1
|
Gouveia Roque C, Phatnani H, Hengst U. The broken Alzheimer's disease genome. Cell Genom 2024; 4:100555. [PMID: 38697121 DOI: 10.1016/j.xgen.2024.100555] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
The complex pathobiology of late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD) poses significant challenges to therapeutic and preventative interventions. Despite these difficulties, genomics and related disciplines are allowing fundamental mechanistic insights to emerge with clarity, particularly with the introduction of high-resolution sequencing technologies. After all, the disrupted processes at the interface between DNA and gene expression, which we call the broken AD genome, offer detailed quantitative evidence unrestrained by preconceived notions about the disease. In addition to highlighting biological pathways beyond the classical pathology hallmarks, these advances have revitalized drug discovery efforts and are driving improvements in clinical tools. We review genetic, epigenomic, and gene expression findings related to AD pathogenesis and explore how their integration enables a better understanding of the multicellular imbalances contributing to this heterogeneous condition. The frontiers opening on the back of these research milestones promise a future of AD care that is both more personalized and predictive.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cláudio Gouveia Roque
- Center for Genomics of Neurodegenerative Disease, New York Genome Center, New York, NY 10013, USA; The Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | - Hemali Phatnani
- Center for Genomics of Neurodegenerative Disease, New York Genome Center, New York, NY 10013, USA; Department of Neurology, Center for Translational and Computational Neuroimmunology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Ulrich Hengst
- The Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gouveia Roque C, Chung KM, McCurdy EP, Jagannathan R, Randolph LK, Herline-Killian K, Baleriola J, Hengst U. CREB3L2-ATF4 heterodimerization defines a transcriptional hub of Alzheimer's disease gene expression linked to neuropathology. Sci Adv 2023; 9:eadd2671. [PMID: 36867706 PMCID: PMC9984184 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.add2671] [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] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Gene expression is changed by disease, but how these molecular responses arise and contribute to pathophysiology remains less understood. We discover that β-amyloid, a trigger of Alzheimer's disease (AD), promotes the formation of pathological CREB3L2-ATF4 transcription factor heterodimers in neurons. Through a multilevel approach based on AD datasets and a novel chemogenetic method that resolves the genomic binding profile of dimeric transcription factors (ChIPmera), we find that CREB3L2-ATF4 activates a transcription network that interacts with roughly half of the genes differentially expressed in AD, including subsets associated with β-amyloid and tau neuropathologies. CREB3L2-ATF4 activation drives tau hyperphosphorylation and secretion in neurons, in addition to misregulating the retromer, an endosomal complex linked to AD pathogenesis. We further provide evidence for increased heterodimer signaling in AD brain and identify dovitinib as a candidate molecule for normalizing β-amyloid-mediated transcriptional responses. The findings overall reveal differential transcription factor dimerization as a mechanism linking disease stimuli to the development of pathogenic cellular states.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cláudio Gouveia Roque
- The Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kyung Min Chung
- The Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ethan P. McCurdy
- Integrated Program in Cellular, Molecular, and Biomedical Studies, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Radhika Jagannathan
- Division of Aging and Dementia, Department of Neurology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lisa K. Randolph
- Doctoral Program in Neurobiology and Behavior, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Krystal Herline-Killian
- The Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jimena Baleriola
- The Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain
- IKERBASQUE Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, University of the Basque Country, Leioa, Spain
| | - Ulrich Hengst
- The Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Roque CG, Baleriola J, Hengst U. A transcriptional mechanism for retromer misregulation. Alzheimers Dement 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/alz.043880] [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: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cláudio Gouveia Roque
- The Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain Columbia University New York NY USA
| | | | - Ulrich Hengst
- The Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain Columbia University New York NY USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
McCurdy EP, Chung KM, Benitez-Agosto CR, Hengst U. Promotion of Axon Growth by the Secreted End of a Transcription Factor. Cell Rep 2020; 29:363-377.e5. [PMID: 31597097 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.08.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Axon growth is regulated externally by attractive and repulsive cues generated in the environment. In addition, intrinsic pathways govern axon development, although the extent to which axons themselves can influence their own growth is unknown. We find that dorsal root ganglion (DRG) axons secrete a factor supporting axon growth and identify it as the C terminus of the ER stress-induced transcription factor CREB3L2, which is generated by site 2 protease (S2P) cleavage in sensory neurons. S2P and CREB3L2 knockdown or inhibition of axonal S2P interfere with the growth of axons, and C-terminal CREB3L2 is sufficient to rescue these effects. C-terminal CREB3L2 forms a complex with Shh and stabilizes its association with the Patched-1 receptor on developing axons. Our results reveal a neuron-intrinsic pathway downstream of S2P that promotes axon growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ethan P McCurdy
- Integrated Program in Cellular, Molecular and Biomedical Studies, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Kyung Min Chung
