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Shehjar F, Almarghalani DA, Mahajan R, Hasan SAM, Shah ZA. The Multifaceted Role of Cofilin in Neurodegeneration and Stroke: Insights into Pathogenesis and Targeting as a Therapy. Cells 2024; 13:188. [PMID: 38247879 PMCID: PMC10814918 DOI: 10.3390/cells13020188] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
This comprehensive review explores the complex role of cofilin, an actin-binding protein, across various neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, schizophrenia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Huntington's) and stroke. Cofilin is an essential protein in cytoskeletal dynamics, and any dysregulation could lead to potentially serious complications. Cofilin's involvement is underscored by its impact on pathological hallmarks like Aβ plaques and α-synuclein aggregates, triggering synaptic dysfunction, dendritic spine loss, and impaired neuronal plasticity, leading to cognitive decline. In Parkinson's disease, cofilin collaborates with α-synuclein, exacerbating neurotoxicity and impairing mitochondrial and axonal function. ALS and frontotemporal dementia showcase cofilin's association with genetic factors like C9ORF72, affecting actin dynamics and contributing to neurotoxicity. Huntington's disease brings cofilin into focus by impairing microglial migration and influencing synaptic plasticity through AMPA receptor regulation. Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and schizophrenia exhibit 14-3-3 proteins in cofilin dysregulation as a shared pathological mechanism. In the case of stroke, cofilin takes center stage, mediating neurotoxicity and neuronal cell death. Notably, there is a potential overlap in the pathologies and involvement of cofilin in various diseases. In this context, referencing cofilin dysfunction could provide valuable insights into the common pathologies associated with the aforementioned conditions. Moreover, this review explores promising therapeutic interventions, including cofilin inhibitors and gene therapy, demonstrating efficacy in preclinical models. Challenges in inhibitor development, brain delivery, tissue/cell specificity, and long-term safety are acknowledged, emphasizing the need for precision drug therapy. The call to action involves collaborative research, biomarker identification, and advancing translational efforts. Cofilin emerges as a pivotal player, offering potential as a therapeutic target. However, unraveling its complexities requires concerted multidisciplinary efforts for nuanced and effective interventions across the intricate landscape of neurodegenerative diseases and stroke, presenting a hopeful avenue for improved patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faheem Shehjar
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA; (F.S.); (R.M.)
| | - Daniyah A. Almarghalani
- Stroke Research Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Reetika Mahajan
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA; (F.S.); (R.M.)
| | - Syed A.-M. Hasan
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA;
| | - Zahoor A. Shah
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA; (F.S.); (R.M.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA;
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Almarghalani DA, Bahader GA, Ali M, Tillekeratne LMV, Shah ZA. Cofilin Inhibitor Improves Neurological and Cognitive Functions after Intracerebral Hemorrhage by Suppressing Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Related-Neuroinflammation. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:114. [PMID: 38256947 PMCID: PMC10818666 DOI: 10.3390/ph17010114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a crucial factor that determines the extent of the injury. Cofilin is a cytoskeleton-associated protein that drives neuroinflammation and microglia activation. A novel cofilin inhibitor (CI) synthesized and developed in our lab has turned out to be a potential therapeutic agent for targeting cofilin-mediated neuroinflammation in an in vitro model of ICH and traumatic brain injury. The current study aims to examine the therapeutic potential of CI in a mouse collagenase model of ICH and examine the neurobehavioral outcomes and its mechanism of action. Male mice were subjected to intrastriatal collagenase injection to induce ICH, and sham mice received needle insertion. Various concentrations (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) of CI were administered to different cohorts of the animals as a single intravenous injection 3 h following ICH and intraperitoneally every 12 h for 3 days. The animals were tested for neurobehavioral parameters