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Li J, Moretti F, Hidvegi T, Sviben S, Fitzpatrick JAJ, Sundaramoorthi H, Pak SC, Silverman GA, Knapp B, Filipuzzi I, Alford J, Reece-Hoyes J, Nigsch F, Murphy LO, Nyfeler B, Perlmutter DH. Multiple Genes Core to ERAD, Macroautophagy and Lysosomal Degradation Pathways Participate in the Proteostasis Response in α1-Antitrypsin Deficiency. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 17:1007-1024. [PMID: 38336172 PMCID: PMC11053228 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2024.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS In the classic form of α1-antitrypsin deficiency (ATD), the misfolded α1-antitrypsin Z (ATZ) variant accumulates in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of liver cells. A gain-of-function proteotoxic mechanism is responsible for chronic liver disease in a subgroup of homozygotes. Proteostatic response pathways, including conventional endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation and autophagy, have been proposed as the mechanisms that allow cellular adaptation and presumably protection from the liver disease phenotype. Recent studies have concluded that a distinct lysosomal pathway called endoplasmic reticulum-to-lysosome completely supplants the role of the conventional macroautophagy pathway in degradation of ATZ. Here, we used several state-of-the-art approaches to characterize the proteostatic responses more fully in cellular systems that model ATD. METHODS We used clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-mediated genome editing coupled to a cell selection step by fluorescence-activated cell sorter to perform screening for proteostasis genes that regulate ATZ accumulation and combined that with selective genome editing in 2 other model systems. RESULTS Endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation genes are key early regulators and multiple autophagy genes, from classic as well as from ER-to-lysosome and other newly described ER-phagy pathways, participate in degradation of ATZ in a manner that is temporally regulated and evolves as ATZ accumulation persists. Time-dependent changes in gene expression are accompanied by specific ultrastructural changes including dilation of the ER, formation of globular inclusions, budding of autophagic vesicles, and alterations in the overall shape and component parts of mitochondria. CONCLUSIONS Macroautophagy is a critical component of the proteostasis response to cellular ATZ accumulation and it becomes more important over time as ATZ synthesis continues unabated. Multiple subtypes of macroautophagy and nonautophagic lysosomal degradative pathways are needed to respond to the high concentrations of misfolded protein that characterizes ATD and these pathways are attractive candidates for genetic variants that predispose to the hepatic phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | | | - Tunda Hidvegi
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Sanja Sviben
- Center for Cellular Imaging, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - James A J Fitzpatrick
- Center for Cellular Imaging, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri; Department of Cell Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri; Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | | | - Stephen C Pak
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Gary A Silverman
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Britta Knapp
- Novartis Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - John Alford
- Novartis Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | | | - Leon O Murphy
- Novartis Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Beat Nyfeler
- Novartis Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - David H Perlmutter
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri.
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2
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Rahimpouresfahani F, Tabatabaei N, Rezai P. High-throughput light sheet imaging of adult and larval C. elegans Parkinson's disease model using a low-cost optofluidic device and a fluorescent microscope. RSC Adv 2024; 14:626-639. [PMID: 38173569 PMCID: PMC10759043 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra06323b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent advancements at the interface of microfluidics technology and light sheet fluorescence microscopy have opened the door for high-throughput and high-content investigation of C. elegans disease models. In this paper, we report on the development of a simple, miniaturized, and low-cost optofluidic platform that can be added to a conventional inverted fluorescent microscope for continuous light sheet imaging of transgenic worm populations with high lateral and axial resolutions of 1.1 µm and 2.4 µm, respectively. The optofluidic device is made entirely of PDMS with integrated optics for light sheet generation. Laser excitation is delivered to the device via a low-cost free space laser, and cross-sections of worm populations are imaged as they pass continuously through a channel. Results show the platform can image NW1229 whole worms with pan-neural fluorescent expression at a throughput of >20 worms per minute at L3 and young adult (YA) stages. As a benchmark test, we show that the low-cost device can quantify the reduced neuronal expressions of L3 and YA NW1229 worms when exposed to 500 µM 6-OHDA neurodegenerative agent. Following the benchmark validation, we utilized the platform in a novel application for imaging human alpha-synuclein reporter in populations of Parkinson's transgenic model (ERS100). Results show the ability of the low-cost platform to reliably detect and quantify the anomalous neural phenotypic changes in ERS100 populations at L3 and YA stages with high spatial resolution. The findings of this study show the potential of our low-cost optofluidic add-on platform to equip conventional fluorescent microscopes with light sheet capability for quantitative phenotypic studies of transgenic C. elegans at high resolution and throughput.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faraz Rahimpouresfahani
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, York University 4700 Keele St Toronto M3J 1P3 Ontario Canada +1-416-7362100
| | - Nima Tabatabaei
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, York University 4700 Keele St Toronto M3J 1P3 Ontario Canada +1-416-7362100
| | - Pouya Rezai
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, York University 4700 Keele St Toronto M3J 1P3 Ontario Canada +1-416-7362100
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3
