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Wu R, Ye Y, Dong D, Zhang Z, Wang S, Li Y, Wright N, Redding-Ochoa J, Chang K, Xu S, Tu X, Zhu C, Ostrow LW, Roca X, Troncoso JC, Wu B, Sun S. Disruption of nuclear speckle integrity dysregulates RNA splicing in C9ORF72-FTD/ALS. Neuron 2024:S0896-6273(24)00570-1. [PMID: 39181135 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Expansion of an intronic (GGGGCC)n repeat within the C9ORF72 gene is the most common genetic cause of both frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) (C9-FTD/ALS), characterized with aberrant repeat RNA foci and noncanonical translation-produced dipeptide repeat (DPR) protein inclusions. Here, we elucidate that the (GGGGCC)n repeat RNA co-localizes with nuclear speckles and alters their phase separation properties and granule dynamics. Moreover, the essential nuclear speckle scaffold protein SRRM2 is sequestered into the poly-GR cytoplasmic inclusions in the C9-FTD/ALS mouse model and patient postmortem tissues, exacerbating the nuclear speckle dysfunction. Impaired nuclear speckle integrity induces global exon skipping and intron retention in human iPSC-derived neurons and causes neuronal toxicity. Similar alternative splicing changes can be found in C9-FTD/ALS patient postmortem tissues. This work identified novel molecular mechanisms of global RNA splicing defects caused by impaired nuclear speckle function in C9-FTD/ALS and revealed novel potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Wu
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Yingzhi Ye
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Cellular and Molecular Physiology Graduate Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Daoyuan Dong
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Shaopeng Wang
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Yini Li
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Noelle Wright
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Javier Redding-Ochoa
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Koping Chang
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Shaohai Xu
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 637551 Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xueting Tu
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Chengzhang Zhu
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Cellular and Molecular Medicine Graduate Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Lyle W Ostrow
- Department of Neurology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Xavier Roca
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 637551 Singapore, Singapore
| | - Juan C Troncoso
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Bin Wu
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Center for Cell Dynamics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Shuying Sun
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Center for Cell Dynamics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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2
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Yuan N, Shen L, Peng Q, Sha R, Wang Z, Xie Z, You X, Feng Y. SRSF1 Is Required for Mitochondrial Homeostasis and Thermogenic Function in Brown Adipocytes Through its Control of Ndufs3 Splicing. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2306871. [PMID: 38569495 PMCID: PMC11151030 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202306871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
RNA splicing dysregulation and the involvement of specific splicing factors are emerging as common factors in both obesity and metabolic disorders. The study provides compelling evidence that the absence of the splicing factor SRSF1 in mature adipocytes results in whitening of brown adipocyte tissue (BAT) and impaired thermogenesis, along with the inhibition of white adipose tissue browning in mice. Combining single-nucleus RNA sequencing with transmission electron microscopy, it is observed that the transformation of BAT cell types is associated with dysfunctional mitochondria, and SRSF1 deficiency leads to degenerated and fragmented mitochondria within BAT. The results demonstrate that SRSF1 effectively binds to constitutive exon 6 of Ndufs3 pre-mRNA and promotes its inclusion. Conversely, the deficiency of SRSF1 results in impaired splicing of Ndufs3, leading to reduced levels of functional proteins that are essential for mitochondrial complex I assembly and activity. Consequently, this deficiency disrupts mitochondrial integrity, ultimately compromising the thermogenic capacity of BAT. These findings illuminate a novel role for SRSF1 in influencing mitochondrial function and BAT thermogenesis through its regulation of Ndufs3 splicing within BAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningyang Yuan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nutrition, Metabolism and Food SafetyShanghai Institute of Nutrition and HealthUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesChinese Academy of SciencesShanghai200031China
- Lin He's Academician Workstation of New Medicine and Clinical Translation in Jining Medical UniversityJining Medical UniversityJining272067China
| | - Lei Shen
- Department of General SurgeryZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Qian Peng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nutrition, Metabolism and Food SafetyShanghai Institute of Nutrition and HealthUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesChinese Academy of SciencesShanghai200031China
| | - Rula Sha
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nutrition, Metabolism and Food SafetyShanghai Institute of Nutrition and HealthUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesChinese Academy of SciencesShanghai200031China
| | - Zhenzhen Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nutrition, Metabolism and Food SafetyShanghai Institute of Nutrition and HealthUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesChinese Academy of SciencesShanghai200031China
| | - Zhiqi Xie
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nutrition, Metabolism and Food SafetyShanghai Institute of Nutrition and HealthUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesChinese Academy of SciencesShanghai200031China
| | - Xue You
- Lin He's Academician Workstation of New Medicine and Clinical Translation in Jining Medical UniversityJining Medical UniversityJining272067China
| | - Ying Feng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nutrition, Metabolism and Food SafetyShanghai Institute of Nutrition and HealthUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesChinese Academy of SciencesShanghai200031China
- Lin He's Academician Workstation of New Medicine and Clinical Translation in Jining Medical UniversityJining Medical UniversityJining272067China
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3
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Castelli L, Vasta R, Allen SP, Waller R, Chiò A, Traynor BJ, Kirby J. From use of omics to systems biology: Identifying therapeutic targets for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 176:209-268. [PMID: 38802176 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2024.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a heterogeneous progressive neurodegenerative disorder with available treatments such as riluzole and edaravone extending survival by an average of 3-6 months. The lack of highly effective, widely available therapies reflects the complexity of ALS. Omics technologies, including genomics, transcriptomic and proteomics have contributed to the identification of biological pathways dysregulated and targeted by therapeutic strategies in preclinical and clinical trials. Integrating clinical, environmental and neuroimaging information with omics data and applying a systems biology approach can further improve our understanding of the disease with the potential to stratify patients and provide more personalised medicine. This chapter will review the omics technologies that contribute to a systems biology approach and how these components have assisted in identifying therapeutic targets. Current strategies, including the use of genetic screening and biosampling in clinical trials, as well as the future application of additional technological advances, will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Castelli
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom; Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Rosario Vasta
- ALS Expert Center,'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy; Neuromuscular Diseases Research Section, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Scott P Allen
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom; Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Waller
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom; Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Adriano Chiò
- ALS Expert Center,'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy; Neurology 1, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Bryan J Traynor
- Neuromuscular Diseases Research Section, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States; RNA Therapeutics Laboratory, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH, Rockville, MD, United States; National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, MD, United States; Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, United States; Reta Lila Weston Institute, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology,University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Janine Kirby
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom; Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom.
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4
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Shelkovnikova TA, Hautbergue GM. RNP granules in ALS and neurodegeneration: From multifunctional membraneless organelles to therapeutic opportunities. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 176:455-479. [PMID: 38802180 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2024.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and related neurodegenerative diseases are characterised by dysfunction of a host of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and a severely disrupted RNA metabolism. Recently, RBP-harbouring phase-separated complexes, ribonucleoprotein (RNP) granules, have come into the limelight as "crucibles" of neuronal pathology in ALS. RNP granules are indispensable for the multitude of regulatory processes underlying cellular RNA metabolism and serve as critical organisers of cellular biochemistry. Neurons, highly specialised cells, heavily rely on RNP granules for efficient trafficking, signalling and stress responses. Multiple RNP granule components, primarily RBPs such as TDP-43 and FUS, are affected by ALS mutations. However, even in the absence of mutations, RBP proteinopathies represent pathophysiological hallmarks of ALS. Given the high local concentrations of RBPs and RNAs, their weakened or enhanced interactions within RNP granules disrupt their homeostasis. Thus, the physiological process of phase separation and RNP granule formation, vital for maintaining the high-functioning state of neuronal cells, becomes their Achilles heel. Here, we will review the recent literature on the causes and consequences of abnormal RNP granule functioning in ALS and related disorders. In particular, we will summarise the evidence for the network-level dysfunction of RNP granules in these conditions and discuss considerations for therapeutic interventions to target RBPs, RNP granules and their network as a whole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatyana A Shelkovnikova
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom; Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Firth Court, Western Bank, Sheffield, United Kingdom.
| | - Guillaume M Hautbergue
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom; Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Firth Court, Western Bank, Sheffield, United Kingdom; Healthy Lifespan Institute (HELSI), University of Sheffield, Firth Court, Western Bank, Sheffield, United Kingdom.
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5
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Sellier C, Corcia P, Vourc'h P, Dupuis L. C9ORF72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion: From ALS and FTD to a broader pathogenic role? Rev Neurol (Paris) 2024; 180:417-428. [PMID: 38609750 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2024.03.008] [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: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
The major gene underlying monogenic forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and fronto-temporal dementia (FTD) is C9ORF72. The causative mutation in C9ORF72 is an abnormal hexanucleotide (G4C2) repeat expansion (HRE) located in the first intron of the gene. The aim of this review is to propose a comprehensive update on recent developments on clinical, biological and therapeutics aspects related to C9ORF72 in order to highlight the current understanding of genotype-phenotype correlations, and also on biological machinery leading to neuronal death. We will particularly focus on the broad phenotypic presentation of C9ORF72-related diseases, that goes well beyond the classical phenotypes observed in ALS and FTD patients. Last, we will comment the possible therapeutical hopes for patients carrying a C9ORF72 HRE.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Sellier
- Centre de recherches en biomédecine de Strasbourg, UMR-S1329, Inserm, université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - P Corcia
- UMR 1253 iBrain, Inserm, université de Tours, Tours, France; Centre constitutif de coordination SLA, CHU de Bretonneau, 2, boulevard Tonnelle, 37044 Tours cedex 1, France
| | - P Vourc'h
- UMR 1253 iBrain, Inserm, université de Tours, Tours, France; Service de biochimie et biologie moléculaire, CHU de Tours, Tours, France
| | - L Dupuis
- Centre de recherches en biomédecine de Strasbourg, UMR-S1329, Inserm, université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.
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6
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Cabrera GT, Meijboom KE, Abdallah A, Tran H, Foster Z, Weiss A, Wightman N, Stock R, Gendron T, Gruntman A, Giampetruzzi A, Petrucelli L, Brown RH, Mueller C. Artificial microRNA suppresses C9ORF72 variants and decreases toxic dipeptide repeat proteins in vivo. Gene Ther 2024; 31:105-118. [PMID: 37752346 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-023-00418-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons, causing progressive muscle weakness and respiratory failure. The presence of an expanded hexanucleotide repeat in chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9ORF72) is the most frequent mutation causing familial ALS and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). To determine if suppressing expression of C9ORF72 gene products can reduce toxicity, we designed a set of artificial microRNAs (amiRNA) targeting the human C9ORF72 gene. Here we report that an AAV9-mediated amiRNA significantly suppresses expression of the C9ORF72 mRNA, protein, and toxic dipeptide repeat proteins generated by the expanded repeat in the brain and spinal cord of C9ORF72 transgenic mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Toro Cabrera
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
- Department of Pediatrics and Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
| | - Katharina E Meijboom
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
- Department of Pediatrics and Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
| | - Abbas Abdallah
- Department of Pediatrics and Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
| | - Helene Tran
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
| | - Zachariah Foster
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
| | - Alexandra Weiss
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
| | - Nicholas Wightman
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
| | - Rachel Stock
- Department of Pediatrics and Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
| | - Tania Gendron
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Rd., Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Alisha Gruntman
- Department of Pediatrics and Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
| | - Anthony Giampetruzzi
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
| | - Leonard Petrucelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Rd., Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Robert H Brown
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA.
| | - Christian Mueller
- Department of Pediatrics and Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA.
