1
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Rodriguez P, Blakely RD. Sink or swim: Does a worm paralysis phenotype hold clues to neurodegenerative disease? J Cell Physiol 2024; 239:e31125. [PMID: 37795580 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31125] [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: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Receiving a neurodegenerative disease (NDD) diagnosis, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is devastating, particularly given the limited options for treatment. Advances in genetic technologies have allowed for efficient modeling of NDDs in animals and brought hope for new disease-modifying medications. The complexity of the mammalian brain and the costs and time needed to identify and develop therapeutic leads limits progress. Modeling NDDs in invertebrates, such as the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster and the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, offers orders of magnitude increases in speed of genetic analysis and manipulation, and can be pursued at substantially reduced cost, providing an important, platform complement and inform research with mammalian NDD models. In this review, we describe how our efforts to exploit C. elegans for the study of neural signaling and health led to the discovery of a paralytic phenotype (swimming-induced paralysis) associated with altered dopamine signaling and, surprisingly, to the discovery of a novel gene and pathway whose dysfunction in glial cells triggers neurodegeneration. Research to date on swip-10 and its putative mammalian ortholog MBLAC1, suggests that a tandem analysis will offer insights into NDD mechanisms and insights into novel, disease-modifying therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Rodriguez
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
| | - Randy D Blakely
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
- Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida, USA
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2
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Barker E, Morgan A, Barclay JW. Tissue distribution of cysteine string protein/DNAJC5 in C. elegans analysed by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated tagging of endogenous DNJ-14. Cell Tissue Res 2024; 396:41-55. [PMID: 38403745 PMCID: PMC10997724 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-024-03875-w] [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: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Cysteine string protein (CSP) is a member of the DnaJ/Hsp40 family of molecular chaperones. CSP is enriched in neurons, where it mainly localises to synaptic vesicles. Mutations in CSP-encoding genes in flies, worms, mice and humans result in neuronal dysfunction, neurodegeneration and reduced lifespan. Most attention has therefore focused on CSP's neuronal functions, although CSP is also expressed in non-neuronal cells. Here, we used genome editing to fluorescently tag the Caenorhabditis elegans CSP orthologue, dnj-14, to identify which tissues preferentially express CSP and hence may contribute to the observed mutant phenotypes. Replacement of dnj-14 with wrmScarlet caused a strong chemotaxis defect, as seen with other dnj-14 null mutants. In contrast, inserting the reporter in-frame to create a DNJ-14-wrmScarlet fusion protein had no effect on chemotaxis, indicating that C-terminal tagging does not impair DNJ-14 function. WrmScarlet fluorescence appeared most obvious in the intestine, head/pharynx, spermathecae and vulva/uterus in the reporter strains, suggesting that DNJ-14 is preferentially expressed in these tissues. Crossing the DNJ-14-wrmScarlet strain with GFP marker strains confirmed the intestinal and pharyngeal expression, but only a partial overlap with neuronal GFP was observed. DNJ-14-wrmScarlet fluorescence in the intestine was increased in response to starvation, which may be relevant to mammalian CSPα's role in microautophagy. DNJ-14's enrichment in worm reproductive tissues (spermathecae and vulva/uterus) parallels the testis-specific expression of CSPβ and CSPγ isoforms in mammals. Furthermore, CSPα messenger RNA is highly expressed in the human proximal digestive tract, suggesting that CSP may have a conserved, but overlooked, function within the gastrointestinal system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor Barker
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Cell Signalling, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Crown St, Liverpool, L69 3BX, UK
- Current address: Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Gastroenterology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Alan Morgan
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Cell Signalling, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Crown St, Liverpool, L69 3BX, UK.
| | - Jeff W Barclay
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Cell Signalling, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Crown St, Liverpool, L69 3BX, UK.
