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Päivi Lindholm
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE Unit, University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE Unit, University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Maria Lindahl
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE Unit, University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.
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10
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Chow CFW, Guo X, Asthana P, Zhang S, Wong SKK, Fallah S, Che S, Gurung S, Wang Z, Lee KB, Ge X, Yuan S, Xu H, Ip JPK, Jiang Z, Zhai L, Wu J, Zhang Y, Mahato AK, Saarma M, Lin CY, Kwan HY, Huang T, Lyu A, Zhou Z, Bian ZX, Wong HLX. Body weight regulation via MT1-MMP-mediated cleavage of GFRAL. Nat Metab 2022; 4:203-212. [PMID: 35177851 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-022-00529-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
GDNF-family receptor a-like (GFRAL) has been identified as the cognate receptor of growth/differentiation factor 15 (GDF15/MIC-1), considered a key signaling axis in energy homeostasis and body weight regulation. Currently, little is known about the physiological regulation of the GDF15-GFRAL signaling pathway. Here we show that membrane-bound matrix metalloproteinase 14 (MT1-MMP/MMP14) is an endogenous negative regulator of GFRAL in the context of obesity. Overnutrition-induced obesity increased MT1-MMP activation, which proteolytically inactivated GFRAL to suppress GDF15-GFRAL signaling, thus modulating the anorectic effects of the GDF15-GFRAL axis in vivo. Genetic ablation of MT1-MMP specifically in GFRAL+ neurons restored GFRAL expression, resulting in reduced weight gain, along with decreased food intake in obese mice. Conversely, depletion of GFRAL abolished the anti-obesity effects of MT1-MMP inhibition. MT1-MMP inhibition also potentiated GDF15 activity specifically in obese phenotypes. Our findings identify a negative regulator of GFRAL for the control of non-homeostatic body weight regulation, provide mechanistic insights into the regulation of GDF15 sensitivity, highlight negative regulators of the GDF15-GFRAL pathway as a therapeutic avenue against obesity and identify MT1-MMP as a promising target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Fung Willis Chow
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
- Center for Systems Biology Dresden, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Cell and Biology, Dresden, Germany
| | - Xuanming Guo
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Pallavi Asthana
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shuo Zhang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Sheung Kin Ken Wong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Samane Fallah
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Sijia Che
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Susma Gurung
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zening Wang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ki Baek Lee
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xin Ge
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shiyang Yuan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Haoyu Xu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jacque Pak Kan Ip
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhixin Jiang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lixiang Zhai
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jiayan Wu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yijing Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Arun Kumar Mahato
- Institute of Biotechnology-HILIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology-HILIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Cheng Yuan Lin
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
- Centre for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development Limited, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hiu Yee Kwan
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tao Huang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Aiping Lyu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhongjun Zhou
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhao-Xiang Bian
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China.
- Centre for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development Limited, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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11
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Saarma M. To celebrate the 80th birthday of Klaus Unsicker: discovery of a new growth factor and studies on the effects of growth factors on adrenal chromaffin cells and neurons. Cell Tissue Res 2022; 387:9-12. [PMID: 34978591 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-021-03571-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56 (Viikinkaari 5D), 00014, Helsinki, Finland.
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12
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Lindholm P, Saarma M. Cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor protects and repairs dopamine neurons by novel mechanism. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:1310-1321. [PMID: 34907395 PMCID: PMC9095478 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01394-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Midbrain dopamine neurons deteriorate in Parkinson's disease (PD) that is a progressive neurodegenerative movement disorder. No cure is available that would stop the dopaminergic decline or restore function of injured neurons in PD. Neurotrophic factors (NTFs), e.g., glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) are small, secreted proteins that promote neuron survival during mammalian development and regulate adult neuronal plasticity, and they are studied as potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. However, results from clinical trials of GDNF and related NTF neurturin (NRTN) in PD have been modest so far. In this review, we focus on cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor (CDNF), an unconventional neurotrophic protein. CDNF delivered to the brain parenchyma protects and restores dopamine neurons in animal models of PD. In a recent Phase I-II clinical trial CDNF was found safe and well tolerated. CDNF deletion in mice led to age-dependent functional changes in the brain dopaminergic system and loss of enteric neurons resulting in slower gastrointestinal motility. These defects in Cdnf-/- mice intriguingly resemble deficiencies observed in early stage PD. Different from classical NTFs, CDNF can function both as an extracellular trophic factor and as an intracellular, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) luminal protein that protects neurons and other cell types against ER stress. Similarly to the homologous mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF), CDNF is able to regulate ER stress-induced unfolded protein response (UPR) signaling and promote protein homeostasis in the ER. Since ER stress is thought to be one of the pathophysiological mechanisms contributing to the dopaminergic degeneration in PD, CDNF, and its small-molecule derivatives that are under development may provide useful tools for experimental medicine and future therapies for the treatment of PD and other neurodegenerative protein-misfolding diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Päivi Lindholm
- grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland.
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13
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Ikäheimo K, Herranen A, Iivanainen V, Lankinen T, Aarnisalo AA, Sivonen V, Patel KA, Demir K, Saarma M, Lindahl M, Pirvola U. MANF supports the inner hair cell synapse and the outer hair cell stereocilia bundle in the cochlea. Life Sci Alliance 2021; 5:5/2/e202101068. [PMID: 34815294 PMCID: PMC8616558 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202101068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The authors show in the mouse how the auditory hair cell structural maintenance is perturbed by the inactivation of Manf and the concomitant ER stress, causing early-onset, progressive hearing loss. Failure in the structural maintenance of the hair cell stereocilia bundle and ribbon synapse causes hearing loss. Here, we have studied how ER stress elicits hair cell pathology, using mouse models with inactivation of Manf (mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor), encoding an ER-homeostasis-promoting protein. From hearing onset, Manf deficiency caused disarray of the outer hair cell stereocilia bundle and reduced cochlear sound amplification capability throughout the tonotopic axis. In high-frequency outer hair cells, the pathology ended in molecular changes in the stereocilia taper region and in strong stereocilia fusion. In high-frequency inner hair cells, Manf deficiency degraded ribbon synapses. The altered phenotype strongly depended on the mouse genetic background. Altogether, the failure in the ER homeostasis maintenance induced early-onset stereociliopathy and synaptopathy and accelerated the effect of genetic causes driving age-related hearing loss. Correspondingly, MANF mutation in a human patient induced severe sensorineural hearing loss from a young age onward. Thus, we present MANF as a novel protein and ER stress as a mechanism that regulate auditory hair cell maintenance in both mice and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuu Ikäheimo
- Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anni Herranen
- Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Vilma Iivanainen
- Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tuuli Lankinen
- Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Antti A Aarnisalo
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ville Sivonen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kashyap A Patel
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Science, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Korcan Demir
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology, HILIFE Unit, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Maria Lindahl
- Institute of Biotechnology, HILIFE Unit, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ulla Pirvola
- Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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14
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Albert K, Raymundo DP, Panhelainen A, Eesmaa A, Shvachiy L, Araújo GR, Chmielarz P, Yan X, Singh A, Cordeiro Y, Palhano FL, Foguel D, Luk KC, Domanskyi A, Voutilainen MH, Huttunen HJ, Outeiro TF, Saarma M, Almeida MS, Airavaara M. Cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor reduces α-synuclein aggregation and propagation and alleviates behavioral alterations in vivo. Mol Ther 2021; 29:2821-2840. [PMID: 33940158 PMCID: PMC8417450 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.04.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
A molecular hallmark in Parkinson's disease (PD) pathogenesis are α-synuclein aggregates. Cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor (CDNF) is an atypical growth factor that is mostly resident in the endoplasmic reticulum but exerts its effects both intracellularly and extracellularly. One of the beneficial effects of CDNF can be protecting neurons from the toxic effects of α-synuclein. Here, we investigated the effects of CDNF on α-synuclein aggregation in vitro and in vivo. We found that CDNF directly interacts with α-synuclein with a KD = 23 ± 6 nM and reduces its auto-association. Using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, we identified interaction sites on the CDNF protein. Remarkably, CDNF reduces the neuronal internalization of α-synuclein fibrils and induces the formation of insoluble phosphorylated α-synuclein inclusions. Intra-striatal CDNF administration alleviates motor deficits in rodents challenged with α-synuclein fibrils, though it did not reduce the number of phosphorylated α-synuclein inclusions in the substantia nigra. CDNF's beneficial effects on rodent behavior appear not to be related to the number of inclusions formed in the current context, and further study of its effects on the aggregation mechanism in vivo are needed. Nonetheless, the interaction of CDNF with α-synuclein, modifying its aggregation, spreading, and associated behavioral alterations, provides novel insights into the potential of CDNF as a therapeutic strategy in PD and other synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina Albert
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Diana P Raymundo
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21.941-902, Brazil; Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany; Protein Advanced Biochemistry, CENABIO, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21.941-902, Brazil
| | - Anne Panhelainen
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ave Eesmaa
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Liana Shvachiy
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany; Centro Cardiovascular da Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av Prof Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Gabriela R Araújo
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21.941-902, Brazil; Protein Advanced Biochemistry, CENABIO, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21.941-902, Brazil
| | - Piotr Chmielarz
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; Department of Brain Biochemistry, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow 31-343, Poland
| | - Xu Yan
- Neuroscience Center, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Aastha Singh
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Yraima Cordeiro
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21.941-902, Brazil
| | - Fernando L Palhano
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21.941-902, Brazil
| | - Debora Foguel
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21.941-902, Brazil
| | - Kelvin C Luk
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Andrii Domanskyi
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Merja H Voutilainen
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Henri J Huttunen
- Neuroscience Center, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; Herantis Pharma Plc, 20520 Espoo, Finland
| | - Tiago F Outeiro
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany; Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, 37075 Göttingen, Germany; Institute of Neuroscience, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Marcius S Almeida
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21.941-902, Brazil; Protein Advanced Biochemistry, CENABIO, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21.941-902, Brazil.