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7
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Chong ZZ, Menkes DL, Souayah N. Pathogenesis underlying hexanucleotide repeat expansions in C9orf72 gene in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Rev Neurosci 2024; 35:85-97. [PMID: 37525497 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2023-0060] [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: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disorder. Mutations in C9orf72 and the resulting hexanucleotide repeat (GGGGCC) expansion (HRE) has been identified as a major cause of familial ALS, accounting for about 40 % of familial and 6 % of sporadic cases of ALS in Western patients. The pathological outcomes of HRE expansion in ALS have been recognized as the results of two mechanisms that include both the toxic gain-of-function and loss-of-function of C9ORF72. The gain of toxicity results from RNA and dipeptide repeats (DPRs). The HRE can be bidirectionally transcribed into RNA foci, which can bind to and disrupt RNA splicing, transport, and translation. The DPRs that include poly-glycine-alanine, poly-glycine-proline, poly-glycine- arginine, poly-proline-alanine, and poly-proline-arginine can induce toxicity by direct binding and sequestrating other proteins to interfere rRNA synthesis, ribosome biogenesis, translation, and nucleocytoplasmic transport. The C9ORF72 functions through binding to its partners-Smith-Magenis chromosome regions 8 (SMCR8) and WD repeat-containing protein (WDR41). Loss of C9ORF72 function results in impairment of autophagy, deregulation of autoimmunity, increased stress, and disruption of nucleocytoplasmic transport. Further insight into the mechanism in C9ORF72 HRE pathogenesis will facilitate identifying novel and effective therapeutic targets for ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Zhong Chong
- Department of Neurology, Rutgers University, New Jersey Medical School, 185 S. Orange Ave, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Daniel L Menkes
- Department of Neurology, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, 3555 West 13 Mile Road, Suite N120, Royal Oak, MI 48073, USA
| | - Nizar Souayah
- Department of Neurology, Rutgers University, New Jersey Medical School, 90 Bergen Street DOC 8100, Newark, NJ 07101, USA
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8
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Gambelli A, Ferrando A, Boncristiani C, Schoeftner S. Regulation and function of R-loops at repetitive elements. Biochimie 2023; 214:141-155. [PMID: 37619810 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
R-loops are atypical, three-stranded nucleic acid structures that contain a stretch of RNA:DNA hybrids and an unpaired, single stranded DNA loop. R-loops are physiological relevant and can act as regulators of gene expression, chromatin structure, DNA damage repair and DNA replication. However, unscheduled and persistent R-loops are mutagenic and can mediate replication-transcription conflicts, leading to DNA damage and genome instability if left unchecked. Detailed transcriptome analysis unveiled that 85% of the human genome, including repetitive regions, hold transcriptional activity. This anticipates that R-loops management plays a central role for the regulation and integrity of genomes. This function is expected to have a particular relevance for repetitive sequences that make up to 75% of the human genome. Here, we review the impact of R-loops on the function and stability of repetitive regions such as centromeres, telomeres, rDNA arrays, transposable elements and triplet repeat expansions and discuss their relevance for associated pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Gambelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi di Trieste, Via E. Weiss 2, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessandro Ferrando
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi di Trieste, Via E. Weiss 2, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Chiara Boncristiani
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi di Trieste, Via E. Weiss 2, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Stefan Schoeftner
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi di Trieste, Via E. Weiss 2, 34127, Trieste, Italy.
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9
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Malnar Črnigoj M, Čerček U, Yin X, Ho MT, Repic Lampret B, Neumann M, Hermann A, Rouleau G, Suter B, Mayr M, Rogelj B. Phenylalanine-tRNA aminoacylation is compromised by ALS/FTD-associated C9orf72 C4G2 repeat RNA. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5764. [PMID: 37717009 PMCID: PMC10505166 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41511-3] [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: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The expanded hexanucleotide GGGGCC repeat mutation in the C9orf72 gene is the main genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. Under one disease mechanism, sense and antisense transcripts of the repeat are predicted to bind various RNA-binding proteins, compromise their function and cause cytotoxicity. Here we identify phenylalanine-tRNA synthetase (FARS) subunit alpha (FARSA) as the main interactor of the CCCCGG antisense repeat RNA in cytosol. The aminoacylation of tRNAPhe by FARS is inhibited by antisense RNA, leading to decreased levels of charged tRNAPhe. Remarkably, this is associated with global reduction of phenylalanine incorporation in the proteome and decrease in expression of phenylalanine-rich proteins in cellular models and patient tissues. In conclusion, this study reveals functional inhibition of FARSA in the presence of antisense RNA repeats. Compromised aminoacylation of tRNA could lead to impairments in protein synthesis and further contribute to C9orf72 mutation-associated pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjana Malnar Črnigoj
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, 1000, Slovenia
- Graduate School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, 1000, Slovenia
| | - Urša Čerček
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, 1000, Slovenia
- Graduate School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, 1000, Slovenia
| | - Xiaoke Yin
- King's BHF Centre, King's College London, London, SE5 9NU, UK
| | - Manh Tin Ho
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of Bern, Bern, 3012, Switzerland
| | - Barbka Repic Lampret
- Clinical Institute of Special Laboratory Diagnostics, University Children's Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, 1000, Slovenia
| | - Manuela Neumann
- Molecular Neuropathology of Neurodegenerative Diseases, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Tübingen, 72076, Germany
- Department of Neuropathology, University Hospital of Tübingen, Tübingen, 72076, Germany
| | - Andreas Hermann
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section "Albrecht-Kossel", Department of Neurology and Center for Transdisciplinary Neurosciences Rostock (CTNR), University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, 18147, Rostock, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Rostock/Greifswald, 18147, Rostock, Germany
| | - Guy Rouleau
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3A 0G4, Canada
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Beat Suter
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of Bern, Bern, 3012, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Mayr
- King's BHF Centre, King's College London, London, SE5 9NU, UK
| | - Boris Rogelj
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, 1000, Slovenia.
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, 1000, Slovenia.
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10
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Mihaylov SR, Castelli LM, Lin YH, Gül A, Soni N, Hastings C, Flynn HR, Păun O, Dickman MJ, Snijders AP, Goldstone R, Bandmann O, Shelkovnikova TA, Mortiboys H, Ultanir SK, Hautbergue GM. The master energy homeostasis regulator PGC-1α exhibits an mRNA nuclear export function. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5496. [PMID: 37679383 PMCID: PMC10485026 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41304-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
PGC-1α plays a central role in maintaining mitochondrial and energy metabolism homeostasis, linking external stimuli to transcriptional co-activation of genes involved in adaptive and age-related pathways. The carboxyl-terminus encodes a serine/arginine-rich (RS) region and an RNA recognition motif, however the RNA-processing function(s) were poorly investigated over the past 20 years. Here, we show that the RS domain of human PGC-1α directly interacts with RNA and the nuclear RNA export receptor NXF1. Inducible depletion of PGC-1α and expression of RNAi-resistant RS-deleted PGC-1α further demonstrate that its RNA/NXF1-binding activity is required for the nuclear export of some canonical mitochondrial-related mRNAs and mitochondrial homeostasis. Genome-wide investigations reveal that the nuclear export function is not strictly linked to promoter-binding, identifying in turn novel regulatory targets of PGC-1α in non-homologous end-joining and nucleocytoplasmic transport. These findings provide new directions to further elucidate the roles of PGC-1α in gene expression, metabolic disorders, aging and neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simeon R Mihaylov
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
- Kinases and Brain Development Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Lydia M Castelli
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Ya-Hui Lin
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Aytac Gül
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Nikita Soni
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Christopher Hastings
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Helen R Flynn
- Proteomics Science Technology Platform, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Oana Păun
- Neural Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Mark J Dickman
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Sir Robert Hadfield Building, University of Sheffield, Mappin Street, Sheffield, S1 3JD, UK
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Ambrosius P Snijders
- Proteomics Science Technology Platform, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
- Life Science Mass Spectrometry, Bruker Daltonics, Banner Lane, Coventry, CV4 9GH, UK
| | - Robert Goldstone
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Science and Technology Platform, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Oliver Bandmann
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
- Healthy Lifespan Institute (HELSI), University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Tatyana A Shelkovnikova
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Heather Mortiboys
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
- Healthy Lifespan Institute (HELSI), University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Sila K Ultanir
- Kinases and Brain Development Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Guillaume M Hautbergue
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK.
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK.
- Healthy Lifespan Institute (HELSI), University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK.