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Prajapat SK, Mishra L, Khera S, Owusu SD, Ahuja K, Sharma P, Choudhary E, Chhabra S, Kumar N, Singh R, Kaushal PS, Mahajan D, Banerjee A, Motiani RK, Vrati S, Kalia M. Methotrimeprazine is a neuroprotective antiviral in JEV infection via adaptive ER stress and autophagy. EMBO Mol Med 2024; 16:185-217. [PMID: 38177535 PMCID: PMC10897192 DOI: 10.1038/s44321-023-00014-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: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) pathogenesis is driven by a combination of neuronal death and neuroinflammation. We tested 42 FDA-approved drugs that were shown to induce autophagy for antiviral effects. Four drugs were tested in the JE mouse model based on in vitro protective effects on neuronal cell death, inhibition of viral replication, and anti-inflammatory effects. The antipsychotic phenothiazines Methotrimeprazine (MTP) & Trifluoperazine showed a significant survival benefit with reduced virus titers in the brain, prevention of BBB breach, and inhibition of neuroinflammation. Both drugs were potent mTOR-independent autophagy flux inducers. MTP inhibited SERCA channel functioning, and induced an adaptive ER stress response in diverse cell types. Pharmacological rescue of ER stress blocked autophagy and antiviral effect. MTP did not alter translation of viral RNA, but exerted autophagy-dependent antiviral effect by inhibiting JEV replication complexes. Drug-induced autophagy resulted in reduced NLRP3 protein levels, and attenuation of inflammatory cytokine/chemokine release from infected microglial cells. Our study suggests that MTP exerts a combined antiviral and anti-inflammatory effect in JEV infection, and has therapeutic potential for JE treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surendra K Prajapat
- Virology Research Group, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, 121001, India
| | - Laxmi Mishra
- Virology Research Group, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, 121001, India
| | - Sakshi Khera
- Virology Research Group, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, 121001, India
| | - Shadrack D Owusu
- Virology Research Group, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, 121001, India
- Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IBMC), Université de Strasbourg, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Kriti Ahuja
- Laboratory of Calciomics and Systemic Pathophysiology, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, 121001, India
| | - Puja Sharma
- Virology Research Group, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, 121001, India
| | - Eira Choudhary
- Virology Research Group, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, 121001, India
| | - Simran Chhabra
- Virology Research Group, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, 121001, India
| | - Niraj Kumar
- Structural Biology & Translation Regulation Laboratory, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, 121001, India
| | - Rajan Singh
- Advanced Technology Platform Centre, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, 121001, India
- Department of Life Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, Greater Noida, 201314, India
| | - Prem S Kaushal
- Structural Biology & Translation Regulation Laboratory, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, 121001, India
| | - Dinesh Mahajan
- Chemistry and Pharmacology Lab, Centre for Drug Design and Discovery, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, 121001, India
| | - Arup Banerjee
- Virology Research Group, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, 121001, India
| | - Rajender K Motiani
- Laboratory of Calciomics and Systemic Pathophysiology, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, 121001, India
| | - Sudhanshu Vrati
- Virology Research Group, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, 121001, India
| | - Manjula Kalia
- Virology Research Group, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, 121001, India.
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Zarroug SHO, Bajaman JS, Hamza FN, Saleem RA, Abdalla HK. Caenorhabditis elegans as an In Vivo Model for the Discovery and Development of Natural Plant-Based Antimicrobial Compounds. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1070. [PMID: 37630985 PMCID: PMC10458014 DOI: 10.3390/ph16081070] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) due to the prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens is rapidly increasing worldwide, and the identification of new antimicrobial agents with innovative mechanisms of action is urgently required. Medicinal plants that have been utilised for centuries with minor side effects may hold great promise as sources of effective antimicrobial products. The free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) is an excellent live infection model for the discovery and development of new antimicrobial compounds. However, while C. elegans has widely been utilised to explore the effectiveness and toxicity of synthetic antibiotics, it has not been used to a comparable extent for the analysis of natural products. By screening the PubMed database, we identified articles reporting the use of the C. elegans model for the identification of natural products endowed with antibacterial and antifungal potential, and we critically analysed their results. The studies discussed here provide important information regarding "in vivo" antimicrobial effectiveness and toxicity of natural products, as evaluated prior to testing in conventional vertebrate models, thereby supporting the relevance of C. elegans as a highly proficient model for their identification and functional assessment. However, their critical evaluation also underlines that the characterisation of active phytochemicals and of their chemical structure, and the unravelling of their mechanisms of action represent decisive challenges for future research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samah H. O. Zarroug
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Takassusy Road, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia
| | - Juhaina S. Bajaman
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Takassusy Road, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fatheia N. Hamza
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Takassusy Road, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia; (F.N.H.); (R.A.S.)
| | - Rimah A. Saleem
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Takassusy Road, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia; (F.N.H.); (R.A.S.)