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3
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da Silva LPD, da Cruz Guedes E, Fernandes ICO, Pedroza LAL, da Silva Pereira GJ, Gubert P. Exploring Caenorhabditis elegans as Parkinson's Disease Model: Neurotoxins and Genetic Implications. Neurotox Res 2024; 42:11. [PMID: 38319410 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-024-00686-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the world, the first being Alzheimer's disease. Patients with PD have a loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra of the basal ganglia, which controls voluntary movements, causing a motor impairment as a result of dopaminergic signaling impairment. Studies have shown that mutations in several genes, such as SNCA, PARK2, PINK1, DJ-1, ATP13A2, and LRRK2, and the exposure to neurotoxic agents can potentially increase the chances of PD development. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) plays an important role in studying the risk factors, such as genetic factors, aging, exposure to chemicals, disease progression, and drug treatments for PD. C. elegans has a conserved neurotransmission system during evolution; it produces dopamine, through the eight dopaminergic neurons; it can be used to study the effect of neurotoxins and also has strains that express human α-synuclein. Furthermore, the human PD-related genes, LRK-1, PINK-1, PDR-1, DJR-1.1, and CATP-6, are present and functional in this model. Therefore, this review focuses on highlighting and discussing the use of C. elegans an in vivo model in PD-related studies. Here, we identified that nematodes exposed to the neurotoxins, such as 6-OHDA, MPTP, paraquat, and rotenone, had a progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons, dopamine deficits, and decreased survival rate. Several studies have reported that expression of human LRRK2 (G2019S) caused neurodegeneration and pink-1, pdr-1, and djr-1.1 deletion caused several effects PD-related in C. elegans, including mitochondrial dysfunctions. Of note, the deletion of catp-6 in nematodes caused behavioral dysfunction, mitochondrial damage, and reduced survival. In addition, nematodes expressing α-synuclein had neurodegeneration and dopamine-dependent deficits. Therefore, C. elegans can be considered an accurate animal model of PD that can be used to elucidate to assess the underlying mechanisms implicated in PD to find novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Pereira Dantas da Silva
- Keizo Asami Institute, iLIKA, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Moraes Rego Avenue, 1235, Recife, Pernambuco, 50670-901, Brazil
| | - Erika da Cruz Guedes
- Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Isabel Cristina Oliveira Fernandes
- Keizo Asami Institute, iLIKA, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Moraes Rego Avenue, 1235, Recife, Pernambuco, 50670-901, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Biological Science, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Lucas Aleixo Leal Pedroza
- Keizo Asami Institute, iLIKA, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Moraes Rego Avenue, 1235, Recife, Pernambuco, 50670-901, Brazil
| | | | - Priscila Gubert
- Keizo Asami Institute, iLIKA, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Moraes Rego Avenue, 1235, Recife, Pernambuco, 50670-901, Brazil.
- Postgraduate Program in Biological Science, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil.
- Postgraduate Program in Pure and Applied Chemistry, Universidade Federal do Oeste da Bahia, Bahia, Brazil.
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4
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Barker E, Morgan A, Barclay JW. A Caenorhabditis elegans model of autosomal dominant adult-onset neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis identifies ethosuximide as a potential therapeutic. Hum Mol Genet 2023; 32:1772-1785. [PMID: 36282524 PMCID: PMC10196665 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddac263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Autosomal dominant adult-onset neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (ANCL) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive dementia and premature death. Four ANCL-causing mutations have been identified, all mapping to the DNAJC5 gene that encodes cysteine string protein α (CSPα). Here, using Caenorhabditis elegans, we describe an animal model of ANCL in which disease-causing mutations are introduced into their endogenous chromosomal locus, thereby mirroring the human genetic disorder. This was achieved through CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing of dnj-14, the C. elegans ortholog of DNAJC5. The resultant homozygous ANCL mutant worms exhibited reduced lifespans and severely impaired chemotaxis, similar to isogenic dnj-14 null mutants. Importantly, these phenotypes were also seen in balanced heterozygotes carrying one wild-type and one ANCL mutant dnj-14 allele, mimicking the heterozygosity of ANCL patients. We observed a more severe chemotaxis phenotype in heterozygous ANCL mutant worms compared with haploinsufficient worms lacking one copy of CSP, consistent with a dominant-negative mechanism of action. Additionally, we provide evidence of CSP haploinsufficiency in longevity, as heterozygous null mutants exhibited significantly shorter lifespan than wild-type controls. The chemotaxis phenotype of dnj-14 null mutants was fully rescued by transgenic human CSPα, confirming the translational relevance of the worm model. Finally, a focused compound screen revealed that the anti-epileptic drug ethosuximide could restore chemotaxis in dnj-14 ANCL mutants to wild-type levels. This suggests that ethosuximide may have therapeutic potential for ANCL and demonstrates the utility of this C. elegans model for future larger-scale drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor Barker
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Cell Signalling, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Crown St, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK
| | - Alan Morgan
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Cell Signalling, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Crown St, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK
| | - Jeff W Barclay
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Cell Signalling, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Crown St, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK
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5
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Cortés E, Pak JS, Özkan E. Structure and evolution of neuronal wiring receptors and ligands. Dev Dyn 2023; 252:27-60. [PMID: 35727136 PMCID: PMC10084454 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the fundamental properties of a neuronal circuit is the map of its connections. The cellular and developmental processes that allow for the growth of axons and dendrites, selection of synaptic targets, and formation of functional synapses use neuronal surface receptors and their interactions with other surface receptors, secreted ligands, and matrix molecules. Spatiotemporal regulation of the expression of these receptors and cues allows for specificity in the developmental pathways that wire stereotyped circuits. The families of molecules controlling axon guidance and synapse formation are generally conserved across animals, with some important exceptions, which have consequences for neuronal connectivity. Here, we summarize the distribution of such molecules across multiple taxa, with a focus on model organisms, evolutionary processes that led to the multitude of such molecules, and functional consequences for the diversification or loss of these receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Cortés
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,The Neuroscience Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Joseph S Pak
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,The Neuroscience Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Engin Özkan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,The Neuroscience Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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6
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Morfill C, Pankratova S, Machado P, Fernando NK, Regoutz A, Talamona F, Pinna A, Klosowski M, Wilkinson RJ, Fleck RA, Xie F, Porter AE, Kiryushko D. Nanostars Carrying Multifunctional Neurotrophic Dendrimers Protect Neurons in Preclinical In Vitro Models of Neurodegenerative Disorders. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:47445-47460. [PMID: 36218307 PMCID: PMC9614720 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c14220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
A challenge in neurology is the lack of efficient brain-penetrable neuroprotectants targeting multiple disease mechanisms. Plasmonic gold nanostars are promising candidates to deliver standard-of-care drugs inside the brain but have not been trialed as carriers for neuroprotectants. Here, we conjugated custom-made peptide dendrimers (termed H3/H6), encompassing motifs of the neurotrophic S100A4-protein, onto star-shaped and spherical gold nanostructures (H3/H6-AuNS/AuNP) and evaluated their potential as neuroprotectants and interaction with neurons. The H3/H6 nanostructures crossed a model blood-brain barrier, bound to plasma membranes, and induced neuritogenesis with the AuNS, showing higher potency/efficacy than the AuNP. The H3-AuNS/NP protected neurons against oxidative stress, the H3-AuNS being more potent, and against Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease (PD/AD)-related cytotoxicity. Unconjugated S100A4 motifs also decreased amyloid beta-induced neurodegeneration, introducing S100A4 as a player in AD. Using custom-made dendrimers coupled to star-shaped nanoparticles is a promising route to activate multiple neuroprotective pathways and increase drug potency to treat neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinne Morfill
- Department
of Materials and London Centre for Nanotechnology, Imperial College, Exhibition Road, LondonSW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Stanislava Pankratova
- Department
of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen2200N, Denmark
- Comparative
Paediatrics and Nutrition, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,
Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen2200N, Denmark
| | - Pedro Machado
- Centre
for Ultrastructural Imaging, Kings College
London, LondonSE1 1UL, UK
| | - Nathalie K. Fernando
- Department
of Chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, LondonWC1H 0AJ, UK
| | - Anna Regoutz
- Department
of Chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, LondonWC1H 0AJ, UK
| | - Federica Talamona
- Department
of Materials and London Centre for Nanotechnology, Imperial College, Exhibition Road, LondonSW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Alessandra Pinna
- Department
of Materials and London Centre for Nanotechnology, Imperial College, Exhibition Road, LondonSW7 2AZ, UK
- The Francis
Crick Institute, LondonNW11 AT, UK
| | - Michal Klosowski
- Department
of Materials and London Centre for Nanotechnology, Imperial College, Exhibition Road, LondonSW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Robert J. Wilkinson
- The Francis
Crick Institute, LondonNW11 AT, UK
- Imperial
College, Exhibition Road, LondonSW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Roland A. Fleck
- Centre
for Ultrastructural Imaging, Kings College
London, LondonSE1 1UL, UK
| | - Fang Xie
- Department
of Materials and London Centre for Nanotechnology, Imperial College, Exhibition Road, LondonSW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Alexandra E. Porter
- Department
of Materials and London Centre for Nanotechnology, Imperial College, Exhibition Road, LondonSW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Darya Kiryushko
- Department
of Materials and London Centre for Nanotechnology, Imperial College, Exhibition Road, LondonSW7 2AZ, UK
- Centre
for Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Burlington Danes Building, 160 Du
Cane Road, LondonW12 0NN, UK
- Experimental
Solid State Physics Group, Department of Physics, Imperial College, Exhibition Road, LondonSW72AZ, UK
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7
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Wang Y, Guo K, Wang Q, Zhong G, Zhang W, Jiang Y, Mao X, Li X, Huang Z. Caenorhabditis elegans as an emerging model in food and nutrition research: importance of standardizing base diet. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2022; 64:3167-3185. [PMID: 36200941 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2022.2130875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
