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Yu S, Chen X, Yang T, Cheng J, Liu E, Jiang L, Song M, Shu H, Ma Y. Revealing the mechanisms of blood-brain barrier in chronic neurodegenerative disease: an opportunity for therapeutic intervention. Rev Neurosci 2024; 0:revneuro-2024-0040. [PMID: 38967133 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2024-0040] [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: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
The brain microenvironment is tightly regulated, and the blood-brain barrier (BBB) plays a pivotal role in maintaining the homeostasis of the central nervous system. It effectively safeguards brain tissue from harmful substances in peripheral blood. However, both acute pathological factors and age-related biodegradation have the potential to compromise the integrity of the BBB and are associated with chronic neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD), as well as Epilepsy (EP). This association arises due to infiltration of peripheral foreign bodies including microorganisms, immune-inflammatory mediators, and plasma proteins into the central nervous system when the BBB is compromised. Nevertheless, these partial and generalized understandings do not prompt a shift from passive to active treatment approaches. Therefore, it is imperative to acquire a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying vascular disease alterations associated with the onset and progression of chronic neurodegenerative disorders, as well as the subsequent homeostatic changes triggered by BBB impairment. The present article aims to systematically summarize and review recent scientific work with a specific focus on elucidating the fundamental mechanisms underlying BBB damage in AD, PD, and EP as well as their consequential impact on disease progression. These findings not only offer guidance for optimizing the physiological function of the BBB, but also provide valuable insights for developing intervention strategies aimed at early restoration of BBB structural integrity, thereby laying a solid foundation for designing drug delivery strategies centered around the BBB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sixun Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Western Theater General Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
- College of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Western Theater General Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Tao Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Western Theater General Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Jingmin Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Western Theater General Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Enyu Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Western Theater General Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Lingli Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Western Theater General Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Min Song
- Department of Neurosurgery, Western Theater General Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Haifeng Shu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Western Theater General Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
- College of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yuan Ma
- Department of Neurosurgery, Western Theater General Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan Province, China
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Al-Musawi I, Dennis BH, Clowry GJ, LeBeau FEN. Evidence for prodromal changes in neuronal excitability and neuroinflammation in the hippocampus in young alpha-synuclein (A30P) transgenic mice. FRONTIERS IN DEMENTIA 2024; 3:1404841. [PMID: 39081599 PMCID: PMC11285622 DOI: 10.3389/frdem.2024.1404841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Neuronal hyperexcitability and neuroinflammation are thought to occur at early stages in a range of neurodegenerative diseases. Neuroinflammation, notably activation of microglia, has been identified as a potential prodromal marker of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Using a transgenic mouse model of DLB that over-expresses human mutant (A30P) alpha-synuclein (hα-syn) we have investigated whether early neuroinflammation is evident in the hippocampus in young pre-symptomatic animals. Methods Previous studies have shown early hyperexcitability in the hippocampal CA3 region in male A30P mice at 2-4 months of age, therefore, in the current study we have immunostained this region for markers of neuronal activity (c-Fos), reactive astrocytes (glial fibrillary acidic protein, GFAP), microglia (ionizing calcium binding adapter protein 1, Iba-1) and reactive microglia (inducible nitric oxide synthase, iNOS). Results We found an interesting biphasic change in the expression of c-Fos in A30P mice with high expression at 1 month, consistent with early onset of hyperexcitability, but lower expression from 2-4 months in male A30P mice compared to wild-type (WT) controls, possibly indicating chronic hyperexcitability. Neuroinflammation was indicated by significant increases in the % area of GFAP and the number of Iba-1+ cells that expressed iNOS immunoreactivity in the CA3 region in 2-4 months A30P male mice compared to WT controls. A similar increase in % area of GFAP was observed in female A30P mice, however, the Iba-1 count was not different between female WT and A30P mice. In WT mice aged 2-4 months only 4.6% of Iba-1+ cells co-expressed iNOS. In contrast, in age matched A30P mice 87% of cells co-expressed Iba-1 and iNOS. Although there was no difference in GFAP immunoreactivity at 1 month, Iba-1/iNOS co-expression was also increased in a cohort of 1 month old A30P mice. Discussion Abnormal hα-syn expression in A30P mice caused early changes in network excitability, as indicated by c-Fos expression, and neuroinflammation which might contribute to disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Fiona E. N. LeBeau
