1
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Doke AA, Jha SK. Electrostatics Choreographs the Aggregation Dynamics of Full-Length TDP-43 via a Monomeric Amyloid Precursor. Biochemistry 2024; 63:1553-1568. [PMID: 38820318 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.4c00060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
TDP-43 is a ubiquitously expressed, multidomain functional protein that is distinctively known to form aggregates in many fatal neurodegenerative disorders. However, the information for arresting TDP-43 aggregation is missing due to a lack of understanding of the molecular mechanism of the aggregation and structural properties of TDP-43. TDP-43 is inherently prone to aggregation and has minimal protein solubility. Multiple studies have been performed on the smaller parts of TDP-43 or the full-length protein attached to a large solubilization tag. However, the presence of co-solutes or solubilization tags is observed to interfere with the molecular properties and aggregation mechanism of full-length TDP-43. Notably, this study populated and characterized the native, dimeric state of TDP-43 without the interference of co-solutes or protein modifications. We observed that the electrostatics of the local environment is capable of the partial unfolding and monomerization of the native dimeric state of TDP-43 into an amyloidogenic molten globule. By employing the tools of thermodynamics and kinetics, we reveal the structural characteristics and temporal order of the early intermediates and transition states during the transition of the molten globule to β-rich, amyloid-like aggregates of TDP-43, which is governed by the electrostatics of the environment. The current advanced understanding of the nature of native and early aggregation-prone intermediates, early steps, and the influence of electrostatics in TDP-43 aggregation is essential for drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhilasha A Doke
- Physical and Materials Chemistry Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411008, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Santosh Kumar Jha
- Physical and Materials Chemistry Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411008, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
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2
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Tsekrekou M, Giannakou M, Papanikolopoulou K, Skretas G. Protein aggregation and therapeutic strategies in SOD1- and TDP-43- linked ALS. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1383453. [PMID: 38855322 PMCID: PMC11157337 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1383453] [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: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease with severe socio-economic impact. A hallmark of ALS pathology is the presence of aberrant cytoplasmic inclusions composed of misfolded and aggregated proteins, including both wild-type and mutant forms. This review highlights the critical role of misfolded protein species in ALS pathogenesis, particularly focusing on Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) and TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43), and emphasizes the urgent need for innovative therapeutic strategies targeting these misfolded proteins directly. Despite significant advancements in understanding ALS mechanisms, the disease remains incurable, with current treatments offering limited clinical benefits. Through a comprehensive analysis, the review focuses on the direct modulation of the misfolded proteins and presents recent discoveries in small molecules and peptides that inhibit SOD1 and TDP-43 aggregation, underscoring their potential as effective treatments to modify disease progression and improve clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Tsekrekou
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Giannakou
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece
- Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Katerina Papanikolopoulou
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Centre “Alexander Fleming”, Vari, Greece
- ResQ Biotech, Patras Science Park, Rio, Greece
| | - Georgios Skretas
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece
- ResQ Biotech, Patras Science Park, Rio, Greece
- Institute for Bio-innovation, Biomedical Sciences Research Centre “Alexander Fleming”, Vari, Greece
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3
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Mukherjee S, Poudyal M, Dave K, Kadu P, Maji SK. Protein misfolding and amyloid nucleation through liquid-liquid phase separation. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:4976-5013. [PMID: 38597222 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs01065a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is an emerging phenomenon in cell physiology and diseases. The weak multivalent interaction prerequisite for LLPS is believed to be facilitated through intrinsically disordered regions, which are prevalent in neurodegenerative disease-associated proteins. These aggregation-prone proteins also exhibit an inherent property for phase separation, resulting in protein-rich liquid-like droplets. The very high local protein concentration in the water-deficient confined microenvironment not only drives the viscoelastic transition from the liquid to solid-like state but also most often nucleate amyloid fibril formation. Indeed, protein misfolding, oligomerization, and amyloid aggregation are observed to be initiated from the LLPS of various neurodegeneration-related proteins. Moreover, in these cases, neurodegeneration-promoting genetic and environmental factors play a direct role in amyloid aggregation preceded by the phase separation. These cumulative recent observations ignite the possibility of LLPS being a prominent nucleation mechanism associated with aberrant protein aggregation. The present review elaborates on the nucleation mechanism of the amyloid aggregation pathway and the possible early molecular events associated with amyloid-related protein phase separation. It also summarizes the recent advancement in understanding the aberrant phase transition of major proteins contributing to neurodegeneration focusing on the common disease-associated factors. Overall, this review proposes a generic LLPS-mediated multistep nucleation mechanism for amyloid aggregation and its implication in neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Semanti Mukherjee
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, India.
| | - Manisha Poudyal
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, India.
| | - Kritika Dave
- Sunita Sanghi Centre of Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, India
| | - Pradeep Kadu
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, India.
| | - Samir K Maji
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, India.
- Sunita Sanghi Centre of Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, India
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4
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Fuxreiter M. Context-dependent, fuzzy protein interactions: Towards sequence-based insights. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2024; 87:102834. [PMID: 38759297 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2024.102834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Predicting protein interactions in the cellular environment still remains a challenge in the AlphaFold era. Protein interactions, similarly to their structures, sample a continuum from ordered to disordered states, with specific partners in many bound configurations. A multiplicity of binding modes (MBM) enables transition between these states under different cellular conditions. This review focuses on how the cellular environment affects protein interactions, highlighting the molecular mechanisms, biophysical origin, and sequence-based principles of context-dependent, fuzzy interactions. It summarises experimental and computational approaches to address the challenge of interaction heterogeneity and its contribution to a wide range of biological functions. These insights will help in understanding complex cellular processes, involving conversions between protein assembly states, such as from liquid-like droplet state to the amyloid state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Fuxreiter
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy; Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
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5
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Zibold J, Lessard LER, Picard F, da Silva LG, Zadorozhna Y, Streichenberger N, Belotti E, Osseni A, Emerit A, Errazuriz-Cerda E, Michel-Calemard L, Menassa R, Coudert L, Wiessner M, Stucka R, Klopstock T, Simonetti F, Hutten S, Nonaka T, Hasegawa M, Strom TM, Bernard E, Ollagnon E, Urtizberea A, Dormann D, Petiot P, Schaeffer L, Senderek J, Leblanc P. The new missense G376V-TDP-43 variant induces late-onset distal myopathy but not amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Brain 2024; 147:1768-1783. [PMID: 38079474 PMCID: PMC11068115 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
TAR DNA binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP-43)-positive inclusions in neurons are a hallmark of several neurodegenerative diseases including familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (fALS) caused by pathogenic TARDBP variants as well as more common non-Mendelian sporadic ALS (sALS). Here we report a G376V-TDP-43 missense variant in the C-terminal prion-like domain of the protein in two French families affected by an autosomal dominant myopathy but not fulfilling diagnostic criteria for ALS. Patients from both families presented with progressive weakness and atrophy of distal muscles, starting in their fifth to seventh decade. Muscle biopsies revealed a degenerative myopathy characterized by accumulation of rimmed (autophagic) vacuoles, disruption of sarcomere integrity and severe myofibrillar disorganization. The G376V variant altered a highly conserved amino acid residue and was absent in databases on human genome variation. Variant pathogenicity was supported by in silico analyses and functional studies. The G376V mutant increased the formation of cytoplasmic TDP-43 condensates in cell culture models, promoted assembly into high molecular weight oligomers and aggregates in vitro, and altered morphology of TDP-43 condensates arising from phase separation. Moreover, the variant led to the formation of cytoplasmic TDP-43 condensates in patient-derived myoblasts and induced abnormal mRNA splicing in patient muscle tissue. The identification of individuals with TDP-43-related myopathy, but not ALS, implies that TARDBP missense variants may have more pleiotropic effects than previously anticipated and support a primary role for TDP-43 in skeletal muscle pathophysiology. We propose to include TARDBP screening in the genetic work-up of patients with late-onset distal myopathy. Further research is warranted to examine the precise pathogenic mechanisms of TARDBP variants causing either a neurodegenerative or myopathic phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Zibold
- Friedrich-Baur Institute at the Department of Neurology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Lola E R Lessard
- Faculté de Médecine Rockefeller, Institut NeuroMyoGène-PGNM, Université Claude Bernard Lyon, 69008 Lyon, France
- Service d’Electroneuromyographie et de pathologies neuromusculaires, Hôpital Neurologique Pierre Wertheimer, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69677 Bron, France
| | - Flavien Picard
- Faculté de Médecine Rockefeller, Institut NeuroMyoGène-PGNM, Université Claude Bernard Lyon, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Lara Gruijs da Silva
- Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU), Faculty of Biology, Institute of Molecular Physiology, 55128 Mainz, Germany
- Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences (GSN), LMU BioCenter, Department Biology II Neurobiology, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Center for Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Yelyzaveta Zadorozhna
- Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU), Faculty of Biology, Institute of Molecular Physiology, 55128 Mainz, Germany
- International PhD Programme (IPP) of the Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Nathalie Streichenberger
- Faculté de Médecine Rockefeller, Institut NeuroMyoGène-PGNM, Université Claude Bernard Lyon, 69008 Lyon, France
- Département d’Anatomo-Pathologie, Groupement Hospitalier Est, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69677 Bron, France
| | - Edwige Belotti
- Faculté de Médecine Rockefeller, Institut NeuroMyoGène-PGNM, Université Claude Bernard Lyon, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Alexis Osseni
- Faculté de Médecine Rockefeller, Institut NeuroMyoGène-PGNM, Université Claude Bernard Lyon, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Andréa Emerit
- Faculté de Médecine Rockefeller, Institut NeuroMyoGène-PGNM, Université Claude Bernard Lyon, 69008 Lyon, France
| | | | - Laurence Michel-Calemard
- Faculté de Médecine Rockefeller, Institut NeuroMyoGène-PGNM, Université Claude Bernard Lyon, 69008 Lyon, France
- Service Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, Centre de biologie et pathologie Est, Hospices civils de Lyon, 69677 Bron, France
| | - Rita Menassa
- Faculté de Médecine Rockefeller, Institut NeuroMyoGène-PGNM, Université Claude Bernard Lyon, 69008 Lyon, France
- Service Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, Centre de biologie et pathologie Est, Hospices civils de Lyon, 69677 Bron, France
| | - Laurent Coudert
- Faculté de Médecine Rockefeller, Institut NeuroMyoGène-PGNM, Université Claude Bernard Lyon, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Manuela Wiessner
- Friedrich-Baur Institute at the Department of Neurology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Rolf Stucka
- Friedrich-Baur Institute at the Department of Neurology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Klopstock
- Friedrich-Baur Institute at the Department of Neurology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich Site, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Francesca Simonetti
- Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU), Faculty of Biology, Institute of Molecular Physiology, 55128 Mainz, Germany
- Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences (GSN), LMU BioCenter, Department Biology II Neurobiology, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich Site, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Saskia Hutten
- Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU), Faculty of Biology, Institute of Molecular Physiology, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Takashi Nonaka
- Dementia Research Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
| | - Masato Hasegawa
- Dementia Research Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
| | - Tim M Strom
- Institute of Human Genetics, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Emilien Bernard
- Faculté de Médecine Rockefeller, Institut NeuroMyoGène-PGNM, Université Claude Bernard Lyon, 69008 Lyon, France
- Service d’Electroneuromyographie et de pathologies neuromusculaires, Hôpital Neurologique Pierre Wertheimer, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69677 Bron, France
| | - Elisabeth Ollagnon
- Service de Génétique, Neurogénétique et Médecine Prédictive, Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69004 Lyon, France
| | - Andoni Urtizberea
- Centre de Référence Neuromusculaire, Hôpital Marin—APHP, 64701 Hendaye, France
| | - Dorothee Dormann
- Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU), Faculty of Biology, Institute of Molecular Physiology, 55128 Mainz, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), 81377 Munich, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Laurent Schaeffer
- Faculté de Médecine Rockefeller, Institut NeuroMyoGène-PGNM, Université Claude Bernard Lyon, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Jan Senderek
- Friedrich-Baur Institute at the Department of Neurology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Pascal Leblanc
- Faculté de Médecine Rockefeller, Institut NeuroMyoGène-PGNM, Université Claude Bernard Lyon, 69008 Lyon, France
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6
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Lynch EM, Pittman S, Daw J, Ikenaga C, Chen S, Dhavale DD, Jackrel ME, Ayala YM, Kotzbauer P, Ly CV, Pestronk A, Lloyd TE, Weihl CC. Seeding competent TDP-43 persists in human patient and mouse muscle. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.03.587918. [PMID: 38617354 PMCID: PMC11014586 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.03.587918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) is an RNA binding protein that accumulates as aggregates in the central nervous system of some neurodegenerative diseases. However, TDP-43 aggregation is also a sensitive and specific pathologic feature found in a family of degenerative muscle diseases termed inclusion body myopathy (IBM). TDP-43 aggregates from ALS and FTD brain lysates may serve as self-templating aggregate seeds in vitro and in vivo, supporting a prion-like spread from cell to cell. Whether a similar process occurs in IBM patient muscle is not clear. We developed a mouse model of inducible, muscle-specific cytoplasmic localized TDP-43. These mice develop muscle weakness with robust accumulation of insoluble and phosphorylated sarcoplasmic TDP-43, leading to eosinophilic inclusions, altered proteostasis and changes in TDP-43-related RNA processing that resolve with the removal of doxycycline. Skeletal muscle lysates from these mice also have seeding competent TDP-43, as determined by a FRET-based biosensor, that persists for weeks upon resolution of TDP-43 aggregate pathology. Human muscle biopsies with TDP-43 pathology also contain TDP-43 aggregate seeds. Using lysates from muscle biopsies of patients with IBM, IMNM and ALS we found that TDP-43 seeding capacity was specific to IBM. Surprisingly, TDP-43 seeding capacity anti-correlated with TDP-43 aggregate and vacuole abundance. These data support that TDP-43 aggregate seeds are present in IBM skeletal muscle and represent a unique TDP-43 pathogenic species not previously appreciated in human muscle disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen M. Lynch
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St Louis; St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Sara Pittman
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St Louis; St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jil Daw
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St Louis; St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Chiseko Ikenaga
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sheng Chen
- Department of Chemistry, Washington University in St Louis; St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Dhruva D. Dhavale
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St Louis; St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Meredith E. Jackrel
- Department of Chemistry, Washington University in St Louis; St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Yuna M. Ayala
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saint Louis University; St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Paul Kotzbauer
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St Louis; St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Cindy V. Ly
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St Louis; St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Alan Pestronk
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St Louis; St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Thomas E. Lloyd
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Conrad C. Weihl
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St Louis; St Louis, MO, USA
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7
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Zheng H, Zhang H. More than a bystander: RNAs specify multifaceted behaviors of liquid-liquid phase-separated biomolecular condensates. Bioessays 2024; 46:e2300203. [PMID: 38175843 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202300203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Cells contain a myriad of membraneless ribonucleoprotein (RNP) condensates with distinct compositions of proteins and RNAs. RNP condensates participate in different cellular activities, including RNA storage, mRNA translation or decay, stress response, etc. RNP condensates are assembled via liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) driven by multivalent interactions. Transition of RNP condensates into bodies with abnormal material properties, such as solid-like amyloid structures, is associated with the pathogenesis of various diseases. In this review, we focus on how RNAs regulate multiple aspects of RNP condensates, such as dynamic assembly and/or disassembly and biophysical properties. RNA properties - including concentration, sequence, length and structure - also determine the phase behaviors of RNP condensates. RNA is also involved in specifying autophagic degradation of RNP condensates. Unraveling the role of RNA in RNPs provides novel insights into pathological accumulation of RNPs in various diseases. This new understanding can potentially be harnessed to develop therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zheng
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Hong Zhang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
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8
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Rinauro DJ, Chiti F, Vendruscolo M, Limbocker R. Misfolded protein oligomers: mechanisms of formation, cytotoxic effects, and pharmacological approaches against protein misfolding diseases. Mol Neurodegener 2024; 19:20. [PMID: 38378578 PMCID: PMC10877934 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00651-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The conversion of native peptides and proteins into amyloid aggregates is a hallmark of over 50 human disorders, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Increasing evidence implicates misfolded protein oligomers produced during the amyloid formation process as the primary cytotoxic agents in many of these devastating conditions. In this review, we analyze the processes by which oligomers are formed, their structures, physicochemical properties, population dynamics, and the mechanisms of their cytotoxicity. We then focus on drug discovery strategies that target the formation of oligomers and their ability to disrupt cell physiology and trigger degenerative processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dillon J Rinauro
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Fabrizio Chiti
- Section of Biochemistry, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Michele Vendruscolo
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK.
| | - Ryan Limbocker
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY, 10996, USA.
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9
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Dos Passos PM, Hemamali EH, Mamede LD, Hayes LR, Ayala YM. RNA-mediated ribonucleoprotein assembly controls TDP-43 nuclear retention. PLoS Biol 2024; 22:e3002527. [PMID: 38422113 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
TDP-43 is an essential RNA-binding protein strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by cytoplasmic aggregates and loss of nuclear TDP-43. The protein shuttles between nucleus and cytoplasm, yet maintaining predominantly nuclear TDP-43 localization is important for TDP-43 function and for inhibiting cytoplasmic aggregation. We previously demonstrated that specific RNA binding mediates TDP-43 self-assembly and biomolecular condensation, requiring multivalent interactions via N- and C-terminal domains. Here, we show that these complexes play a key role in TDP-43 nuclear retention. TDP-43 forms macromolecular complexes with a wide range of size distribution in cells and we find that defects in RNA binding or inter-domain interactions, including phase separation, impair the assembly of the largest species. Our findings suggest that recruitment into these macromolecular complexes prevents cytoplasmic egress of TDP-43 in a size-dependent manner. Our observations uncover fundamental mechanisms controlling TDP-43 cellular homeostasis, whereby regulation of RNA-mediated self-assembly modulates TDP-43 nucleocytoplasmic distribution. Moreover, these findings highlight pathways that may be implicated in TDP-43 proteinopathies and identify potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia M Dos Passos
- Edward Doisy Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Erandika H Hemamali
- Edward Doisy Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Lohany D Mamede
- Edward Doisy Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Lindsey R Hayes
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Yuna M Ayala
- Edward Doisy Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
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10
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Fu Q, Zhang B, Chen X, Chu L. Liquid-liquid phase separation in Alzheimer's disease. J Mol Med (Berl) 2024; 102:167-181. [PMID: 38167731 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-023-02407-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The pathological aggregation and misfolding of tau and amyloid-β play a key role in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the underlying pathological mechanisms remain unclear. Emerging evidences indicate that liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) has great impacts on regulating human health and diseases, especially neurodegenerative diseases. A series of studies have revealed the significance of LLPS in AD. In this review, we summarize the latest progress of LLPS in AD, focusing on the impact of metal ions, small-molecule inhibitors, and proteinaceous partners on tau LLPS and aggregation, as well as toxic oligomerization, the role of LLPS on amyloid-β (Aβ) aggregation, and the cross-interactions between amyloidogenic proteins in AD. Eventually, the fundamental methods and techniques used in LLPS study are introduced. We expect to present readers a deeper understanding of the relationship between LLPS and AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinggang Fu
- Hepatic Surgery Center and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Bixiang Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaoping Chen
- Hepatic Surgery Center and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Liang Chu
- Hepatic Surgery Center and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China.
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11
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Khalil B, Linsenmeier M, Smith CL, Shorter J, Rossoll W. Nuclear-import receptors as gatekeepers of pathological phase transitions in ALS/FTD. Mol Neurodegener 2024; 19:8. [PMID: 38254150 PMCID: PMC10804745 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00698-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are fatal neurodegenerative disorders on a disease spectrum that are characterized by the cytoplasmic mislocalization and aberrant phase transitions of prion-like RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). The common accumulation of TAR DNA-binding protein-43 (TDP-43), fused in sarcoma (FUS), and other nuclear RBPs in detergent-insoluble aggregates in the cytoplasm of degenerating neurons in ALS/FTD is connected to nuclear pore dysfunction and other defects in the nucleocytoplasmic transport machinery. Recent advances suggest that beyond their canonical role in the nuclear import of protein cargoes, nuclear-import receptors (NIRs) can prevent and reverse aberrant phase transitions of TDP-43, FUS, and related prion-like RBPs and restore their nuclear localization and function. Here, we showcase the NIR family and how they recognize cargo, drive nuclear import, and chaperone prion-like RBPs linked to ALS/FTD. We also discuss the promise of enhancing NIR levels and developing potentiated NIR variants as therapeutic strategies for ALS/FTD and related neurodegenerative proteinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilal Khalil
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, U.S.A
| | - Miriam Linsenmeier
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, U.S.A
| | - Courtney L Smith
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, U.S.A
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience Track, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, U.S.A
| | - James Shorter
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, U.S.A..
| | - Wilfried Rossoll
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, U.S.A..