for up to 7 days and sacrificed to collect brains for hematoma volume measurement, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. Blood was collected for cofilin, TNF-α, and IL-1β assessments. The results indicated that 50 mg/kg CI improved neurological outcomes, reversed post-stroke cognitive impairment, accelerated hematoma resolution, mitigated cofilin rods/aggregates, and reduced microglial and astrocyte activation in mice with ICH. Microglia morphological analysis demonstrated that CI restored the homeostasis ramification pattern of microglia in mice treated with CI. CI suppressed endoplasmic reticulum stress-related neuroinflammation by inhibiting inflammasomes and cell death signaling pathways. We also showed that CI prevented synaptic loss by reviving the pre- and post-synaptic markers. Our results unveil a novel therapeutic approach to treating ICH and open a window for using CI in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniyah A. Almarghalani
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Ghaith A. Bahader
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Mohammad Ali
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - L. M. Viranga Tillekeratne
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Zahoor A. Shah
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
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Cao YY, Wu LL, Li XN, Yuan YL, Zhao WW, Qi JX, Zhao XY, Ward N, Wang J. Molecular Mechanisms of AMPA Receptor Trafficking in the Nervous System. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:111. [PMID: 38203282 PMCID: PMC10779435 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010111] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Synaptic plasticity enhances or reduces connections between neurons, affecting learning and memory. Postsynaptic AMPARs mediate greater than 90% of the rapid excitatory synaptic transmission in glutamatergic neurons. The number and subunit composition of AMPARs are fundamental to synaptic plasticity and the formation of entire neural networks. Accordingly, the insertion and functionalization of AMPARs at the postsynaptic membrane have become a core issue related to neural circuit formation and information processing in the central nervous system. In this review, we summarize current knowledge regarding the related mechanisms of AMPAR expression and trafficking. The proteins related to AMPAR trafficking are discussed in detail, including vesicle-related proteins, cytoskeletal proteins, synaptic proteins, and protein kinases. Furthermore, significant emphasis was placed on the pivotal role of the actin cytoskeleton, which spans throughout the entire transport process in AMPAR transport, indicating that the actin cytoskeleton may serve as a fundamental basis for AMPAR trafficking. Additionally, we summarize the proteases involved in AMPAR post-translational modifications. Moreover, we provide an overview of AMPAR transport and localization to the postsynaptic membrane. Understanding the assembly, trafficking, and dynamic synaptic expression mechanisms of AMPAR may provide valuable insights into the cognitive decline associated with neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Yang Cao
- Laboratory of Molecular Neural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China; (Y.-Y.C.); (X.-N.L.); (Y.-L.Y.); (W.-W.Z.); (J.-X.Q.); (X.-Y.Z.)
| | - Ling-Ling Wu
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China;
| | - Xiao-Nan Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Neural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China; (Y.-Y.C.); (X.-N.L.); (Y.-L.Y.); (W.-W.Z.); (J.-X.Q.); (X.-Y.Z.)
| | - Yu-Lian Yuan
- Laboratory of Molecular Neural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China; (Y.-Y.C.); (X.-N.L.); (Y.-L.Y.); (W.-W.Z.); (J.-X.Q.); (X.-Y.Z.)
| | - Wan-Wei Zhao
- Laboratory of Molecular Neural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China; (Y.-Y.C.); (X.-N.L.); (Y.-L.Y.); (W.-W.Z.); (J.-X.Q.); (X.-Y.Z.)
| | - Jing-Xuan Qi
- Laboratory of Molecular Neural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China; (Y.-Y.C.); (X.-N.L.); (Y.-L.Y.); (W.-W.Z.); (J.-X.Q.); (X.-Y.Z.)
| | - Xu-Yu Zhao
- Laboratory of Molecular Neural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China; (Y.-Y.C.); (X.-N.L.); (Y.-L.Y.); (W.-W.Z.); (J.-X.Q.); (X.-Y.Z.)
| | - Natalie Ward
- Medical Laboratory, Exceptional Community Hospital, 19060 N John Wayne Pkwy, Maricopa, AZ 85139, USA;
| | - Jiao Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Neural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China; (Y.-Y.C.); (X.-N.L.); (Y.-L.Y.); (W.-W.Z.); (J.-X.Q.); (X.-Y.Z.)