| | - Hana K. Abdalla
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Takassusy Road, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia;
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Dranchak PK, Oliphant E, Queme B, Lamy L, Wang Y, Huang R, Xia M, Tao D, Inglese J. In vivo quantitative high-throughput screening for drug discovery and comparative toxicology. Dis Model Mech 2023; 16:dmm049863. [PMID: 36786055 PMCID: PMC10067442 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049863] [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: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Quantitative high-throughput screening (qHTS) pharmacologically evaluates chemical libraries for therapeutic uses, toxicological risk and, increasingly, for academic probe discovery. Phenotypic high-throughput screening assays interrogate molecular pathways, often relying on cell culture systems, historically less focused on multicellular organisms. Caenorhabditis elegans has served as a eukaryotic model organism for human biology by virtue of genetic conservation and experimental tractability. Here, a paradigm enabling C. elegans qHTS using 384-well microtiter plate laser-scanning cytometry is described, in which GFP-expressing organisms revealing phenotype-modifying structure-activity relationships guide subsequent life-stage and proteomic analyses, and Escherichia coli bacterial ghosts, a non-replicating nutrient source, allow compound exposures over two life cycles, mitigating bacterial overgrowth complications. We demonstrate the method with libraries of anti-infective agents, or substances of toxicological concern. Each was tested in seven-point titration to assess the feasibility of nematode-based in vivo qHTS, and examples of follow-up strategies were provided to study organism-based chemotype selectivity and subsequent network perturbations with a physiological impact. We anticipate that this qHTS approach will enable analysis of C. elegans orthologous phenotypes of human pathologies to facilitate drug library profiling for a range of therapeutic indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia K. Dranchak
- Department of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Erin Oliphant
- Department of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Bryan Queme
- Department of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Laurence Lamy
- Department of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Yuhong Wang
- Department of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Ruili Huang
- Department of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Menghang Xia
- Department of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Dingyin Tao
- Department of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - James Inglese
- Department of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
- Metabolic Medicine Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20817, USA
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6
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Bennett DF, Goyala A, Statzer C, Beckett CW, Tyshkovskiy A, Gladyshev VN, Ewald CY, de Magalhães JP. Rilmenidine extends lifespan and healthspan in Caenorhabditis elegans via a nischarin I1-imidazoline receptor. Aging Cell 2023; 22:e13774. [PMID: 36670049 PMCID: PMC9924948 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13774] [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: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Repurposing drugs capable of extending lifespan and health span has a huge untapped potential in translational geroscience. Here, we searched for known compounds that elicit a similar gene expression signature to caloric restriction and identified rilmenidine, an I1-imidazoline receptor agonist and prescription medication for the treatment of hypertension. We then show that treating Caenorhabditis elegans with rilmenidine at young and older ages increases lifespan. We also demonstrate that the stress-resilience, health span, and lifespan benefits of rilmenidine treatment in C. elegans are mediated by the I1-imidazoline receptor nish-1, implicating this receptor as a potential longevity target. Consistent with the shared caloric-restriction-mimicking gene signature, supplementing rilmenidine to calorically restricted C. elegans, genetic reduction of TORC1 function, or rapamycin treatment did not further increase lifespan. The rilmenidine-induced longevity required the transcription factors FOXO/DAF-16 and NRF1,2,3/SKN-1. Furthermore, we find that autophagy, but not AMPK signaling, was needed for rilmenidine-induced longevity. Moreover, transcriptional changes similar to caloric restriction were observed in liver and kidney tissues in mice treated with rilmenidine. Together, these results reveal a geroprotective and potential caloric restriction mimetic effect by rilmenidine that warrant fresh lines of inquiry into this compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic F. Bennett
- Integrative Genomics of Ageing GroupInstitute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
| | - Anita Goyala
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Laboratory of Extracellular Matrix RegenerationInstitute of Translational Medicine, ETH ZürichSchwerzenbachSwitzerland
| | - Cyril Statzer
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Laboratory of Extracellular Matrix RegenerationInstitute of Translational Medicine, ETH ZürichSchwerzenbachSwitzerland
| | - Charles W. Beckett
- Integrative Genomics of Ageing GroupInstitute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
| | - Alexander Tyshkovskiy
- Division of Genetics, Department of MedicineBrigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA,Belozersky Institute of Physico‐Chemical BiologyMoscow State UniversityMoscowRussia
| | - Vadim N. Gladyshev
- Division of Genetics, Department of MedicineBrigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Collin Y. Ewald
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Laboratory of Extracellular Matrix RegenerationInstitute of Translational Medicine, ETH ZürichSchwerzenbachSwitzerland
| | - João Pedro de Magalhães
- Integrative Genomics of Ageing GroupInstitute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK,Present address:
Institute of Inflammation and AgeingUniversity of Birmingham, Queen Elizabeth HospitalBirminghamUK
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7