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11
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Krupp S, Hubbard I, Tam O, Hammell GM, Dubnau J. TDP-43 pathology in Drosophila induces glial-cell type specific toxicity that can be ameliorated by knock-down of SF2/SRSF1. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1010973. [PMID: 37747929 PMCID: PMC10553832 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010973] [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: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulation of cytoplasmic inclusions of TAR-DNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43) is seen in both neurons and glia in a range of neurodegenerative disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Disease progression involves non-cell autonomous interactions among multiple cell types, including neurons, microglia and astrocytes. We investigated the effects in Drosophila of inducible, glial cell type-specific TDP-43 overexpression, a model that causes TDP-43 protein pathology including loss of nuclear TDP-43 and accumulation of cytoplasmic inclusions. We report that TDP-43 pathology in Drosophila is sufficient to cause progressive loss of each of the 5 glial sub-types. But the effects on organismal survival were most pronounced when TDP-43 pathology was induced in the perineural glia (PNG) or astrocytes. In the case of PNG, this effect is not attributable to loss of the glial population, because ablation of these glia by expression of pro-apoptotic reaper expression has relatively little impact on survival. To uncover underlying mechanisms, we used cell-type-specific nuclear RNA sequencing to characterize the transcriptional changes induced by pathological TDP-43 expression. We identified numerous glial cell-type specific transcriptional changes. Notably, SF2/SRSF1 levels were found to be decreased in both PNG and in astrocytes. We found that further knockdown of SF2/SRSF1 in either PNG or astrocytes lessens the detrimental effects of TDP-43 pathology on lifespan, but extends survival of the glial cells. Thus TDP-43 pathology in astrocytes or PNG causes systemic effects that shorten lifespan and SF2/SRSF1 knockdown rescues the loss of these glia, and also reduces their systemic toxicity to the organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Krupp
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, New York, United States of America
| | - Isabel Hubbard
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, New York, United States of America
| | - Oliver Tam
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, United States of America
| | - Gale M. Hammell
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, United States of America
| | - Josh Dubnau
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, New York, United States of America
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook School of Medicine, New York, United States of America
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12
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McGoldrick P, Robertson J. Unraveling the impact of disrupted nucleocytoplasmic transport systems in C9orf72-associated ALS. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1247297. [PMID: 37720544 PMCID: PMC10501458 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1247297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are two adult-onset neurodegenerative diseases that are part of a common disease spectrum due to clinical, genetic, and pathological overlap. A prominent genetic factor contributing to both diseases is a hexanucleotide repeat expansion in a non-coding region of the C9orf72 gene. This mutation in C9orf72 leads to nuclear depletion and cytoplasmic aggregation of Tar DNA-RNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43). TDP-43 pathology is characteristic of the majority of ALS cases, irrespective of disease causation, and is present in ~50% of FTD cases. Defects in nucleocytoplasmic transport involving the nuclear pore complex, the Ran-GTPase cycle, and nuclear transport factors have been linked with the mislocalization of TDP-43. Here, we will explore and discuss the implications of these system abnormalities of nucleocytoplasmic transport in C9orf72-ALS/FTD, as well as in other forms of familial and sporadic ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip McGoldrick
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Janice Robertson
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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13
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Wang S, Sun S. Translation dysregulation in neurodegenerative diseases: a focus on ALS. Mol Neurodegener 2023; 18:58. [PMID: 37626421 PMCID: PMC10464328 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00642-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA translation is tightly controlled in eukaryotic cells to regulate gene expression and maintain proteome homeostasis. RNA binding proteins, translation factors, and cell signaling pathways all modulate the translation process. Defective translation is involved in multiple neurological diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and poses a major public health challenge worldwide. Over the past few years, tremendous advances have been made in the understanding of the genetics and pathogenesis of ALS. Dysfunction of RNA metabolisms, including RNA translation, has been closely associated with ALS. Here, we first introduce the general mechanisms of translational regulation under physiological and stress conditions and review well-known examples of translation defects in neurodegenerative diseases. We then focus on ALS-linked genes and discuss the recent progress on how translation is affected by various mutant genes and the repeat expansion-mediated non-canonical translation in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaopeng Wang
- Department of Physiology and Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Shuying Sun
- Department of Physiology and Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
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14
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Sandoval-Castellanos AM, Bhargava A, Zhao M, Xu J, Ning K. Serine and arginine rich splicing factor 1: a potential target for neuroprotection and other diseases. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:1411-1416. [PMID: 36571335 PMCID: PMC10075106 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.360243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing is the process of producing variably spliced mRNAs by choosing distinct combinations of splice sites within a messenger RNA precursor. This splicing enables mRNA from a single gene to synthesize different proteins, which have different cellular properties and functions and yet arise from the same single gene. A family of splicing factors, Serine-arginine rich proteins, are needed to initiate the assembly and activation of the spliceosome. Serine and arginine rich splicing factor 1, part of the arginine/serine-rich splicing factor protein family, can either activate or inhibit the splicing of mRNAs, depending on the phosphorylation status of the protein and its interaction partners. Considering that serine and arginine rich splicing factor 1 is either an activator or an inhibitor, this protein has been studied widely to identify its various roles in different diseases. Research has found that serine and arginine rich splicing factor 1 is a key target for neuroprotection, showing its promising potential use in therapeutics for neurodegenerative disorders. Furthermore, serine and arginine rich splicing factor 1 might be used to regulate cancer development and autoimmune diseases. In this review, we highlight how serine and arginine rich splicing factor 1 has been studied concerning neuroprotection. In addition, we draw attention to how serine and arginine rich splicing factor 1 is being studied in cancer and immunological disorders, as well as how serine and arginine rich splicing factor 1 acts outside the central or peripheral nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Sandoval-Castellanos
- Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience, SITraN, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK; Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, and Department of Dermatology, Institute for Regenerative Cures, University of California at Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Anushka Bhargava
- Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience, SITraN, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Min Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, and Department of Dermatology, Institute for Regenerative Cures, University of California at Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Jun Xu
- East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ke Ning
- Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience, SITraN, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK; East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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15
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Krupp S, Tam O, Hammell MG, Dubnau J. TDP-43 pathology in Drosophila induces glial-cell type specific toxicity that can be ameliorated by knock-down of SF2/SRSF1. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.04.539439. [PMID: 37205372 PMCID: PMC10187300 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.04.539439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Accumulation of cytoplasmic inclusions of TAR-DNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43) is seen in both neurons and glia in a range of neurodegenerative disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Disease progression involves non-cell autonomous interactions among multiple cell types, including neurons, microglia and astrocytes. We investigated the effects in Drosophila of inducible, glial cell type-specific TDP-43 overexpression, a model that causes TDP-43 protein pathology including loss of nuclear TDP-43 and accumulation of cytoplasmic inclusions. We report that TDP-43 pathology in Drosophila is sufficient to cause progressive loss of each of the 5 glial sub-types. But the effects on organismal survival were most pronounced when TDP-43 pathology was induced in the perineural glia (PNG) or astrocytes. In the case of PNG, this effect is not attributable to loss of the glial population, because ablation of these glia by expression of pro-apoptotic reaper expression has relatively little impact on survival. To uncover underlying mechanisms, we used cell-type-specific nuclear RNA sequencing to characterize the transcriptional changes induced by pathological TDP-43 expression. We identified numerous glial cell-type specific transcriptional changes. Notably, SF2/SRSF1 levels were found to be decreased in both PNG and in astrocytes. We found that further knockdown of SF2/SRSF1 in either PNG or astrocytes lessens the detrimental effects of TDP-43 pathology on lifespan, but extends survival of the glial cells. Thus TDP-43 pathology in astrocytes or PNG causes systemic effects that shorten lifespan and SF2/SRSF1 knockdown rescues the loss of these glia, and also reduces their systemic toxicity to the organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Krupp
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, NY 11794, USA
| | - O Tam
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1 Bungtown road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY.,11794
| | - M Gale Hammell
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1 Bungtown road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY.,11794
| | - J Dubnau
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, NY 11794, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook School of Medicine, NY 11794, USA
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16
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Wright SE, Todd PK. Native functions of short tandem repeats. eLife 2023; 12:e84043. [PMID: 36940239 PMCID: PMC10027321 DOI: 10.7554/elife.84043] [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: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Over a third of the human genome is comprised of repetitive sequences, including more than a million short tandem repeats (STRs). While studies of the pathologic consequences of repeat expansions that cause syndromic human diseases are extensive, the potential native functions of STRs are often ignored. Here, we summarize a growing body of research into the normal biological functions for repetitive elements across the genome, with a particular focus on the roles of STRs in regulating gene expression. We propose reconceptualizing the pathogenic consequences of repeat expansions as aberrancies in normal gene regulation. From this altered viewpoint, we predict that future work will reveal broader roles for STRs in neuronal function and as risk alleles for more common human neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon E Wright
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan–Ann ArborAnn ArborUnited States
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan–Ann ArborAnn ArborUnited States
- Department of Neuroscience, Picower InstituteCambridgeUnited States
| | - Peter K Todd
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan–Ann ArborAnn ArborUnited States
- VA Ann Arbor Healthcare SystemAnn ArborUnited States
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17
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Nishanth MJ, Jha S. Computational analysis of crosstalk between transcriptional regulators and RNA-binding proteins suggests mutual regulation of polycomb proteins and SRSF1 influencing adult hippocampal neurogenesis. DISCOVER MENTAL HEALTH 2023; 3:7. [PMID: 37861946 PMCID: PMC10501017 DOI: 10.1007/s44192-023-00034-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN) is a clinically significant neural phenomenon. Understanding its molecular regulation would be important. In this regard, most studies have focused on transcriptional regulators (TRs), epigenetic modifiers, or non-coding RNAs. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) have emerged as dominant molecular regulators. It would be significant to understand the potential cross-talk between RBPs and TRs, which could influence AHN. METHODS The present study employed computational analyses to identify RBPs and TRs regulating AHN, followed by the analysis of their interaction networks and detection of hub proteins. Next, the potential mutual regulation of hub TRs and RBPs was analyzed. Additionally, hippocampal genes differentially expressed upon exercise were analyzed for potential regulation by the identified TRs and RBPs. RESULTS 105 TRs and 26 RBPs were found to influence AHN, which could also form interactive networks. Polycomb complex proteins were among the TR network hubs, while HNRNP and SRSF family members were among the hub RBPs. Further, the polycomb complex proteins and SRSF1 could have a mutual regulatory relationship, suggesting a cross-talk between epigenetic/transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulatory pathways. A number of exercise-induced hippocampal genes were also found to be potential targets of the identified TRs and RBPs. CONCLUSION SRSF1 may influence post-transcriptional stability, localization, and alternative splicing patterns of polycomb complex transcripts, and the polycomb proteins may in turn epigenetically influence the SRSF1. Further experimental validation of these regulatory loops/networks could provide novel insights into the molecular regulation of AHN, and unravel new targets for disease-treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Nishanth
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Lifesciences, St Joseph's University, Bengaluru, India
| | - Shanker Jha
- School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, India.
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18
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Mead RJ, Shan N, Reiser HJ, Marshall F, Shaw PJ. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a neurodegenerative disorder poised for successful therapeutic translation. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:185-212. [PMID: 36543887 PMCID: PMC9768794 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-022-00612-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 109.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating disease caused by degeneration of motor neurons. As with all major neurodegenerative disorders, development of disease-modifying therapies has proven challenging for multiple reasons. Nevertheless, ALS is one of the few neurodegenerative diseases for which disease-modifying therapies are approved. Significant discoveries and advances have been made in ALS preclinical models, genetics, pathology, biomarkers, imaging and clinical readouts over the last 10-15 years. At the same time, novel therapeutic paradigms are being applied in areas of high unmet medical need, including neurodegenerative disorders. These developments have evolved our knowledge base, allowing identification of targeted candidate therapies for ALS with diverse mechanisms of action. In this Review, we discuss how this advanced knowledge, aligned with new approaches, can enable effective translation of therapeutic agents from preclinical studies through to clinical benefit for patients with ALS. We anticipate that this approach in ALS will also positively impact the field of drug discovery for neurodegenerative disorders more broadly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Mead
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Keapstone Therapeutics, The Innovation Centre, Broomhall, Sheffield, UK
| | - Ning Shan
- Aclipse Therapeutics, Radnor, PA, US
| | | | - Fiona Marshall
- MSD UK Discovery Centre, Merck, Sharp and Dohme (UK) Limited, London, UK
| | - Pamela J Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
- Keapstone Therapeutics, The Innovation Centre, Broomhall, Sheffield, UK.
