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Brembati V, Faustini G, Longhena F, Bellucci A. Alpha synuclein post translational modifications: potential targets for Parkinson's disease therapy? Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1197853. [PMID: 37305556 PMCID: PMC10248004 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1197853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder with motor symptoms. The neuropathological alterations characterizing the brain of patients with PD include the loss of dopaminergic neurons of the nigrostriatal system and the presence of Lewy bodies (LB), intraneuronal inclusions that are mainly composed of alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) fibrils. The accumulation of α-Syn in insoluble aggregates is a main neuropathological feature in PD and in other neurodegenerative diseases, including LB dementia (LBD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA), which are therefore defined as synucleinopathies. Compelling evidence supports that α-Syn post translational modifications (PTMs) such as phosphorylation, nitration, acetylation, O-GlcNAcylation, glycation, SUMOylation, ubiquitination and C-terminal cleavage, play important roles in the modulation α-Syn aggregation, solubility, turnover and membrane binding. In particular, PTMs can impact on α-Syn conformational state, thus supporting that their modulation can in turn affect α-Syn aggregation and its ability to seed further soluble α-Syn fibrillation. This review focuses on the importance of α-Syn PTMs in PD pathophysiology but also aims at highlighting their general relevance as possible biomarkers and, more importantly, as innovative therapeutic targets for synucleinopathies. In addition, we call attention to the multiple challenges that we still need to face to enable the development of novel therapeutic approaches modulating α-Syn PTMs.
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2
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Ahnaou A, Whim D. REM sleep behavior and olfactory dysfunction: improving the utility and translation of animal models in the search for neuroprotective therapies for Parkinson's disease. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 143:104897. [PMID: 36183864 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104897] [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: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a heterogeneous neurodegenerative disease that belongs to the family of synucleiopathies, varying in age, symptoms and progression. Hallmark of the disease is the accumulation of misfolded α-synuclein protein (α-Syn) in neuronal and non-neuronal brain cells. In past decades, diagnosis and treatment of PD has focused on motor deficits, which for the clinical endpoint, have contributed to the prevalence of deficits in the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system and animal models related to motor behavior to study disease. However, clinical trials have failed to translate results from animal models into effective treatments. PD as a multisystem disorder therefore requires additional assessment of motor and non-motor symptoms. Braak's staging revealed early α-Syn pathology in pontine brainstem and olfactory circuits controlling rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD) and olfaction, respectively. Recent converging evidence from multicenter clinical studies supports that RBD is the most important risk factor for prodromal PD and the conduct of neuroprotective therapeutic trials in RBD-enriched cohorts has been recommended. Animal models of RBD and olfaction dysfunction can aid to fill the gap in translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ahnaou
- Department of Neuroscience, Janssen Research & Development, a Division of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV. Turnhoutseweg 30, B-2340 Beerse, Belgium.
| | - Drinkenburg Whim
- Department of Neuroscience, Janssen Research & Development, a Division of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV. Turnhoutseweg 30, B-2340 Beerse, Belgium
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3
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Sidoroff V, Bower P, Stefanova N, Fanciulli A, Stankovic I, Poewe W, Seppi K, Wenning GK, Krismer F. Disease-Modifying Therapies for Multiple System Atrophy: Where Are We in 2022? JOURNAL OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE 2022; 12:1369-1387. [PMID: 35491799 PMCID: PMC9398078 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-223183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Multiple system atrophy is a rapidly progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disorder. While numerous preclinical studies suggested efficacy of potentially disease modifying agents, none of those were proven to be effective in large-scale clinical trials. Three major strategies are currently pursued in preclinical and clinical studies attempting to slow down disease progression. These target α-synuclein, neuroinflammation, and restoration of neurotrophic support. This review provides a comprehensive overview on ongoing preclinical and clinical developments of disease modifying therapies. Furthermore, we will focus on potential shortcomings of previous studies that can be avoided to improve data quality in future studies of this rare disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Sidoroff
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Pam Bower
- The Multiple System Atrophy Coalition, Inc., McLean, VA, USA
| | - Nadia Stefanova
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Iva Stankovic
- Neurology Clinic, University Clinical Center of Serbia, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Werner Poewe
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Klaus Seppi
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gregor K Wenning
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Florian Krismer
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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4
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Henderson MX, Henrich MT, Geibl FF, Oertel WH, Brundin P, Surmeier DJ. The roles of connectivity and neuronal phenotype in determining the pattern of α-synuclein pathology in Parkinson's disease. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 168:105687. [PMID: 35283326 PMCID: PMC9610381 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common neurodegenerative movement disorder, and motor dysfunction has been attributed to loss of dopaminergic neurons. However, motor dysfunction is only one of many symptoms experienced by patients. A neuropathological hallmark of PD is intraneuronal protein aggregates called Lewy pathology (LP). Neuropathological staging studies have shown that dopaminergic neurons are only one of the many cell types prone to manifest LP. Progressive appearance of LP in multiple brain regions, as well as peripheral nerves, has led to the popular hypothesis that LP and misfolded forms of one of its major components - α-synuclein (aSYN) - can spread through synaptically connected circuits. However, not all brain regions or neurons within connected circuits develop LP, suggesting that cell autonomous factors modulate the development of pathology. Here, we review studies about how LP develops and progressively engages additional brain regions. We focus on how connectivity constrains progression and discuss cell autonomous factors that drive pathology development. We propose a mixed model of cell autonomous factors and trans-synaptic spread as mediators of pathology progression and put forward this model as a framework for future experiments exploring PD pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael X Henderson
- Parkinson's Disease Center, Department of Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, United States of America.
| | - Martin T Henrich
- Department of Neurology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg 35043, Germany; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg 35043, Germany; Department of Neuroscience, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, United States of America
| | - Fanni F Geibl
- Department of Neurology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg 35043, Germany; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg 35043, Germany; Department of Neuroscience, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, United States of America
| | - Wolfgang H Oertel
- Department of Neurology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg 35043, Germany
| | - Patrik Brundin
- Parkinson's Disease Center, Department of Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, United States of America
| | - D James Surmeier
- Department of Neuroscience, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, United States of America
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5
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Garcia P, Jürgens‐Wemheuer W, Uriarte Huarte O, Michelucci A, Masuch A, Brioschi S, Weihofen A, Koncina E, Coowar D, Heurtaux T, Glaab E, Balling R, Sousa C, Kaoma T, Nicot N, Pfander T, Schulz‐Schaeffer W, Allouche A, Fischer N, Biber K, Kleine‐Borgmann F, Mittelbronn M, Ostaszewski M, Schmit KJ, Buttini M. Neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation are linked, but independent of alpha‐synuclein inclusions, in a seeding/spreading mouse model of Parkinson's disease. Glia 2022; 70:935-960. [PMID: 35092321 PMCID: PMC9305192 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
A key pathological process in Parkinson's disease (PD) is the transneuronal spreading of α‐synuclein. Alpha‐synuclein (α‐syn) is a presynaptic protein that, in PD, forms pathological inclusions. Other hallmarks of PD include neurodegeneration and microgliosis in susceptible brain regions. Whether it is primarily transneuronal spreading of α‐syn particles, inclusion formation, or other mechanisms, such as inflammation, that cause neurodegeneration in PD is unclear. We used a model of spreading of α‐syn induced by striatal injection of α‐syn preformed fibrils into the mouse striatum to address this question. We performed quantitative analysis for α‐syn inclusions, neurodegeneration, and microgliosis in different brain regions, and generated gene expression profiles of the ventral midbrain, at two different timepoints after disease induction. We observed significant neurodegeneration and microgliosis in brain regions not only with, but also without α‐syn inclusions. We also observed prominent microgliosis in injured brain regions that did not correlate with neurodegeneration nor with inclusion load. Using longitudinal gene expression profiling, we observed early gene expression changes, linked to neuroinflammation, that preceded neurodegeneration, indicating an active role of microglia in this process. Altered gene pathways overlapped with those typical of PD. Our observations indicate that α‐syn inclusion formation is not the major driver in the early phases of PD‐like neurodegeneration, but that microglia, activated by diffusible, oligomeric α‐syn, may play a key role in this process. Our findings uncover new features of α‐syn induced pathologies, in particular microgliosis, and point to the necessity for a broader view of the process of α‐syn spreading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Garcia
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine University of Luxembourg Esch‐sur‐Alzette Luxembourg
- Luxembourg Center of Neuropathology Dudelange Luxembourg
| | - Wiebke Jürgens‐Wemheuer
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine University of Luxembourg Esch‐sur‐Alzette Luxembourg
- Institute of Neuropathology Saarland University Clinic (UKS) Homburg Germany
| | - Oihane Uriarte Huarte
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine University of Luxembourg Esch‐sur‐Alzette Luxembourg
- Luxembourg Center of Neuropathology Dudelange Luxembourg
| | - Alessandro Michelucci
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine University of Luxembourg Esch‐sur‐Alzette Luxembourg
- Department of Cancer Research Luxembourg Institute of Health Strassen Luxembourg
| | - Annette Masuch
- Department of Psychiatry University of Freiburg Medical Center Freiburg Germany
| | - Simone Brioschi
- Department of Psychiatry University of Freiburg Medical Center Freiburg Germany
| | | | - Eric Koncina
- Department of Life Science and Medicine University of Luxembourg Esch‐sur‐Alzette Luxembourg
| | - Djalil Coowar
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine University of Luxembourg Esch‐sur‐Alzette Luxembourg
