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Leandrou E, Chalatsa I, Anagnostou D, Machalia C, Semitekolou M, Filippa V, Makridakis M, Vlahou A, Anastasiadou E, Vekrellis K, Emmanouilidou E. α-Synuclein oligomers potentiate neuroinflammatory NF-κB activity and induce Ca v3.2 calcium signaling in astrocytes. Transl Neurodegener 2024; 13:11. [PMID: 38378800 PMCID: PMC10880263 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-024-00401-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is now realized that Parkinson's disease (PD) pathology extends beyond the substantia nigra, affecting both central and peripheral nervous systems, and exhibits a variety of non-motor symptoms often preceding motor features. Neuroinflammation induced by activated microglia and astrocytes is thought to underlie these manifestations. α-Synuclein aggregation has been linked with sustained neuroinflammation in PD, aggravating neuronal degeneration; however, there is still a lack of critical information about the structural identity of the α-synuclein conformers that activate microglia and/or astrocytes and the molecular pathways involved. METHODS To investigate the role of α-synuclein conformers in the development and maintenance of neuroinflammation, we used primary quiescent microglia and astrocytes, post-mortem brain tissues from PD patients and A53T α-synuclein transgenic mice that recapitulate key features of PD-related inflammatory responses in the absence of cell death, i.e., increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and complement proteins. Biochemical and -omics techniques including RNAseq and secretomic analyses, combined with 3D reconstruction of individual astrocytes and live calcium imaging, were used to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying glial responses in the presence of α-synuclein oligomers in vivo and in vitro. RESULTS We found that the presence of SDS-resistant hyper-phosphorylated α-synuclein oligomers, but not monomers, was correlated with sustained inflammatory responses, such as elevated levels of endogenous antibodies and cytokines and microglial activation. Similar oligomeric α-synuclein species were found in post-mortem human brain samples of PD patients but not control individuals. Detailed analysis revealed a decrease in Iba1Low/CD68Low microglia and robust alterations in astrocyte number and morphology including process retraction. Our data indicated an activation of the p38/ATF2 signaling pathway mostly in microglia and a sustained induction of the NF-κB pathway in astrocytes of A53T mice. The sustained NF-κB activity triggered the upregulation of astrocytic T-type Cav3.2 Ca2+ channels, altering the astrocytic secretome and promoting the secretion of IGFBPL1, an IGF-1 binding protein with anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective potential. CONCLUSIONS Our work supports a causative link between the neuron-produced α-synuclein oligomers and sustained neuroinflammation in vivo and maps the signaling pathways that are stimulated in microglia and astrocytes. It also highlights the recruitment of astrocytic Cav3.2 channels as a potential neuroprotective mediator against the α-synuclein-induced neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanouela Leandrou
- Department of Chemistry, School of Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupolis Zografou, 15772, Athens, Greece
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Soranou Efesiou 4, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioanna Chalatsa
- Department of Chemistry, School of Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupolis Zografou, 15772, Athens, Greece
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Soranou Efesiou 4, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Anagnostou
- Department of Chemistry, School of Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupolis Zografou, 15772, Athens, Greece
| | - Christina Machalia
- Department of Chemistry, School of Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupolis Zografou, 15772, Athens, Greece
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Soranou Efesiou 4, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Semitekolou
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Soranou Efesiou 4, 11527, Athens, Greece
- School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Vicky Filippa
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Soranou Efesiou 4, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Manousos Makridakis
- Center for Systems Biology, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Soranou Efesiou 4, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Antonia Vlahou
- Center for Systems Biology, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Soranou Efesiou 4, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Ema Anastasiadou
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Soranou Efesiou 4, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Kostas Vekrellis
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Soranou Efesiou 4, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelia Emmanouilidou
- Department of Chemistry, School of Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupolis Zografou, 15772, Athens, Greece.
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Soranou Efesiou 4, 11527, Athens, Greece.
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Yelleswarapu NK, Masino M, Henderson S, Fernandes R, Swain G, Galligan JJ, Xu H. 5xFAD mice do not have myenteric amyloidosis, dysregulation of neuromuscular transmission or gastrointestinal dysmotility. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2022; 34:e14439. [PMID: 36458522 PMCID: PMC9718934 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.14439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alterations in gastrointestinal (GI) function and the gut-brain axis are associated with progression and pathology of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Studies in AD animal models show that changes in the gut microbiome and inflammatory markers can contribute to AD development in the central nervous system (CNS). Amyloid-beta (Aβ) accumulation is a major AD pathology causing synaptic dysfunction and neuronal death. Current knowledge of the pathophysiology of AD in enteric neurons is limited, and whether Aβ accumulation directly disrupts enteric neuron function is unknown. METHODS In 6-month-old 5xFAD (transgenic AD) and wildtype (WT) male and female mice, GI function was assessed by colonic transit in vivo; propulsive motility and GI smooth muscle contractions ex vivo; electrochemical detection of enteric nitric oxide release in vitro, and changes in myenteric neuromuscular transmission using smooth muscle intracellular recordings. Expression of Aβ in the brain and colonic myenteric plexus in these mice was determined by immunohistochemistry staining and ELISA assay. KEY RESULTS At 6 months, 5xFAD mice did not show significant changes in GI motility or synaptic neurotransmission in the small intestine or colon. 5xFAD mice, but not WT mice, showed abundant Aβ accumulation in the brain. Aβ accumulation was undetectable in the colonic myenteric plexus of 5xFAD mice. CONCLUSIONS 5xFAD AD mice are not a robust model to study amyloidosis in the gut as these mice do not mimic myenteric neuronal dysfunction in AD patients with GI dysmotility. An AD animal model with enteric amyloidosis is required for further study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marlene Masino
