1
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Xu CK, Meisl G, Andrzejewska EA, Krainer G, Dear AJ, Castellana-Cruz M, Turi S, Edu IA, Vivacqua G, Jacquat RPB, Arter WE, Spillantini MG, Vendruscolo M, Linse S, Knowles TPJ. α-Synuclein oligomers form by secondary nucleation. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7083. [PMID: 39153989 PMCID: PMC11330488 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50692-4] [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: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Oligomeric species arising during the aggregation of α-synuclein are implicated as a major source of toxicity in Parkinson's disease, and thus a major potential drug target. However, both their mechanism of formation and role in aggregation are largely unresolved. Here we show that, at physiological pH and in the absence of lipid membranes, α-synuclein aggregates form by secondary nucleation, rather than simple primary nucleation, and that this process is enhanced by agitation. Moreover, using a combination of single molecule and bulk level techniques, we identify secondary nucleation on the surfaces of existing fibrils, rather than formation directly from monomers, as the dominant source of oligomers. Our results highlight secondary nucleation as not only the key source of oligomers, but also the main mechanism of aggregate formation, and show that these processes take place under conditions which recapitulate the neutral pH and ionic strength of the cytosol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine K Xu
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Georg Meisl
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ewa A Andrzejewska
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Georg Krainer
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences (IMB), University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Alexander J Dear
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Marta Castellana-Cruz
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Soma Turi
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Irina A Edu
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Giorgio Vivacqua
- Integrated Research Center (PRAAB), Campus Biomedico University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Raphaël P B Jacquat
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - William E Arter
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Michele Vendruscolo
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sara Linse
- Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Tuomas P J Knowles
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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2
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Schepers J, Löser T, Behl C. Lipids and α-Synuclein: adding further variables to the equation. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1455817. [PMID: 39188788 PMCID: PMC11345258 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1455817] [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: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Aggregation of alpha-Synuclein (αSyn) has been connected to several neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease (PD), dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB), and multiple system atrophy (MSA), that are collected under the umbrella term synucleinopathies. The membrane binding abilities of αSyn to negatively charged phospholipids have been well described and are connected to putative physiological functions of αSyn. Consequently, αSyn-related neurodegeneration has been increasingly connected to changes in lipid metabolism and membrane lipid composition. Indeed, αSyn aggregation has been shown to be triggered by the presence of membranes in vitro, and some genetic risk factors for PD and DLB are associated with genes coding for proteins directly involved in lipid metabolism. At the same time, αSyn aggregation itself can cause alterations of cellular lipid composition and brain samples of patients also show altered lipid compositions. Thus, it is likely that there is a reciprocal influence between cellular lipid composition and αSyn aggregation, which can be further affected by environmental or genetic factors and ageing. Little is known about lipid changes during physiological ageing and regional differences of the lipid composition of the aged brain. In this review, we aim to summarise our current understanding of lipid changes in connection to αSyn and discuss open questions that need to be answered to further our knowledge of αSyn related neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Christian Behl
- The Autophagy Lab, Institute of Pathobiochemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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3
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Maltseva S, Kerr D, Turke M, Adams EJ, Lee KYC. Parkinson's disease-associated mutations in α-synuclein alters its lipid-bound state. Biophys J 2024; 123:1610-1619. [PMID: 38702883 PMCID: PMC11213968 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2024.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Lipid-binding properties of α-synuclein play a central role in protein aggregation and progression of Parkinson's disease (PD). α-Synuclein, an intrinsically disordered protein, binds to lipid membranes through the formation of two amphipathic helices that insert into the lipid bilayer. All disease-associated single point mutations have been identified to be within these helical regions of α-synuclein: V15A, A30P, E46K, H50Q, G51D, A53T, and A53V. However, the effects of these mutations on the bound states of the two α helices of the protein have yet to be fully characterized. In this report, we use a tryptophan fluorescence assay to measure the binding of the α helices of these PD-associated mutants to lipid membranes within the lipid-depletion regime. We characterize the binding behavior of each helix, revealing that, generally, the PD-associated mutants shift the equilibrium bound state away from the N-terminal helix of the protein toward helix 2 at lower lipid concentrations. Altogether, our results indicate that disruption to the equilibrium binding of the two α helices of α-synuclein could play a role in PD progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofiya Maltseva
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; James Franck Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Daniel Kerr
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; James Franck Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Miah Turke
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; James Franck Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Erin J Adams
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Ka Yee C Lee
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; James Franck Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.