- Biosciences Institute and Centre for Transformative Neuroscience, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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3
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Lloyd GM, Quintin S, Sorrentino ZA, Gorion KMM, Bell BM, Long B, Paterno G, Giasson BI. A multiverse of α-synuclein: investigation of prion strain properties with carboxyl-terminal truncation specific antibodies in animal models. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2024; 12:91. [PMID: 38858742 PMCID: PMC11163735 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-024-01805-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Synucleinopathies are a group of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by the presence of misfolded α-Synuclein (αSyn) in the brain. These conditions manifest with diverse clinical and pathophysiological characteristics. This disease diversity is hypothesized to be driven by αSyn strains with differing biophysical properties, potentially influencing prion-type propagation and consequentially the progression of illness. Previously, we investigated this hypothesis by injecting brain lysate (seeds) from deceased individuals with various synucleinopathies or human recombinant αSyn preformed fibrils (PFFs) into transgenic mice overexpressing either wild type or A53T human αSyn. In the studies herein, we expanded on these experiments, utilizing a panel of antibodies specific for the major carboxyl-terminally truncated forms of αSyn (αSynΔC). These modified forms of αSyn are found enriched in human disease brains to inform on potential strain-specific proteolytic patterns. With monoclonal antibodies specific for human αSyn cleaved at residues 103, 114, 122, 125, and 129, we demonstrate that multiple system atrophy (MSA) seeds and PFFs induce differing neuroanatomical spread of αSyn pathology associated with host specific profiles. Overall, αSyn cleaved at residue 103 was most widely present in the induced pathological inclusions. Furthermore, αSynΔC-positive inclusions were present in astrocytes, but more frequently in activated microglia, with patterns dependent on host and inoculum. These findings support the hypothesis that synucleinopathy heterogeneity might stem from αSyn strains with unique biochemical properties that include proteolytic processing, which could result in dominant strain properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace M Lloyd
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, BMS J483/CTRND, 1275 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Stephan Quintin
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, BMS J483/CTRND, 1275 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Zachary A Sorrentino
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, BMS J483/CTRND, 1275 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Kimberly-Marie M Gorion
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, BMS J483/CTRND, 1275 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Brach M Bell
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, BMS J483/CTRND, 1275 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Brooke Long
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, BMS J483/CTRND, 1275 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Giavanna Paterno
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, BMS J483/CTRND, 1275 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Benoit I Giasson
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, BMS J483/CTRND, 1275 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
- McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
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4
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Schorova L, Bedard N, Khayachi A, Ho HH, Bolivar-Pedroso J, Huynh J, Piccirelli M, Wang Y, Plourde M, Luo W, Del Cid-Pellitero E, Shlaifer I, Castellanos-Montiel MJ, Yu Z, Valenzuela DVC, Lacalle-Aurioles M, Kriz A, Ye Y, Durcan TM, Wing SS. USP19 deubiquitinase inactivation regulates α-synuclein ubiquitination and inhibits accumulation of Lewy body-like aggregates in mice. NPJ Parkinsons Dis 2023; 9:157. [PMID: 38017009 PMCID: PMC10684503 DOI: 10.1038/s41531-023-00601-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The USP19 deubiquitinase is found in a locus associated with Parkinson's Disease (PD), interacts with chaperonins, and promotes secretion of α-synuclein (α-syn) through the misfolding-associated protein secretion (MAPS) pathway. Since these processes might modulate the processing of α-syn aggregates in PD, we inactivated USP19 (KO) in mice expressing the A53T mutation of α-syn and in whom α-syn preformed fibrils (PFF) had been injected in the striatum. Compared to WT, KO brains showed decreased accumulation of phospho-synuclein (pSyn) positive aggregates. This improvement was associated with less activation of microglia and improved performance in a tail-suspension test. Exposure of primary neurons from WT and KO mice to PFF in vitro also led to decreased accumulation of pSyn aggregates. KO did not affect uptake of PFF nor propagation of aggregates in the cultured neurons. We conclude that USP19 instead modulates intracellular dynamics of aggregates. At an early time following PFF injection when the number of pSyn-positive neurons were similar in WT and KO brains, the KO neurons contained less aggregates. KO brain aggregates stained more intensely with anti-ubiquitin antibodies. Immunoprecipitation of soluble proteins from WT and KO brains with antibodies to pSyn showed higher levels of ubiquitinated oligomeric species in the KO samples. We propose that the improved pathology in USP19 KO brains may arise from decreased formation or enhanced clearance of the more ubiquitinated aggregates and/or enhanced disassembly towards more soluble oligomeric species. USP19 inhibition may represent a novel therapeutic approach that targets the intracellular dynamics of α-syn complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenka Schorova