- The Neuroscience ProgramMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMichiganUSA
| | - Skye Henderson
- Department of ChemistryMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMichiganUSA
| | - Roxanne Fernandes
- Department of Pharmacology & ToxicologyMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMichiganUSA
| | - Greg Swain
- The Neuroscience ProgramMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMichiganUSA
- Department of ChemistryMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMichiganUSA
| | - James J. Galligan
- The Neuroscience ProgramMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMichiganUSA
- Department of Pharmacology & ToxicologyMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMichiganUSA
| | - Hui Xu
- The Neuroscience ProgramMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMichiganUSA
- Department of Pharmacology & ToxicologyMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMichiganUSA
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3
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Bianchini M, Giambelluca M, Scavuzzo MC, Di Franco G, Guadagni S, Palmeri M, Furbetta N, Gianardi D, Costa A, Gentiluomo M, Gaeta R, Pollina LE, Falcone A, Vivaldi C, Di Candio G, Biagioni F, Busceti CL, Soldani P, Puglisi-Allegra S, Morelli L, Fornai F. In Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Alpha-Synuclein Increases and Marks Peri-Neural Infiltration. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:3775. [PMID: 35409135 PMCID: PMC8999122 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
α-Synuclein (α-syn) is a protein involved in neuronal degeneration. However, the family of synucleins has recently been demonstrated to be involved in the mechanisms of oncogenesis by selectively accelerating cellular processes leading to cancer. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal human cancers, with a specifically high neurotropism. The molecular bases of this biological behavior are currently poorly understood. Here, α-synuclein was analyzed concerning the protein expression in PDAC and the potential association with PDAC neurotropism. Tumor (PDAC) and extra-tumor (extra-PDAC) samples from 20 patients affected by PDAC following pancreatic resections were collected at the General Surgery Unit, University of Pisa. All patients were affected by moderately or poorly differentiated PDAC. The amount of α-syn was compared between tumor and extra-tumor specimen (sampled from non-affected neighboring pancreatic areas) by using in situ immuno-staining with peroxidase anti-α-syn immunohistochemistry, α-syn detection by using Western blotting, and electron microscopy by using α-syn-conjugated immuno-gold particles. All the methods consistently indicate that each PDAC sample possesses a higher amount of α-syn compared with extra-PDAC tissue. Moreover, the expression of α-syn was much higher in those PDAC samples from tumors with perineural infiltration compared with tumors without perineural infiltration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Bianchini
- General Surgery Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.B.); (G.D.F.); (S.G.); (M.P.); (N.F.); (D.G.); (G.D.C.)
| | - Maria Giambelluca
- Human Anatomy, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.G.); (M.C.S.); (P.S.)
| | - Maria Concetta Scavuzzo
- Human Anatomy, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.G.); (M.C.S.); (P.S.)
| | - Gregorio Di Franco
- General Surgery Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.B.); (G.D.F.); (S.G.); (M.P.); (N.F.); (D.G.); (G.D.C.)
| | - Simone Guadagni
- General Surgery Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.B.); (G.D.F.); (S.G.); (M.P.); (N.F.); (D.G.); (G.D.C.)
| | - Matteo Palmeri
- General Surgery Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.B.); (G.D.F.); (S.G.); (M.P.); (N.F.); (D.G.); (G.D.C.)
| | - Niccolò Furbetta
- General Surgery Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.B.); (G.D.F.); (S.G.); (M.P.); (N.F.); (D.G.); (G.D.C.)
| | - Desirée Gianardi
- General Surgery Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.B.); (G.D.F.); (S.G.); (M.P.); (N.F.); (D.G.); (G.D.C.)
| | - Aurelio Costa
- General Surgery Unit, ASL Toscana Nord Ovest Pontedera Hospital, 56025 Pontedera, Italy;
| | | | - Raffaele Gaeta
- Division of Surgical Pathology, Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (R.G.); (L.E.P.)
| | - Luca Emanuele Pollina
- Division of Surgical Pathology, Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (R.G.); (L.E.P.)
| | - Alfredo Falcone
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (A.F.); (C.V.)
| | - Caterina Vivaldi
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (A.F.); (C.V.)
| | - Giulio Di Candio
- General Surgery Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.B.); (G.D.F.); (S.G.); (M.P.); (N.F.); (D.G.); (G.D.C.)
| | - Francesca Biagioni
- IRCCS Neuromed-Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy; (F.B.); (C.L.B.); (S.P.-A.)
| | - Carla Letizia Busceti
- IRCCS Neuromed-Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy; (F.B.); (C.L.B.); (S.P.-A.)
| | - Paola Soldani
- Human Anatomy, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.G.); (M.C.S.); (P.S.)
| | - Stefano Puglisi-Allegra
- IRCCS Neuromed-Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy; (F.B.); (C.L.B.); (S.P.-A.)
| | - Luca Morelli
- General Surgery Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.B.); (G.D.F.); (S.G.); (M.P.); (N.F.); (D.G.); (G.D.C.)
- EndoCAS (Center for Computer Assisted Surgery), University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesco Fornai
- Human Anatomy, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.G.); (M.C.S.); (P.S.)
- IRCCS Neuromed-Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy; (F.B.); (C.L.B.); (S.P.-A.)