| | - Mikko Airavaara
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; Neuroscience Center, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
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15
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Renko JM, Mahato AK, Visnapuu T, Valkonen K, Karelson M, Voutilainen MH, Saarma M, Tuominen RK, Sidorova YA. Neuroprotective Potential of a Small Molecule RET Agonist in Cultured Dopamine Neurons and Hemiparkinsonian Rats. J Parkinsons Dis 2021; 11:1023-1046. [PMID: 34024778 PMCID: PMC8461720 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-202400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder where loss of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra and dopamine depletion in the striatum cause characteristic motor symptoms. Currently, no treatment is able to halt the progression of PD. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) rescues degenerating dopamine neurons both in vitro and in animal models of PD. When tested in PD patients, however, the outcomes from intracranial GDNF infusion paradigms have been inconclusive, mainly due to poor pharmacokinetic properties. OBJECTIVE We have developed drug-like small molecules, named BT compounds that activate signaling through GDNF's receptor, the transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase RET, both in vitro and in vivo and are able to penetrate through the blood-brain barrier. Here we evaluated the properties of BT44, a second generation RET agonist, in immortalized cells, dopamine neurons and rat 6-hydroxydopamine model of PD. METHODS We used biochemical, immunohistochemical and behavioral methods to evaluate the effects of BT44 on dopamine system in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS BT44 selectively activated RET and intracellular pro-survival AKT and MAPK signaling pathways in immortalized cells. In primary midbrain dopamine neurons cultured in serum-deprived conditions, BT44 promoted the survival of the neurons derived from wild-type, but not from RET knockout mice. BT44 also protected cultured wild-type dopamine neurons from MPP+-induced toxicity. In a rat 6-hydroxydopamine model of PD, BT44 reduced motor imbalance and seemed to protect dopaminergic fibers in the striatum. CONCLUSION BT44 holds potential for further development into a novel, possibly disease-modifying, therapy for PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juho-Matti Renko
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Arun Kumar Mahato
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tanel Visnapuu
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Konsta Valkonen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mati Karelson
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Merja H Voutilainen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Raimo K Tuominen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Yulia A Sidorova
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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16
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Bondarenko O, Saarma M. Neurotrophic Factors in Parkinson's Disease: Clinical Trials, Open Challenges and Nanoparticle-Mediated Delivery to the Brain. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:682597. [PMID: 34149364 PMCID: PMC8206542 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.682597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotrophic factors (NTFs) are small secreted proteins that support the development, maturation and survival of neurons. NTFs injected into the brain rescue and regenerate certain neuronal populations lost in neurodegenerative diseases, demonstrating the potential of NTFs to cure the diseases rather than simply alleviating the symptoms. NTFs (as the vast majority of molecules) do not pass through the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and therefore, are delivered directly into the brain of patients using costly and risky intracranial surgery. The delivery efficacy and poor diffusion of some NTFs inside the brain are considered the major problems behind their modest effects in clinical trials. Thus, there is a great need for NTFs to be delivered systemically thereby avoiding intracranial surgery. Nanoparticles (NPs), particles with the size dimensions of 1-100 nm, can be used to stabilize NTFs and facilitate their transport through the BBB. Several studies have shown that NTFs can be loaded into or attached onto NPs, administered systemically and transported to the brain. To improve the NP-mediated NTF delivery through the BBB, the surface of NPs can be functionalized with specific ligands such as transferrin, insulin, lactoferrin, apolipoproteins, antibodies or short peptides that will be recognized and internalized by the respective receptors on brain endothelial cells. In this review, we elaborate on the most suitable NTF delivery methods and envision "ideal" NTF for Parkinson's disease (PD) and clinical trial thereof. We shortly summarize clinical trials of four NTFs, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin (NRTN), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-BB), and cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor (CDNF), that were tested in PD patients, focusing mainly on GDNF and CDNF. We summarize current possibilities of NP-mediated delivery of NTFs to the brain and discuss whether NPs have impact in improving the properties of NTFs and delivery across the BBB. Emerging delivery approaches and future directions of NTF-based nanomedicine are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olesja Bondarenko
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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17
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Casarotto PC, Girych M, Fred SM, Kovaleva V, Moliner R, Enkavi G, Biojone C, Cannarozzo C, Sahu MP, Kaurinkoski K, Brunello CA, Steinzeig A, Winkel F, Patil S, Vestring S, Serchov T, Diniz CRAF, Laukkanen L, Cardon I, Antila H, Rog T, Piepponen TP, Bramham CR, Normann C, Lauri SE, Saarma M, Vattulainen I, Castrén E. Antidepressant drugs act by directly binding to TRKB neurotrophin receptors. Cell 2021; 184:1299-1313.e19. [PMID: 33606976 PMCID: PMC7938888 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.01.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 285] [Impact Index Per Article: 95.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
It is unclear how binding of antidepressant drugs to their targets gives rise to the clinical antidepressant effect. We discovered that the transmembrane domain of tyrosine kinase receptor 2 (TRKB), the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) receptor that promotes neuronal plasticity and antidepressant responses, has a cholesterol-sensing function that mediates synaptic effects of cholesterol. We then found that both typical and fast-acting antidepressants directly bind to TRKB, thereby facilitating synaptic localization of TRKB and its activation by BDNF. Extensive computational approaches including atomistic molecular dynamics simulations revealed a binding site at the transmembrane region of TRKB dimers. Mutation of the TRKB antidepressant-binding motif impaired cellular, behavioral, and plasticity-promoting responses to antidepressants in vitro and in vivo. We suggest that binding to TRKB and allosteric facilitation of BDNF signaling is the common mechanism for antidepressant action, which may explain why typical antidepressants act slowly and how molecular effects of antidepressants are translated into clinical mood recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mykhailo Girych
- Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Senem M Fred
- Neuroscience Center-HILIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Vera Kovaleva
- Institute of Biotechnology-HILIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Rafael Moliner
- Neuroscience Center-HILIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Giray Enkavi
- Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Caroline Biojone
- Neuroscience Center-HILIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | | | - Katja Kaurinkoski
- Neuroscience Center-HILIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Anna Steinzeig
- Neuroscience Center-HILIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Frederike Winkel
- Neuroscience Center-HILIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sudarshan Patil
- Department of Biomedicine and KG Jebsen Center for Research on Neuropsychiatric Disorders, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Stefan Vestring
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Berta-Ottenstein-Programme for Clinician Scientists, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Tsvetan Serchov
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Cassiano R A F Diniz
- Neuroscience Center-HILIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paul, Brazil
| | - Liina Laukkanen
- Neuroscience Center-HILIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Iseline Cardon
- Neuroscience Center-HILIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Brain Master Program, Faculty of Science, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France; Department of Psychiatry, University of Regensburg, Regenburg, Germany
| | - Hanna Antila
- Neuroscience Center-HILIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Tomasz Rog
- Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Timo Petteri Piepponen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Clive R Bramham
- Department of Biomedicine and KG Jebsen Center for Research on Neuropsychiatric Disorders, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Claus Normann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Center for Basics in Neuromodulation (NeuroModul Basics), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sari E Lauri
- Neuroscience Center-HILIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology-HILIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ilpo Vattulainen
- Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Computational Physics Laboratory, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Eero Castrén
- Neuroscience Center-HILIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
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18
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Jaumotte JD, Saarma M, Zigmond MJ. Protection of dopamine neurons by CDNF and neurturin variant N4 against MPP+ in dissociated cultures from rat mesencephalon. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0245663. [PMID: 33534843 PMCID: PMC7857574 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is associated with the loss of dopamine (DA) neurons in ventral mesencephalon. We have previously reported that no single neurotrophic factor we tested protected DA neurons from the dopaminergic toxin 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) in dissociated cultures isolated from the P0 rat substantia nigra, but that a combination of five neurotrophic factors was protective. We now report that cerebral DA neurotrophic factor (CDNF) and a variant of neurturin (NRTN), N4, were also not protective when provided alone but were protective when added together. In cultures isolated from the substantia nigra, MPP+ (10 μM) decreased tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cells to 41.7 ± 5.4% of vehicle control. Although treatment of cultures with 100 ng/ml of either CDNF or N4 individually before and after toxin exposure did not significantly increase survival in MPP+-treated cultures, when the two trophic factors were added together at 100 ng/ml each, survival of cells was increased 28.2 ± 6.1% above the effect of MPP+ alone. In cultures isolated from the ventral tegmental area, another DA rich area, a higher dose of MPP+ (1 mM) was required to produce an EC50 in TH-positive cells but, as in the substantia nigra, only the combination of CDNF and N4 (100 ng/ml each) was successful at increasing the survival of these cells compared to MPP+ alone (by 22.5 ± 3.5%). These data support previous findings that CDNF and N4 may be of therapeutic value for treatment of PD, but suggest that they may need to be administered together.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliann D. Jaumotte
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
- Pittsburgh Institute of Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Michael J. Zigmond
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
- Pittsburgh Institute of Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
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Eesmaa A, Yu LY, Göös H, Nõges K, Kovaleva V, Hellman M, Zimmermann R, Jung M, Permi P, Varjosalo M, Lindholm P, Saarma M. The cytoprotective protein MANF promotes neuronal survival independently from its role as a GRP78 cofactor. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100295. [PMID: 33460650 PMCID: PMC7949057 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF) is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-stress-regulated protein exhibiting cytoprotective properties through a poorly understood mechanism in various in vitro and in vivo models of neuronal and non-neuronal damage. Although initially characterized as a secreted neurotrophic factor for midbrain dopamine neurons, MANF has recently gained more interest for its intracellular role in regulating the ER homeostasis, including serving as a cofactor of the chaperone glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78). We aimed for a better understanding of the neuroprotective mechanisms of MANF. Here we show for the first time that MANF promotes the survival of ER-stressed neurons in vitro as a general unfolded protein response (UPR) regulator, affecting several UPR pathways simultaneously. Interestingly, MANF does not affect naïve neurons. We hypothesize that MANF regulates UPR signaling toward a mode more compatible with neuronal survival. Screening of MANF interacting proteins from two mammalian cell lines revealed a conserved interactome of 15 proteins including several ER chaperones such as GRP78, GRP170, protein disulfide isomerase family A member 1, and protein disulfide isomerase family A member 6. Further characterization confirmed previously published finding that MANF is a cofactor of GRP78 interacting with its nucleotide binding domain. Using microscale thermophoresis and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, we discovered that MANF is an ATP binding protein and that ATP blocks the MANF-GRP78 interaction. Interestingly, functional analysis of the antiapoptotic properties of MANF mutants in cultured neurons revealed divergent roles of MANF as a GRP78 cofactor and as an antiapoptotic regulator of UPR. We conclude that the co-factor type interaction with GRP78 is dispensable for the survival-promoting activity of MANF in neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ave Eesmaa
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Li-Ying Yu
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Helka Göös
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kristofer Nõges
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Vera Kovaleva
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Maarit Hellman
- Department of Chemistry, Nanoscience Center, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Richard Zimmermann
- Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Martin Jung
- Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Perttu Permi