- The Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Carlos R Benitez-Agosto
- The Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Ulrich Hengst
- The Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Martínez JC, Randolph LK, Iascone DM, Pernice HF, Polleux F, Hengst U. Pum2 Shapes the Transcriptome in Developing Axons through Retention of Target mRNAs in the Cell Body. Neuron 2019; 104:931-946.e5. [PMID: 31606248 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2019.08.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [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: 08/18/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Localized protein synthesis is fundamental for neuronal development, maintenance, and function. Transcriptomes in axons and soma are distinct, but the mechanisms governing the composition of axonal transcriptomes and their developmental regulation are only partially understood. We found that the binding motif for the RNA-binding proteins Pumilio 1 and 2 (Pum1 and Pum2) is underrepresented in transcriptomes of developing axons. Introduction of Pumilio-binding elements (PBEs) into mRNAs containing a β-actin zipcode prevented axonal localization and translation. Pum2 is restricted to the soma of developing neurons, and Pum2 knockdown or blocking its binding to mRNA caused the appearance and translation of PBE-containing mRNAs in axons. Pum2-deficient neurons exhibited axonal growth and branching defects in vivo and impaired axon regeneration in vitro. These results reveal that Pum2 shapes axonal transcriptomes by preventing the transport of PBE-containing mRNAs into axons, and they identify somatic mRNAs retention as a mechanism for the temporal control of intra-axonal protein synthesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José C Martínez
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; The Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Lisa K Randolph
- The Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Doctoral Program in Neurobiology and Behavior, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Daniel Maxim Iascone
- Doctoral Program in Neurobiology and Behavior, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Helena F Pernice
- The Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Biomedical Center, Medical Faculty, Ludwig Maximilians University, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Franck Polleux
- Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Kavli Institute for Brain Science, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Ulrich Hengst
- The Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abstract
While PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are primarily recognized as guardians of genome integrity, new functions of these small non-coding RNAs are emerging. In this issue, Kim et al. (2018) describe a piRNA-based mechanism that limits axon regeneration in C. elegans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cláudio Gouveia Roque
- The Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Ulrich Hengst
- The Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Walker CA, Randolph LK, Matute C, Alberdi E, Baleriola J, Hengst U. Aβ 1-42 triggers the generation of a retrograde signaling complex from sentinel mRNAs in axons. EMBO Rep 2018; 19:e45435. [PMID: 29759981 PMCID: PMC6030698 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201745435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [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: 11/03/2017] [Revised: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurons frequently encounter neurodegenerative signals first in their periphery. For example, exposure of axons to oligomeric Aβ1-42 is sufficient to induce changes in the neuronal cell body that ultimately lead to degeneration. Currently, it is unclear how the information about the neurodegenerative insult is transmitted to the soma. Here, we find that the translation of pre-localized but normally silenced sentinel mRNAs in axons is induced within minutes of Aβ1-42 addition in a Ca2+-dependent manner. This immediate protein synthesis following Aβ1-42 exposure generates a retrograde signaling complex including vimentin. Inhibition of the immediate protein synthesis, knock-down of axonal vimentin synthesis, or inhibition of dynein-dependent transport to the soma prevented the normal cell body response to Aβ1-42 These results establish that CNS axons react to neurodegenerative insults via the local translation of sentinel mRNAs encoding components of a retrograde signaling complex that transmit the information about the event to the neuronal soma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chandler A Walker
- Integrated Program in Cellular, Molecular and Biomedical Studies, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lisa K Randolph
- Doctoral Program in Neurobiology and Behavior, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Carlos Matute
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain
- Departamento de Neurociencias, Universidad del País Vasco (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
- Centro de Investigación en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Leioa, Spain
| | - Elena Alberdi
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain
- Departamento de Neurociencias, Universidad del País Vasco (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
- Centro de Investigación en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Leioa, Spain
| | - Jimena Baleriola
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain
- IKERBASQUE Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
- The Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ulrich Hengst
