1
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Yuan L, Mao LH, Huang YY, Outeiro TF, Li W, Vieira TCRG, Li JY. Stress granules: emerging players in neurodegenerative diseases. Transl Neurodegener 2025; 14:22. [PMID: 40355949 PMCID: PMC12067921 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-025-00482-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2025] [Indexed: 05/15/2025] Open
Abstract
Stress granules (SGs) are membraneless organelles formed in the cellular cytoplasm under stressful conditions through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). SG assembly can be both dependent and independent of the eIF2α pathway, whereas cellular protein quality control systems mediate SG disassembly. Chaperones and specific domains of RNA-binding proteins strongly contribute to the regulation SG dynamics. Chronic stress, arising in association with aging, may promote persistent SGs that are difficult to disassemble, thereby acting as a potential pathological nidus for protein aggregation in neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). In this review, we discuss the dynamics of SGs and the factors involved with SG assembly and disassembly. We also highlight the relationship among LLPS, SGs, and the pathogenesis of different NDDs. More importantly, we summarize SG assembly-disassembly, which may be a double-edged sword in the pathophysiology of NDDs. This review aims to provide new insights into the biology and pathology of LLPS, SGs, and NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Yuan
- Laboratory of Research in Parkinson's Disease and Related Disorders, Health Sciences Institute, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China.
| | - Li-Hong Mao
- Laboratory of Research in Parkinson's Disease and Related Disorders, Health Sciences Institute, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China
| | - Yong-Ye Huang
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110169, China
| | - Tiago F Outeiro
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
- Scientific Employee With an Honorary Contract at Deutsches Zentrum Für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Wen Li
- Laboratory of Research in Parkinson's Disease and Related Disorders, Health Sciences Institute, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China
| | - Tuane C R G Vieira
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis and National Institute of Science and Technology for Structural Biology and Bioimaging, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Jia-Yi Li
- Laboratory of Research in Parkinson's Disease and Related Disorders, Health Sciences Institute, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China.
- Neural Plasticity and Repair Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, BMC, Lund University, 221 84, Lund, Sweden.
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2
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Yusuf A, Usman A, Isah MB, Dang M, Zhang X. Liquid-liquid phase separation in microorganisms: Insights into existence, functions, and applications. Microbiol Res 2025; 292:128026. [PMID: 39705832 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2024.128026] [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: 09/14/2024] [Revised: 11/22/2024] [Accepted: 12/13/2024] [Indexed: 12/23/2024]
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is a universal mechanism essential for maintaining cellular integrity and function in microorganisms, facilitating the organization of biomolecules into dynamic compartments. Although extensively studied in mammalian cells, research on LLPS formation and regulation in microorganisms remains limited. This review integrates insights from diverse studies exploring LLPS across microorganisms. We discuss the role of intrinsic disorders in microbial proteins and their relationship with environmental adaptation. Additionally, we examine how microorganisms utilize LLPS to sense changes in environmental parameters, such as temperature, pH, and nutrient levels, enabling them to respond to stresses and regulate cellular processes, such as cell division, protein synthesis, and metabolic flux. We highlight that LLPS is a promising target for synthetic biology and therapeutic intervention against pathogenic microorganisms. We also explore the research landscape of LLPS in microorganisms and address challenges associated with the techniques used in LLPS research. Further research is needed to focus on the detailed molecular regulatory mechanisms of condensates, biotechnological and synthetic biology applications, facilitating improved manipulation of microorganisms, and the identification of novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anas Yusuf
- Chinese-German Joint Institute for Natural Product Research, Shaanxi International Cooperation Demonstration Base, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, Shaanxi 723000, China.
| | - Abdurrahman Usman
- Chinese-German Joint Institute for Natural Product Research, Shaanxi International Cooperation Demonstration Base, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, Shaanxi 723000, China.
| | - Murtala Bindawa Isah
- Chinese-German Joint Institute for Natural Product Research, Shaanxi International Cooperation Demonstration Base, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, Shaanxi 723000, China; Department of Biochemistry, Umaru Musa Yar'adua University Katsina, Nigeria.
| | - Mei Dang
- Chinese-German Joint Institute for Natural Product Research, Shaanxi International Cooperation Demonstration Base, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, Shaanxi 723000, China.
| | - Xiaoying Zhang
- Chinese-German Joint Institute for Natural Product Research, Shaanxi International Cooperation Demonstration Base, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, Shaanxi 723000, China; Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga 4710-057, Portugal; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.