As a model organism that has helped revolutionize life sciences, Caenorhabditis elegans has been increasingly used in nutrition research. Here we explore the tradeoffs between pros and cons of its use as a dietary model based primarily on literature review from the past decade. We first provide an overview of its experimental strengths as an animal model, focusing on lifespan and healthspan, behavioral and physiological phenotypes, and conservation of key nutritional pathways. We then summarize recent advances of its use in nutritional studies, e.g. food preference and feeding behavior, sugar status and metabolic reprogramming, lifetime and transgenerational nutrition tracking, and diet-microbiota-host interactions, highlighting cutting-edge technologies originated from or developed in C. elegans. We further review current challenges of using C. elegans as a nutritional model, followed by in-depth discussions on potential solutions. In particular, growth scales and throughputs, food uptake mode, and axenic culture of C. elegans are appraised in the context of food research. We also provide perspectives for future development of chemically defined nematode food ("NemaFood") for C. elegans, which is now widely accepted as a versatile and affordable in vivo model and has begun to show transformative potential to pioneer nutrition science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Wang
- Institute for Food Nutrition and Human Health, School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Biocosmetics, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kaixin Guo
- Institute for Food Nutrition and Human Health, School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qiangqiang Wang
- Institute for Food Nutrition and Human Health, School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Biocosmetics, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guohuan Zhong
- Institute for Food Nutrition and Human Health, School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Center for Bioresources and Drug Discovery, School of Biosciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenjun Zhang
- Center for Bioresources and Drug Discovery, School of Biosciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yiyi Jiang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Biocosmetics, Guangzhou, China
- Perfect Life & Health Institute, Zhongshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinliang Mao
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Biocosmetics, Guangzhou, China
- Perfect Life & Health Institute, Zhongshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaomin Li
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Biocosmetics, Guangzhou, China
- Perfect Life & Health Institute, Zhongshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Zebo Huang
- Institute for Food Nutrition and Human Health, School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Biocosmetics, Guangzhou, China
- Center for Bioresources and Drug Discovery, School of Biosciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
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8
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Reza RN, Serra ND, Detwiler AC, Hanna-Rose W, Crook M. Noncanonical necrosis in 2 different cell types in a Caenorhabditis elegans NAD+ salvage pathway mutant. G3 GENES|GENOMES|GENETICS 2022; 12:6526389. [PMID: 35143646 PMCID: PMC8982427 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkac033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Necrosis was once described as a chaotic unregulated response to cellular insult. We now know that necrosis is controlled by multiple pathways in response to many different cellular conditions. In our pnc-1 NAD+ salvage deficient Caenorhabditis elegans model excess nicotinamide induces excitotoxic death in uterine-vulval uv1 cells and OLQ mechanosensory neurons. We sought to characterize necrosis in our pnc-1 model in the context of well-characterized necrosis, apoptosis, and autophagy pathways in C. elegans. We confirmed that calpain and aspartic proteases were required for uv1 necrosis, but changes in intracellular calcium levels and autophagy were not, suggesting that uv1 necrosis occurs by a pathway that diverges from mec-4d-induced touch cell necrosis downstream of effector aspartic proteases. OLQ necrosis does not require changes in intracellular calcium, the function of calpain or aspartic proteases, or autophagy. Instead, OLQ survival requires the function of calreticulin and calnexin, pro-apoptotic ced-4 (Apaf1), and genes involved in both autophagy and axon guidance. In addition, the partially OLQ-dependent gentle nose touch response decreased significantly in pnc-1 animals on poor quality food, further suggesting that uv1 and OLQ necrosis differ downstream of their common trigger. Together these results show that, although phenotypically very similar, uv1, OLQ, and touch cell necrosis are very different at the molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rifath N Reza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Nicholas D Serra
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ariana C Detwiler
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Wendy Hanna-Rose
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Matt Crook
- Department of Life Sciences, Texas A&M University-San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78224, USA
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9
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Wellenberg A, Brinkmann V, Bornhorst J, Ventura N, Honnen S, Fritz G. Cisplatin-induced neurotoxicity involves the disruption of serotonergic neurotransmission. Pharmacol Res 2021; 174:105921. [PMID: 34601079 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Neurotoxicity is a frequent side effect of cisplatin (CisPt)-based anticancer therapy whose pathophysiology is largely vague. Here, we exploited C. elegans as a 3R-compliant in vivo model to elucidate molecular mechanisms contributing to CisPt-induced neuronal dysfunction. To this end, we monitored the impact of CisPt on various sensory functions as well as pharyngeal neurotransmission by recording electropharyngeograms (EPGs). CisPt neither affected food and odor sensation nor mechano-sensation, which involve dopaminergic and glutaminergic neurotransmission. However, CisPt reduced serotonin-regulated pharyngeal pumping activity independent of changes in the morphology of related neurons. CisPt-mediated alterations in EPGs were fully rescued by addition of serotonin (5-HT) (≤ 2 mM). Moreover, the CisPt-induced pharyngeal injury was prevented by co-incubation with the clinically approved serotonin re-uptake