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12
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Yang L, Jasiqi Y, Lashuel H. Recombinant Full-Length TDP-43 Oligomers Retain Their Ability to Bind RNAs, Are Not Toxic, and Do Not Seed TDP-43 Aggregation in Vitro. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:193-204. [PMID: 38116987 PMCID: PMC10767740 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
TAR DNA-binding protein with 43 kD (TDP-43) is a partially disordered protein that misfolds and accumulates in the brains of patients affected by several neurodegenerative diseases. TDP-43 oligomers have been reported to form due to aberrant misfolding or self-assembly of TDP-43 monomers. However, very little is known about the molecular and structural basis of TDP-43 oligomerization and the toxic properties of TDP-43 oligomers due to several reasons, including the lack of conditions available for isolating native TDP-43 oligomers or producing pure TDP-43 oligomers in sufficient quantities for biophysical, cellular, and in vivo studies. To address these challenges, we developed new protocols to generate different stable forms of unmodified and small-molecule-induced TDP-43 oligomers. Our results showed that co-incubation of TDP-43 with small molecules, such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), dopamine, and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), increased the production yield of TDP-43 stable oligomers, which could be purified by size-exclusion chromatography. Interestingly, despite significant differences in the morphology and size distribution of the TDP-43 oligomer preparations revealed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS), they all retained the ability to bind to nucleotide DNA. Besides, circular dichroism (CD) analysis of these oligomers did not show much difference in the secondary structure composition. Surprisingly, none of these oligomer preparations could seed the aggregation of TDP-43 core peptide 279-360. Finally, we showed that all four types of TDP-43 oligomers exert very mild cytotoxicity to primary neurons. Collectively, our results suggest that functional TDP-43 oligomers can be selectively stabilized by small-molecule compounds. This strategy may offer a new approach to halt TDP-43 aggregation in various proteinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixin Yang
- Laboratory of Molecular and
Chemical Biology of Neurodegeneration, Institute of Bioengineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Yllza Jasiqi
- Laboratory of Molecular and
Chemical Biology of Neurodegeneration, Institute of Bioengineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Hilal Lashuel
- Laboratory of Molecular and
Chemical Biology of Neurodegeneration, Institute of Bioengineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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13
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Anzilotti S, Valente V, Brancaccio P, Franco C, Casamassa A, Lombardi G, Palazzi A, Conte A, Paladino S, Canzoniero LMT, Annunziato L, Pierantoni GM, Pignataro G. Chronic exposure to l-BMAA cyanotoxin induces cytoplasmic TDP-43 accumulation and glial activation, reproducing an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-like phenotype in mice. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 167:115503. [PMID: 37729728 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115503] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive and often fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by the loss of Motor Neurons (MNs) in spinal cord, motor cortex and brainstem. Despite significant efforts in the field, the exact pathogenetic mechanisms underlying both familial and sporadic forms of ALS have not been fully elucidated, and the therapeutic possibilities are still very limited. Here we investigate the molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration induced by chronic exposure to the environmental cyanotoxin L-BMAA, which causes a form of ALS/Parkinson's disease (PD) in several populations consuming food and/or water containing high amounts of this compound. METHODS In this effort, mice were chronically exposed to L-BMAA and analyzed at different time points to evaluate cellular and molecular alterations and behavioral deficits, performing MTT assay, immunoblot, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry analysis, and behavioral tests. RESULTS We found that cyanotoxin L-BMAA determines apoptotic cell death and a marked astrogliosis in spinal cord and motor cortex, and induces neurotoxicity by favoring TDP-43 cytoplasmic accumulation. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our results characterize a new versatile neurotoxic animal model of ALS that may be useful for the identification of new druggable targets to develop innovative therapeutic strategies for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serenella Anzilotti
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, 82100 Benevento, Italy
| | - Valeria Valente
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, "Federico II" University of Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Brancaccio
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, School of Medicine, "Federico II" University of Naples, Italy
| | - Cristina Franco
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, 82100 Benevento, Italy
| | | | - Giovanna Lombardi
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, 82100 Benevento, Italy
| | - Alessandra Palazzi
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, "Federico II" University of Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Conte
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, "Federico II" University of Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Paladino
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, "Federico II" University of Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Giovanna Maria Pierantoni
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, "Federico II" University of Naples, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Pignataro
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, School of Medicine, "Federico II" University of Naples, Italy.
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14
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Chakraborty P, Zweckstetter M. Role of aberrant phase separation in pathological protein aggregation. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2023; 82:102678. [PMID: 37604044 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2023.102678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are associated with the pathological deposition of many different intrinsically disordered proteins or proteins with intrinsically disordered regions. Recent evidence suggests that these proteins can undergo liquid-liquid phase separation and also form membrane-less organelles in cells. Additionally, the biomolecular condensates formed by these proteins may undergo liquid-to-solid phase transition thereby maturating to amyloid fibrils, oligomeric species, or amorphous aggregates and contributing to the pathology of several neurodegenerative diseases. Here we discuss the role of phase separation of the neuronal proteins tau, α-synuclein, fused in sarcoma (FUS), and the transactive response DNA-binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP-43) that are associated with neurodegeneration in the context of pathological protein aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pijush Chakraborty
- Department for NMR-based Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Am Faßberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Markus Zweckstetter
- Department for NMR-based Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Am Faßberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Von-Siebold-Str. 3a, 37075 Göttingen, Germany.
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15
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Pérez‐Berlanga M, Wiersma VI, Zbinden A, De Vos L, Wagner U, Foglieni C, Mallona I, Betz KM, Cléry A, Weber J, Guo Z, Rigort R, de Rossi P, Manglunia R, Tantardini E, Sahadevan S, Stach O, Hruska‐Plochan M, Allain FH, Paganetti P, Polymenidou M. Loss of TDP-43 oligomerization or RNA binding elicits distinct aggregation patterns. EMBO J 2023; 42:e111719. [PMID: 37431963 PMCID: PMC10476175 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2022111719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Aggregation of the RNA-binding protein TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) is the key neuropathological feature of neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). In physiological conditions, TDP-43 is predominantly nuclear, forms oligomers, and is contained in biomolecular condensates assembled by liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). In disease, TDP-43 forms cytoplasmic or intranuclear inclusions. How TDP-43 transitions from physiological to pathological states remains poorly understood. Using a variety of cellular systems to express structure-based TDP-43 variants, including human neurons and cell lines with near-physiological expression levels, we show that oligomerization and RNA binding govern TDP-43 stability, splicing functionality, LLPS, and subcellular localization. Importantly, our data reveal that TDP-43 oligomerization is modulated by RNA binding. By mimicking the impaired proteasomal activity observed in ALS/FTLD patients, we found that monomeric TDP-43 forms inclusions in the cytoplasm, whereas its RNA binding-deficient counterpart aggregated in the nucleus. These differentially localized aggregates emerged via distinct pathways: LLPS-driven aggregation in the nucleus and aggresome-dependent inclusion formation in the cytoplasm. Therefore, our work unravels the origins of heterogeneous pathological species reminiscent of those occurring in TDP-43 proteinopathy patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vera I Wiersma
- Department of Quantitative BiomedicineUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Aurélie Zbinden
- Department of Quantitative BiomedicineUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Laura De Vos
- Department of Quantitative BiomedicineUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Ulrich Wagner
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital ZurichUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Chiara Foglieni
- Neurodegeneration Research Group, Laboratory for Biomedical Neurosciences, Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero CantonaleBellinzonaSwitzerland
| | - Izaskun Mallona
- Department of Quantitative BiomedicineUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Katharina M Betz
- Department of Quantitative BiomedicineUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Antoine Cléry
- Department of Biology, Institute of BiochemistryETH ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Julien Weber
- Department of Quantitative BiomedicineUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Zhongning Guo
- Department of Quantitative BiomedicineUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Ruben Rigort
- Department of Quantitative BiomedicineUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Pierre de Rossi
- Department of Quantitative BiomedicineUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Ruchi Manglunia
- Department of Quantitative BiomedicineUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Elena Tantardini
- Department of Quantitative BiomedicineUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Sonu Sahadevan
- Department of Quantitative BiomedicineUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Oliver Stach
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | | | | | - Paolo Paganetti
- Neurodegeneration Research Group, Laboratory for Biomedical Neurosciences, Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero CantonaleBellinzonaSwitzerland
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16
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Jamerlan AM, Shim KH, Youn YC, Teunissen C, An SSA, Scheltens P, Kim S. Increased oligomeric TDP-43 in the plasma of Korean frontotemporal dementia patients with semantic dementia. Alzheimers Dement 2023; 19:4020-4027. [PMID: 37200243 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Semantic dementia (SD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease associated with impaired vocabulary that progresses to memory impairment. Post-mortem immunohistochemical analysis is the current reliable method of differentiating TDP-43 deposits in cortical tissue; no means of antemortem diagnosis exists in biofluids, let alone in plasma. METHODS Here the multimer detection system (MDS) was used to quantify the oligomeric TDP-43 (o-TDP-43) concentrations in plasma of Korean SD patients (n = 16, 6 male, 10 female, ages 59-87). The o-TDP-43 concentrations were compared with the total TDP-43 (t-TDP-43) concentrations quantified through conventional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Only MDS showed a significant increase in o-TDP-43 concentrations in the plasma of patients with SD compared to other neurodegenerative disorders and normal controls (p < 0.05). Based on these results, o-TDP-43 concentrations through the application of MDS may be a useful plasma biomarker in SD-FTD (frontotemporal dementia) diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo M Jamerlan
- Department of Bionano Technology, Bionano Research Institute, Gachon University, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyu Hwan Shim
- Department of Bionano Technology, Bionano Research Institute, Gachon University, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Chul Youn
- Department of Neurology, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Charlotte Teunissen
- Neurochemistry Laboratory, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Seong Soo A An
- Department of Bionano Technology, Bionano Research Institute, Gachon University, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Philip Scheltens
- Department of Neurology & Alzheimer Center, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - SangYun Kim
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital & Seoul National University College of Medicine, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
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17
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Ayala YM. Uncovering Critical Roles for RNA in Neurodegeneration. MISSOURI MEDICINE 2023; 120:374-380. [PMID: 37841575 PMCID: PMC10569393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins, in particular TDP-43, are key players in neurodegenerative disorders, mainly amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. We aim to elucidate how TDP-43 dysfunction alters cell metabolism and to identify mechanisms linked to aberrant behavior. We find that RNA binding plays a key role in maintaining TDP-43 homeostasis and in controlling cellular organization, two processes of essential importance to TDP-43 pathology. This research will provide insight into pathogenesis and help develop therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuna M Ayala
- Edward A. Doisy Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
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18
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Bhopatkar AA, Kayed R. Flanking regions, amyloid cores, and polymorphism: the potential interplay underlying structural diversity. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105122. [PMID: 37536631 PMCID: PMC10482755 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105122] [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: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The β-sheet-rich amyloid core is the defining feature of protein aggregates associated with neurodegenerative disorders. Recent investigations have revealed that there exist multiple examples of the same protein, with the same sequence, forming a variety of amyloid cores with distinct structural characteristics. These structural variants, termed as polymorphs, are hypothesized to influence the pathological profile and the progression of different neurodegenerative diseases, giving rise to unique phenotypic differences. Thus, identifying the origin and properties of these structural variants remain a focus of studies, as a preliminary step in the development of therapeutic strategies. Here, we review the potential role of the flanking regions of amyloid cores in inducing polymorphism. These regions, adjacent to the amyloid cores, show a preponderance for being structurally disordered, imbuing them with functional promiscuity. The dynamic nature of the flanking regions can then manifest in the form of conformational polymorphism of the aggregates. We take a closer look at the sequences flanking the amyloid cores, followed by a review of the polymorphic aggregates of the well-characterized proteins amyloid-β, α-synuclein, Tau, and TDP-43. We also consider different factors that can potentially influence aggregate structure and how these regions can be viewed as novel targets for therapeutic strategies by utilizing their unique structural properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anukool A Bhopatkar
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Rakez Kayed
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA.
