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Brignone MS, Lanciotti A, Molinari P, Mallozzi C, De Nuccio C, Caprini ES, Petrucci TC, Visentin S, Ambrosini E. Megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts protein-1: A new calcium-sensitive protein functionally activated by endoplasmic reticulum calcium release and calmodulin binding in astrocytes. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 190:106388. [PMID: 38141856 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106388] [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: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND MLC1 is a membrane protein highly expressed in brain perivascular astrocytes and whose mutations account for the rare leukodystrophy (LD) megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts disease (MLC). MLC is characterized by macrocephaly, brain edema and cysts, myelin vacuolation and astrocyte swelling which cause cognitive and motor dysfunctions and epilepsy. In cultured astrocytes, lack of functional MLC1 disturbs cell volume regulation by affecting anion channel (VRAC) currents and the consequent regulatory volume decrease (RVD) occurring in response to osmotic changes. Moreover, MLC1 represses intracellular signaling molecules (EGFR, ERK1/2, NF-kB) inducing astrocyte activation and swelling following brain insults. Nevertheless, to date, MLC1 proper function and MLC molecular pathogenesis are still elusive. We recently reported that in astrocytes MLC1 phosphorylation by the Ca2+/Calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) in response to intracellular Ca2+ release potentiates MLC1 activation of VRAC. These results highlighted the importance of Ca2+ signaling in the regulation of MLC1 functions, prompting us to further investigate the relationships between intracellular Ca2+ and MLC1 properties. METHODS We used U251 astrocytoma cells stably expressing wild-type (WT) or mutated MLC1, primary mouse astrocytes and mouse brain tissue, and applied biochemistry, molecular biology, video imaging and electrophysiology techniques. RESULTS We revealed that WT but not mutant MLC1 oligomerization and trafficking to the astrocyte plasma membrane is favored by Ca2+ release from endoplasmic reticulum (ER) but not by capacitive Ca2+ entry in response to ER depletion. We also clarified the molecular events underlining MLC1 response to cytoplasmic Ca2+ increase, demonstrating that, following Ca2+ release, MLC1 binds the Ca2+ effector protein calmodulin (CaM) at the carboxyl terminal where a CaM binding sequence was identified. Using a CaM inhibitor and generating U251 cells expressing MLC1 with CaM binding site mutations, we found that CaM regulates MLC1 assembly, trafficking and function, being RVD and MLC-linked signaling molecules abnormally regulated in these latter cells. CONCLUSION Overall, we qualified MLC1 as a Ca2+ sensitive protein involved in the control of volume changes in response to ER Ca2+ release and astrocyte activation. These findings provide new insights for the comprehension of the molecular mechanisms responsible for the myelin degeneration occurring in MLC and other LD where astrocytes have a primary role in the pathological process.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Brignone
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Department of Neuroscience, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - A Lanciotti
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Department of Neuroscience, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - P Molinari
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - C Mallozzi
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Department of Neuroscience, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - C De Nuccio
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Research Coordination and Support Service, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - E S Caprini
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Department of Neuroscience, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - T C Petrucci
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Department of Neuroscience, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - S Visentin
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - E Ambrosini
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Department of Neuroscience, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
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Gammaldi N, Pezzini F, Michelucci E, Di Giorgi N, Simonati A, Rocchiccioli S, Santorelli FM, Doccini S. Integrative human and murine multi-omics: Highlighting shared biomarkers in the neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 189:106349. [PMID: 37952681 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106349] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL) is a group of neurodegenerative disorders whose molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. Omics approaches are among the methods that generate new information on modifying factors and molecular signatures. Moreover, omics data integration can address the need to progressively expand knowledge around the disease and pinpoint specific proteins to promote as candidate biomarkers. In this work, we integrated a total of 62 proteomic and transcriptomic datasets originating from humans and mice, employing a new approach able to define dysregulated processes across species, stages and NCL forms. Moreover, we selected a pool of differentially expressed proteins and genes as species- and form-related biomarkers of disease status/progression and evaluated local and spatial differences in most affected brain regions. Our results offer promising targets for potential new therapeutic strategies and reinforce the hypothesis of a connection between NCLs and other forms of dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Gammaldi
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Florence, Italy; Molecular Medicine for Neurodegenerative and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation - Pisa, Italy
| | - F Pezzini
- Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Paediatrics and Gynaecology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - E Michelucci
- Clinical Physiology-National Research Council (IFC-CNR), Pisa, Italy
| | - N Di Giorgi
- Clinical Physiology-National Research Council (IFC-CNR), Pisa, Italy
| | - A Simonati
- Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Paediatrics and Gynaecology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - S Rocchiccioli
- Clinical Physiology-National Research Council (IFC-CNR), Pisa, Italy
| | - F M Santorelli
- Molecular Medicine for Neurodegenerative and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation - Pisa, Italy
| | - S Doccini
- Molecular Medicine for Neurodegenerative and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation - Pisa, Italy.