- The Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Batista AFR, Martínez JC, Hengst U. Intra-axonal Synthesis of SNAP25 Is Required for the Formation of Presynaptic Terminals. Cell Rep 2018; 20:3085-3098. [PMID: 28954226 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.08.097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [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: 06/08/2017] [Revised: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Localized protein synthesis is a mechanism for developing axons to react acutely and in a spatially restricted manner to extracellular signals. As such, it is important for many aspects of axonal development, but its role in the formation of presynapses remains poorly understood. We found that the induced assembly of presynaptic terminals required local protein synthesis. Newly synthesized proteins were detectable at nascent presynapses within 15 min of inducing synapse formation in isolated axons. The transcript for the t-SNARE protein SNAP25, which is required for the fusion of synaptic vesicles with the plasma membrane, was recruited to presynaptic sites and locally translated. Inhibition of intra-axonal SNAP25 synthesis affected the clustering of SNAP25 and other presynaptic proteins and interfered with the release of synaptic vesicles from presynaptic sites. This study reveals a critical role for the axonal synthesis of SNAP25 in the assembly of presynaptic terminals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreia F R Batista
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's, PT Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal; The Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain and Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - José C Martínez
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Ulrich Hengst
- The Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain and Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Weyn-Vanhentenryck SM, Feng H, Ustianenko D, Duffié R, Yan Q, Jacko M, Martinez JC, Goodwin M, Zhang X, Hengst U, Lomvardas S, Swanson MS, Zhang C. Precise temporal regulation of alternative splicing during neural development. Nat Commun 2018; 9:2189. [PMID: 29875359 PMCID: PMC5989265 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-04559-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [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: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing (AS) is one crucial step of gene expression that must be tightly regulated during neurodevelopment. However, the precise timing of developmental splicing switches and the underlying regulatory mechanisms are poorly understood. Here we systematically analyze the temporal regulation of AS in a large number of transcriptome profiles of developing mouse cortices, in vivo purified neuronal subtypes, and neurons differentiated in vitro. Our analysis reveals early-switch and late-switch exons in genes with distinct functions, and these switches accurately define neuronal maturation stages. Integrative modeling suggests that these switches are under direct and combinatorial regulation by distinct sets of neuronal RNA-binding proteins including Nova, Rbfox, Mbnl, and Ptbp. Surprisingly, various neuronal subtypes in the sensory systems lack Nova and/or Rbfox expression. These neurons retain the "immature" splicing program in early-switch exons, affecting numerous synaptic genes. These results provide new insights into the organization and regulation of the neurodevelopmental transcriptome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastien M Weyn-Vanhentenryck
- Department of Systems Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Huijuan Feng
- Department of Systems Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Department of Automation, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Bioinformatics Division, TNLIST, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Dmytro Ustianenko
- Department of Systems Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Rachel Duffié
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain and Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Qinghong Yan
- Department of Systems Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Department of Comparative Biology and Safety Sciences, Amgen Inc., Cambridge, MA, 02141, USA
| | - Martin Jacko
- Department of Systems Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Jose C Martinez
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, The Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Marianne Goodwin
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Center for NeuroGenetics and the Genetics Institute, University of Florida, College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Xuegong Zhang
- Department of Automation, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Bioinformatics Division, TNLIST, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Ulrich Hengst
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, The Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Stavros Lomvardas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain and Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Maurice S Swanson
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Center for NeuroGenetics and the Genetics Institute, University of Florida, College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Chaolin Zhang
- Department of Systems Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Villarin JM, McCurdy EP, Martínez JC, Hengst U. Local synthesis of dynein cofactors matches retrograde transport to acutely changing demands. Nat Commun 2016; 7:13865. [PMID: 28000671 PMCID: PMC5187584 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms13865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [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: 07/01/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytoplasmic dynein mediates retrograde transport in axons, but it is unknown how its transport characteristics are regulated to meet acutely changing demands. We find that stimulus-induced retrograde transport of different cargos requires the local synthesis of different dynein cofactors. Nerve growth factor (NGF)-induced transport of large vesicles requires local synthesis of Lis1, while smaller signalling endosomes require both Lis1 and p150Glued. Lis1 synthesis is also triggered by NGF withdrawal and required for the transport of a death signal. Association of Lis1 transcripts with the microtubule plus-end tracking protein APC is required for their translation in response to NGF stimulation but not for their axonal recruitment and translation upon NGF withdrawal. These studies reveal a critical role for local synthesis of dynein cofactors for the transport of specific cargos and identify association with RNA-binding proteins as a mechanism to establish functionally distinct pools of a single transcript species in axons.