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Lange KI, Best S, Tsiropoulou S, Berry I, Johnson CA, Blacque OE. Interpreting ciliopathy-associated missense variants of uncertain significance (VUS) in Caenorhabditis elegans. Hum Mol Genet 2022; 31:1574-1587. [PMID: 34964473 PMCID: PMC9122650 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddab344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Better methods are required to interpret the pathogenicity of disease-associated variants of uncertain significance (VUS), which cannot be actioned clinically. In this study, we explore the use of an animal model (Caenorhabditis elegans) for in vivo interpretation of missense VUS alleles of TMEM67, a cilia gene associated with ciliopathies. CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing was used to generate homozygous knock-in C. elegans worm strains carrying TMEM67 patient variants engineered into the orthologous gene (mks-3). Quantitative phenotypic assays of sensory cilia structure and function (neuronal dye filling, roaming and chemotaxis assays) measured how the variants impacted mks-3 gene function. Effects of the variants on mks-3 function were further investigated by looking at MKS-3::GFP localization and cilia ultrastructure. The quantitative assays in C. elegans accurately distinguished between known benign (Asp359Glu, Thr360Ala) and known pathogenic (Glu361Ter, Gln376Pro) variants. Analysis of eight missense VUS generated evidence that three are benign (Cys173Arg, Thr176Ile and Gly979Arg) and five are pathogenic (Cys170Tyr, His782Arg, Gly786Glu, His790Arg and Ser961Tyr). Results from worms were validated by a genetic complementation assay in a human TMEM67 knock-out hTERT-RPE1 cell line that tests a TMEM67 signalling function. We conclude that efficient genome editing and quantitative functional assays in C. elegans make it a tractable in vivo animal model for rapid, cost-effective interpretation of ciliopathy-associated missense VUS alleles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen I Lange
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Sunayna Best
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Leeds Institute of Medical Research, University of Leeds, Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK
| | - Sofia Tsiropoulou
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Ian Berry
- Bristol Genetics Laboratory, Pathology Sciences, Southmead Hospital, Bristol BS10 5NB, UK
| | - Colin A Johnson
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Leeds Institute of Medical Research, University of Leeds, Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK
| | - Oliver E Blacque
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
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8
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Claesson K, Chew YL, Ecroyd H. Exploiting flow cytometry for the unbiased quantification of protein inclusions in Caenorhabditis elegans. J Neurochem 2022; 161:281-292. [PMID: 35170035 PMCID: PMC9541147 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The aggregation of proteins into inclusions or plaques is a prominent hallmark of a diverse range of pathologies including neurodegenerative diseases. The quantification of such inclusions in Caenorhabditis elegans models of aggregation is usually achieved by fluorescence microscopy or other techniques involving biochemical fractionation of worm lysates. Here, we describe a simple and rapid flow cytometry-based approach that allows fluorescently tagged inclusions to be enumerated in whole worm lysate in a quantitative and unbiased fashion. We demonstrate that this technique is applicable to multiple C. elegans models of aggregation and importantly, can be used to monitor the dynamics of inclusion formation in response to heat shock and during ageing. This includes the characterisation of physicochemical properties of inclusions, such as their apparent size, which may reveal how aggregate formation is distinct in different tissues or at different stages of pathology or ageing. This new method can be used as a powerful technique for the medium- to high-throughput quantification of inclusions in future studies of genetic or chemical modulators of aggregation in C. elegans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristian Claesson
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular BioscienceUniversity of WollongongWollongongNSWAustralia
- Illawarra Health & Medical Research InstituteWollongongNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Yee Lian Chew
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular BioscienceUniversity of WollongongWollongongNSWAustralia
- Illawarra Health & Medical Research InstituteWollongongNew South WalesAustralia
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public HealthFlinders UniversityBedford ParkSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Heath Ecroyd
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular BioscienceUniversity of WollongongWollongongNSWAustralia
- Illawarra Health & Medical Research InstituteWollongongNew South WalesAustralia
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9
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Maglioni S, Arsalan N, Hamacher A, Afshar S, Schiavi A, Beller M, Ventura N. High-Content C. elegans Screen Identifies Natural Compounds Impacting Mitochondria-Lipid Homeostasis and Promoting Healthspan. Cells 2021; 11:100. [PMID: 35011662 PMCID: PMC8750055 DOI: 10.3390/cells11010100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The aging process is concurrently shaped by genetic and extrinsic factors. In this work, we screened a small library of natural compounds, many of marine origin, to identify novel possible anti-aging interventions in Caenorhabditis elegans, a powerful model organism for aging studies. To this aim, we exploited a high-content microscopy platform to search for interventions able to induce phenotypes associated with mild mitochondrial stress, which is known to promote animal's health- and lifespan. Worms were initially exposed to three different concentrations of the drugs in liquid culture, in search of those affecting animal size and expression of mitochondrial stress response genes. This was followed by a validation step with nine compounds on solid media to refine compounds concentration, which led to the identification of four compounds (namely isobavachalcone, manzamine A, kahalalide F and lutein) consistently affecting development, fertility, size and lipid content of the nematodes. Treatment of Drosophila cells with the four hits confirmed their effects on mitochondria activity and lipid content. Out of these four, two were specifically chosen for analysis of age-related parameters, kahalalide F and lutein, which conferred increased resistance to heat and oxidative stress and extended animals' healthspan. We also found that, out of different mitochondrial stress response genes, only the C. elegans ortholog of the synaptic regulatory proteins neuroligins, nlg-1, was consistently induced by the two compounds and mediated lutein healthspan effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Maglioni
- IUF-Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany; (S.M.); (N.A.); (S.A.); (A.S.)
| | - Nayna Arsalan
- IUF-Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany; (S.M.); (N.A.); (S.A.); (A.S.)
| | - Anna Hamacher
- Institute for Mathematical Modeling of Biological Systems, Heinrich Heine University, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany; (A.H.); (M.B.)