inhibitory drug duloxetine. A protective effect of 5-HT was also observed with respect to CisPt-mediated impairment of another 5-HT-dependent process, the egg laying activity. Importantly, CisPt-induced apoptosis in the gonad and learning disability were not influenced by 5-HT. Using different C. elegans mutants we found that CisPt-mediated (neuro)toxicity is independent of serotonin biosynthesis and re-uptake and likely involves serotonin-receptor subtype 7 (SER-7)-related functions. In conclusion, by measuring EPGs as a surrogate parameter of neuronal dysfunction, we provide first evidence that CisPt-induced neurotoxicity in C. elegans involves 5-HT-dependent neurotransmission and SER-7-mediated signaling mechanisms and can be prevented by the clinically approved antidepressant duloxetine. The data highlight the particular suitability of C. elegans as a 3R-conform in vivo model in molecular (neuro)toxicology and, moreover, for the pre-clinical identification of neuroprotective candidate drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Wellenberg
- Institute of Toxicology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Vanessa Brinkmann
- Institute of Toxicology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Julia Bornhorst
- Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Food Chemistry, University of Wuppertal, D-42119 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Natascia Ventura
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Diagnostic, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University and Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine (IUF), D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sebastian Honnen
- Institute of Toxicology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Gerhard Fritz
- Institute of Toxicology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
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10
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Shadrina M, Slominsky P. Modeling Parkinson's Disease: Not Only Rodents? Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:695718. [PMID: 34421573 PMCID: PMC8377290 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.695718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common chronic progressive multifactorial neurodegenerative disease. In most cases, PD develops as a sporadic idiopathic disease. However, in 10%–15% of all patients, Mendelian inheritance of the disease is observed in an autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive manner. To date, mutations in seven genes have been convincingly confirmed as causative in typical familial forms of PD, i.e., SNCA, LRRK2, VPS35, PRKN, PINK1, GBA, and DJ-1. Family and genome-wide association studies have also identified a number of candidate disease genes and a common genetic variability at 90 loci has been linked to risk for PD. The analysis of the biological function of both proven and candidate genes made it possible to conclude that mitochondrial dysfunction, lysosomal dysfunction, impaired exosomal transport, and immunological processes can play important roles in the development of the pathological process of PD. The mechanisms of initiation of the pathological process and its earliest stages remain unclear. The study of the early stages of the disease (before the first motor symptoms appear) is extremely complicated by the long preclinical period. In addition, at present, the possibility of performing complex biochemical and molecular biological studies familial forms of PD is limited. However, in this case, the analysis of the state of the central nervous system can only be assessed by indirect signs, such as the level of metabolites in the cerebrospinal fluid, peripheral blood, and other biological fluids. One of the potential solutions to this problem is the analysis of disease models, in which it is possible to conduct a detailed in-depth study of all aspects of the pathological process, starting from its earliest stages. Many modeling options are available currently. An analysis of studies published in the 2000s suggests that toxic models in rodents are used in the vast majority of cases. However, interesting and important data for understanding the pathogenesis of PD can be obtained from other in vivo models. Within the framework of this review, we will consider various models of PD that were created using various living organisms, from unicellular yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and invertebrate (Nematode and Drosophila) forms to various mammalian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Shadrina
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Molecular Genetics of National Research Centre "Kurchatov Institute", Moscow, Russia
| | - Petr Slominsky
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Molecular Genetics of National Research Centre "Kurchatov Institute", Moscow, Russia
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Alvarez J, Alvarez-Illera P, García-Casas P, Fonteriz RI, Montero M. The Role of Ca 2+ Signaling in Aging and Neurodegeneration: Insights from Caenorhabditis elegans Models. Cells 2020; 9:cells9010204. [PMID: 31947609 PMCID: PMC7016793 DOI: 10.3390/cells9010204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ca2+ is a ubiquitous second messenger that plays an essential role in physiological processes such as muscle contraction, neuronal secretion, and cell proliferation or differentiation. There is ample evidence that the dysregulation of Ca2+ signaling is one of the key events in the development of neurodegenerative processes, an idea called the "calcium hypothesis" of neurodegeneration. Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) is a very good model for the study of aging and neurodegeneration. In fact, many of the signaling pathways involved in longevity were first discovered in this nematode, and many models of neurodegenerative diseases have also been developed therein, either through mutations in the worm genome or by expressing human proteins involved in neurodegeneration (β-amyloid, α-synuclein, polyglutamine, or others) in defined worm tissues. The worm is completely transparent throughout its whole life, which makes it possible to carry out Ca2+ dynamics studies in vivo at any time, by expressing Ca2+ fluorescent probes in defined worm tissues, and even in specific organelles such as mitochondria. This review will summarize the evidence obtained using this model organism to understand the role of Ca2+ signaling in aging and neurodegeneration.