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3
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Jami KM, Farb DC, Osumi KM, Shafer CC, Criscione S, Murray DT. Small heat shock protein HSPB8 interacts with a pre-fibrillar TDP43 low complexity domain species to delay fibril formation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2025:2025.01.28.635368. [PMID: 39974920 PMCID: PMC11838303 DOI: 10.1101/2025.01.28.635368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2025]
Abstract
The loss of cellular proteostasis through aberrant stress granule formation is implicated in neurodegenerative diseases. Stress granules are formed by biomolecular condensation involving protein-protein and protein-RNA interactions. These assemblies are protective, but can rigidify, leading to amyloid-like fibril formation, a hallmark of the disease pathology. Key proteins dictating stress granule formation and disassembly, such as TDP43, contain low-complexity (LC) domains that drive fibril formation. HSPB8, a small heat shock protein, plays a critical role modulating stress granule fluidity, preventing aggregation and promoting degradation of misfolded proteins. We examined the interaction between HSPB8 and the TDP43 LC using thioflavin T (ThT) and fluorescence polarization (FP) aggregation assays, fluorescence microscopy and photobleaching experiments, and crosslinking mass spectrometry (XL-MS). Our results indicate that HSPB8 delays TDP43 LC aggregation through domain-specific interactions with fibril nucleating species, without affecting fibril elongation rates. These findings provide mechanistic insight into how ATP-independent chaperones mediate LC domain aggregation and provide a basis for investigating how the TDP43 LC subverts chaperone activity in neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled M. Jami
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Daniel C. Farb
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Kayla M. Osumi
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Catelynn C. Shafer
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Sophie Criscione
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Dylan T. Murray
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, United States of America
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4
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Akaree N, Secco V, Levy-Adam F, Younis A, Carra S, Shalgi R. Regulation of physiological and pathological condensates by molecular chaperones. FEBS J 2025. [PMID: 39756021 DOI: 10.1111/febs.17390] [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: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 11/17/2024] [Accepted: 12/23/2024] [Indexed: 01/07/2025]
Abstract
Biomolecular condensates are dynamic membraneless compartments that regulate a myriad of cellular functions. A particular type of physiological condensate called stress granules (SGs) has gained increasing interest due to its role in the cellular stress response and various diseases. SGs, composed of several hundred RNA-binding proteins, form transiently in response to stress to protect mRNAs from translation and disassemble when the stress subsides. Interestingly, SGs contain several aggregation-prone proteins, such as TDP-43, FUS, hnRNPA1, and others, which are typically found in pathological inclusions seen in autopsy tissues from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) patients. Moreover, mutations in these genes lead to the familial form of ALS and FTD. This has led researchers to propose that pathological aggregation is seeded by aberrant SGs: SGs that fail to properly disassemble, lose their dynamic properties, and become pathological condensates which finally 'mature' into aggregates. Here, we discuss the evidence supporting this model for various ALS/FTD-associated proteins. We further continue to focus on molecular chaperone-mediated regulation of ALS/FTD-associated physiological condensates on one hand, and pathological condensates on the other. In addition to SGs, we review ALS/FTD-relevant nuclear condensates, namely paraspeckles, anisosomes, and nucleolar amyloid bodies, and discuss their emerging regulation by chaperones. As the majority of chaperoning mechanisms regulate physiological condensate disassembly, we highlight parallel themes of physiological and pathological condensation regulation across different chaperone families, underscoring the potential for early disease intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadeen Akaree
- Department of Biochemistry, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Valentina Secco
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Flonia Levy-Adam
- Department of Biochemistry, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Amal Younis
- Department of Biochemistry, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Serena Carra
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Reut Shalgi
- Department of Biochemistry, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
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5
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McCaig CD. Making Proteins with Electricity. Rev Physiol Biochem Pharmacol 2025; 187:195-237. [PMID: 39838014 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-68827-0_13] [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] [Indexed: 01/23/2025]
Abstract