- Systems Biology of Lipid Metabolism, Heinrich Heine University, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Shiwa Afshar
- IUF-Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany; (S.M.); (N.A.); (S.A.); (A.S.)
| | - Alfonso Schiavi
- IUF-Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany; (S.M.); (N.A.); (S.A.); (A.S.)
| | - Mathias Beller
- Institute for Mathematical Modeling of Biological Systems, Heinrich Heine University, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany; (A.H.); (M.B.)
- Systems Biology of Lipid Metabolism, Heinrich Heine University, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Natascia Ventura
- IUF-Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany; (S.M.); (N.A.); (S.A.); (A.S.)
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Diagnostic, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
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10
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Mitochondria-affecting small molecules ameliorate proteostasis defects associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Sci Rep 2021; 11:17733. [PMID: 34489512 PMCID: PMC8421394 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97148-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Macroautophagic recycling of dysfunctional mitochondria, known as mitophagy, is essential for mitochondrial homeostasis and cell viability. Accumulation of defective mitochondria and impaired mitophagy have been widely implicated in many neurodegenerative diseases, and loss-of-function mutations of PINK1 and Parkin, two key regulators of mitophagy, are amongst the most common causes of heritable parkinsonism. This has led to the hypothesis that pharmacological stimulation of mitophagy may be a feasible approach to combat neurodegeneration. Toward this end, we screened ~ 45,000 small molecules using a high-throughput, whole-organism, phenotypic screen that monitored accumulation of PINK-1 protein, a key event in mitophagic activation, in a Caenorhabditis elegans strain carrying a Ppink-1::PINK-1::GFP reporter. We obtained eight hits that increased mitochondrial fragmentation and autophagosome formation. Several of the compounds also reduced ATP production, oxygen consumption, mitochondrial mass, and/or mitochondrial membrane potential. Importantly, we found that treatment with two compounds, which we named PS83 and PS106 (more commonly known as sertraline) reduced neurodegenerative disease phenotypes, including delaying paralysis in a C. elegans β-amyloid aggregation model in a PINK-1-dependent manner. This report presents a promising step toward the identification of compounds that will stimulate mitochondrial turnover.
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11
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Kropp PA, Bauer R, Zafra I, Graham C, Golden A. Caenorhabditis elegans for rare disease modeling and drug discovery: strategies and strengths. Dis Model Mech 2021; 14:dmm049010. [PMID: 34370008 PMCID: PMC8380043 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Although nearly 10% of Americans suffer from a rare disease, clinical progress in individual rare diseases is severely compromised by lack of attention and research resources compared to common diseases. It is thus imperative to investigate these diseases at their most basic level to build a foundation and provide the opportunity for understanding their mechanisms and phenotypes, as well as potential treatments. One strategy for effectively and efficiently studying rare diseases is using genetically tractable organisms to model the disease and learn about the essential cellular processes affected. Beyond investigating dysfunctional cellular processes, modeling rare diseases in simple organisms presents the opportunity to screen for pharmacological or genetic factors capable of ameliorating disease phenotypes. Among the small model organisms that excel in rare disease modeling is the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. With a staggering breadth of research tools, C. elegans provides an ideal system in which to study human disease. Molecular and cellular processes can be easily elucidated, assayed and altered in ways that can be directly translated to humans. When paired with other model organisms and collaborative efforts with clinicians, the power of these C. elegans studies cannot be overstated. This Review highlights studies that have used C. elegans in diverse ways to understand rare diseases and aid in the development of treatments. With continuing and advancing technologies, the capabilities of this small round worm will continue to yield meaningful and clinically relevant information for human health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Andy Golden
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Genetics, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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12
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Ganner A, Gehrke C, Klein M, Thegtmeier L, Matulenski T, Wingendorf L, Wang L, Pilz F, Greidl L, Meid L, Kotsis F, Walz G, Frew IJ, Neumann-Haefelin E. VHL suppresses RAPTOR and inhibits mTORC1 signaling in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14827. [PMID: 34290272 PMCID: PMC8295262 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94132-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Inactivation of the tumor suppressor von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) gene is a key event in hereditary and sporadic clear cell renal cell carcinomas (ccRCC). The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway is a fundamental regulator of cell growth and proliferation, and hyperactivation of mTOR signaling is a common finding in VHL-dependent ccRCC. Deregulation of mTOR signaling correlates with tumor progression and poor outcome in patients with ccRCC. Here, we report that the regulatory-associated protein of mTOR (RAPTOR) is strikingly repressed by VHL. VHL interacts with RAPTOR and increases RAPTOR degradation by ubiquitination, thereby inhibiting mTORC1 signaling. Consistent with hyperactivation of mTORC1 signaling in VHL-deficient ccRCC, we observed that loss of vhl-1 function in C. elegans increased mTORC1 activity, supporting an evolutionary conserved mechanism. Our work reveals important new mechanistic insight into deregulation of mTORC1 signaling in ccRCC and links VHL directly to the control of RAPTOR/mTORC1. This may represent a novel mechanism whereby loss of VHL affects organ integrity and tumor behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athina Ganner