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3
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Rus CM, Polla DL, Di Bucchianico S, Fischer S, Hartkamp J, Hartmann G, Alpagu Y, Cozma C, Zimmermann R, Bauer P. Neuronal progenitor cells-based metabolomics study reveals dysregulated lipid metabolism and identifies putative biomarkers for CLN6 disease. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18550. [PMID: 37899458 PMCID: PMC10613621 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45789-7] [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: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis 6 (CLN6) is a rare and fatal autosomal recessive disease primarily affecting the nervous system in children. It is caused by a pathogenic mutation in the CLN6 gene for which no therapy is available. Employing an untargeted metabolomics approach, we analyzed the metabolic changes in CLN6 subjects to see if this system could potentially yield biomarkers for diagnosis and monitoring disease progression. Neuronal-like cells were derived from human fibroblast lines from CLN6-affected subjects (n = 3) and controls (wild type, n = 3). These were used to assess the potential of a neuronal-like cell-based metabolomics approach to identify CLN6 distinctive and specific biomarkers. The most impacted metabolic profile is associated with sphingolipids, glycerophospholipids metabolism, and calcium signaling. Over 2700 spectral features were screened, and fifteen metabolites were identified that differed significantly between both groups, including the sphingolipids C16 GlcCer, C24 GlcCer, C24:1 GlcCer and glycerophospholipids PG 40:6 and PG 40:7. Of note, these fifteen metabolites were downregulated in the CLN6 disease group. This study is the first to analyze the metabolome of neuronal-like cells with a pathogenic mutation in the CLN6 gene and to provide insights into their metabolomic alterations. This could allow for the development of novel biomarkers for monitoring CLN6 disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corina-Marcela Rus
- Centogene GmbH, Am Strande 7, 18057, Rostock, Germany.
- Joint Mass Spectrometry Center, Chair of Analytical Chemistry, University of Rostock, Albert-Einstein Straße 27, 18059, Rostock, Germany.
| | | | - Sebastiano Di Bucchianico
- Joint Mass Spectrometry Center, Chair of Analytical Chemistry, University of Rostock, Albert-Einstein Straße 27, 18059, Rostock, Germany
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
- Department Life, Light & Matter, University of Rostock, Albert-Einstein Straße 25, 18059, Rostock, Germany
| | | | - Jörg Hartkamp
- Centogene GmbH, Am Strande 7, 18057, Rostock, Germany
| | | | - Yunus Alpagu
- Centogene GmbH, Am Strande 7, 18057, Rostock, Germany
| | - Claudia Cozma
- Centogene GmbH, Am Strande 7, 18057, Rostock, Germany
| | - Ralf Zimmermann
- Joint Mass Spectrometry Center, Chair of Analytical Chemistry, University of Rostock, Albert-Einstein Straße 27, 18059, Rostock, Germany
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
- Department Life, Light & Matter, University of Rostock, Albert-Einstein Straße 25, 18059, Rostock, Germany
| | - Peter Bauer
- Centogene GmbH, Am Strande 7, 18057, Rostock, Germany
- Department of Medicine, Clinic III, Hematology, Oncology, Palliative Medicine, Rostock University Medical Center, Ernst-Heydemann-Str. 6, 18057, Rostock, Germany
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4
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Relton EL, Roth NJ, Yasa S, Kaleem A, Hermey G, Minnis CJ, Mole SE, Shelkovnikova T, Lefrancois S, McCormick PJ, Locker N. The Batten disease protein CLN3 is important for stress granules dynamics and translational activity. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:104649. [PMID: 36965618 PMCID: PMC10149212 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104649] [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: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The assembly of membrane-less organelles such as stress granules (SGs) is emerging as central in helping cells rapidly respond and adapt to stress. Following stress sensing, the resulting global translational shutoff leads to the condensation of stalled mRNAs and proteins into SGs. By reorganizing cytoplasmic contents, SGs can modulate RNA translation, biochemical reactions, and signaling cascades to promote survival until the stress is resolved. While mechanisms for SG disassembly are not widely understood, the resolution of SGs is important for maintaining cell viability and protein homeostasis. Mutations that lead to persistent or aberrant SGs are increasingly associated with neuropathology and a hallmark of several neurodegenerative diseases. Mutations in CLN3 are causative of juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, a rare neurodegenerative disease affecting children also known as Batten disease. CLN3 encodes a transmembrane lysosomal protein implicated in autophagy, endosomal trafficking, metabolism, and response to oxidative stress. Using a HeLa cell model lacking CLN3, we now show that CLN3KO is associated with an altered metabolic profile, reduced global translation, and altered stress signaling. Furthermore, loss of CLN3 function results in perturbations in SG dynamics, resulting in assembly and disassembly defects, and altered expression of the key SG nucleating factor G3BP1. With a growing interest in SG-modulating drugs for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, novel insights into the molecular basis of CLN3 Batten disease may reveal avenues for disease-modifying treatments for this debilitating childhood disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily L Relton