Ribosomes use multiple electrical forces to regulate new protein construction, to ensure efficient protein cotranslation, chaperoning, and folding. When these electrical regulatory forces are disrupted as in point charge mutations, specific disease occurs from aberrantly folded proteins. α1 antitrypsin deficiency is perhaps the best-known misfolded protein disease and is covered in some detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin D McCaig
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
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6
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Visser BS, Lipiński WP, Spruijt E. The role of biomolecular condensates in protein aggregation. Nat Rev Chem 2024; 8:686-700. [PMID: 39134696 DOI: 10.1038/s41570-024-00635-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
There is an increasing amount of evidence that biomolecular condensates are linked to neurodegenerative diseases associated with protein aggregation, such as Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, although the mechanisms underlying this link remain elusive. In this Review, we summarize the possible connections between condensates and protein aggregation. We consider both liquid-to-solid transitions of phase-separated proteins and the partitioning of proteins into host condensates. We distinguish five key factors by which the physical and chemical environment of a condensate can influence protein aggregation, and we discuss their relevance in studies of protein aggregation in the presence of biomolecular condensates: increasing the local concentration of proteins, providing a distinct chemical microenvironment, introducing an interface wherein proteins can localize, changing the energy landscape of aggregation pathways, and the presence of chaperones in condensates. Analysing the role of biomolecular condensates in protein aggregation may be essential for a full understanding of amyloid formation and offers a new perspective that can help in developing new therapeutic strategies for the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brent S Visser
- Institute of Molecules and Materials (IMM), Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Wojciech P Lipiński
- Institute of Molecules and Materials (IMM), Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Evan Spruijt
- Institute of Molecules and Materials (IMM), Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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7
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Hu J, Dong H, Li Y, Gu J, Yang L, Si C, Zhang Y, Li T, Li D, Liu C. Hsp90α forms condensate engaging client proteins with RG motif repeats. Chem Sci 2024; 15:10508-10518. [PMID: 38994413 PMCID: PMC11234873 DOI: 10.1039/d4sc00267a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Hsp90α, a pivotal canonical chaperone, is renowned for its broad interaction with numerous protein clients to maintain protein homeostasis, chromatin remodeling, and cell growth. Recent studies indicate its role in modifying various components of membraneless organelles (MLOs) such as stress granules and processing bodies, suggesting its participation in the regulation of protein condensates. In this study, we found that Hsp90α possesses an inherent ability to form dynamic condensates in vitro. Utilizing LC-MS/MS, we further pinpointed proteins in cell lysates that preferentially integrate into Hsp90α condensates. Significantly, we observed a prevalence of RG motif repeats in client proteins of Hsp90α condensates, many of which are linked to various MLOs. Moreover, each of the three domains of Hsp90α was found to undergo phase separation, with numerous solvent-exposed negatively charged residues on these domains being crucial for driving Hsp90α condensation through multivalent weak electrostatic interactions. Additionally, various clients like TDP-43 and hnRNPA1, along with poly-GR and PR dipeptide repeats, exhibit varied impacts on the dynamic behavior of Hsp90α condensates. Our study spotlights various client proteins associated with Hsp90α condensates, illustrating its intricate adaptive nature in interacting with diverse clients and its functional adaptability across multiple MLOs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaojiao Hu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai 201210 China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai 200032 China
| | - Hui Dong
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai 201210 China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai 200032 China
| | - Yichen Li
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200240 China
| | - Jinge Gu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai 201210 China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai 200032 China
| | - Liang Yang
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center Beijing 100191 China
- Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education, National Health Commission of China, Peking University Beijing 100191 China
| | - Chenfang Si
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai 201210 China
| | - Yaoyang Zhang
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai 201210 China
| | - Tingting Li
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center Beijing 100191 China
- Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education, National Health Commission of China, Peking University Beijing 100191 China
| | - Dan Li
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200240 China
- Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200240 China
| | - Cong Liu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai 201210 China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai 200032 China
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8