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19
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Castelli LM, Lin YH, Sanchez-Martinez A, Gül A, Mohd Imran K, Higginbottom A, Upadhyay SK, Márkus NM, Rua Martins R, Cooper-Knock J, Montmasson C, Cohen R, Walton A, Bauer CS, De Vos KJ, Mead RJ, Azzouz M, Dominguez C, Ferraiuolo L, Shaw PJ, Whitworth AJ, Hautbergue GM. A cell-penetrant peptide blocking C9ORF72-repeat RNA nuclear export reduces the neurotoxic effects of dipeptide repeat proteins. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eabo3823. [PMID: 36857431 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abo3823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
Hexanucleotide repeat expansions in C9ORF72 are the most common genetic cause of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Studies have shown that the hexanucleotide expansions cause the noncanonical translation of C9ORF72 transcripts into neurotoxic dipeptide repeat proteins (DPRs) that contribute to neurodegeneration. We show that a cell-penetrant peptide blocked the nuclear export of C9ORF72-repeat transcripts in HEK293T cells by competing with the interaction between SR-rich splicing factor 1 (SRSF1) and nuclear export factor 1 (NXF1). The cell-penetrant peptide also blocked the translation of toxic DPRs in neurons differentiated from induced neural progenitor cells (iNPCs), which were derived from individuals carrying C9ORF72-linked ALS mutations. This peptide also increased survival of iNPC-differentiated C9ORF72-ALS motor neurons cocultured with astrocytes. Oral administration of the cell-penetrant peptide reduced DPR translation and rescued locomotor deficits in a Drosophila model of mutant C9ORF72-mediated ALS/FTD. Intrathecal injection of this peptide into the brains of ALS/FTD mice carrying a C9ORF72 mutation resulted in reduced expression of DPRs in mouse brains. These findings demonstrate that disrupting the production of DPRs in cellular and animal models of ALS/FTD might be a strategy to ameliorate neurodegeneration in these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia M Castelli
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Ya-Hui Lin
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Alvaro Sanchez-Martinez
- MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK
| | - Aytaç Gül
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Kamallia Mohd Imran
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Adrian Higginbottom
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Santosh Kumar Upadhyay
- Leicester Institute of Structural and Chemical Biology and Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Nóra M Márkus
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Raquel Rua Martins
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Johnathan Cooper-Knock
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Claire Montmasson
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Rebecca Cohen
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Amy Walton
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Claudia S Bauer
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Kurt J De Vos
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Richard J Mead
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Mimoun Azzouz
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Cyril Dominguez
- Leicester Institute of Structural and Chemical Biology and Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Laura Ferraiuolo
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Pamela J Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Alexander J Whitworth
- MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK
| | - Guillaume M Hautbergue
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
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20
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Suzuki N, Nishiyama A, Warita H, Aoki M. Genetics of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: seeking therapeutic targets in the era of gene therapy. J Hum Genet 2023; 68:131-152. [PMID: 35691950 PMCID: PMC9968660 DOI: 10.1038/s10038-022-01055-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an intractable disease that causes respiratory failure leading to mortality. The main locus of ALS is motor neurons. The success of antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapy in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a motor neuron disease, has triggered a paradigm shift in developing ALS therapies. The causative genes of ALS and disease-modifying genes, including those of sporadic ALS, have been identified one after another. Thus, the freedom of target choice for gene therapy has expanded by ASO strategy, leading to new avenues for therapeutic development. Tofersen for superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) was a pioneer in developing ASO for ALS. Improving protocols and devising early interventions for the disease are vital. In this review, we updated the knowledge of causative genes in ALS. We summarized the genetic mutations identified in familial ALS and their clinical features, focusing on SOD1, fused in sarcoma (FUS), and transacting response DNA-binding protein. The frequency of the C9ORF72 mutation is low in Japan, unlike in Europe and the United States, while SOD1 and FUS are more common, indicating that the target mutations for gene therapy vary by ethnicity. A genome-wide association study has revealed disease-modifying genes, which could be the novel target of gene therapy. The current status and prospects of gene therapy development were discussed, including ethical issues. Furthermore, we discussed the potential of axonal pathology as new therapeutic targets of ALS from the perspective of early intervention, including intra-axonal transcription factors, neuromuscular junction disconnection, dysregulated local translation, abnormal protein degradation, mitochondrial pathology, impaired axonal transport, aberrant cytoskeleton, and axon branching. We simultaneously discuss important pathological states of cell bodies: persistent stress granules, disrupted nucleocytoplasmic transport, and cryptic splicing. The development of gene therapy based on the elucidation of disease-modifying genes and early intervention in molecular pathology is expected to become an important therapeutic strategy in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Suzuki
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Japan.
| | - Ayumi Nishiyama
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Warita
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Japan
| | - Masashi Aoki
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Japan.
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21
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Bauer CS, Webster CP, Shaw AC, Kok JR, Castelli LM, Lin YH, Smith EF, Illanes-Álvarez F, Higginbottom A, Shaw PJ, Azzouz M, Ferraiuolo L, Hautbergue GM, Grierson AJ, De Vos KJ. Loss of TMEM106B exacerbates C9ALS/FTD DPR pathology by disrupting autophagosome maturation. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:1061559. [PMID: 36619668 PMCID: PMC9812496 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.1061559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Disruption to protein homeostasis caused by lysosomal dysfunction and associated impairment of autophagy is a prominent pathology in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia (ALS/FTD). The most common genetic cause of ALS/FTD is a G4C2 hexanucleotide repeat expansion in C9orf72 (C9ALS/FTD). Repeat-associated non-AUG (RAN) translation of G4C2 repeat transcripts gives rise to dipeptide repeat (DPR) proteins that have been shown to be toxic and may contribute to disease etiology. Genetic variants in TMEM106B have been associated with frontotemporal lobar degeneration with TDP-43 pathology and disease progression in C9ALS/FTD. TMEM106B encodes a lysosomal transmembrane protein of unknown function that is involved in various aspects of lysosomal biology. How TMEM106B variants affect C9ALS/FTD is not well understood but has been linked to changes in TMEM106B protein levels. Here, we investigated TMEM106B function in the context of C9ALS/FTD DPR pathology. We report that knockdown of TMEM106B expression exacerbates the accumulation of C9ALS/FTD-associated cytotoxic DPR proteins in cell models expressing RAN-translated or AUG-driven DPRs as well as in C9ALS/FTD-derived iAstrocytes with an endogenous G4C2 expansion by impairing autophagy. Loss of TMEM106B caused a block late in autophagy by disrupting autophagosome to autolysosome maturation which coincided with impaired lysosomal acidification, reduced cathepsin activity, and juxtanuclear clustering of lysosomes. Lysosomal clustering required Rab7A and coincided with reduced Arl8b-mediated anterograde transport of lysosomes to the cell periphery. Increasing Arl8b activity in TMEM106B-deficient cells not only restored the distribution of lysosomes, but also fully rescued autophagy and DPR protein accumulation. Thus, we identified a novel function of TMEM106B in autophagosome maturation via Arl8b. Our findings indicate that TMEM106B variants may modify C9ALS/FTD by regulating autophagic clearance of DPR proteins. Caution should therefore be taken when considering modifying TMEM106B expression levels as a therapeutic approach in ALS/FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia S. Bauer
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher P. Webster
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Allan C. Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Jannigje R. Kok
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Lydia M. Castelli
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Ya-Hui Lin
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Emma F. Smith
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Francisco Illanes-Álvarez
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian Higginbottom
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Pamela J. Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Mimoun Azzouz
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Ferraiuolo
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Guillaume M. Hautbergue
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew J. Grierson
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Kurt J. De Vos
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
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22
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Sinha Ray S, Dutta D, Dennys C, Powers S, Roussel F, Lisowski P, Glažar P, Zhang X, Biswas P, Caporale JR, Rajewsky N, Bickle M, Wein N, Bellen HJ, Likhite S, Marcogliese PC, Meyer KC. Mechanisms of IRF2BPL-related disorders and identification of a potential therapeutic strategy. Cell Rep 2022; 41:111751. [PMID: 36476864 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111751] [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: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The recently discovered neurological disorder NEDAMSS is caused by heterozygous truncations in the transcriptional regulator IRF2BPL. Here, we reprogram patient skin fibroblasts to astrocytes and neurons to study mechanisms of this newly described disease. While full-length IRF2BPL primarily localizes to the nucleus, truncated patient variants sequester the wild-type protein to the cytoplasm and cause aggregation. Moreover, patient astrocytes fail to support neuronal survival in coculture and exhibit aberrant mitochondria and respiratory dysfunction. Treatment with the small molecule copper ATSM (CuATSM) rescues neuronal survival and restores mitochondrial function. Importantly, the in vitro findings are recapitulated in vivo, where co-expression of full-length and truncated IRF2BPL in Drosophila results in cytoplasmic accumulation of full-length IRF2BPL. Moreover, flies harboring heterozygous truncations of the IRF2BPL ortholog (Pits) display progressive motor defects that are ameliorated by CuATSM treatment. Our findings provide insights into mechanisms involved in NEDAMSS and reveal a promising treatment for this severe disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shrestha Sinha Ray
- Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Debdeep Dutta
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Cassandra Dennys
- Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Samantha Powers
- Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Florence Roussel
- Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Pawel Lisowski
- The Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology (BIMSB), Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany; Department of Psychiatry, Charité - Universitätmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Magdalenka, Poland
| | - Petar Glažar
- The Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology (BIMSB), Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany; Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Xiaojin Zhang
- Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Pipasha Biswas
- Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Joseph R Caporale
- Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Nikolaus Rajewsky
- The Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology (BIMSB), Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marc Bickle
- Roche Institute for Translational Bioengineering, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Wein
- Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Hugo J Bellen
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shibi Likhite
- Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Paul C Marcogliese
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kathrin C Meyer
- Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
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23
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Marchi PM, Marrone L, Brasseur L, Coens A, Webster CP, Bousset L, Destro M, Smith EF, Walther CG, Alfred V, Marroccella R, Graves EJ, Robinson D, Shaw AC, Wan LM, Grierson AJ, Ebbens SJ, De Vos KJ, Hautbergue GM, Ferraiuolo L, Melki R, Azzouz M. C9ORF72-derived poly-GA DPRs undergo endocytic uptake in iAstrocytes and spread to motor neurons. Life Sci Alliance 2022; 5:5/9/e202101276. [PMID: 35568435 PMCID: PMC9108631 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202101276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Dipeptide repeat (DPR) proteins are aggregation-prone polypeptides encoded by the pathogenic GGGGCC repeat expansion in the C9ORF72 gene, the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. In this study, we focus on the role of poly-GA DPRs in disease spread. We demonstrate that recombinant poly-GA oligomers can directly convert into solid-like aggregates and form characteristic β-sheet fibrils in vitro. To dissect the process of cell-to-cell DPR transmission, we closely follow the fate of poly-GA DPRs in either their oligomeric or fibrillized form after administration in the cell culture medium. We observe that poly-GA DPRs are taken up via dynamin-dependent and -independent endocytosis, eventually converging at the lysosomal compartment and leading to axonal swellings in neurons. We then use a co-culture system to demonstrate astrocyte-to-motor neuron DPR propagation, showing that astrocytes may internalise and release aberrant peptides in disease pathogenesis. Overall, our results shed light on the mechanisms of poly-GA cellular uptake and propagation, suggesting lysosomal impairment as a possible feature underlying the cellular pathogenicity of these DPR species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo M Marchi
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.,Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, UK
| | - Lara Marrone
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.,Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, UK
| | - Laurent Brasseur
- The French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), Institut François Jacob (MIRcen) and The French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases (UMR9199), Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Audrey Coens
- The French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), Institut François Jacob (MIRcen) and The French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases (UMR9199), Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Christopher P Webster
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.,Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, UK
| | - Luc Bousset
- The French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), Institut François Jacob (MIRcen) and The French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases (UMR9199), Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Marco Destro
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.,Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, UK
| | - Emma F Smith
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.,Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, UK.,Centre for Membrane Interactions and Dynamics, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, UK
| | - Christa G Walther
- The Wolfson Light Microscopy Facility, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Victor Alfred
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.,Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, UK
| | - Raffaele Marroccella
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.,Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, UK
| | - Emily J Graves
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.,Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, UK
| | - Darren Robinson
- The Wolfson Light Microscopy Facility, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Allan C Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.,Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, UK
| | - Lai Mei Wan
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.,Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, UK
| | - Andrew J Grierson
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.,Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, UK
| | - Stephen J Ebbens
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Kurt J De Vos
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.,Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, UK.,Centre for Membrane Interactions and Dynamics, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, UK
| | - Guillaume M Hautbergue
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.,Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, UK
| | - Laura Ferraiuolo
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.,Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, UK
| | - Ronald Melki
- The French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), Institut François Jacob (MIRcen) and The French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases (UMR9199), Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Mimoun Azzouz
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK .,Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, UK
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24
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Benoit I, Di Curzio D, Civetta A, Douville RN. Drosophila as a Model for Human Viral Neuroinfections. Cells 2022; 11:cells11172685. [PMID: 36078091 PMCID: PMC9454636 DOI: 10.3390/cells11172685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The study of human neurological infection faces many technical and ethical challenges. While not as common as mammalian models, the use of Drosophila (fruit fly) in the investigation of virus–host dynamics is a powerful research tool. In this review, we focus on the benefits and caveats of using Drosophila as a model for neurological infections and neuroimmunity. Through the examination of in vitro, in vivo and transgenic systems, we highlight select examples to illustrate the use of flies for the study of exogenous and endogenous viruses associated with neurological disease. In each case, phenotypes in Drosophila are compared to those in human conditions. In addition, we discuss antiviral drug screening in flies and how investigating virus–host interactions may lead to novel antiviral drug targets. Together, we highlight standardized and reproducible readouts of fly behaviour, motor function and neurodegeneration that permit an accurate assessment of neurological outcomes for the study of viral infection in fly models. Adoption of Drosophila as a valuable model system for neurological infections has and will continue to guide the discovery of many novel virus–host interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilena Benoit
- Department of Biology, University of Winnipeg, 599 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3B 2G3, Canada
- Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, 351 Taché Ave, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6, Canada
| | - Domenico Di Curzio
- Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, 351 Taché Ave, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6, Canada
| | - Alberto Civetta
- Department of Biology, University of Winnipeg, 599 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3B 2G3, Canada
| | - Renée N. Douville
- Department of Biology, University of Winnipeg, 599 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3B 2G3, Canada
- Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, 351 Taché Ave, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6, Canada
- Correspondence:
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25
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Baud A, Derbis M, Tutak K, Sobczak K. Partners in crime: Proteins implicated in
RNA
repeat expansion diseases. WIRES RNA 2022; 13:e1709. [PMID: 35229468 PMCID: PMC9539487 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Baud
- Department of Gene Expression Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Adam Mickiewicz University Poznan Poland
| | - Magdalena Derbis
- Department of Gene Expression Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Adam Mickiewicz University Poznan Poland
| | - Katarzyna Tutak
- Department of Gene Expression Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Adam Mickiewicz University Poznan Poland
| | - Krzysztof Sobczak
- Department of Gene Expression Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Adam Mickiewicz University Poznan Poland
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26
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Gene Therapy in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Cells 2022; 11:cells11132066. [PMID: 35805149 PMCID: PMC9265980 DOI: 10.3390/cells11132066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the discovery of Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) gene mutation, in 1993, as the first genetic abnormality in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), over 50 genes have been identified as either cause or modifier in ALS and ALS/frontotemporal dementia (FTD) spectrum disease. Mutations in C9orf72, SOD1, TAR DNA binding protein 43 (TARDBP), and fused in sarcoma (FUS) genes are the four most common ones. During the last three decades, tremendous effort has been made worldwide to reveal biological pathways underlying the pathogenesis of these gene mutations in ALS/FTD. Accordingly, targeting etiologic genes (i.e., gene therapies) to suppress their toxic effects have been investigated widely. It includes four major strategies: (i) removal or inhibition of abnormal transcribed RNA using microRNA or antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), (ii) degradation of abnormal mRNA using RNA interference (RNAi), (iii) decrease or inhibition of mutant proteins (e.g., using antibodies against misfolded proteins), and (iv) DNA genome editing with methods such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein (CRISPR/Cas). The promising results of these studies have led to the application of some of these strategies into ALS clinical trials, especially for C9orf72 and SOD1. In this paper, we will overview advances in gene therapy in ALS/FTD, focusing on C9orf72, SOD1, TARDBP, and FUS genes.