- Department of Chemistry, Nanoscience Center, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland; Department of Biological and Environmental Science, Nanoscience Center, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Markku Varjosalo
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Päivi Lindholm
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
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20
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Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) pathology involves progressive degeneration and death of vulnerable dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra. Extensive axonal arborization and distinct functions make this type of neurons particularly sensitive to homeostatic perturbations, such as protein misfolding and Ca2+ dysregulation. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a cell compartment orchestrating protein synthesis and folding, as well as synthesis of lipids and maintenance of Ca2+ homeostasis in eukaryotic cells. When misfolded proteins start to accumulate in ER lumen the unfolded protein response (UPR) is activated. UPR is an adaptive signaling machinery aimed at relieving of protein folding load in the ER. When UPR is chronic, it can either boost neurodegeneration and apoptosis or cause neuronal dysfunctions. We have recently discovered that mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF) exerts its prosurvival action in dopamine neurons and in an animal model of PD through the direct binding to UPR sensor inositol-requiring protein 1 alpha (IRE1α) and attenuation of UPR. In line with this, UPR targeting resulted in neuroprotection and neurorestoration in various preclinical animal models of PD. Therefore, growth factors (GFs), possessing both neurorestorative activity and restoration of protein folding capacity are attractive as drug candidates for PD treatment especially their blood-brain barrier penetrating analogs and small molecule mimetics. In this review, we discuss ER stress as a therapeutic target to treat PD; we summarize the existing preclinical data on the regulation of ER stress for PD treatment. In addition, we point out the crucial aspects for successful clinical translation of UPR-regulating GFs and new prospective in GFs-based treatments of PD, focusing on ER stress regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Kovaleva
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Finland
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21
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Jasmin M, Ahn EH, Voutilainen MH, Fombonne J, Guix C, Viljakainen T, Kang SS, Yu LY, Saarma M, Mehlen P, Ye K. Netrin-1 and its receptor DCC modulate survival and death of dopamine neurons and Parkinson's disease features. EMBO J 2020; 40:e105537. [PMID: 33351190 PMCID: PMC7849168 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2020105537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The netrin-1/DCC ligand/receptor pair has key roles in central nervous system (CNS) development, mediating axonal, and neuronal navigation. Although expression of netrin-1 and DCC is maintained in the adult brain, little is known about their role in mature neurons. Notably, netrin-1 is highly expressed in the adult substantia nigra, leading us to investigate a role of the netrin-1/DCC pair in adult nigral neuron fate. Here, we show that silencing netrin-1 in the adult substantia nigra of mice induces DCC cleavage and a significant loss of dopamine neurons, resulting in motor deficits. Because loss of adult dopamine neurons and motor impairments are features of Parkinson's disease (PD), we studied the potential impact of netrin-1 in different animal models of PD. We demonstrate that both overexpression of netrin-1 and brain administration of recombinant netrin-1 are neuroprotective and neurorestorative in mouse and rat models of PD. Of interest, we observed that netrin-1 levels are significantly reduced in PD patient brain samples. These results highlight the key role of netrin-1 in adult dopamine neuron fate, and the therapeutic potential of targeting netrin-1 signaling in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélissa Jasmin
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory - Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', LabEx DEVweCAN, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Université de Lyon, Université de Lyon1, Lyon, France
| | - Eun Hee Ahn
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Merja H Voutilainen
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Joanna Fombonne
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory - Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', LabEx DEVweCAN, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Université de Lyon, Université de Lyon1, Lyon, France
| | - Catherine Guix
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory - Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', LabEx DEVweCAN, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Université de Lyon, Université de Lyon1, Lyon, France
| | - Tuulikki Viljakainen
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Seong Su Kang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Li-Ying Yu
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Patrick Mehlen
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory - Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', LabEx DEVweCAN, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Université de Lyon, Université de Lyon1, Lyon, France
| | - Keqiang Ye
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Renko JM, Voutilainen MH, Visnapuu T, Sidorova YA, Saarma M, Tuominen RK. GDNF Receptor Agonist Alleviates Motor Imbalance in Unilateral 6-Hydroxydopamine Model of Parkinson's Disease. Front Neurol Neurosci Res 2020; 1:100004. [PMID: 33479704 PMCID: PMC7116613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is an incurable neurodegenerative disorder affecting up to 10 million people in the world. Diagnostic motor symptoms of PD appear as a result of progressive degeneration and death of nigrostriatal dopamine neurons. Current PD treatments only relieve symptoms without halting the progression of the disease, and their use is complicated by severe adverse effects emerging as the disease progresses. Therefore, there is an urgent need for new therapies for PD management. We developed a small molecule compound, BT13, targeting receptor tyrosine kinase RET. RET is the signalling receptor for a known survival factor for dopamine neurons called glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). Previously we showed that BT13 prevents the death of cultured dopamine neurons, stimulates dopamine release and activates pro-survival signalling cascades in naïve rodent brain. In the present study, we evaluate the effects of BT13 on motor imbalance and nigrostriatal dopamine neurons in a unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine rat model of PD. We show that BT13 alleviates motor dysfunction in experimental animals. Further studies are needed to make a conclusion whether BT13 can protect the integrity of the nigrostriatal dopamine system since even the positive control, GDNF protein, was unable to produce a clear neuroprotective effect in the model used in the present work. In contrast to GDNF, BT13 is able to cross the blood-brain barrier, which together with the ability to reduce motor symptoms of the disease makes it a valuable lead for further development as a potential disease-modifying agent to treat PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juho-Matti Renko
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Merja H. Voutilainen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Helsinki, Finland,Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tanel Visnapuu
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Yulia A. Sidorova
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Finland,Corresponding authors: Raimo K. Tuominen, Professor, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Viikinkaari 5E, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; , Mart Saarma, Research Director, Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, Viikinkaari 5D, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; , Yulia A, Sidorova, Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, Viikinkaari 5D, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland;
| | - Mart Saarma
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Finland,Corresponding authors: Raimo K. Tuominen, Professor, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Viikinkaari 5E, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; , Mart Saarma, Research Director, Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, Viikinkaari 5D, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; , Yulia A, Sidorova, Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, Viikinkaari 5D, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland;
| | - Raimo K. Tuominen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Helsinki, Finland,Corresponding authors: Raimo K. Tuominen, Professor, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Viikinkaari 5E, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; , Mart Saarma, Research Director, Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, Viikinkaari 5D, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; , Yulia A, Sidorova, Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, Viikinkaari 5D, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland;
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Abstract
Growth factors (GFs) hold considerable promise for disease modification in neurodegenerative disorders because they can protect and restore degenerating neurons and also enhance their functional activity. However, extensive efforts applied to utilize their therapeutic potential in humans have achieved limited success so far. Multiple clinical trials with GFs were performed in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients, in whom diagnostic symptoms of the disease are caused by advanced degeneration of nigrostriatal dopamine neurons (DNs), but the results of these trials are controversial. This review discusses recent developments in the field of therapeutic use of GFs, problems and obstacles related to this use, suggests the ways to overcome these issues, and alternative approaches that can be used to utilize the potential ofGFsin PD management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia A Sidorova
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
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24
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Chalazonitis A, Li Z, Pham TD, Chen J, Rao M, Lindholm P, Saarma M, Lindahl M, Gershon MD. Cover Image, Volume 528, Issue 14. J Comp Neurol 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/cne.24992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Chmielarz P, Saarma M. Neurotrophic factors for disease-modifying treatments of Parkinson's disease: gaps between basic science and clinical studies. Pharmacol Rep 2020; 72:1195-1217. [PMID: 32700249 PMCID: PMC7550372 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-020-00120-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Abstract Background Neurotrophic factors are endogenous proteins promoting the survival of different neural cells. Therefore, they elicited great interest as a possible treatment for neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson’s Disease (PD). PD is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, scientifically characterized more than 200 years ago and initially linked with motor abnormalities. Currently, the disease is viewed as a highly heterogeneous, progressive disorder with a long presymptomatic phase, and both motor and non-motor symptoms. Presently only symptomatic treatments for PD are available. Neurohistopathological changes of PD affected brains have been described more than 100 years ago and characterized by the presence of proteinaceous inclusions known as Lewy bodies and degeneration of dopamine neurons. Despite more than a century of investigations, it has remained unclear why dopamine neurons die in PD. Methods This review summarizes literature data from preclinical studies and clinical trials of neurotrophic factor based therapies for PD and discuss it from the perspective of the current understanding of PD biology. Results Newest data point towards dysfunctions of mitochondria, autophagy-lysosomal pathway, unfolded protein response and prion protein-like spreading of misfolded alpha-synuclein that is the major component of Lewy bodies. Yet, the exact chain of events leading to the demise of dopamine neurons is unclear and perhaps different in subpopulations of patients. Conclusions Gaps in our understanding of underlying disease etiology have hindered our attempts to find treatments able to slow down the progression of PD. Graphic abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Chmielarz
- Department of Brain Biochemistry, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
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26
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Jmaeff S, Sidorova Y, Lippiatt H, Barcelona PF, Nedev H, Saragovi LM, Hancock MA, Saarma M, Saragovi HU. Small-Molecule Ligands that Bind the RET Receptor Activate Neuroprotective Signals Independent of but Modulated by Coreceptor GFR α1. Mol Pharmacol 2020; 98:1-12. [PMID: 32362584 DOI: 10.1124/mol.119.118950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) binds the GFRα1 receptor, and the GDNF-GFRα1 complex binds to and activates the transmembrane RET tyrosine kinase to signal through intracellular Akt/Erk pathways. To dissect the GDNF-GFRα1-RET signaling complex, agents that bind and activate RET directly and independently of GFRα1 expression are valuable tools. In a focused naphthalenesulfonic acid library from the National Cancer Institute database, we identified small molecules that are genuine ligands binding to the RET extracellular domain. These ligands activate RET tyrosine kinase and afford trophic signals irrespective of GFRα1 coexpression. However, RET activation by these ligands is constrained by GFRα1, likely via an allosteric mechanism that can be overcome by increasing RET ligand concentration. In a mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa, monotherapy with a small-molecule RET agonist activates survival signals and reduces neuronal death significantly better than GDNF, suggesting therapeutic potential. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: A genuine ligand of RET receptor ectodomain was identified, which acts as an agonist. Binding and agonism are independent of a coreceptor glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor family receptor α, which is required by the natural growth factor glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, and are selective for cells expressing RET. The lead agent protects neurons from death in vivo. This work validates RET receptor as a druggable therapeutic target and provides for potential leads to evaluate in neurodegenerative states. We also report problems that arise when screening chemical libraries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Jmaeff
- Lady Davis Institute - Jewish General Hospital (S.J., H.L., P.F.B., H.N., L.M.S., H.U.S.), Pharmacology and Therapeutics (S.J., H.U.S.), and SPR-MS Facility (M.H.), McGill University, Montreal, Canada; and Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland (Y.S., M.S.)