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4
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Dear AJ, Teng X, Ball SR, Lewin J, Horne RI, Clow D, Stevenson A, Harper N, Yahya K, Yang X, Brewerton SC, Thomson J, Michaels TCT, Linse S, Knowles TPJ, Habchi J, Meisl G. Molecular mechanism of α-synuclein aggregation on lipid membranes revealed. Chem Sci 2024; 15:7229-7242. [PMID: 38756798 PMCID: PMC11095391 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc05661a] [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: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The central hallmark of Parkinson's disease pathology is the aggregation of the α-synuclein protein, which, in its healthy form, is associated with lipid membranes. Purified monomeric α-synuclein is relatively stable in vitro, but its aggregation can be triggered by the presence of lipid vesicles. Despite this central importance of lipids in the context of α-synuclein aggregation, their detailed mechanistic role in this process has not been established to date. Here, we use chemical kinetics to develop a mechanistic model that is able to globally describe the aggregation behaviour of α-synuclein in the presence of DMPS lipid vesicles, across a range of lipid and protein concentrations. Through the application of our kinetic model to experimental data, we find that the reaction is a co-aggregation process involving both protein and lipids and that lipids promote aggregation as much by enabling fibril elongation as by enabling their initial formation. Moreover, we find that the primary nucleation of lipid-protein co-aggregates takes place not on the surface of lipid vesicles in bulk solution but at the air-water and/or plate interfaces, where lipids and proteins are likely adsorbed. Our model forms the basis for mechanistic insights, also in other lipid-protein co-aggregation systems, which will be crucial in the rational design of drugs that inhibit aggregate formation and act at the key points in the α-synuclein aggregation cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J Dear
- WaveBreak Therapeutics Ltd, Chemistry of Health Lensfield Road Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - Xiangyu Teng
- WaveBreak Therapeutics Ltd, Chemistry of Health Lensfield Road Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - Sarah R Ball
- WaveBreak Therapeutics Ltd, Chemistry of Health Lensfield Road Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - Joshua Lewin
- WaveBreak Therapeutics Ltd, Chemistry of Health Lensfield Road Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - Robert I Horne
- WaveBreak Therapeutics Ltd, Chemistry of Health Lensfield Road Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - Daniel Clow
- WaveBreak Therapeutics Ltd, Chemistry of Health Lensfield Road Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - Alisdair Stevenson
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, ETH Zurich Otto Stern Weg 3 8093 Zurich Switzerland
- Bringing Materials to Life Initiative, ETH Zurich Switzerland
| | - Natasha Harper
- WaveBreak Therapeutics Ltd, Chemistry of Health Lensfield Road Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - Kim Yahya
- WaveBreak Therapeutics Ltd, Chemistry of Health Lensfield Road Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - Xiaoting Yang
- WaveBreak Therapeutics Ltd, Chemistry of Health Lensfield Road Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - Suzanne C Brewerton
- WaveBreak Therapeutics Ltd, Chemistry of Health Lensfield Road Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - John Thomson
- WaveBreak Therapeutics Ltd, Chemistry of Health Lensfield Road Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - Thomas C T Michaels
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, ETH Zurich Otto Stern Weg 3 8093 Zurich Switzerland
- Bringing Materials to Life Initiative, ETH Zurich Switzerland
| | - Sara Linse
- WaveBreak Therapeutics Ltd, Chemistry of Health Lensfield Road Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
- Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Lund University Lund Sweden
| | - Tuomas P J Knowles
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge Cambridge UK
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge Cambridge UK
| | - Johnny Habchi
- WaveBreak Therapeutics Ltd, Chemistry of Health Lensfield Road Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - Georg Meisl
- WaveBreak Therapeutics Ltd, Chemistry of Health Lensfield Road Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
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5