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27
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Song J, Liu C, Li B, Liu L, Zeng L, Ye Z, Mao T, Wu W, Hu B. Tunable Cellular Localization and Extensive Cytoskeleton-Interplay of Reflectins. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:862011. [PMID: 35813206 PMCID: PMC9259870 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.862011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Reflectin proteins are natural copolymers consisting of repeated canonical domains. They are located in a biophotonic system called Bragg lamellae and manipulate the dynamic structural coloration of iridocytes. Their biological functions are intriguing, but the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. Reflectin A1, A2, B1, and C were found to present distinguished cyto-/nucleoplasmic localization preferences in the work. Comparable intracellular localization was reproduced by truncated reflectin variants, suggesting a conceivable evolutionary order among reflectin proteins. The size-dependent access of reflectin variants into the nucleus demonstrated a potential model of how reflectins get into Bragg lamellae. Moreover, RfA1 was found to extensively interact with the cytoskeleton, including its binding to actin and enrichment at the microtubule organizing center. This implied that the cytoskeleton system plays a fundamental role during the organization and transportation of reflectin proteins. The findings presented here provide evidence to get an in-depth insight into the evolutionary processes and working mechanisms of reflectins, as well as novel molecular tools to achieve tunable intracellular transportation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyi Song
- College of Liberal Arts Science, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Chuanyang Liu
- College of Liberal Arts Science, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Baoshan Li
- College of Liberal Arts Science, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Liangcheng Liu
- College of Liberal Arts Science, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Ling Zeng
- College of Liberal Arts Science, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Zonghuang Ye
- College of Liberal Arts Science, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Ting Mao
- Logistics Center, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Wenjian Wu
- College of Liberal Arts Science, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Biru Hu
- College of Liberal Arts Science, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, China
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28
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Gleixner AM, Verdone BM, Otte CG, Anderson EN, Ramesh N, Shapiro OR, Gale JR, Mauna JC, Mann JR, Copley KE, Daley EL, Ortega JA, Cicardi ME, Kiskinis E, Kofler J, Pandey UB, Trotti D, Donnelly CJ. NUP62 localizes to ALS/FTLD pathological assemblies and contributes to TDP-43 insolubility. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3380. [PMID: 35697676 PMCID: PMC9192689 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31098-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
A G4C2 hexanucleotide repeat expansion in the C9orf72 gene is the most common genetic cause of ALS and FTLD (C9-ALS/FTLD) with cytoplasmic TDP-43 inclusions observed in regions of neurodegeneration. The accumulation of repetitive RNAs and dipeptide repeat protein (DPR) are two proposed mechanisms of toxicity in C9-ALS/FTLD and linked to impaired nucleocytoplasmic transport. Nucleocytoplasmic transport is regulated by the phenylalanine-glycine nucleoporins (FG nups) that comprise the nuclear pore complex (NPC) permeability barrier. However, the relationship between FG nups and TDP-43 pathology remains elusive. Our studies show that nuclear depletion and cytoplasmic mislocalization of one FG nup, NUP62, is linked to TDP-43 mislocalization in C9-ALS/FTLD iPSC neurons. Poly-glycine arginine (GR) DPR accumulation initiates the formation of cytoplasmic RNA granules that recruit NUP62 and TDP-43. Cytoplasmic NUP62 and TDP-43 interactions promotes their insolubility and NUP62:TDP-43 inclusions are frequently found in C9orf72 ALS/FTLD as well as sporadic ALS/FTLD postmortem CNS tissue. Our findings indicate NUP62 cytoplasmic mislocalization contributes to TDP-43 proteinopathy in ALS/FTLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda M Gleixner
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- LiveLikeLou Center for ALS Research, University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Brandie Morris Verdone
- Department of Neuroscience, Jefferson Weinberg ALS Center, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Charlton G Otte
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- LiveLikeLou Center for ALS Research, University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Physician Scientist Training Program, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Eric N Anderson
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Nandini Ramesh
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Olivia R Shapiro
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- LiveLikeLou Center for ALS Research, University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jenna R Gale
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- LiveLikeLou Center for ALS Research, University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jocelyn C Mauna
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- LiveLikeLou Center for ALS Research, University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jacob R Mann
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- LiveLikeLou Center for ALS Research, University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Katie E Copley
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- LiveLikeLou Center for ALS Research, University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Elizabeth L Daley
- The Ken & Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Northwestern University of Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Juan A Ortega
- The Ken & Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Northwestern University of Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Maria Elena Cicardi
- Department of Neuroscience, Jefferson Weinberg ALS Center, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Evangelos Kiskinis
- The Ken & Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Northwestern University of Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Julia Kofler
- LiveLikeLou Center for ALS Research, University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Udai B Pandey
- LiveLikeLou Center for ALS Research, University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Davide Trotti
- Department of Neuroscience, Jefferson Weinberg ALS Center, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Christopher J Donnelly
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- LiveLikeLou Center for ALS Research, University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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29
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Mechanistic and Therapeutic Insights into Ataxic Disorders with Pentanucleotide Expansions. Cells 2022; 11:cells11091567. [PMID: 35563872 PMCID: PMC9099484 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Pentanucleotide expansion diseases constitute a special class of neurodegeneration. The repeat expansions occur in non-coding regions, have likely arisen from Alu elements, and often result in autosomal dominant or recessive phenotypes with underlying cerebellar neuropathology. When transcribed (potentially bidirectionally), the expanded RNA forms complex secondary and tertiary structures that can give rise to RNA-mediated toxicity, including protein sequestration, pentapeptide synthesis, and mRNA dysregulation. Since several of these diseases have recently been discovered, our understanding of their pathological mechanisms is limited, and their therapeutic interventions underexplored. This review aims to highlight new in vitro and in vivo insights into these incurable diseases.
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30
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Xu J, Du W, Zhao Y, Lim K, Lu L, Zhang C, Li L. Mitochondria targeting drugs for neurodegenerative diseases—design, mechanism and application. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:2778-2789. [PMID: 35755284 PMCID: PMC9214044 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by progressive degeneration of neurons. NDDs threaten the lives of millions of people worldwide and regretfully remain incurable. It is well accepted that dysfunction of mitochondria underlies the pathogenesis of NDDs. Dysfunction of mitochondria results in energy depletion, oxidative stress, calcium overloading, caspases activation, which dominates the neuronal death of NDDs. Therefore, mitochondria are the preferred target for intervention of NDDs. So far various mitochondria-targeting drugs have been developed and delightfully some of them demonstrate promising outcome, though there are still some obstacles such as targeting specificity, delivery capacity hindering the drugs development. In present review, we will elaborately address 1) the strategy to design mitochondria targeting drugs, 2) the rescue mechanism of respective mitochondria targeting drugs, 3) how to evaluate the therapeutic effect. Hopefully this review will provide comprehensive knowledge for understanding how to develop more effective drugs for the treatment of NDDs.