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Chuang HY, He RY, Huang YA, Hsu WT, Cheng YJ, Guo ZR, Wali N, Hwang IS, Shie JJ, Huang JJT. Engineered droplet-forming peptide as photocontrollable phase modulator for fused in sarcoma protein. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5686. [PMID: 38971830 PMCID: PMC11227587 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50025-5] [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: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The assembly and disassembly of biomolecular condensates are crucial for the subcellular compartmentalization of biomolecules in the control of cellular reactions. Recently, a correlation has been discovered between the phase transition of condensates and their maturation (aggregation) process in diseases. Therefore, modulating the phase of condensates to unravel the roles of condensation has become a matter of interest. Here, we create a peptide-based phase modulator, JSF1, which forms droplets in the dark and transforms into amyloid-like fibrils upon photoinitiation, as evidenced by their distinctive nanomechanical and dynamic properties. JSF1 is found to effectively enhance the condensation of purified fused in sarcoma (FUS) protein and, upon light exposure, induce its fibrilization. We also use JSF1 to modulate the biophysical states of FUS condensates in live cells and elucidate the relationship between FUS phase transition and FUS proteinopathy, thereby shedding light on the effect of protein phase transition on cellular function and malfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Yu Chuang
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan
- Chemical Biology and Molecular Biophysics, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan
- Department of Chemistry, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan
| | - Ruei-Yu He
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan
| | - Yung-An Huang
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Ting Hsu
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Jen Cheng
- Neuroscience Program of Academia Sinica, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan
| | - Zheng-Rong Guo
- Institute of Physics, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan
| | - Niaz Wali
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan
| | | | - Jiun-Jie Shie
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan
| | - Joseph Jen-Tse Huang
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan.
- Neuroscience Program of Academia Sinica, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan.
- Sustainable Chemical Science and Technology, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan.
- Department of Applied Chemistry, National Chiayi University, Chiayi City, 600, Taiwan.
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9
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Lu X, Lu J, Li S, Feng S, Wang Y, Cui L. The Role of Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation in the Accumulation of Pathological Proteins: New Perspectives on the Mechanism of Neurodegenerative Diseases. Aging Dis 2024; 16:769-786. [PMID: 38739933 PMCID: PMC11964424 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2024.0209] [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: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
It is widely accepted that living organisms form highly dynamic membrane-less organelles (MLOS) with various functions through phase separation, and the indispensable role that phase separation plays in the mechanisms of normal physiological functions and pathogenesis is gradually becoming clearer. Pathological aggregates, regarded as hallmarks of neurodegenerative diseases, have been revealed to be closely related to aberrant phase separation. Specific proteins are assembled into condensates and transform into insoluble inclusions through aberrant phase separation, contributing to the development of diseases. In this review, we present an overview of the progress of phase separation research, involving its biological mechanisms and the status of research in neurodegenerative diseases, focusing on five main disease-specific proteins, tau, TDP-43, FUS, α-Syn and HTT, and how exactly these proteins reside within dynamic liquid-like compartments and thus turn into solid deposits. Further studies will yield new perspectives for understanding the aggregation mechanisms and potential therapeutic strategies, and future research directions are anticipated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingyu Lu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Age-Related Cardiac and Cerebral Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China.
| | - Jiongtong Lu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Age-Related Cardiac and Cerebral Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China.
| | - Shengnan Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Age-Related Cardiac and Cerebral Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China.
| | - Sifan Feng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Age-Related Cardiac and Cerebral Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China.
| | - Yan Wang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Age-Related Cardiac and Cerebral Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China.
| | - Lili Cui
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Age-Related Cardiac and Cerebral Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China.
- The Marine Biomedical Research Institute of Guangdong, School of Ocean and Tropical Medicine, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China.