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19
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Dos Passos PM, Hemamali EH, Mamede LD, Hayes LR, Ayala YM. RNA-mediated ribonucleoprotein assembly controls TDP-43 nuclear retention. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.06.552215. [PMID: 37609278 PMCID: PMC10441353 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.06.552215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
TDP-43 is an essential RNA-binding protein strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by cytoplasmic aggregates and loss of nuclear TDP-43. The protein shuttles between nucleus and cytoplasm, yet maintaining predominantly nuclear TDP-43 localization is important for TDP-43 function and for inhibiting cytoplasmic aggregation. We previously demonstrated that specific RNA binding mediates TDP-43 self-assembly and biomolecular condensation, requiring multivalent interactions via N- and C-terminal domains. Here, we show that these complexes play a key role in TDP-43 nuclear retention. TDP-43 forms macromolecular complexes with a wide range of size distribution in cells and we find that defects in RNA binding or inter-domain interactions, including phase separation, impair the assembly of the largest species. Our findings suggest that recruitment into these macromolecular complexes prevents cytoplasmic egress of TDP-43 in a size-dependent manner. Our observations uncover fundamental mechanisms controlling TDP-43 cellular homeostasis, whereby regulation of RNA-mediated self-assembly modulates TDP-43 nucleocytoplasmic distribution. Moreover, these findings highlight pathways that may be implicated in TDP-43 proteinopathies and identify potential therapeutic targets.
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20
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Zhang X, Das T, Kalab P, Hayes LR. Multivalent GU-rich oligonucleotides sequester TDP-43 in the nucleus by inducing high molecular weight RNP complexes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.01.551528. [PMID: 37577513 PMCID: PMC10418175 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.01.551528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
The loss of nuclear TDP-43 localization and its accumulation in cytoplasmic aggregates are hallmarks of neurodegeneration and major therapeutic targets. We recently demonstrated that TDP-43 binding to endogenous nuclear GU-rich RNAs sequesters TDP-43 in the nucleus and restricts its passive nuclear export. Here, we tested the feasibility of synthetic RNA oligonucleotide-mediated augmentation of TDP-43 nuclear localization. Using biochemical assays, we compared the ability of GU-rich oligonucleotides to engage in multivalent, RRM-dependent binding with TDP-43 and identified (GU)16 as a strong multivalent binder. When transfected into cells, unlike monovalent oligonucleotides that displaced TDP-43 from the nucleus, (GU)16 preserved steady-state TDP-43 nuclear localization and prevented transcriptional blockade-induced TDP-43 mislocalization. RNA pulldowns from (GU)16-transfected cells confirmed that (GU)16 induced high molecular weight RNP complexes, incorporating TDP-43 and possibly other GU-binding proteins. Transfected (GU)16 caused partial failure of TDP-43 cryptic exon repression, likely because the high-affinity oligonucleotides diverted TDP-43 from endogenous RNAs. Thus, while GU-rich oligonucleotides can attenuate TDP-43 mislocalization, optimization is needed to avoid TDP-43 loss of function.
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21
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Abstract
Biomolecular condensates are reversible compartments that form through a process called phase separation. Post-translational modifications like ADP-ribosylation can nucleate the formation of these condensates by accelerating the self-association of proteins. Poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) chains are remarkably transient modifications with turnover rates on the order of minutes, yet they can be required for the formation of granules in response to oxidative stress, DNA damage, and other stimuli. Moreover, accumulation of PAR is linked with adverse phase transitions in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In this review, we provide a primer on how PAR is synthesized and regulated, the diverse structures and chemistries of ADP-ribosylation modifications, and protein-PAR interactions. We review substantial progress in recent efforts to determine the molecular mechanism of PAR-mediated phase separation, and we further delineate how inhibitors of PAR polymerases may be effective treatments for neurodegenerative pathologies. Finally, we highlight the need for rigorous biochemical interrogation of ADP-ribosylation in vivo and in vitro to clarify the exact pathway from PARylation to condensate formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Rhine
- Program in Cell, Molecular, Developmental Biology, and Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Hana M Odeh
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - James Shorter
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Sua Myong
- Program in Cell, Molecular, Developmental Biology, and Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Department of Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Physics Frontier Center (Center for the Physics of Living Cells), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
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22
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Riemenschneider H, Simonetti F, Sheth U, Katona E, Roth S, Hutten S, Farny D, Michaelsen M, Nuscher B, Schmidt MK, Flatley A, Schepers A, Gruijs da Silva LA, Zhou Q, Klopstock T, Liesz A, Arzberger T, Herms J, Feederle R, Gendron TF, Dormann D, Edbauer D. Targeting the glycine-rich domain of TDP-43 with antibodies prevents its aggregation in vitro and reduces neurofilament levels in vivo. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2023; 11:112. [PMID: 37434215 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-023-01592-z] [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: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytoplasmic aggregation and concomitant nuclear clearance of the RNA-binding protein TDP-43 are found in ~ 90% of cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and ~ 45% of patients living with frontotemporal lobar degeneration, but no disease-modifying therapy is available. Antibody therapy targeting other aggregating proteins associated with neurodegenerative disorders has shown beneficial effects in animal models and clinical trials. The most effective epitopes for safe antibody therapy targeting TDP-43 are unknown. Here, we identified safe and effective epitopes in TDP-43 for active and potential future passive immunotherapy. We prescreened 15 peptide antigens covering all regions of TDP-43 to identify the most immunogenic epitopes and to raise novel monoclonal antibodies in wild-type mice. Most peptides induced a considerable antibody response and no antigen triggered obvious side effects. Thus, we immunized mice with rapidly progressing TDP-43 proteinopathy ("rNLS8" model) with the nine most immunogenic peptides in five pools prior to TDP-43ΔNLS transgene induction. Strikingly, combined administration of two N-terminal peptides induced genetic background-specific sudden lethality in several mice and was therefore discontinued. Despite a strong antibody response, no TDP-43 peptide prevented the rapid body weight loss or reduced phospho-TDP-43 levels as well as the profound astrogliosis and microgliosis in rNLS8 mice. However, immunization with a C-terminal peptide containing the disease-associated phospho-serines 409/410 significantly lowered serum neurofilament light chain levels, indicative of reduced neuroaxonal damage. Transcriptomic profiling showed a pronounced neuroinflammatory signature (IL-1β, TNF-α, NfκB) in rNLS8 mice and suggested modest benefits of immunization targeting the glycine-rich region. Several novel monoclonal antibodies targeting the glycine-rich domain potently reduced phase separation and aggregation of TDP-43 in vitro and prevented cellular uptake of preformed aggregates. Our unbiased screen suggests that targeting the RRM2 domain and the C-terminal region of TDP-43 by active or passive immunization may be beneficial in TDP-43 proteinopathies by inhibiting cardinal processes of disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrick Riemenschneider
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 17, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster of Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Feodor-Lynen-Str. 17, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Francesca Simonetti
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 17, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences (GSN), 81377, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Faculty of Biology, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität (JGU), Hanns-Dieter-Hüsch-Weg 17, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Udit Sheth
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Eszter Katona
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 17, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences (GSN), 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan Roth
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research (ISD), University Hospital, LMU Munich, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 17, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Saskia Hutten
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Faculty of Biology, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität (JGU), Hanns-Dieter-Hüsch-Weg 17, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Daniel Farny
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 17, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Meike Michaelsen
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 17, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Brigitte Nuscher
- Chair of Metabolic Biochemistry, Biomedical Center (BMC), Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 17, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael K Schmidt
- Center for Neuropathology and Prion Research, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 23, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Andrew Flatley
- Monoclonal Antibody Core Facility, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Aloys Schepers
- Monoclonal Antibody Core Facility, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Lara A Gruijs da Silva
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences (GSN), 81377, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Faculty of Biology, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität (JGU), Hanns-Dieter-Hüsch-Weg 17, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Qihui Zhou
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 17, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Klopstock
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 17, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster of Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Feodor-Lynen-Str. 17, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Friedrich Baur Institute at the Department of Neurology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Ziemssenstr. 1a, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Arthur Liesz
- Munich Cluster of Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Feodor-Lynen-Str. 17, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research (ISD), University Hospital, LMU Munich, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 17, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Arzberger
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 17, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Center for Neuropathology and Prion Research, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 23, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Nußbaumstr. 7, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Jochen Herms
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 17, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster of Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Feodor-Lynen-Str. 17, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Center for Neuropathology and Prion Research, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 23, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Regina Feederle
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 17, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster of Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Feodor-Lynen-Str. 17, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Monoclonal Antibody Core Facility, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Tania F Gendron
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Dorothee Dormann
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Faculty of Biology, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität (JGU), Hanns-Dieter-Hüsch-Weg 17, 55128, Mainz, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Ackermannweg 4, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Dieter Edbauer
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 17, 81377, Munich, Germany.
- Munich Cluster of Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Feodor-Lynen-Str. 17, 81377, Munich, Germany.
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences (GSN), 81377, Munich, Germany.