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31
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Benson BC, Shaw PJ, Azzouz M, Highley JR, Hautbergue GM. Proteinopathies as Hallmarks of Impaired Gene Expression, Proteostasis and Mitochondrial Function in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Front Neurosci 2022; 15:783624. [PMID: 35002606 PMCID: PMC8733206 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.783624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal adult-onset neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons. As with the majority of neurodegenerative diseases, the pathological hallmarks of ALS involve proteinopathies which lead to the formation of various polyubiquitylated protein aggregates in neurons and glia. ALS is a highly heterogeneous disease, with both familial and sporadic forms arising from the convergence of multiple disease mechanisms, many of which remain elusive. There has been considerable research effort invested into exploring these disease mechanisms and in recent years dysregulation of RNA metabolism and mitochondrial function have emerged as of crucial importance to the onset and development of ALS proteinopathies. Widespread alterations of the RNA metabolism and post-translational processing of proteins lead to the disruption of multiple biological pathways. Abnormal mitochondrial structure, impaired ATP production, dysregulation of energy metabolism and calcium homeostasis as well as apoptosis have been implicated in the neurodegenerative process. Dysfunctional mitochondria further accumulate in ALS motor neurons and reflect a wider failure of cellular quality control systems, including mitophagy and other autophagic processes. Here, we review the evidence for RNA and mitochondrial dysfunction as some of the earliest critical pathophysiological events leading to the development of ALS proteinopathies, explore their relative pathological contributions and their points of convergence with other key disease mechanisms. This review will focus primarily on mutations in genes causing four major types of ALS (C9ORF72, SOD1, TARDBP/TDP-43, and FUS) and in protein homeostasis genes (SQSTM1, OPTN, VCP, and UBQLN2) as well as sporadic forms of the disease. Finally, we will look to the future of ALS research and how an improved understanding of central mechanisms underpinning proteinopathies might inform research directions and have implications for the development of novel therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget C Benson
- Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Pamela J Shaw
- Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom.,Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Mimoun Azzouz
- Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom.,Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom.,Healthy Lifespan Institute (HELSI), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - J Robin Highley
- Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom.,Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom.,Healthy Lifespan Institute (HELSI), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Guillaume M Hautbergue
- Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom.,Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom.,Healthy Lifespan Institute (HELSI), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
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32
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Giacomelli E, Vahsen BF, Calder EL, Xu Y, Scaber J, Gray E, Dafinca R, Talbot K, Studer L. Human stem cell models of neurodegeneration: From basic science of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis to clinical translation. Cell Stem Cell 2022; 29:11-35. [PMID: 34995492 PMCID: PMC8785905 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2021.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by progressive cell loss leading to disruption of the structure and function of the central nervous system. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) was among the first of these disorders modeled in patient-specific iPSCs, and recent findings have translated into some of the earliest iPSC-inspired clinical trials. Focusing on ALS as an example, we evaluate the status of modeling neurodegenerative diseases using iPSCs, including methods for deriving and using disease-relevant neuronal and glial lineages. We further highlight the remaining challenges in exploiting the full potential of iPSC technology for understanding and potentially treating neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Giacomelli
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA
| | - Björn F Vahsen
- Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Elizabeth L Calder
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yinyan Xu
- Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS), CAMS Oxford Institute (COI), Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, UK
| | - Jakub Scaber
- Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Elizabeth Gray
- Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Ruxandra Dafinca
- Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Kevin Talbot
- Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK.
| | - Lorenz Studer
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA.
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33
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Castelli LM, Benson BC, Huang WP, Lin YH, Hautbergue GM. RNA Helicases in Microsatellite Repeat Expansion Disorders and Neurodegeneration. Front Genet 2022; 13:886563. [PMID: 35646086 PMCID: PMC9133428 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.886563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Short repeated sequences of 3-6 nucleotides are causing a growing number of over 50 microsatellite expansion disorders, which mainly present with neurodegenerative features. Although considered rare diseases in relation to the relatively low number of cases, these primarily adult-onset conditions, often debilitating and fatal in absence of a cure, collectively pose a large burden on healthcare systems in an ageing world population. The pathological mechanisms driving disease onset are complex implicating several non-exclusive mechanisms of neuronal injury linked to RNA and protein toxic gain- and loss- of functions. Adding to the complexity of pathogenesis, microsatellite repeat expansions are polymorphic and found in coding as well as in non-coding regions of genes. They form secondary and tertiary structures involving G-quadruplexes and atypical helices in repeated GC-rich sequences. Unwinding of these structures by RNA helicases plays multiple roles in the expression of genes including repeat-associated non-AUG (RAN) translation of polymeric-repeat proteins with aggregating and cytotoxic properties. Here, we will briefly review the pathogenic mechanisms mediated by microsatellite repeat expansions prior to focus on the RNA helicases eIF4A, DDX3X and DHX36 which act as modifiers of RAN translation in C9ORF72-linked amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/frontotemporal dementia (C9ORF72-ALS/FTD) and Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS). We will further review the RNA helicases DDX5/17, DHX9, Dicer and UPF1 which play additional roles in the dysregulation of RNA metabolism in repeat expansion disorders. In addition, we will contrast these with the roles of other RNA helicases such as DDX19/20, senataxin and others which have been associated with neurodegeneration independently of microsatellite repeat expansions. Finally, we will discuss the challenges and potential opportunities that are associated with the targeting of RNA helicases for the development of future therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia M Castelli
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Bridget C Benson
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Wan-Ping Huang
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Ya-Hui Lin
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Guillaume M Hautbergue
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom.,Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom.,Healthy Lifespan Institute (HELSI), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
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34
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Malik I, Tseng Y, Wright SE, Zheng K, Ramaiyer P, Green KM, Todd PK. SRSF protein kinase 1 modulates RAN translation and suppresses CGG repeat toxicity. EMBO Mol Med 2021; 13:e14163. [PMID: 34542927 PMCID: PMC8573603 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202114163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcribed CGG repeat expansions cause neurodegeneration in Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS). CGG repeat RNAs sequester RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) into nuclear foci and undergo repeat-associated non-AUG (RAN) translation into toxic peptides. To identify proteins involved in these processes, we employed a CGG repeat RNA-tagging system to capture repeat-associated RBPs by mass spectrometry in mammalian cells. We identified several SR (serine/arginine-rich) proteins that interact selectively with CGG repeats basally and under cellular stress. These proteins modify toxicity in a Drosophila model of FXTAS. Pharmacologic inhibition of serine/arginine protein kinases (SRPKs), which alter SRSF protein phosphorylation, localization, and activity, directly inhibits RAN translation of CGG and GGGGCC repeats (associated with C9orf72 ALS/FTD) and triggers repeat RNA retention in the nucleus. Lowering SRPK expression suppressed toxicity in both FXTAS and C9orf72 ALS/FTD model flies, and SRPK inhibitors suppressed CGG repeat toxicity in rodent neurons. Together, these findings demonstrate roles for CGG repeat RNA binding proteins in RAN translation and repeat toxicity and support further evaluation of SRPK inhibitors in modulating RAN translation associated with repeat expansion disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indranil Malik
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
| | - Yi‐Ju Tseng
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate ProgramUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
| | - Shannon E Wright
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
- Neuroscience Graduate ProgramUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
| | - Kristina Zheng
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
| | | | - Katelyn M Green
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate ProgramUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
| | - Peter K Todd
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
- Ann Arbor Veterans Administration HealthcareAnn ArborMIUSA
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35
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Rossi S, Cozzolino M. Dysfunction of RNA/RNA-Binding Proteins in ALS Astrocytes and Microglia. Cells 2021; 10:cells10113005. [PMID: 34831228 PMCID: PMC8616248 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a neurological disease that primarily affects motor neurons in the cortex, brainstem, and spinal cord. The process that leads to motor neuron degeneration is strongly influenced by non-motor neuronal events that occur in a variety of cell types. Among these, neuroinflammatory processes mediated by activated astrocytes and microglia play a relevant role. In recent years, it has become clear that dysregulation of essential steps of RNA metabolism, as a consequence of alterations in RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), is a central event in the degeneration of motor neurons. Yet, a causal link between dysfunctional RNA metabolism and the neuroinflammatory processes mediated by astrocytes and microglia in ALS has been poorly defined. In this review, we will discuss the available evidence showing that RBPs and associated RNA processing are affected in ALS astrocytes and microglia, and the possible mechanisms involved in these events.
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36
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Azpurua J, El-Karim EG, Tranquille M, Dubnau J. A behavioral screen for mediators of age-dependent TDP-43 neurodegeneration identifies SF2/SRSF1 among a group of potent suppressors in both neurons and glia. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009882. [PMID: 34723963 PMCID: PMC8584670 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytoplasmic aggregation of Tar-DNA/RNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43) occurs in 97 percent of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), ~40% of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and in many cases of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Cytoplasmic TDP-43 inclusions are seen in both sporadic and familial forms of these disorders, including those cases that are caused by repeat expansion mutations in the C9orf72 gene. To identify downstream mediators of TDP-43 toxicity, we expressed human TDP-43 in a subset of Drosophila motor neurons. Such expression causes age-dependent deficits in negative geotaxis behavior. Using this behavioral readout of locomotion, we conducted an shRNA suppressor screen and identified 32 transcripts whose knockdown was sufficient to ameliorate the neurological phenotype. The majority of these suppressors also substantially suppressed the negative effects on lifespan seen with glial TDP-43 expression. In addition to identification of a number of genes whose roles in neurodegeneration were not previously known, our screen also yielded genes involved in chromatin regulation and nuclear/import export- pathways that were previously identified in the context of cell based or neurodevelopmental suppressor screens. A notable example is SF2, a conserved orthologue of mammalian SRSF1, an RNA binding protein with roles in splicing and nuclear export. Our identification SF2/SRSF1 as a potent suppressor of both neuronal and glial TDP-43 toxicity also provides a convergence with C9orf72 expansion repeat mediated neurodegeneration, where this gene also acts as a downstream mediator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Azpurua
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
| | - Enas Gad El-Karim
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
| | - Marvel Tranquille
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, M.S. Program, Stony Brook School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
| | - Josh Dubnau
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
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37
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Therapeutic strategies for C9orf72 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. Curr Opin Neurol 2021; 34:748-755. [PMID: 34392299 PMCID: PMC8678157 DOI: 10.1097/wco.0000000000000984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW An intronic G4C2 expansion mutation in C9orf72 is the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia (C9-ALS/FTD). Although there are currently no treatments for this insidious, fatal disease, intense research has led to promising therapeutic strategies, which will be discussed here. RECENT FINDINGS Therapeutic strategies for C9-ALS/FTD have primarily focused on reducing the toxic effects of mutant expansion RNAs or the dipeptide repeat proteins (DPRs). The pathogenic effects of G4C2 expansion transcripts have been targeted using approaches aimed at promoting their degradation, inhibiting nuclear export or silencing transcription. Other promising strategies include immunotherapy to reduce the DPRs themselves, reducing RAN translation, removing the repeats using DNA or RNA editing and manipulation of downstream disease-altered stress granule pathways. Finally, understanding the molecular triggers that lead to pheno-conversion may lead to opportunities that can delay symptomatic disease onset. SUMMARY A large body of evidence implicates RAN-translated DPRs as a main driver of C9-ALS/FTD. Promising therapeutic strategies for these devastating diseases are being rapidly developed with several approaches already in or approaching clinical trials.