| | - Tony Heurtaux
- Luxembourg Center of Neuropathology Dudelange Luxembourg
- Department of Life Science and Medicine University of Luxembourg Esch‐sur‐Alzette Luxembourg
| | - Enrico Glaab
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine University of Luxembourg Esch‐sur‐Alzette Luxembourg
| | - Rudi Balling
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine University of Luxembourg Esch‐sur‐Alzette Luxembourg
| | - Carole Sousa
- Department of Cancer Research Luxembourg Institute of Health Strassen Luxembourg
| | - Tony Kaoma
- Department of Cancer Research Luxembourg Institute of Health Strassen Luxembourg
| | - Nathalie Nicot
- Department of Cancer Research Luxembourg Institute of Health Strassen Luxembourg
| | - Tatjana Pfander
- Institute of Neuropathology Saarland University Clinic (UKS) Homburg Germany
| | | | | | | | - Knut Biber
- Department of Psychiatry University of Freiburg Medical Center Freiburg Germany
| | - Felix Kleine‐Borgmann
- Luxembourg Center of Neuropathology Dudelange Luxembourg
- Department of Cancer Research Luxembourg Institute of Health Strassen Luxembourg
- Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine University of Luxembourg Esch‐sur‐Alzette Luxembourg
| | - Michel Mittelbronn
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine University of Luxembourg Esch‐sur‐Alzette Luxembourg
- Luxembourg Center of Neuropathology Dudelange Luxembourg
- Department of Cancer Research Luxembourg Institute of Health Strassen Luxembourg
- Department of Life Science and Medicine University of Luxembourg Esch‐sur‐Alzette Luxembourg
- Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine University of Luxembourg Esch‐sur‐Alzette Luxembourg
| | - Marek Ostaszewski
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine University of Luxembourg Esch‐sur‐Alzette Luxembourg
| | - Kristopher J. Schmit
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine University of Luxembourg Esch‐sur‐Alzette Luxembourg
- Luxembourg Center of Neuropathology Dudelange Luxembourg
| | - Manuel Buttini
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine University of Luxembourg Esch‐sur‐Alzette Luxembourg
- Luxembourg Center of Neuropathology Dudelange Luxembourg
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Jellinger KA, Wenning GK, Stefanova N. Is Multiple System Atrophy a Prion-like Disorder? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10093. [PMID: 34576255 PMCID: PMC8472631 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221810093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rapidly progressive, fatal neurodegenerative disease of uncertain aetiology that belongs to the family of α-synucleinopathies. It clinically presents with parkinsonism, cerebellar, autonomic, and motor impairment in variable combinations. Pathological hallmarks are fibrillary α-synuclein (αSyn)-rich glial cytoplasmic inclusions (GCIs) mainly involving oligodendroglia and to a lesser extent neurons, inducing a multisystem neurodegeneration, glial activation, and widespread demyelinization. The neuronal αSyn pathology of MSA has molecular properties different from Lewy bodies in Parkinson's disease (PD), both of which could serve as a pool of αSyn (prion) seeds that could initiate and drive the pathogenesis of synucleinopathies. The molecular cascade leading to the "prion-like" transfer of "strains" of aggregated αSyn contributing to the progression of the disease is poorly understood, while some presented evidence that MSA is a prion disease. However, this hypothesis is difficult to reconcile with postmortem analysis of human brains and the fact that MSA-like pathology was induced by intracerebral inoculation of human MSA brain homogenates only in homozygous mutant 53T mice, without production of disease-specific GCIs, or with replication of MSA prions in primary astrocyte cultures from transgenic mice expressing human αSyn. Whereas recent intrastriatal injection of Lewy body-derived or synthetic human αSyn fibrils induced PD-like pathology including neuronal αSyn aggregates in macaques, no such transmission of αSyn pathology in non-human primates by MSA brain lysate has been reported until now. Given the similarities between αSyn and prions, there is a considerable debate whether they should be referred to as "prions", "prion-like", "prionoids", or something else. Here, the findings supporting the proposed nature of αSyn as a prion and its self-propagation through seeding as well as the transmissibility of neurodegenerative disorders are discussed. The proof of disease causation rests on the concordance of scientific evidence, none of which has provided convincing evidence for the classification of MSA as a prion disease or its human transmission until now.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gregor K. Wenning
- Division of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (G.K.W.); (N.S.)
| | - Nadia Stefanova
- Division of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (G.K.W.); (N.S.)
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7
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Nahass GR, Sun Y, Xu Y, Batchelor M, Reilly M, Benilova I, Kedia N, Spehar K, Sobott F, Sessions RB, Caughey B, Radford SE, Jat PS, Collinge J, Bieschke J. Brazilin Removes Toxic Alpha-Synuclein and Seeding Competent Assemblies from Parkinson Brain by Altering Conformational Equilibrium. J Mol Biol 2021; 433:166878. [PMID: 33610557 PMCID: PMC7610480 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.166878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Alpha-synuclein (α-syn) fibrils, a major constituent of the neurotoxic Lewy Bodies in Parkinson's disease, form via nucleation dependent polymerization and can replicate by a seeding mechanism. Brazilin, a small molecule derived from red cedarwood trees in Brazil, has been shown to inhibit the fibrillogenesis of amyloid-beta (Aβ) and α-syn as well as remodel mature fibrils and reduce cytotoxicity. Here we test the effects of Brazilin on both seeded and unseeded α-syn fibril formation and show that the natural polyphenol inhibits fibrillogenesis of α-syn by a unique mechanism that alters conformational equilibria in two separate points of the assembly mechanism: Brazilin preserves the natively unfolded state of α-syn by specifically binding to the compact conformation of the α-syn monomer. Brazilin also eliminates seeding competence of α-syn assemblies from Parkinson's disease patient brain tissue, and reduces toxicity of pre-formed assemblies in primary neurons by inducing the formation of large fibril clusters. Molecular docking of Brazilin shows the molecule to interact both with unfolded α-syn monomers and with the cross-β sheet structure of α-syn fibrils. Our findings suggest that Brazilin has substantial potential as a neuroprotective and therapeutic agent for Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- George R Nahass
- Colorado College, Colorado Springs, CO, USA; Medical Research Council Prion Unit / UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, University College London, London, UK; Washington University in St. Louis, St Louis, MO, USA; Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID, NIH, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Yuanzi Sun
- Medical Research Council Prion Unit / UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, University College London, London, UK
| | - Yong Xu
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Mark Batchelor
- Medical Research Council Prion Unit / UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, University College London, London, UK
| | - Madeleine Reilly
- Medical Research Council Prion Unit / UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, University College London, London, UK
| | - Iryna Benilova
- Medical Research Council Prion Unit / UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, University College London, London, UK
| | - Niraja Kedia
- Washington University in St. Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Kevin Spehar
- Washington University in St. Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Frank Sobott
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | | | - Byron Caughey
- Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID, NIH, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Sheena E Radford
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Parmjit S Jat
- Medical Research Council Prion Unit / UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, University College London, London, UK
| | - John Collinge
- Medical Research Council Prion Unit / UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jan Bieschke
- Medical Research Council Prion Unit / UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, University College London, London, UK; Washington University in St. Louis, St Louis, MO, USA.
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8
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Joshi N, Raveendran A, Nagotu S. Chaperones and Proteostasis: Role in Parkinson's Disease. Diseases 2020; 8:diseases8020024. [PMID: 32580484 PMCID: PMC7349525 DOI: 10.3390/diseases8020024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Proper folding to attain a defined three-dimensional structure is a prerequisite for the functionality of a protein. Improper folding that eventually leads to formation of protein aggregates is a hallmark of several neurodegenerative disorders. Loss of protein homeostasis triggered by cellular stress conditions is a major contributing factor for the formation of these toxic aggregates. A conserved class of proteins called chaperones and co-chaperones is implicated in maintaining the cellular protein homeostasis. Expanding the body of evidence highlights the role of chaperones as central mediators in the formation, de-aggregation and degradation of the aggregates. Altered expression and function of chaperones is associated with many neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson’s disease. Several studies indicate that chaperones are at the center of the cause and effect cycle of this disease. An overview of the various chaperones that are associated with homeostasis of Parkinson’s disease-related proteins and their role in pathogenicity will be discussed in this review.
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9
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Takaichi Y, Chambers JK, Inoue H, Ano Y, Takashima A, Nakayama H, Uchida K. Phosphorylation and oligomerization of α-synuclein associated with GSK-3β activation in the rTg4510 mouse model of tauopathy. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2020; 8:86. [PMID: 32560668 PMCID: PMC7304163 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-020-00969-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the accumulation of specific phosphorylated protein aggregates in the brain, such as hyperphosphorylated tau (hp-tau) in tauopathies and phosphorylated α-synuclein (p-αSyn) in α-synucleinopathies. The simultaneous accumulation of different proteins is a common event in many neurodegenerative diseases. We herein describe the detection of the phosphorylation and dimerization of αSyn and activation of GSK-3β, a major kinase known to phosphorylate tau and αSyn, in the brains of rTg4510 mice that overexpress human P301L mutant tau. Immunohistochemistry showed p-αSyn aggregates in rTg4510 mice, which were suppressed by doxycycline-mediated decreases in mutant tau expression levels. A semi-quantitative analysis revealed a regional correlation between hp-tau and p-αSyn accumulation in rTg4510 mice. Furthermore, proteinase K-resistant αSyn aggregates were found in the region with excessive hp-tau accumulation in rTg4510 mice, and these aggregates were morphologically different from proteinase K-susceptible p-αSyn aggregates. Western blotting revealed decreases in p-αSyn monomers in TBS- and sarkosyl-soluble fractions and increases in ubiquitinated p-αSyn dimers in sarkosyl-soluble and insoluble fractions in rTg4510 mice. Furthermore, an activated form of GSK-3β was immunohistochemically detected within cells containing both hp-tau and p-αSyn aggregates. A semi-quantitative analysis revealed that increased GSK-3β activity strongly correlated with hp-tau and p-αSyn accumulation in rTg4510 mice. Collectively, the present results suggest that the overexpression of human P301L mutant tau promoted the phosphorylation and dimerization of endogenous αSyn by activating GSK-3β in rTg4510 mice. This synergic effect between tau, αSyn, and GSK-3β may be involved in the pathophysiology of several neurodegenerative diseases that show the accumulation of both tau and αSyn.