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23
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Clarke JP, Thibault PA, Fatima S, Salapa HE, Kalyaanamoorthy S, Ganesan A, Levin MC. Sequence- and structure-specific RNA oligonucleotide binding attenuates heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1 dysfunction. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1178439. [PMID: 37426420 PMCID: PMC10325567 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1178439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The RNA binding protein heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1 (A1) regulates RNA metabolism, which is crucial to maintaining cellular homeostasis. A1 dysfunction mechanistically contributes to reduced cell viability and loss, but molecular mechanisms of how A1 dysfunction affects cell viability and loss, and methodologies to attenuate its dysfunction, are lacking. Utilizing in silico molecular modeling and an in vitro optogenetic system, this study examined the consequences of RNA oligonucleotide (RNAO) treatment on attenuating A1 dysfunction and its downstream cellular effects. In silico and thermal shift experiments revealed that binding of RNAOs to the RNA Recognition Motif 1 of A1 is stabilized by sequence- and structure-specific RNAO-A1 interactions. Using optogenetics to model A1 cellular dysfunction, we show that sequence- and structure-specific RNAOs significantly attenuated abnormal cytoplasmic A1 self-association kinetics and A1 cytoplasmic clustering. Downstream of A1 dysfunction, we demonstrate that A1 clustering affects the formation of stress granules, activates cell stress, and inhibits protein translation. With RNAO treatment, we show that stress granule formation is attenuated, cell stress is inhibited, and protein translation is restored. This study provides evidence that sequence- and structure-specific RNAO treatment attenuates A1 dysfunction and its downstream effects, thus allowing for the development of A1-specific therapies that attenuate A1 dysfunction and restore cellular homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph P. Clarke
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
- Office of the Saskatchewan Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Research Chair, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Patricia A. Thibault
- Office of the Saskatchewan Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Research Chair, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Neurology Division, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Sakina Fatima
- ArGan’s Lab, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Hannah E. Salapa
- Office of the Saskatchewan Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Research Chair, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Neurology Division, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Subha Kalyaanamoorthy
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Aravindhan Ganesan
- ArGan’s Lab, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Michael C. Levin
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
- Office of the Saskatchewan Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Research Chair, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Neurology Division, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
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24
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Doke AA, Jha SK. Shapeshifter TDP-43: Molecular mechanism of structural polymorphism, aggregation, phase separation and their modulators. Biophys Chem 2023; 295:106972. [PMID: 36812677 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2023.106972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
TDP-43 is a nucleic acid-binding protein that performs physiologically essential functions and is known to undergo phase separation and aggregation during stress. Initial observations have shown that TDP-43 forms heterogeneous assemblies, including monomer, dimer, oligomers, aggregates, phase-separated assemblies, etc. However, the significance of each assembly of TDP-43 concerning its function, phase separation, and aggregation is poorly known. Furthermore, how different assemblies of TDP-43 are related to each other is unclear. In this review, we focus on the various assemblies of TDP-43 and discuss the plausible origin of the structural heterogeneity of TDP-43. TDP-43 is involved in multiple physiological processes like phase separation, aggregation, prion-like seeding, and performing physiological functions. However, the molecular mechanism behind the physiological process performed by TDP-43 is not well understood. The current review discusses the plausible molecular mechanism of phase separation, aggregation, and prion-like propagation of TDP-43.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhilasha A Doke
- Physical and Materials Chemistry Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411008, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Santosh Kumar Jha
- Physical and Materials Chemistry Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411008, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India.
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25
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Role of Triggers on the Structural and Functional Facets of TAR DNA-binding Protein 43. Neuroscience 2023; 511:110-130. [PMID: 36442745 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.11.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Nuclear TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) mitigates cellular function, but the dynamic nucleus-cytoplasm shuttling of TDP-43 is disrupted in diseases, such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The polymorphic nature of the TDP-43 structures in vitro and in vivo is a result of environmental factors leading to the protein pathogenesis. Once the triggers which mitigate TDP-43 biochemistry are identified, new therapies can be developed. This review aims to illustrate recent discoveries in the diversity of TDP-43 structures (amyloidogenic and non-amyloidogenic) and highlight the triggers which result in their formation.
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26
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Distinctive chaperonopathy in skeletal muscle associated with the dominant variant in DNAJB4. Acta Neuropathol 2023; 145:235-255. [PMID: 36512060 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-022-02530-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
DnaJ homolog, subfamily B, member 4, a member of the heat shock protein 40 chaperones encoded by DNAJB4, is highly expressed in myofibers. We identified a heterozygous c.270 T > A (p.F90L) variant in DNAJB4 in a family with a dominantly inherited distal myopathy, in which affected members have specific features on muscle pathology represented by the presence of cytoplasmic inclusions and the accumulation of desmin, p62, HSP70, and DNAJB4 predominantly in type 1 fibers. Both Dnajb4F90L knockin and knockout mice developed muscle weakness and recapitulated the patient muscle pathology in the soleus muscle, where DNAJB4 has the highest expression. These data indicate that the identified variant is causative, resulting in defective chaperone function and selective muscle degeneration in specific muscle fibers. This study demonstrates the importance of DNAJB4 in skeletal muscle proteostasis by identifying the associated chaperonopathy.
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27
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Angeloni C, Malaguti M, Prata C, Freschi M, Barbalace MC, Hrelia S. Mechanisms Underlying Neurodegenerative Disorders and Potential Neuroprotective Activity of Agrifood By-Products. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 12:antiox12010094. [PMID: 36670956 PMCID: PMC9854890 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12010094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases, characterized by progressive loss in selected areas of the nervous system, are becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide due to an aging population. Despite their diverse clinical manifestations, neurodegenerative diseases are multifactorial disorders with standard features and mechanisms such as abnormal protein aggregation, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and inflammation. As there are no effective treatments to counteract neurodegenerative diseases, increasing interest has been directed to the potential neuroprotective activities of plant-derived compounds found abundantly in food and in agrifood by-products. Food waste has an extremely negative impact on the environment, and recycling is needed to promote their disposal and overcome this problem. Many studies have been carried out to develop green and effective strategies to extract bioactive compounds from food by-products, such as peel, leaves, seeds, bran, kernel, pomace, and oil cake, and to investigate their biological activity. In this review, we focused on the potential neuroprotective activity of agrifood wastes obtained by common products widely produced and consumed in Italy, such as grapes, coffee, tomatoes, olives, chestnuts, onions, apples, and pomegranates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Angeloni
- Department for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum–University of Bologna, Corso D’Augusto 237, 47921 Rimini, Italy
| | - Marco Malaguti
- Department for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum–University of Bologna, Corso D’Augusto 237, 47921 Rimini, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (C.P.)
| | - Cecilia Prata
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum–University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (C.P.)
| | - Michela Freschi
- Department for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum–University of Bologna, Corso D’Augusto 237, 47921 Rimini, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Barbalace
- Department for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum–University of Bologna, Corso D’Augusto 237, 47921 Rimini, Italy
| | - Silvana Hrelia
- Department for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum–University of Bologna, Corso D’Augusto 237, 47921 Rimini, Italy
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28
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Ng W, Ng SY. Remodeling of astrocyte secretome in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: uncovering novel targets to combat astrocyte-mediated toxicity. Transl Neurodegener 2022; 11:54. [PMID: 36567359 PMCID: PMC9791755 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-022-00332-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an adult-onset paralytic disease characterized by progressive degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons in the motor cortex, brainstem and spinal cord. Motor neuron degeneration is typically caused by a combination of intrinsic neuronal (cell autonomous) defects as well as extrinsic (non-cell autonomous) factors such as astrocyte-mediated toxicity. Astrocytes are highly plastic cells that react to their microenvironment to mediate relevant responses. In neurodegeneration, astrocytes often turn reactive and in turn secrete a slew of factors to exert pro-inflammatory and neurotoxic effects. Various efforts have been carried out to characterize the diseased astrocyte secretome over the years, revealing that pro-inflammatory chemokines, cytokines and microRNAs are the main players in mediating neuronal death. As metabolomic technologies mature, these studies begin to shed light on neurotoxic metabolites such as secreted lipids. In this focused review, we will discuss changes in the astrocyte secretome during ALS. In particular, we will discuss the components of the reactive astrocyte secretome that contribute to neuronal death in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winanto Ng
- grid.418812.60000 0004 0620 9243Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR Research Entities, Singapore, 138673 Singapore
| | - Shi-Yan Ng
- grid.418812.60000 0004 0620 9243Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR Research Entities, Singapore, 138673 Singapore
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29
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Protein interactions: anything new? Essays Biochem 2022; 66:821-830. [PMID: 36416856 PMCID: PMC9760424 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20220044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
How do proteins interact in the cellular environment? Which interactions stabilize liquid-liquid phase separated condensates? Are the concepts, which have been developed for specific protein complexes also applicable to higher-order assemblies? Recent discoveries prompt for a universal framework for protein interactions, which can be applied across the scales of protein communities. Here, we discuss how our views on protein interactions have evolved from rigid structures to conformational ensembles of proteins and discuss the open problems, in particular related to biomolecular condensates. Protein interactions have evolved to follow changes in the cellular environment, which manifests in multiple modes of interactions between the same partners. Such cellular context-dependence requires multiplicity of binding modes (MBM) by sampling multiple minima of the interaction energy landscape. We demonstrate that the energy landscape framework of protein folding can be applied to explain this phenomenon, opening a perspective toward a physics-based, universal model for cellular protein behaviors.
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30
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Tamaki Y, Urushitani M. Molecular Dissection of TDP-43 as a Leading Cause of ALS/FTLD. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012508. [PMID: 36293362 PMCID: PMC9604209 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
TAR DNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43) is a DNA/RNA binding protein involved in pivotal cellular functions, especially in RNA metabolism. Hyperphosphorylated and ubiquitinated TDP-43-positive neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions are identified in the brain and spinal cord in most cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and a substantial proportion of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) cases. TDP-43 dysfunctions and cytoplasmic aggregation seem to be the central pathogenicity in ALS and FTLD. Therefore, unraveling both the physiological and pathological mechanisms of TDP-43 may enable the exploration of novel therapeutic strategies. This review highlights the current understanding of TDP-43 biology and pathology, describing the cellular processes involved in the pathogeneses of ALS and FTLD, such as post-translational modifications, RNA metabolism, liquid–liquid phase separation, proteolysis, and the potential prion-like propagation propensity of the TDP-43 inclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshitaka Tamaki
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Makoto Urushitani
- Department of Neurology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu 520-2192, Japan
- Correspondence:
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31
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Abstract
Condensed states of proteins, including liquid-like membraneless organelles and solid-like aggregates, contribute in fundamental ways to the organisation and function of the cell. Perturbations of these states can lead to a variety of diseases through mechanisms that we are now beginning to understand. We define protein condensation diseases as conditions caused by the disruption of the normal behaviour of the condensed states of proteins. We analyze the problem of the identification of targets for pharmacological interventions for these diseases and explore opportunities for the regulation of the formation and organisation of aberrant condensed states of proteins. In this review, the authors define protein condensation diseases as conditions caused by aberrant liquid-like or solid-like states of proteins, and describe opportunities for therapeutic interventions to restore the normal phase behaviour of proteins. The review accompanies the related collection of articles published in Nature Communications focusing on possible therapeutic approaches involving liquid-liquid phase separation.