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Nicolas J Roth
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine, Queen Mary, University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, United Kingdom
| | - Seda Yasa
- Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut national de la recherche scientifique, Laval, Canada
| | - Abuzar Kaleem
- Institute for Molecular and Cellular Cognition, Center for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Guido Hermey
- Institute for Molecular and Cellular Cognition, Center for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christopher J Minnis
- Great Ormond Street, Institute of Child Health and MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology and Great Ormond Street, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sara E Mole
- Great Ormond Street, Institute of Child Health and MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology and Great Ormond Street, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tatyana Shelkovnikova
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Stephane Lefrancois
- Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut national de la recherche scientifique, Laval, Canada; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Centre d'Excellence en Recherche sur les Maladies Orphelines - Fondation Courtois (CERMO-FC), Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montréal, Canada
| | - Peter J McCormick
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine, Queen Mary, University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicolas Locker
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom.
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Peppercorn K, Kleffmann T, Hughes SM, Tate WP. Secreted Amyloid Precursor Protein Alpha (sAPPα) Regulates the Cellular Proteome and Secretome of Mouse Primary Astrocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087165. [PMID: 37108327 PMCID: PMC10138557 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Secreted amyloid precursor protein alpha (sAPPα), processed from a parent mammalian brain protein, amyloid precursor protein, can modulate learning and memory. Recently it has been shown to modulate the transcriptome and proteome of human neurons, including proteins with neurological functions. Here, we analysed whether the acute administration of sAPPα facilitated changes in the proteome and secretome of mouse primary astrocytes in culture. Astrocytes contribute to the neuronal processes of neurogenesis, synaptogenesis and synaptic plasticity. Cortical mouse astrocytes in culture were exposed to 1 nM sAPPα, and changes in both the whole-cell proteome (2 h) and the secretome (6 h) were identified with Sequential Window Acquisition of All Theoretical Fragment Ion Spectra-Mass Spectrometry (SWATH-MS). Differentially regulated proteins were identified in both the cellular proteome and secretome that are involved with neurologically related functions of the normal physiology of the brain and central nervous system. Groups of proteins have a relationship to APP and have roles in the modulation of cell morphology, vesicle dynamics and the myelin sheath. Some are related to pathways containing proteins whose genes have been previously implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The secretome is also enriched in proteins related to Insulin Growth Factor 2 (IGF2) signaling and the extracellular matrix (ECM). There is the promise that a more specific investigation of these proteins will help to understand the mechanisms of how sAPPα signaling affects memory formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Peppercorn
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Health Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
- Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Torsten Kleffmann
- Research Infrastructure Centre, Division of Health Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Stephanie M Hughes
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Health Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
- Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
- Genetics Otago, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Warren P Tate
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Health Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
- Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
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6