The molecular mechanisms underlying retrograde transport in axons are only partially understood. Villarin et al. show that in cultured DRG neurons, extracellular trophic cues such as NGF dynamically regulate local protein synthesis of dynein cofactors, thus controlling retrograde trafficking in neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M Villarin
- Medical Scientist Training Program, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | - Ethan P McCurdy
- Integrated Program in Cellular, Molecular and Biomedical Studies, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | - José C Martínez
- Medical Scientist Training Program, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | - Ulrich Hengst
- The Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA.,Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Li S, Fu J, Lu C, Mapara MY, Raza S, Hengst U, Lentzsch S. Elevated Translation Initiation Factor eIF4E Is an Attractive Therapeutic Target in Multiple Myeloma. Mol Cancer Ther 2016; 15:711-9. [PMID: 26939700 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-15-0798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2015] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
eIF4E is the key regulator of protein translation and critical for translation. The oncogenic potential of tumorigenesis, which is highly contingent on cap-dependent eIF4E, also arises from the critical role in the nuclear export and cytosolic translation of oncogenic transcripts. Inhibition of Exportin1 (XPO1), which is the major nuclear export protein for eIF4E-bound oncoprotein mRNAs, results in decreased tumor cell growth in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that eIF4E is critical in multiple myeloma. Indeed, we found that eIF4E is overexpressed in myeloma cell lines and primary myeloma cells compared with normal plasma cells. Although stable overexpression of eIF4E in multiple myeloma cells significantly increases tumorigenesis, knockdown of eIF4E impairs multiple myeloma tumor progression in a human xenograft mouse model. Using a tet-on-inducible eIF4E-knockdown system, eIF4E downregulation blocks multiple myeloma tumor growth in vivo, correlating with decreased eIF4E expression. Further overexpression and knockdown of eIF4E revealed that eIF4E regulates translation of mRNAs with highly complex 5'-untranslated regions, such as c-MYC and C/EBPβ, and subsequently proliferation in multiple myeloma cells, but not in nonmalignant bone marrow stromal cells. Because many transcription factors that are critical for multiple myeloma proliferation exhibit a higher dependency on protein translation, eIF4E is an ideal and selective tool to target multiple myeloma cell growth. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(4); 711-9. ©2016 AACR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shirong Li
- Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Jing Fu
- Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Caisheng Lu
- Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Markus Y Mapara
- Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Shahzad Raza
- Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Ulrich Hengst
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Suzanne Lentzsch
- Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease affecting the aging population. A key neuropathological feature of the disease is the over-production of amyloid-beta and the deposition of amyloid-beta plaques in brain regions of the afflicted individuals. Throughout the years scientists have generated numerous Alzheimer's disease mouse models that attempt to replicate the amyloid-beta pathology. Unfortunately, the mouse models only selectively mimic the disease features. Neuronal death, a prominent effect in the brains of Alzheimer's disease patients, is noticeably lacking in these mice. Hence, we and others have employed a method of directly infusing soluble oligomeric species of amyloid-beta - forms of amyloid-beta that have been proven to be most toxic to neurons - stereotaxically into the brain. In this report we utilize male C57BL/6J mice to document this surgical technique of increasing amyloid-beta levels in a select brain region. The infusion target is the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus because this brain structure, along with the basal forebrain that is connected by the cholinergic circuit, represents one of the areas of degeneration in the disease. The results of elevating amyloid-beta in the dentate gyrus via stereotaxic infusion reveal increases in neuron loss in the dentate gyrus within 1 week, while there is a concomitant increase in cell death and cholinergic neuron loss in the vertical limb of the diagonal band of Broca of the basal forebrain. These effects are observed up to 2 weeks. Our data suggests that the current amyloid-beta infusion model provides an alternative mouse model to address region specific neuron death in a short-term basis. The advantage of this model is that amyloid-beta can be elevated in a spatial and temporal manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Y Jean
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center;
| | - Jimena Baleriola
- The Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Medical Center
| | - Mauro Fà
- The Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Medical Center
| | - Ulrich Hengst
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center; The Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Medical Center
| | - Carol M Troy
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center; The Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Medical Center; Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Baleriola J, Jean Y, Troy C, Hengst U. Detection of Axonally Localized mRNAs in Brain Sections Using High-Resolution In Situ Hybridization. J Vis Exp 2015:e52799. [PMID: 26131922 DOI: 10.3791/52799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
mRNAs are frequently localized to vertebrate axons and their local translation is required for axon pathfinding or branching during development and for maintenance, repair or neurodegeneration in postdevelopmental periods. High throughput analyses have recently revealed that axons have a more dynamic and complex transcriptome than previously expected. These analysis, however have been mostly done in cultured neurons where axons can be isolated from the somato-dendritic compartments. It is virtually impossible to achieve such isolation in whole tissues in vivo. Thus, in order to verify the recruitment of mRNAs and their functional relevance in a whole animal, transcriptome analyses should ideally be combined with techniques that allow the visualization of mRNAs in situ. Recently, novel ISH technologies that detect RNAs at a single-molecule level have been developed. This is especially important when analyzing the subcellular localization of mRNA, since localized RNAs are typically found at low levels. Here we describe two protocols for the detection of axonally-localized mRNAs using a novel ultrasensitive RNA ISH technology. We have combined RNAscope ISH with axonal counterstain using fluorescence immunohistochemistry or histological dyes to verify the recruitment of Atf4 mRNA to axons in vivo in the mature mouse and human brains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ying Jean
