1
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More KJ, Kaur H, Simpson AGB, Spiegel FW, Dacks JB. Contractile vacuoles: a rapidly expanding (and occasionally diminishing?) understanding. Eur J Protistol 2024; 94:126078. [PMID: 38688044 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejop.2024.126078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Osmoregulation is the homeostatic mechanism essential for the survival of organisms in hypoosmotic and hyperosmotic conditions. In freshwater or soil dwelling protists this is frequently achieved through the action of an osmoregulatory organelle, the contractile vacuole. This endomembrane organelle responds to the osmotic challenges and compensates by collecting and expelling the excess water to maintain the cellular osmolarity. As compared with other endomembrane organelles, this organelle is underappreciated and under-studied. Here we review the reported presence or absence of contractile vacuoles across eukaryotic diversity, as well as the observed variability in the structure, function, and molecular machinery of this organelle. Our findings highlight the challenges and opportunities for constructing cellular and evolutionary models for this intriguing organelle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran J More
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Harpreet Kaur
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Alastair G B Simpson
- Centre for Comparative Genomics and Evolutionary Bioinformatics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada; Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Frederick W Spiegel
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA
| | - Joel B Dacks
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada; Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Centre for Life's Origins and Evolution, Department of Genetics, Evolution, & Environment, University College, London, United Kingdom.
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2
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Huber RJ, Kim WD, Wilson-Smillie MLDM. Mechanisms regulating the intracellular trafficking and release of CLN5 and CTSD. Traffic 2024; 25:e12925. [PMID: 38272448 DOI: 10.1111/tra.12925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Ceroid lipofuscinosis neuronal 5 (CLN5) and cathepsin D (CTSD) are soluble lysosomal enzymes that also localize extracellularly. In humans, homozygous mutations in CLN5 and CTSD cause CLN5 disease and CLN10 disease, respectively, which are two subtypes of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (commonly known as Batten disease). The mechanisms regulating the intracellular trafficking of CLN5 and CTSD and their release from cells are not well understood. Here, we used the social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum as a model system to examine the pathways and cellular components that regulate the intracellular trafficking and release of the D. discoideum homologs of human CLN5 (Cln5) and CTSD (CtsD). We show that both Cln5 and CtsD contain signal peptides for secretion that facilitate their release from cells. Like Cln5, extracellular CtsD is glycosylated. In addition, Cln5 release is regulated by the amount of extracellular CtsD. Autophagy induction promotes the release of Cln5, and to a lesser extent CtsD. Release of Cln5 requires the autophagy proteins Atg1, Atg5, and Atg9, as well as autophagosomal-lysosomal fusion. Atg1 and Atg5 are required for the release of CtsD. Together, these data support a model where Cln5 and CtsD are actively released from cells via their signal peptides for secretion and pathways linked to autophagy. The release of Cln5 and CtsD from cells also requires microfilaments and the D. discoideum homologs of human AP-3 complex mu subunit, the lysosomal-trafficking regulator LYST, mucopilin-1, and the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome-associated protein WASH, which all regulate lysosomal exocytosis in this model organism. These findings suggest that lysosomal exocytosis also facilitates the release of Cln5 and CtsD from cells. In addition, we report the roles of ABC transporters, microtubules, osmotic stress, and the putative D. discoideum homologs of human sortilin and cation-independent mannose-6-phosphate receptor in regulating the intracellular/extracellular distribution of Cln5 and CtsD. In total, this study identifies the cellular mechanisms regulating the release of Cln5 and CtsD from D. discoideum cells and provides insight into how altered trafficking of CLN5 and CTSD causes disease in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Huber
- Department of Biology, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
- Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
| | - William D Kim
- Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
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3
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Remtulla AAN, Huber RJ. The conserved cellular roles of CLN proteins: Novel insights from Dictyostelium discoideum. Eur J Cell Biol 2023; 102:151305. [PMID: 36917916 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2023.151305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs), collectively referred to as Batten disease, are a group of fatal neurodegenerative disorders that primarily affect children. The etiology of Batten disease is linked to mutations in 13 genes that encode distinct CLN proteins, whose functions have yet to be fully elucidated. The social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum has been adopted as an efficient and powerful model system for studying the diverse cellular roles of CLN proteins. The genome of D. discoideum encodes several homologs of human CLN proteins, and a growing body of literature supports the conserved roles and networking of CLN proteins in D. discoideum and humans. In humans, CLN proteins have diverse cellular roles related to autophagy, signal transduction, lipid homeostasis, lysosomal ion homeostasis, and intracellular trafficking. Recent work also indicates that CLN proteins play an important role in protein secretion. Remarkably, many of these findings have found parallels in studies with D. discoideum. Accordingly, this review will highlight the translatable value of novel work with D. discoideum in the field of NCL research and propose further avenues of research using this biomedical model organism for studying the NCLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam A N Remtulla
- Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robert J Huber
- Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada; Department of Biology, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada.