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Inyushin M, Zayas-Santiago A, Rojas L, Kucheryavykh L. On the Role of Platelet-Generated Amyloid Beta Peptides in Certain Amyloidosis Health Complications. Front Immunol 2020; 11:571083. [PMID: 33123145 PMCID: PMC7567018 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.571083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
As do many other immunity-related blood cells, platelets release antimicrobial peptides that kill bacteria, fungi, and even certain viruses. Here we review the literature suggesting that there is a similarity between the antimicrobials released by other blood cells and the amyloid-related Aβ peptide released by platelets. Analyzing the literature, we also propose that platelet-generated Aβ amyloidosis may be more common than currently recognized. This systemic Aβ from a platelet source may participate in various forms of amyloidosis in pathologies ranging from brain cancer, glaucoma, skin Aβ accumulation, and preeclampsia to Alzheimer’s disease and late-stage Parkinson’s disease. We also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of specific animal models for studying platelet-related Aβ. This field is undergoing rapid change, as it evaluates competing ideas in the light of new experimental observations. We summarized both in order to clarify the role of platelet-generated Aβ peptides in amyloidosis-related health disorders, which may be helpful to researchers interested in this growing area of investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikhail Inyushin
- Department of Physiology, Universidad Central del Caribe, Bayamon, Puerto Rico
| | - Astrid Zayas-Santiago
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Universidad Central del Caribe, Bayamon, Puerto Rico
| | - Legier Rojas
- Department of Physiology, Universidad Central del Caribe, Bayamon, Puerto Rico
| | - Lilia Kucheryavykh
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidad Central del Caribe, Bayamon, Puerto Rico
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5
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Butkovich LM, Houser MC, Chalermpalanupap T, Porter-Stransky KA, Iannitelli AF, Boles JS, Lloyd GM, Coomes AS, Eidson LN, De Sousa Rodrigues ME, Oliver DL, Kelly SD, Chang J, Bengoa-Vergniory N, Wade-Martins R, Giasson BI, Joers V, Weinshenker D, Tansey MG. Transgenic Mice Expressing Human α-Synuclein in Noradrenergic Neurons Develop Locus Ceruleus Pathology and Nonmotor Features of Parkinson's Disease. J Neurosci 2020; 40:7559-7576. [PMID: 32868457 PMCID: PMC7511194 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1468-19.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Degeneration of locus ceruleus (LC) neurons and dysregulation of noradrenergic signaling are ubiquitous features of Parkinson's disease (PD). The LC is among the first brain regions affected by α-synuclein (asyn) pathology, yet how asyn affects these neurons remains unclear. LC-derived norepinephrine (NE) can stimulate neuroprotective mechanisms and modulate immune cells, while dysregulation of NE neurotransmission may exacerbate disease progression, particularly nonmotor symptoms, and contribute to the chronic neuroinflammation associated with PD pathology. Although transgenic mice overexpressing asyn have previously been developed, transgene expression is usually driven by pan-neuronal promoters and thus has not been selectively targeted to LC neurons. Here we report a novel transgenic mouse expressing human wild-type asyn under control of the noradrenergic-specific dopamine β-hydroxylase promoter (DBH-hSNCA). These mice developed oligomeric and conformation-specific asyn in LC neurons, alterations in hippocampal and LC microglial abundance, upregulated GFAP expression, degeneration of LC fibers, decreased striatal DA metabolism, and age-dependent behaviors reminiscent of nonmotor symptoms of PD that were rescued by adrenergic receptor antagonists. These mice provide novel insights into how asyn pathology affects LC neurons and how central noradrenergic dysfunction may contribute to early PD pathophysiology.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT ɑ-Synuclein (asyn) pathology and loss of neurons in the locus ceruleus (LC) are two of the most ubiquitous neuropathologic features of Parkinson's disease (PD). Dysregulated norepinephrine (NE) neurotransmission is associated with the nonmotor symptoms of PD, including sleep disturbances, emotional changes such as anxiety and depression, and cognitive decline. Importantly, the loss of central NE may contribute to the chronic inflammation in, and progression of, PD. We have generated a novel transgenic mouse expressing human asyn in LC neurons to investigate how increased asyn expression affects the function of the central noradrenergic transmission and associated behaviors. We report cytotoxic effects of oligomeric and conformation-specific asyn, astrogliosis, LC fiber degeneration, disruptions in striatal dopamine metabolism, and age-dependent alterations in nonmotor behaviors without inclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Termpanit Chalermpalanupap
- Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322
| | - Kirsten A Porter-Stransky
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49008
| | - Alexa F Iannitelli
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322
| | - Jake S Boles
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610
| | - Grace M Lloyd
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610
| | - Alexandra S Coomes
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610
| | - Lori N Eidson
- Department of Physiology, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322
| | | | | | - Sean D Kelly
- Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322
| | - Jianjun Chang
- Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322
| | - Nora Bengoa-Vergniory
- Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QX, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Wade-Martins
- Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QX, United Kingdom
| | - Benoit I Giasson
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610
| | - Valerie Joers
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610
| | - David Weinshenker
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322
| | - Malú Gámez Tansey
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610
- Susan and Normal Fixel Chair in Parkinson's Disease, Normal Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, University of Florida Health, Gainesville, Florida 32610
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Malcolm JC, Breuillaud L, Do Carmo S, Hall H, Welikovitch LA, Macdonald JA, Goedert M, Cuello AC. Neuropathological changes and cognitive deficits in rats transgenic for human mutant tau recapitulate human tauopathy. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 127:323-338. [PMID: 30905766 PMCID: PMC6597947 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The assembly of tau protein into abnormal filaments and brain cell degeneration are characteristic of a number of human neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia and parkinsonism linked to chromosome 17. Several murine models have been generated to better understand the mechanisms contributing to tau assembly and neurodegeneration. Taking advantage of the more elaborate central nervous system and higher cognitive abilities of the rat, we generated a model expressing the longest human tau isoform (2N4R) with the P301S mutation. This transgenic rat line, R962-hTau, exhibits the main features of human tauopathies, such as: age-dependent increase in inclusions comprised of aggregated-tau, neuronal loss, global neurodegeneration as reflected by brain atrophy and ventricular dilation, alterations in astrocytic and microglial morphology, and myelin loss. In addition, substantial deficits across multiple memory and learning paradigms, including novel object recognition, fear conditioning and Morris water maze tasks, were observed at the time of advanced tauopathy. These results support the concept that progressive tauopathy correlates with brain atrophy and cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janice C Malcolm
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0C7, Canada
| | - Lionel Breuillaud
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Sonia Do Carmo
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Hélène Hall
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Lindsay A Welikovitch
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada
| | | | - Michel Goedert
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK
| | - A Claudio Cuello
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0C7, Canada; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada; Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada.