- College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University
| | - Carol Troy
- College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University
| | - Ulrich Hengst
- College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University;
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Baleriola J, Walker CA, Jean YY, Crary JF, Troy CM, Nagy PL, Hengst U. Axonally synthesized ATF4 transmits a neurodegenerative signal across brain regions. Cell 2015; 158:1159-1172. [PMID: 25171414 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2014.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 231] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2013] [Revised: 05/23/2014] [Accepted: 07/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain, exposure of axons to Aβ causes pathogenic changes that spread retrogradely by unknown mechanisms, affecting the entire neuron. We found that locally applied Aβ1-42 initiates axonal synthesis of a defined set of proteins including the transcription factor ATF4. Inhibition of local translation and retrograde transport or knockdown of axonal Atf4 mRNA abolished Aβ-induced ATF4 transcriptional activity and cell loss. Aβ1-42 injection into the dentate gyrus (DG) of mice caused loss of forebrain neurons whose axons project to the DG. Protein synthesis and Atf4 mRNA were upregulated in these axons, and coinjection of Atf4 siRNA into the DG reduced the effects of Aβ1-42 in the forebrain. ATF4 protein and transcripts were found with greater frequency in axons in the brain of AD patients. These results reveal an active role for intra-axonal translation in neurodegeneration and identify ATF4 as a mediator for the spread of AD pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jimena Baleriola
- The Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Chandler A Walker
- Integrated Program in Cellular, Molecular and Biomedical Studies, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Ying Y Jean
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - John F Crary
- The Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Carol M Troy
- The Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Neurology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Peter L Nagy
- The Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Ulrich Hengst
- The Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
Localized protein synthesis is a mechanism by which morphologically polarized cells react in a spatially confined and temporally acute manner to changes in their environment. During the development of the nervous system intra-axonal protein synthesis is crucial for the establishment of neuronal connections. In contrast, mature axons have long been considered as translationally inactive but upon nerve injury or under neurodegenerative conditions specific subsets of mRNAs are recruited into axons and locally translated. Intra-axonally synthesized proteins can have pathogenic or restorative and regenerative functions, and thus targeting the axonal translatome might have therapeutic value, for example in the treatment of spinal cord injury or Alzheimer's disease. In the case of Alzheimer's disease the local synthesis of the stress response transcription factor activating transcription factor 4 mediates the long-range retrograde spread of pathology across the brain, and inhibition of local Atf4 translation downstream of the integrated stress response might interfere with this spread. Several molecular tools and approaches have been developed to target specifically the axonal translatome by either overexposing proteins locally in axons or, conversely, knocking down selectively axonally localized mRNAs. Many questions about axonal translation remain to be answered, especially with regard to the mechanisms establishing specificity but, nevertheless, targeting the axonal translatome is a promising novel avenue to pursue in the development for future therapies for various neurological conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jimena Baleriola
- />The Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, 650 W. 168th St., New York, NY USA
| | - Ulrich Hengst
- />The Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, 650 W. 168th St., New York, NY USA
- />Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, 650 W. 168th St., New York, NY USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Walker BA, Hengst U, Kim HJ, Jeon NL, Schmidt EF, Heintz N, Milner TA, Jaffrey SR. Reprogramming axonal behavior by axon-specific viral transduction. Gene Ther 2012; 19:947-55. [PMID: 22278412 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2011.217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The treatment of axonal disorders, such as diseases associated with axonal injury and degeneration, is limited by the inability to directly target therapeutic protein expression to injured axons. Current gene therapy approaches rely on infection and transcription of viral genes in the cell body. Here, we describe an approach to target gene expression selectively to axons. Using a genetically engineered mouse containing epitope-labeled ribosomes, we find that neurons in adult animals contain ribosomes in distal axons. To use axonal ribosomes to alter local protein expression, we utilized a Sindbis virus containing an RNA genome that has been modified so that it can be directly used as a template for translation. Selective application of this virus to axons leads to local translation of heterologous proteins. Furthermore, we demonstrate that selective axonal protein expression can be used to modify axonal signaling in cultured neurons, enabling axons to grow over inhibitory substrates typically encountered following axonal injury. We also show that this viral approach also can be used to achieve heterologous expression in axons of living animals, indicating that this approach can be used to alter the axonal proteome in vivo. Together, these data identify a novel strategy to manipulate protein expression in axons, and provides a novel approach for using gene therapies for disorders of axonal function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B A Walker