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4
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Nittari G, Tomassoni D, Roy P, Martinelli I, Tayebati SK, Amenta F. Batten disease through different in vivo and in vitro models: A review. J Neurosci Res 2023; 101:298-315. [PMID: 36434776 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Batten disease consists of a family of primarily autosomal recessive, progressive neuropediatric disorders, also known as neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs). These pathologies are characterized by seizures and visual, cognitive and motor decline, and premature death. The pathophysiology of this rare disease is still unclear despite the years of trials and financial aids. This paper has reviewed advantages and limits of in vivo and in vitro models of Batten disease from murine and larger animal models to primitive unicellular models, until the most recently developed patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells. For each model advantages, limits and applications were analyzed. The first prototypes investigated were murine models that due to their limits were replaced by larger animals. In vitro models gradually replaced animal models for practical, cost, and ethical reasons. Using induced pluripotent stem cells to study neurodegeneration is a new way of studying the disease, since they can be distinguished into differentiating elements like neurons, which are susceptible to neurodegeneration. In vivo and in vitro models have contributed to clarifying to some extent the pathophysiology of the disease. The collection and sharing of suitable human bio samples likely through biobanks can contribute to a better understanding, prevention, and to identify possible treatment strategies of Batten disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Nittari
- School of Medicinal and Health Products Sciences, Clinical Research, Telemedicine and Telepharmacy Center, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Daniele Tomassoni
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Proshanta Roy
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Ilenia Martinelli
- School of Medicinal and Health Products Sciences, Clinical Research, Telemedicine and Telepharmacy Center, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Seyed Khosrow Tayebati
- School of Medicinal and Health Products Sciences, Clinical Research, Telemedicine and Telepharmacy Center, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Francesco Amenta
- School of Medicinal and Health Products Sciences, Clinical Research, Telemedicine and Telepharmacy Center, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
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5
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Manna PT, Barlow LD, Ramirez-Macias I, Herman EK, Dacks JB. Endosomal vesicle fusion machinery is involved with the contractile vacuole in Dictyostelium discoideum. J Cell Sci 2023; 136:286683. [PMID: 36546731 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.260477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Contractile vacuoles (CVs), enigmatic osmoregulatory organelles, share common characteristics, such as a requirement for RAB11 and high levels of V-ATPase. These commonalities suggest a conserved evolutionary origin for the CVs with implications for understanding of the last common ancestor of eukaryotes and eukaryotic diversification more broadly. A taxonomically broader sampling of CV-associated machinery is required to address this question further. We used a transcriptomics-based approach to identify CV-associated gene products in Dictyostelium discoideum. This approach was first validated by assessing a set of known CV-associated gene products, which were significantly upregulated following hypo-osmotic exposure. Moreover, endosomal and vacuolar gene products were enriched in the upregulated gene set. An upregulated SNARE protein (NPSNB) was predominantly plasma membrane localised and enriched in the vicinity of CVs, supporting the association with this organelle found in the transcriptomic analysis. We therefore confirm that transcriptomic approaches can identify known and novel players in CV function, in our case emphasizing the role of endosomal vesicle fusion machinery in the D. discoideum CV and facilitating future work to address questions regarding the deep evolution of eukaryotic organelles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul T Manna
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Box 430, 405 30, Sweden.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Lael D Barlow
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E9, Canada.,Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life, Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Inmaculada Ramirez-Macias
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada.,Microbiology Unit, University Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, Granada 18014, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs, Granada, 18012, Spain
| | - Emily K Herman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada.,Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 1C9, Canada
| | - Joel B Dacks
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada.,Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E9, Canada.,Centre for Life's Origins and Evolution, Department of Genetics, Evolution, and Environment, University of College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
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6
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Chear S, Perry S, Wilson R, Bindoff A, Talbot J, Ware TL, Grubman A, Vickers JC, Pébay A, Ruddle JB, King AE, Hewitt AW, Cook AL. Lysosomal alterations and decreased electrophysiological activity in CLN3 disease patient-derived cortical neurons. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:dmm049651. [PMID: 36453132 PMCID: PMC10655821 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
CLN3 disease is a lysosomal storage disorder associated with fatal neurodegeneration that is caused by mutations in CLN3, with most affected individuals carrying at least one allele with a 966 bp deletion. Using CRISPR/Cas9, we corrected the 966 bp deletion mutation in human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) of a compound heterozygous patient (CLN3 Δ 966 bp and E295K). We differentiated these isogenic iPSCs, and iPSCs from an unrelated healthy control donor, to neurons and identified disease-related changes relating to protein synthesis, trafficking and degradation, and in neuronal activity, which were not apparent in CLN3-corrected or healthy control neurons. CLN3 neurons showed numerous membrane-bound vacuoles containing diverse storage material and hyperglycosylation of the lysosomal LAMP1 protein. Proteomic analysis showed increase in lysosomal-related proteins and many ribosomal subunit proteins in CLN3 neurons, accompanied by downregulation of proteins related to axon guidance and endocytosis. CLN3 neurons also had lower electrophysical activity as recorded using microelectrode arrays. These data implicate inter-related pathways in protein homeostasis and neurite arborization as contributing to CLN3 disease, and which could be potential targets for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sueanne Chear
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia
| | - Sharn Perry
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia
| | - Richard Wilson
- Central Science Laboratory, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia
| | - Aidan Bindoff
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia
| | - Jana Talbot
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia
| | - Tyson L. Ware
- Department of Paediatrics, Royal Hobart Hospital, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia
| | - Alexandra Grubman
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - James C. Vickers
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia
| | - Alice Pébay
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
- Department of Surgery, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Jonathan B. Ruddle
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia
| | - Anna E. King
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia
| | - Alex W. Hewitt
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia
| | - Anthony L. Cook
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia
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7
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Kim WD, Huber RJ. An altered transcriptome underlies cln5-deficiency phenotypes in Dictyostelium discoideum. Front Genet 2022; 13:1045738. [DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1045738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in CLN5 cause a subtype of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL) called CLN5 disease. The NCLs, commonly referred to as Batten disease, are a family of neurodegenerative lysosomal storage diseases that affect all ages and ethnicities globally. Previous research showed that CLN5 participates in a variety of cellular processes. However, the precise function of CLN5 in the cell and the pathway(s) regulating its function are not well understood. In the model organism Dictyostelium discoideum, loss of the CLN5 homolog, cln5, impacts various cellular and developmental processes including cell proliferation, cytokinesis, aggregation, cell adhesion, and terminal differentiation. In this study, we used comparative transcriptomics to identify differentially expressed genes underlying cln5-deficiency phenotypes during growth and the early stages of multicellular development. During growth, genes associated with protein ubiquitination/deubiquitination, cell cycle progression, and proteasomal degradation were affected, while genes linked to protein and carbohydrate catabolism were affected during early development. We followed up this analysis by showing that loss of cln5 alters the intracellular and extracellular amounts of proliferation repressors during growth and increases the extracellular amount of conditioned medium factor, which regulates cAMP signalling during the early stages of development. Additionally, cln5- cells displayed increased intracellular and extracellular amounts of discoidin, which is involved in cell-substrate adhesion and migration. Previous work in mammalian models reported altered lysosomal enzyme activity due to mutation or loss of CLN5. Here, we detected altered intracellular activities of various carbohydrate enzymes and cathepsins during cln5- growth and starvation. Notably, cln5- cells displayed reduced β-hexosaminidase activity, which aligns with previous work showing that D. discoideum Cln5 and human CLN5 can cleave the substrate acted upon by β-hexosaminidase. Finally, consistent with the differential expression of genes associated with proteasomal degradation in cln5- cells, we also observed elevated amounts of a proteasome subunit and reduced proteasome 20S activity during cln5- growth and starvation. Overall, this study reveals the impact of cln5-deficiency on gene expression in D. discoideum, provides insight on the genes and proteins that play a role in regulating Cln5-dependent processes, and sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying CLN5 disease.