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Mondal A, Appu AP, Sadhukhan T, Bagh MB, Previde RM, Sadhukhan S, Stojilkovic S, Liu A, Mukherjee AB. Ppt1-deficiency dysregulates lysosomal Ca ++ homeostasis contributing to pathogenesis in a mouse model of CLN1 disease. J Inherit Metab Dis 2022; 45:635-656. [PMID: 35150145 PMCID: PMC9090967 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Inactivating mutations in the PPT1 gene encoding palmitoyl-protein thioesterase-1 (PPT1) underlie the CLN1 disease, a devastating neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorder. The mechanism of pathogenesis underlying CLN1 disease has remained elusive. PPT1 is a lysosomal enzyme, which catalyzes the removal of palmitate from S-palmitoylated proteins (constituents of ceroid lipofuscin) facilitating their degradation and clearance by lysosomal hydrolases. Thus, it has been proposed that Ppt1-deficiency leads to lysosomal accumulation of ceroid lipofuscin leading to CLN1 disease. While S-palmitoylation is catalyzed by palmitoyl acyltransferases (called ZDHHCs), palmitoyl-protein thioesterases (PPTs) depalmitoylate these proteins. We sought to determine the mechanism by which Ppt1-deficiency may impair lysosomal degradative function leading to infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis pathogenesis. Here, we report that in Ppt1-/- mice, which mimic CLN1 disease, low level of inositol 3-phosphate receptor-1 (IP3R1) that mediates Ca++ transport from the endoplasmic reticulum to the lysosome dysregulated lysosomal Ca++ homeostasis. Intriguingly, the transcription factor nuclear factor of activated T-cells, cytoplasmic 4 (NFATC4), which regulates IP3R1-expression, required S-palmitoylation for trafficking from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. We identified two palmitoyl acyltransferases, ZDHHC4 and ZDHHC8, which catalyzed S-palmitoylation of NFATC4. Notably, in Ppt1-/- mice, reduced ZDHHC4 and ZDHHC8 levels markedly lowered S-palmitoylated NFATC4 (active) in the nucleus, which inhibited IP3R1-expression, thereby dysregulating lysosomal Ca++ homeostasis. Consequently, Ca++ -dependent lysosomal enzyme activities were markedly suppressed. Impaired lysosomal degradative function impaired autophagy, which caused lysosomal storage of undigested cargo. Importantly, IP3R1-overexpression in Ppt1-/- mouse fibroblasts ameliorated this defect. Our results reveal a previously unrecognized role of Ppt1 in regulating lysosomal Ca++ homeostasis and suggest that this defect contributes to pathogenesis of CLN1 disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avisek Mondal
- Section on Developmental Genetics, Division of Translational Medicine
| | - Abhilash P. Appu
- Section on Developmental Genetics, Division of Translational Medicine
| | - Tamal Sadhukhan
- Section on Developmental Genetics, Division of Translational Medicine
| | - Maria B. Bagh
- Section on Developmental Genetics, Division of Translational Medicine
| | - Rafael M. Previde
- Section on Cellular Signaling, Eunice Kennedy-Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, The National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1830
| | | | - Stanko Stojilkovic
- Section on Cellular Signaling, Eunice Kennedy-Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, The National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1830
| | - Aiyi Liu
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy-Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, The National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1830
| | - Anil B Mukherjee
- Section on Developmental Genetics, Division of Translational Medicine
- Correspondence to AM () or ABM ()
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Neuronal genetic rescue normalizes brain network dynamics in a lysosomal storage disorder despite persistent storage accumulation. Mol Ther 2022; 30:2464-2473. [PMID: 35395398 PMCID: PMC9263320 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Although neurologic symptoms occur in two-thirds of lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs), for most we do not understand the mechanisms underlying brain dysfunction. A major unanswered question is if the pathogenic hallmark of LSDs, storage accumulation, induces functional defects directly or is a disease bystander. Also, for most LSDs we do not know the impact of loss-of-function in individual cell types. Understanding these critical questions are essential to therapy development. Here, we determined the impact of genetic rescue in distinct cell types on neural circuit dysfunction in CLN3 disease, the most common pediatric dementia and a paradigmatic neurodegenerative LSD. We restored Cln3 expression via AAV-mediated gene delivery and conditional genetic rescue in a CLN3 disease mouse model. Surprisingly, we found that low-level rescue of Cln3 expression in neurons alone normalized clinically-relevant electrophysiologic markers of network dysfunction, despite the presence of substantial residual histopathology, in contrast to restoring expression in astrocytes. Thus, loss of CLN3 function in neurons, not storage accumulation, underlies neurologic dysfunction in CLN3 disease, implying that storage clearance may be an inappropriate target for therapy development and an ineffectual biomarker.