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Hengst U, Deglincerti A, Kim HJ, Jeon NL, Jaffrey SR. Axonal elongation triggered by stimulus-induced local translation of a polarity complex protein. Nat Cell Biol 2009; 11:1024-30. [PMID: 19620967 PMCID: PMC2724225 DOI: 10.1038/ncb1916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2009] [Accepted: 04/23/2009] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Hengst
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Medical College, Cornell University, NY 10065, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Cox LJ, Hengst U, Gurskaya N, Lukyanov KA, Jaffrey SR. Intra-axonal translation and retrograde trafficking of CREB promotes neuronal survival. Nat Cell Biol 2008; 10:149-59. [PMID: 18193038 PMCID: PMC3153364 DOI: 10.1038/ncb1677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 224] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [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: 10/10/2007] [Accepted: 12/05/2007] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
During development of the nervous system, axons and growth cones contain mRNAs such as beta-actin, cofilin and RhoA, which are locally translated in response to guidance cues. Intra-axonal translation of these mRNAs results in local morphological responses; however, other functions of intra-axonal mRNA translation remain unknown. Here, we show that axons of developing mammalian neurons contain mRNA encoding the cAMP-responsive element (CRE)-binding protein (CREB). CREB is translated within axons in response to nerve growth factor (NGF) and is retrogradely trafficked to the cell body. In neurons that are selectively deficient in axonal CREB transcripts, increases in nuclear pCREB, CRE-mediated transcription and neuronal survival elicited by axonal application of NGF are abolished, indicating a signalling function for axonally synthesized CREB. These studies identify a signalling role for axonally derived CREB, and indicate that signal-dependent synthesis and retrograde trafficking of transcription factors enables specific transcriptional responses to signalling events at distal axons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Llewellyn J. Cox
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Ulrich Hengst
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Nadya. Gurskaya
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, Moscow 117991, Russia
| | - Konstantin A. Lukyanov
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, Moscow 117991, Russia
| | - Samie R. Jaffrey
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Abstract
The capacity to synthesize proteins in axons is limited to early stages of neuronal development, while axons are undergoing elongation and pathfinding. Although the roles of local protein synthesis are not fully understood, it has been implicated in regulating the morphological plasticity of growth cones. Recent studies have identified specific mRNAs that are translated in growth cones in response to specific extracellular signals. In this review, we discuss the functional relevance of axonal protein translation for developing axons, the differences in translational capacity between developing and mature vertebrate axons, and possible pathways governing the specific translational activation of axonal mRNAs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Hengst
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, 1300 York Ave., Box 70, New York, NY 10021, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Wu KY, Zippin JH, Huron DR, Kamenetsky M, Hengst U, Buck J, Levin LR, Jaffrey SR. Soluble adenylyl cyclase is required for netrin-1 signaling in nerve growth cones. Nat Neurosci 2006; 9:1257-64. [PMID: 16964251 PMCID: PMC3081654 DOI: 10.1038/nn1767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [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: 07/12/2006] [Accepted: 08/15/2006] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Growth cones at the tips of nascent and regenerating axons direct axon elongation. Netrin-1, a secreted molecule that promotes axon outgrowth and regulates axon pathfinding, elevates cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels in growth cones and regulates growth cone morphology and axonal outgrowth. These morphological effects depend on the intracellular levels of cAMP. However, the specific pathways that regulate cAMP levels in response to netrin-1 signaling are unclear. Here we show that 'soluble' adenylyl cyclase (sAC), an atypical calcium-regulated cAMP-generating enzyme previously implicated in sperm maturation, is expressed in developing rat axons and generates cAMP in response to netrin-1. Overexpression of sAC results in axonal outgrowth and growth cone elaboration, whereas inhibition of sAC blocks netrin-1-induced axon outgrowth and growth cone elaboration. Taken together, these results indicate that netrin-1 signals through sAC-generated cAMP, and identify a fundamental role for sAC in axonal development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen Y Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Medical College, Cornell University, New York, New York 10021, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Abstract
Developing axons and growth cones contain "local" mRNAs that are translated in response to various extracellular signaling molecules and have roles in several processes during axonal development, including axonal pathfinding, orientation of axons in chemotactic gradients, and in the regulation of neurotransmitter release. The molecular mechanisms that regulate mRNA translation within axons and growth cones are unknown. Here we show that proteins involved in RNA interference (RNAi), including argonaute-3 and argonaute-4, Dicer, and the fragile X mental retardation protein, are found in developing axons and growth cones. These proteins assemble into functional RNA-induced silencing complexes as transfection of small interfering RNAs selectively into distal axons results in distal axon-specific mRNA knock-down, without reducing transcript levels in proximal axons or associated diffusion of small interfering RNA into proximal axons or cell bodies. RhoA mRNA is localized to axons and growth cones, and intra-axonal translation of RhoA is required for growth cone collapse elicited by Semaphorin 3A (Sema3A), an axonal guidance cue. Selective knock-down of axonal RhoA mRNA abolishes Sema3A-dependent growth cone collapse. Our results demonstrate functional and potent RNAi in axons and identify an approach to spatially regulate mRNA transcripts at a subcellular level in neurons.