- Department of Medicine, McGill University and Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Nathalie Bedard
- Department of Medicine, McGill University and Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Anouar Khayachi
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Hung-Hsiang Ho
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Joao Bolivar-Pedroso
- Department of Medicine, McGill University and Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Julie Huynh
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Mikaela Piccirelli
- Department of Medicine, McGill University and Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Yifei Wang
- Department of Medicine, McGill University and Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Marie Plourde
- Department of Medicine, McGill University and Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Wen Luo
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Irina Shlaifer
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - María José Castellanos-Montiel
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Ziqi Yu
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | | | - Anita Kriz
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Yihong Ye
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Thomas M Durcan
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - Simon S Wing
- Department of Medicine, McGill University and Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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5
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Bhatia TN, Jamenis AS, Abbas M, Clark RN, Miner KM, Chandwani MN, Kim RE, Hilinski W, O'Donnell LA, Luk KC, Shi Y, Hu X, Chen J, Brodsky JL, Leak RK. A 14-day pulse of PLX5622 modifies α-synucleinopathy in preformed fibril-infused aged mice of both sexes. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 184:106196. [PMID: 37315905 PMCID: PMC10528721 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106196] [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: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Reactive microglia are observed with aging and in Lewy body disorders, including within the olfactory bulb of men with Parkinson's disease. However, the functional impact of microglia in these disorders is still debated. Resetting these reactive cells by a brief dietary pulse of the colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R) inhibitor PLX5622 may hold therapeutic potential against Lewy-related pathologies. To our knowledge, withdrawal of PLX5622 after short-term exposure has not been tested in the preformed α-synuclein fibril (PFF) model, including in aged mice of both sexes. Compared to aged female mice, we report that aged males on the control diet showed higher numbers of phosphorylated α-synuclein+ inclusions in the limbic rhinencephalon after PFFs were injected in the posterior olfactory bulb. However, aged females displayed larger inclusion sizes compared to males. Short-term (14-day) dietary exposure to PLX5622 followed by control chow reduced inclusion numbers and levels of insoluble α-synuclein in aged males-but not females-and unexpectedly raised inclusion sizes in both sexes. Transient delivery of PLX5622 also improved spatial reference memory in PFF-infused aged mice, as evidenced by an increase in novel arm entries in a Y-maze. Superior memory was positively correlated with inclusion sizes but negatively correlated with inclusion numbers. Although we caution that PLX5622 delivery must be tested further in models of α-synucleinopathy, our data suggest that larger-sized-but fewer-α-synucleinopathic structures are associated with better neurological outcomes in PFF-infused aged mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarun N Bhatia
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Anuj S Jamenis
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Muslim Abbas
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Rachel N Clark
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kristin M Miner
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Manisha N Chandwani
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Roxanne E Kim
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Lauren A O'Donnell
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kelvin C Luk
- Dept. of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yejie Shi
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Health Care System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders & Recovery and Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Xiaoming Hu
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Health Care System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders & Recovery and Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jun Chen
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Health Care System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders & Recovery and Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jeffrey L Brodsky
- Dept. of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Rehana K Leak
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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6