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10
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Johnson ME, Bergkvist L, Mercado G, Stetzik L, Meyerdirk L, Wolfrum E, Madaj Z, Brundin P, Wesson DW. Deficits in olfactory sensitivity in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease revealed by plethysmography of odor-evoked sniffing. Sci Rep 2020; 10:9242. [PMID: 32514004 PMCID: PMC7280205 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-66201-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyposmia is evident in over 90% of Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. A characteristic of PD is intraneuronal deposits composed in part of α-synuclein fibrils. Based on the analysis of post-mortem PD patients, Braak and colleagues suggested that early in the disease α-synuclein pathology is present in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, as well as the olfactory bulb and anterior olfactory nucleus, and then later affects other interconnected brain regions. Here, we bilaterally injected α-synuclein preformed fibrils into the olfactory bulbs of wild type male and female mice. Six months after injection, the anterior olfactory nucleus and piriform cortex displayed a high α-synuclein pathology load. We evaluated olfactory perceptual function by monitoring odor-evoked sniffing behavior in a plethysmograph at one-, three- and six-months after injection. No overt impairments in the ability to engage in sniffing were evident in any group, suggesting preservation of the ability to coordinate respiration. At all-time points, females injected with fibrils exhibited reduced odor detection sensitivity, which was observed with the semi-automated plethysmography apparatus, but not a buried pellet test. In future studies, this sensitive methodology for assessing olfactory detection deficits could be used to define how α-synuclein pathology affects other aspects of olfactory perception and to clarify the neuropathological underpinnings of these deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela E Johnson
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, US
| | - Liza Bergkvist
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, US
| | - Gabriela Mercado
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, US
| | - Lucas Stetzik
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, US
| | - Lindsay Meyerdirk
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, US
| | - Emily Wolfrum
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Core, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, US
| | - Zachary Madaj
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Core, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, US
| | - Patrik Brundin
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, US.
| | - Daniel W Wesson
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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11
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Gerdes C, Waal N, Offner T, Fornasiero EF, Wender N, Verbarg H, Manzini I, Trenkwalder C, Mollenhauer B, Strohäker T, Zweckstetter M, Becker S, Rizzoli SO, Basmanav FB, Opazo F. A nanobody-based fluorescent reporter reveals human α-synuclein in the cell cytosol. Nat Commun 2020; 11:2729. [PMID: 32483166 PMCID: PMC7264335 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16575-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Aggregation and spreading of α-Synuclein (αSyn) are hallmarks of several neurodegenerative diseases, thus monitoring human αSyn (hαSyn) in animal models or cell cultures is vital for the field. However, the detection of native hαSyn in such systems is challenging. We show that the nanobody NbSyn87, previously-described to bind hαSyn, also shows cross-reactivity for the proteasomal subunit Rpn10. As such, when the NbSyn87 is expressed in the absence of hαSyn, it is continuously degraded by the proteasome, while it is stabilized when it binds to hαSyn. Here, we exploit this feature to design a new Fluorescent Reporter for hαSyn (FluoReSyn) by fusing NbSyn87 to fluorescent proteins, which results in fluorescence signal fluctuations depending on the presence and amounts of intracellular hαSyn. We characterize this biosensor in cells and tissues to finally reveal the presence of transmittable αSyn in human cerebrospinal fluid, demonstrating the potential of FluoReSyn for clinical research and diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Gerdes
- Department of Neuro- and Sensory Physiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, D-37073, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Natalia Waal
- Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration (BIN), University Medical Center Göttingen, D-37073, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Offner
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Department of Animal Physiology and Molecular Biomedicine, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, 35390, Giessen, Germany
- Institute of Neurophysiology and Cellular Biophysics, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Eugenio F Fornasiero
- Department of Neuro- and Sensory Physiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, D-37073, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Nora Wender
- Department of Neuro- and Sensory Physiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, D-37073, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Hannes Verbarg
- Department of Neuro- and Sensory Physiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, D-37073, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ivan Manzini
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Department of Animal Physiology and Molecular Biomedicine, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, 35390, Giessen, Germany
- Institute of Neurophysiology and Cellular Biophysics, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Claudia Trenkwalder
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, D-37075, Göttingen, Germany
- Paracelsus-Elena-Klinik, Klinikstraße 16, 34128, Kassel, Germany
| | - Brit Mollenhauer
- Paracelsus-Elena-Klinik, Klinikstraße 16, 34128, Kassel, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, D-37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Timo Strohäker
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Von-Siebold-Str. 3a, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Markus Zweckstetter
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Von-Siebold-Str. 3a, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
- Department for NMR-based Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Becker
- Department for NMR-based Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Silvio O Rizzoli
- Department of Neuro- and Sensory Physiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, D-37073, Göttingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Fitnat Buket Basmanav
- Department of Neuro- and Sensory Physiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, D-37073, Göttingen, Germany
- Campus Laboratory for Advanced Imaging, Microscopy and Spectroscopy, University of Göttingen, D-37073, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Felipe Opazo
- Department of Neuro- and Sensory Physiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, D-37073, Göttingen, Germany.
- Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration (BIN), University Medical Center Göttingen, D-37073, Göttingen, Germany.
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12
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Merchant KM, Cedarbaum JM, Brundin P, Dave KD, Eberling J, Espay AJ, Hutten SJ, Javidnia M, Luthman J, Maetzler W, Menalled L, Reimer AN, Stoessl AJ, Weiner DM. A Proposed Roadmap for Parkinson's Disease Proof of Concept Clinical Trials Investigating Compounds Targeting Alpha-Synuclein. JOURNAL OF PARKINSONS DISEASE 2020; 9:31-61. [PMID: 30400107 PMCID: PMC6398545 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-181471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The convergence of human molecular genetics and Lewy pathology of Parkinson's disease (PD) have led to a robust, clinical-stage pipeline of alpha-synuclein (α-syn)-targeted therapies that have the potential to slow or stop the progression of PD and other synucleinopathies. To facilitate the development of these and earlier stage investigational molecules, the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research convened a group of leaders in the field of PD research from academia and industry, the Alpha-Synuclein Clinical Path Working Group. This group set out to develop recommendations on preclinical and clinical research that can de-risk the development of α-syn targeting therapies. This consensus white paper provides a translational framework, from the selection of animal models and associated end-points to decision-driving biomarkers as well as considerations for the design of clinical proof-of-concept studies. It also identifies current gaps in our biomarker toolkit and the status of the discovery and validation of α-syn-associated biomarkers that could help fill these gaps. Further, it highlights the importance of the emerging digital technology to supplement the capture and monitoring of clinical outcomes. Although the development of disease-modifying therapies targeting α-syn face profound challenges, we remain optimistic that meaningful strides will be made soon toward the identification and approval of disease-modifying therapeutics targeting α-syn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalpana M Merchant
- Vincere Biosciences, Inc., and Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Patrik Brundin
- Van Andel Research Institute, Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Kuldip D Dave
- The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jamie Eberling
- The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alberto J Espay
- UC Gardner Center for Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Samantha J Hutten
- The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, New York, NY, USA
| | - Monica Javidnia
- Center for Health and Technology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | | | - Walter Maetzler
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Germany
| | - Liliana Menalled
- The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alyssa N Reimer
- The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, New York, NY, USA
| | - A Jon Stoessl
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Pacific Parkinson's Research Center, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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13
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Cui J, Guo X, Li Q, Song N, Xie J. Hepcidin-to-Ferritin Ratio Is Decreased in Astrocytes With Extracellular Alpha-Synuclein and Iron Exposure. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:47. [PMID: 32210768 PMCID: PMC7075942 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are the most abundant glial cells in the central nervous system (CNS). As indispensable elements of the neurovascular unit, they are involved in the inflammatory response and disease-associated processes. Alpha-synuclein (α-syn) is released into the extracellular space by neurons and can be internalized by adjacent astrocytes, which activates glial cells to induce neuroinflammation. We were interested in whether astrocyte-mediated neuroinflammation is modulated by intracellular iron status and extracellular α-syn. Our results showed that recombinant α-syn (1 μg/ml and 5 μg/ml) treatment for 24 h did not affect the expression of the iron transporters divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) and ferroportin 1 (FPN1), nor those of iron regulatory protein (IRP) 1 or IRP2. Several proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 exhibited up-regulated mRNA levels in 5 μg/ml α-syn-treated astrocytes. TNF-α release was increased, indicating that inflammatory responses were triggered in these cells. Pretreatment with the iron-overload reagent ferric ammonium citrate (FAC, 100 μmol/L) for 24 h had no effects on mRNA levels and release of proinflammatory cytokines. Inflammatory responses triggered by α-syn were not affected by iron overload. The iron chelator desferrioxamine (DFO, 100 μmol/L) exerted suppressive effects on TNF-α mRNA levels, although no change was observed for TNF-α release. Hepcidin mRNA levels were down-regulated significantly in astrocytes co-treated with FAC and α-syn, although independent treatment with either FAC or α-syn did not alter hepcidin levels. In contrast, hepcidin mRNA levels were up-regulated in DFO and α-syn co-treated cells. As expected, ferritin protein levels were up-regulated or down-regulated with FAC or DFO treatment, respectively. Following the up-regulation of ferritin mediated by α-syn, hepcidin-to-ferritin levels were indicative of modulatory effects in α-syn-treated astrocytes with altered iron status. Therefore, we propose that the hepcidin-to-ferritin ratio is indicative of a detrimental response in primary cultured astrocytes experiencing iron and extracellular α-syn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juntao Cui
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xinli Guo
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qijun Li
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ning Song
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Junxia Xie
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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14
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McAllister BB, Lacoursiere SG, Sutherland RJ, Mohajerani MH. Intracerebral seeding of amyloid-β and tau pathology in mice: Factors underlying prion-like spreading and comparisons with α-synuclein. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 112:1-27. [PMID: 31996301 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized neuropathologically by progressive neurodegeneration and by the presence of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. These plaques and tangles are composed, respectively, of amyloid-beta (Aβ) and tau proteins. While long recognized as hallmarks of AD, it remains unclear what causes the formation of these insoluble deposits. One theory holds that prion-like templated misfolding of Aβ and tau induces these proteins to form pathological aggregates, and propagation of this misfolding causes the stereotyped progression of pathology commonly seen in AD. Supporting this theory, numerous studies have been conducted in which aggregated Aβ, tau, or α-synuclein is injected intracerebrally into pathology-free host animals, resulting in robust formation of pathology. Here, we review this literature, focusing on in vivo intracerebral seeding of Aβ and tau in mice. We compare the results of these experiments to what is known about the seeding and spread of α-synuclein pathology, and we discuss how this research informs our understanding of the factors underlying the onset, progression, and outcomes of proteinaceous pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan B McAllister
- Department of Neuroscience, Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Sean G Lacoursiere
- Department of Neuroscience, Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Robert J Sutherland
- Department of Neuroscience, Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, T1K 3M4, Canada.
| | - Majid H Mohajerani
- Department of Neuroscience, Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, T1K 3M4, Canada.