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8
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Yap SQ, Kim WD, Huber RJ. Mfsd8 Modulates Growth and the Early Stages of Multicellular Development in Dictyostelium discoideum. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:930235. [PMID: 35756993 PMCID: PMC9218796 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.930235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
MFSD8 is a transmembrane protein that has been reported to transport chloride ions across the lysosomal membrane. Mutations in MFSD8 are associated with a subtype of Batten disease called CLN7 disease. Batten disease encompasses a family of 13 inherited neurodegenerative lysosomal storage diseases collectively referred to as the neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs). Previous work identified an ortholog of human MFSD8 in the social amoeba D. discoideum (gene: mfsd8, protein: Mfsd8), reported its localization to endocytic compartments, and demonstrated its involvement in protein secretion. In this study, we further characterized the effects of mfsd8 loss during D. discoideum growth and early stages of multicellular development. During growth, mfsd8− cells displayed increased rates of proliferation, pinocytosis, and expansion on bacterial lawns. Loss of mfsd8 also increased cell size, inhibited cytokinesis, affected the intracellular and extracellular levels of the quorum-sensing protein autocrine proliferation repressor A, and altered lysosomal enzyme activity. During the early stages of development, loss of mfsd8 delayed aggregation, which we determined was at least partly due to impaired cell-substrate adhesion, defects in protein secretion, and alterations in lysosomal enzyme activity. Overall, these results show that Mfsd8 plays an important role in modulating a variety of processes during the growth and early development of D. discoideum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shyong Quan Yap
- Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program, Trent University, Peterborough, ON, Canada
| | - William D Kim
- Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program, Trent University, Peterborough, ON, Canada
| | - Robert J Huber
- Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program, Trent University, Peterborough, ON, Canada.,Department of Biology, Trent University, Peterborough, ON, Canada
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9
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Kim WD, Wilson-Smillie MLDM, Thanabalasingam A, Lefrancois S, Cotman SL, Huber RJ. Autophagy in the Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses (Batten Disease). Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:812728. [PMID: 35252181 PMCID: PMC8888908 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.812728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs), also referred to as Batten disease, are a family of neurodegenerative diseases that affect all age groups and ethnicities around the globe. At least a dozen NCL subtypes have been identified that are each linked to a mutation in a distinct ceroid lipofuscinosis neuronal (CLN) gene. Mutations in CLN genes cause the accumulation of autofluorescent lipoprotein aggregates, called ceroid lipofuscin, in neurons and other cell types outside the central nervous system. The mechanisms regulating the accumulation of this material are not entirely known. The CLN genes encode cytosolic, lysosomal, and integral membrane proteins that are associated with a variety of cellular processes, and accumulated evidence suggests they participate in shared or convergent biological pathways. Research across a variety of non-mammalian and mammalian model systems clearly supports an effect of CLN gene mutations on autophagy, suggesting that autophagy plays an essential role in the development and progression of the NCLs. In this review, we summarize research linking the autophagy pathway to the NCLs to guide future work that further elucidates the contribution of altered autophagy to NCL pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- William D. Kim
- Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program, Trent University, Peterborough, ON, Canada
| | | | - Aruban Thanabalasingam
- Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program, Trent University, Peterborough, ON, Canada
| | - Stephane Lefrancois
- Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut National de La Recherche Scientifique, Laval, QC, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Centre D'Excellence en Recherche sur Les Maladies Orphelines–Fondation Courtois (CERMO-FC), Université Du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Susan L. Cotman
- Department of Neurology, Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Robert J. Huber
- Department of Biology, Trent University, Peterborough, ON, Canada
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10
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Storey CL, Williams RSB, Fisher PR, Annesley SJ. Dictyostelium discoideum: A Model System for Neurological Disorders. Cells 2022; 11:cells11030463. [PMID: 35159273 PMCID: PMC8833889 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The incidence of neurological disorders is increasing due to population growth and extended life expectancy. Despite advances in the understanding of these disorders, curative strategies for treatment have not yet eventuated. In part, this is due to the complexities of the disorders and a lack of identification of their specific underlying pathologies. Dictyostelium discoideum has provided a useful, simple model to aid in unraveling the complex pathological characteristics of neurological disorders including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses and lissencephaly. In addition, D. discoideum has proven to be an innovative model for pharmaceutical research in the neurological field. Scope of review: This review describes the contributions of D. discoideum in the field of neurological research. The continued exploration of proteins implicated in neurological disorders in D. discoideum may elucidate their pathological roles and fast-track curative therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Louise Storey
- Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, La Trobe University, Bundoora 3086, Australia; (C.L.S.); (P.R.F.)
| | - Robin Simon Brooke Williams
- Centre for Biomedical Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham TW20 0EX, UK;
| | - Paul Robert Fisher
- Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, La Trobe University, Bundoora 3086, Australia; (C.L.S.); (P.R.F.)