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Björk L, Klingstedt T, Nilsson KPR. Thiophene-Based Ligands: Design, Synthesis and Their Utilization for Optical Assignment of Polymorphic-Disease-Associated Protein Aggregates. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202300044. [PMID: 36891883 PMCID: PMC10404026 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
The development of ligands for detecting protein aggregates is of great interest, as these aggregated proteinaceous species are the pathological hallmarks of several devastating diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. In this regard, thiophene-based ligands have emerged as powerful tools for fluorescent assessment of these pathological entities. The intrinsic conformationally sensitive photophysical properties of poly- and oligothiophenes have allowed optical assignment of disease-associated protein aggregates in tissue sections, as well as real-time in vivo imaging of protein deposits. Herein, we recount the chemical evolution of different generations of thiophene-based ligands, and exemplify their use for the optical distinction of polymorphic protein aggregates. Furthermore, the chemical determinants for achieving a superior fluorescent thiophene-based ligand, as well as the next generation of thiophene-based ligands targeting distinct aggregated species are described. Finally, the directions for future research into the chemical design of thiophene-based ligands that can aid in resolving the scientific challenges around protein aggregation diseases are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linnea Björk
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, 581 83, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Therése Klingstedt
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, 581 83, Linköping, Sweden
| | - K Peter R Nilsson
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, 581 83, Linköping, Sweden
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7
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Balusu S, Praschberger R, Lauwers E, De Strooper B, Verstreken P. Neurodegeneration cell per cell. Neuron 2023; 111:767-786. [PMID: 36787752 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
The clinical definition of neurodegenerative diseases is based on symptoms that reflect terminal damage of specific brain regions. This is misleading as it tells little about the initial disease processes. Circuitry failures that underlie the clinical symptomatology are themselves preceded by clinically mostly silent, slowly progressing multicellular processes that trigger or are triggered by the accumulation of abnormally folded proteins such as Aβ, Tau, TDP-43, and α-synuclein, among others. Methodological advances in single-cell omics, combined with complex genetics and novel ways to model complex cellular interactions using induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, make it possible to analyze the early cellular phase of neurodegenerative disorders. This will revolutionize the way we study those diseases and will translate into novel diagnostics and cell-specific therapeutic targets, stopping these disorders in their early track before they cause difficult-to-reverse damage to the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sriram Balusu
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium; KU Leuven Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Roman Praschberger
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium; KU Leuven Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Elsa Lauwers
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium; KU Leuven Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bart De Strooper
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium; KU Leuven Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium; UK Dementia Research Institute, London, UK.
| | - Patrik Verstreken
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium; KU Leuven Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium.
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8
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The Interplay between α-Synuclein and Microglia in α-Synucleinopathies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032477. [PMID: 36768798 PMCID: PMC9916729 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Synucleinopathies are a set of devastating neurodegenerative diseases that share a pathologic accumulation of the protein α-synuclein (α-syn). This accumulation causes neuronal death resulting in irreversible dementia, deteriorating motor symptoms, and devastating cognitive decline. While the etiology of these conditions remains largely unknown, microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS), have been consistently implicated in the pathogenesis of synucleinopathies. Microglia are generally believed to be neuroprotective in the early stages of α-syn accumulation and contribute to further neurodegeneration in chronic disease states. While the molecular mechanisms by which microglia achieve this role are still being investigated, here we highlight the major findings to date. In this review, we describe how structural varieties of inherently disordered α-syn result in varied microglial receptor-mediated interactions. We also summarize which microglial receptors enable cellular recognition and uptake of α-syn. Lastly, we review the downstream effects of α-syn processing within microglia, including spread to other brain regions resulting in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in chronic disease states. Understanding the mechanism of microglial interactions with α-syn is vital to conceptualizing molecular targets for novel therapeutic interventions. In addition, given the significant diversity in the pathophysiology of synucleinopathies, such molecular interactions are vital in gauging all potential pathways of neurodegeneration in the disease state.