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38
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Malik I, Kelley CP, Wang ET, Todd PK. Molecular mechanisms underlying nucleotide repeat expansion disorders. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2021; 22:589-607. [PMID: 34140671 PMCID: PMC9612635 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-021-00382-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The human genome contains over one million short tandem repeats. Expansion of a subset of these repeat tracts underlies over fifty human disorders, including common genetic causes of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (C9orf72), polyglutamine-associated ataxias and Huntington disease, myotonic dystrophy, and intellectual disability disorders such as Fragile X syndrome. In this Review, we discuss the four major mechanisms by which expansion of short tandem repeats causes disease: loss of function through transcription repression, RNA-mediated gain of function through gelation and sequestration of RNA-binding proteins, gain of function of canonically translated repeat-harbouring proteins, and repeat-associated non-AUG translation of toxic repeat peptides. Somatic repeat instability amplifies these mechanisms and influences both disease age of onset and tissue specificity of pathogenic features. We focus on the crosstalk between these disease mechanisms, and argue that they often synergize to drive pathogenesis. We also discuss the emerging native functions of repeat elements and how their dynamics might contribute to disease at a larger scale than currently appreciated. Lastly, we propose that lynchpins tying these disease mechanisms and native functions together offer promising therapeutic targets with potential shared applications across this class of human disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indranil Malik
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Chase P Kelley
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Center for NeuroGenetics, Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Genetics and Genomics Graduate Program, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Eric T Wang
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Center for NeuroGenetics, Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Peter K Todd
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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39
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Castelli LM, Cutillo L, Souza CDS, Sanchez-Martinez A, Granata I, Lin YH, Myszczynska MA, Heath PR, Livesey MR, Ning K, Azzouz M, Shaw PJ, Guarracino MR, Whitworth AJ, Ferraiuolo L, Milo M, Hautbergue GM. SRSF1-dependent inhibition of C9ORF72-repeat RNA nuclear export: genome-wide mechanisms for neuroprotection in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Mol Neurodegener 2021; 16:53. [PMID: 34376242 PMCID: PMC8353793 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-021-00475-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Loss of motor neurons in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) leads to progressive paralysis and death. Dysregulation of thousands of RNA molecules with roles in multiple cellular pathways hinders the identification of ALS-causing alterations over downstream changes secondary to the neurodegenerative process. How many and which of these pathological gene expression changes require therapeutic normalisation remains a fundamental question. Methods Here, we investigated genome-wide RNA changes in C9ORF72-ALS patient-derived neurons and Drosophila, as well as upon neuroprotection taking advantage of our gene therapy approach which specifically inhibits the SRSF1-dependent nuclear export of pathological C9ORF72-repeat transcripts. This is a critical study to evaluate (i) the overall safety and efficacy of the partial depletion of SRSF1, a member of a protein family involved itself in gene expression, and (ii) a unique opportunity to identify neuroprotective RNA changes. Results Our study shows that manipulation of 362 transcripts out of 2257 pathological changes, in addition to inhibiting the nuclear export of repeat transcripts, is sufficient to confer neuroprotection in C9ORF72-ALS patient-derived neurons. In particular, expression of 90 disease-altered transcripts is fully reverted upon neuroprotection leading to the characterisation of a human C9ORF72-ALS disease-modifying gene expression signature. These findings were further investigated in vivo in diseased and neuroprotected Drosophila transcriptomes, highlighting a list of 21 neuroprotective changes conserved with 16 human orthologues in patient-derived neurons. We also functionally validated the high neuroprotective potential of one of these disease-modifying transcripts, demonstrating that inhibition of ALS-upregulated human KCNN1–3 (Drosophila SK) voltage-gated potassium channel orthologs mitigates degeneration of human motor neurons and Drosophila motor deficits. Conclusions Strikingly, the partial depletion of SRSF1 leads to expression changes in only a small proportion of disease-altered transcripts, indicating that not all RNA alterations need normalization and that the gene therapeutic approach is safe in the above preclinical models as it does not disrupt globally gene expression. The efficacy of this intervention is also validated at genome-wide level with transcripts modulated in the vast majority of biological processes affected in C9ORF72-ALS. Finally, the identification of a characteristic signature with key RNA changes modified in both the disease state and upon neuroprotection also provides potential new therapeutic targets and biomarkers. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13024-021-00475-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia M Castelli
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Luisa Cutillo
- School of Mathematics, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Cleide Dos Santos Souza
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Alvaro Sanchez-Martinez
- MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0XY, UK
| | - Ilaria Granata
- National Research Council of Italy, High Performance Computing and Networking Institute (ICAR-CNR), 111 Via Pietro Castellino, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Ya-Hui Lin
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Monika A Myszczynska
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Paul R Heath
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Matthew R Livesey
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK.,Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Ke Ning
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK.,Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Mimoun Azzouz
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK.,Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Pamela J Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK.,Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Mario R Guarracino
- National Research Council of Italy, High Performance Computing and Networking Institute (ICAR-CNR), 111 Via Pietro Castellino, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Alexander J Whitworth
- MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0XY, UK
| | - Laura Ferraiuolo
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK.,Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Marta Milo
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK. .,Present Address: AstraZeneca, Academy House, 136 Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 8PA, UK.
| | - Guillaume M Hautbergue
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK. .,Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK.
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40
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Rodriguez S, Sahin A, Schrank BR, Al-Lawati H, Costantino I, Benz E, Fard D, Albers AD, Cao L, Gomez AC, Evans K, Ratti E, Cudkowicz M, Frosch MP, Talkowski M, Sorger PK, Hyman BT, Albers MW. Genome-encoded cytoplasmic double-stranded RNAs, found in C9ORF72 ALS-FTD brain, propagate neuronal loss. Sci Transl Med 2021; 13:eaaz4699. [PMID: 34233951 PMCID: PMC8779652 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aaz4699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Triggers of innate immune signaling in the CNS of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal degeneration (ALS/FTD) remain elusive. We report the presence of cytoplasmic double-stranded RNA (cdsRNA), an established trigger of innate immunity, in ALS-FTD brains carrying C9ORF72 intronic hexanucleotide expansions that included genomically encoded expansions of the G4C2 repeat sequences. The presence of cdsRNA in human brains was coincident with cytoplasmic TAR DNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43) inclusions, a pathologic hallmark of ALS/FTD. Introducing cdsRNA into cultured human neural cells induced type I interferon (IFN-I) signaling and death that was rescued by FDA-approved JAK inhibitors. In mice, genomically encoded dsRNAs expressed exclusively in a neuronal class induced IFN-I and death in connected neurons non-cell-autonomously. Our findings establish that genomically encoded cdsRNAs trigger sterile, viral-mimetic IFN-I induction and propagated death within neural circuits and may drive neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in patients with ALS/FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Rodriguez
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, USA
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Program in Therapeutic Science, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Asli Sahin
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Benjamin R Schrank
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Hawra Al-Lawati
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Isabel Costantino
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Eric Benz
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Darian Fard
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Alefiya D Albers
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, USA
- Department of Psychology, Endicott College, Beverly, MA 01915, USA
| | - Luxiang Cao
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Alexis C Gomez
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Kyle Evans
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, USA
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Program in Therapeutic Science, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Elena Ratti
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Merit Cudkowicz
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Matthew P Frosch
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Michael Talkowski
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, USA
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Peter K Sorger
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Program in Therapeutic Science, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Bradley T Hyman
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Mark W Albers
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, USA.
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Program in Therapeutic Science, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Kara E, Crimi A, Wiedmer A, Emmenegger M, Manzoni C, Bandres-Ciga S, D'Sa K, Reynolds RH, Botía JA, Losa M, Lysenko V, Carta M, Heinzer D, Avar M, Chincisan A, Blauwendraat C, García-Ruiz S, Pease D, Mottier L, Carrella A, Beck-Schneider D, Magalhães AD, Aemisegger C, Theocharides APA, Fan Z, Marks JD, Hopp SC, Abramov AY, Lewis PA, Ryten M, Hardy J, Hyman BT, Aguzzi A. An integrated genomic approach to dissect the genetic landscape regulating the cell-to-cell transfer of α-synuclein. Cell Rep 2021; 35:109189. [PMID: 34107263 PMCID: PMC8207177 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathological and experimental evidence suggests that the cell-to-cell transfer of α-synuclein has an important role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the mechanism underlying this phenomenon is not fully understood. We undertook a small interfering RNA (siRNA), genome-wide screen to identify genes regulating the cell-to-cell transfer of α-synuclein. A genetically encoded reporter, GFP-2A-αSynuclein-RFP, suitable for separating donor and recipient cells, was transiently transfected into HEK cells stably overexpressing α-synuclein. We find that 38 genes regulate the transfer of α-synuclein-RFP, one of which is ITGA8, a candidate gene identified through a recent PD genome-wide association study (GWAS). Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and weighted protein-protein network interaction analysis (WPPNIA) show that those hits cluster in networks that include known PD genes more frequently than expected by random chance. The findings expand our understanding of the mechanism of α-synuclein spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanna Kara
- Institute of Neuropathology, University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich 8091, Switzerland; Department of Neurodegenerative disease, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Alessandro Crimi
- Institute of Neuropathology, University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich 8091, Switzerland
| | - Anne Wiedmer
- Institute of Neuropathology, University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich 8091, Switzerland
| | - Marc Emmenegger
- Institute of Neuropathology, University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich 8091, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Manzoni
- Department of Pharmacology, University College London School of Pharmacy, London WC1N 1AX, UK; School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6AP, UK
| | - Sara Bandres-Ciga
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Karishma D'Sa
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK; Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK; Department of Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Regina H Reynolds
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK; NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, University College London, London, UK
| | - Juan A Botía
- Department of Neurodegenerative disease, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK; Departamento de Ingeniería de la Información y las Comunicaciones, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia 30100, Spain
| | - Marco Losa
- Institute of Neuropathology, University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich 8091, Switzerland
| | - Veronika Lysenko
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich 8091, Switzerland
| | - Manfredi Carta
- Institute of Neuropathology, University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich 8091, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Heinzer
- Institute of Neuropathology, University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich 8091, Switzerland
| | - Merve Avar
- Institute of Neuropathology, University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich 8091, Switzerland
| | - Andra Chincisan
- Institute of Neuropathology, University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich 8091, Switzerland
| | | | - Sonia García-Ruiz
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK; NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, University College London, London, UK
| | - Daniel Pease
- Institute of Neuropathology, University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich 8091, Switzerland
| | - Lorene Mottier
- Institute of Neuropathology, University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich 8091, Switzerland
| | - Alessandra Carrella
- Institute of Neuropathology, University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich 8091, Switzerland
| | - Dezirae Beck-Schneider
- Institute of Neuropathology, University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich 8091, Switzerland
| | - Andreia D Magalhães
- Institute of Neuropathology, University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich 8091, Switzerland
| | - Caroline Aemisegger
- Center for Microscopy and Image Analysis, University of Zurich, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Alexandre P A Theocharides
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich 8091, Switzerland
| | - Zhanyun Fan
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Jordan D Marks
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA; Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Sarah C Hopp
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer's and Neurodegenerative Diseases, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Andrey Y Abramov
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Patrick A Lewis
- Department of Neurodegenerative disease, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK; School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6AP, UK; Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London NW1 0TU, UK
| | - Mina Ryten
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK; NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, University College London, London, UK
| | - John Hardy
- Department of Neurodegenerative disease, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK; Reta Lila Weston Institute, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, 1 Wakefield Street, London WC1N 1PJ, UK; Institute for Advanced Study, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Bradley T Hyman
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Adriano Aguzzi
- Institute of Neuropathology, University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich 8091, Switzerland.
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Non-neuronal cells in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis - from pathogenesis to biomarkers. Nat Rev Neurol 2021; 17:333-348. [PMID: 33927394 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-021-00487-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The prevailing motor neuron-centric view of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) pathogenesis could be an important factor in the failure to identify disease-modifying therapy for this neurodegenerative disorder. Non-neuronal cells have crucial homeostatic functions within the CNS and evidence of involvement of these cells in the pathophysiology of several neurodegenerative disorders, including ALS, is accumulating. Microglia and astrocytes, in crosstalk with peripheral immune cells, can exert both neuroprotective and adverse effects, resulting in a highly nuanced range of neuronal and non-neuronal cell interactions. This Review provides an overview of the diverse roles of non-neuronal cells in relation to the pathogenesis of ALS and the emerging potential of non-neuronal cell biomarkers to advance therapeutic development.
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43
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Disease Mechanisms and Therapeutic Approaches in C9orf72 ALS-FTD. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9060601. [PMID: 34070550 PMCID: PMC8229688 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9060601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
A hexanucleotide repeat expansion mutation in the first intron of C9orf72 is the most common known genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. Since the discovery in 2011, numerous pathogenic mechanisms, including both loss and gain of function, have been proposed. The body of work overall suggests that toxic gain of function arising from bidirectionally transcribed repeat RNA is likely to be the primary driver of disease. In this review, we outline the key pathogenic mechanisms that have been proposed to date and discuss some of the novel therapeutic approaches currently in development.