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32
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Rhine K, Al-Azzam N, Yu T, Yeo GW. Aging RNA granule dynamics in neurodegeneration. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:991641. [PMID: 36188213 PMCID: PMC9523239 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.991641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Disordered RNA-binding proteins and repetitive RNA sequences are the main genetic causes of several neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Huntington’s disease. Importantly, these components also seed the formation of cytoplasmic liquid-like granules, like stress granules and P bodies. Emerging evidence demonstrates that healthy granules formed via liquid-liquid phase separation can mature into solid- or gel-like inclusions that persist within the cell. These solidified inclusions are a precursor to the aggregates identified in patients, demonstrating that dysregulation of RNA granule biology is an important component of neurodegeneration. Here, we review recent literature highlighting how RNA molecules seed proteinaceous granules, the mechanisms of healthy turnover of RNA granules in cells, which biophysical properties underly a transition to solid- or gel-like material states, and why persistent granules disrupt the cellular homeostasis of neurons. We also identify various methods that will illuminate the contributions of disordered proteins and RNAs to neurodegeneration in ongoing research efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Rhine
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
- Stem Cell Program, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Norah Al-Azzam
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
- Stem Cell Program, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
- Neurosciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Tao Yu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
- Stem Cell Program, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Gene W. Yeo
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
- Stem Cell Program, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
- Neurosciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Gene W. Yeo,
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33
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Ayala YM, Grese ZR. Finding a chaperone for TDP-43. Nat Cell Biol 2022; 24:1328-1330. [PMID: 36075973 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-022-00987-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yuna M Ayala
- Edward Doisy Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Zachary R Grese
- Edward Doisy Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, USA
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34
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Lu S, Hu J, Arogundade OA, Goginashvili A, Vazquez-Sanchez S, Diedrich JK, Gu J, Blum J, Oung S, Ye Q, Yu H, Ravits J, Liu C, Yates JR, Cleveland DW. Heat-shock chaperone HSPB1 regulates cytoplasmic TDP-43 phase separation and liquid-to-gel transition. Nat Cell Biol 2022; 24:1378-1393. [PMID: 36075972 PMCID: PMC9872726 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-022-00988-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
While acetylated, RNA-binding-deficient TDP-43 reversibly phase separates within nuclei into complex droplets (anisosomes) comprised of TDP-43-containing liquid outer shells and liquid centres of HSP70-family chaperones, cytoplasmic aggregates of TDP-43 are hallmarks of multiple neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Here we show that transient oxidative stress, proteasome inhibition or inhibition of the ATP-dependent chaperone activity of HSP70 provokes reversible cytoplasmic TDP-43 de-mixing and transition from liquid to gel/solid, independently of RNA binding or stress granules. Isotope labelling mass spectrometry was used to identify that phase-separated cytoplasmic TDP-43 is bound by the small heat-shock protein HSPB1. Binding is direct, mediated through TDP-43's RNA binding and low-complexity domains. HSPB1 partitions into TDP-43 droplets, inhibits TDP-43 assembly into fibrils, and is essential for disassembly of stress-induced TDP-43 droplets. A decrease in HSPB1 promotes cytoplasmic TDP-43 de-mixing and mislocalization. HSPB1 depletion was identified in spinal motor neurons of patients with ALS containing aggregated TDP-43. These findings identify HSPB1 to be a regulator of cytoplasmic TDP-43 phase separation and aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Lu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Jiaojiao Hu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | | | - Alexander Goginashvili
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Sonia Vazquez-Sanchez
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | - Jinge Gu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jacob Blum
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Spencer Oung
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Qiaozhen Ye
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Haiyang Yu
- Center for Alzheimer's and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Peter O'Donnell Jr Brain Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - John Ravits
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Cong Liu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - John R Yates
- The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Don W Cleveland
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA.
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, San Diego, CA, USA.
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA.
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35
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Duan L, Zaepfel BL, Aksenova V, Dasso M, Rothstein JD, Kalab P, Hayes LR. Nuclear RNA binding regulates TDP-43 nuclear localization and passive nuclear export. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111106. [PMID: 35858577 PMCID: PMC9345261 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear clearance of the RNA-binding protein TDP-43 is a hallmark of neurodegeneration and an important therapeutic target. Our current understanding of TDP-43 nucleocytoplasmic transport does not fully explain its predominantly nuclear localization or mislocalization in disease. Here, we show that TDP-43 exits nuclei by passive diffusion, independent of facilitated mRNA export. RNA polymerase II blockade and RNase treatment induce TDP-43 nuclear efflux, suggesting that nuclear RNAs sequester TDP-43 in nuclei and limit its availability for passive export. Induction of TDP-43 nuclear efflux by short, GU-rich oligomers (presumably by outcompeting TDP-43 binding to endogenous nuclear RNAs), and nuclear retention conferred by splicing inhibition, demonstrate that nuclear TDP-43 localization depends on binding to GU-rich nuclear RNAs. Indeed, RNA-binding domain mutations markedly reduce TDP-43 nuclear localization and abolish transcription blockade-induced nuclear efflux. Thus, the nuclear abundance of GU-RNAs, dictated by the balance of transcription, pre-mRNA processing, and RNA export, regulates TDP-43 nuclear localization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Duan
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Benjamin L Zaepfel
- Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Vasilisa Aksenova
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Mary Dasso
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Rothstein
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Petr Kalab
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA.
| | - Lindsey R Hayes
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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36
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Gosset P, Camu W, Raoul C, Mezghrani A. Prionoids in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Brain Commun 2022; 4:fcac145. [PMID: 35783556 PMCID: PMC9242622 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcac145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the third most frequent neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. ALS is characterized by the selective and progressive loss of motoneurons in the spinal cord, brainstem and cerebral cortex. Clinical manifestations typically occur in midlife and start with focal muscle weakness, followed by the rapid and progressive wasting of muscles and subsequent paralysis. As with other neurodegenerative diseases, the condition typically begins at an initial point and then spreads along neuroanatomical tracts. This feature of disease progression suggests the spreading of prion-like proteins called prionoids in the affected tissues, which is similar to the spread of prion observed in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Intensive research over the last decade has proposed the ALS-causing gene products Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase 1, TAR DNA-binding protein of 43 kDa, and fused in sarcoma as very plausible prionoids contributing to the spread of the pathology. In this review, we will discuss the molecular and cellular mechanisms leading to the propagation of these prionoids in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Gosset
- INM, Univ Montpellier, INSERM, CNRS, Montpellier 34095, France
| | - William Camu
- INM, Univ Montpellier, INSERM, CNRS, Montpellier 34095, France
| | - Cedric Raoul
- INM, Univ Montpellier, INSERM, CNRS, Montpellier 34095, France
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Hayes LR, Kalab P. Emerging Therapies and Novel Targets for TDP-43 Proteinopathy in ALS/FTD. Neurotherapeutics 2022; 19:1061-1084. [PMID: 35790708 PMCID: PMC9587158 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-022-01260-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear clearance and cytoplasmic mislocalization of the essential RNA binding protein, TDP-43, is a pathologic hallmark of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal dementia, and related neurodegenerative disorders collectively termed "TDP-43 proteinopathies." TDP-43 mislocalization causes neurodegeneration through both loss and gain of function mechanisms. Loss of TDP-43 nuclear RNA processing function destabilizes the transcriptome by multiple mechanisms including disruption of pre-mRNA splicing, the failure of repression of cryptic exons, and retrotransposon activation. The accumulation of cytoplasmic TDP-43, which is prone to aberrant liquid-liquid phase separation and aggregation, traps TDP-43 in the cytoplasm and disrupts a host of downstream processes including the trafficking of RNA granules, local translation within axons, and mitochondrial function. In this review, we will discuss the TDP-43 therapy development pipeline, beginning with therapies in current and upcoming clinical trials, which are primarily focused on accelerating the clearance of TDP-43 aggregates. Then, we will look ahead to emerging strategies from preclinical studies, first from high-throughput genetic and pharmacologic screens, and finally from mechanistic studies focused on the upstream cause(s) of TDP-43 disruption in ALS/FTD. These include modulation of stress granule dynamics, TDP-43 nucleocytoplasmic shuttling, RNA metabolism, and correction of aberrant splicing events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey R Hayes
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Dept. of Neurology, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Petr Kalab
- Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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38
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Doke AA, Jha SK. Effect of In Vitro Solvation Conditions on Inter- and Intramolecular Assembly of Full-Length TDP-43. J Phys Chem B 2022; 126:4799-4813. [PMID: 35758053 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.2c02203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cellular stress is a major cause of neurodegenerative diseases. In particular, in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), around 90% of the cases are believed to occur due to aggregation and misfolding of TDP-43 protein in neurons due to aging and chronic environmental stress. However, the physicochemical basis of how TDP-43 senses the change in solvation conditions during stress and misfolds remains very poorly understood. We show here that the full-length human TDP-43 can exist in equilibrium with multiple structural states. The equilibrium between these states is highly sensitive to changes in solvation conditions. We show that upon thermal and pH stress, amyloidogenic oligomers can form amyloid-like fibrils. However, the internal structure of the fibril depends upon the physicochemical nature of stress. Our results present a physical basis of the effect of solvation conditions on inter- and intramolecular assembly formation of TDP-43 and reconcile why the nature and the internal structure of the aggregated form have been found to be different when extracted from the brain of different ALS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhilasha A Doke
- Physical and Materials Chemistry Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411008, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Santosh Kumar Jha
- Physical and Materials Chemistry Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411008, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
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39
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Ojaimi YA, Dangoumau A, Alarcan H, Hergesheimer R, Vourc'h P, Corcia P, Lanznaster D, Blasco H. TAR DNA-binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP-43) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): a promising therapeutic target. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2022; 26:575-592. [PMID: 35652285 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2022.2083958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that lacks an effective treatment. Aggregates of the TAR DNA-binding protein-43 (TDP-43) are observed in 97% of all ALS cases, thus making this protein a major therapeutic target in ALS. . AREAS COVERED The authors describe the major cellular functions of TDP-43 and the features and consequences of TDP-43 proteinopathy. Drawing from fundamental and preclinical studies on cellular and animal TDP-43 models of ALS and selected clinical trials, the major pathways that have been targeted for the mitigation of TDP-43 pathology in ALS are discussed. The authors provide insights on the approaches targeting the tendency of TDP-43 for aggregation, defective nucleocytoplasmic transport, dysfunctional proteostasis, abnormal stress granule dynamics, and pathological post-translational modifications of TDP-43. EXPERT OPINION The complexity of ALS and TDP-43 proteinopathy generates challenges for the development of novel therapeutic approaches. However, the critical involvement of TDP-43 in the initiation and progression of ALS, makes it a promising therapeutic target. Further research should be centered on the development of precision strategies, consideration of patient subgroups, the prevention of the mislocalization of TDP-43 and restoration of the lost functions of TPD-43. .