Collapse
|
22
|
Wu KY, Hengst U, Cox LJ, Macosko EZ, Jeromin A, Urquhart ER, Jaffrey SR. Local translation of RhoA regulates growth cone collapse. Nature 2005; 436:1020-1024. [PMID: 16107849 PMCID: PMC1317112 DOI: 10.1038/nature03885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 322] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.9] [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: 04/11/2005] [Accepted: 06/06/2005] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal development requires highly coordinated regulation of the cytoskeleton within the developing axon. This dynamic regulation manifests itself in axonal branching, turning and pathfinding, presynaptic differentiation, and growth cone collapse and extension. Semaphorin 3A (Sema3A), a secreted guidance cue that primarily functions to repel axons from inappropriate targets, induces cytoskeletal rearrangements that result in growth cone collapse. These effects require intra-axonal messenger RNA translation. Here we show that transcripts for RhoA, a small guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) that regulates the actin cytoskeleton, are localized to developing axons and growth cones, and this localization is mediated by an axonal targeting element located in the RhoA 3' untranslated region (UTR). Sema3A induces intra-axonal translation of RhoA mRNA, and this local translation of RhoA is necessary and sufficient for Sema3A-mediated growth cone collapse. These studies indicate that local RhoA translation regulates the neuronal cytoskeleton and identify a new mechanism for the regulation of RhoA signalling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen Y Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Ulrich Hengst
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Llewellyn J Cox
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Evan Z Macosko
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Andreas Jeromin
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Erica R Urquhart
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Samie R Jaffrey
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Kvajo M, Albrecht H, Meins M, Hengst U, Troncoso E, Lefort S, Kiss JZ, Petersen CCH, Monard D. Regulation of brain proteolytic activity is necessary for the in vivo function of NMDA receptors. J Neurosci 2005; 24:9734-43. [PMID: 15509762 PMCID: PMC6730139 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3306-04.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Serine proteases are considered to be involved in plasticity-related events in the nervous system, but their in vivo targets and the importance of their control by endogenous inhibitors are still not clarified. Here, we demonstrate the crucial role of a potent serine protease inhibitor, protease nexin-1 (PN-1), in the regulation of activity-dependent brain proteolytic activity and the functioning of sensory pathways. Neuronal activity regulates the expression of PN-1, which in turn controls brain proteolytic activity. In PN-1-/- mice, absence of PN-1 leads to increased brain proteolytic activity, which is correlated with an activity-dependent decrease in the NR1 subunit of the NMDA receptor. Correspondingly, reduced NMDA receptor signaling is detected in their barrel cortex. This is coupled to decreased sensory evoked potentials in the barrel cortex and impaired whisker-dependent sensory motor function. Thus, a tight control of serine protease activity is critical for the in vivo function of the NMDA receptors and the proper function of sensory pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mirna Kvajo
- Friedrich Miescher Institute, CH-4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Kroegel C, Mock B, Reissig A, Hengst U, Machnik A, Henzgen M. [Asthma therapy for adults]. Z Arztl Fortbild Qualitatssich 2001; 95:699-706. [PMID: 11778322] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
The goal of asthma management is to achieve control of the condition. This essentially requires environmental control measures (allergen avoidance) and patient training and education. Drug treatment comprises anti-inflammatory (corticosteroids), and bronchodilatory controller therapy (long-acting beta 2-sympathomimetics, leukotriene receptor antagonists, retarded theophylline) as well as bronchodilatory medication as required (short-acting beta 2-sympathomimetics). The number and frequency of pharmacologic therapy relates to the severity of the clinical presentation. The combination of certain controller drugs (corticosteroids with long-acting beta 2-agonists, corticosteroids with leukotriene receptor antagonists, and beta 2-agonists with leukotriene receptor antagonists) yields a synergistic therapeutic effect as well as a compliance advantage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Kroegel
- Medizinische Klinik IV, Pneumologie & Allergologie, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Murer V, Spetz JF, Hengst U, Altrogge LM, de Agostini A, Monard D. Male fertility defects in mice lacking the serine protease inhibitor protease nexin-1. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2001; 98:3029-33. [PMID: 11248026 PMCID: PMC30601 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.051630698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2000] [Accepted: 12/29/2000] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding infertility and sterility requires knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying sexual reproduction. We have found that male mice deficient for the gene encoding the protease inhibitor protease nexin-1 (PN-1) show a marked impairment in fertility from the onset of sexual maturity. Absence of PN-1 results in altered semen protein composition, which leads to inadequate semen coagulation and deficient vaginal plug formation upon copulation. Progressive morphological changes of the seminal vesicles also are observed. Consistent with these findings, abnormal PN-1 expression was found in the semen of men displaying seminal dysfunction. The data demonstrate that the level of extracellular proteolytic activity is a critical element in controlling male fertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V Murer