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On the cusp of cures: Breakthroughs in Batten disease research. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2021; 72:48-54. [PMID: 34571324 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2021.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Batten disease is a family of rare, lysosomal disorders caused by mutations in one of at least 13 genes, which encode a diverse set of lysosomal and extralysosomal proteins. Despite decades of research, the development of effective therapies has remained intractable. But now, the field is experiencing rapid, unprecedented progress on multiple fronts. New tools are providing insights into previously unsolvable problems, with molecular functions now known for nine Batten disease proteins. Protein interactome data are uncovering potential functional overlap between several Batten disease proteins, providing long-sought links between seemingly disparate proteins. Understanding of cellular etiology is elucidating contributions from and interactions between various CNS cell types. Collectively, this explosion in insight is hastening an unparalleled period of therapeutic breakthroughs, with multiple therapies showing great promise in preclinical and clinical studies. The coming years will provide a continuation of this rapid progress, with the promise of effective treatments giving patients hope.
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9
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Cotman SL, Lefrancois S. CLN3, at the crossroads of endocytic trafficking. Neurosci Lett 2021; 762:136117. [PMID: 34274435 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.136117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The CLN3 gene was identified over two decades ago, but the primary function of the CLN3 protein remains unknown. Recessive inheritance of loss of function mutations in CLN3 are responsible for juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (Batten disease, or CLN3 disease), a fatal childhood onset neurodegenerative disease causing vision loss, seizures, progressive dementia, motor function loss and premature death. CLN3 is a multipass transmembrane protein that primarily localizes to endosomes and lysosomes. Defects in endocytosis, autophagy, and lysosomal function are common findings in CLN3-deficiency model systems. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these defects have not yet been fully elucidated. In this mini-review, we will summarize the current understanding of the CLN3 protein interaction network and discuss how this knowledge is starting to delineate the molecular pathogenesis of CLN3 disease. Accumulating evidence strongly points towards CLN3 playing a role in regulation of the cytoskeleton and cytoskeletal associated proteins to tether cellular membranes, regulation of membrane complexes such as channels/transporters, and modulating the function of small GTPases to effectively mediate vesicular movement and membrane dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan L Cotman
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Department of Neurology, Mass General Research Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge St., Boston, MA 02114, United States.
| | - Stéphane Lefrancois
- Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut national de la recherche scientifique, Laval H7V 1B7, Canada; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal H3A 0C7, Canada; Centre d'Excellence en Recherche sur les Maladies Orphelines - Fondation Courtois (CERMO-FC), Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montréal H2X 3Y7, Canada.
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10
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Kinarivala N, Morsy A, Patel R, Carmona AV, Sajib MS, Raut S, Mikelis CM, Al-Ahmad A, Trippier PC. An iPSC-Derived Neuron Model of CLN3 Disease Facilitates Small Molecule Phenotypic Screening. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2020; 3:931-947. [PMID: 33073192 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.0c00077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are a family of rare lysosomal storage disorders. The most common form of NCL occurs in children harboring a mutation in the CLN3 gene. This form is lethal with no existing cure or treatment beyond symptomatic relief. The pathophysiology of CLN3 disease is complex and poorly understood, with current in vivo and in vitro models failing to identify pharmacological targets for therapeutic intervention. This study reports the characterization of the first CLN3 patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived model of the blood-brain barrier and establishes the suitability of an iPSC-derived neuron model of the disease to facilitate compound screening. Upon differentiation, hallmarks of CLN3 disease are apparent, including lipofuscin and subunit c of mitochondrial ATP synthase accumulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and attenuated Bcl-2 expression. The model led to the identification of small molecules that cleared subunit c accumulation by mTOR-independent modulation of autophagy, conferred protective effects through induction of Bcl-2 and rescued mitochondrial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nihar Kinarivala
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, Texas 79106, United States
| | - Ahmed Morsy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, United States
| | - Ronak Patel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, Texas 79106, United States
| | - Angelica V Carmona
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, United States
| | - Md Sanaullah Sajib
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, Texas 79106, United States
| | - Snehal Raut
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, Texas 79106, United States
| | - Constantinos M Mikelis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, Texas 79106, United States
| | - Abraham Al-Ahmad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, Texas 79106, United States
| | - Paul C Trippier
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, United States.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, Texas 79106, United States.,UNMC Center for Drug Discovery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, United States
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Exogenous Flupirtine as Potential Treatment for CLN3 Disease. Cells 2020; 9:cells9081872. [PMID: 32796515 PMCID: PMC7464162 DOI: 10.3390/cells9081872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
CLN3 disease is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder affecting children. Hallmarks include brain atrophy, accelerated neuronal apoptosis, and ceramide elevation. Treatment regimens are supportive, highlighting the importance of novel, disease-modifying drugs. Flupirtine and its new allyl carbamate derivative (compound 6) confer neuroprotective effects in CLN3-deficient cells. This study lays the groundwork for investigating beneficial effects in Cln3Δex7/8 mice. WT/Cln3Δex7/8 mice received flupirtine/compound 6/vehicle for 14 weeks. Short-term effect of flupirtine or compound 6 was tested using a battery of behavioral testing. For flupirtine, gene expression profiles, astrogliosis, and neuronal cell counts were determined. Flupirtine improved neurobehavioral parameters in open field, pole climbing, and Morris water maze tests in Cln3Δex7/8 mice. Several anti-apoptotic markers and ceramide synthesis/degradation enzymes expression was dysregulated in Cln3Δex7/8 mice. Flupirtine reduced astrogliosis in hippocampus and motor cortex of male and female Cln3Δex7/8 mice. Flupirtine increased neuronal cell counts in male mice. The newly synthesized compound 6 showed promising results in open field and pole climbing. In conclusion, flupirtine improved behavioral, neuropathological and biochemical parameters in Cln3Δex7/8 mice, paving the way for potential therapies for CLN3 disease.