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hugo Alarcan
- UMR 1253 iBrain, Université de Tours, Tours, France.,Laboratoire de biochimie et biologie moléculaire, CHRU Bretonneau, Tours, France
| | | | - Patrick Vourc'h
- UMR 1253 iBrain, Université de Tours, Tours, France.,Laboratoire de biochimie et biologie moléculaire, CHRU Bretonneau, Tours, France
| | - Philippe Corcia
- Laboratoire de biochimie et biologie moléculaire, CHRU Bretonneau, Tours, France.,Service de neurologie, CHRU Bretonneau, Tours, France
| | | | - Hélène Blasco
- UMR 1253 iBrain, Université de Tours, Tours, France.,Laboratoire de biochimie et biologie moléculaire, CHRU Bretonneau, Tours, France
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40
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Koehler LC, Grese ZR, Bastos ACS, Mamede LD, Heyduk T, Ayala YM. TDP-43 Oligomerization and Phase Separation Properties Are Necessary for Autoregulation. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:818655. [PMID: 35495061 PMCID: PMC9048411 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.818655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Loss of TDP-43 protein homeostasis and dysfunction, in particular TDP-43 aggregation, are tied to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). TDP-43 is an RNA binding protein tightly controlling its own expression levels through a negative feedback loop, involving TDP-43 recruitment to the 3′ untranslated region of its own transcript. Aberrant TDP-43 expression caused by autoregulation defects are linked to TDP-43 pathology. Therefore, interactions between TDP-43 and its own transcript are crucial to prevent TDP-43 aggregation and loss of function. However, the mechanisms that mediate this interaction remain ill-defined. We find that a central RNA sequence in the 3′ UTR, which mediates TDP-43 autoregulation, increases the liquid properties of TDP-43 phase separation. Furthermore, binding to this RNA sequence induces TDP-43 condensation in human cell lysates, suggesting that this interaction promotes TDP-43 self-assembly into dynamic ribonucleoprotein granules. In agreement with these findings, our experiments show that TDP-43 oligomerization and phase separation, mediated by the amino and carboxy-terminal domains, respectively, are essential for TDP-43 autoregulation. According to our additional observations, CLIP34-associated phase separation and autoregulation may be efficiently controlled by phosphorylation of the N-terminal domain. Importantly, we find that specific ALS-associated TDP-43 mutations, mainly M337V, and a shortened TDP-43 isoform recently tied to motor neuron toxicity in ALS, disrupt the liquid properties of TDP-43-RNA condensates as well as autoregulatory function. In addition, we find that M337V decreases the cellular clearance of TDP-43 and other RNA binding proteins associated with ALS/FTD. These observations suggest that loss of liquid properties in M337V condensates strongly affects protein homeostasis. Together, this work provides evidence for the central role of TDP-43 oligomerization and liquid-liquid phase separation linked to RNA binding in autoregulation. These mechanisms may be impaired by TDP-43 disease variants and controlled by specific cellular signaling.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuronal uptake and subsequent spread of proteopathic seeds, such as αS (alpha-synuclein), Tau, and TDP-43, contribute to neurodegeneration. The cellular machinery participating in this process is poorly understood. One proteinopathy called multisystem proteinopathy (MSP) is associated with dominant mutations in Valosin Containing Protein (VCP). MSP patients have muscle and neuronal degeneration characterized by aggregate pathology that can include αS, Tau and TDP-43. METHODS We performed a fluorescent cell sorting based genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 screen in αS biosensors. αS and TDP-43 seeding activity under varied conditions was assessed using FRET/Flow biosensor cells or immunofluorescence for phosphorylated αS or TDP-43 in primary cultured neurons. We analyzed in vivo seeding activity by immunostaining for phosphorylated αS following intrastriatal injection of αS seeds in control or VCP disease mutation carrying mice. RESULTS One hundred fifty-four genes were identified as suppressors of αS seeding. One suppressor, VCP when chemically or genetically inhibited increased αS seeding in cells and neurons. This was not due to an increase in αS uptake or αS protein levels. MSP-VCP mutation expression increased αS seeding in cells and neurons. Intrastriatal injection of αS preformed fibrils (PFF) into VCP-MSP mutation carrying mice increased phospho αS expression as compared to control mice. Cells stably expressing fluorescently tagged TDP-43 C-terminal fragment FRET pairs (TDP-43 biosensors) generate FRET when seeded with TDP-43 PFF but not monomeric TDP-43. VCP inhibition or MSP-VCP mutant expression increases TDP-43 seeding in TDP-43 biosensors. Similarly, treatment of neurons with TDP-43 PFFs generates high molecular weight insoluble phosphorylated TDP-43 after 5 days. This TDP-43 seed dependent increase in phosphorlyated TDP-43 is further augmented in MSP-VCP mutant expressing neurons. CONCLUSION Using an unbiased screen, we identified the multifunctional AAA ATPase VCP as a suppressor of αS and TDP-43 aggregate seeding in cells and neurons. VCP facilitates the clearance of damaged lysosomes via lysophagy. We propose that VCP's surveillance of permeabilized endosomes may protect against the proteopathic spread of pathogenic protein aggregates. The spread of distinct aggregate species may dictate the pleiotropic phenotypes and pathologies in VCP associated MSP.
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42
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Lye YS, Chen YR. TAR DNA-binding protein 43 oligomers in physiology and pathology. IUBMB Life 2022; 74:794-811. [PMID: 35229461 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) is an RNA/DNA-binding protein involved in RNA regulation and diseases. In 2006, TDP-43 inclusions were found in the disease lesions of several neurodegenerative diseases. It is the pathological hallmark in both amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal lobar dementia. It also presents in a large portion of patients with Alzheimer's disease. TDP-43 is prone to aggregate; however, the role of TDP-43 oligomers remains poorly understood in both physiological and pathological conditions. In this review, we emphasize the role of oligomeric TDP-43 in both physiological and pathological conditions and discuss the potential mechanisms of oligomer formation. Finally, we suggest therapeutic strategies against the TDP-43 oligomers in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuh Shen Lye
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.,Taiwan International Graduate Program in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience, National Cheng Kung University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Ru Chen
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.,Taiwan International Graduate Program in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience, National Cheng Kung University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
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43
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Versluys L, Ervilha Pereira P, Schuermans N, De Paepe B, De Bleecker JL, Bogaert E, Dermaut B. Expanding the TDP-43 Proteinopathy Pathway From Neurons to Muscle: Physiological and Pathophysiological Functions. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:815765. [PMID: 35185458 PMCID: PMC8851062 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.815765] [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: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
TAR DNA-binding protein 43, mostly referred to as TDP-43 (encoded by the TARDBP gene) is strongly linked to the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). From the identification of TDP-43 positive aggregates in the brains and spinal cords of ALS/FTD patients, to a genetic link between TARBDP mutations and the development of TDP-43 pathology in ALS, there is strong evidence indicating that TDP-43 plays a pivotal role in the process of neuronal degeneration. What this role is, however, remains to be determined with evidence ranging from gain of toxic properties through the formation of cytotoxic aggregates, to an inability to perform its normal functions due to nuclear depletion. To add to an already complex subject, recent studies highlight a role for TDP-43 in muscle physiology and disease. We here review the biophysical, biochemical, cellular and tissue-specific properties of TDP-43 in the context of neurodegeneration and have a look at the nascent stream of evidence that positions TDP-43 in a myogenic context. By integrating the neurogenic and myogenic pathological roles of TDP-43 we provide a more comprehensive and encompassing view of the role and mechanisms associated with TDP-43 across the various cell types of the motor system, all the way from brain to limbs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Versluys
- Department Biomolecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Pedro Ervilha Pereira
- Department Biomolecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nika Schuermans
- Department Biomolecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Boel De Paepe
- Department of Neurology and Neuromuscular Reference Center, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Head and Skin, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jan L. De Bleecker
- Department of Neurology and Neuromuscular Reference Center, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Head and Skin, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Elke Bogaert
- Department Biomolecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bart Dermaut
- Department Biomolecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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44
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Gruijs da Silva LA, Simonetti F, Hutten S, Riemenschneider H, Sternburg EL, Pietrek LM, Gebel J, Dötsch V, Edbauer D, Hummer G, Stelzl LS, Dormann D. Disease-linked TDP-43 hyperphosphorylation suppresses TDP-43 condensation and aggregation. EMBO J 2022; 41:e108443. [PMID: 35112738 PMCID: PMC9016352 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2021108443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Post‐translational modifications (PTMs) have emerged as key modulators of protein phase separation and have been linked to protein aggregation in neurodegenerative disorders. The major aggregating protein in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia, the RNA‐binding protein TAR DNA‐binding protein (TDP‐43), is hyperphosphorylated in disease on several C‐terminal serine residues, a process generally believed to promote TDP‐43 aggregation. Here, we however find that Casein kinase 1δ‐mediated TDP‐43 hyperphosphorylation or C‐terminal phosphomimetic mutations reduce TDP‐43 phase separation and aggregation, and instead render TDP‐43 condensates more liquid‐like and dynamic. Multi‐scale molecular dynamics simulations reveal reduced homotypic interactions of TDP‐43 low‐complexity domains through enhanced solvation of phosphomimetic residues. Cellular experiments show that phosphomimetic substitutions do not affect nuclear import or RNA regulatory functions of TDP‐43, but suppress accumulation of TDP‐43 in membrane‐less organelles and promote its solubility in neurons. We speculate that TDP‐43 hyperphosphorylation may be a protective cellular response to counteract TDP‐43 aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara A Gruijs da Silva
- Biocenter, Institute of Molecular Physiology, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität (JGU), Mainz, Germany.,Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences (GSN), Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Francesca Simonetti
- Biocenter, Institute of Molecular Physiology, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität (JGU), Mainz, Germany.,Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences (GSN), Planegg-Martinsried, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany
| | - Saskia Hutten
- Biocenter, Institute of Molecular Physiology, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität (JGU), Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Erin L Sternburg
- Biocenter, Institute of Molecular Physiology, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität (JGU), Mainz, Germany
| | - Lisa M Pietrek
- Department of Theoretical Biophysics, Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jakob Gebel
- Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Volker Dötsch
- Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Dieter Edbauer
- Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences (GSN), Planegg-Martinsried, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany.,Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy) Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Gerhard Hummer
- Department of Theoretical Biophysics, Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Institute for Biophysics, Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Lukas S Stelzl
- Biocenter, Institute of Molecular Physiology, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität (JGU), Mainz, Germany.,Department of Theoretical Biophysics, Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,KOMET1, Institute of Physics, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität (JGU), Mainz, Germany.,Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Mainz, Germany
| | - Dorothee Dormann
- Biocenter, Institute of Molecular Physiology, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität (JGU), Mainz, Germany.,Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy) Munich, Munich, Germany.,Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Mainz, Germany
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45
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TDP-43 pathology: from noxious assembly to therapeutic removal. Prog Neurobiol 2022; 211:102229. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2022.102229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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46
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Grese ZR, Bastos AC, Mamede LD, French RL, Miller TM, Ayala YM. Specific RNA interactions promote TDP-43 multivalent phase separation and maintain liquid properties. EMBO Rep 2021; 22:e53632. [PMID: 34787357 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202153632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