| | - Sarah Jane Annesley
- Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, La Trobe University, Bundoora 3086, Australia; (C.L.S.); (P.R.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-394-791-412
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11
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Abstract
The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs), collectively known as Batten disease, are a group of neurological diseases that affect all ages and ethnicities worldwide. There are 13 different subtypes of NCL, each caused by a mutation in a distinct gene. The NCLs are characterized by the accumulation of undigestible lipids and proteins in various cell types. This leads to progressive neurodegeneration and clinical symptoms including vision loss, progressive motor and cognitive decline, seizures, and premature death. These diseases have commonly been characterized by lysosomal defects leading to the accumulation of undigestible material but further research on the NCLs suggests that altered protein secretion may also play an important role. This has been strengthened by recent work in biomedical model organisms, including Dictyostelium discoideum, mice, and sheep. Research in D. discoideum has reported the extracellular localization of some NCL-related proteins and the effects of NCL-related gene loss on protein secretion during unicellular growth and multicellular development. Aberrant protein secretion has also been observed in mammalian models of NCL, which has allowed examination of patient-derived cerebrospinal fluid and urine for potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Accumulated evidence links seven of the 13 known NCL-related genes to protein secretion, suggesting that altered secretion is a common hallmark of multiple NCL subtypes. This Review highlights the impact of altered protein secretion in the NCLs, identifies potential biomarkers of interest and suggests that future work in this area can provide new therapeutic insight. Summary: This Review discusses work in different model systems and humans, examining the impact of altered protein secretion in the neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses group of diseases to provide novel therapeutic insights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Huber
- Department of Biology, Trent University, Life & Health Sciences Building, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, Ontario K9L 0G2, Canada
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12
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Haver HN, Scaglione KM. Dictyostelium discoideum as a Model for Investigating Neurodegenerative Diseases. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:759532. [PMID: 34776869 PMCID: PMC8578527 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.759532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum is a model organism that is used to investigate many cellular processes including chemotaxis, cell motility, cell differentiation, and human disease pathogenesis. While many single-cellular model systems lack homologs of human disease genes, Dictyostelium's genome encodes for many genes that are implicated in human diseases including neurodegenerative diseases. Due to its short doubling time along with the powerful genetic tools that enable rapid genetic screening, and the ease of creating knockout cell lines, Dictyostelium is an attractive model organism for both interrogating the normal function of genes implicated in neurodegeneration and for determining pathogenic mechanisms that cause disease. Here we review the literature involving the use of Dictyostelium to interrogate genes implicated in neurodegeneration and highlight key questions that can be addressed using Dictyostelium as a model organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly N. Haver
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - K. Matthew Scaglione
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Neurology, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
- Duke Center for Neurodegeneration and Neurotherapeutics, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
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13
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Cotman SL, Lefrancois S. CLN3, at the crossroads of endocytic trafficking. Neurosci Lett 2021; 762:136117. [PMID: 34274435 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.136117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The CLN3 gene was identified over two decades ago, but the primary function of the CLN3 protein remains unknown. Recessive inheritance of loss of function mutations in CLN3 are responsible for juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (Batten disease, or CLN3 disease), a fatal childhood onset neurodegenerative disease causing vision loss, seizures, progressive dementia, motor function loss and premature death. CLN3 is a multipass transmembrane protein that primarily localizes to endosomes and lysosomes. Defects in endocytosis, autophagy, and lysosomal function are common findings in CLN3-deficiency model systems. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these defects have not yet been fully elucidated. In this mini-review, we will summarize the current understanding of the CLN3 protein interaction network and discuss how this knowledge is starting to delineate the molecular pathogenesis of CLN3 disease. Accumulating evidence strongly points towards CLN3 playing a role in regulation of the cytoskeleton and cytoskeletal associated proteins to tether cellular membranes, regulation of membrane complexes such as channels/transporters, and modulating the function of small GTPases to effectively mediate vesicular movement and membrane dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan L Cotman
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Department of Neurology, Mass General Research Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge St., Boston, MA 02114, United States.
| | - Stéphane Lefrancois
- Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut national de la recherche scientifique, Laval H7V 1B7, Canada; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal H3A 0C7, Canada; Centre d'Excellence en Recherche sur les Maladies Orphelines - Fondation Courtois (CERMO-FC), Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montréal H2X 3Y7, Canada.
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14
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McLaren MD, Mathavarajah S, Kim WD, Yap SQ, Huber RJ. Aberrant Autophagy Impacts Growth and Multicellular Development in a Dictyostelium Knockout Model of CLN5 Disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:657406. [PMID: 34291044 PMCID: PMC8287835 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.657406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in CLN5 cause a subtype of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL) called CLN5 disease. While the precise role of CLN5 in NCL pathogenesis is not known, recent work revealed that the protein has glycoside hydrolase activity. Previous work on the Dictyostelium discoideum homolog of human CLN5, Cln5, revealed its secretion during the early stages of development and its role in regulating cell adhesion and cAMP-mediated chemotaxis. Here, we used Dictyostelium to examine the effect of cln5-deficiency on various growth and developmental processes during the life cycle. During growth, cln5– cells displayed reduced cell proliferation, cytokinesis, viability, and folic acid-mediated chemotaxis. In addition, the growth of cln5– cells was severely impaired in nutrient-limiting media. Based on these findings, we assessed autophagic flux in growth-phase cells and observed that loss of cln5 increased the number of autophagosomes suggesting that the basal level of autophagy was increased in cln5– cells. Similarly, loss of cln5 increased the amounts of ubiquitin-positive proteins. During the early stages of multicellular development, the aggregation of cln5– cells was delayed and loss of the autophagy genes, atg1 and atg9, reduced the extracellular amount of Cln5. We also observed an increased amount of intracellular Cln5 in cells lacking the Dictyostelium homolog of the human glycoside hydrolase, hexosaminidase A (HEXA), further supporting the glycoside hydrolase activity of Cln5. This observation was also supported by our finding that CLN5 and HEXA expression are highly correlated in human tissues. Following mound formation, cln5– development was precocious and loss of cln5 affected spore morphology, germination, and viability. When cln5– cells were developed in the presence of the autophagy inhibitor ammonium chloride, the formation of multicellular structures was impaired, and the size of cln5– slugs was reduced relative to WT slugs. These results, coupled with the aberrant autophagic flux observed in cln5– cells during growth, support a role for Cln5 in autophagy during the Dictyostelium life cycle. In total, this study highlights the multifaceted role of Cln5 in Dictyostelium and provides insight into the pathological mechanisms that may underlie CLN5 disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meagan D McLaren
- Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program, Trent University, Peterborough, ON, Canada
| | | | - William D Kim
- Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program, Trent University, Peterborough, ON, Canada
| | - Shyong Q Yap
- Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program, Trent University, Peterborough, ON, Canada
| | - Robert J Huber
- Department of Biology, Trent University, Peterborough, ON, Canada
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15
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Abstract
Epidemiological studies have reported an inverse correlation between cancer and neurodegenerative disorders, and increasing evidence shows that similar genes and pathways are dysregulated in both diseases but in a contrasting manner. Given the genetic convergence of the neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs), a family of rare neurodegenerative disorders commonly known as Batten disease, and other neurodegenerative diseases, we sought to explore the relationship between cancer and the NCLs. In this review, we survey data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and available literature on the roles of NCL genes in different oncogenic processes to reveal links between all the NCL genes and cancer-related processes. We also discuss the potential contributions of NCL genes to cancer immunology. Based on our findings, we propose that further research on the relationship between cancer and the NCLs may help shed light on the roles of NCL genes in both diseases and possibly guide therapy development.