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12
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Zhong Y, Mohan K, Liu J, Al-Attar A, Lin P, Flight RM, Sun Q, Warmoes MO, Deshpande RR, Liu H, Jung KS, Mitov MI, Lin N, Butterfield DA, Lu S, Liu J, Moseley HNB, Fan TWM, Kleinman ME, Wang QJ. Loss of CLN3, the gene mutated in juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, leads to metabolic impairment and autophagy induction in retinal pigment epithelium. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2020; 1866:165883. [PMID: 32592935 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2020.165883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (JNCL, aka. juvenile Batten disease or CLN3 disease) is a lysosomal storage disease characterized by progressive blindness, seizures, cognitive and motor failures, and premature death. JNCL is caused by mutations in the Ceroid Lipofuscinosis, Neuronal 3 (CLN3) gene, whose function is unclear. Although traditionally considered a neurodegenerative disease, CLN3 disease displays eye-specific effects: Vision loss not only is often one of the earliest symptoms of JNCL, but also has been reported in non-syndromic CLN3 disease. Here we described the roles of CLN3 protein in maintaining healthy retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and normal vision. Using electroretinogram, fundoscopy and microscopy, we showed impaired visual function, retinal autofluorescent lesions, and RPE disintegration and metaplasia/hyperplasia in a Cln3 ~ 1 kb-deletion mouse model [1] on C57BL/6J background. Utilizing a combination of biochemical analyses, RNA-Seq, Seahorse XF bioenergetic analysis, and Stable Isotope Resolved Metabolomics (SIRM), we further demonstrated that loss of CLN3 increased autophagic flux, suppressed mTORC1 and Akt activities, enhanced AMPK activity, and up-regulated gene expression of the autophagy-lysosomal system in RPE-1 cells, suggesting autophagy induction. This CLN3 deficiency induced autophagy induction coincided with decreased mitochondrial oxygen consumption, glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and ATP production. We also reported for the first time that loss of CLN3 led to glycogen accumulation despite of impaired glycogen synthesis. Our comprehensive analyses shed light on how loss of CLN3 affect autophagy and metabolism. This work suggests possible links among metabolic impairment, autophagy induction and lysosomal storage, as well as between RPE atrophy/degeneration and vision loss in JNCL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhong
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Kabhilan Mohan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Jinpeng Liu
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Ahmad Al-Attar
- Center for Environmental and Systems Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Penghui Lin
- Center for Environmental and Systems Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Robert M Flight
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States; Center for Environmental and Systems Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Qiushi Sun
- Center for Environmental and Systems Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Marc O Warmoes
- Center for Environmental and Systems Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Rahul R Deshpande
- Center for Environmental and Systems Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Huijuan Liu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Kyung Sik Jung
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Mihail I Mitov
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | | | - D Allan Butterfield
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States; Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Shuyan Lu
- Pfizer Inc., San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Jinze Liu
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States; Department of Computer Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States; Institute for Biomedical Informatics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Hunter N B Moseley
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States; Institute for Biomedical Informatics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Teresa W M Fan
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States; Center for Environmental and Systems Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States; Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Mark E Kleinman
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Qing Jun Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States; Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States.