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Rodríguez-Urgellés E, Casas-Torremocha D, Sancho-Balsells A, Ballasch I, García-García E, Miquel-Rio L, Manasanch A, Del Castillo I, Chen W, Pupak A, Brito V, Tornero D, Rodríguez MJ, Bortolozzi A, Sanchez-Vives MV, Giralt A, Alberch J. Thalamic Foxp2 regulates output connectivity and sensory-motor impairments in a model of Huntington's Disease. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:367. [PMID: 37987826 PMCID: PMC10663254 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-05015-z] [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: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Huntington's Disease (HD) is a disorder that affects body movements. Altered glutamatergic innervation of the striatum is a major hallmark of the disease. Approximately 30% of those glutamatergic inputs come from thalamic nuclei. Foxp2 is a transcription factor involved in cell differentiation and reported low in patients with HD. However, the role of the Foxp2 in the thalamus in HD remains unexplored. METHODS We used two different mouse models of HD, the R6/1 and the HdhQ111 mice, to demonstrate a consistent thalamic Foxp2 reduction in the context of HD. We used in vivo electrophysiological recordings, microdialysis in behaving mice and rabies virus-based monosynaptic tracing to study thalamo-striatal and thalamo-cortical synaptic connectivity in R6/1 mice. Micro-structural synaptic plasticity was also evaluated in the striatum and cortex of R6/1 mice. We over-expressed Foxp2 in the thalamus of R6/1 mice or reduced Foxp2 in the thalamus of wild type mice to evaluate its role in sensory and motor skills deficiencies, as well as thalamo-striatal and thalamo-cortical connectivity in such mouse models. RESULTS Here, we demonstrate in a HD mouse model a clear and early thalamo-striatal aberrant connectivity associated with a reduction of thalamic Foxp2 levels. Recovering thalamic Foxp2 levels in the mouse rescued motor coordination and sensory skills concomitant with an amelioration of neuropathological features and with a repair of the structural and functional connectivity through a restoration of neurotransmitter release. In addition, reduction of thalamic Foxp2 levels in wild type mice induced HD-like phenotypes. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, we show that a novel identified thalamic Foxp2 dysregulation alters basal ganglia circuits implicated in the pathophysiology of HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ened Rodríguez-Urgellés
- Facultat de Medicina, Departament de Biomedicina, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Anna Sancho-Balsells
- Facultat de Medicina, Departament de Biomedicina, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Iván Ballasch
- Facultat de Medicina, Departament de Biomedicina, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Esther García-García
- Facultat de Medicina, Departament de Biomedicina, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Lluis Miquel-Rio
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona (IIBB), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 08036, Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center for Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Arnau Manasanch
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ignacio Del Castillo
- Facultat de Medicina, Departament de Biomedicina, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Wanqi Chen
- Facultat de Medicina, Departament de Biomedicina, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Anika Pupak
- Facultat de Medicina, Departament de Biomedicina, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Veronica Brito
- Facultat de Medicina, Departament de Biomedicina, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel Tornero
- Facultat de Medicina, Departament de Biomedicina, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Production and Validation Center of Advanced Therapies (Creatio), University of Barcelona, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manuel J Rodríguez
- Facultat de Medicina, Departament de Biomedicina, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Analia Bortolozzi
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona (IIBB), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 08036, Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center for Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria V Sanchez-Vives
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca I Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Albert Giralt
- Facultat de Medicina, Departament de Biomedicina, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036, Barcelona, Spain.
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Production and Validation Center of Advanced Therapies (Creatio), University of Barcelona, 08036, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Jordi Alberch
- Facultat de Medicina, Departament de Biomedicina, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036, Barcelona, Spain.
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Production and Validation Center of Advanced Therapies (Creatio), University of Barcelona, 08036, Barcelona, Spain.
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Tahtamouni LH, Alderfer SA, Kuhn TB, Minamide LS, Chanda S, Ruff MR, Bamburg JR. Characterization of a Human Neuronal Culture System for the Study of Cofilin-Actin Rod Pathology. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2942. [PMID: 38001943 PMCID: PMC10669520 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11112942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Cofilactin rod pathology, which can initiate synapse loss, has been extensively studied in rodent neurons, hippocampal slices, and in vivo mouse models of human neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). In these systems, rod formation induced by disease-associated factors, such as soluble oligomers of Amyloid-β (Aβ) in AD, utilizes a pathway requiring cellular prion protein (PrPC), NADPH oxidase (NOX), and cytokine/chemokine receptors (CCR5 and/or CXCR4). However, rod pathways have not been systematically assessed in a human neuronal model. Here, we characterize glutamatergic neurons differentiated from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) for the formation of rods in response to activators of the PrPC-dependent pathway. Optimization of substratum, cell density, and use of glial-conditioned medium yielded a robust system for studying the development of Aβ-induced rods in the absence of glia, suggesting a cell-autonomous pathway. Rod induction in younger neurons requires ectopic expression of PrPC, but this dependency disappears by Day 55. The quantification of proteins within the rod-inducing pathway suggests that increased PrPC and CXCR4 expression may be factors in the doubling of the rod response to Aβ between Days 35 and 55. FDA-approved antagonists to CXCR4 and CCR5 inhibit the rod response. Rods were predominantly observed in dendrites, although severe cytoskeletal disruptions prevented the assignment of over 40% of the rods to either an axon or dendrite. In the absence of glia, a condition in which rods are more readily observed, neurons mature and fire action potentials but do not form functional synapses. However, PSD95-containing dendritic spines associate with axonal regions of pre-synaptic vesicles containing the glutamate transporter, VGLUT1. Thus, our results identified stem cell-derived neurons as a robust model for studying cofilactin rod formation in a human cellular environment and for developing effective therapeutic strategies for the treatment of dementias arising from multiple proteinopathies with different rod initiators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lubna H. Tahtamouni
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, The Hashemite University, Zarqa 13133, Jordan;
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (T.B.K.); (L.S.M.); (S.C.)