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Dieriks BV, Highet B, Alik A, Bellande T, Stevenson TJ, Low V, Park TIH, Correia J, Schweder P, Faull RLM, Melki R, Curtis MA, Dragunow M. Human pericytes degrade diverse α-synuclein aggregates. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0277658. [PMID: 36399706 PMCID: PMC9674377 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive, neurodegenerative disorder characterised by the abnormal accumulation of α-synuclein (α-syn) aggregates. Central to disease progression is the gradual spread of pathological α-syn. α-syn aggregation is closely linked to progressive neuron loss. As such, clearance of α-syn aggregates may slow the progression of PD and lead to less severe symptoms. Evidence is increasing that non-neuronal cells play a role in PD and other synucleinopathies such as Lewy body dementia and multiple system atrophy. Our previous work has shown that pericytes-vascular mural cells that regulate the blood-brain barrier-contain α-syn aggregates in human PD brains. Here, we demonstrate that pericytes efficiently internalise fibrillar α-syn irrespective of being in a monoculture or mixed neuronal cell culture. Pericytes cleave fibrillar α-syn aggregates (Fibrils, Ribbons, fibrils65, fibrils91 and fibrils110), with cleaved α-syn remaining present for up to 21 days. The number of α-syn aggregates/cell and average aggregate size depends on the type of strain, but differences disappear within 5 five hours of treatment. Our results highlight the role brain vasculature may play in reducing α-syn aggregate burden in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birger Victor Dieriks
- Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- * E-mail: (BVD); (MD)
| | - Blake Highet
- Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ania Alik
- Molecular Imaging Research Center, Francois Jacob Institute, Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission, and Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, National Center for Scientific Research, Fontenay‐ Aux‐Roses, France
| | - Tracy Bellande
- Molecular Imaging Research Center, Francois Jacob Institute, Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission, and Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, National Center for Scientific Research, Fontenay‐ Aux‐Roses, France
| | - Taylor J. Stevenson
- Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Victoria Low
- Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Thomas I-H Park
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jason Correia
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Patrick Schweder
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Richard L. M. Faull
- Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ronald Melki
- Molecular Imaging Research Center, Francois Jacob Institute, Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission, and Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, National Center for Scientific Research, Fontenay‐ Aux‐Roses, France
| | - Maurice A. Curtis
- Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Mike Dragunow
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- * E-mail: (BVD); (MD)
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10
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Therapeutic functions of astrocytes to treat α-synuclein pathology in Parkinson’s disease. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2110746119. [PMID: 35858361 PMCID: PMC9304026 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2110746119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Intraneuronal inclusions of misfolded α-synuclein (α-syn) and prion-like spread of the pathologic α-syn contribute to progressive neuronal death in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Despite the pathologic significance, no efficient therapeutic intervention targeting α-synucleinopathy has been developed. In this study, we provide evidence that astrocytes, especially those cultured from the ventral midbrain (VM), show therapeutic potential to alleviate α-syn pathology in multiple in vitro and in vivo α-synucleinopathic models. Regulation of neuronal α-syn proteostasis underlies the therapeutic function of astrocytes. Specifically, VM-derived astrocytes inhibited neuronal α-syn aggregation and transmission in a paracrine manner by correcting not only intraneuronal oxidative and mitochondrial stresses but also extracellular inflammatory environments, in which α-syn proteins are prone to pathologic misfolding. The astrocyte-derived paracrine factors also promoted disassembly of extracellular α-syn aggregates. In addition to the aggregated form of α-syn, VM astrocytes reduced total α-syn protein loads both by actively scavenging extracellular α-syn fibrils and by a paracrine stimulation of neuronal autophagic clearance of α-syn. Transplantation of VM astrocytes into the midbrain of PD model mice alleviated α-syn pathology and protected the midbrain dopamine neurons from neurodegeneration. We further showed that cografting of VM astrocytes could be exploited in stem cell–based therapy for PD, in which host-to-graft transmission of α-syn pathology remains a critical concern for long-term cell therapeutic effects.
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Abstract
SignificanceSingle-cell transcriptomics has revealed specific glial activation states associated with the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease (AD and PD). What is still needed are clinically relevant biomarkers for deciphering such glial states in AD and PD patients. To this end, we applied proteome analysis in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of mouse models of AD and PD pathology. This allowed us to identify a panel of glial CSF proteins that largely match the transcriptomic changes. The identified proteins can also be quantified in human CSF and show changes in AD patients, supporting their relevance as biomarker candidates to stage glial activation in patients with neurodegenerative diseases.