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10
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Shao Y, Shu X, Lu Y, Zhu W, Li R, Fu H, Li C, Sun W, Li Z, Zhang Y, Cao X, Ye X, Ajiboye E, Zhao B, Zhang L, Wu H, Feng XH, Yang B, Lu H. A chaperone-like function of FUS ensures TAZ condensate dynamics and transcriptional activation. Nat Cell Biol 2024; 26:86-99. [PMID: 38172614 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-023-01309-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The Hippo pathway has important roles in organ development, tissue homeostasis and tumour growth. Its downstream effector TAZ is a transcriptional coactivator that promotes target gene expression through the formation of biomolecular condensates. However, the mechanisms that regulate the biophysical properties of TAZ condensates to enable Hippo signalling are not well understood. Here using chemical crosslinking combined with an unbiased proteomics approach, we show that FUS associates with TAZ condensates and exerts a chaperone-like effect to maintain their proper liquidity and robust transcriptional activity. Mechanistically, the low complexity sequence domain of FUS targets the coiled-coil domain of TAZ in a phosphorylation-regulated manner, which ensures the liquidity and dynamicity of TAZ condensates. In cells lacking FUS, TAZ condensates transition into gel-like or solid-like assembles with immobilized TAZ, which leads to reduced expression of target genes and inhibition of pro-tumorigenic activity. Thus, our findings identify a chaperone-like function of FUS in Hippo regulation and demonstrate that appropriate biophysical properties of transcriptional condensates are essential for gene activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangqing Shao
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xin Shu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi Lu
- Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenxuan Zhu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ran Li
- The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Huanyi Fu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chengyu Li
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhuo Li
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yitong Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaolei Cao
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xifu Ye
- Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Emmanuel Ajiboye
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS, USA
| | - Bin Zhao
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Center for Life Sciences, Shaoxing Institute, Zhejiang University, Shaoxing, China
| | - Long Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haifan Wu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS, USA
| | - Xin-Hua Feng
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Center for Life Sciences, Shaoxing Institute, Zhejiang University, Shaoxing, China
| | - Bing Yang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Huasong Lu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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11
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Panda P, Sarohi V, Basak T, Kasturi P. Elucidation of Site-Specific Ubiquitination on Chaperones in Response to Mutant Huntingtin. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 44:3. [PMID: 38102300 PMCID: PMC11407140 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-023-01446-1] [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: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is one of the prominent neurodegenerative diseases, characterized by the progressive decline of neuronal function, due to the accumulation and aggregation of misfolded proteins. Pathological progression of HD is hallmarked by the aberrant aggregation of the huntingtin protein (HTT) and subsequent neurotoxicity. Molecular chaperones (heat shock proteins, HSPs) play a pivotal role in maintaining proteostasis by facilitating protein refolding, degradation, or sequestration to limit the accumulation of misfolded proteins during neurotoxicity. However, the role of post-translational modifications such as ubiquitination among HSPs during HD is less known. In this study, we aimed to elucidate HSPs ubiquitin code in the context of HD pathogenesis. In a comprehensive proteomic analysis, we identified site-specific ubiquitination events in HSPs associated with HTT in HD-affected brain regions. To assess the impact of ubiquitination on HSPs during HD, we quantified the abundance of ubiquitinated lysine sites in both the rat cortex/striatum and in the mouse primary cortical neurons. Strikingly, we observed highly tissue-specific alterations in the relative ubiquitination levels of HSPs under HD conditions, emphasizing the importance of spatial perturbed post-translational modifications (PTMs) in shaping disease pathology. These ubiquitination events, combined with other PTMs on HSPs, are likely to influence the phase transitions of HTT. In conclusion, our study uncovered differential site-specific ubiquitination of molecular chaperones and offers a comprehensive view of the intricate relationship between protein aggregation, and PTMs in the context of Huntington's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prajnadipta Panda
- School of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Kamand, Himachal Pradesh, 175005, India
| | - Vivek Sarohi
- School of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Kamand, Himachal Pradesh, 175005, India
| | - Trayambak Basak
- School of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Kamand, Himachal Pradesh, 175005, India.
| | - Prasad Kasturi
- School of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Kamand, Himachal Pradesh, 175005, India.