| | - Sydney A. Alderfer
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and School of Biomedical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA;
| | - Thomas B. Kuhn
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (T.B.K.); (L.S.M.); (S.C.)
| | - Laurie S. Minamide
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (T.B.K.); (L.S.M.); (S.C.)
| | - Soham Chanda
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (T.B.K.); (L.S.M.); (S.C.)
| | - Michael R. Ruff
- Creative Bio-Peptides, Inc., 10319 Glen Road, Suite 100, Potomac, MD 20854, USA;
| | - James R. Bamburg
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (T.B.K.); (L.S.M.); (S.C.)
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Laundos TL, Li S, Cheang E, De Santis R, Piccolo FM, Brivanlou AH. Huntingtin CAG-expansion mutation results in a dominant negative effect. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1252521. [PMID: 37727506 PMCID: PMC10505792 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1252521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Huntington's disease (HD) remains an incurable and fatal neurodegenerative disease long after CAG-expansion mutation in the huntingtin gene (HTT) was identified as the cause. The underlying pathological mechanism, whether HTT loss of function or gain of toxicity results from mutation, remains a matter of debate. Methods: In this study, we genetically modulated wild-type or mutant HTT expression levels in isogenic human embryonic stem cells to systematically investigate their contribution to HD-specific phenotypes. Results: Using highly reproducible and quantifiable in vitro micropattern-based assays, we observed comparable phenotypes with HD mutation and HTT depletion. However, halving endogenous wild-type HTT levels did not strongly recapitulate the HD phenotypes, arguing against a classical loss of function mechanism. Remarkably, expression of CAG-expanded HTT in non-HD cells induced HD like phenotypes akin to HTT depletion. Discussion: By corollary, these results indicate a dominant negative effect of mutated HTT on its wild-type counterpart. Complementation with additional copies of wild-type HTT ameliorated the HD-associated phenotypes, strongly supporting a classical dominant negative mechanism. Understanding the molecular basis of this dominant negative effect will guide the development of efficient clinical strategies to counteract the deleterious impact of mutant HTT on the wild-type HTT function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago L. Laundos
- Laboratory of Synthetic Embryology, The Rockefeller University, New York City, NY, United States
- ICBAS—Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- INEB—Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Shu Li
- Laboratory of Synthetic Embryology, The Rockefeller University, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Eric Cheang
- Laboratory of Synthetic Embryology, The Rockefeller University, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Riccardo De Santis
- Laboratory of Synthetic Embryology, The Rockefeller University, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Francesco M. Piccolo
- Laboratory of Synthetic Embryology, The Rockefeller University, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Ali H. Brivanlou
- Laboratory of Synthetic Embryology, The Rockefeller University, New York City, NY, United States
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Speidell A, Bin Abid N, Yano H. Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Dysregulation as an Essential Pathological Feature in Huntington's Disease: Mechanisms and Potential Therapeutics. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2275. [PMID: 37626771 PMCID: PMC10452871 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11082275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a major neurotrophin whose loss or interruption is well established to have numerous intersections with the pathogenesis of progressive neurological disorders. There is perhaps no greater example of disease pathogenesis resulting from the dysregulation of BDNF signaling than Huntington's disease (HD)-an inherited neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor, psychiatric, and cognitive impairments associated with basal ganglia dysfunction and the ultimate death of striatal projection neurons. Investigation of the collection of mechanisms leading to BDNF loss in HD highlights this neurotrophin's importance to neuronal viability and calls attention to opportunities for therapeutic interventions. Using electronic database searches of existing and forthcoming research, we constructed a literature review with the overarching goal of exploring the diverse set of molecular events that trigger BDNF dysregulation within HD. We highlighted research that investigated these major mechanisms in preclinical models of HD and connected these studies to those evaluating similar endpoints in human HD subjects. We also included a special focus on the growing body of literature detailing key transcriptomic and epigenetic alterations that affect BDNF abundance in HD. Finally, we offer critical evaluation of proposed neurotrophin-directed therapies and assessed clinical trials seeking to correct BDNF expression in HD individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Speidell
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (A.S.); (N.B.A.)
| | - Noman Bin Abid
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (A.S.); (N.B.A.)
| | - Hiroko Yano
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (A.S.); (N.B.A.)