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Macdonald JA, Chen JL, Masuda-Suzukake M, Schweighauser M, Jaunmuktane Z, Warner T, Holton JL, Grossman A, Berks R, Lavenir I, Goedert M. Assembly of α-synuclein and neurodegeneration in the central nervous system of heterozygous M83 mice following the peripheral administration of α-synuclein seeds. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2021; 9:189. [PMID: 34819144 PMCID: PMC8611835 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-021-01291-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Peripheral administration (oral, intranasal, intraperitoneal, intravenous) of assembled A53T α-synuclein induced synucleinopathy in heterozygous mice transgenic for human mutant A53T α-synuclein (line M83). The same was the case when cerebellar extracts from a case of multiple system atrophy with type II α-synuclein filaments were administered intraperitoneally, intravenously or intramuscularly. We observed abundant immunoreactivity for pS129 α-synuclein in nerve cells and severe motor impairment, resulting in hindlimb paralysis and shortened lifespan. Filaments immunoreactive for pS129 α-synuclein were in evidence. A 70% loss of motor neurons was present five months after an intraperitoneal injection of assembled A53T α-synuclein or cerebellar extract with type II α-synuclein filaments from an individual with a neuropathologically confirmed diagnosis of multiple system atrophy. Microglial cells changed from a predominantly ramified to a dystrophic appearance. Taken together, these findings establish a close relationship between the formation of α-synuclein inclusions in nerve cells and neurodegeneration, accompanied by a shift in microglial cell morphology. Propagation of α-synuclein inclusions depended on the characteristics of both seeds and transgenically expressed protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Macdonald
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK
| | - John L Chen
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK
| | | | - Manuel Schweighauser
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Zane Jaunmuktane
- Queen Square Brain Bank for Neurological Disorders, UCL Institute of Neurology, 1 Wakefield Street, London, WC1N 1PJ, UK
| | - Thomas Warner
- Queen Square Brain Bank for Neurological Disorders, UCL Institute of Neurology, 1 Wakefield Street, London, WC1N 1PJ, UK
| | - Janice L Holton
- Queen Square Brain Bank for Neurological Disorders, UCL Institute of Neurology, 1 Wakefield Street, London, WC1N 1PJ, UK
| | | | - Richard Berks
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Isabelle Lavenir
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Michel Goedert
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK.
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Barth M, Bacioglu M, Schwarz N, Novotny R, Brandes J, Welzer M, Mazzitelli S, Häsler LM, Schweighauser M, Wuttke TV, Kronenberg-Versteeg D, Fog K, Ambjørn M, Alik A, Melki R, Kahle PJ, Shimshek DR, Koch H, Jucker M, Tanriöver G. Microglial inclusions and neurofilament light chain release follow neuronal α-synuclein lesions in long-term brain slice cultures. Mol Neurodegener 2021; 16:54. [PMID: 34380535 PMCID: PMC8356412 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-021-00471-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Proteopathic brain lesions are a hallmark of many age-related neurodegenerative diseases including synucleinopathies and develop at least a decade before the onset of clinical symptoms. Thus, understanding of the initiation and propagation of such lesions is key for developing therapeutics to delay or halt disease progression. METHODS Alpha-synuclein (αS) inclusions were induced in long-term murine and human slice cultures by seeded aggregation. An αS seed-recognizing human antibody was tested for blocking seeding and/or spreading of the αS lesions. Release of neurofilament light chain (NfL) into the culture medium was assessed. RESULTS To study initial stages of α-synucleinopathies, we induced αS inclusions in murine hippocampal slice cultures by seeded aggregation. Induction of αS inclusions in neurons was apparent as early as 1week post-seeding, followed by the occurrence of microglial inclusions in vicinity of the neuronal lesions at 2-3 weeks. The amount of αS inclusions was dependent on the type of αS seed and on the culture's genetic background (wildtype vs A53T-αS genotype). Formation of αS inclusions could be monitored by neurofilament light chain protein release into the culture medium, a fluid biomarker of neurodegeneration commonly used in clinical settings. Local microinjection of αS seeds resulted in spreading of αS inclusions to neuronally connected hippocampal subregions, and seeding and spreading could be inhibited by an αS seed-recognizing human antibody. We then applied parameters of the murine cultures to surgical resection-derived adult human long-term neocortical slice cultures from 22 to 61-year-old donors. Similarly, in these human slice cultures, proof-of-principle induction of αS lesions was achieved at 1week post-seeding in combination with viral A53T-αS expressions. CONCLUSION The successful translation of these brain cultures from mouse to human with the first reported induction of human αS lesions in a true adult human brain environment underlines the potential of this model to study proteopathic lesions in intact mouse and now even aged human brain environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Barth
- DZNE, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
- Department of Cellular Neurology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
- Graduate Training Center of Neuroscience, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Mehtap Bacioglu
- DZNE, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
- Department of Cellular Neurology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
- Graduate Training Center of Neuroscience, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Niklas Schwarz
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Renata Novotny
- DZNE, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
- Department of Cellular Neurology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Janine Brandes