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16
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Shematorova EK, Shpakovski GV. Current Insights in Elucidation of Possible Molecular Mechanisms of the Juvenile Form of Batten Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218055. [PMID: 33137890 PMCID: PMC7663513 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) collectively constitute one of the most common forms of inherited childhood-onset neurodegenerative disorders. They form a heterogeneous group of incurable lysosomal storage diseases that lead to blindness, motor deterioration, epilepsy, and dementia. Traditionally the NCL diseases were classified according to the age of disease onset (infantile, late-infantile, juvenile, and adult forms), with at least 13 different NCL varieties having been described at present. The current review focuses on classic juvenile NCL (JNCL) or the so-called Batten (Batten-Spielmeyer-Vogt; Spielmeyer-Sjogren) disease, which represents the most common and the most studied form of NCL, and is caused by mutations in the CLN3 gene located on human chromosome 16. Most JNCL patients carry the same 1.02-kb deletion in this gene, encoding an unusual transmembrane protein, CLN3, or battenin. Accordingly, the names CLN3-related neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis or CLN3-disease sometimes have been used for this malady. Despite excessive in vitro and in vivo studies, the precise functions of the CLN3 protein and the JNCL disease mechanisms remain elusive and are the main subject of this review. Although the CLN3 gene is highly conserved in evolution of all mammalian species, detailed analysis of recent genomic and transcriptomic data indicates the presence of human-specific features of its expression, which are also under discussion. The main recorded to date changes in cell metabolism, to some extent contributing to the emergence and progression of JNCL disease, and human-specific molecular features of CLN3 gene expression are summarized and critically discussed with an emphasis on the possible molecular mechanisms of the malady appearance and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena K. Shematorova
- Laboratory of Mechanisms of Gene Expression, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia;
- National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute”, 1, Academika Kurchatova pl., 123182 Moscow, Russia
| | - George V. Shpakovski
- Laboratory of Mechanisms of Gene Expression, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia;
- National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute”, 1, Academika Kurchatova pl., 123182 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-(495)-330-4953; Fax: +7-(495)-335-7103
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Butz ES, Chandrachud U, Mole SE, Cotman SL. Moving towards a new era of genomics in the neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2020; 1866:165571. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2019.165571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2019] [Revised: 10/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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18
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Huber RJ, Mathavarajah S, Yap SQ. Mfsd8 localizes to endocytic compartments and influences the secretion of Cln5 and cathepsin D in Dictyostelium. Cell Signal 2020; 70:109572. [PMID: 32087303 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2020.109572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are a family of neurodegenerative diseases that affect people of all ages and ethnicities, yet many of the associated genes/proteins are not well characterized. Mutations in MFSD8 (major facilitator superfamily domain-containing 8) cause an infantile form of NCL referred to as CLN7 disease. In this study, we revealed the localization and binding partners of an ortholog of human MFSD8 (Mfsd8) in the social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum. Putative lysosomal targeting motifs are conserved in Dictyostelium Mfsd8, as are several residues mutated in CLN7 disease patients. Mfsd8 tagged with GFP localizes to endocytic compartments, which includes acidic intracellular vesicles and late endosomes. We pulled-down GFP-Mfsd8 and used mass spectrometry to reveal the Mfsd8 interactome during Dictyostelium growth and starvation. Among the identified hits were the Dictyostelium ortholog of human cathepsin D (CtsD), as well as proteins linked to the functions of the CLN3 (Cln3) and CLN5 (Cln5) orthologs in Dictyostelium. To study the function of Mfsd8, we validated a publically available mfsd8- cell line (GWDI Project) and then used this knockout cell line to show that Mfsd8 influences the secretion of Cln5 and CtsD. This information is then integrated into an emerging model describing the molecular networking of NCL proteins in Dictyostelium. In total, this study identifies Dictyostelium as a new model system for studying CLN7 disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Huber
- Department of Biology, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada.