| | - Yulia Sidorova
- Lady Davis Institute - Jewish General Hospital (S.J., H.L., P.F.B., H.N., L.M.S., H.U.S.), Pharmacology and Therapeutics (S.J., H.U.S.), and SPR-MS Facility (M.H.), McGill University, Montreal, Canada; and Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland (Y.S., M.S.)
| | - Hayley Lippiatt
- Lady Davis Institute - Jewish General Hospital (S.J., H.L., P.F.B., H.N., L.M.S., H.U.S.), Pharmacology and Therapeutics (S.J., H.U.S.), and SPR-MS Facility (M.H.), McGill University, Montreal, Canada; and Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland (Y.S., M.S.)
| | - Pablo F Barcelona
- Lady Davis Institute - Jewish General Hospital (S.J., H.L., P.F.B., H.N., L.M.S., H.U.S.), Pharmacology and Therapeutics (S.J., H.U.S.), and SPR-MS Facility (M.H.), McGill University, Montreal, Canada; and Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland (Y.S., M.S.)
| | - Hinyu Nedev
- Lady Davis Institute - Jewish General Hospital (S.J., H.L., P.F.B., H.N., L.M.S., H.U.S.), Pharmacology and Therapeutics (S.J., H.U.S.), and SPR-MS Facility (M.H.), McGill University, Montreal, Canada; and Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland (Y.S., M.S.)
| | - Lucia M Saragovi
- Lady Davis Institute - Jewish General Hospital (S.J., H.L., P.F.B., H.N., L.M.S., H.U.S.), Pharmacology and Therapeutics (S.J., H.U.S.), and SPR-MS Facility (M.H.), McGill University, Montreal, Canada; and Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland (Y.S., M.S.)
| | - Mark A Hancock
- Lady Davis Institute - Jewish General Hospital (S.J., H.L., P.F.B., H.N., L.M.S., H.U.S.), Pharmacology and Therapeutics (S.J., H.U.S.), and SPR-MS Facility (M.H.), McGill University, Montreal, Canada; and Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland (Y.S., M.S.)
| | - Mart Saarma
- Lady Davis Institute - Jewish General Hospital (S.J., H.L., P.F.B., H.N., L.M.S., H.U.S.), Pharmacology and Therapeutics (S.J., H.U.S.), and SPR-MS Facility (M.H.), McGill University, Montreal, Canada; and Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland (Y.S., M.S.)
| | - H Uri Saragovi
- Lady Davis Institute - Jewish General Hospital (S.J., H.L., P.F.B., H.N., L.M.S., H.U.S.), Pharmacology and Therapeutics (S.J., H.U.S.), and SPR-MS Facility (M.H.), McGill University, Montreal, Canada; and Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland (Y.S., M.S.)
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27
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Jmaeff S, Sidorova Y, Nedev H, Saarma M, Saragovi HU. Small-molecule agonists of the RET receptor tyrosine kinase activate biased trophic signals that are influenced by the presence of GFRa1 co-receptors. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:6532-6542. [PMID: 32245892 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.011802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a growth factor that regulates the health and function of neurons and other cells. GDNF binds to GDNF family receptor α1 (GFRa1), and the resulting complex activates the RET receptor tyrosine kinase and subsequent downstream signals. This feature restricts GDNF activity to systems in which GFRa1 and RET are both present, a scenario that may constrain GDNF breadth of action. Furthermore, this co-dependence precludes the use of GDNF as a tool to study a putative functional cross-talk between GFRa1 and RET. Here, using biochemical techniques, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling staining, and immunohistochemistry in murine cells, tissues, or retinal organotypic cultures, we report that a naphthoquinone/quinolinedione family of small molecules (Q compounds) acts as RET agonists. We found that, like GDNF, signaling through the parental compound Q121 is GFRa1-dependent. Structural modifications of Q121 generated analogs that activated RET irrespective of GFRa1 expression. We used these analogs to examine RET-GFRa1 interactions and show that GFRa1 can influence RET-mediated signaling and enhance or diminish AKT Ser/Thr kinase or extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling in a biased manner. In a genetic mutant model of retinitis pigmentosa, a lead compound, Q525, afforded sustained RET activation and prevented photoreceptor neuron loss in the retina. This work uncovers key components of the dynamic relationships between RET and its GFRa co-receptor and provides RET agonist scaffolds for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Jmaeff
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1E2, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Yulia Sidorova
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hinyu Nedev
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - H Uri Saragovi
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1E2, Canada .,Department of Pharmacology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1E2, Canada.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1E2, Canada
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28
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Chalazonitis A, Li Z, Pham TD, Chen J, Rao M, Lindholm P, Saarma M, Lindahl M, Gershon MD. Cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor is essential for enteric neuronal development, maintenance, and regulation of gastrointestinal transit. J Comp Neurol 2020; 528:2420-2444. [PMID: 32154930 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor (CDNF) is expressed in the brain and is neuroprotective. We have previously shown that CDNF is also expressed in the bowel and that its absence leads to degeneration and autophagy in the enteric nervous system (ENS), particularly in the submucosal plexus. We now demonstrate that enteric CDNF immunoreactivity is restricted to neurons (submucosal > myenteric) and is not seen in glia, interstitial cells of Cajal, or smooth muscle. Expression of CDNF, moreover, is essential for the normal development and survival of enteric dopaminergic neurons; thus, expression of the dopaminergic neuronal markers, dopamine, tyrosine hydroxylase, and dopamine transporter are deficient in the ileum of Cdnf -/- mice. The normal age-related decline in proportions of submucosal dopaminergic neurons is exacerbated in Cdnf -/- animals. The defect in Cdnf -/- animals is not dopamine-restricted; proportions of other submucosal neurons (NOS-, GABA-, and CGRP-expressing), are also deficient. The deficits in submucosal neurons are reflected functionally in delayed gastric emptying, slowed colonic motility, and prolonged total gastrointestinal transit. CDNF is expressed selectively in isolated enteric neural crest-derived cells (ENCDC), which also express the dopamine-related transcription factor Foxa2. Addition of CDNF to ENCDC promotes development of dopaminergic neurons; moreover, survival of these neurons becomes CDNF-dependent after exposure to bone morphogenetic protein 4. The effects of neither glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) nor serotonin are additive with CDNF. We suggest that CDNF plays a critical role in development and long-term maintenance of dopaminergic and other sets of submucosal neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alcmène Chalazonitis
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York
| | - ZhiShan Li
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York
| | - Tuan D Pham
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York
| | - Jason Chen
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York
| | - Meenakshi Rao
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York
| | - Päivi Lindholm
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Maria Lindahl
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Michael D Gershon
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York
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29
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Mahato AK, Kopra J, Renko J, Visnapuu T, Korhonen I, Pulkkinen N, Bespalov MM, Domanskyi A, Ronken E, Piepponen TP, Voutilainen MH, Tuominen RK, Karelson M, Sidorova YA, Saarma M. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor receptor Rearranged during transfection agonist supports dopamine neurons in Vitro and enhances dopamine release In Vivo. Mov Disord 2020; 35:245-255. [PMID: 31840869 PMCID: PMC7496767 DOI: 10.1002/mds.27943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) are caused by degeneration and progressive loss of nigrostriatal dopamine neurons. Currently, no cure for this disease is available. Existing drugs alleviate PD symptoms but fail to halt neurodegeneration. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is able to protect and repair dopamine neurons in vitro and in animal models of PD, but the clinical use of GDNF is complicated by its pharmacokinetic properties. The present study aimed to evaluate the neuronal effects of a blood-brain-barrier penetrating small molecule GDNF receptor Rearranged in Transfection agonist, BT13, in the dopamine system. METHODS We characterized the ability of BT13 to activate RET in immortalized cells, to support the survival of cultured dopamine neurons, to protect cultured dopamine neurons against neurotoxin-induced cell death, to activate intracellular signaling pathways both in vitro and in vivo, and to regulate dopamine release in the mouse striatum as well as BT13's distribution in the brain. RESULTS BT13 potently activates RET and downstream signaling cascades such as Extracellular Signal Regulated Kinase and AKT in immortalized cells. It supports the survival of cultured dopamine neurons from wild-type but not from RET-knockout mice. BT13 protects cultured dopamine neurons from 6-Hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) and 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+ )-induced cell death only if they express RET. In addition, BT13 is absorbed in the brain, activates intracellular signaling cascades in dopamine neurons both in vitro and in vivo, and also stimulates the release of dopamine in the mouse striatum. CONCLUSION The GDNF receptor RET agonist BT13 demonstrates the potential for further development of novel disease-modifying treatments against PD. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun Kumar Mahato
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, Viikinkaari 5DUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Jaakko Kopra
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Viikinkaari 5EUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Juho‐Matti Renko
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Viikinkaari 5EUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Tanel Visnapuu
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Viikinkaari 5EUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Ilari Korhonen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Viikinkaari 5EUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Nita Pulkkinen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Viikinkaari 5EUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Maxim M. Bespalov
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, Viikinkaari 5DUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Andrii Domanskyi
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, Viikinkaari 5DUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | | | - T. Petteri Piepponen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Viikinkaari 5EUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Merja H. Voutilainen
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, Viikinkaari 5DUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Raimo K. Tuominen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Viikinkaari 5EUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | | | - Yulia A. Sidorova
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, Viikinkaari 5DUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Mart Saarma
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, Viikinkaari 5DUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
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30
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Barker RA, Björklund A, Gash DM, Whone A, Van Laar A, Kordower JH, Bankiewicz K, Kieburtz K, Saarma M, Booms S, Huttunen HJ, Kells AP, Fiandaca MS, Stoessl AJ, Eidelberg D, Federoff H, Voutilainen MH, Dexter DT, Eberling J, Brundin P, Isaacs L, Mursaleen L, Bresolin E, Carroll C, Coles A, Fiske B, Matthews H, Lungu C, Wyse RK, Stott S, Lang AE. GDNF and Parkinson's Disease: Where Next? A Summary from a Recent Workshop. J Parkinsons Dis 2020; 10:875-891. [PMID: 32508331 PMCID: PMC7458523 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-202004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The concept of repairing the brain with growth factors has been pursued for many years in a variety of neurodegenerative diseases including primarily Parkinson's disease (PD) using glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). This neurotrophic factor was discovered in 1993 and shown to have selective effects on promoting survival and regeneration of certain populations of neurons including the dopaminergic nigrostriatal pathway. These observations led to a series of clinical trials in PD patients including using infusions or gene delivery of GDNF or the related growth factor, neurturin (NRTN). Initial studies, some of which were open label, suggested that this approach could be of value in PD when the agent was injected into the putamen rather than the cerebral ventricles. In subsequent double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, the most recent reporting in 2019, treatment with GDNF did not achieve its primary end point. As a result, there has been uncertainty as to whether GDNF (and by extrapolation, related GDNF family neurotrophic factors) has merit in the future treatment of PD. To critically appraise the existing work and its future, a special workshop was held to discuss and debate this issue. This paper is a summary of that meeting with recommendations on whether there is a future for this therapeutic approach and also what any future PD trial involving GDNF and other GDNF family neurotrophic factors should consider in its design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger A. Barker