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Li S, Liu Y, Lu S, Xu J, Liu X, Yang D, Yang Y, Hou L, Li N. A crazy trio in Parkinson's disease: metabolism alteration, α-synuclein aggregation, and oxidative stress. Mol Cell Biochem 2024:10.1007/s11010-024-04985-3. [PMID: 38625515 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-024-04985-3] [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: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is an aging-associated neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the pars compacta of the substantia nigra and the presence of Lewy bodies containing α-synuclein within these neurons. Oligomeric α-synuclein exerts neurotoxic effects through mitochondrial dysfunction, glial cell inflammatory response, lysosomal dysfunction and so on. α-synuclein aggregation, often accompanied by oxidative stress, is generally considered to be a key factor in PD pathology. At present, emerging evidences suggest that metabolism alteration is closely associated with α-synuclein aggregation and PD progression, and improvement of key molecules in metabolism might be potentially beneficial in PD treatment. In this review, we highlight the tripartite relationship among metabolic changes, α-synuclein aggregation, and oxidative stress in PD, and offer updated insights into the treatments of PD, aiming to deepen our understanding of PD pathogenesis and explore new therapeutic strategies for the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Li
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yanbing Liu
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Sen Lu
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jiayi Xu
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaokun Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Di Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Yuxuan Yang
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Lin Hou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China.
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6
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Abdul‐Rahman T, Herrera‐Calderón RE, Ahluwalia A, Wireko AA, Ferreira T, Tan JK, Wolfson M, Ghosh S, Horbas V, Garg V, Perveen A, Papadakis M, Ashraf GM, Alexiou A. The potential of phosphorylated α-synuclein as a biomarker for the diagnosis and monitoring of multiple system atrophy. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14678. [PMID: 38572788 PMCID: PMC10993367 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14678] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the presence of glial cytoplasmic inclusions (GCIs) containing aggregated α-synuclein (α-Syn). Accurate diagnosis and monitoring of MSA present significant challenges, which can lead to potential misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. Biomarkers play a crucial role in improving the accuracy of MSA diagnosis, and phosphorylated α-synuclein (p-syn) has emerged as a promising biomarker for aiding in diagnosis and disease monitoring. METHODS A literature search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar using specific keywords and MeSH terms without imposing a time limit. Inclusion criteria comprised various study designs including experimental studies, case-control studies, and cohort studies published only in English, while conference abstracts and unpublished sources were excluded. RESULTS Increased levels of p-syn have been observed in various samples from MSA patients, such as red blood cells, cerebrospinal fluid, oral mucosal cells, skin, and colon biopsies, highlighting their diagnostic potential. The α-Syn RT-QuIC assay has shown sensitivity in diagnosing MSA and tracking its progression. Meta-analyses and multicenter investigations have confirmed the diagnostic value of p-syn in cerebrospinal fluid, demonstrating high specificity and sensitivity in distinguishing MSA from other neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, combining p-syn with other biomarkers has further improved the diagnostic accuracy of MSA. CONCLUSION The p-syn stands out as a promising biomarker for MSA. It is found in oligodendrocytes and shows a correlation with disease severity and progression. However, further research and validation studies are necessary to establish p-syn as a reliable biomarker for MSA. If proven, p-syn could significantly contribute to early diagnosis, disease monitoring, and assessing treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Tomas Ferreira
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, School of Clinical MedicineUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | | | | | - Shankhaneel Ghosh
- Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital, Siksha 'O' AnusandhanBhubaneswarIndia
| | | | - Vandana Garg
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesMaharshi Dayanand UniversityRohtakHaryanaIndia
| | - Asma Perveen
- Glocal School of Life SciencesGlocal UniversitySaharanpurUttar PradeshIndia
- Princess Dr. Najla Bint Saud Al‐Saud Center for Excellence Research in BiotechnologyKing Abdulaziz UniversityJeddahSaudi Arabia
| | - Marios Papadakis
- Department of Surgery II, University Hospital Witten‐HerdeckeUniversity of Witten‐HerdeckeWuppertalGermany