| | | | - Shyong Quan Yap
- Department of Biology, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
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19
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Huber RJ. Molecular networking in the neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses: insights from mammalian models and the social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum. J Biomed Sci 2020; 27:64. [PMID: 32430003 PMCID: PMC7238602 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-020-00653-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs), commonly known as Batten disease, belong to a family of neurological disorders that cause blindness, seizures, loss of motor function and cognitive ability, and premature death. There are 13 different subtypes of NCL that are associated with mutations in 13 genetically distinct genes (CLN1-CLN8, CLN10-CLN14). Similar clinical and pathological profiles of the different NCL subtypes suggest that common disease mechanisms may be involved. As a result, there have been many efforts to determine how NCL proteins are connected at the cellular level. A main driving force for NCL research has been the utilization of mammalian and non-mammalian cellular models to study the mechanisms underlying the disease. One non-mammalian model that has provided significant insight into NCL protein function is the social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum. Accumulated data from Dictyostelium and mammalian cells show that NCL proteins display similar localizations, have common binding partners, and regulate the expression and activities of one another. In addition, genetic models of NCL display similar phenotypes. This review integrates findings from Dictyostelium and mammalian models of NCL to highlight our understanding of the molecular networking of NCL proteins. The goal here is to help set the stage for future work to reveal the cellular mechanisms underlying the NCLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Huber
- Department of Biology, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, Ontario, K9L 0G2, Canada.
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20
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Domowicz MS, Chan WC, Claudio-Vázquez P, Henry JG, Ware CB, Andrade J, Dawson G, Schwartz NB. Global Brain Transcriptome Analysis of a Tpp1 Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses Mouse Model. ASN Neuro 2020; 11:1759091419843393. [PMID: 31003587 PMCID: PMC6475859 DOI: 10.1177/1759091419843393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In humans, homozygous mutations in the TPP1 gene results in loss
of tripeptidyl peptidase 1 (TPP1) enzymatic activity, leading to late infantile
neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses disease. Using a mouse model that targets the
Tpp1 gene and recapitulates the pathology and clinical
features of the human disease, we analyzed end-stage (4 months) transcriptional
changes associated with lack of TPP1 activity. Using RNA sequencing technology,
Tpp1 expression changes in the forebrain/midbrain and
cerebellum of 4-month-old homozygotes were compared with strain-related
controls. Transcriptional changes were found in 510 and 1,550 gene transcripts
in forebrain/midbrain and cerebellum, respectively, from
Tpp1-deficient brain tissues when compared with age-matched
controls. Analysis of the differentially expressed genes using the Ingenuity™
pathway software, revealed increased neuroinflammation activity in microglia and
astrocytes that could lead to neuronal dysfunction, particularly in the
cerebellum. We also observed upregulation in the production of nitric oxide and
reactive oxygen species; activation of leukocyte extravasation signals and
complement pathways; and downregulation of major transcription factors involved
in control of circadian rhythm. Several of these expression changes were
confirmed by independent quantitative polymerase chain reaction and histological
analysis by mRNA in situ hybridization, which allowed for an
in-depth anatomical analysis of the pathology and provided independent
confirmation of at least two of the major networks affected in this model. The
identification of differentially expressed genes has revealed new lines of
investigation for this complex disorder that may lead to novel therapeutic
targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam S Domowicz
- 1 Department of Pediatrics, Biological Sciences Division, The University of Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Wen-Ching Chan
- 2 Center for Research Informatics, Biological Sciences Division, The University of Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Judith G Henry
- 1 Department of Pediatrics, Biological Sciences Division, The University of Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Christopher B Ware
- 1 Department of Pediatrics, Biological Sciences Division, The University of Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jorge Andrade
- 2 Center for Research Informatics, Biological Sciences Division, The University of Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Glyn Dawson
- 1 Department of Pediatrics, Biological Sciences Division, The University of Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nancy B Schwartz
- 1 Department of Pediatrics, Biological Sciences Division, The University of Chicago, IL, USA.,3 Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biological Sciences Division, The University of Chicago, IL, USA
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21
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O'Day DH, Mathavarajah S, Myre MA, Huber RJ. Calmodulin-mediated events during the life cycle of the amoebozoan Dictyostelium discoideum. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2020; 95:472-490. [PMID: 31774219 PMCID: PMC7079120 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This review focusses on the functions of intracellular and extracellular calmodulin, its target proteins and their binding proteins during the asexual life cycle of Dictyostelium discoideum. Calmodulin is a primary regulatory protein of calcium signal transduction that functions throughout all stages. During growth, it mediates autophagy, the cell cycle, folic acid chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and other functions. During mitosis, specific calmodulin-binding proteins translocate to alternative locations. Translocation of at least one cell adhesion protein is calmodulin dependent. When starved, cells undergo calmodulin-dependent chemotaxis to cyclic AMP generating a multicellular pseudoplasmodium. Calmodulin-dependent signalling within the slug sets up a defined pattern and polarity that sets the stage for the final events of morphogenesis and cell differentiation. Transected slugs undergo calmodulin-dependent transdifferentiation to re-establish the disrupted pattern and polarity. Calmodulin function is critical for stalk cell differentiation but also functions in spore formation, events that begin in the pseudoplasmodium. The asexual life cycle restarts with the calmodulin-dependent germination of spores. Specific calmodulin-binding proteins as well as some of their binding partners have been linked to each of these events. The functions of extracellular calmodulin during growth and development are also discussed. This overview brings to the forefront the central role of calmodulin, working through its numerous binding proteins, as a primary downstream regulator of the critical calcium signalling pathways that have been well established in this model eukaryote. This is the first time the function of calmodulin and its target proteins have been documented through the complete life cycle of any eukaryote.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danton H. O'Day