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15
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Rey NL, Bousset L, George S, Madaj Z, Meyerdirk L, Schulz E, Steiner JA, Melki R, Brundin P. α-Synuclein conformational strains spread, seed and target neuronal cells differentially after injection into the olfactory bulb. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2019; 7:221. [PMID: 31888771 PMCID: PMC6937797 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-019-0859-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alpha-synuclein inclusions, the hallmarks of synucleinopathies, are suggested to spread along neuronal connections in a stereotypical pattern in the brains of patients. Ample evidence now supports that pathological forms of alpha-synuclein propagate in cell culture models and in vivo in a prion-like manner. However, it is still not known why the same pathological protein targets different cell populations, propagates with different kinetics and leads to a variety of diseases (synucleinopathies) with distinct clinical features. The aggregation of the protein alpha-synuclein yields different conformational polymorphs called strains. These strains exhibit distinct biochemical, physical and structural features they are able to imprint to newly recruited alpha-synuclein. This had led to the view that the clinical heterogeneity observed in synucleinopathies might be due to distinct pathological alpha-synuclein strains.To investigate the pathological effects of alpha-synuclein strains in vivo, we injected five different pure strains we generated de novo (fibrils, ribbons, fibrils-65, fibrils-91, fibrils-110) into the olfactory bulb of wild-type female mice. We demonstrate that they seed and propagate pathology throughout the olfactory network within the brain to different extents. We show strain-dependent inclusions formation in neurites or cell bodies. We detect thioflavin S-positive inclusions indicating the presence of mature amyloid aggregates.In conclusion, alpha-synuclein strains seed the aggregation of their cellular counterparts to different extents and spread differentially within the central nervous system yielding distinct propagation patterns. We provide here the proof-of-concept that the conformation adopted by alpha-synuclein assemblies determines their ability to amplify and propagate in the brain in vivo. Our observations support the view that alpha-synuclein polymorphs may underlie different propagation patterns within human brains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nolwen L Rey
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, 333 Bostwick Avenue N.E, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA.
- Institut François Jacob (MIRCen), CEA and Laboratory of Neurodegenerative diseases, UMR 9199 CNRS, 18 route du Panorama, 92265, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France.
| | - Luc Bousset
- Institut François Jacob (MIRCen), CEA and Laboratory of Neurodegenerative diseases, UMR 9199 CNRS, 18 route du Panorama, 92265, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Sonia George
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, 333 Bostwick Avenue N.E, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
| | - Zachary Madaj
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Core, Van Andel Institute, 333 Bostwick Avenue N.E, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
| | - Lindsay Meyerdirk
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, 333 Bostwick Avenue N.E, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
| | - Emily Schulz
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, 333 Bostwick Avenue N.E, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
| | - Jennifer A Steiner
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, 333 Bostwick Avenue N.E, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
| | - Ronald Melki
- Institut François Jacob (MIRCen), CEA and Laboratory of Neurodegenerative diseases, UMR 9199 CNRS, 18 route du Panorama, 92265, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Patrik Brundin
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, 333 Bostwick Avenue N.E, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
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Chronic corticosterone aggravates behavioral and neuronal symptomatology in a mouse model of alpha-synuclein pathology. Neurobiol Aging 2019; 83:11-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2019.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Mezias C, Rey N, Brundin P, Raj A. Neural connectivity predicts spreading of alpha-synuclein pathology in fibril-injected mouse models: Involvement of retrograde and anterograde axonal propagation. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 134:104623. [PMID: 31628991 PMCID: PMC7138530 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.104623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In Parkinson’s disease, some of the first alpha-synuclein aggregates appear in the olfactory system and the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve before spreading to connected brain regions. We previously demonstrated that injection of alpha-synuclein fibrils unilaterally into the olfactory bulb of wild type mice leads to widespread synucleinopathy in brain regions directly and indirectly connected to the injection site, consistently, over the course of periods longer than 6 months. Our previously reported observations support the idea that alpha-synuclein inclusions propagates between brain region through neuronal networks. In the present study, we further defined the pattern of propagation of alpha-synuclein inclusions and developed a mathematical model based on known mouse brain connectivity. Using this model, we first predicted the pattern of alpha-synuclein inclusions propagation following an injection of fibrils into the olfactory bulb. We then analyzed the fitting of these predictions to our published histological data. Our results demonstrate that the pattern of propagation we observed in vivo is consistent with axonal transport of alpha-synuclein aggregate seeds, followed by transsynaptic transmission. By contrast, simple diffusion of alpha-synuclein fits very poorly our in vivo data. We also found that the spread of alpha-synuclein inclusions appeared to primarily follow neural connections retrogradely until 9 months after injection into the olfactory bulb. Thereafter, the pattern of spreading was consistent with anterograde propagation mathematical models. Finally, we applied our mathematical model to a different, previously published, dataset involving alpha-synuclein fibril injections into the striatum, instead of the olfactory bulb. We found that the mathematical model accurately predicts the reported progressive increase in alpha-synuclein neuropathology also in that paradigm. In conclusion, our findings support that the progressive spread of alpha-synuclein inclusions after injection of protein fibrils follows neural networks in the mouse connectome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Mezias
- Weill Cornell Medicine of Cornell University, Department of Neuroscience, New York, NY 10065, USA; Weill Cornell Medicine of Cornell University, Department of Radiology, New York, NY 10065, USA.
| | - Nolwen Rey
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Patrik Brundin
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Ashish Raj
- Weill Cornell Medicine of Cornell University, Department of Radiology, New York, NY 10065, USA; University of California-San Francisco, Department of Biomedical Imaging, USA
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18
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Jellinger KA. Animal models of synucleinopathies and how they could impact future drug discovery and delivery efforts. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2019; 14:969-982. [DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2019.1638908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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19
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Ma J, Gao J, Wang J, Xie A. Prion-Like Mechanisms in Parkinson's Disease. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:552. [PMID: 31275093 PMCID: PMC6591488 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Formation and aggregation of misfolded proteins in the central nervous system (CNS) is a key hallmark of several age-related neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease (PD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). These diseases share key biophysical and biochemical characteristics with prion diseases. It is believed that PD is characterized by abnormal protein aggregation, mainly that of α-synuclein (α-syn). Of particular importance, there is growing evidence indicating that abnormal α-syn can spread to neighboring brain regions and cause aggregation of endogenous α-syn in these regions as seeds, in a “prion-like” manner. Abundant studies in vitro and in vivo have shown that α-syn goes through a templated conformational change, propagates from the original region to neighboring regions, and eventually cause neuron degeneration in the substantia nigra and striatum. The objective of this review is to summarize the mechanisms involved in the aggregation of abnormal intracellular α-syn and its subsequent cell-to-cell transmission. According to these findings, we look forward to effective therapeutic perspectives that can block the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangnan Ma
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jing Gao
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Anmu Xie
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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Parrella E, Bellucci A, Porrini V, Benarese M, Lanzillotta A, Faustini G, Longhena F, Abate G, Uberti D, Pizzi M. NF-κB/c-Rel deficiency causes Parkinson's disease-like prodromal symptoms and progressive pathology in mice. Transl Neurodegener 2019; 8:16. [PMID: 31139367 PMCID: PMC6530198 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-019-0154-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Parkinson’s disease (PD), the most common neurodegenerative movement disorder, is characterized by dopaminergic nigrostriatal neuron loss and brain accumulation of Lewy bodies, protein aggregates mainly composed of α-synuclein. We reported that mice deficient for NF-κB/c-Rel (c-rel-/-) develop a late-onset parkinsonism. At 18 months of age, c-rel-/- mice showed nigrostriatal degeneration and accumulation of α-synuclein aggregates associated with a motor impairment responsive to L-DOPA administration. Being c-Rel protein a transcriptional regulator for mitochondrial anti-oxidant and antiapoptotic factors, it has been inferred that its deficiency may affect the resilience of “energy demanding” nigral dopaminergic neurons to the aging process. PD patients manifest a prodromal syndrome that includes olfactory and gastrointestinal dysfunctions years before the frank degeneration of nigrostriatal neurons and appearance of motor symptoms. According to the Braak staging, the onset of non-motor and motor symptoms relates to progressive ascendant diffusion of α-synuclein pathology in the brain. The aim of this study was to identify whether c-rel-/- deficiency is associated with the onset of premotor signs of PD and spatio-temporal progression of cerebral α-synuclein deposition. Methods Intestinal and olfactory functions, intestine and brain α-synuclein deposition as well as striatal alterations, were assessed in c-rel-/- and control mice from 2 to 18 months of age. Results From 2 months of age, c-rel-/- mice displayed intestinal constipation and increasing olfactory impairment. At 2 months, c-rel-/- mice exhibited a mild α-synuclein accumulation in the distal colon. Moreover, they developed an age-dependent deposition of fibrillary α-synuclein that, starting at 5 months from the olfactory bulbs, dorsal motor nucleus of vagus and locus coeruleus, reached the substantia nigra at 12 months. At this age, the α-synuclein pathology associated with a drop of dopamine transporter in the striatum that anticipated by 6 months the axonal degeneration. From 12 months onwards oxidative/nitrosative stress developed in the striatum in parallel with altered expression of mitochondrial homeostasis regulators in the substantia nigra. Conclusions In c-rel-/- mice, reproducing a parkinsonian progressive pathology with non-motor and motor symptoms, a Braak-like pattern of brain ascending α-synuclein deposition occurs. The peculiar phenotype of c-rel-/- mice envisages a potential contribution of c-Rel dysregulation to the pathogenesis of PD. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s40035-019-0154-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Parrella
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Arianna Bellucci
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Vanessa Porrini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Marina Benarese
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Annamaria Lanzillotta
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Gaia Faustini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesca Longhena
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Giulia Abate
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Daniela Uberti
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Marina Pizzi
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
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21
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Weihofen A, Liu Y, Arndt JW, Huy C, Quan C, Smith BA, Baeriswyl JL, Cavegn N, Senn L, Su L, Marsh G, Auluck PK, Montrasio F, Nitsch RM, Hirst WD, Cedarbaum JM, Pepinsky RB, Grimm J, Weinreb PH. Development of an aggregate-selective, human-derived α-synuclein antibody BIIB054 that ameliorates disease phenotypes in Parkinson's disease models. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 124:276-288. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2018.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
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22
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Mot AI, Depp C, Nave KA. An emerging role of dysfunctional axon-oligodendrocyte coupling in neurodegenerative diseases. DIALOGUES IN CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE 2019. [PMID: 30936768 PMCID: PMC6436955 DOI: 10.31887/dcns.2018.20.4/amot] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Myelin is made by highly specialized glial cells and enables fast axonal impulse propagation. Recent studies show that oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system are, in addition to myelination, required for the integrity and survival of axons, independent of the presence or absence of myelin itself. The underlying mechanism of this support is given by glycolytic oligodendrocytes which provide axons with energy-rich metabolites. These findings represent a paradigm shift for the physiological function of axon-associated glia, and open the intriguing possibility that oligodendrocytes are important contributors to neurodegenerative diseases in which myelinated axons are lost, such as in Alzheimer disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and multiple system atrophy. Understanding the role of axon-oligodendrocyte coupling in neurodegenerative diseases may pave the way for the development of metabolism-based therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra I Mot