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Finkelstein DI, Hare DJ, Billings JL, Sedjahtera A, Nurjono M, Arthofer E, George S, Culvenor JG, Bush AI, Adlard PA. Clioquinol Improves Cognitive, Motor Function, and Microanatomy of the Alpha-Synuclein hA53T Transgenic Mice. ACS Chem Neurosci 2016; 7:119-29. [PMID: 26481462 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.5b00253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The abnormal accumulation of alpha-synuclein (α-syn) has been linked to a number of neurodegenerative disorders, the most noteworthy of which is Parkinson's disease. Alpha-synuclein itself is not toxic and fulfills various physiological roles in the central nervous system. However, specific types of aggregates have been shown to be toxic, and metals have been linked to the assembly of these toxic aggregates. In this paper, we have characterized a transgenic mouse that overexpresses the A53T mutation of human α-syn, specifically assessing cognition, motor performance, and subtle anatomical markers that have all been observed in synucleinopathies in humans. We hypothesized that treatment with the moderate-affinity metal chelator, clioquinol (CQ), would reduce the interaction between metals and α-syn to subsequently improve the phenotype of the A53T animal model. We showed that CQ prevents an iron-synuclein interaction, the formation of urea-soluble α-syn aggregates, α-syn-related substantia nigra pars compacta cell loss, reduction in dendritic spine density of hippocampal and caudate putamen medium spiny neurons, and the decline in motor and cognitive function. In conclusion, our data suggests that CQ is capable of mitigating the pathological metal/α-syn interactions, suggesting that the modulation of metal ions warrants further study as a therapeutic approach for the synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David I. Finkelstein
- The
Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Dominic J. Hare
- The
Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- Elemental
Bio-imaging Facility, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, New South Wales 2007, Australia
- Senator
Frank R. Lautenberg Environmental Science Laboratory, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Jessica L. Billings
- The
Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Amelia Sedjahtera
- The
Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Milawaty Nurjono
- The
Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Elisa Arthofer
- The
Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- Department
of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institut, Stockholm SE-171 77, Sweden
| | - Sonia George
- School
of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Janetta G. Culvenor
- School
of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Ashley I. Bush
- The
Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Paul A. Adlard
- The
Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
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8
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Xiao J, Vemula S, Yue Z. Rodent Models of Autosomal Dominant Parkinson Disease. Mov Disord 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-405195-9.00018-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Harata NC. Current Gaps in the Understanding of the Subcellular Distribution of Exogenous and Endogenous Protein TorsinA. TREMOR AND OTHER HYPERKINETIC MOVEMENTS (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2014; 4:260. [PMID: 25279252 PMCID: PMC4175402 DOI: 10.7916/d8js9nr2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2014] [Accepted: 08/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Background An in-frame deletion leading to the loss of a single glutamic acid residue in the protein torsinA (ΔE-torsinA) results in an inherited movement disorder, DYT1 dystonia. This autosomal dominant disease affects the function of the brain without causing neurodegeneration, by a mechanism that remains unknown. Methods We evaluated the literature regarding the subcellular localization of torsinA. Results Efforts to elucidate the pathophysiological basis of DYT1 dystonia have relied partly on examining the subcellular distribution of the wild-type and mutated proteins. A typical approach is to introduce the human torsinA gene (TOR1A) into host cells and overexpress the protein therein. In both neurons and non-neuronal cells, exogenous wild-type torsinA introduced in this manner has been found to localize mainly to the endoplasmic reticulum, whereas exogenous ΔE-torsinA is predominantly in the nuclear envelope or cytoplasmic inclusions. Although these outcomes are relatively consistent, findings for the localization of endogenous torsinA have been variable, leaving its physiological distribution a matter of debate. Discussion As patients’ cells do not overexpress torsinA proteins, it is important to understand why the reported distributions of the endogenous proteins are inconsistent. We propose that careful optimization of experimental methods will be critical in addressing the causes of the differences among the distributions of endogenous (non-overexpressed) vs. exogenously introduced (overexpressed) proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Charles Harata
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
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10
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Kurtenbach S, Wewering S, Hatt H, Neuhaus EM, Lübbert H. Olfaction in three genetic and two MPTP-induced Parkinson's disease mouse models. PLoS One 2013; 8:e77509. [PMID: 24204848 PMCID: PMC3813626 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0077509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2011] [Accepted: 09/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Various genetic or toxin-induced mouse models are frequently used for investigation of early PD pathology. Although olfactory impairment is known to precede motor symptoms by years, it is not known whether it is caused by impairments in the brain, the olfactory epithelium, or both. In this study, we investigated the olfactory function in three genetic Parkinson’s disease (PD) mouse models and mice treated with MPTP intraperitoneally and intranasally. To investigate olfactory function, we performed electro-olfactogram recordings (EOGs) and an olfactory behavior test (cookie-finding test). We show that neither a parkin knockout mouse strain, nor intraperitoneal MPTP treated animals display any olfactory impairment in EOG recordings and the applied behavior test. We also found no difference in the responses of the olfactory epithelium to odorants in a mouse strain over-expressing doubly mutated α-synuclein, while this mouse strain was not suitable to test olfaction in a cookie-finding test as it displays a mobility impairment. A transgenic mouse expressing mutated α-synuclein in dopaminergic neurons performed equal to control animals in the cookie-finding test. Further we show that intranasal MPTP application can cause functional damage of the olfactory epithelium.