| | - Ghulam Md Ashraf
- Department of Medical Laboratory SciencesUniversity of Sharjah, College of Health Sciences, and Research Institute for Medical and Health SciencesSharjahUAE
| | - Athanasios Alexiou
- University Centre for Research & DevelopmentChandigarh UniversityMohaliPunjabIndia
- Department of Research & DevelopmentAthensGreece
- Department of Research & DevelopmentAFNP MedWienAustria
- Department of Science and EngineeringNovel Global Community Educational FoundationNew South WalesAustralia
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7
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Aubrey LD, Ninkina N, Ulamec SM, Abramycheva NY, Vasili E, Devine OM, Wilkinson M, Mackinnon E, Limorenko G, Walko M, Muwanga S, Amadio L, Peters OM, Illarioshkin SN, Outeiro TF, Ranson NA, Brockwell DJ, Buchman VL, Radford SE. Substitution of Met-38 to Ile in γ-synuclein found in two patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis induces aggregation into amyloid. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2309700120. [PMID: 38170745 PMCID: PMC10786281 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2309700120] [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: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
α-, β-, and γ-Synuclein are intrinsically disordered proteins implicated in physiological processes in the nervous system of vertebrates. α-synuclein (αSyn) is the amyloidogenic protein associated with Parkinson's disease and certain other neurodegenerative disorders. Intensive research has focused on the mechanisms that cause αSyn to form amyloid structures, identifying its NAC region as being necessary and sufficient for amyloid assembly. Recent work has shown that a 7-residue sequence (P1) is necessary for αSyn amyloid formation. Although γ-synuclein (γSyn) is 55% identical in sequence to αSyn and its pathological deposits are also observed in association with neurodegenerative conditions, γSyn is resilient to amyloid formation in vitro. Here, we report a rare single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the SNCG gene encoding γSyn, found in two patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The SNP results in the substitution of Met38 with Ile in the P1 region of the protein. These individuals also had a second, common and nonpathological, SNP in SNCG resulting in the substitution of Glu110 with Val. In vitro studies demonstrate that the Ile38 variant accelerates amyloid fibril assembly. Contrastingly, Val110 retards fibril assembly and mitigates the effect of Ile38. Substitution of residue 38 with Leu had little effect, while Val retards, and Ala increases the rate of amyloid formation. Ile38 γSyn also results in the formation of γSyn-containing inclusions in cells. The results show how a single point substitution can enhance amyloid formation of γSyn and highlight the P1 region in driving amyloid formation in another synuclein family member.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam D. Aubrey
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Science, University of Leeds, LeedsLS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - Natalia Ninkina
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, CardiffCF10 3AX, United Kingdom
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod308015, Russian Federation
| | - Sabine M. Ulamec
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Science, University of Leeds, LeedsLS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - Natalia Y. Abramycheva
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Tissue Engineering, Brain Science Institute, Research Center of Neurology, Moscow125367, Russia
| | - Eftychia Vasili
- Laboratory of Molecular and Chemical Biology of Neurodegeneration, Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, LausanneCH-1015, Switzerland
| | - Oliver M. Devine
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Science, University of Leeds, LeedsLS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Wilkinson
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Science, University of Leeds, LeedsLS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - Eilish Mackinnon
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, CardiffCF10 3AX, United Kingdom
| | - Galina Limorenko
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, CardiffCF10 3AX, United Kingdom
- Laboratory of Molecular and Chemical Biology of Neurodegeneration, Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, LausanneCH-1015, Switzerland
| | - Martin Walko
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Science, University of Leeds, LeedsLS2 9JT, United Kingdom
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Chemistry, University of Leeds, LeedsLS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Muwanga
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, CardiffCF10 3AX, United Kingdom
| | - Leonardo Amadio