- Cambridge Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neuroscience and WT-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Don M. Gash
- Professor Emeritus of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Alan Whone
- Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol and Neurological and Musculoskeletal Sciences Division, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Jeffrey H. Kordower
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Krystof Bankiewicz
- Neurological Surgery, Gilbert and Kathryn Mitchell Endowed Chair, Director, Brain Health and Performance Center, The Ohio State University, Department of Neurological Surgery, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Karl Kieburtz
- Center for Health & Technology, and the Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Henri J. Huttunen
- Herantis Pharma Plc, Finland
- Neuroscience Center, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | | | | | - A. Jon Stoessl
- Pacific Parkinson’s Research Centre & Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - David Eidelberg
- Center for Neurosciences, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Howard Federoff
- School of Medicine, Susan and Henry College of Health Sciences, University of California, Irvine and CEO, Aspen Neuroscience, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Jamie Eberling
- The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, New York, NY, USA
| | - Patrik Brundin
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | | | - Leah Mursaleen
- The Cure Parkinson’s Trust, London, UK
- School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, UK and School of Pharmacy, University College London, UK
| | | | | | - Alasdair Coles
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Brian Fiske
- The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Codrin Lungu
- Division of Clinical Research, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Rockville, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Anthony E. Lang
- The Edmond J Safra Program in Parkinson’s Disease and the Morton and Gloria Shulman Movement Disorders Clinic, Toronto Western Hospital, and the Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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31
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Lindahl M, Chalazonitis A, Palm E, Pakarinen E, Danilova T, Pham TD, Setlik W, Rao M, Võikar V, Huotari J, Kopra J, Andressoo JO, Piepponen PT, Airavaara M, Panhelainen A, Gershon MD, Saarma M. Cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor-deficiency leads to degeneration of enteric neurons and altered brain dopamine neuronal function in mice. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 134:104696. [PMID: 31783118 PMCID: PMC7000201 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.104696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor (CDNF) is neuroprotective for nigrostriatal dopamine neurons and restores dopaminergic function in animal models of Parkinson’s disease (PD). To understand the role of CDNF in mammals, we generated CDNF knockout mice (Cdnf−/−), which are viable, fertile, and have a normal life-span. Surprisingly, an age-dependent loss of enteric neurons occurs selectively in the submucosal but not in the myenteric plexus. This neuronal loss is a consequence not of increased apoptosis but of neurodegeneration and autophagy. Quantitatively, the neurodegeneration and autophagy found in the submucosal plexus in duodenum, ileum and colon of the Cdnf−/− mouse are much greater than in those of Cdnf+/+ mice. The selective vulnerability of submucosal neurons to the absence of CDNF is reminiscent of the tendency of pathological abnormalities to occur in the submucosal plexus in biopsies of patients with PD. In contrast, the number of substantia nigra dopamine neurons and dopamine and its metabolite concentrations in the striatum are unaltered in Cdnf−/− mice; however, there is an age-dependent deficit in the function of the dopamine system in Cdnf−/− male mice analyzed. This is observed as D-amphetamine-induced hyperactivity, aberrant dopamine transporter function, and as increased D-amphetamine-induced dopamine release demonstrating that dopaminergic axon terminal function in the striatum of the Cdnf−/− mouse brain is altered. The deficiencies of Cdnf−/− mice, therefore, are reminiscent of those seen in early stages of Parkinson’s disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Lindahl
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE Unit, Viikinkaari 5D, FI-00014, University of Helsinki, Finland.
| | | | - Erik Palm
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE Unit, Viikinkaari 5D, FI-00014, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Emmi Pakarinen
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE Unit, Viikinkaari 5D, FI-00014, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tatiana Danilova
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE Unit, Viikinkaari 5D, FI-00014, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tuan D Pham
- Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University, NY, New York, USA
| | - Wanda Setlik
- Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University, NY, New York, USA
| | - Meenakshi Rao
- Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University, NY, New York, USA
| | - Vootele Võikar
- Neuroscience Center/Laboratory Animal Center, Mustialankatu 1, FI-00014, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jatta Huotari
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE Unit, Viikinkaari 5D, FI-00014, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jaakko Kopra
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Viikinkaari 5E, FI-00014, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jaan-Olle Andressoo
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE Unit, Viikinkaari 5D, FI-00014, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Petteri T Piepponen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Viikinkaari 5E, FI-00014, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mikko Airavaara
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE Unit, Viikinkaari 5D, FI-00014, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anne Panhelainen
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE Unit, Viikinkaari 5D, FI-00014, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Michael D Gershon
- Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University, NY, New York, USA
| | - Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE Unit, Viikinkaari 5D, FI-00014, University of Helsinki, Finland
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32
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Galli E, Planken A, Kadastik-Eerme L, Saarma M, Taba P, Lindholm P. Increased Serum Levels of Mesencephalic Astrocyte-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Subjects With Parkinson's Disease. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:929. [PMID: 31555085 PMCID: PMC6737037 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF) and cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor (CDNF) promote the survival of midbrain dopamine neurons in animal models of Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, little is known about endogenous concentrations of MANF and CDNF in human PD patients, and their relation to PD pathogenesis. Our main objective was to study whether circulating concentrations of MANF and CDNF differ between PD patients and controls, and if they correlate with clinical parameters. Levels of circulating CDNF were studied for the first time. Methods MANF and CDNF levels were measured from serum samples of 34 PD patients and 35 controls using validated in-lab-designed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISAs). MANF and CDNF mRNA levels in whole blood samples of 60 PD patients and 30 controls were measured by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). MANF concentrations in different blood cell types were measured by ELISA. Results Circulating MANF concentrations were significantly higher in PD patients compared to controls (P < 0.001) and were positively correlated with Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) depression rating. MANF protein was present in blood cells, however, MANF mRNA levels in the blood did not differ between PD patients and controls (P = 0.44). The mean concentration of serum CDNF was 33 pg/ml in the controls. CDNF levels were not altered in PD patients (P = 0.25). Conclusion MANF but not CDNF level was increased in the blood of PD patients. It would be interesting to examine the blood level of MANF from early stage PD patients in future studies to test whether MANF can be used as a clinical marker of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Galli
- Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anu Planken
- North Estonia Medical Centre Foundation, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Liis Kadastik-Eerme
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.,Department of Neurology, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pille Taba
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.,Department of Neurology, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Päivi Lindholm
- Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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33
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Virachit S, Mathews KJ, Cottam V, Werry E, Galli E, Rappou E, Lindholm P, Saarma M, Halliday GM, Shannon Weickert C, Double KL. Levels of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor are decreased, but fibroblast growth factor 2 and cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor are increased in the hippocampus in Parkinson's disease. Brain Pathol 2019; 29:813-825. [PMID: 31033033 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.12730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Growth factors can facilitate hippocampus-based learning and memory and are potential targets for treatment of cognitive dysfunction via their neuroprotective and neurorestorative effects. Dementia is common in Parkinson's disease (PD), but treatment options are limited. We aimed to determine if levels of growth factors are altered in the hippocampus of patients with PD, and if such alterations are associated with PD pathology. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to quantify seven growth factors in fresh frozen hippocampus from 10 PD and nine age-matched control brains. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were used to explore cellular and inflammatory changes that may be associated with growth factor alterations. In the PD hippocampus, protein levels of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor were significantly decreased, despite no evidence of neuronal loss. In contrast, protein levels of fibroblast growth factor 2 and cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor were significantly increased in PD compared to controls. Levels of the growth factors epidermal growth factor, heparin-binding epidermal growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor and mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor did not differ between groups. Our data demonstrate changes in specific growth factors in the hippocampus of the PD brain, which potentially represent targets for modification to help attenuate cognitive decline in PD. These data also suggest that multiple growth factors and direction of change needs to be considered when approaching growth factors as a potential treatment for cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Virachit
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, Australia.,School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kathryn J Mathews
- Discipline of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Veronica Cottam
- Discipline of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Eryn Werry
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Emilia Galli
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Elisabeth Rappou
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pӓivi Lindholm
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Glenda M Halliday
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Central Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Cynthia Shannon Weickert
- Schizophrenia Research Laboratory, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, Australia.,School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY
| | - Kay L Double
- Discipline of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Abstract
Neurotrophic factors (NTF) are a subgroup of growth factors that promote survival and
differentiation of neurons. Due to their neuroprotective and neurorestorative properties,
their therapeutic potential has been tested in various neurodegenerative diseases.