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MESH Headings
- 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine
- Administration, Intranasal
- Animals
- Brain/metabolism
- Brain/physiopathology
- Discrimination Learning
- Disease Models, Animal
- Dopaminergic Neurons/metabolism
- Dopaminergic Neurons/pathology
- Female
- Gene Expression
- Humans
- Injections, Intraperitoneal
- Male
- Mice
- Mutation
- Odorants
- Olfactory Mucosa/metabolism
- Olfactory Mucosa/physiopathology
- Parkinson Disease, Secondary/chemically induced
- Parkinson Disease, Secondary/genetics
- Parkinson Disease, Secondary/metabolism
- Parkinson Disease, Secondary/physiopathology
- Smell/physiology
- Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases/deficiency
- Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases/genetics
- alpha-Synuclein/genetics
- alpha-Synuclein/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Kurtenbach
- Department of Cell Physiology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Sonja Wewering
- Department of Animal Physiology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Hanns Hatt
- Department of Cell Physiology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Eva M. Neuhaus
- NeuroScience Research Center, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence NeuroCure, Charite-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hermann Lübbert
- Department of Animal Physiology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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11
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Noorian AR, Rha J, Annerino DM, Bernhard D, Taylor GM, Greene JG. Alpha-synuclein transgenic mice display age-related slowing of gastrointestinal motility associated with transgene expression in the vagal system. Neurobiol Dis 2012; 48:9-19. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2012.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2012] [Revised: 04/27/2012] [Accepted: 06/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
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12
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Liu W, Dong H, Liu W, Gao X, Zhang C, Wu Q. OtpR regulated the growth, cell morphology of B. melitensis and tolerance to β-lactam agents. Vet Microbiol 2012; 159:90-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2012.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2011] [Revised: 02/10/2012] [Accepted: 03/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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13
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Hamill RW, Tompkins JD, Girard BM, Kershen RT, Parsons RL, Vizzard MA. Autonomic dysfunction and plasticity in micturition reflexes in human α-synuclein mice. Dev Neurobiol 2012; 72:918-36. [PMID: 21916020 PMCID: PMC4028626 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.20978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Although often overshadowed by the motor dysfunction associated with Parkinson's disease (PD), autonomic dysfunction including urinary bladder and bowel dysfunctions are often associated with PD and may precede motoric changes; such autonomic dysfunction may permit early detection and intervention. Lower urinary tract symptoms are common in PD patients and result in significant morbidity. This studies focus on nonmotor symptoms in PD using a transgenic mouse model with overexpression of human α-synuclein (hSNCA), the peptide found in high concentrations in Lewy body neuronal inclusions, the histopathologic hallmark of PD. We examined changes in the physiological, molecular, chemical, and electrical properties of neuronal pathways controlling urinary bladder function in transgenic mice. The results of these studies reveal that autonomic dysfunction (i.e., urinary bladder) can precede motor dysfunction. In addition, mice with hSNCA overexpression in relevant neuronal populations is associated with alterations in expression of neurotransmitter/neuromodulatory molecules (PACAP, VIP, substance P, and neuronal NOS) within neuronal pathways regulating bladder function as well as with increased NGF expression in the urinary bladder. Changes in the electrical and synaptic properties of neurons in the major pelvic ganglia that provide postganglionic innervation to urogenital tissues were not changed as determined with intracellular recording. The urinary bladder dysfunction observed in transgenic mice likely reflects changes in peripheral (i.e., afferent) and/or central micturition pathways or changes in the urinary bladder. SYN-OE mice provide an opportunity to examine early events underlying the molecular and cellular plasticity of autonomic nervous system pathways underlying synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert W Hamill
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont 05405, USA.
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14
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Crabtree DM, Zhang J. Genetically engineered mouse models of Parkinson's disease. Brain Res Bull 2011; 88:13-32. [PMID: 21839151 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2011.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2011] [Revised: 07/01/2011] [Accepted: 07/22/2011] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common neurodegenerative movement disorder, affecting more than 1% of the population over age 60. The most common feature of PD is a resting tremor, though there are many systemic neurological effects, such as incontinence and sleep disorders. PD is histopathologically identified by the presence of Lewy bodies (LB), proteinaceous inclusions constituted primarily by α-synuclein. To date, there is no effective treatment to slow or stop disease progression. To help understand disease pathogenesis and identify potential therapeutic targets, many genetic mouse models have been developed. By far the most common of these models are the wildtype and mutant α-synuclein transgenic mice, because α-synuclein was the first protein shown to have a direct effect on PD pathogenesis and progression. There are many other gene-disrupted or -mutated models currently available, which are based on genetic anomalies identified in the human disease. In addition, there are also models which examine genes that may contribute to disease onset or progression but currently have no identified causative PD mutations. These genes are part of signaling pathways important for maintaining neuronal function in the nigrostriatal pathway. This review will summarize the most commonly used of the genetic mouse models currently available for PD research. We will examine how these models have expanded our understanding of PD pathogenesis and progression, as well as aided in identification of potential therapeutic targets in this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donna M Crabtree
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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15
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Antony PMA, Diederich NJ, Balling R. Parkinson's disease mouse models in translational research. Mamm Genome 2011; 22:401-19. [PMID: 21559878 PMCID: PMC3151483 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-011-9330-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2011] [Accepted: 04/14/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Animal models with high predictive power are a prerequisite for translational research. The closer the similarity of a model to Parkinson’s disease (PD), the higher is the predictive value for clinical trials. An ideal PD model should present behavioral signs and pathology that resemble the human disease. The increasing understanding of PD stratification and etiology, however, complicates the choice of adequate animal models for preclinical studies. An ultimate mouse model, relevant to address all PD-related questions, is yet to be developed. However, many of the existing models are useful in answering specific questions. An appropriate model should be chosen after considering both the context of the research and the model properties. This review addresses the validity, strengths, and limitations of current PD mouse models for translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul M A Antony
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg.