- Friedrich Miescher Institute, Maulbeerstrasse 66, CH 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Abstract
In this report we used the two-hybrid technique to test for binding among human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) proteins involved in the control of viral replication. Besides the expected positive interactions for the nucleoprotein (N) with itself and the phosphoprotein (P), our results also demonstrated P-P interaction and P-NS1 binding. However, no interactions have been detected for the matrix protein M, the M2-1 and the M2-2 protein neither with each other nor in combination with the phosphoprotein P, the nucleoprotein N or the non-structural protein NS1. While the N-P interaction was abolished by N- and C-terminal deletions of both partners, C-terminal deletion mutants of P were still able to form homodimers. In contrast, the C-terminal region of P turned out to be essential for binding of NS1. N-N interaction was disrupted by any of the N- and C-terminal deletions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- U Hengst
- Institut für Hygiene und Med. Mikrobiologie, Abteilung für Virologie, Medizinische Fakultät, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Reissig A, Hengst U, Kroegel C. [Beau's lines and chemotherapy]. Med Klin (Munich) 2001; 96:114-5. [PMID: 11253282 DOI: 10.1007/pl00002178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A Reissig
- Klinik für Innere Medizin IV, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Hengst U, Albrecht H, Hess D, Monard D. The phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein is the prototype of a novel family of serine protease inhibitors. J Biol Chem 2001; 276:535-40. [PMID: 11034991 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m002524200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Serine proteases are involved in many processes in the nervous system and specific inhibitors tightly control their proteolytic activity. Thrombin is thought to play a role in tissue development and homeostasis. To date, protease nexin-1 is the only known endogenous protease inhibitor that specifically interferes with thrombotic activity and is expressed in the brain. In this study, we report the detection of a novel thrombin inhibitory activity in the brain of protease nexin-1(-/-) mice. Purification and subsequent analysis by tandem mass spectrometry identified this protein as the phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein (PEBP). We demonstrate that PEBP exerts inhibitory activity against several serine proteases including thrombin, neuropsin, and chymotrypsin, whereas trypsin, tissue type plasminogen activator, and elastase are not affected. Since PEBP does not share significant homology with other serine protease inhibitors, our results define it as the prototype of a novel class of serine protease inhibitors. PEBP immunoreactivity is found on the surface of Rat-1 fibroblast cells and although its sequence contains no secretion signal, PEBP-H(6) can be purified from the conditioned medium upon recombinant expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- U Hengst
- Friedrich Miescher Institute, Maulbeerstrasse 66, CH 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Kroegel C, Reibetaig A, Hengst U, Mock B, Häfner D, Grahmann PR. Bilateral symmetrical upper-lobe opacities: an unusual presentation of bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia. Chest 2000; 118:863-5. [PMID: 10988217 DOI: 10.1378/chest.118.3.863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
A 45-year-old man was admitted with nonresolving fever, cough, and dyspnea 2 months after a common cold. His chest radiograph demonstrated bilateral symmetrical upper-lobe opacities reminiscent of tuberculosis. Transbronchial biopsy revealed inflammatory nonspecific alveolar lesions suggestive of bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia, which responded well clinically and radiologically to oral corticosteroids. Here, the case of a previously unreported radiographic manifestation of bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia is presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Kroegel
- Department of Pneumology, Medical Clinic IV, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Jena, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Kroegel C, Reissig A, Hengst U, Petrovic A, Häfner D, Grahmann RP. Ulcerative colitis following introduction of zafirlukast and corticosteroid withdrawal in severe atopic asthma. Eur Respir J 1999; 14:243. [PMID: 10489861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
|
31
|
Affiliation(s)
- C Kroegel
- Medizinische Klinik IV, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Abstract
Herpes zoster (HZ) is one of the most common complications after bone marrow transplantation (BMT) in children. Apart from treatment with antiviral drugs, effective prevention by active immunization with varicella-zoster virus (VZV) appears to be possible. In this study 15 patients were vaccinated with a live attenuated VZV vaccine (Varilrix) 12-23 months after BMT. The vaccine was well tolerated without adverse reactions. Chickenpox or HZ were not observed for up to 2 years after immunization. Eight out of nine seronegative patients seroconverted and in six virus-specific IgG could still be demonstrated 2 years later. The incidence of VZV diseases in 133 non-immunized children after BMT was 26.3%. Infections usually occurred within 18 months after BMT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Sauerbrei
- Institute for Antiviral Chemotherapy of the Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|