Bioavailability of NTFs in the target tissue remains a major challenge for NTF-based
therapies. Various intracerebral delivery approaches, both protein and gene
transfer-based, have been tested with varying outcomes. Three growth factors, glial
cell-line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin (NRTN) and platelet-derived growth
factor (PDGF-BB) have been tested in clinical trials in Parkinson’s disease (PD) during
the past 20 years. A new protein can now be added to this list, as cerebral dopamine
neurotrophic factor (CDNF) has recently entered clinical trials. Despite their misleading
names, CDNF, together with its closest relative mesencephalic astrocyte-derived
neurotrophic factor (MANF), form a novel family of unconventional NTF that are both
structurally and mechanistically distinct from other growth factors. CDNF and MANF are
localized mainly to the lumen of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and their primary function
appears to be modulation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway. Prolonged ER
stress, via the UPR signaling pathways, contributes to the pathogenesis in a number of
chronic degenerative diseases, and is an important target for therapeutic modulation.
Intraputamenally administered recombinant human CDNF has shown robust neurorestorative
effects in a number of small and large animal models of PD, and had a good safety profile
in preclinical toxicology studies. Intermittent monthly bilateral intraputamenal infusions
of CDNF are currently being tested in a randomized placebo-controlled phase I–II clinical
study in moderately advanced PD patients. Here, we review the history of growth
factor-based clinical trials in PD, and discuss how CDNF differs from the previously
tested growth factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henri J Huttunen
- 1 Herantis Pharma Plc, Espoo, Finland.,2 Neuroscience Center, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mart Saarma
- 3 Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Galli E, Lindholm P, Kontturi LS, Saarma M, Urtti A, Yliperttula M. Characterization of CDNF-Secreting ARPE-19 Cell Clones for Encapsulated Cell Therapy. Cell Transplant 2019; 28:413-424. [PMID: 30841717 PMCID: PMC6628564 DOI: 10.1177/0963689719827943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor (CDNF) shows beneficial effects in rodent models of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. The brain is a challenging target for protein therapy due to its exclusive blood–brain barrier. Hence, the therapeutic protein should be delivered directly to the brain parenchyma. Implantation of encapsulated mammalian cells that constantly secrete CDNF is a potential approach for targeted and long-term protein delivery to the brain. In this study, we generated several CDNF-secreting cell clones derived from human retinal pigment epithelial cell line ARPE-19, and studied CDNF secretion from the clones maintained as monolayers and in polymeric microcapsules. The secretion of wild type (wt) CDNF transgene was low and the majority of the produced protein remained intracellular, locating mainly to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The secretion of wtCDNF decreased to even lower levels when the clones were in a non-dividing state, as in the microcapsules. Both codon optimization and deletion of the putative ER-retrieval signal (four last amino acids: KTEL) improved CDNF secretion. More importantly, the secretion of KTEL-deleted CDNF remained constant in the non-dividing clones. Thus, cells expressing KTEL-deleted CDNF, in contrast to wtCDNF, can be considered for cell encapsulation applications if the KTEL-deleted CDNF is proven to be biologically active in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Galli
- 1 Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,2 Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Päivi Lindholm
- 2 Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Leena-Stiina Kontturi
- 1 Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mart Saarma
- 2 Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Arto Urtti
- 1 Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,3 School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Marjo Yliperttula
- 1 Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Danilova T, Galli E, Pakarinen E, Palm E, Lindholm P, Saarma M, Lindahl M. Mesencephalic Astrocyte-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (MANF) Is Highly Expressed in Mouse Tissues With Metabolic Function. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:765. [PMID: 31781038 PMCID: PMC6851024 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF) and cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor (CDNF) form a family of atypical growth factors discovered for their neuroprotective properties in the central nervous system (CNS) in animal models of neurodegenerative diseases. Although their mechanism of protective action still remains unclear, it has been suggested that both MANF and CDNF promote cell survival through regulating the unfolded protein response (UPR), thereby relieving endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Recent studies identified MANF for its emerging roles in metabolic function, inflammation and pancreatic β-cells. We have found that MANF deletion from the pancreas and β-cells leads to postnatal depletion of β-cells and diabetes. Moreover, global MANF-deficiency in mice results in severe diabetes-independent growth retardation. As the expression pattern of MANF in mouse tissues has not been extensively studied, we set out to thoroughly investigate MANF expression in embryonic and adult mice using immunohistochemistry, histochemical X-gal staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR). We found that MANF is highly expressed in brain neurons regulating energy homeostasis and appetite, as well as in hypothalamic nuclei producing hormones and neuropeptides important for different body functions. Strong expression of MANF was also observed in peripheral mouse tissues and cells with high secretory and metabolic function. These include pituitary gland and interestingly we found that the anterior pituitary gland is smaller in MANF-deficient mice compared to wild-type mice. Consequently, we found reduction in the number of growth hormone- and prolactin-producing cells. This combined with increased expression of UPR genes, reduced number of proliferating cells in the anterior pituitary and dysregulated expression of pituitary hormones might contribute to the severe growth defect seen in the MANF knockout mice. Moreover, in this study we compared MANF and CDNF levels in mouse tissues. Unlike MANF, CDNF protein levels are generally lower in mouse tissues, and the highest levels of CDNF was observed in the tissues with high-energy demands and oxidative roles, including heart, muscle, testis, and brown adipose tissue.
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Porokuokka LL, Virtanen HT, Lindén J, Sidorova Y, Danilova T, Lindahl M, Saarma M, Andressoo JO. Gfra1 Underexpression Causes Hirschsprung's Disease and Associated Enterocolitis in Mice. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018; 7:655-678. [PMID: 30594740 PMCID: PMC6444303 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2018.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS RET, the receptor for the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family ligands, is the most frequently mutated gene in congenital aganglionic megacolon or Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR). The leading cause of mortality in HSCR is HSCR-associated enterocolitis (HAEC), which is characterized by altered mucin composition, mucin retention, bacterial adhesion to enterocytes, and epithelial damage, although the order of these events is obscure. In mice, loss of GDNF signaling leads to a severely underdeveloped enteric nervous system and neonatally fatal kidney agenesis, thereby precluding the use of these mice for modeling postnatal HSCR and HAEC. Our aim was to generate a postnatally viable mouse model for HSCR/HAEC and analyze HAEC etiology. METHODS GDNF family receptor alpha-1 (GFRa1) hypomorphic mice were generated by placing a selectable marker gene in the sixth intron of the Gfra1 locus using gene targeting in mouse embryonic stem cells. RESULTS We report that 70%-80% reduction in GDNF co-receptor GFRa1 expression levels in mice results in HSCR and HAEC, leading to death within the first 25 postnatal days. These mice mirror the disease progression and histopathologic findings in children with untreated HSCR/HAEC. CONCLUSIONS In GFRa1 hypomorphic mice, HAEC proceeds from goblet cell dysplasia, with abnormal mucin production and retention, to epithelial damage. Microbial enterocyte adherence and tissue invasion are late events and therefore unlikely to be the primary cause of HAEC. These results suggest that goblet cells may be a potential target for preventative treatment and that reduced expression of GFRa1 may contribute to HSCR susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jere Lindén
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Yulia Sidorova
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tatiana Danilova
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Maria Lindahl
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jaan-Olle Andressoo
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland,Correspondence Address correspondence to: Jaan-Olle Andressoo, PhD, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, PO Box 63, 00014 Helsinki, Finland.
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39
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Hakonen E, Chandra V, Fogarty CL, Yu NYL, Ustinov J, Katayama S, Galli E, Danilova T, Lindholm P, Vartiainen A, Einarsdottir E, Krjutškov K, Kere J, Saarma M, Lindahl M, Otonkoski T. MANF protects human pancreatic beta cells against stress-induced cell death. Diabetologia 2018; 61:2202-2214. [PMID: 30032427 PMCID: PMC6133171 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-018-4687-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS There is a great need to identify factors that could protect pancreatic beta cells against apoptosis or stimulate their replication and thus prevent or reverse the development of diabetes. One potential candidate is mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF), an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress inducible protein. Manf knockout mice used as a model of diabetes develop the condition because of increased apoptosis and reduced proliferation of beta cells, apparently related to ER stress. Given this novel association between MANF and beta cell death, we studied the potential of MANF to protect human beta cells against experimentally induced ER stress. METHODS Primary human islets were challenged with proinflammatory cytokines, with or without MANF. Cell viability was analysed and global transcriptomic analysis performed. Results were further validated using the human beta cell line EndoC-βH1. RESULTS There was increased expression and secretion of MANF in human beta cells in response to cytokines. Addition of recombinant human MANF reduced cytokine-induced cell death by 38% in human islets (p < 0.05). MANF knockdown in EndoC-βH1 cells led to increased ER stress after cytokine challenge. Mechanistic studies showed that the protective effect of MANF was associated with repression of the NF-κB signalling pathway and amelioration of ER stress. MANF also increased the proliferation of primary human beta cells twofold when TGF-β signalling was inhibited (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION Our studies show that exogenous MANF protein can provide protection to human beta cells against death induced by inflammatory stress. The antiapoptotic and mitogenic properties of MANF make it a potential therapeutic agent for beta cell protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elina Hakonen
- Research Programs Unit, Molecular Neurology, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, PO Box 63, (Haartmaninkatu 8), 00014, Helsinki, Finland
- Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Vikash Chandra
- Research Programs Unit, Molecular Neurology, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, PO Box 63, (Haartmaninkatu 8), 00014, Helsinki, Finland.
| | | | - Nancy Yiu-Lin Yu
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Jarkko Ustinov
- Research Programs Unit, Molecular Neurology, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, PO Box 63, (Haartmaninkatu 8), 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Shintaro Katayama
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Emilia Galli
- Research Program in Developmental Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tatiana Danilova
- Research Program in Developmental Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Päivi Lindholm
- Research Program in Developmental Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Aki Vartiainen
- Research Programs Unit, Molecular Neurology, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, PO Box 63, (Haartmaninkatu 8), 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Elisabet Einarsdottir
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
- The Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kaarel Krjutškov
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
- The Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics, Helsinki, Finland
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Juha Kere
- Research Programs Unit, Molecular Neurology, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, PO Box 63, (Haartmaninkatu 8), 00014, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
- The Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Mart Saarma
- Research Program in Developmental Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Maria Lindahl
- Research Program in Developmental Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Timo Otonkoski
- Research Programs Unit, Molecular Neurology, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, PO Box 63, (Haartmaninkatu 8), 00014, Helsinki, Finland.
- Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.
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40
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Ivanova L, Tammiku-Taul J, García-Sosa AT, Sidorova Y, Saarma M, Karelson M. Molecular Dynamics Simulations of the Interactions between Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Family Receptor GFRα1 and Small-Molecule Ligands. ACS Omega 2018; 3:11407-11414. [PMID: 30320260 PMCID: PMC6173496 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.8b01524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family ligands (GFLs) support the survival and functioning of various neuronal populations. Thus, they could be attractive therapeutic agents against a multitude of neurodegenerative diseases caused by progressive death of GFLs responsive neurons. Small-molecule ligands BT13 and BT18 show an effect on GDNF family receptor GFRα1 and RET receptor tyrosine kinase RetA function. Thus, their potential binding sites and interactions were explored in the GDNF-GFRα1-RetA complex using molecular docking calculations as well as molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Three possible regions were examined: the interface between GDNF and GFRα1 (region A), the RetA interface with GFRα1 (region B), and a possible allosteric site in GFRα1 (region C). The results obtained by the docking calculations and the MD simulations indicate that the preferable binding occurs at the allosteric site. A less preferable binding site was detected on the RetA surface interfacing GFRα1. In the membrane-bound state of RetA this can enable compounds BT13 and BT18 to act as direct RetA agonists. The analysis of the MD simulations shows hydrogen bonds for BT13 and significant hydrophobic interactions with GFRα1 for BT13 and BT18 at the allosteric site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larisa Ivanova
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, Ravila 14A, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Jaana Tammiku-Taul
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, Ravila 14A, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | | | - Yulia Sidorova
- Laboratory of Molecular
Neuroscience, Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5D, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mart Saarma
- Laboratory of Molecular
Neuroscience, Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5D, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mati Karelson
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, Ravila 14A, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
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Penttinen AM, Parkkinen I, Blom S, Kopra J, Andressoo JO, Pitkänen K, Voutilainen MH, Saarma M, Airavaara M. Implementation of deep neural networks to count dopamine neurons in substantia nigra. Eur J Neurosci 2018; 48:2354-2361. [PMID: 30144349 PMCID: PMC6585833 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Unbiased estimates of neuron numbers within substantia nigra are crucial for experimental Parkinson's disease models and gene‐function studies. Unbiased stereological counting techniques with optical fractionation are successfully implemented, but are extremely laborious and time‐consuming. The development of neural networks and deep learning has opened a new way to teach computers to count neurons. Implementation of a programming paradigm enables a computer to learn from the data and development of an automated cell counting method. The advantages of computerized counting are reproducibility, elimination of human error and fast high‐capacity analysis. We implemented whole‐slide digital imaging and deep convolutional neural networks (CNN) to count substantia nigra dopamine neurons. We compared the results of the developed method against independent manual counting by human observers and validated the CNN algorithm against previously published data in rats and mice, where tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)‐immunoreactive neurons were counted using unbiased stereology. The developed CNN algorithm and fully cloud‐embedded Aiforia™ platform provide robust and fast analysis of dopamine neurons in rat and mouse substantia nigra.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Maija Penttinen
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE Unit, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ilmari Parkkinen
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE Unit, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sami Blom
- Biomedicum, Fimmic Oy, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jaakko Kopra
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jaan-Olle Andressoo
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE Unit, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Merja H Voutilainen
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE Unit, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE Unit, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mikko Airavaara
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE Unit, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Renko JM, Bäck S, Voutilainen MH, Piepponen TP, Reenilä I, Saarma M, Tuominen RK. Mesencephalic Astrocyte-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (MANF) Elevates Stimulus-Evoked Release of Dopamine in Freely-Moving Rats. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 55:6755-6768. [PMID: 29349573 PMCID: PMC6061195 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-0872-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 01/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Neurotrophic factors (NTFs) hold potential as disease-modifying therapies for neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's disease. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor (CDNF), and mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF) have shown neuroprotective and restorative effects on nigral dopaminergic neurons in various animal models of Parkinson's disease. To date, however, their effects on brain neurochemistry have not been compared using in vivo microdialysis. We measured extracellular concentration of dopamine and activity of dopamine neurochemistry-regulating enzymes in the nigrostriatal system of rat brain. NTFs were unilaterally injected into the striatum of intact Wistar rats. Brain microdialysis experiments were performed 1 and 3 weeks later in freely-moving animals. One week after the treatment, we observed enhanced stimulus-evoked release of dopamine in the striatum of MANF-treated rats, but not in rats treated with GDNF or CDNF. MANF also increased dopamine turnover. Although GDNF did not affect the extracellular level of dopamine, we found significantly elevated tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) activity and decreased monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) activity in striatal tissue samples 1 week after GDNF injection. The results show that GDNF, CDNF, and MANF have divergent effects on dopaminergic neurotransmission, as well as on dopamine synthetizing and metabolizing enzymes. Although the cellular mechanisms remain to be clarified, knowing the biological effects of exogenously administrated NTFs in intact brain is an important step towards developing novel neurotrophic treatments for degenerative brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juho-Matti Renko
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5E, P.O. Box 56, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Susanne Bäck
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5E, P.O. Box 56, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Merja H Voutilainen
- Institute of Biotechnology, Research Program in Developmental Biology, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5D, P.O. Box 56, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - T Petteri Piepponen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5E, P.O. Box 56, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ilkka Reenilä
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5E, P.O. Box 56, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology, Research Program in Developmental Biology, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5D, P.O. Box 56, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Raimo K Tuominen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5E, P.O. Box 56, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
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Li W, Mäkilä E, Salonen J, Saarma M, Sidorova Y, Santos HA. GDNF mimetics delivery by porous silicon nanoparticles for improved Parkinson’s disease management. Nanomedicine: Nanotechnology, Biology and Medicine 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2017.11.290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Penttinen AM, Parkkinen I, Voutilainen MH, Koskela M, Bäck S, Their A, Richie CT, Domanskyi A, Harvey BK, Tuominen RK, Nevalaita L, Saarma M, Airavaara M. Pre-α-pro-GDNF and Pre-β-pro-GDNF Isoforms Are Neuroprotective in the 6-hydroxydopamine Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease. Front Neurol 2018; 9:457. [PMID: 29973907 PMCID: PMC6019446 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is one of the most studied neurotrophic factors. GDNF has two splice isoforms, full-length pre-α-pro-GDNF (α-GDNF) and pre-β-pro-GDNF (β-GDNF), which has a 26 amino acid deletion in the pro-region. Thus far, studies have focused solely on the α-GDNF isoform, and nothing is known about the in vivo effects of the shorter β-GDNF variant. Here we compare for the first time the effects of overexpressed α-GDNF and β-GDNF in non-lesioned rat striatum and the partial 6-hydroxydopamine lesion model of Parkinson's disease. GDNF isoforms were overexpressed with their native pre-pro-sequences in the striatum using an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector, and the effects on motor performance and dopaminergic phenotype of the nigrostriatal pathway were assessed. In the non-lesioned striatum, both isoforms increased the density of dopamine transporter-positive fibers at 3 weeks after viral vector delivery. Although both isoforms increased the activity of the animals in cylinder assay, only α-GDNF enhanced the use of contralateral paw. Four weeks later, the striatal tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-immunoreactivity was decreased in both α-GDNF and β-GDNF treated animals. In the neuroprotection assay, both GDNF splice isoforms increased the number of TH-immunoreactive cells in the substantia nigra but did not promote behavioral recovery based on amphetamine-induced rotation or cylinder assays. Thus, the shorter GDNF isoform, β-GDNF, and the full-length α-isoform have comparable neuroprotective efficacy on dopamine neurons of the nigrostriatal circuitry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Maija Penttinen
- HiLIFE Unit, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ilmari Parkkinen
- HiLIFE Unit, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Merja H Voutilainen
- HiLIFE Unit, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Maryna Koskela
- HiLIFE Unit, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Susanne Bäck
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anna Their
- HiLIFE Unit, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Christopher T Richie
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Andrii Domanskyi
- HiLIFE Unit, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Brandon K Harvey
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Raimo K Tuominen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Liina Nevalaita
- HiLIFE Unit, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mart Saarma
- HiLIFE Unit, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mikko Airavaara
- HiLIFE Unit, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Ivanova L, Tammiku-Taul J, Sidorova Y, Saarma M, Karelson M. Small-Molecule Ligands as Potential GDNF Family Receptor Agonists. ACS Omega 2018; 3:1022-1030. [PMID: 30023796 PMCID: PMC6045390 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.7b01932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
To find out potential GDNF family receptor α1 (GFRα1) agonists, small molecules were built up by molecular fragments according to the structure-based drug design approach. Molecular docking was used to identify their binding modes to the biological target GFRα1 in GDNF-binding pocket. Thereafter, commercially available compounds based on the best predicted structures were searched from ZINC and MolPort databases (similarity ≥ 80%). Five compounds from the ZINC library were tested in phosphorylation and luciferase assays to study their ability to activate GFRα1-RET. A bidental compound with two carboxyl groups showed the highest activity in molecular modeling and biological studies. However, the relative position of these groups was important. The meta-substituted structure otherwise identical to the most active compound 2-[4-(5-carboxy-1H-1,3-benzodiazol-2-yl)phenyl]-1H-1,3-benzodiazole-5-carboxylic acid was inactive. A weaker activity was detected for a compound with a single carboxyl group, that is, 4-(1,3-benzoxazol-2-yl)benzoic acid. The substitution of the carboxyl group by the amino or acetamido group also led to the loss of the activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larisa Ivanova
- Institute
of Chemistry, University of Tartu, Ravila 14A, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Jaana Tammiku-Taul
- Institute
of Chemistry, University of Tartu, Ravila 14A, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Yulia Sidorova
- Laboratory
of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of
Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5D, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mart Saarma
- Laboratory
of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of
Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5D, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mati Karelson
- Institute