TDP-43 is an RNA-binding protein that forms ribonucleoprotein condensates via liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) and regulates gene expression through specific RNA interactions. Loss of TDP-43 protein homeostasis and dysfunction are tied to neurodegenerative disorders, mainly amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia. Alterations of TDP-43 LLPS properties may be linked to protein aggregation. However, the mechanisms regulating TDP-43 LLPS are ill-defined, particularly how TDP-43 association with specific RNA targets regulates TDP-43 condensation remains unclear. We show that RNA binding strongly promotes TDP-43 LLPS through sequence-specific interactions. RNA-driven condensation increases with the number of adjacent TDP-43-binding sites and is also mediated by multivalent interactions involving the amino and carboxy-terminal TDP-43 domains. The physiological relevance of RNA-driven TDP-43 condensation is supported by similar observations in mammalian cellular lysate. Importantly, we find that TDP-43-RNA association maintains liquid-like properties of the condensates, which are disrupted in the presence of ALS-linked TDP-43 mutations. Altogether, RNA binding plays a central role in modulating TDP-43 condensation while maintaining protein solubility, and defects in this RNA-mediated activity may underpin TDP-43-associated pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary R Grese
- Edward Doisy Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Alliny Cs Bastos
- Edward Doisy Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Lohany D Mamede
- Edward Doisy Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Rachel L French
- Edward Doisy Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Timothy M Miller
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Yuna M Ayala
- Edward Doisy Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, USA
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47
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Pasha T, Zatorska A, Sharipov D, Rogelj B, Hortobágyi T, Hirth F. Karyopherin abnormalities in neurodegenerative proteinopathies. Brain 2021; 144:2915-2932. [PMID: 34019093 PMCID: PMC8194669 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awab201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative proteinopathies are characterized by progressive cell loss that is preceded by the mislocalization and aberrant accumulation of proteins prone to aggregation. Despite their different physiological functions, disease-related proteins like tau, α-synuclein, TAR DNA binding protein-43, fused in sarcoma and mutant huntingtin, all share low complexity regions that can mediate their liquid-liquid phase transitions. The proteins' phase transitions can range from native monomers to soluble oligomers, liquid droplets and further to irreversible, often-mislocalized aggregates that characterize the stages and severity of neurodegenerative diseases. Recent advances into the underlying pathogenic mechanisms have associated mislocalization and aberrant accumulation of disease-related proteins with defective nucleocytoplasmic transport and its mediators called karyopherins. These studies identify karyopherin abnormalities in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and synucleinopathies including Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies, that range from altered expression levels to the subcellular mislocalization and aggregation of karyopherin α and β proteins. The reported findings reveal that in addition to their classical function in nuclear import and export, karyopherins can also act as chaperones by shielding aggregation-prone proteins against misfolding, accumulation and irreversible phase-transition into insoluble aggregates. Karyopherin abnormalities can, therefore, be both the cause and consequence of protein mislocalization and aggregate formation in degenerative proteinopathies. The resulting vicious feedback cycle of karyopherin pathology and proteinopathy identifies karyopherin abnormalities as a common denominator of onset and progression of neurodegenerative disease. Pharmacological targeting of karyopherins, already in clinical trials as therapeutic intervention targeting cancers such as glioblastoma and viral infections like COVID-19, may therefore represent a promising new avenue for disease-modifying treatments in neurodegenerative proteinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terouz Pasha
- King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London SE5 9RT, UK
| | - Anna Zatorska
- King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London SE5 9RT, UK
| | - Daulet Sharipov
- King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London SE5 9RT, UK
| | - Boris Rogelj
- Jozef Stefan Institute, Department of Biotechnology, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tibor Hortobágyi
- ELKH-DE Cerebrovascular and Neurodegenerative Research Group, Department of Neurology, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- King's College London, Department of Old Age Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Frank Hirth
- King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London SE5 9RT, UK
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Tian Y, Wang Y, Jablonski AM, Hu Y, Sugam JA, Koglin M, Stachel SJ, Zhou H, Uslaner JM, Parmentier-Batteur S. Tau-tubulin kinase 1 phosphorylates TDP-43 at disease-relevant sites and exacerbates TDP-43 pathology. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 161:105548. [PMID: 34752923 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
TDP-43 pathology is a hallmark of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). Namely, both diseases feature aggregated and phosphorylated TDP-43 containing inclusions in the cytoplasm and a loss of nuclear TDP-43 in affected neurons. It has been reported that tau tubulin kinase (TTBK)1/2 phosphorylate TDP-43 and TTBK1/2 overexpression induced neuronal loss and behavioral deficits in a C. elegans model of ALS. Here we aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of TTBK1 in TDP-43 pathology. TTBK1 levels were observed to be elevated in ALS patients' post-mortem motor cortex. Also, TTBK1 was found to phosphorylate TDP-43 at disease-relevant sites in vitro directly, and this phosphorylation accelerated TDP-43 formation of high molecular species. Overexpression of TTBK1 in mammalian cells induced TDP-43 phosphorylation and the construction of high molecular species, concurrent with TDP-43 mis-localization and cytoplasmic inclusions. In addition, when TTBK1 was knocked down or pharmacologically inhibited, TDP-43 phosphorylation and aggregation were significantly alleviated. Functionally, TTBK1 knockdown could rescue TDP-43 overexpression-induced neurite and neuronal loss in iPSC-derived GABAergic neurons. These findings suggest that phosphorylation plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of TDP-43 pathology and that TTBK1 inhibition may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of ALS and FTLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Tian
- Neuroscience, MRL, Merck & Co., Inc, 770 Sumneytown Pike, West Point, PA 19486, USA.
| | - Yi Wang
- Neuroscience, MRL, Merck & Co., Inc, 770 Sumneytown Pike, West Point, PA 19486, USA
| | - Angela M Jablonski
- Neuroscience, MRL, Merck & Co., Inc, 770 Sumneytown Pike, West Point, PA 19486, USA
| | - Yinghui Hu
- Neuroscience, MRL, Merck & Co., Inc, 770 Sumneytown Pike, West Point, PA 19486, USA
| | - Jonathan A Sugam
- Neuroscience, MRL, Merck & Co., Inc, 770 Sumneytown Pike, West Point, PA 19486, USA
| | - Markus Koglin
- Mass Spectrometry & Biophysics, MRL, Merck & Co., Inc, 2000 Galloping Hill Rd, Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA
| | - Shawn J Stachel
- Chemistry, MRL, Merck & Co., Inc, 770 Sumneytown Pike, West Point, PA 19486, USA
| | - Heather Zhou
- Genetics and Pharmacogenomics, MRL, Merck & Co., Inc, 2000 Galloping Hill Rd, Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA
| | - Jason M Uslaner
- Neuroscience, MRL, Merck & Co., Inc, 770 Sumneytown Pike, West Point, PA 19486, USA
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Cragnaz L, Spinelli G, De Conti L, Bureau EA, Brownlees J, Feiguin F, Romano V, Skoko N, Klima R, Kettleborough CA, Baralle FE, Baralle M. Thioridazine reverts the phenotype in cellular and Drosophila models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis by enhancing TDP-43 aggregate clearance. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 160:105515. [PMID: 34571136 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain inclusions mainly composed of misfolded and aggregated TAR DNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43), are characteristic hallmarks of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Irrespective of the role played by the inclusions, their reduction represents an important therapeutic pathway that is worth exploring. Their removal can either lead to the recovery of TDP-43 function by removing the self-templating conformers that sequester the protein in the inclusions, and/or eliminate any potential intrinsic toxicity of the aggregates. The search for curative therapies has been hampered by the lack of ALS models for use in high-throughput screening. We adapted, optimised, and extensively characterised our previous ALS cellular model for such use. The model demonstrated efficient aggregation of endogenous TDP-43, and concomitant loss of its splicing regulation function. We provided a proof-of-principle for its eventual use in high-throughput screening using compounds of the tricyclic family and showed that recovery of TDP-43 function can be achieved by the enhanced removal of TDP-43 aggregates by these compounds. We observed that the degradation of the aggregates occurs independent of the autophagy pathway beyond autophagosome-lysosome fusion, but requires a functional proteasome pathway. The in vivo translational effect of the cellular model was tested with two of these compounds in a Drosophila model expressing a construct analogous to the cellular model, where thioridazine significantly improved the locomotive defect. Our findings have important implications as thioridazine cleared TDP-43 aggregates and recovered TDP-43 functionality. This study also highlights the importance of a two-stage, in vitro and in vivo model system to cross-check the search for small molecules that can clear TDP-43 aggregates in TDP-43 proteinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Cragnaz
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Padriciano 99, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Greta Spinelli
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Padriciano 99, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Laura De Conti
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Padriciano 99, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Emilie A Bureau
- LifeArc, Accelerator Building, Open Innovation Campus, Stevenage SG1 2FX, United Kingdom
| | - Janet Brownlees
- LifeArc, Accelerator Building, Open Innovation Campus, Stevenage SG1 2FX, United Kingdom
| | - Fabian Feiguin
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Padriciano 99, 34149 Trieste, Italy; Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Valentina Romano
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Padriciano 99, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Natasa Skoko
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Padriciano 99, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Raffaella Klima
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Padriciano 99, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Francisco E Baralle
- Fondazione Italiana Fegato-Onlus, Bldg. Q, AREA Science Park, ss14, Km 163.5, Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Marco Baralle
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Padriciano 99, 34149 Trieste, Italy.
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50
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Rengifo-Gonzalez JC, El Hage K, Clément MJ, Steiner E, Joshi V, Craveur P, Durand D, Pastré D, Bouhss A. The cooperative binding of TDP-43 to GU-rich RNA repeats antagonizes TDP-43 aggregation. eLife 2021; 10:67605. [PMID: 34490845 PMCID: PMC8523171 DOI: 10.7554/elife.67605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
TDP-43 is a nuclear RNA-binding protein that forms neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions in two major neurodegenerative diseases, ALS and FTLD. While the self-assembly of TDP-43 by its structured N-terminal and intrinsically disordered C-terminal domains has been widely studied, the mechanism by which mRNA preserves TDP-43 solubility in the nucleus has not been addressed. Here, we demonstrate that tandem RNA recognition motifs of TDP-43 bind to long GU-repeats in a cooperative manner through intermolecular interactions. Moreover, using mutants whose cooperativity is impaired, we found that the cooperative binding of TDP-43 to mRNA may be critical to maintain the solubility of TDP-43 in the nucleus and the miscibility of TDP-43 in cytoplasmic stress granules. We anticipate that the knowledge of a higher order assembly of TDP-43 on mRNA may clarify its role in intron processing and provide a means of interfering with the cytoplasmic aggregation of TDP-43.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos Rengifo-Gonzalez
- Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM U1204, Univ Evry, Structure-Activité des Biomolécules Normales et Pathologiques (SABNP), Evry-Courcouronnes, France
| | - Krystel El Hage
- Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM U1204, Univ Evry, Structure-Activité des Biomolécules Normales et Pathologiques (SABNP), Evry-Courcouronnes, France
| | - Marie-Jeanne Clément
- Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM U1204, Univ Evry, Structure-Activité des Biomolécules Normales et Pathologiques (SABNP), Evry-Courcouronnes, France
| | - Emilie Steiner
- Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM U1204, Univ Evry, Structure-Activité des Biomolécules Normales et Pathologiques (SABNP), Evry-Courcouronnes, France
| | - Vandana Joshi
- Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM U1204, Univ Evry, Structure-Activité des Biomolécules Normales et Pathologiques (SABNP), Evry-Courcouronnes, France
| | | | - Dominique Durand
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - David Pastré
- Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM U1204, Univ Evry, Structure-Activité des Biomolécules Normales et Pathologiques (SABNP), Evry-Courcouronnes, France
| | - Ahmed Bouhss
- Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM U1204, Univ Evry, Structure-Activité des Biomolécules Normales et Pathologiques (SABNP), Evry-Courcouronnes, France
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