- Cell and Systems BiologyUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioM5S 3G5Canada
- Department of BiologyUniversity of Toronto MississaugaMississaugaOntarioL5L 1C6Canada
| | | | - Michael A. Myre
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kennedy College of SciencesUniversity of Massachusetts LowellLowellMassachusetts01854USA
| | - Robert J. Huber
- Department of BiologyTrent UniversityPeterboroughOntarioK9L 0G2Canada
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22
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Rosenberg JB, Chen A, Kaminsky SM, Crystal RG, Sondhi D. Advances in the Treatment of Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2019; 7:473-500. [PMID: 33365208 PMCID: PMC7755158 DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2019.1684258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCL) represent a class of neurodegenerative disorders involving defective lysosomal processing enzymes or receptors, leading to lysosomal storage disorders, typically characterized by observation of cognitive and visual impairments, epileptic seizures, ataxia, and deterioration of motor skills. Recent success of a biologic (Brineura®) for the treatment of neurologic manifestations of the central nervous system (CNS) has led to renewed interest in therapeutics for NCL, with the goal of ablating or reversing the impact of these devastating disorders. Despite complex challenges associated with CNS therapy, many treatment modalities have been evaluated, including enzyme replacement therapy, gene therapy, stem cell therapy, and small molecule pharmacotherapy. Because the clinical endpoints for the evaluation of candidate therapies are complex and often reliant on subjective clinical scales, the development of quantitative biomarkers for NCLs has become an apparent necessity for the validation of potential treatments. We will discuss the latest findings in the search for relevant biomarkers for assessing disease progression. For this review, we will focus primarily on recent pre-clinical and clinical developments for treatments to halt or cure these NCL diseases. Continued development of current therapies and discovery of newer modalities will be essential for successful therapeutics for NCL. AREAS COVERED The reader will be introduced to the NCL subtypes, natural histories, experimental animal models, and biomarkers for NCL progression; challenges and different therapeutic approaches, and the latest pre-clinical and clinical research for therapeutic development for the various NCLs. This review corresponds to the literatures covering the years from 1968 to mid-2019, but primarily addresses pre-clinical and clinical developments for the treatment of NCL disease in the last decade and as a follow-up to our 2013 review of the same topic in this journal. EXPERT OPINION Much progress has been made in the treatment of neurologic diseases, such as the NCLs, including better animal models and improved therapeutics with better survival outcomes. Encouraging results are being reported at symposiums and in the literature, with multiple therapeutics reaching the clinical trial stage for the NCLs. The potential for a cure could be at hand after many years of trial and error in the preclinical studies. The clinical development of enzyme replacement therapy (Brineura® for CLN2), immunosuppression (CellCept® for CLN3), and gene therapy vectors (for CLN1, CLN2, CLN3, and CLN6) are providing encouragement to families that have a child afflicted with NCL. We believe that successful therapies in the future may involve the combination of two or more therapeutic modalities to provide therapeutic benefit especially as the patients grow older.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan B Rosenberg
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Alvin Chen
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Stephen M Kaminsky
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Ronald G Crystal
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Dolan Sondhi
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
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23
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Petcherski A, Chandrachud U, Butz ES, Klein MC, Zhao WN, Reis SA, Haggarty SJ, Ruonala MO, Cotman SL. An Autophagy Modifier Screen Identifies Small Molecules Capable of Reducing Autophagosome Accumulation in a Model of CLN3-Mediated Neurodegeneration. Cells 2019; 8:cells8121531. [PMID: 31783699 PMCID: PMC6953052 DOI: 10.3390/cells8121531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 11/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Alterations in the autophagosomal–lysosomal pathway are a major pathophysiological feature of CLN3 disease, which is the most common form of childhood-onset neurodegeneration. Accumulating autofluorescent lysosomal storage material in CLN3 disease, consisting of dolichols, lipids, biometals, and a protein that normally resides in the mitochondria, subunit c of the mitochondrial ATPase, provides evidence that autophagosomal–lysosomal turnover of cellular components is disrupted upon loss of CLN3 protein function. Using a murine neuronal cell model of the disease, which accurately mimics the major gene defect and the hallmark features of CLN3 disease, we conducted an unbiased search for modifiers of autophagy, extending previous work by further optimizing a GFP-LC3 based assay and performing a high-content screen on a library of ~2000 bioactive compounds. Here we corroborate our earlier screening results and identify expanded, independent sets of autophagy modifiers that increase or decrease the accumulation of autophagosomes in the CLN3 disease cells, highlighting several pathways of interest, including the regulation of calcium signaling, microtubule dynamics, and the mevalonate pathway. Follow-up analysis on fluspirilene, nicardipine, and verapamil, in particular, confirmed activity in reducing GFP-LC3 vesicle burden, while also demonstrating activity in normalizing lysosomal positioning and, for verapamil, in promoting storage material clearance in CLN3 disease neuronal cells. This study demonstrates the potential for cell-based screening studies to identify candidate molecules and pathways for further work to understand CLN3 disease pathogenesis and in drug development efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton Petcherski
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (A.P.); (U.C.); (E.S.B.); (M.C.K.); (W.-N.Z.); (S.A.R.); (S.J.H.)
- Center for Membrane Proteomics, Goethe University of Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany;
| | - Uma Chandrachud
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (A.P.); (U.C.); (E.S.B.); (M.C.K.); (W.-N.Z.); (S.A.R.); (S.J.H.)
| | - Elisabeth S. Butz
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (A.P.); (U.C.); (E.S.B.); (M.C.K.); (W.-N.Z.); (S.A.R.); (S.J.H.)
| | - Madeleine C. Klein
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (A.P.); (U.C.); (E.S.B.); (M.C.K.); (W.-N.Z.); (S.A.R.); (S.J.H.)
| | - Wen-Ning Zhao
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (A.P.); (U.C.); (E.S.B.); (M.C.K.); (W.-N.Z.); (S.A.R.); (S.J.H.)
| | - Surya A. Reis
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (A.P.); (U.C.); (E.S.B.); (M.C.K.); (W.-N.Z.); (S.A.R.); (S.J.H.)
| | - Stephen J. Haggarty
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (A.P.); (U.C.); (E.S.B.); (M.C.K.); (W.-N.Z.); (S.A.R.); (S.J.H.)