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13
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Gomez-Giro G, Arias-Fuenzalida J, Jarazo J, Zeuschner D, Ali M, Possemis N, Bolognin S, Halder R, Jäger C, Kuper WFE, van Hasselt PM, Zaehres H, del Sol A, van der Putten H, Schöler HR, Schwamborn JC. Synapse alterations precede neuronal damage and storage pathology in a human cerebral organoid model of CLN3-juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2019; 7:222. [PMID: 31888773 PMCID: PMC6937812 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-019-0871-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The juvenile form of neuronal ceroid Lipofuscinosis (JNCL) is the most common form within this group of rare lysosomal storage disorders, causing pediatric neurodegeneration. The genetic disorder, which is caused by recessive mutations affecting the CLN3 gene, features progressive vision loss, cognitive and motor decline and other psychiatric conditions, seizure episodes, leading to premature death. Animal models have traditionally aid the understanding of the disease mechanisms and pathology and are very relevant for biomarker research and therapeutic testing. Nevertheless, there is a need for establishing reliable and predictive human cellular models to study the disease. Since patient material, particularly from children, is scarce and difficult to obtain, we generated an engineered a CLN3-mutant isogenic human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) line carrying the c.1054C → T pathologic variant, using state of the art CRISPR/Cas9 technology. To prove the suitability of the isogenic pair to model JNCL, we screened for disease-specific phenotypes in non-neuronal two-dimensional cell culture models as well as in cerebral brain organoids. Our data demonstrates that the sole introduction of the pathogenic variant gives rise to classical hallmarks of JNCL in vitro. Additionally, we discovered an alteration of the splicing caused by this particular mutation. Next, we derived cerebral organoids and used them as a neurodevelopmental model to study the particular effects of the CLN3Q352X mutation during brain formation in the disease context. About half of the mutation -carrying cerebral organoids completely failed to develop normally. The other half, which escaped this severe defect were used for the analysis of more subtle alterations. In these escapers, whole-transcriptome analysis demonstrated early disease signatures, affecting pathways related to development, corticogenesis and synapses. Complementary metabolomics analysis confirmed decreased levels of cerebral tissue metabolites, some particularly relevant for synapse formation and neurotransmission, such as gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA). Our data suggests that a mutation in CLN3 severely affects brain development. Furthermore, before disease onset, disease -associated neurodevelopmental changes, particular concerning synapse formation and function, occur.
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Huber RJ, Hughes SM, Liu W, Morgan A, Tuxworth RI, Russell C. The contribution of multicellular model organisms to neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis research. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2019; 1866:165614. [PMID: 31783156 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2019.165614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The NCLs (neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis) are forms of neurodegenerative disease that affect people of all ages and ethnicities but are most prevalent in children. Commonly known as Batten disease, this debilitating neurological disorder is comprised of 13 different subtypes that are categorized based on the particular gene that is mutated (CLN1-8, CLN10-14). The pathological mechanisms underlying the NCLs are not well understood due to our poor understanding of the functions of NCL proteins. Only one specific treatment (enzyme replacement therapy) is approved, which is for the treating the brain in CLN2 disease. Hence there remains a desperate need for further research into disease-modifying treatments. In this review, we present and evaluate the genes, proteins and studies performed in the social amoeba, nematode, fruit fly, zebrafish, mouse and large animals pertinent to NCL. In particular, we highlight the use of multicellular model organisms to study NCL protein function, pathology and pathomechanisms. Their use in testing novel therapeutic approaches is also presented. With this information, we highlight how future research in these systems may be able to provide new insight into NCL protein functions in human cells and aid in the development of new therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Huber
- Department of Biology, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario K9L 0G2, Canada
| | - Stephanie M Hughes
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Biomedical Sciences, Brain Health Research Centre and Genetics Otago, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Wenfei Liu
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Alan Morgan
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Crown St., Liverpool L69 3BX, UK
| | - Richard I Tuxworth
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Claire Russell
- Dept. Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Royal College Street, London NW1 0TU, UK.