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12
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Dong H, Zhang H, Jalin J, He Z, Wang R, Huang L, Liu Z, Zhang S, Dai B, Li D. Nucleocapsid proteins from human coronaviruses possess phase separation capabilities and promote FUS pathological aggregation. Protein Sci 2023; 32:e4826. [PMID: 37906538 PMCID: PMC10659942 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
The nucleocapsid (N) protein is an essential structural component necessary for genomic packaging and replication in various human coronaviruses (HCoVs), such as SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV. Recent studies have revealed that the SARS-CoV-2 N protein exhibits a high capacity for liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), which plays multiple roles in viral infection and replication. In this study, we systematically investigate the LLPS capabilities of seven homologous N proteins from different HCoVs using a high-throughput protein phase separation assay. We found that LLPS is a shared intrinsic property among these N proteins. However, the phase separation profiles of the various N protein homologs differ, and they undergo phase separation under distinct in vitro conditions. Moreover, we demonstrate that N protein homologs can co-phase separate with FUS, a SG-containing protein, and accelerate its liquid-to-solid phase transition and amyloid aggregation, which is closely related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Further study shows that N protein homologs can directly bind to the low complexity domain of FUS. Together, our work demonstrates that N proteins of different HCoVs possess phase separation capabilities, which may contribute to promoting pathological aggregation of host proteins and disrupting SG homeostasis during the infection and replication of various HCoVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Dong
- School of Life Sciences and BiotechnologyShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
- Present address:
Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and ChemistryShanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
| | - Hong Zhang
- School of Life Sciences and BiotechnologyShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Julie Jalin
- School of Life Sciences and BiotechnologyShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Ziqi He
- College of StomatologyShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Runhan Wang
- School of Life Sciences and BiotechnologyShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Leqi Huang
- School of Life Sciences and BiotechnologyShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Zibo Liu
- School of Life Sciences and BiotechnologyShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Shenqing Zhang
- Bio‐X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of EducationShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
- Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced StudyShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Bin Dai
- School of Life Sciences and BiotechnologyShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Dan Li
- Bio‐X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of EducationShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
- Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced StudyShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
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13
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Huang Y, Wen J, Ramirez LM, Gümüşdil E, Pokhrel P, Man VH, Ye H, Han Y, Liu Y, Li P, Su Z, Wang J, Mao H, Zweckstetter M, Perrett S, Wu S, Gao M. Methylene blue accelerates liquid-to-gel transition of tau condensates impacting tau function and pathology. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5444. [PMID: 37673952 PMCID: PMC10482834 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41241-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Preventing tau aggregation is a potential therapeutic strategy in Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies. Recently, liquid-liquid phase separation has been found to facilitate the formation of pathogenic tau conformations and fibrillar aggregates, although many aspects of the conformational transitions of tau during the phase transition process remain unknown. Here, we demonstrate that the tau aggregation inhibitor methylene blue promotes tau liquid-liquid phase separation and accelerates the liquid-to-gel transition of tau droplets independent of the redox activity of methylene blue. We further show that methylene blue inhibits the conversion of tau droplets into fibrils and reduces the cytotoxicity of tau aggregates. Although gelation slows down the mobility of tau and tubulin, it does not impair microtubule assembly within tau droplets. These findings suggest that methylene blue inhibits tau amyloid fibrillization and accelerates tau droplet gelation via distinct mechanisms, thus providing insights into the activity of tau aggregation inhibitors in the context of phase transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongqi Huang
- Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, 430068, Wuhan, China.
| | - Jitao Wen
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Lisa-Marie Ramirez
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Von-Siebold-Str. 3a, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Eymen Gümüşdil
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Von-Siebold-Str. 3a, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Gebze Technical University, 41400, Gebze Çayirova, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Pravin Pokhrel
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - Viet H Man
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Center, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Haiqiong Ye
- Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, 430068, Wuhan, China
| | - Yue Han
- Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, 430068, Wuhan, China
| | - Yunfei Liu
- Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, 430068, Wuhan, China
| | - Ping Li
- Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, 430068, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhengding Su
- Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, 430068, Wuhan, China
| | - Junmei Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Center, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Hanbin Mao
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - Markus Zweckstetter
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Von-Siebold-Str. 3a, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
- Department for NMR-based Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Am Fassberg 11, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sarah Perrett
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Si Wu
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China.
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China.
| | - Meng Gao
- Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, 430068, Wuhan, China.