of Chemistry, University of Tartu, Ravila 14A, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
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46
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Panhelainen A, Palm E, Võikar V, Lindahl M, Saarma M. Cdnf Knockout mice show age-dependent changes in the function of dopaminergic terminals. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2017.11.126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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47
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Antila S, Karaman S, Nurmi H, Airavaara M, Voutilainen MH, Mathivet T, Chilov D, Li Z, Koppinen T, Park JH, Fang S, Aspelund A, Saarma M, Eichmann A, Thomas JL, Alitalo K. Development and plasticity of meningeal lymphatic vessels. J Exp Med 2017; 214:3645-3667. [PMID: 29141865 PMCID: PMC5716035 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20170391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 267] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Revised: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Antila et al. show that meningeal lymphatic vessels in mice develop postnatally. Interruption of VEGF-C/VEGFR3 signal transduction arrests their development. In adult mice, VEGFR3 deletion and VEGFR3 blockers, including a clinically available tyrosine kinase inhibitor, induce regression of meningeal lymphatic vessels. The recent discovery of meningeal lymphatic vessels (LVs) has raised interest in their possible involvement in neuropathological processes, yet little is known about their development or maintenance. We show here that meningeal LVs develop postnatally, appearing first around the foramina in the basal parts of the skull and spinal canal, sprouting along the blood vessels and cranial and spinal nerves to various parts of the meninges surrounding the central nervous system (CNS). VEGF-C, expressed mainly in vascular smooth muscle cells, and VEGFR3 in lymphatic endothelial cells were essential for their development, whereas VEGF-D deletion had no effect. Surprisingly, in adult mice, the LVs showed regression after VEGF-C or VEGFR3 deletion, administration of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor sunitinib, or expression of VEGF-C/D trap, which also compromised the lymphatic drainage function. Conversely, an excess of VEGF-C induced meningeal lymphangiogenesis. The plasticity and regenerative potential of meningeal LVs should allow manipulation of cerebrospinal fluid drainage and neuropathological processes in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salli Antila
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Biology Program, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sinem Karaman
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Biology Program, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Harri Nurmi
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Biology Program, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mikko Airavaara
- Program in Developmental Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE Unit, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Merja H Voutilainen
- Program in Developmental Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE Unit, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Thomas Mathivet
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, Paris, France
| | - Dmitri Chilov
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Biology Program, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Zhilin Li
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Biology Program, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tapani Koppinen
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Biology Program, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jun-Hee Park
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Shentong Fang
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Biology Program, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Aleksanteri Aspelund
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Biology Program, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mart Saarma
- Program in Developmental Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE Unit, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anne Eichmann
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, Paris, France.,Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Jean-Léon Thomas
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.,Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Université Paris 06, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1127, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, AP-HP, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Epinière, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Kari Alitalo
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Biology Program, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Sidorova YA, Bespalov MM, Wong AW, Kambur O, Jokinen V, Lilius TO, Suleymanova I, Karelson G, Rauhala PV, Karelson M, Osborne PB, Keast JR, Kalso EA, Saarma M. A Novel Small Molecule GDNF Receptor RET Agonist, BT13, Promotes Neurite Growth from Sensory Neurons in Vitro and Attenuates Experimental Neuropathy in the Rat. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:365. [PMID: 28680400 PMCID: PMC5478727 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2017] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain caused by nerve damage is a common and severe class of chronic pain. Disease-modifying clinical therapies are needed as current treatments typically provide only symptomatic relief; show varying clinical efficacy; and most have significant adverse effects. One approach is targeting either neurotrophic factors or their receptors that normalize sensory neuron function and stimulate regeneration after nerve damage. Two candidate targets are glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and artemin (ARTN), as these GDNF family ligands (GFLs) show efficacy in animal models of neuropathic pain (Boucher et al., 2000; Gardell et al., 2003; Wang et al., 2008, 2014). As these protein ligands have poor drug-like properties and are expensive to produce for clinical use, we screened 18,400 drug-like compounds to develop small molecules that act similarly to GFLs (GDNF mimetics). This screening identified BT13 as a compound that selectively targeted GFL receptor RET to activate downstream signaling cascades. BT13 was similar to NGF and ARTN in selectively promoting neurite outgrowth from the peptidergic class of adult sensory neurons in culture, but was opposite to ARTN in causing neurite elongation without affecting initiation. When administered after spinal nerve ligation in a rat model of neuropathic pain, 20 and 25 mg/kg of BT13 decreased mechanical hypersensitivity and normalized expression of sensory neuron markers in dorsal root ganglia. In control rats, BT13 had no effect on baseline mechanical or thermal sensitivity, motor coordination, or weight gain. Thus, small molecule BT13 selectively activates RET and offers opportunities for developing novel disease-modifying medications to treat neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia A Sidorova
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Biotechnology, University of HelsinkiHelsinki, Finland
| | - Maxim M Bespalov
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Biotechnology, University of HelsinkiHelsinki, Finland
| | - Agnes W Wong
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of MelbourneMelbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Oleg Kambur
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of HelsinkiHelsinki, Finland
| | - Viljami Jokinen
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of HelsinkiHelsinki, Finland
| | - Tuomas O Lilius
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of HelsinkiHelsinki, Finland
| | - Ilida Suleymanova
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Biotechnology, University of HelsinkiHelsinki, Finland
| | | | - Pekka V Rauhala
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of HelsinkiHelsinki, Finland
| | - Mati Karelson
- Department of Molecular Technology, Institute of Chemistry, University of TartuTartu, Estonia
| | - Peregrine B Osborne
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of MelbourneMelbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Janet R Keast
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of MelbourneMelbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Eija A Kalso
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of HelsinkiHelsinki, Finland.,Pain Clinic, Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University HospitalHelsinki, Finland
| | - Mart Saarma
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Biotechnology, University of HelsinkiHelsinki, Finland
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49
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Lindström R, Lindholm P, Palgi M, Saarma M, Heino TI. In vivo screening reveals interactions between Drosophila Manf and genes involved in the mitochondria and the ubiquinone synthesis pathway. BMC Genet 2017; 18:52. [PMID: 28578657 PMCID: PMC5455201 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-017-0509-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mesencephalic Astrocyte-derived Neurotrophic Factor (MANF) and Cerebral Dopamine Neurotrophic Factor (CDNF) form an evolutionarily conserved family of neurotrophic factors. Orthologues for MANF/CDNF are the only neurotrophic factors as yet identified in invertebrates with conserved amino acid sequence. Previous studies indicate that mammalian MANF and CDNF support and protect brain dopaminergic system in non-cell-autonomous manner. However, MANF has also been shown to function intracellularly in the endoplasmic reticulum. To date, the knowledge on the interacting partners of MANF/CDNF and signaling pathways they activate is rudimentary. Here, we have employed the Drosophila genetics to screen for potential interaction partners of Drosophila Manf (DmManf) in vivo. RESULTS We first show that DmManf plays a role in the development of Drosophila wing. We exploited this function by using Drosophila UAS-RNAi lines and discovered novel genetic interactions of DmManf with genes known to function in the mitochondria. We also found evidence of an interaction between DmManf and the Drosophila homologue encoding Ku70, the closest structural homologue of SAP domain of mammalian MANF. CONCLUSIONS In addition to the previously known functions of MANF/CDNF protein family, DmManf also interacts with mitochondria-related genes. Our data supports the functional importance of these evolutionarily significant proteins and provides new insights for the future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riitta Lindström
- Department of Biosciences, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Current affiliation: Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Päivi Lindholm
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mari Palgi
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology, EE-12618 Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tapio I. Heino
- Department of Biosciences, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
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50
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Saarenpää T, Kogan K, Sidorova Y, Mahato AK, Tascón I, Kaljunen H, Yu L, Kallijärvi J, Jurvansuu J, Saarma M, Goldman A. Zebrafish GDNF and its co-receptor GFRα1 activate the human RET receptor and promote the survival of dopaminergic neurons in vitro. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0176166. [PMID: 28467503 PMCID: PMC5415192 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0176166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2016] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a ligand that activates, through co-receptor GDNF family receptor alpha-1 (GFRα1) and receptor tyrosine kinase “RET”, several signaling pathways crucial in the development and sustainment of multiple neuronal populations. We decided to study whether non-mammalian orthologs of these three proteins have conserved their function: can they activate the human counterparts? Using the baculovirus expression system, we expressed and purified Danio rerio RET, and its binding partners GFRα1 and GDNF, and Drosophila melanogaster RET and two isoforms of co-receptor GDNF receptor-like. Our results report high-level insect cell expression of post-translationally modified and dimerized zebrafish RET and its binding partners. We also found that zebrafish GFRα1 and GDNF are comparably active as mammalian cell-produced ones. We also report the first measurements of the affinity of the complex to RET in solution: at least for zebrafish, the Kd for GFRα1-GDNF binding RET is 5.9 μM. Surprisingly, we also found that zebrafish GDNF as well as zebrafish GFRα1 robustly activated human RET signaling and promoted the survival of cultured mouse dopaminergic neurons with comparable efficiency to mammalian GDNF, unlike E. coli-produced human proteins. These results contradict previous studies suggesting that mammalian GFRα1 and GDNF cannot bind and activate non-mammalian RET and vice versa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuulia Saarenpää
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Konstantin Kogan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Yulia Sidorova
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Arun Kumar Mahato
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Igor Tascón
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Heidi Kaljunen
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Liying Yu
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jukka Kallijärvi
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jaana Jurvansuu
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Adrian Goldman
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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