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12
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Sakers K, Eroglu C. Control of neural development and function by glial neuroligins. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2019; 57:163-170. [PMID: 30991196 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2019.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Neuroligins are a family of cell adhesion molecules, which are best known for their functions as postsynaptic components of the trans-synaptic neurexin-neuroligin complexes. Neuroligins are highly conserved across evolution with important roles in the formation, maturation and function of synaptic structures. Mutations in the genes that encode for neuroligins have been linked to a number of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and schizophrenia, which stem from synaptic pathologies. Owing to their essential functions in regulating synaptic connectivity and their link to synaptic dysfunction in disease, previous studies on neuroligins have focused on neurons. Yet a recent work reveals that neuroligins are also expressed in the central nervous system by glial cells, such as astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, and perform important roles in controlling synaptic connectivity in a non-cell autonomous manner. In this review, we will highlight these recent findings demonstrating the important roles of glial neuroligins in regulating the development and connectivity of healthy and diseased brains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Sakers
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States
| | - Cagla Eroglu
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States; Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States; Duke Institute for Brain Sciences (DIBS), Durham, NC 27710, United States; Regeneration Next Initiative, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, United States.
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13
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Mohankumar A, Shanmugam G, Kalaiselvi D, Levenson C, Nivitha S, Thiruppathi G, Sundararaj P. East Indian sandalwood ( Santalum album L.) oil confers neuroprotection and geroprotection in Caenorhabditis elegans via activating SKN-1/Nrf2 signaling pathway. RSC Adv 2018; 8:33753-33774. [PMID: 30319772 PMCID: PMC6171454 DOI: 10.1039/c8ra05195j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
East Indian Sandalwood Oil (EISO) has diverse beneficial effects and has been used for thousands of years in traditional folk-medicine for treatment of different human ailments. However, there has been no in-depth scientific investigation to decipher the neuroprotective and geroprotective mechanism of EISO and its principle components, α- and β-santalol. Hence the current study was undertaken to assess the protective effects of EISO, and α- and β-santalol against neurotoxic (6-OHDA/6-hydroxydopamine) and proteotoxic (α-synuclein) stresses in a Caenorhabditis elegans model. Initially, we found that EISO and its principle components exerted an excellent antioxidant and antiapoptotic activity as it was able to extend the lifespan, and inhibit the ROS generation, and germline cell apoptosis in 6-OHDA-intoxicated C. elegans. Further, we showed that supplementation of EISO, and α- and β-santalol reduced the 6-OHDA and α-synuclein-induced Parkinson's disease associated pathologies and improved the physiological functions. The genetic and reporter gene expression analysis revealed that an EISO, or α- and β-santalol-mediated protective effect does not appear to rely on DAF-2/DAF-16, but selectively regulates SKN-1 and its downstream targets involved in antioxidant defense and geroprotective processes. Together, our findings indicated that EISO and its principle components are worth exploring further as a candidate redox-based neuroprotectant for the prevention and management of age-related neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Mohankumar
- Unit of Nematology, Department of Zoology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu-641046, India. ; ; ; Tel: +91-9943340405; Tel: +91-9677667720
| | - G Shanmugam
- Unit of Nematology, Department of Zoology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu-641046, India. ; ; ; Tel: +91-9943340405; Tel: +91-9677667720
| | - D Kalaiselvi
- Unit of Nematology, Department of Zoology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu-641046, India. ; ; ; Tel: +91-9943340405; Tel: +91-9677667720
| | - C Levenson
- Santalis Pharmaceuticals Inc., 18618 Tuscany Stone, Suite 100, San Antonio, Texas 78258, USA
| | - S Nivitha
- College of Science, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - G Thiruppathi
- Unit of Nematology, Department of Zoology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu-641046, India. ; ; ; Tel: +91-9943340405; Tel: +91-9677667720
| | - P Sundararaj
- Unit of Nematology, Department of Zoology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu-641046, India. ; ; ; Tel: +91-9943340405; Tel: +91-9677667720
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14
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García-Rodríguez FJ, Martínez-Fernández C, Brena D, Kukhtar D, Serrat X, Nadal E, Boxem M, Honnen S, Miranda-Vizuete A, Villanueva A, Cerón J. Genetic and cellular sensitivity of Caenorhabditis elegans to the chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin. Dis Model Mech 2018; 11:dmm.033506. [PMID: 29752286 PMCID: PMC6031354 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.033506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cisplatin and derivatives are commonly used as chemotherapeutic agents. Although the cytotoxic action of cisplatin on cancer cells is very efficient, clinical oncologists need to deal with two major difficulties, namely the onset of resistance to the drug and the cytotoxic effect in patients. Here, we used Caenorhabditis elegans to investigate factors influencing the response to cisplatin in multicellular organisms. In this hermaphroditic model organism, we observed that sperm failure is a major cause of cisplatin-induced infertility. RNA sequencing data indicate that cisplatin triggers a systemic stress response, in which DAF-16/FOXO and SKN-1/NRF2, two conserved transcription factors, are key regulators. We determined that inhibition of the DNA damage-induced apoptotic pathway does not confer cisplatin protection to the animal. However, mutants for the pro-apoptotic BH3-only gene ced-13 are sensitive to cisplatin, suggesting a protective role of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Finally, we demonstrated that our system can also be used to identify mutations providing resistance to cisplatin and therefore potential biomarkers of innate cisplatin-refractory patients. We show that mutants for the redox regulator trxr-1, ortholog of the mammalian thioredoxin reductase 1 TRXR1, display cisplatin resistance. By CRISPR/Cas9, we determined that such resistance relies on the presence of the single selenocysteine residue in TRXR-1. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper. Summary:Caenorhabditiselegans is a valuable model to identify genetic factors influencing the animal response to the widely used chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Javier García-Rodríguez
- Modeling human diseases in C. elegans. Genes, Diseases and Therapies Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute - IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain.,Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance (ProCURE), Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), Bellvitge Institute for Biomedical Research (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet del Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carmen Martínez-Fernández
- Modeling human diseases in C. elegans. Genes, Diseases and Therapies Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute - IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Brena
- Modeling human diseases in C. elegans. Genes, Diseases and Therapies Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute - IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Dmytro Kukhtar
- Modeling human diseases in C. elegans. Genes, Diseases and Therapies Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute - IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xènia Serrat
- Modeling human diseases in C. elegans. Genes, Diseases and Therapies Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute - IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ernest Nadal
- Thoracic Oncology Unit, Department of Medical Oncology, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mike Boxem
- Division of Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sebastian Honnen
- Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty, Institute of Toxicology, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Antonio Miranda-Vizuete
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, E-41013 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Alberto Villanueva
- Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance (ProCURE), Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), Bellvitge Institute for Biomedical Research (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet del Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Julián Cerón
- Modeling human diseases in C. elegans. Genes, Diseases and Therapies Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute - IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain
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15
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Refai O, Blakely RD. Blockade and reversal of swimming-induced paralysis in C. elegans by the antipsychotic and D2-type dopamine receptor antagonist azaperone. Neurochem Int 2018; 123:59-68. [PMID: 29800604 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2018.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
The catecholamine neurotransmitter dopamine (DA) exerts powerful modulatory control of physiology and behavior across phylogeny. Perturbations of DA signaling in humans are associated with multiple neurodegenerative and behavioral disorders, including Parkinson's disease, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, addiction and schizophrenia. In the nematode C. elegans, DA signaling regulates mating behavior, learning, food seeking and locomotion. Previously, we demonstrated that loss of function mutations in the dat-1 gene that encodes the presynaptic DA transporter (DAT-1) results in a rapid cessation of movement when animals are placed in water, termed Swimming Induced Paralysis (Swip). Loss of function mutations in genes that support DA biosynthesis, DA vesicular packaging and DA action at the extrasynaptic D2-type DA receptor DOP-3 suppress Swip in dat-1 animals, consistent with paralysis as arising from excessive DA signaling. Although animals grown on the vesicular monoamine transporter antagonist reserpine diminish Swip, the drug must be applied chronically, can impact the signaling of multiple biogenic amines, and has been reported to have penetrant, off-target actions. Here, we demonstrate that the antipsychotic drug azaperone potently and rapidly suppresses Swip behavior in either dat-1 mutants, as well as in wildtype animals treated with the DAT-1 antagonist nisoxetine, with genetic experiments consistent with DOP-3 antagonism as the mechanism of Swip suppression. Reversal of Swip in previously paralyzed dat-1 animals by azaperone application demonstrates an otherwise functionally-intact swimming circuit in these mutants. Finally, whereas azaperone suppresses DA-dependent Swip, the drug fails to attenuate the DA-independent paralysis induced by βPEA, aldicarb or genetic disruption of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) signaling. We discuss our findings with respect to the use of azaperone as a potent and selective tool in the identification and analysis of presynaptic mechanisms that regulate DA signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osama Refai
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, FL, USA
| | - Randy D Blakely
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, FL, USA; Brain Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA.