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, CardiffCF10 3AX, United Kingdom
| | - Owen M. Peters
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, CardiffCF10 3AX, United Kingdom
| | - Sergey N. Illarioshkin
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Tissue Engineering, Brain Science Institute, Research Center of Neurology, Moscow125367, Russia
| | - Tiago F. Outeiro
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen37075, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Goettingen37075, Germany
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon TyneNE2 4HH, United Kingdom
- Scientific employee with a honorary contract at Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Göttingen37075, Germany
| | - Neil A. Ranson
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Science, University of Leeds, LeedsLS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - David J. Brockwell
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Science, University of Leeds, LeedsLS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - Vladimir L. Buchman
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, CardiffCF10 3AX, United Kingdom
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod308015, Russian Federation
| | - Sheena E. Radford
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Science, University of Leeds, LeedsLS2 9JT, United Kingdom
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8
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Saramowicz K, Siwecka N, Galita G, Kucharska-Lusina A, Rozpędek-Kamińska W, Majsterek I. Alpha-Synuclein Contribution to Neuronal and Glial Damage in Parkinson's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:360. [PMID: 38203531 PMCID: PMC10778752 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010360] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and the widespread accumulation of alpha-synuclein (αSyn) protein aggregates. αSyn aggregation disrupts critical cellular processes, including synaptic function, mitochondrial integrity, and proteostasis, which culminate in neuronal cell death. Importantly, αSyn pathology extends beyond neurons-it also encompasses spreading throughout the neuronal environment and internalization by microglia and astrocytes. Once internalized, glia can act as neuroprotective scavengers, which limit the spread of αSyn. However, they can also become reactive, thereby contributing to neuroinflammation and the progression of PD. Recent advances in αSyn research have enabled the molecular diagnosis of PD and accelerated the development of targeted therapies. Nevertheless, despite more than two decades of research, the cellular function, aggregation mechanisms, and induction of cellular damage by αSyn remain incompletely understood. Unraveling the interplay between αSyn, neurons, and glia may provide insights into disease initiation and progression, which may bring us closer to exploring new effective therapeutic strategies. Herein, we provide an overview of recent studies emphasizing the multifaceted nature of αSyn and its impact on both neuron and glial cell damage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Ireneusz Majsterek
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (K.S.); (N.S.); (G.G.); (A.K.-L.); (W.R.-K.)
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9
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Horne R, Metrick MA, Man W, Rinauro DJ, Brotzakis ZF, Chia S, Meisl G, Vendruscolo M. Secondary Processes Dominate the Quiescent, Spontaneous Aggregation of α-Synuclein at Physiological pH with Sodium Salts. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:3125-3131. [PMID: 37578897 PMCID: PMC10485892 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The accurate recapitulation in an in vitro assay of the aggregation process of α-synuclein in Parkinson's disease has been a significant challenge. As α-synuclein does not aggregate spontaneously in most currently used in vitro assays, primary nucleation is triggered by the presence of surfaces such as lipid membranes or interfaces created by shaking, to achieve aggregation on accessible time scales. In addition, secondary nucleation is typically only observed by lowering the pH below 5.8. Here we investigated assay conditions that enables spontaneous primary nucleation and secondary nucleation at pH 7.4. Using 400 mM sodium phosphate, we observed quiescent spontaneous aggregation of α-synuclein and established that this aggregation is dominated by secondary processes. Furthermore, the presence of potassium ions enhanced the reproducibility of quiescent α-synuclein aggregation. This work provides a framework for the study of spontaneous α-synuclein aggregation at physiological pH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert
I. Horne
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Michael A. Metrick
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