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16
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Peneder TM, Scholze P, Berger ML, Reither H, Heinze G, Bertl J, Bauer J, Richfield EK, Hornykiewicz O, Pifl C. Chronic exposure to manganese decreases striatal dopamine turnover in human alpha-synuclein transgenic mice. Neuroscience 2011; 180:280-92. [PMID: 21333719 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2011.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2010] [Revised: 02/01/2011] [Accepted: 02/09/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Interaction of genetic and environmental factors is likely involved in Parkinson's disease (PD). Mutations and multiplications of alpha-synuclein (α-syn) cause familial PD, and chronic manganese (Mn) exposure can produce an encephalopathy with signs of parkinsonism. We exposed male transgenic C57BL/6J mice expressing human α-syn or the A53T/A30P doubly mutated human α-syn under the tyrosine hydroxylase promoter and non-transgenic littermates to MnCl₂-enriched (1%) or control food, starting at the age of 4 months. Locomotor activity was increased by Mn without significant effect of the transgenes. Mice were sacrificed at the age of 7 or 20 months. Striatal Mn was significantly increased about three-fold in those exposed to MnCl₂. The number of tyrosine hydroxylase positive substantia nigra compacta neurons was significantly reduced in 20 months old mice (-10%), but Mn or transgenes were ineffective (three-way ANOVA with the factors gene, Mn and age). In 7 months old mice, striatal homovanillic acid (HVA)/dopamine (DA) ratios and aspartate levels were significantly increased in control mice with human α-syn as compared to non-transgenic controls (+17 and +11%, respectively); after Mn exposure both parameters were significantly reduced (-16 and -13%, respectively) in human α-syn mice, but unchanged in non-transgenic animals and mice with mutated α-syn (two-way ANOVA with factors gene and Mn). None of the parameters were changed in the 20 months old mice. Single HVA/DA ratios and single aspartate levels significantly correlated across all treatment groups suggesting a causal relationship between the rate of striatal DA metabolism and aspartate release. In conclusion, under our experimental conditions, Mn and human α-syn, wild-type and doubly mutated, did not interact to induce PD-like neurodegenerative changes. However, Mn significantly and selectively interacted with human wild-type α-syn on indices of striatal DA neurotransmission, the neurotransmitter most relevant to PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- T M Peneder
- Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 4, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
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17
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Schmidt S, Linnartz B, Mendritzki S, Sczepan T, Lübbert M, Stichel CC, Lübbert H. Genetic mouse models for Parkinson's disease display severe pathology in glial cell mitochondria. Hum Mol Genet 2011; 20:1197-211. [PMID: 21212098 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddq564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
We recently described mitochondrial pathology in neurons of transgenic mice with genes associated with Parkinson's disease (PD). Now we describe severe mitochondrial damage in glial cells of the mesencephalon in mice carrying a targeted deletion of parkin (PaKO) or overexpressing doubly mutated human alpha-synuclein (asyn). The number of mitochondria with altered morphology in glial cells is cell type-dependent, but always higher than in neurons. Interestingly, mitochondrial damage also occurs in mesencephalic glia of mice carrying mutated asyn controlled by the tyrosine hydroxylase promoter. Such mice do not show glial expression of the transgene, but show expression in neighboring neurons. However, we found strong overexpression of endogenous asyn in mesencephalic astrocytes from these mice. Cortical astrocytes neither display enhanced asyn expression nor mitochondrial damage. Cultivated mesencephalic astrocytes from newborn transgenic mice display various functional defects along with the morphological damage of mitochondria. First, the mitochondrial Ca(2+)-storage capacity is reduced in asyn transgenic mesencephalic astrocytes, but not in astrocytes from PaKO. Second, the expression of the mitochondrial protein PTEN-induced putative kinase is constitutively increased in asyn transgenic mice, while in PaKO it reacts to oxidative stress by overexpressing this protein along with other mitochondria-related proteins. Third, the neurotrophic effects exerted by control astrocytes, stimulating cortical neurons from healthy mice to develop longer processes and larger neuronal areas, are lacking in co-cultures with transgenic mesencephalic astrocytes. In summary, glial mitochondria from transgenic mice display morphological and functional alterations. Such transgenic astrocytes fail to influence neuronal differentiation, reflecting an important role that glia may play in PD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskia Schmidt
- Department of Animal Physiology, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany.
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18
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Mendritzki S, Schmidt S, Sczepan T, Zhu XR, Segelcke D, Lübbert H. Spinal cord pathology in alpha-synuclein transgenic mice. PARKINSON'S DISEASE 2010; 2010:375462. [PMID: 20976083 PMCID: PMC2957200 DOI: 10.4061/2010/375462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2010] [Revised: 05/04/2010] [Accepted: 06/06/2010] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Accumulation of α-synuclein is observed in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease and Multiple System Atrophy. In previous studies with transgenic C57BL/6 mice overexpressing α-synuclein carrying the mutations A53T and A30P found in Parkinson's disease or with a parkin-null background, we reported severe mitochondrial impairments in neurons and to a larger extent in glial cells of the mesencephalon. Neuron death was not observed in the brain. Here we show that the mice show severe motor impairments in behavioral tests. In addition, these mice exhibit astrocytic cell death in the spinal cord, accompanied by extensive gliosis and microglial activation. This is shown by cell death staining and immunohistochemistry. Ultrastructural analyses revealed severe mitochondrial impairments not only in astrocytes, but also in oligodendrocytes and, to a small extent, in neurons. Thus, the transgenic mice show a profound pathology in glial cells of the spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Mendritzki
- Department of Animal Physiology, Biology, and Biotechnology, Ruhr-University Bochum, ND/5131, D-44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - Saskia Schmidt
- Department of Animal Physiology, Biology, and Biotechnology, Ruhr-University Bochum, ND/5131, D-44780 Bochum, Germany
- International Graduate School of Neuroscience (IGSN), Ruhr-University Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - Teresa Sczepan
- Department of Animal Physiology, Biology, and Biotechnology, Ruhr-University Bochum, ND/5131, D-44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - Xin-Ran Zhu
- Department of Animal Physiology, Biology, and Biotechnology, Ruhr-University Bochum, ND/5131, D-44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - Daniel Segelcke
- Department of Animal Physiology, Biology, and Biotechnology, Ruhr-University Bochum, ND/5131, D-44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - Hermann Lübbert
- Department of Animal Physiology, Biology, and Biotechnology, Ruhr-University Bochum, ND/5131, D-44780 Bochum, Germany
- International Graduate School of Neuroscience (IGSN), Ruhr-University Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany