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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Simmons DA, Belichenko NP, Longo FM. Pharmacological Co-Activation of TrkB and TrkC Receptor Signaling Ameliorates Striatal Neuropathology and Motor Deficits in Mouse Models of Huntington's Disease. J Huntingtons Dis 2023; 12:215-239. [PMID: 37638447 DOI: 10.3233/jhd-230589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loss of neurotrophic support in the striatum, particularly reduced brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, contributes importantly to Huntington's disease (HD) pathogenesis. Another neurotrophin (NT), NT-3, is reduced in the cortex of HD patients; however, its role in HD is unknown. BDNF and NT-3 bind with high affinity to the tropomyosin receptor-kinases (Trk) B and TrkC, respectively. Targeting TrkB/TrkC may be an effective HD therapeutic strategy, as multiple links exist between their signaling pathways and HD degenerative mechanisms. We developed a small molecule ligand, LM22B-10, that activates TrkB and TrkC to promote cell survival. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine if upregulating TrkB/TrkC signaling with LM22B-10 would alleviate the HD phenotype in R6/2 and Q140 mice. METHODS LM22B-10 was delivered by concomitant intranasal-intraperitoneal routes to R6/2 and Q140 mice and then motor performance and striatal pathology were evaluated. RESULTS NT-3 levels, TrkB/TrkC phosphorylation, and AKT signaling were reduced in the R6/2 striatum; LM22B-10 counteracted these deficits. LM22B-10 also reduced intranuclear huntingtin aggregates, dendritic spine loss, microglial activation, and degeneration of dopamine- and cyclic AMP-regulated phosphoprotein with a molecular weight of 32 kDa (DARPP-32) and parvalbumin-containing neurons in the R6/2 and/or Q140 striatum. Moreover, both HD mouse models showed improved motor performance after LM22B-10 treatment. CONCLUSIONS These results reveal an NT-3/TrkC signaling deficiency in the striatum of R6/2 mice, support the idea that targeting TrkB/TrkC alleviates HD-related neurodegeneration and motor dysfunction, and suggest a novel, disease-modifying, multi-target strategy for treating HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle A Simmons
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Nadia P Belichenko
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Frank M Longo
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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Humbert S, Barnat M. Huntington's disease and brain development. C R Biol 2022; 345:77-90. [PMID: 36847466 DOI: 10.5802/crbiol.93] [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: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Huntington's disease is a rare inherited neurological disorder that generally manifests in mild-adulthood. The disease is characterized by the dysfunction and the degeneration of specific brain structures leading progressively to psychiatric, cognitive and motor disorders. The disease is caused by a mutation in the gene coding for huntingtin and, although it appears in adulthood, embryos carry the mutated gene from their development in utero. Studies based on mouse models and human stem cells have reported altered developmental mechanisms in disease conditions. However, does the mutation affect development in humans? Focusing on the early stages of brain development in human fetuses carrying the HD mutation, we have identified abnormalities in the development of the neocortex, the structure that ensure higher cerebral functions. Altogether, these studies suggests that developmental defects could contribute to the onset symptoms in adults, changing the perspective on disease and thus the health care of patients.
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Evidences for Mutant Huntingtin Inducing Musculoskeletal and Brain Growth Impairments via Disturbing Testosterone Biosynthesis in Male Huntington Disease Animals. Cells 2022; 11:cells11233779. [PMID: 36497038 PMCID: PMC9737670 DOI: 10.3390/cells11233779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Body weight (BW) loss and reduced body mass index (BMI) are the most common peripheral alterations in Huntington disease (HD) and have been found in HD mutation carriers and HD animal models before the manifestation of neurological symptoms. This suggests that, at least in the early disease stage, these changes could be due to abnormal tissue growth rather than tissue atrophy. Moreover, BW and BMI are reported to be more affected in males than females in HD animal models and patients. Here, we confirmed sex-dependent growth alterations in the BACHD rat model for HD and investigated the associated contributing factors. Our results showed growth abnormalities along with decreased plasma testosterone and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels only in males. Moreover, we demonstrated correlations between growth parameters, IGF-1, and testosterone. Our analyses further revealed an aberrant transcription of testosterone biosynthesis-related genes in the testes of BACHD rats with undisturbed luteinizing hormone (LH)/cAMP/PKA signaling, which plays a key role in regulating the transcription process of some of these genes. In line with the findings in BACHD rats, analyses in the R6/2 mouse model of HD showed similar results. Our findings support the view that mutant huntingtin may induce abnormal growth in males via the dysregulation of gene transcription in the testis, which in turn can affect testosterone biosynthesis.
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