- Department of Cellular Neurology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Marc Welzer
- DZNE, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
- Department of Cellular Neurology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
- Graduate Training Center of Neuroscience, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Sonia Mazzitelli
- DZNE, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
- Department of Cellular Neurology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Lisa M. Häsler
- DZNE, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
- Department of Cellular Neurology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Manuel Schweighauser
- DZNE, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
- Department of Cellular Neurology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Thomas V. Wuttke
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Deborah Kronenberg-Versteeg
- DZNE, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
- Department of Cellular Neurology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Karina Fog
- Division of Neuroscience, H. Lundbeck A/S, 2500 Valby, Denmark
| | - Malene Ambjørn
- Division of Neuroscience, H. Lundbeck A/S, 2500 Valby, Denmark
| | - Ania Alik
- MIRCen, CEA and Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, CNRS, Institut François Jacob, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Ronald Melki
- MIRCen, CEA and Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, CNRS, Institut François Jacob, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Philipp J. Kahle
- DZNE, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
- Laboratory of Functional Neurogenetics, Department of Neurodegeneration, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Derya R. Shimshek
- Neuroscience Research, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Henner Koch
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
- Department of Epileptology, Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Mathias Jucker
- DZNE, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
- Department of Cellular Neurology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Gaye Tanriöver
- DZNE, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
- Department of Cellular Neurology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
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Lysosomal Functions in Glia Associated with Neurodegeneration. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11030400. [PMID: 33803137 PMCID: PMC7999372 DOI: 10.3390/biom11030400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Lysosomes are cellular organelles that contain various acidic digestive enzymes. Despite their small size, they have multiple functions. Lysosomes remove or recycle unnecessary cell parts. They repair damaged cellular membranes by exocytosis. Lysosomes also sense cellular energy status and transmit signals to the nucleus. Glial cells are non-neuronal cells in the nervous system and have an active role in homeostatic support for neurons. In response to dynamic cues, glia use lysosomal pathways for the secretion and uptake of regulatory molecules, which affect the physiology of neighboring neurons. Therefore, functional aberration of glial lysosomes can trigger neuronal degeneration. Here, we review lysosomal functions in oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, and microglia, with emphasis on neurodegeneration.
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Underwood R, Gannon M, Pathak A, Kapa N, Chandra S, Klop A, Yacoubian TA. 14-3-3 mitigates alpha-synuclein aggregation and toxicity in the in vivo preformed fibril model. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2021; 9:13. [PMID: 33413679 PMCID: PMC7792107 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-020-01110-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Alpha-synuclein (αsyn) is the key component of proteinaceous aggregates termed Lewy Bodies that pathologically define a group of disorders known as synucleinopathies, including Parkinson's Disease (PD) and Dementia with Lewy Bodies. αSyn is hypothesized to misfold and spread throughout the brain in a prion-like fashion. Transmission of αsyn necessitates the release of misfolded αsyn from one cell and the uptake of that αsyn by another, in which it can template the misfolding of endogenous αsyn upon cell internalization. 14-3-3 proteins are a family of highly expressed brain proteins that are neuroprotective in multiple PD models. We have previously shown that 14-3-3θ acts as a chaperone to reduce αsyn aggregation, cell-to-cell transmission, and neurotoxicity in the in vitro pre-formed fibril (PFF) model. In this study, we expanded our studies to test the impact of 14-3-3s on αsyn toxicity in the in vivo αsyn PFF model. We used both transgenic expression models and adenovirus associated virus (AAV)-mediated expression to examine whether 14-3-3 manipulation impacts behavioral deficits, αsyn aggregation, and neuronal counts in the PFF model. 14-3-3θ transgene overexpression in cortical and amygdala regions rescued social dominance deficits induced by PFFs at 6 months post injection, whereas 14-3-3 inhibition by transgene expression of the competitive 14-3-3 peptide inhibitor difopein in the cortex and amygdala accelerated social dominance deficits. The behavioral rescue by 14-3-3θ overexpression was associated with delayed αsyn aggregation induced by PFFs in these brain regions. Conversely, 14-3-3 inhibition by difopein in the cortex and amygdala accelerated αsyn aggregation and reduction in NECAB1-positive neuron counts induced by PFFs. 14-3-3θ overexpression by AAV in the substantia nigra (SN) also delayed αsyn aggregation in the SN and partially rescued PFF-induced reduction in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive dopaminergic cells in the SN. 14-3-3 inhibition in the SN accelerated nigral αsyn aggregation and enhanced PFF-induced reduction in TH-positive dopaminergic cells. These data indicate a neuroprotective role for 14-3-3θ against αsyn toxicity in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Underwood
- Department of Neurology, Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294 USA