- Department of Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Gottingen, Germany
| | - Constanze Depp
- Department of Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Gottingen, Germany
| | - Klaus-Armin Nave
- Department of Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Gottingen, Germany
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23
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Melo TQ, Copray SJCVM, Ferrari MFR. Alpha-Synuclein Toxicity on Protein Quality Control, Mitochondria and Endoplasmic Reticulum. Neurochem Res 2018; 43:2212-2223. [DOI: 10.1007/s11064-018-2673-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Revised: 10/14/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Ferrer I. Oligodendrogliopathy in neurodegenerative diseases with abnormal protein aggregates: The forgotten partner. Prog Neurobiol 2018; 169:24-54. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2018.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Lesteberg KE, Beckham JD. Immunology of West Nile Virus Infection and the Role of Alpha-Synuclein as a Viral Restriction Factor. Viral Immunol 2018; 32:38-47. [PMID: 30222521 DOI: 10.1089/vim.2018.0075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is a single-stranded RNA flavivirus and is a major cause of viral encephalitis worldwide. Experimental models of WNV infection in mice are commonly used to define acute neuroinflammatory responses in the brain. Alpha-synuclein (Asyn) is a protein of primarily neuronal origin and is a major cause of Parkinson's disease (PD), a disorder characterized by loss of dopaminergic neurons. Both WNV and PD pathologies are largely mediated by inflammation of the central nervous system (neuroinflammation) and have overlapping inflammatory pathways. In this review, we highlight the roles of the immune system in both diseases while comparing and contrasting both protective and pathogenic roles of immune cells and their effector proteins. Additionally, we review the current literature showing that Asyn is an important mediator of the immune response with diverging roles in PD (pathogenic) and WNV disease (neuroprotective).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey E Lesteberg
- 1 Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine , Aurora, Colorado
| | - John David Beckham
- 1 Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine , Aurora, Colorado.,2 Division of Neuroimmunology and Neurological Infections, Department of Neurology, University of Colorado School of Medicine , Aurora, Colorado.,3 Veterans Administration, Eastern Colorado Health System , Denver, Colorado
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26
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Takaichi Y, Ano Y, Chambers JK, Uchida K, Takashima A, Nakayama H. Deposition of Phosphorylated α-Synuclein in the rTg4510 Mouse Model of Tauopathy. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2018; 77:920-928. [DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nly070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Takaichi
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuhisa Ano
- Research Laboratories for Health Science & Food Technologies and the Central Laboratories for Key Technologies, Kirin Company Ltd., Kanagawa, Japan
| | - James K Chambers
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuyuki Uchida
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akihiko Takashima
- Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science, Gakushuin University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Nakayama
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Woerman AL, Watts JC, Aoyagi A, Giles K, Middleton LT, Prusiner SB. α-Synuclein: Multiple System Atrophy Prions. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2018; 8:cshperspect.a024588. [PMID: 28213437 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a024588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disease arising from the misfolding and accumulation of the protein α-synuclein in oligodendrocytes, where it forms glial cytoplasmic inclusions (GCIs). Several years of studying synthetic α-synuclein fibrils has provided critical insight into the ability of α-synuclein to template endogenous protein misfolding, giving rise to fibrillar structures capable of propagating from cell to cell. However, more recent studies with MSA-derived α-synuclein aggregates have shown that they have a similar ability to undergo template-directed propagation, like PrP prions. Almost 20 years after α-synuclein was discovered as the primary component of GCIs, α-synuclein aggregates isolated from MSA patient samples were shown to infect cultured mammalian cells and also to transmit neurological disease to transgenic mice. These findings argue that α-synuclein becomes a prion in MSA patients. In this review, we discuss the in vitro and in vivo data supporting the recent classification of MSA as a prion disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L Woerman
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158.,Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158
| | - Joel C Watts
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases and Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5T 2S8, Canada
| | - Atsushi Aoyagi
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158.,Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited, Tokyo, 140-8710, Japan
| | - Kurt Giles
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158.,Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158
| | - Lefkos T Middleton
- Neuroepidemiology and Ageing Research Unit, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London W6 8RP, United Kingdom
| | - Stanley B Prusiner
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158.,Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158.,Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158
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28
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Jellinger KA. Is Braak staging valid for all types of Parkinson's disease? J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2018; 126:423-431. [PMID: 29943229 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-018-1898-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Braak et al. proposed that cases with Lewy pathology in the peripheral nervous sytem, spinal cord and brain stem are prodromal Parkinson's disease (PD), suggesting a hypothesized progression of PD pathology. However, the putative potential of peripheral α-synuclein to promote brain pathology has been questioned recently. The Braak staging is a matter of vigorous debate, since < 100% of cases with Lewy pathology fitting the proposed PD staging scheme; however, most studies assessing typical PD cases show that the vast majority (80-100%) fit the Braak staging scheme. Incidental Lewy body disease and PD can show Lewy pathology in substantia nigra or other brain areas without involvement of dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve. The Braak staging system is valid for PD patients with young onset, long duration with motor symptoms, but not for others, e.g., late onset and rapid course PD. The validity of Braak staging and its relationship to various subtypes of PD warrants further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurt A Jellinger
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, Alberichgasse 5/13, 1150, Vienna, Austria.
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29
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Peelaerts W, Bousset L, Baekelandt V, Melki R. ɑ-Synuclein strains and seeding in Parkinson's disease, incidental Lewy body disease, dementia with Lewy bodies and multiple system atrophy: similarities and differences. Cell Tissue Res 2018; 373:195-212. [PMID: 29704213 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-018-2839-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Several age-related neurodegenerative disorders are characterized by the deposition of aberrantly folded endogenous proteins. These proteins have prion-like propagation and amplification properties but so far appear nontransmissible between individuals. Because of the features they share with the prion protein, PrP, the characteristics of pathogenic protein aggregates in several progressive brain disorders, including different types of Lewy body diseases (LBDs), such as Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple system atrophy (MSA) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), have been actively investigated. Even though the pleomorphic nature of these syndromes might suggest different underlying causes, ɑ-synuclein (ɑSyn) appears to play an important role in this heterogeneous group of diseases (the synucleinopathies). An attractive hypothesis is that different types of ɑSyn protein assemblies have a unique and causative role in distinct synucleinopathies. We will discuss the recent research progress on ɑSyn assemblies involved in PD, MSA and DLB; their behavior as strains; current spreading hypotheses; their ability to seed centrally and peripherally; and their implication for disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Peelaerts
- Laboratory for Neurobiology and Gene Therapy, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.,Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
| | - L Bousset
- Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience, CNRS, 91190, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - V Baekelandt
- Laboratory for Neurobiology and Gene Therapy, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - R Melki
- Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience, CNRS, 91190, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
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Jellinger KA, Korczyn AD. Are dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson's disease dementia the same disease? BMC Med 2018; 16:34. [PMID: 29510692 PMCID: PMC5840831 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-018-1016-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 191] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD), which share many clinical, neurochemical, and morphological features, have been incorporated into DSM-5 as two separate entities of major neurocognitive disorders with Lewy bodies. Despite clinical overlap, their diagnosis is based on an arbitrary distinction concerning the time of onset of motor and cognitive symptoms, namely as early cognitive impairment in DLB and later onset following that of motor symptoms in PDD. Their morphological hallmarks - cortical and subcortical α-synuclein/Lewy body plus β-amyloid and tau pathologies - are similar, but clinical differences at onset suggest some dissimilar profiles. Based on recent publications, including the fourth consensus report of the DLB Consortium, a critical overview is provided herein. DISCUSSION The clinical constellations of DLB and PDD include cognitive impairment, parkinsonism, visual hallucinations, and fluctuating attention. Intravitam PET and postmortem studies have revealed a more pronounced cortical atrophy, elevated cortical and limbic Lewy body pathologies, higher Aβ and tau loads in cortex and striatum in DLB compared to PDD, and earlier cognitive defects in DLB. Conversely, multitracer PET studies have shown no differences in cortical and striatal cholinergic and dopaminergic deficits. Clinical management of both DLB and PDD includes cholinesterase inhibitors and other pharmacologic and non-drug strategies, yet with only mild symptomatic effects. Currently, no disease-modifying therapies are available. CONCLUSION DLB and PDD are important dementia syndromes that overlap in many clinical features, genetics, neuropathology, and management. They are currently considered as subtypes of an α-synuclein-associated disease spectrum (Lewy body diseases), from incidental Lewy body disease and non-demented Parkinson's disease to PDD, DLB, and DLB with Alzheimer's disease at the most severe end. Cognitive impairment in these disorders is induced not only by α-synuclein-related neurodegeneration but by multiple regional pathological scores. Both DLB and PDD show heterogeneous pathology and neurochemistry, suggesting that they share important common underlying molecular pathogenesis with Alzheimer's disease and other proteinopathies. While we prefer to view DLB and PDD as extremes on a continuum, there remains a pressing need to more clearly differentiate these syndromes and to understand the synucleinopathy processes leading to either one.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurt A Jellinger
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, Alberichgasse 5/13, A-1150, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Amos D Korczyn
- Tel-Aviv University, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Ramat Aviv, Israel
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31
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Steiner JA, Quansah E, Brundin P. The concept of alpha-synuclein as a prion-like protein: ten years after. Cell Tissue Res 2018; 373:161-173. [PMID: 29480459 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-018-2814-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is characterized by the loss of nigrostriatal dopaminergic signaling and the presence of alpha-synuclein aggregates (also called Lewy bodies and neurites) throughout the brain. In 2003, Braak and colleagues created a staging system for Parkinson's disease describing the connection between the alpha-synuclein pathology and disease severity. Later, they suggested that the pathology might initially be triggered by exogenous insults targeting the gut and olfactory system. In 2008, we and other groups documented Lewy pathology in grafted neurons in people with Parkinson's disease who had been transplanted over a decade prior to autopsy. We proposed that the Lewy pathology in the grafted neurons was the result of permissive templating or prion-like spread of alpha-synuclein pathology from neurons in the host to those in the grafts. During the following ten years, several studies described the transmission of alpha-synuclein pathology between neurons, both in cell culture and in experimental animals. Recent research has also begun to identify underlying molecular mechanisms. Collectively, these experimental studies tentatively support the idea that the progression from one Braak stage to the next is the consequence of prion-like propagation of Lewy pathology. However, definitive proof that intercellular propagation of alpha-synuclein pathology occurs in Parkinson's disease cases has proven difficult to secure. In this review, we highlight several open questions that currently prevent us from concluding with certainty that prion-like transfer of alpha-synuclein contributes to the progression of Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Steiner
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Research Institute, 333 Bostwick Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA.