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George JL, Mok S, Moses D, Wilkins S, Bush AI, Cherny RA, Finkelstein DI. Targeting the progression of Parkinson's disease. Curr Neuropharmacol 2010; 7:9-36. [PMID: 19721815 PMCID: PMC2724666 DOI: 10.2174/157015909787602814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2008] [Revised: 08/15/2008] [Accepted: 09/09/2008] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
By the time a patient first presents with symptoms of Parkinson's disease at the clinic, a significant proportion (50-70%) of the cells in the substantia nigra (SN) has already been destroyed. This degeneration progresses until, within a few years, most of the cells have died. Except for rare cases of familial PD, the initial trigger for cell loss is unknown. However, we do have some clues as to why the damage, once initiated, progresses unabated. It would represent a major advance in therapy to arrest cell loss at the stage when the patient first presents at the clinic. Current therapies for Parkinson's disease focus on relieving the motor symptoms of the disease, these unfortunately lose their effectiveness as the neurodegeneration and symptoms progress. Many experimental approaches are currently being investigated attempting to alter the progression of the disease. These range from replacement of the lost neurons to neuroprotective therapies; each of these will be briefly discussed in this review. The main thrust of this review is to explore the interactions between dopamine, alpha synuclein and redox-active metals. There is abundant evidence suggesting that destruction of SN cells occurs as a result of a self-propagating series of reactions involving dopamine, alpha synuclein and redox-active metals. A potent reducing agent, the neurotransmitter dopamine has a central role in this scheme, acting through redox metallo-chemistry to catalyze the formation of toxic oligomers of alpha-synuclein and neurotoxic metabolites including 6-hydroxydopamine. It has been hypothesized that these feed the cycle of neurodegeneration by generating further oxidative stress. The goal of dissecting and understanding the observed pathological changes is to identify therapeutic targets to mitigate the progression of this debilitating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L George
- The Mental Health Research Institute of Victoria , 155 Oak Street, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
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Abstract
Hereditary dystonias in humans are frequently related to a specific mutation of the DYT1 gene that encodes torsinA. This mutation has been shown to disrupt neuronal cell migration during development. We compared adult neurogenesis, occurring in the hippocampus and the olfactory bulb, in transgenic mice overexpressing either the wild-type or mutant form of human torsinA. Neurogenesis was assessed by quantification of bromodeoxyuridine-labeled cells. Both transgenic mouse models displayed perinuclear inclusions in the brainstem and in mitral cells of the olfactory bulb, altered striatal dopamine levels, and behavioral abnormalities. However, both hippocampal and olfactory neurogenesis levels were unchanged compared with control animals. We conclude that overexpression of human wild-type or mutant torsinA does not affect the survival of adult newborn neurons.
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Magen I, Chesselet MF. Genetic mouse models of Parkinson's disease The state of the art. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2010; 184:53-87. [PMID: 20887870 DOI: 10.1016/s0079-6123(10)84004-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The identification of several mutations causing familial forms of Parkinson's disease (PD) has led to the creation of multiple lines of mice expressing similar genetic alterations. These models present a unique opportunity for understanding pathophysiological mechanisms leading to PD in a mammalian brain and provide models that are suitable for the preclinical testing of new therapies. Different lines of mice recapitulate the symptoms and pathological features of PD to various extents. This chapter examines their respective advantages and highlights some of the key findings that have already emerged from the analysis of these new models of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iddo Magen
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Buchman VL, Ninkina N. Modulation of alpha-synuclein expression in transgenic animals for modelling synucleinopathies--is the juice worth the squeeze? Neurotox Res 2009; 14:329-41. [PMID: 19073436 PMCID: PMC3153657 DOI: 10.1007/bf03033857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Studies of various animal models have made a substantial contribution to the recent progress in understanding the molecular and cellular basis of neurodegenerative disorders. Modelling of neuro-degeneration by genetic alteration of laboratory animals became one of the most powerful tools of modern experimental neurology. The crucial event in pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases known as synucleinopathies is modification of α-synuclein metabolism caused by missense mutations, increased expression of the gene, or impaired degradation or intracellular compart-mentalisation of the protein. Therefore, manipulations with expression of α-synuclein in laboratory animals were widely used for creating models of these diseases. In the present review we discuss strong and weak sides of such models, what has been already learned from studies of these animals and what types of models might be useful to further our knowledge about pathogenesis of different synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir L Buchman
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3US, UK.
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Marxreiter F, Nuber S, Kandasamy M, Klucken J, Aigner R, Burgmayer R, Couillard-Despres S, Riess O, Winkler J, Winner B. Changes in adult olfactory bulb neurogenesis in mice expressing the A30P mutant form of alpha-synuclein. Eur J Neurosci 2009; 29:879-90. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2009.06641.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Ninkina NN, Ustyugov AA, Buchman VL. Modeling synucleinopathies in genetically modified animals: Successes and failures. Mol Biol 2008. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893308050129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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25
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Expression patterns of Doppel gene in golden hamster: Quantification using real-time RT-PCR. Mol Cell Probes 2008; 22:255-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2008.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2008] [Revised: 04/04/2008] [Accepted: 04/24/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Abstract
Alpha-synuclein (alpha-syn) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of many neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson's disease. These disorders are characterized by various neurological and psychiatric symptoms based on progressive neuropathological alterations. Whether the neurodegenerative process might be halted or even reversed is presently unknown. Therefore, conditional mouse models are powerful tools to analyze the relationship between transgene expression and progression of the disease. To explore whether alpha-syn solely originates and further incites these alterations, we generated conditional mouse models by using the tet-regulatable system. Mice expressing high levels of human wild-type alpha-syn in midbrain and forebrain regions developed nigral and hippocampal neuropathology, including reduced neurogenesis and neurodegeneration in absence of fibrillary inclusions, leading to cognitive impairment and progressive motor decline. Turning off transgene expression in symptomatic mice halted progression but did not reverse the symptoms. Thus, our data suggest that approaches targeting alpha-syn-induced pathological pathways might be of benefit rather in early disease stages. Furthermore, alpha-syn-associated cytotoxicity is independent of filamentous inclusion body formation in our conditional mouse model.