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christina Gehrke
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Marinella Klein
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lena Thegtmeier
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Tanja Matulenski
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Laura Wingendorf
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lu Wang
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Felicitas Pilz
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lars Greidl
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lisa Meid
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Fruzsina Kotsis
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Gerd Walz
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ian J Frew
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Elke Neumann-Haefelin
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
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13
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Tjahjono E, Revtovich AV, Kirienko NV. Imaging and Fluorescence Quantification in Caenorhabditis eleganswith Flow Vermimetry and Automated Microscopy. Bio Protoc 2021; 11:e4024. [PMID: 34150931 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.4024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene activation and cellular biomarkers are commonly monitored using fluorescent signals from transgenic reporters or dyes. These quantifiable markers are critical for biological research and serve as an incredibly powerful tool, even more so when combined with high-throughput screening. Caenorhabditis elegans is a particularly useful model in this regard, as it is inexpensive to grow in vast numbers, has a rapid generation time, is optically transparent, and can readily fit within 384-well plates. However, fluorescence quantification in worms is often cumbersome. Quantification is frequently performed using laborious, low-throughput, bias-prone methods that measure fluorescence in a comparatively small number of individual worms. Here we describe two methods, flow vermimetry using a COPAS BioSorter and an automated imaging platform and analysis pipeline using a Cytation5 multimode plate reader and image analysis software, that enable high-throughput, high-content screening in C. elegans. Flow vermimetry provides a better signal-to-noise ratio with fewer processing steps, while the Cytation5 provides a convenient platform to image samples across time. Fluorescence values from the two methods show strong correlation. Either method can be easily extended to include other parameters, such as the measurement of various metabolites, worm viability, and other aspects of cell physiology. This broadens the utility of the system and allows it to be used for a wide range of molecular biological purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elissa Tjahjono
- Department of BioSciences, 6100 Main St, MS140, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Alexey V Revtovich
- Department of BioSciences, 6100 Main St, MS140, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Natalia V Kirienko
- Department of BioSciences, 6100 Main St, MS140, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
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14
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Cruz‐Ruiz P, Hernando‐Rodríguez B, Pérez‐Jiménez MM, Rodríguez‐Palero MJ, Martínez‐Bueno MD, Pla A, Gatsi R, Artal‐Sanz M. Prohibitin depletion extends lifespan of a TORC2/SGK-1 mutant through autophagy and the mitochondrial UPR. Aging Cell 2021; 20:e13359. [PMID: 33939875 PMCID: PMC8135086 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial prohibitins (PHB) are highly conserved proteins with a peculiar effect on lifespan. While PHB depletion shortens lifespan of wild‐type animals, it enhances longevity of a plethora of metabolically compromised mutants, including target of rapamycin complex 2 (TORC2) mutants sgk‐1 and rict‐1. Here, we show that sgk‐1 mutants have impaired mitochondrial homeostasis, lipogenesis and yolk formation, plausibly due to alterations in membrane lipid and sterol homeostasis. Remarkably, all these features are suppressed by PHB depletion. Our analysis shows the requirement of SRBP1/SBP‐1 for the lifespan extension of sgk‐1 mutants and the further extension conferred by PHB depletion. Moreover, although the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) and autophagy are induced in sgk‐1 mutants and upon PHB depletion, they are dispensable for lifespan. However, the enhanced longevity caused by PHB depletion in sgk‐1 mutants requires both, the UPRmt and autophagy, but not mitophagy. We hypothesize that UPRmt induction upon PHB depletion extends lifespan of sgk‐1 mutants through autophagy and probably modulation of lipid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Cruz‐Ruiz
- Andalusian Centre for Developmental Biology Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Junta de Andalucía/Universidad Pablo de Olavide Seville Spain
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemical Engineering Universidad Pablo de Olavide Seville Spain
| | - Blanca Hernando‐Rodríguez
- Andalusian Centre for Developmental Biology Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Junta de Andalucía/Universidad Pablo de Olavide Seville Spain
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemical Engineering Universidad Pablo de Olavide Seville Spain
| | - Mercedes M. Pérez‐Jiménez
- Andalusian Centre for Developmental Biology Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Junta de Andalucía/Universidad Pablo de Olavide Seville Spain
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemical Engineering Universidad Pablo de Olavide Seville Spain
| | - María Jesús Rodríguez‐Palero
- Andalusian Centre for Developmental Biology Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Junta de Andalucía/Universidad Pablo de Olavide Seville Spain