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44
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Connecting the "dots": RNP granule network in health and disease. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2021; 1868:119058. [PMID: 33989700 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2021.119058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
All cells contain ribonucleoprotein (RNP) granules - large membraneless structures composed of RNA and proteins. Recent breakthroughs in RNP granule research have brought a new appreciation of their crucial role in organising virtually all cellular processes. Cells widely exploit the flexible, dynamic nature of RNP granules to adapt to a variety of functional states and the ever-changing environment. Constant exchange of molecules between the different RNP granules connects them into a network. This network controls basal cellular activities and is remodelled to enable efficient stress response. Alterations in RNP granule structure and regulation have been found to lead to fatal human diseases. The interconnectedness of RNP granules suggests that the RNP granule network as a whole becomes affected in disease states such as a representative neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In this review, we summarize available evidence on the communication between different RNP granules and on the RNP granule network disruption as a primary ALS pathomechanism.
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45
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Solomon DA, Smikle R, Reid MJ, Mizielinska S. Altered Phase Separation and Cellular Impact in C9orf72-Linked ALS/FTD. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:664151. [PMID: 33967699 PMCID: PMC8096919 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.664151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the discovery of the C9orf72 repeat expansion mutation as causative for chromosome 9-linked amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in 2011, a multitude of cellular pathways have been implicated. However, evidence has also been accumulating for a key mechanism of cellular compartmentalization—phase separation. Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is fundamental for the formation of membraneless organelles including stress granules, the nucleolus, Cajal bodies, nuclear speckles and the central channel of the nuclear pore. Evidence has now accumulated showing that the formation and function of these membraneless organelles is impaired by both the toxic arginine rich dipeptide repeat proteins (DPRs), translated from the C9orf72 repeat RNA transcript, and the repeat RNA itself. Both the arginine rich DPRs and repeat RNA themselves undergo phase separation and disrupt the physiological phase separation of proteins involved in the formation of these liquid-like organelles. Hence abnormal phase separation may explain a number of pathological cellular phenomena associated with C9orf72-ALS/FTD. In this review article, we will discuss the principles of phase separation, phase separation of the DPRs and repeat RNA themselves and how they perturb LLPS associated with membraneless organelles and the functional consequences of this. We will then discuss how phase separation may impact the major pathological feature of C9orf72-ALS/FTD, TDP-43 proteinopathy, and how LLPS may be targeted therapeutically in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A Solomon
- UK Dementia Research Institute at King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rebekah Smikle
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew J Reid
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Mizielinska
- UK Dementia Research Institute at King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, London, United Kingdom
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46
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Mechanisms of repeat-associated non-AUG translation in neurological microsatellite expansion disorders. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:775-792. [PMID: 33729487 PMCID: PMC8106499 DOI: 10.1042/bst20200690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Repeat-associated non-AUG (RAN) translation was discovered in 2011 in spinocerebellar ataxia type 8 (SCA8) and myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). This non-canonical form of translation occurs in all reading frames from both coding and non-coding regions of sense and antisense transcripts carrying expansions of trinucleotide to hexanucleotide repeat sequences. RAN translation has since been reported in 7 of the 53 known microsatellite expansion disorders which mainly present with neurodegenerative features. RAN translation leads to the biosynthesis of low-complexity polymeric repeat proteins with aggregating and cytotoxic properties. However, the molecular mechanisms and protein factors involved in assembling functional ribosomes in absence of canonical AUG start codons remain poorly characterised while secondary repeat RNA structures play key roles in initiating RAN translation. Here, we briefly review the repeat expansion disorders, their complex pathogenesis and the mechanisms of physiological translation initiation together with the known factors involved in RAN translation. Finally, we discuss research challenges surrounding the understanding of pathogenesis and future directions that may provide opportunities for the development of novel therapeutic approaches for this group of incurable neurodegenerative diseases.
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47
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Jian H, Zhang C, Qi Z, Li X, Lou Y, Kang Y, Deng W, Lv Y, Wang C, Wang W, Shang S, Hou M, Zhou H, Feng S. Alteration of mRNA 5-Methylcytosine Modification in Neurons After OGD/R and Potential Roles in Cell Stress Response and Apoptosis. Front Genet 2021; 12:633681. [PMID: 33613646 PMCID: PMC7887326 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.633681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications play an important role in central nervous system disorders. As a widespread posttranscriptional RNA modification, the role of the m5C modification in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) remains poorly defined. Here, we successfully constructed a neuronal oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) model and obtained an overview of the transcriptome-wide m5C profiles using RNA-BS-seq. We discovered that the distribution of neuronal m5C modifications was highly conserved, significantly enriched in CG-rich regions and concentrated in the mRNA translation initiation regions. After OGD/R, modification level of m5C increased, whereas the number of methylated mRNA genes decreased. The amount of overlap of m5C sites with the binding sites of most RNA-binding proteins increased significantly, except for that of the RBM3-binding protein. Moreover, hypermethylated genes in neurons were significantly enriched in pathological processes, and the hub hypermethylated genes RPL8 and RPS9 identified by the protein-protein interaction network were significantly related to cerebral injury. Furthermore, the upregulated transcripts with hypermethylated modification were enriched in the processes involved in response to stress and regulation of apoptosis, and these processes were not identified in hypomethylated transcripts. In final, we verified that OGD/R induced neuronal apoptosis in vitro using TUNEL and western blot assays. Our study identified novel m5C mRNAs associated with ischemia-reperfusion in neurons, providing valuable perspectives for future studies on the role of the RNA methylation in cerebral IRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Jian
- Department of Orthopaedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong University Center for Orthopaedics, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - ZhangYang Qi
- Department of Orthopaedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xueying Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong University Center for Orthopaedics, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Immuno Microenvironment and Disease of the Educational Ministry of China, Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yongfu Lou
- Department of Orthopaedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yi Kang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Weimin Deng
- Key Laboratory of Immuno Microenvironment and Disease of the Educational Ministry of China, Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yigang Lv
- Department of Orthopaedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Chaoyu Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Shenghui Shang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Mengfan Hou
- Department of Orthopaedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Hengxing Zhou
- Department of Orthopaedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Department of Orthopaedics, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong University Center for Orthopaedics, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shiqing Feng
- Department of Orthopaedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Department of Orthopaedics, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong University Center for Orthopaedics, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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48
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Abstract
The passage of mRNAs through the nuclear pores into the cytoplasm is essential in all eukaryotes. For regulation, mRNA export is tightly connected to the full machinery of nuclear mRNA processing, starting at transcription. Export competence of pre-mRNAs gradually increases by both transient and permanent interactions with multiple RNA processing and export factors. mRNA export is best understood in opisthokonts, with limited knowledge in plants and protozoa. Here, I review and compare nuclear mRNA processing and export between opisthokonts and Trypanosoma brucei. The parasite has many unusual features in nuclear mRNA processing, such as polycistronic transcription and trans-splicing. It lacks several nuclear complexes and nuclear-pore-associated proteins that in opisthokonts play major roles in mRNA export. As a consequence, trypanosome mRNA export control is not tight and export can even start co-transcriptionally. Whether trypanosomes regulate mRNA export at all, or whether leakage of immature mRNA to the cytoplasm is kept to a low level by a fast kinetics of mRNA processing remains to be investigated. mRNA export had to be present in the last common ancestor of eukaryotes. Trypanosomes are evolutionary very distant from opisthokonts and a comparison helps understanding the evolution of mRNA export.
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49
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Gatto N, Dos Santos Souza C, Shaw AC, Bell SM, Myszczynska MA, Powers S, Meyer K, Castelli LM, Karyka E, Mortiboys H, Azzouz M, Hautbergue GM, Márkus NM, Shaw PJ, Ferraiuolo L. Directly converted astrocytes retain the ageing features of the donor fibroblasts and elucidate the astrocytic contribution to human CNS health and disease. Aging Cell 2021; 20:e13281. [PMID: 33314575 PMCID: PMC7811849 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are highly specialised cells, responsible for CNS homeostasis and neuronal activity. Lack of human in vitro systems able to recapitulate the functional changes affecting astrocytes during ageing represents a major limitation to studying mechanisms and potential therapies aiming to preserve neuronal health. Here, we show that induced astrocytes from fibroblasts donors in their childhood or adulthood display age‐related transcriptional differences and functionally diverge in a spectrum of age‐associated features, such as altered nuclear compartmentalisation, nucleocytoplasmic shuttling properties, oxidative stress response and DNA damage response. Remarkably, we also show an age‐related differential response of induced neural progenitor cells derived astrocytes (iNPC‐As) in their ability to support neurons in co‐culture upon pro‐inflammatory stimuli. These results show that iNPC‐As are a renewable, readily available resource of human glia that retain the age‐related features of the donor fibroblasts, making them a unique and valuable model to interrogate human astrocyte function over time in human CNS health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Gatto
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) University of Sheffield Sheffield UK
| | - Cleide Dos Santos Souza
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) University of Sheffield Sheffield UK
| | - Allan C. Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) University of Sheffield Sheffield UK
| | - Simon M. Bell
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) University of Sheffield Sheffield UK
| | - Monika A. Myszczynska
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) University of Sheffield Sheffield UK
| | - Samantha Powers
- The Research institute Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus OH USA
| | - Kathrin Meyer
- The Research institute Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus OH USA
| | - Lydia M. Castelli
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) University of Sheffield Sheffield UK
| | - Evangelia Karyka
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) University of Sheffield Sheffield UK
| | - Heather Mortiboys
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) University of Sheffield Sheffield UK
| | - Mimoun Azzouz
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) University of Sheffield Sheffield UK
| | - Guillaume M. Hautbergue
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) University of Sheffield Sheffield UK
| | - Nóra M. Márkus
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) University of Sheffield Sheffield UK
| | - Pamela J. Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) University of Sheffield Sheffield UK
| | - Laura Ferraiuolo
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) University of Sheffield Sheffield UK
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Johnson SJ, Cooper TA. Overlapping mechanisms of lncRNA and expanded microsatellite RNA. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2021; 12:e1634. [PMID: 33191580 PMCID: PMC7880542 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
RNA has major regulatory roles in a wide range of biological processes and a surge of RNA research has led to the classification of numerous functional RNA species. One example is long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) that are structurally complex transcripts >200 nucleotides (nt) in length and lacking a canonical open reading frame (ORF). Despite a general lack of sequence conservation and low expression levels, many lncRNAs have been shown to have functionality in diverse biological processes as well as in mechanisms of disease. In parallel with the growing understanding of lncRNA functions, there is a growing subset of microsatellite expansion disorders in which the primary mechanism of pathogenesis is an RNA gain of function arising from RNA transcripts from the mutant allele. Microsatellite expansion disorders are caused by an expansion of short (3-10 nt) repeats located within coding genes. Expanded repeat-containing RNA mediates toxicity through multiple mechanisms, the details of which remain only partially understood. The purpose of this review is to highlight the links between functional mechanisms of lncRNAs and the potential pathogenic mechanisms of expanded microsatellite RNA. These shared mechanisms include protein sequestration, peptide translation, micro-RNA (miRNA) processing, and miRNA sequestration. Recognizing the parallels between the normal functions of lncRNAs and the negative impact of expanded microsatellite RNA on biological processes can provide reciprocal understanding to the roles of both RNA species. This article is categorized under: RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein-RNA Interactions: Functional Implications RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara J Johnson
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Thomas A Cooper
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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