| | - Emmanuel Quansah
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Research Institute, 333 Bostwick Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
| | - Patrik Brundin
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Research Institute, 333 Bostwick Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
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Abstract
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is an orphan, fatal, adult-onset neurodegenerative disorder of uncertain etiology that is clinically characterized by various combinations of parkinsonism, cerebellar, autonomic, and motor dysfunction. MSA is an α-synucleinopathy with specific glioneuronal degeneration involving striatonigral, olivopontocerebellar, and autonomic nervous systems but also other parts of the central and peripheral nervous systems. The major clinical variants correlate with the morphologic phenotypes of striatonigral degeneration (MSA-P) and olivopontocerebellar atrophy (MSA-C). While our knowledge of the molecular pathogenesis of this devastating disease is still incomplete, updated consensus criteria and combined fluid and imaging biomarkers have increased its diagnostic accuracy. The neuropathologic hallmark of this unique proteinopathy is the deposition of aberrant α-synuclein in both glia (mainly oligodendroglia) and neurons forming glial and neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions that cause cell dysfunction and demise. In addition, there is widespread demyelination, the pathogenesis of which is not fully understood. The pathogenesis of MSA is characterized by propagation of misfolded α-synuclein from neurons to oligodendroglia and cell-to-cell spreading in a "prion-like" manner, oxidative stress, proteasomal and mitochondrial dysfunction, dysregulation of myelin lipids, decreased neurotrophic factors, neuroinflammation, and energy failure. The combination of these mechanisms finally results in a system-specific pattern of neurodegeneration and a multisystem involvement that are specific for MSA. Despite several pharmacological approaches in MSA models, addressing these pathogenic mechanisms, no effective neuroprotective nor disease-modifying therapeutic strategies are currently available. Multidisciplinary research to elucidate the genetic and molecular background of the deleterious cycle of noxious processes, to develop reliable biomarkers and targets for effective treatment of this hitherto incurable disorder is urgently needed.
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33
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Nouraei N, Mason DM, Miner KM, Carcella MA, Bhatia TN, Dumm BK, Soni D, Johnson DA, Luk KC, Leak RK. Critical appraisal of pathology transmission in the α-synuclein fibril model of Lewy body disorders. Exp Neurol 2018; 299:172-196. [PMID: 29056362 PMCID: PMC5736319 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2017.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Lewy body disorders are characterized by the emergence of α-synucleinopathy in many parts of the central and peripheral nervous systems, including in the telencephalon. Dense α-synuclein+ pathology appears in regio inferior of the hippocampus in both Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies and may disturb cognitive function. The preformed α-synuclein fibril model of Parkinson's disease is growing in use, given its potential for seeding the self-propagating spread of α-synucleinopathy throughout the mammalian brain. Although it is often assumed that the spread occurs through neuroanatomical connections, this is generally not examined vis-à-vis the uptake and transport of tract-tracers infused at precisely the same stereotaxic coordinates. As the neuronal connections of the hippocampus are historically well defined, we examined the first-order spread of α-synucleinopathy three months following fibril infusions centered in the mouse regio inferior (CA2+CA3), and contrasted this to retrograde and anterograde transport of the established tract-tracers FluoroGold and biotinylated dextran amines (BDA). Massive hippocampal α-synucleinopathy was insufficient to elicit memory deficits or loss of cells and synaptic markers in this model of early disease processes. However, dense α-synuclein+ inclusions in the fascia dentata were negatively correlated with memory capacity. A modest compensatory increase in synaptophysin was evident in the stratum radiatum of cornu Ammonis in fibril-infused animals, and synaptophysin expression correlated inversely with memory function in fibril but not PBS-infused mice. No changes in synapsin I/II expression were observed. The spread of α-synucleinopathy was somewhat, but not entirely consistent with FluoroGold and BDA axonal transport, suggesting that variables other than innervation density also contribute to the materialization of α-synucleinopathy. For example, layer II entorhinal neurons of the perforant pathway exhibited somal α-synuclein+ inclusions as well as retrogradely labeled FluoroGold+ somata. However, some afferent brain regions displayed dense retrograde FluoroGold label and no α-synuclein+ inclusions (e.g. medial septum/diagonal band), supporting the selective vulnerability hypothesis. The pattern of inclusions on the contralateral side was consistent with specific spread through commissural connections (e.g. stratum pyramidale of CA3), but again, not all commissural projections exhibited α-synucleinopathy (e.g. hilar mossy cells). The topographical extent of inclusions is displayed here in high-resolution images that afford viewers a rich opportunity to dissect the potential spread of pathology through neural circuitry. Finally, the results of this expository study were leveraged to highlight the challenges and limitations of working with preformed α-synuclein fibrils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Negin Nouraei
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, United States
| | - Daniel M Mason
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, United States
| | - Kristin M Miner
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, United States
| | - Michael A Carcella
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, United States
| | - Tarun N Bhatia
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, United States
| | - Benjamin K Dumm
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, United States
| | - Dishaben Soni
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, United States
| | - David A Johnson
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, United States
| | - Kelvin C Luk
- Department of Pathology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19147, United States
| | - Rehana K Leak
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, United States.
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Rey NL, Wesson DW, Brundin P. The olfactory bulb as the entry site for prion-like propagation in neurodegenerative diseases. Neurobiol Dis 2018; 109:226-248. [PMID: 28011307 PMCID: PMC5972535 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2016.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Revised: 12/13/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Olfactory deficits are present in numerous neurodegenerative disorders and are accompanied by pathology in related brain regions. In several of these disorders, olfactory disturbances appear early and are considered as prodromal symptoms of the disease. In addition, pathological protein aggregates affect olfactory regions prior to other regions, suggesting that the olfactory system might be particularly vulnerable to neurodegenerative diseases. Exposed to the external environment, the olfactory epithelium and olfactory bulb allow pathogen and toxin penetration into the brain, a process that has been proposed to play a role in neurodegenerative diseases. Determining whether the olfactory bulb could be a starting point of pathology and of pathology spread is crucial to understanding how neurodegenerative diseases evolve. We argue that pathological changes following environmental insults contribute to the initiation of protein aggregation in the olfactory bulb, which then triggers the spread of the pathology within the brain by a templating mechanism in a prion-like manner. We review the evidence for the early involvement of olfactory structures in neurodegenerative diseases and the relationship between neuropathology and olfactory function. We discuss the vulnerability and putative underlying mechanisms by which pathology could be initiated in the olfactory bulb, from the entry of pathogens (promoted by increased permeability of the olfactory epithelium with aging or inflammation) to the sensitivity of the olfactory system to oxidative stress and inflammation. Finally, we review changes in protein expression and neural excitability triggered by pathogenic proteins that can promote pathogenesis in the olfactory bulb and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nolwen L Rey
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA.
| | - Daniel W Wesson
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Patrik Brundin
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
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35
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Spread of aggregates after olfactory bulb injection of α-synuclein fibrils is associated with early neuronal loss and is reduced long term. Acta Neuropathol 2018; 135:65-83. [PMID: 29209768 PMCID: PMC5756266 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-017-1792-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Revised: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease is characterized by degeneration of substantia nigra dopamine neurons and by intraneuronal aggregates, primarily composed of misfolded α-synuclein. The α-synuclein aggregates in Parkinson’s patients are suggested to first appear in the olfactory bulb and enteric nerves and then propagate, following a stereotypic pattern, via neural pathways to numerous regions across the brain. We recently demonstrated that after injection of either mouse or human α-synuclein fibrils into the olfactory bulb of wild-type mice, α-synuclein fibrils recruited endogenous α-synuclein into pathological aggregates that spread transneuronally to over 40 other brain regions and subregions, over 12 months. We previously reported the progressive spreading of α-synuclein aggregates, between 1 and 12 months following α-synuclein fibril injections, and now report how far the pathology has spread 18- and 23-month post-injection in this model. Our data show that between 12 and 18 months, there is a further increase in the number of brain regions exhibiting pathology after human, and to a lesser extent mouse, α-synuclein fibril injections. At both 18 and 23 months after injection of mouse and human α-synuclein fibrils, we observed a reduction in the density of α-synuclein aggregates in some brain regions compared to others at 12 months. At 23 months, no additional brain regions exhibited α-synuclein aggregates compared to earlier time points. In addition, we also demonstrate that the induced α-synucleinopathy triggered a significant early neuron loss in the anterior olfactory nucleus. By contrast, there was no loss of mitral neurons in the olfactory bulb, even at 18 month post-injection. We speculate that the lack of continued progression of α-synuclein pathology is due to compromise of the neural circuitry, consequential to neuron loss and possibly to the activation of proteolytic mechanisms in resilient neurons of wild-type mice that counterbalances the spread and seeding by degrading pathogenic α-synuclein.