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15
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Kielian T. Lysosomal storage disorders: pathology within the lysosome and beyond. J Neurochem 2019; 148:568-572. [PMID: 30697734 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
This Preface introduces the articles of the special issue on "Lysosomal Storage Disorders" in which several recognized experts provide an overview of this research field. Lysosomes were first described in the 1950s and recognized for their role in substrate degradation and recycling. Because lysosomes impact numerous fundamental homeostatic processes, research on lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) is crucial to advance our understanding of this intriguing organelle. This Special Issue highlights some of the LSDs that impact the central nervous system (CNS) as well as comprehensive overviews of lysosomal biology, CNS metabolism, and sphingolipid biosynthesis and turnover, all of which are critical toward our understanding of normal lysosomal function and how this is perturbed in the context of LSDs. This is the Preface for the special issue "Lysosomal Storage Disorders". Cover Image for this issue: doi: 10.1111/jnc.14496.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tammy Kielian
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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Cellular models of Batten disease. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2019; 1866:165559. [PMID: 31655107 PMCID: PMC7338907 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2019.165559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses (NCL), otherwise known as Batten disease, are a group of neurodegenerative diseases caused by mutations in 13 known genes. All except one NCL is autosomal recessive in inheritance, with similar aetiology and characterised by the accumulation of autofluorescent storage material in the lysosomes of cells. Age of onset and the rate of progression vary between the NCLs. They are collectively one of the most common lysosomal storage diseases, but the enigma remains of how genetically distinct diseases result in such remarkably similar pathogenesis. Much has been learnt from cellular studies about the function of the proteins encoded by the affected genes. Such research has utilised primitive unicellular models such as yeast and amoeba containing gene orthologues, cells derived from naturally occurring (sheep) and genetically engineered (mouse) animal models or patient-derived cells. Most recently, patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines have been differentiated into neural cell-types to study molecular pathogenesis in the cells most profoundly affected by disease. Here, we review how cell models have informed much of the biochemical understanding of the NCLs and how more complex models are being used to further this understanding and potentially act as platforms for therapeutic efficacy studies in the future. Developments made in cellular models for neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL) in basic biology and use as therapeutic platforms. Cellular models elucidating function of NCL proteins. NCL proteins implicated in the mTor signalling pathway. Patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines have been differentiated into neural cell-types providing insights into the molecular pathogenesis of NCL.
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McLaren MD, Mathavarajah S, Huber RJ. Recent Insights into NCL Protein Function Using the Model Organism Dictyostelium discoideum. Cells 2019; 8:cells8020115. [PMID: 30717401 PMCID: PMC6406579 DOI: 10.3390/cells8020115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2018] [Revised: 01/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are a group of devastating neurological disorders that have a global distribution and affect people of all ages. Commonly known as Batten disease, this form of neurodegeneration is linked to mutations in 13 genetically distinct genes. The precise mechanisms underlying the disease are unknown, in large part due to our poor understanding of the functions of NCL proteins. The social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum has proven to be an exceptional model organism for studying a wide range of neurological disorders, including the NCLs. The Dictyostelium genome contains homologs of 11 of the 13 NCL genes. Its life cycle, comprised of both single-cell and multicellular phases, provides an excellent system for studying the effects of NCL gene deficiency on conserved cellular and developmental processes. In this review, we highlight recent advances in NCL research using Dictyostelium as a biomedical model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meagan D McLaren
- Department of Biology, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON K9L 0G2, Canada.
| | - Sabateeshan Mathavarajah
- Department of Biology, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON K9L 0G2, Canada.
| | - Robert J Huber
- Department of Biology, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON K9L 0G2, Canada.
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18
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Mathavarajah S, O'Day DH, Huber RJ. Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses: Connecting Calcium Signalling through Calmodulin. Cells 2018; 7:cells7110188. [PMID: 30380624 PMCID: PMC6262527 DOI: 10.3390/cells7110188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Revised: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the increased focus on the role of calcium in the neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs, also known as Batten disease), links between calcium signalling and the proteins associated with the disease remain to be identified. A central protein in calcium signalling is calmodulin (CaM), which regulates many of the same cellular processes affected in the NCLs. In this study, we show that 11 of the 13 NCL proteins contain putative CaM-binding domains (CaMBDs). Many of the missense mutations documented from NCL patients overlap with the predicted CaMBDs and are often key residues of those domains. The two NCL proteins lacking such domains, CLN7 and CLN11, share a commonality in undergoing proteolytic processing by cathepsin L, which contains a putative CaMBD. Since CaM appears to have both direct and indirect roles in the NCLs, targeting it may be a valid therapeutic approach for treating the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Danton H O'Day
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada.
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G5, Canada.
| | - Robert J Huber
- Department of Biology, Trent University, Peterborough, ON K9L 0G2, Canada.
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