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Zhou W, Milder JB, Freed CR. Transgenic Mice Overexpressing Tyrosine-to-Cysteine Mutant Human α-Synuclein. J Biol Chem 2008; 283:9863-70. [DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m710232200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
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alpha-Synucleinopathy models and human neuropathology: similarities and differences. Acta Neuropathol 2008; 115:87-95. [PMID: 17932682 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-007-0302-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2007] [Revised: 09/17/2007] [Accepted: 09/18/2007] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Point mutations and genomic multiplications in the alpha-synuclein (alphaSYN) gene cause autosomal-dominant Parkinson's disease. Moreover, alphaSYN fibrils are the major component of Lewy bodies, the neuropathological hallmarks of Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies as well as of glial cytoplasmic inclusions in multiple system atrophy. These diseases are collectively referred to as alpha-synucleinopathies. Cellular mechanisms regulating alphaSYN fibril formation and toxicity are intensely studied in vitro, and in cell culture and diverse animal models. Specific neuropathology was achieved in transgenic mouse models using several promoters to express human wild-type and mutant alphaSYN in brain regions affected by the various alpha-synucleinopathies. Somatodendritic accumulation of the transgenic alphaSYN with neuritic distortions was a common finding. The nigrostriatal dopaminergic projections were surprisingly resistant to alpha-synucleinopathy in transgenic mice, although they tended to be more vulnerable to neurotoxins. In a few mouse models, alphaSYN aggregated in an age-dependent manner into genuine fibrillar amyloid. Brain region selective alphaSYN neuropathology correlated with specific behavioral impairments, such as locomotor dysfunction and cognitive decline. Thus, the alphaSYN fibrillization process is tightly linked to neuropathology. The role and thus therapeutic potential of post-translational modifications (ubiquitinylation, oxidation, phosphorylation, truncation) and modifier genes on alphaSYN neuropathology can now be assessed in valid transgenic mouse models of alpha-synucleinopathies.
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Bai Q, Garver JA, Hukriede NA, Burton EA. Generation of a transgenic zebrafish model of Tauopathy using a novel promoter element derived from the zebrafish eno2 gene. Nucleic Acids Res 2007; 35:6501-16. [PMID: 17897967 PMCID: PMC2095798 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkm608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2007] [Revised: 07/25/2007] [Accepted: 07/26/2007] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to isolate cis-acting regulatory elements for the generation of transgenic zebrafish models of neurodegeneration. Zebrafish enolase-2 (eno2) showed neuronal expression increasing from 24 to 72 h post-fertilization (hpf) and persisting through adulthood. A 12 kb eno2 genomic fragment, extending from 8 kb upstream of exon 1 to exon 2, encompassing intron 1, was sufficient to drive neuronal reporter gene expression in vivo over a similar time course. Five independent lines of stable Tg(eno2 : GFP) zebrafish expressed GFP widely in neurons, including populations with relevance to neurodegeneration, such as cholinergic neurons, dopaminergic neurons and cerebellar Purkinje cells. We replaced the exon 2-GFP fusion gene with a cDNA encoding the 4-repeat isoform of the human microtubule-associated protein Tau. The first intron of eno2 was spliced with high fidelity and efficiency from the chimeric eno2-Tau transcript. Tau was expressed at approximately 8-fold higher levels in Tg(eno2 : Tau) zebrafish brain than normal human brain, and localized to axons, neuropil and ectopic neuronal somatic accumulations resembling neurofibrillary tangles. The 12 kb eno2 promoter drives high-level transgene expression in differentiated neurons throughout the CNS of stable transgenic zebrafish. This regulatory element will be useful for the construction of transgenic zebrafish models of neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Bai
- Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology, Department of Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Pittsburgh VA Healthcare System and Division of Movement Disorders, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jessica A. Garver
- Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology, Department of Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Pittsburgh VA Healthcare System and Division of Movement Disorders, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Neil A. Hukriede
- Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology, Department of Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Pittsburgh VA Healthcare System and Division of Movement Disorders, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Edward A. Burton
- Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology, Department of Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Pittsburgh VA Healthcare System and Division of Movement Disorders, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Abstract
AbstractDoppel is a newly recognized prion-like molecule encoded by a novel gene locus, PRND, located on the same chromosomal region of the prion (PRNP) coding gene. Doppel was considered a paralogue and the first member of the prion-gene family, possibly originated through an ancestral gene duplication event. Prion and doppel have different expression patterns, suggesting that the gene products exhibit different biological functions. Actually, doppel is not involved in the aetiology of the Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs) or “prion diseases” and is highly expressed only within the testicular tissue, suggesting an important physiological role in the process of spermatogenesis. The restricted spatial and temporal expression profile of doppel has suggested its investigation within particular pathological contexts, such as cancers, showing that it might represent a novel and attractive diagnostic molecular marker and that might provide insights into the regulatory pathways of tumor-cell transformation.
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Schoenebeck B, Bader V, Zhu XR, Schmitz B, Lübbert H, Stichel CC. Sgk1, a cell survival response in neurodegenerative diseases. Mol Cell Neurosci 2005; 30:249-64. [PMID: 16125969 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2005.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2005] [Revised: 06/09/2005] [Accepted: 07/28/2005] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Serum and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 (sgk1) belongs to a family of serine/threonine kinases that is under acute transcriptional control by serum and glucocorticoids. An expanding set of receptors and cellular stress pathways has been shown to enhance sgk1 expression, which is implicated in the regulation of ion channel conductance, cell volume, cell cycle progression, and apoptosis. Recent evidence for the involvement of sgk1 in the early pathogenesis of MPTP-induced Parkinson's disease (PD) prompted us to investigate in more detail its expression and role in animal models of different neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we show that transcription of sgk1 is increased in several animal models of PD and a transgenic model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The upregulation of sgk1 strongly correlates with the occurrence of cell death. Furthermore, we provide evidence that the Forkhead transcription factor FKHRL1 and some of the voltage-gated potassium channels are physiological substrates of sgk1 in vivo. Using a small interfering RNA approach to silence sgk1 transcripts in vitro, we give evidence that sgk1 exerts a protective role in oxidative stress situations. These findings underline a key role for sgk1 in the molecular pathway of cell death, in which sgk1 seems to exert a protective role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bodo Schoenebeck
- Animal Physiology, Biology, ND5/132, Ruhr-University Bochum, D-44780 Bochum, Germany
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