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36
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Kaindlstorfer C, Jellinger KA, Eschlböck S, Stefanova N, Weiss G, Wenning GK. The Relevance of Iron in the Pathogenesis of Multiple System Atrophy: A Viewpoint. J Alzheimers Dis 2018; 61:1253-1273. [PMID: 29376857 PMCID: PMC5798525 DOI: 10.3233/jad-170601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Iron is essential for cellular development and maintenance of multiple physiological processes in the central nervous system. The disturbance of its homeostasis leads to abnormal iron deposition in the brain and causes neurotoxicity via generation of free radicals and oxidative stress. Iron toxicity has been established in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease; however, its contribution to multiple system atrophy (MSA) remains elusive. MSA is characterized by cytoplasmic inclusions of misfolded α-synuclein (α-SYN) in oligodendrocytes referred to as glial cytoplasmic inclusions (GCIs). Remarkably, the oligodendrocytes possess high amounts of iron, which together with GCI pathology make a contribution toward MSA pathogenesis likely. Consistent with this observation, the GCI density is associated with neurodegeneration in central autonomic networks as well as olivopontocerebellar and striatonigral pathways. Iron converts native α-SYN into a β-sheet conformation and promotes its aggregation either directly or via increasing levels of oxidative stress. Interestingly, α-SYN possesses ferrireductase activity and α-SYN expression underlies iron mediated translational control via RNA stem loop structures. Despite a correlation between progressive putaminal atrophy and iron accumulation as well as clinical decline, it remains unclear whether pathologic iron accumulation in MSA is a secondary event in the cascade of neuronal degeneration rather than a primary cause. This review summarizes the current knowledge of iron in MSA and gives evidence for perturbed iron homeostasis as a potential pathogenic factor in MSA-associated neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sabine Eschlböck
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Nadia Stefanova
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Günter Weiss
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gregor K. Wenning
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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37
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Jellinger KA. Dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson's disease-dementia: current concepts and controversies. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2017; 125:615-650. [PMID: 29222591 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-017-1821-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Parkinson's disease-dementia (PDD), although sharing many clinical, neurochemical and morphological features, according to DSM-5, are two entities of major neurocognitive disorders with Lewy bodies of unknown etiology. Despite considerable clinical overlap, their diagnosis is based on an arbitrary distinction between the time of onset of motor and cognitive symptoms: dementia often preceding parkinsonism in DLB and onset of cognitive impairment after onset of motor symptoms in PDD. Both are characterized morphologically by widespread cortical and subcortical α-synuclein/Lewy body plus β-amyloid and tau pathologies. Based on recent publications, including the fourth consensus report of the DLB Consortium, a critical overview is given. The clinical features of DLB and PDD include cognitive impairment, parkinsonism, visual hallucinations, and fluctuating attention. Intravitam PET and post-mortem studies revealed more pronounced cortical atrophy, elevated cortical and limbic Lewy pathologies (with APOE ε4), apart from higher prevalence of Alzheimer pathology in DLB than PDD. These changes may account for earlier onset and greater severity of cognitive defects in DLB, while multitracer PET studies showed no differences in cholinergic and dopaminergic deficits. DLB and PDD sharing genetic, neurochemical, and morphologic factors are likely to represent two subtypes of an α-synuclein-associated disease spectrum (Lewy body diseases), beginning with incidental Lewy body disease-PD-nondemented-PDD-DLB (no parkinsonism)-DLB with Alzheimer's disease (DLB-AD) at the most severe end, although DLB does not begin with PD/PDD and does not always progress to DLB-AD, while others consider them as the same disease. Both DLB and PDD show heterogeneous pathology and neurochemistry, suggesting that they share important common underlying molecular pathogenesis with AD and other proteinopathies. Cognitive impairment is not only induced by α-synuclein-caused neurodegeneration but by multiple regional pathological scores. Recent animal models and human post-mortem studies have provided important insights into the pathophysiology of DLB/PDD showing some differences, e.g., different spreading patterns of α-synuclein pathology, but the basic pathogenic mechanisms leading to the heterogeneity between both disorders deserve further elucidation. In view of the controversies about the nosology and pathogenesis of both syndromes, there remains a pressing need to differentiate them more clearly and to understand the processes leading these synucleinopathies to cause one disorder or the other. Clinical management of both disorders includes cholinesterase inhibitors, other pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic strategies, but these have only a mild symptomatic effect. Currently, no disease-modifying therapies are available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurt A Jellinger
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, Alberichgasse 5/13, 1150, Vienna, Austria.
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In vivo models of alpha-synuclein transmission and propagation. Cell Tissue Res 2017; 373:183-193. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-017-2730-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Vingill S, Connor-Robson N, Wade-Martins R. Are rodent models of Parkinson's disease behaving as they should? Behav Brain Res 2017; 352:133-141. [PMID: 29074404 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Revised: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In recent years our understanding of Parkinson's disease has expanded both in terms of pathological hallmarks as well as relevant genetic influences. In parallel with the aetiological discoveries a multitude of PD animal models have been established. The vast majority of these are rodent models based on environmental, genetic and mechanistic insight. A major challenge in many of these models is their ability to only recapitulate some of the complex disease features seen in humans. Although symptom alleviation and clinical signs are of utmost importance in therapeutic research many of these models lack comprehensive behavioural testing. While non-motor symptoms become increasingly important as early diagnostic markers in PD, they are poorly characterized in rodents. In this review we look at well-established and more recent animal models of PD in terms of behavioural characterization and discuss how they can best contribute to progression in Parkinson's research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siv Vingill
- Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK.
| | - Natalie Connor-Robson
- Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Richard Wade-Martins
- Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
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Jellinger KA. Potential clinical utility of multiple system atrophy biomarkers. Expert Rev Neurother 2017; 17:1189-1208. [DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2017.1392239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Prying into the Prion Hypothesis for Parkinson's Disease. J Neurosci 2017; 37:9808-9818. [PMID: 29021298 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1788-16.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Revised: 04/14/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
In Parkinson's disease, intracellular α-synuclein inclusions form in neurons. We suggest that prion-like behavior of α-synuclein is a key component in Parkinson's disease pathogenesis. Although multiple molecular changes are involved in the triggering of the disease process, we propose that neuron-to-neuron transfer is a crucial event that is essential for Lewy pathology to spread from one brain region to another. In this review, we describe key findings in human postmortem brains, cultured cells, and animal models of disease that support the idea that α-synuclein can act as a prion. We consider potential triggers of the α-synuclein misfolding and why the aggregates escape cellular degradation under disease conditions. We also discuss whether different strains of α-synuclein fibrils can underlie differences in cellular and regional distribution of aggregates in different synucleinopathies. Our conclusion is that α-synuclein probably acts as a prion in human diseases, and a deeper understanding of this step in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease can facilitate the development of disease-modifying therapies in the future.Dual Perspectives Companion Paper: Parkinson's Disease Is Not Simply a Prion Disorder, by D. James Surmeier, José A. Obeso, and Glenda M. Halliday.
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Oláh J, Bertrand P, Ovádi J. Role of the microtubule-associated TPPP/p25 in Parkinson's and related diseases and its therapeutic potential. Expert Rev Proteomics 2017; 14:301-309. [PMID: 28271739 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2017.1304216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The discovery and development of therapeutic strategies for the treatments of Parkinson's disease (PD) and other synucleinopathies are limited by a lack of understanding of the pathomechanisms and their connection with different diseases such as cancers. Areas covered: The hallmarks of these diseases are frequently multifunctional disordered proteins displaying moonlighting and/or chameleon features, which are challenging drug targets. A representative of these proteins is the disordered Tubulin Polymerization Promoting Protein (TPPP/p25) expressed specifically in oligodendrocytes (OLGs) in normal brain. Its non-physiological level is tightly related to the etiology of PD and Multiple System Atrophy (TPPP/p25 enrichment in inclusions of neurons and OLGs, respectively), multiple sclerosis (TPPP/p25-positive OLG destruction), as well as glioma (loss of TPPP/p25 expression). The established anti-proliferative potency of TPPP/p25 may raise its influence in cancer development. The recognition that whereas too much TPPP/p25 could kill neurons in PD, but its loss keeps cells alive in cancer could contribute to our understanding of the interrelationship of 'TPPP/p25 diseases'. Expert commentary: The knowledge accumulated so far underlines the key roles of the multifunctional TPPP/p25 in both physiological and diverse pathological processes, consequently its validation as drug target sorely needs a new innovative strategy that is briefly reviewed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judit Oláh
- a Institute of Enzymology , Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences , Budapest , Hungary
| | - Philippe Bertrand
- b Institute of Chemistry for Materials and Medias, UMR CNRS 7285, University of Poitiers, 4 Rue Michel Brunet , TSA 51106 Poitiers cedex 9, France.,c REpiCGO network, Cancéropôle Grand Ouest, Maison de la Recherche en Santé, 63, quai Magellan 44000 Nantes , France
| | - Judit Ovádi
- a Institute of Enzymology , Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences , Budapest , Hungary
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Spencer B, Valera E, Rockenstein E, Overk C, Mante M, Adame A, Zago W, Seubert P, Barbour R, Schenk D, Games D, Rissman RA, Masliah E. Anti-α-synuclein immunotherapy reduces α-synuclein propagation in the axon and degeneration in a combined viral vector and transgenic model of synucleinopathy. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2017; 5:7. [PMID: 28086964 PMCID: PMC5237270 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-016-0410-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's Disease (PD), PD dementia (PDD) and Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) are characterized by progressive accumulation of α-synuclein (α-syn) in neurons. Recent studies have proposed that neuron-to-neuron propagation of α-syn plays a role in the pathogenesis of these disorders. We have previously shown that antibodies against the C-terminus of α-syn reduce the intra-neuronal accumulation of α-syn and related deficits in transgenic models of synucleinopathy, probably by abrogating the axonal transport and accumulation of α-syn in in vivo models. Here, we assessed the effect of passive immunization against α-syn in a new mouse model of axonal transport and accumulation of α-syn. For these purpose, non-transgenic, α-syn knock-out and mThy1-α-syn tg (line 61) mice received unilateral intra-cerebral injections with a lentiviral (LV)-α-syn vector construct followed by systemic administration of the monoclonal antibody 1H7 (recognizes amino acids 91-99) or control IgG for 3 months. Cerebral α-syn accumulation and axonopathy was assessed by immunohistochemistry and effects on behavior were assessed by Morris water maze. Unilateral LV-α-syn injection resulted in axonal propagation of α-syn in the contra-lateral site with subsequent behavioral deficits and axonal degeneration. Passive immunization with 1H7 antibody reduced the axonal accumulation of α-syn in the contra-lateral side and ameliorated the behavioral deficits. Together this study supports the notion that immunotherapy might improve the deficits in models of synucleinopathy by reducing the axonal propagation and accumulation of α-syn. This represents a potential new mode of action through which α-syn immunization might work.