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Maloney Building, 3rd Floor, 3600 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-2676 USA
| | - Mary Gannon
- Department of Neurology, Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294 USA
| | - Aneesh Pathak
- Department of Neurology, Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294 USA
| | - Navya Kapa
- Department of Neurology, Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294 USA
| | - Sidhanth Chandra
- Department of Neurology, Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294 USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611 USA
| | - Alyssa Klop
- Department of Neurology, Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294 USA
| | - Talene A. Yacoubian
- Department of Neurology, Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294 USA
- Civitan International Research Center, Room 510A, 1719 Sixth Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294 USA
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16
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Bartels T, De Schepper S, Hong S. Microglia modulate neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Science 2020; 370:66-69. [PMID: 33004513 DOI: 10.1126/science.abb8587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 212] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Dementia is a rapidly rising global health crisis that silently disables families and ends lives and livelihoods around the world. To date, however, no early biomarkers or effective therapies exist. It is now clear that brain microglia are more than mere bystanders or amyloid phagocytes; they can act as governors of neuronal function and homeostasis in the adult brain. Here, we highlight the fundamental role of microglia as tissue-resident macrophages in neuronal health. Then, we suggest how chronic impairment in microglia-neuron cross-talk may secure the permanence of the failure of synaptic and neuronal function and health in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Understanding how to assess and modulate microglia-neuron interactions critical for brain health will be key to developing effective therapies for dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Bartels
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Sebastiaan De Schepper
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Soyon Hong
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
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17
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Schaser AJ, Stackhouse TL, Weston LJ, Kerstein PC, Osterberg VR, López CS, Dickson DW, Luk KC, Meshul CK, Woltjer RL, Unni VK. Trans-synaptic and retrograde axonal spread of Lewy pathology following pre-formed fibril injection in an in vivo A53T alpha-synuclein mouse model of synucleinopathy. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2020; 8:150. [PMID: 32859276 PMCID: PMC7456087 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-020-01026-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
It is necessary to develop an understanding of the specific mechanisms involved in alpha-synuclein aggregation and propagation to develop disease modifying therapies for age-related synucleinopathies, including Parkinson's disease and Dementia with Lewy Bodies. To adequately address this question, we developed a new transgenic mouse model of synucleinopathy that expresses human A53T SynGFP under control of the mouse prion protein promoter. Our characterization of this mouse line demonstrates that it exhibits several distinct advantages over other, currently available, mouse models. This new model allows rigorous study of the initial location of Lewy pathology formation and propagation in the living brain, and strongly suggests that aggregation begins in axonal structures with retrograde propagation to the cell body. This model also shows expeditious development of alpha-synuclein pathology following induction with small, in vitro-generated alpha-synuclein pre-formed fibrils (PFFs), as well as accelerated cell death of inclusion-bearing cells. Using this model, we found that aggregated alpha-synuclein somatic inclusions developed first in neurons, but later showed a second wave of inclusion formation in astrocytes. Interestingly, astrocytes appear to survive much longer after inclusion formation than their neuronal counterparts. This model also allowed careful study of peripheral-to-central spread of Lewy pathology after PFF injection into the hind limb musculature. Our results clearly show evidence of progressive, retrograde trans-synaptic spread of Lewy pathology through known neuroanatomically connected pathways in the motor system. As such, we have developed a promising tool to understand the biology of neurodegeneration associated with alpha-synuclein aggregation and to discover new treatments capable of altering the neurodegenerative disease course of synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison J Schaser
- Department of Neurology and Jungers Center for Neurosciences Research, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Teresa L Stackhouse
- Department of Neurology and Jungers Center for Neurosciences Research, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Leah J Weston
- Department of Neurology and Jungers Center for Neurosciences Research, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Patrick C Kerstein
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Valerie R Osterberg
- Department of Neurology and Jungers Center for Neurosciences Research, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Claudia S López
- Multiscale Microscopy Core, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Dennis W Dickson
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Kelvin C Luk
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Charles K Meshul
- Research Services, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Randall L Woltjer
- Department of Pathology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Vivek K Unni
- Department of Neurology and Jungers Center for Neurosciences Research, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
- Parkinson Center, Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
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