- College
of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| | - Wing Man
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Dillon J. Rinauro
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Z. Faidon Brotzakis
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Sean Chia
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
- Bioprocessing
Technology Institute, Agency of Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 138668, Singapore
| | - Georg Meisl
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Michele Vendruscolo
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
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10
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Lomeli-Lepe AK, Castañeda-Cabral JL, López-Pérez SJ. Synucleinopathies: Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors. Cell Biochem Biophys 2023; 81:427-442. [PMID: 37526884 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-023-01154-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: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
α-Synucleinopathies are a group of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by alterations in α-synuclein (α-syn), a protein associated with membrane phospholipids, whose precise function in normal cells is still unknown. These kinds of diseases are caused by multiple factors, but the regulation of the α-syn gene is believed to play a central role in the pathology of these disorders; therefore, the α-syn gene is one of the most studied genes. α-Synucleinopathies are complex disorders that derive from the interaction between genetic and environmental factors. Here, we offer an update on the landscape of the epigenetic regulation of α-syn gene expression that has been linked with α-synucleinopathies. We also delve into the reciprocal influence between epigenetic modifications and other factors related to these disorders, such as posttranslational modifications, microbiota participation, interactions with lipids, neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, to promote α-syn aggregation by acting on the transcription and/or translation of the α-syn gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alma Karen Lomeli-Lepe
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, CUCBA, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, JAL, México
| | - Jose Luis Castañeda-Cabral
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, CUCBA, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, JAL, México
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Brembati V, Faustini G, Longhena F, Outeiro TF, Bellucci A. Changes in α-Synuclein Posttranslational Modifications in an AAV-Based Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13435. [PMID: 37686236 PMCID: PMC10488235 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) pathology is characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons of the nigrostriatal system and accumulation of Lewy bodies (LB) and Lewy neurites (LN), inclusions mainly composed of alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) fibrils. Studies linking the occurrence of mutations and multiplications of the α-Syn gene (SNCA) to the onset of PD support that α-Syn deposition may play a causal role in the disease, in line with the hypothesis that disease progression may correlate with the spreading of LB pathology in the brain. Interestingly, LB accumulate posttranslationally modified forms of α-Syn, suggesting that α-Syn posttranslational modifications impinge on α-Syn aggregation and/or toxicity. Here, we aimed at investigating changes in α-Syn phosphorylation, nitration and acetylation in mice subjected to nigral stereotaxic injections of adeno-associated viral vectors inducing overexpression of human α-Syn (AAV-hα-Syn), that model genetic PD with SNCA multiplications. We detected a mild increase of serine (Ser) 129 phosphorylated α-Syn in the substantia nigra (SN) of AAV-hα-Syn-injected mice in spite of the previously described marked accumulation of this PTM in the striatum. Following AAV-hα-Syn injection, tyrosine (Tyr) 125/136 nitrated α-Syn accumulation in the absence of general 3-nitrotirosine (3NT) or nitrated-Tyr39 α-Syn changes and augmented protein acetylation abundantly overlapping with α-Syn immunopositivity were also detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Brembati
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy (F.L.)
| | - Gaia Faustini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy (F.L.)
| | - Francesca Longhena
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy (F.L.)
| | - Tiago Fleming Outeiro
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Goettingen, 37073 Goettingen, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, 37075 Goettingen, Germany
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Arianna Bellucci
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy (F.L.)