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14
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Silva JL, Foguel D, Ferreira VF, Vieira TCRG, Marques MA, Ferretti GDS, Outeiro TF, Cordeiro Y, de Oliveira GAP. Targeting Biomolecular Condensation and Protein Aggregation against Cancer. Chem Rev 2023. [PMID: 37379327 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Biomolecular condensates, membrane-less entities arising from liquid-liquid phase separation, hold dichotomous roles in health and disease. Alongside their physiological functions, these condensates can transition to a solid phase, producing amyloid-like structures implicated in degenerative diseases and cancer. This review thoroughly examines the dual nature of biomolecular condensates, spotlighting their role in cancer, particularly concerning the p53 tumor suppressor. Given that over half of the malignant tumors possess mutations in the TP53 gene, this topic carries profound implications for future cancer treatment strategies. Notably, p53 not only misfolds but also forms biomolecular condensates and aggregates analogous to other protein-based amyloids, thus significantly influencing cancer progression through loss-of-function, negative dominance, and gain-of-function pathways. The exact molecular mechanisms underpinning the gain-of-function in mutant p53 remain elusive. However, cofactors like nucleic acids and glycosaminoglycans are known to be critical players in this intersection between diseases. Importantly, we reveal that molecules capable of inhibiting mutant p53 aggregation can curtail tumor proliferation and migration. Hence, targeting phase transitions to solid-like amorphous and amyloid-like states of mutant p53 offers a promising direction for innovative cancer diagnostics and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerson L Silva
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, National Institute of Science and Technology for Structural Biology and Bioimaging, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Debora Foguel
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, National Institute of Science and Technology for Structural Biology and Bioimaging, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Vitor F Ferreira
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Tuane C R G Vieira
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, National Institute of Science and Technology for Structural Biology and Bioimaging, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Mayra A Marques
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, National Institute of Science and Technology for Structural Biology and Bioimaging, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Giulia D S Ferretti
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, National Institute of Science and Technology for Structural Biology and Bioimaging, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Tiago F Outeiro
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4HH, U.K
- Scientific employee with an honorary contract at Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Yraima Cordeiro
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Guilherme A P de Oliveira
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, National Institute of Science and Technology for Structural Biology and Bioimaging, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902, Brazil
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15
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Kinger S, Dubey AR, Kumar P, Jagtap YA, Choudhary A, Kumar A, Prajapati VK, Dhiman R, Mishra A. Molecular Chaperones' Potential against Defective Proteostasis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Cells 2023; 12:cells12091302. [PMID: 37174703 PMCID: PMC10177248 DOI: 10.3390/cells12091302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neuronal degenerative condition identified via a build-up of mutant aberrantly folded proteins. The native folding of polypeptides is mediated by molecular chaperones, preventing their pathogenic aggregation. The mutant protein expression in ALS is linked with the entrapment and depletion of chaperone capacity. The lack of a thorough understanding of chaperones' involvement in ALS pathogenesis presents a significant challenge in its treatment. Here, we review how the accumulation of the ALS-linked mutant FUS, TDP-43, SOD1, and C9orf72 proteins damage cellular homeostasis mechanisms leading to neuronal loss. Further, we discuss how the HSP70 and DNAJ family co-chaperones can act as potential targets for reducing misfolded protein accumulation in ALS. Moreover, small HSPB1 and HSPB8 chaperones can facilitate neuroprotection and prevent stress-associated misfolded protein apoptosis. Designing therapeutic strategies by pharmacologically enhancing cellular chaperone capacity to reduce mutant protein proteotoxic effects on ALS pathomechanisms can be a considerable advancement. Chaperones, apart from directly interacting with misfolded proteins for protein quality control, can also filter their toxicity by initiating strong stress-response pathways, modulating transcriptional expression profiles, and promoting anti-apoptotic functions. Overall, these properties of chaperones make them an attractive target for gaining fundamental insights into misfolded protein disorders and designing more effective therapies against ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit Kinger
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Unit, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Jodhpur 342037, India
| | - Ankur Rakesh Dubey
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Unit, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Jodhpur 342037, India
| | - Prashant Kumar
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Unit, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Jodhpur 342037, India
| | - Yuvraj Anandrao Jagtap
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Unit, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Jodhpur 342037, India
| | - Akash Choudhary
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Unit, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Jodhpur 342037, India
| | - Amit Kumar
- Discipline of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Simrol, Indore 453552, India
| | - Vijay Kumar Prajapati
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer 305817, India
| | - Rohan Dhiman
- Laboratory of Mycobacterial Immunology, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela 769008, India