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16
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Gibson CL, Balbona JT, Niedzwiecki A, Rodriguez P, Nguyen KCQ, Hall DH, Blakely RD. Glial loss of the metallo β-lactamase domain containing protein, SWIP-10, induces age- and glutamate-signaling dependent, dopamine neuron degeneration. PLoS Genet 2018; 14:e1007269. [PMID: 29590100 PMCID: PMC5891035 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Revised: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Across phylogeny, glutamate (Glu) signaling plays a critical role in regulating neural excitability, thus supporting many complex behaviors. Perturbed synaptic and extrasynaptic Glu homeostasis in the human brain has been implicated in multiple neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson's disease, where theories suggest that excitotoxic insults may accelerate a naturally occurring process of dopamine (DA) neuron degeneration. In C. elegans, mutation of the glial expressed gene, swip-10, results in Glu-dependent DA neuron hyperexcitation that leads to elevated DA release, triggering DA signaling-dependent motor paralysis. Here, we demonstrate that swip-10 mutations induce premature and progressive DA neuron degeneration, with light and electron microscopy studies demonstrating the presence of dystrophic dendritic processes, as well as shrunken and/or missing cell soma. As with paralysis, DA neuron degeneration in swip-10 mutants is rescued by glial-specific, but not DA neuron-specific expression of wildtype swip-10, consistent with a cell non-autonomous mechanism. Genetic studies implicate the vesicular Glu transporter VGLU-3 and the cystine/Glu exchanger homolog AAT-1 as potential sources of Glu signaling supporting DA neuron degeneration. Degeneration can be significantly suppressed by mutations in the Ca2+ permeable Glu receptors, nmr-2 and glr-1, in genes that support intracellular Ca2+ signaling and Ca2+-dependent proteolysis, as well as genes involved in apoptotic cell death. Our studies suggest that Glu stimulation of nematode DA neurons in early larval stages, without the protective actions of SWIP-10, contributes to insults that ultimately drive DA neuron degeneration. The swip-10 model may provide an efficient platform for the identification of molecular mechanisms that enhance risk for Parkinson's disease and/or the identification of agents that can limit neurodegenerative disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea L. Gibson
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, United States of America
| | - Joseph T. Balbona
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Ashlin Niedzwiecki
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Peter Rodriguez
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, United States of America
| | - Ken C. Q. Nguyen
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States of America
| | - David H. Hall
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States of America
| | - Randy D. Blakely
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States of America
- The Brain Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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17
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Zeng XS, Geng WS, Jia JJ. Neurotoxin-Induced Animal Models of Parkinson Disease: Pathogenic Mechanism and Assessment. ASN Neuro 2018; 10:1759091418777438. [PMID: 29809058 PMCID: PMC5977437 DOI: 10.1177/1759091418777438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative movement disorder. Pharmacological animal models are invaluable tools to study the pathological mechanisms of PD. Currently, invertebrate and vertebrate animal models have been developed by using several main neurotoxins, such as 6-hydroxydopamine, 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine, paraquat, and rotenone. These models achieve to some extent to reproduce the key features of PD, including motor defects, progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra pars compacta, and the formation of Lewy bodies. In this review, we will highlight the pathogenic mechanisms of those neurotoxins and summarize different neurotoxic animal models with the hope to help researchers choose among them accurately and to promote the development of modeling PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian-Si Zeng
- College of Life Sciences, Institute for Conservation and Utilization of Agro-Bioresources in Dabie Mountains, Xinyang Normal University, China
| | - Wen-Shuo Geng
- College of Life Sciences, Institute for Conservation and Utilization of Agro-Bioresources in Dabie Mountains, Xinyang Normal University, China
| | - Jin-Jing Jia
- College of Life Sciences, Institute for Conservation and Utilization of Agro-Bioresources in Dabie Mountains, Xinyang Normal University, China
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Offenburger SL, Gartner A. 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) Oxidative Stress Assay for Observing Dopaminergic Neuron Loss in Caenorhabditis elegans. Bio Protoc 2018; 8:e3025. [PMID: 30406156 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.3025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is a powerful genetic model that can be used to investigate neuronal death. Research using C. elegans has been crucial to characterize cell death programmes that are conserved in mammals. Many neuronal signaling components, such as those mediating dopaminergic neurotransmission, are preserved as well. Dopaminergic neurons are progressively lost in Parkinson's disease and an important risk factor to develop this disease appears to be oxidative stress, the increased occurrence of highly reactive oxygen species. Oxidative stress-induced dopaminergic neurodegeneration is mimicked in animal models by treatment with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), a dopamine analog, which is specifically taken up into dopaminergic neurons. After exposing C. elegans to 6-OHDA, the loss of fluorescently labeled dopaminergic neurons can be easily monitored. An organisms' sensitivity to oxidative stress is thought to be influenced by basal levels of intrinsic oxidative stress and the ability to counteract oxidative stress and oxidative stress-induced damage. The C. elegans '6-OHDA model' led to the discovery of novel genes that are required to protect dopaminergic neurons and it has helped to determine the effects of conserved cell death and cell engulfment pathways in dopaminergic neurodegeneration. Here, we describe a simple protocol that allows for the easy detection of dopaminergic neuron loss after 6-OHDA treatment in C. elegans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah-Lena Offenburger
- Centre for Gene Regulation and Expression, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Anton Gartner
- Centre for Gene Regulation and Expression, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
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