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Khare SD, Chinchilla P, Baum J. Multifaceted interactions mediated by intrinsically disordered regions play key roles in alpha synuclein aggregation. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2023; 80:102579. [PMID: 37060757 PMCID: PMC10910670 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2023.102579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
The aggregation of Alpha Synuclein (α-Syn) into fibrils is associated with the pathology of several neurodegenerative diseases. Pathologic aggregates of α-Syn adopt multiple fibril topologies and are known to be transferred between cells via templated seeding. Monomeric α-Syn is an intrinsically disordered protein (IDP) with amphiphilic N-terminal, hydrophobic-central, and negatively charged C-terminal domains. Here, we review recent work elucidating the mechanism of α-Syn aggregation and identify the key and multifaceted roles played by the N- and C-terminal domains in the initiation and growth of aggregates as well as in the templated seeding involved in cell-to-cell propagation. The charge content of the C-terminal domain, which is sensitive to environmental conditions like organelle pH, is a key regulator of intermolecular interactions involved in fibril growth and templated propagation. An appreciation of the complex and multifaceted roles played by the intrinsically disordered terminal domains suggests novel opportunities for the development of potent inhibitors against synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sagar D Khare
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Priscilla Chinchilla
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Jean Baum
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
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Brembati V, Faustini G, Longhena F, Bellucci A. Alpha synuclein post translational modifications: potential targets for Parkinson's disease therapy? Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1197853. [PMID: 37305556 PMCID: PMC10248004 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1197853] [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: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder with motor symptoms. The neuropathological alterations characterizing the brain of patients with PD include the loss of dopaminergic neurons of the nigrostriatal system and the presence of Lewy bodies (LB), intraneuronal inclusions that are mainly composed of alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) fibrils. The accumulation of α-Syn in insoluble aggregates is a main neuropathological feature in PD and in other neurodegenerative diseases, including LB dementia (LBD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA), which are therefore defined as synucleinopathies. Compelling evidence supports that α-Syn post translational modifications (PTMs) such as phosphorylation, nitration, acetylation, O-GlcNAcylation, glycation, SUMOylation, ubiquitination and C-terminal cleavage, play important roles in the modulation α-Syn aggregation, solubility, turnover and membrane binding. In particular, PTMs can impact on α-Syn conformational state, thus supporting that their modulation can in turn affect α-Syn aggregation and its ability to seed further soluble α-Syn fibrillation. This review focuses on the importance of α-Syn PTMs in PD pathophysiology but also aims at highlighting their general relevance as possible biomarkers and, more importantly, as innovative therapeutic targets for synucleinopathies. In addition, we call attention to the multiple challenges that we still need to face to enable the development of novel therapeutic approaches modulating α-Syn PTMs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Arianna Bellucci
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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Surguchov A. α-Synuclein and Mechanisms of Epigenetic Regulation. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13010150. [PMID: 36672131 PMCID: PMC9857298 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13010150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Synucleinopathies are a group of neurodegenerative diseases with common pathological lesions associated with the excessive accumulation and abnormal intracellular deposition of toxic species of α-synuclein. The shared clinical features are chronic progressive decline of motor, cognitive, and behavioral functions. These disorders include Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy body, and multiple system atrophy. Vigorous research in the mechanisms of pathology of these illnesses is currently under way to find disease-modifying treatment and molecular markers for early diagnosis. α-Synuclein is a prone-to-aggregate, small amyloidogenic protein with multiple roles in synaptic vesicle trafficking, neurotransmitter release, and intracellular signaling events. Its expression is controlled by several mechanisms, one of which is epigenetic regulation. When transmitted to the nucleus, α-synuclein binds to DNA and histones and participates in epigenetic regulatory functions controlling specific gene transcription. Here, we discuss the various aspects of α-synuclein involvement in epigenetic regulation in health and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei Surguchov
- Department of Neurology, Kansas University Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
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Synucleins: New Data on Misfolding, Aggregation and Role in Diseases. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10123241. [PMID: 36551997 PMCID: PMC9775291 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The synucleins are a family of natively unfolded (or intrinsically unstructured) proteins consisting of α-, β-, and γ-synuclein involved in neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. The current number of publications on synucleins has exceeded 16.000. They remain the subject of constant interest for over 35 years. Two reasons explain this unchanging attention: synuclein's association with several severe human diseases and the lack of understanding of the functional roles under normal physiological conditions. We analyzed recent publications to look at the main trends and developments in synuclein research and discuss possible future directions. Traditional areas of peak research interest which still remain high among last year's publications are comparative studies of structural features as well as functional research on of three members of the synuclein family. Another popular research topic in the area is a mechanism of α-synuclein accumulation, aggregation, and fibrillation. Exciting fast-growing area of recent research is α-synuclein and epigenetics. We do not present here a broad and comprehensive review of all directions of studies but summarize only the most significant recent findings relevant to these topics and outline potential future directions.
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