| | - Mika O. Ruonala
- Center for Membrane Proteomics, Goethe University of Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany;
| | - Susan L. Cotman
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (A.P.); (U.C.); (E.S.B.); (M.C.K.); (W.-N.Z.); (S.A.R.); (S.J.H.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-617-726-9180
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24
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Huber RJ, Hughes SM, Liu W, Morgan A, Tuxworth RI, Russell C. The contribution of multicellular model organisms to neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis research. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2019; 1866:165614. [PMID: 31783156 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2019.165614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The NCLs (neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis) are forms of neurodegenerative disease that affect people of all ages and ethnicities but are most prevalent in children. Commonly known as Batten disease, this debilitating neurological disorder is comprised of 13 different subtypes that are categorized based on the particular gene that is mutated (CLN1-8, CLN10-14). The pathological mechanisms underlying the NCLs are not well understood due to our poor understanding of the functions of NCL proteins. Only one specific treatment (enzyme replacement therapy) is approved, which is for the treating the brain in CLN2 disease. Hence there remains a desperate need for further research into disease-modifying treatments. In this review, we present and evaluate the genes, proteins and studies performed in the social amoeba, nematode, fruit fly, zebrafish, mouse and large animals pertinent to NCL. In particular, we highlight the use of multicellular model organisms to study NCL protein function, pathology and pathomechanisms. Their use in testing novel therapeutic approaches is also presented. With this information, we highlight how future research in these systems may be able to provide new insight into NCL protein functions in human cells and aid in the development of new therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Huber
- Department of Biology, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario K9L 0G2, Canada
| | - Stephanie M Hughes
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Biomedical Sciences, Brain Health Research Centre and Genetics Otago, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Wenfei Liu
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Alan Morgan
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Crown St., Liverpool L69 3BX, UK
| | - Richard I Tuxworth
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Claire Russell
- Dept. Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Royal College Street, London NW1 0TU, UK.
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Cellular models of Batten disease. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2019; 1866:165559. [PMID: 31655107 PMCID: PMC7338907 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2019.165559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses (NCL), otherwise known as Batten disease, are a group of neurodegenerative diseases caused by mutations in 13 known genes. All except one NCL is autosomal recessive in inheritance, with similar aetiology and characterised by the accumulation of autofluorescent storage material in the lysosomes of cells. Age of onset and the rate of progression vary between the NCLs. They are collectively one of the most common lysosomal storage diseases, but the enigma remains of how genetically distinct diseases result in such remarkably similar pathogenesis. Much has been learnt from cellular studies about the function of the proteins encoded by the affected genes. Such research has utilised primitive unicellular models such as yeast and amoeba containing gene orthologues, cells derived from naturally occurring (sheep) and genetically engineered (mouse) animal models or patient-derived cells. Most recently, patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines have been differentiated into neural cell-types to study molecular pathogenesis in the cells most profoundly affected by disease. Here, we review how cell models have informed much of the biochemical understanding of the NCLs and how more complex models are being used to further this understanding and potentially act as platforms for therapeutic efficacy studies in the future. Developments made in cellular models for neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL) in basic biology and use as therapeutic platforms. Cellular models elucidating function of NCL proteins. NCL proteins implicated in the mTor signalling pathway. Patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines have been differentiated into neural cell-types providing insights into the molecular pathogenesis of NCL.
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Huber RJ, Mathavarajah S. Comparative transcriptomics reveals mechanisms underlying cln3-deficiency phenotypes in Dictyostelium. Cell Signal 2019; 58:79-90. [PMID: 30771446 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2019.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2018] [Revised: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in CLN3 cause a juvenile form of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL). This devastating neurological disorder, commonly known as Batten disease, is currently untreatable due to a lack of understanding of the physiological role of the protein. Recently, work in the social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum has provided valuable new insight into the function of CLN3 in the cell. More specifically, research has linked the Dictyostelium homolog (gene: cln3, protein: Cln3) to protein secretion, adhesion, and aggregation during starvation, which initiates multicellular development. In this study, we used comparative transcriptomics to explore the mechanisms underlying the aberrant response of cln3- cells to starvation. During starvation, 1153 genes were differentially expressed in cln3- cells compared to WT. Among the differentially expressed genes were homologs of other human NCL genes including TPP1/CLN2, CLN5, CTSD/CLN10, PGRN/CLN11, and CTSF/CLN13. STRING and GO term analyses revealed an enrichment of genes linked to metabolic, biosynthetic, and catalytic processes. We then coupled the findings from the RNA-seq analysis to biochemical assays, specifically showing that loss of cln3 affects the expression and activity of lysosomal enzymes, increases endo-lysosomal pH, and alters nitric oxide homeostasis. Finally, we show that cln3- cells accumulate autofluorescent storage bodies during starvation and provide evidence linking the function of Cln3 to Tpp1 and CtsD activity. In total, this study enhances our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying Cln3 function in Dictyostelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Huber
- Department of Biology, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada.
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McLaren MD, Mathavarajah S, Huber RJ. Recent Insights into NCL Protein Function Using the Model Organism Dictyostelium discoideum. Cells 2019; 8:cells8020115. [PMID: 30717401 PMCID: PMC6406579 DOI: 10.3390/cells8020115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2018] [Revised: 01/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are a group of devastating neurological disorders that have a global distribution and affect people of all ages. Commonly known as Batten disease, this form of neurodegeneration is linked to mutations in 13 genetically distinct genes. The precise mechanisms underlying the disease are unknown, in large part due to our poor understanding of the functions of NCL proteins. The social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum has proven to be an exceptional model organism for studying a wide range of neurological disorders, including the NCLs. The Dictyostelium genome contains homologs of 11 of the 13 NCL genes. Its life cycle, comprised of both single-cell and multicellular phases, provides an excellent system for studying the effects of NCL gene deficiency on conserved cellular and developmental processes. In this review, we highlight recent advances in NCL research using Dictyostelium as a biomedical model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meagan D McLaren
- Department of Biology, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON K9L 0G2, Canada.
| | - Sabateeshan Mathavarajah
- Department of Biology, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON K9L 0G2, Canada.
| | - Robert J Huber
- Department of Biology, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON K9L 0G2, Canada.
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