| | - Amit Mishra
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Unit, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Jodhpur 342037, India
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16
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Han Y, He Z. Concomitant protein pathogenesis in Parkinson's disease and perspective mechanisms. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1189809. [PMID: 37181621 PMCID: PMC10174460 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1189809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Comorbidity is a common phenotype in Parkinson's disease (PD). Patients with PD not only have motor deficit symptoms, but also have heterogeneous non-motor symptoms, including cognitive impairment and emotional changes, which are the featured symptoms observed in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and cerebrovascular disease. Moreover, autopsy studies have also confirmed the concomitant protein pathogenesis, such as the co-existences of α-synuclein, amyloid-β and tau pathologies in PD and AD patients' brains. Here, we briefly summarize the recent reports regarding the comorbidity issues in PD from both clinical observations and neuropathological evidences. Furthermore, we provide some discussion about the perspective potential mechanisms underlying such comorbidity phenomenon, with a focus on PD and related neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuliang Han
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuohao He
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Zhuohao He,
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17
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Hu R, Qian B, Li A, Fang Y. Role of Proteostasis Regulation in the Turnover of Stress Granules. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314565. [PMID: 36498892 PMCID: PMC9741362 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and RNAs can form dynamic, liquid droplet-like cytoplasmic condensates, known as stress granules (SGs), in response to a variety of cellular stresses. This process is driven by liquid-liquid phase separation, mediated by multivalent interactions between RBPs and RNAs. The formation of SGs allows a temporary suspension of certain cellular activities such as translation of unnecessary proteins. Meanwhile, non-translating mRNAs may also be sequestered and stalled. Upon stress removal, SGs are disassembled to resume the suspended biological processes and restore the normal cell functions. Prolonged stress and disease-causal mutations in SG-associated RBPs can cause the formation of aberrant SGs and/or impair SG disassembly, consequently raising the risk of pathological protein aggregation. The machinery maintaining protein homeostasis (proteostasis) includes molecular chaperones and co-chaperones, the ubiquitin-proteasome system, autophagy, and other components, and participates in the regulation of SG metabolism. Recently, proteostasis has been identified as a major regulator of SG turnover. Here, we summarize new findings on the specific functions of the proteostasis machinery in regulating SG disassembly and clearance, discuss the pathological and clinical implications of SG turnover in neurodegenerative disorders, and point to the unresolved issues that warrant future exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rirong Hu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Beituo Qian
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ang Li
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
- Correspondence: (A.L.); (Y.F.); Tel.: +86-21-6858-2510 (Y.F.)
| | - Yanshan Fang
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Correspondence: (A.L.); (Y.F.); Tel.: +86-21-6858-2510 (Y.F.)
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18
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Mukherjee P, Panda P, Kasturi P. A comparative meta-analysis of membraneless organelle-associated proteins with age related proteome of C. elegans. Cell Stress Chaperones 2022; 27:619-631. [PMID: 36169889 PMCID: PMC9672229 DOI: 10.1007/s12192-022-01299-5] [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: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteome imbalance can lead to protein misfolding and aggregation which is associated with pathologies. Protein aggregation can also be an active, organized process and can be exploited by cells as a survival strategy. In adverse conditions, it is beneficial to deposit the proteins in a condensate rather degrading and resynthesizing. Membraneless organelles (MLOs) are biological condensates formed through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), involving cellular components such as nucleic acids and proteins. LLPS is a regulated process, which when perturbed, can undergo a transition from a physiological liquid condensate to pathological solid-like protein aggregates. To understand how the MLO-associated proteins (MLO-APs) behave during aging, we performed a comparative meta-analysis with age-related proteome of C. elegans. We found that the MLO-APs are highly abundant throughout the lifespan in wild-type and long-lived daf-2 mutant animals. Interestingly, they are aggregating more in long-lived mutant animals compared to the age matched wild-type and short-lived daf-16 and hsf-1 mutant animals. GO term analysis revealed that the cell cycle and embryonic development are among the top enriched processes in addition to RNP components in aggregated proteome. Considering antagonistic pleotropic nature of these developmental genes and post mitotic status of C. elegans, we assume that these proteins phase transit during post development. As the organism ages, these MLO-APs either mature to become more insoluble or dissolve in uncontrolled manner. However, in the long-lived daf-2 mutant animals, the MLOs may attain protective states due to extended availability and association of molecular chaperones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pritam Mukherjee
- BioX Centre, School of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Kamand, Himachal Pradesh, 175005, India
| | - Prajnadipta Panda
- BioX Centre, School of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Kamand, Himachal Pradesh, 175005, India
| | - Prasad Kasturi
- BioX Centre, School of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Kamand, Himachal Pradesh, 175005, India.
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