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Jellinger KA, Wenning GK. Overlaps between multiple system atrophy and multiple sclerosis: A novel perspective. Mov Disord 2016; 31:1767-1771. [DOI: 10.1002/mds.26870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Revised: 09/30/2016] [Accepted: 10/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Gregor K. Wenning
- Division of Clinical Neurobiology, Department of Neurology; Medical University of Innsbruck; Innsbruck Austria
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Uchihara T. An order in Lewy body disorders: Retrograde degeneration in hyperbranching axons as a fundamental structural template accounting for focal/multifocal Lewy body disease. Neuropathology 2016; 37:129-149. [DOI: 10.1111/neup.12348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Revised: 09/19/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Toshiki Uchihara
- Laboratory of Structural Neuropathology; Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science; 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya Tokyo Japan
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Neuromolecular imaging, a nanobiotechnology for Parkinson's disease: advancing pharmacotherapy for personalized medicine. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2016; 124:57-78. [PMID: 27796511 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-016-1633-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Evaluating each patient and animal as its own control achieves personalized medicine, which honors the hippocratic philosophy, explaining that "it is far more important to know what person has the disease than what disease the person has." Similarly, individualizing molecular signaling directly from the patient's brain in real time is essential for providing prompt, patient-based treatment as dictated by the point of care. Fortunately, nanotechnology effectively treats many neurodegenerative diseases. In particular, the new medicinal frontier for the discovery of therapy for Parkinson's disease is nanotechnology and nanobiotechnology. Indeed, the unique nanotechnology of neuromolecular imaging combined with the series of nanobiosensors enables continuous videotracking of molecular neurotransmitters in both the normal physiologic and disease states with long-term electrochemical operational stability. This nanobiotechnology is able to track a signal in real time with excellent temporal and spatial resolution directly from each patient's brain to a computer as subjects are behaving during movement, normal and/or dysfunctional including prion-like Parkinson's behavioral biometrics. Moreover, the molecular signaling performed by these nanobiosensors live streams directly online and originates from precise neuroanatomic brain sites such as, in this case, the dorsal striatum in basal ganglia. Thus, the nanobiotechnology studies discussed herein imaged neuromolecules with and without L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) in dorsal striatal basal ganglia neurons. Parkinsonian and non-Parkinsonian animals were video-tracked, and images were readily seen on a laptop via a potentiostat using a semiderivative electrical circuit. Administered L-DOPA doses were 50 and 100 mg/kg intraperitoneally (ip); the same experimental paradigm was used to image and then contrast data. Results showed that the baseline release of biogenic amine molecules was significantly above detection limits in non-Parkinsonian animals. After administration of L-DOPA, biogenic amines significantly increased in these non-Parkinson's animals. Nevertheless, it is intriguing to see that L-DOPA could not enable synaptic dopamine release in Parkinson's animals, thereby demonstrating that biogenic amines are biomarkers for Parkinson's disease. Biomarkers are biochemical, genetic, or molecular measures of biological reactions. Importantly, there were other significant biomarkers present in Parkinsonian animals and absent in non-Parkinsonian animals; these were peptide neurotransmitters that include dynorphin and somatostatin in the brain with detection limits of 40 nM for dynorphin and 37 nM for somatostatin (see Table 1). Furthermore, L-DOPA significantly increased these peptide biomarkers, dynorphin and somatostatin, in Parkinson's animals. Targeting biomarkers enables new diagnostic devices and treatments for Parkinson's disease through nanotechnology and nanobiotechnology.
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Massey AR, Beckham JD. Alpha-Synuclein, a Novel Viral Restriction Factor Hiding in Plain Sight. DNA Cell Biol 2016; 35:643-645. [PMID: 27631132 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2016.3488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Alpha-synuclein (α-syn) is a highly conserved protein encoded by the SNCA gene and is expressed uniquely in neurons of both the central and peripheral nervous systems (CNS and PNS). α-Syn is known to cause sporadic and familial forms of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the role for neuronal expression of α-syn in the first place remains unknown. We review and discuss recently published work that suggests a novel role for α-syn expression in neurons as a restriction factor that inhibits virus transmission from the PNS to the CNS. The potential new role for α-syn expression as a virus inhibitor may provide new approaches to understand the pathogenesis of PD and provide novel approaches to prevent and treat this common neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron R Massey
- 1 Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine , Aurora, Colorado
| | - J David Beckham
- 1 Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine , Aurora, Colorado.,2 Department of Neurology, University of Colorado School of Medicine , Aurora, Colorado.,3 Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Graduate School , Aurora, Colorado
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Rey NL, Steiner JA, Maroof N, Luk KC, Madaj Z, Trojanowski JQ, Lee VMY, Brundin P. Widespread transneuronal propagation of α-synucleinopathy triggered in olfactory bulb mimics prodromal Parkinson's disease. J Exp Med 2016; 213:1759-78. [PMID: 27503075 PMCID: PMC4995088 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20160368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 270] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 06/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Rey et al. generate a mouse model for the spatial propagation of α-synuclein pathology that mimics prodromal Parkinson's disease. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by the progressive appearance of intraneuronal Lewy aggregates, which are primarily composed of misfolded α-synuclein (α-syn). The aggregates are believed to propagate via neural pathways following a stereotypical pattern, starting in the olfactory bulb (OB) and gut. We hypothesized that injection of fibrillar α-syn into the OB of wild-type mice would recreate the sequential progression of Lewy-like pathology, while triggering olfactory deficits. We demonstrate that injected α-syn fibrils recruit endogenous α-syn into pathological aggregates that spread transneuronally over several months, initially in the olfactory network and later in distant brain regions. The seeded inclusions contain posttranslationally modified α-syn that is Thioflavin S positive, indicative of amyloid fibrils. The spreading α-syn pathology induces progressive and specific olfactory deficits. Thus, we demonstrate that propagating α-syn pathology triggered in the OB is functionally detrimental. Collectively, we have created a mouse model of prodromal PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nolwen L Rey
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
| | - Jennifer A Steiner
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
| | - Nazia Maroof
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Neuroscience Discovery, Roche Innovation Center, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kelvin C Luk
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Zachary Madaj
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Core, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
| | - John Q Trojanowski
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Virginia M-Y Lee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Patrik Brundin
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW We describe evidence supporting the hypothesis that α-synuclein has a prion-like role in Parkinson's disease and related α-synucleinopathies, and discuss how this novel thinking impacts the development of diagnostics and disease-modifying therapies. RECENT FINDINGS Observations that immature dopamine neurons grafted to Parkinson's disease patients can develop Lewy bodies triggered a surge of interest in the putative prion-like properties of α-synuclein. We recount results from experiments which confirm that misfolded α-synuclein can exhibit disease-propagating properties, and describe how they relate to the spreading of α-synuclein aggregates in α-synucleinopathies. We share insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms and their relevance to novel therapeutic targets. Finally, we discuss what the initial triggers of α-synuclein misfolding might be, where in the body the misfolding events might take place, and how this can instruct development of novel diagnostic tools. We speculate that differences in anatomical trigger sites and variability in α-synuclein fibril structure can contribute to clinical differences between α-synucleinopathies. SUMMARY The realization that α-synuclein pathology can propagate between brain regions in neurodegenerative diseases has deepened and expanded our understanding of potential pathogenic processes which can lead to the development of novel diagnostic tools as well as the identification of new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrik Brundin
- Translational Parkinson’s Disease Research, Van Andel Research Institute, 333 Bostwick Avenue N.E, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Jiyan Ma
- Prion Mechanisms in Neurodegenerative Disease, Van Andel Research Institute, 333 Bostwick Avenue N.E, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Jeffrey H Kordower
- Parkinson’s Disease: Pathogenesis and Experimental Therapeutics; Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Research Institute, 333 Bostwick Avenue N.E, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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Mason DM, Nouraei N, Pant DB, Miner KM, Hutchison DF, Luk KC, Stolz JF, Leak RK. Transmission of α-synucleinopathy from olfactory structures deep into the temporal lobe. Mol Neurodegener 2016; 11:49. [PMID: 27363576 PMCID: PMC4929736 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-016-0113-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2016] [Accepted: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND α-synucleinopathy emerges quite early in olfactory structures such as the olfactory bulb and anterior olfactory nucleus (OB/AON) in Parkinson's disease. This may contribute to smell impairments years before the commencement of motor symptoms. We tested whether α-synucleinopathy can spread from the OB/AON to regions of the limbic telencephalon that harbor connections with olfactory structures. FINDINGS α-synuclein fibrils were infused into the OB/AON. Inclusions containing pathologically phosphorylated α-synuclein (pSer129) were observed three months later in the piriform and entorhinal cortices, amygdala, and hippocampal formation. The retrograde tract-tracer FluoroGold confirmed the existence of first-order afferents at these sites. Some sites harbored FluoroGold(+) neurons but no inclusions, suggestive of selective vulnerabilities. Multiple areas close to the injection site but not connected with the OB/AON remained free of inclusions, suggesting a lack of widespread uptake of fibrils from interstitial diffusion. Two independent pSer129 antibodies revealed the same labeling patterns and preadsorption control experiments confirmed a loss of pSer129 staining. Dense total α-synuclein (but not pSer129) staining was apparent in the OB/AON 1.5 h following fibril infusions, suggesting that pSer129(+) staining did not reflect exogenously infused material. Waterbath sonication of fibrils for 1 h improved α-synucleinopathy transmission relative to 1 min-long probe sonication. Electron microscopy revealed that longer sonication durations reduced fibril size. The Thioflavin stain labeled cells at the infusion site and some, but not all inclusions contained ubiquitin. Three-dimensional confocal analyses revealed that many inclusions ensconced NeuN(+) neuronal nuclei. Young and aged mice exhibited similar topographical spread of α-synucleinopathy. CONCLUSIONS 1) α-synucleinopathy in this model is transmitted through some, but not all neuroanatomical connections, 2) pathology is largely confined to first-order afferent sites at three months and this is most parsimoniously explained by retrograde transport, and 3) transmission in aged animals is largely similar to that in young control animals at three months post-infusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M. Mason
- />Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15282 USA
| | - Negin Nouraei
- />Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15282 USA
| | - Deepti B. Pant
- />Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15282 USA
| | - Kristin M. Miner
- />Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15282 USA
| | - Daniel F. Hutchison
- />Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15282 USA
| | - Kelvin C. Luk
- />Department of Pathology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19147 USA
| | - John F. Stolz
- />Department of Biological Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282 USA
| | - Rehana K. Leak
- />Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15282 USA
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