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemical Engineering Universidad Pablo de Olavide Seville Spain
| | - Manuel D. Martínez‐Bueno
- Andalusian Centre for Developmental Biology Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Junta de Andalucía/Universidad Pablo de Olavide Seville Spain
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemical Engineering Universidad Pablo de Olavide Seville Spain
| | - Antoni Pla
- Andalusian Centre for Developmental Biology Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Junta de Andalucía/Universidad Pablo de Olavide Seville Spain
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemical Engineering Universidad Pablo de Olavide Seville Spain
| | - Roxani Gatsi
- Andalusian Centre for Developmental Biology Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Junta de Andalucía/Universidad Pablo de Olavide Seville Spain
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemical Engineering Universidad Pablo de Olavide Seville Spain
| | - Marta Artal‐Sanz
- Andalusian Centre for Developmental Biology Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Junta de Andalucía/Universidad Pablo de Olavide Seville Spain
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemical Engineering Universidad Pablo de Olavide Seville Spain
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15
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Raj D, Billing O, Podraza-Farhanieh A, Kraish B, Hemmingsson O, Kao G, Naredi P. Alternative redox forms of ASNA-1 separate insulin signaling from tail-anchored protein targeting and cisplatin resistance in C. elegans. Sci Rep 2021; 11:8678. [PMID: 33883621 PMCID: PMC8060345 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88085-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Cisplatin is a frontline cancer therapeutic, but intrinsic or acquired resistance is common. We previously showed that cisplatin sensitivity can be achieved by inactivation of ASNA-1/TRC40 in mammalian cancer cells and in Caenorhabditis elegans. ASNA-1 has two more conserved functions: in promoting tail-anchored protein (TAP) targeting to the endoplasmic reticulum membrane and in promoting insulin secretion. However, the relation between its different functions has remained unknown. Here, we show that ASNA-1 exists in two redox states that promote TAP-targeting and insulin secretion separately. The reduced state is the one required for cisplatin resistance: an ASNA-1 point mutant, in which the protein preferentially was found in the oxidized state, was sensitive to cisplatin and defective for TAP targeting but had no insulin secretion defect. The same was true for mutants in wrb-1, which we identify as the C. elegans homolog of WRB, the ASNA1/TRC40 receptor. Finally, we uncover a previously unknown action of cisplatin induced reactive oxygen species: cisplatin induced ROS drives ASNA-1 into the oxidized form, and selectively prevents an ASNA-1-dependent TAP substrate from reaching the endoplasmic reticulum. Our work suggests that ASNA-1 acts as a redox-sensitive target for cisplatin cytotoxicity and that cisplatin resistance is likely mediated by ASNA-1-dependent TAP substrates. Treatments that promote an oxidizing tumor environment should be explored as possible means to combat cisplatin resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Raj
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 413 45, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ola Billing
- Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Surgery, Umeå University, 901 85, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Agnieszka Podraza-Farhanieh
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 413 45, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Bashar Kraish
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 413 45, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Oskar Hemmingsson
- Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Surgery, Umeå University, 901 85, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Gautam Kao
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 413 45, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Peter Naredi
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 413 45, Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Department of Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 413 45, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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16
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Sivasankara Pillai S, Dandurand LM. Potato Cyst Nematode Egg Viability Assessment and Preparasitic Juvenile Screening Using a Large Particle Flow Cytometer and Sorter. PHYTOPATHOLOGY 2021; 111:713-719. [PMID: 32900268 DOI: 10.1094/phyto-06-20-0255-r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Potato cyst nematode (PCN) cysts consist of heterogenous populations of eggs, juveniles, and eggshells that make manual sorting of individual life stages cumbersome. The number of viable PCN eggs is a major determinant of crop damage. An accurate high-throughput PCN egg viability assay is useful for developing effective management and eradication plans. In this study, we present a method for rapid and precise enumeration and sorting of PCN eggs and juveniles, along with an egg viability assessment by staining eggs with the fluorescent stain, acridine orange, and sorting with the Complex Object Parametric Analyzer and Sorter (COPAS) system, a large particle flow cytometer. Both size sorting and fluorescent sorting capabilities of the COPAS were explored. By using the COPAS, sorting efficiency for eggs and preparasitic second-stage juveniles (J2s) was 97.6 and 97.2%, respectively, with 99% recovery at a flow rate of 15 events/s. Purity of sorted live and dead eggs was 95.5 and 94.1%, respectively. Sorting of J2s by size indicated that 15 to 16.4% of Globodera ellingtonae or G. pallida had an average body length of 436.1 ± 3.4 µm compared with an average size of 512.9 ± 4.4 µm for the majority of the J2 population for both species. A red autofluorescing J2 population was also identified through sorting. Sorting of eggs by flow cytometry did not significantly affect hatching (55.1 ± 1.2 and 53.9 ± 1.6%, respectively, for sorted or nonsorted eggs) or juvenile motility (91.3 ± 1.0 or 90.1 ± 1.1%, respectively), thus confirming that the method does not impair the biological activity of the nematode.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Louise-Marie Dandurand
- Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology and Nematology, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844
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17
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Giunti S, Andersen N, Rayes D, De Rosa MJ. Drug discovery: Insights from the invertebrate Caenorhabditis elegans. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2021; 9:e00721. [PMID: 33641258 PMCID: PMC7916527 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic drug development is a long, expensive, and complex process that usually takes 12-15 years. In the early phases of drug discovery, in particular, there is a growing need for animal models that ensure the reduction in both cost and time. Caenorhabditis elegans has been traditionally used to address fundamental aspects of key biological processes, such as apoptosis, aging, and gene expression regulation. During the last decade, with the advent of large-scale platforms for screenings, this invertebrate has also emerged as an essential tool in the pharmaceutical research industry to identify novel drugs and drug targets. In this review, we discuss the reasons why C. elegans has been positioned as an outstanding cost-effective option for drug discovery, highlighting both the advantages and drawbacks of this model. Particular attention is paid to the suitability of this nematode in large-scale genetic and pharmacological screenings. High-throughput screenings in C. elegans have indeed contributed to the breakthrough of a wide variety of candidate compounds involved in extensive fields including neurodegeneration, pathogen infections and metabolic disorders. The versatility of this nematode, which enables its instrumentation as a model of human diseases, is another attribute also herein underscored. As illustrative examples, we discuss the utility of C. elegans models of both human neurodegenerative diseases and parasitic nematodes in the drug discovery industry. Summing up, this review aims to demonstrate the impact of C. elegans models on the drug discovery pipeline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastián Giunti
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB) CCT UNS‐CONICETBahía BlancaArgentina
- Dpto de Biología, Bioquímica y FarmaciaUniversidad Nacional del SurBahía BlancaArgentina
| | - Natalia Andersen
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB) CCT UNS‐CONICETBahía BlancaArgentina
- Dpto de Biología, Bioquímica y FarmaciaUniversidad Nacional del SurBahía BlancaArgentina
| | - Diego Rayes
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB) CCT UNS‐CONICETBahía BlancaArgentina
- Dpto de Biología, Bioquímica y FarmaciaUniversidad Nacional del SurBahía BlancaArgentina
| | - María José De Rosa
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB) CCT UNS‐CONICETBahía BlancaArgentina
- Dpto de Biología, Bioquímica y FarmaciaUniversidad Nacional del SurBahía BlancaArgentina
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18
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Aldewachi H, Al-Zidan RN, Conner MT, Salman MM. High-Throughput Screening Platforms in the Discovery of Novel Drugs for Neurodegenerative Diseases. Bioengineering (Basel) 2021; 8:30. [PMID: 33672148 PMCID: PMC7926814 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering8020030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are incurable and debilitating conditions that result in progressive degeneration and/or death of nerve cells in the central nervous system (CNS). Identification of viable therapeutic targets and new treatments for CNS disorders and in particular, for NDDs is a major challenge in the field of drug discovery. These difficulties can be attributed to the diversity of cells involved, extreme complexity of the neural circuits, the limited capacity for tissue regeneration, and our incomplete understanding of the underlying pathological processes. Drug discovery is a complex and multidisciplinary process. The screening attrition rate in current drug discovery protocols mean that only one viable drug may arise from millions of screened compounds resulting in the need to improve discovery technologies and protocols to address the multiple causes of attrition. This has identified the need to screen larger libraries where the use of efficient high-throughput screening (HTS) becomes key in the discovery process. HTS can investigate hundreds of thousands of compounds per day. However, if fewer compounds could be screened without compromising the probability of success, the cost and time would be largely reduced. To that end, recent advances in computer-aided design, in silico libraries, and molecular docking software combined with the upscaling of cell-based platforms have evolved to improve screening efficiency with higher predictability and clinical applicability. We review, here, the increasing role of HTS in contemporary drug discovery processes, in particular for NDDs, and evaluate the criteria underlying its successful application. We also discuss the requirement of HTS for novel NDD therapies and examine the major current challenges in validating new drug targets and developing new treatments for NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Aldewachi
- Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield S1 1WB, UK;
- College of Pharmacy, Nineveh University, Mosul 41002, Iraq
| | - Radhwan N. Al-Zidan
- College of Pharmacy, University of Mosul, Mosul 41002, Iraq;
- School of Applied Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh EH11 4BN, UK
| | - Matthew T. Conner
- School of Sciences, Research Institute in Healthcare Science, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton WV1 1LY, UK;
| | - Mootaz M. Salman
- College of Pharmacy, University of Mosul, Mosul 41002, Iraq;
- Oxford Parkinson’s Disease Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
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19
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Mata-Cabana A, Pérez-Nieto C, Olmedo M. Nutritional control of postembryonic development progression and arrest in Caenorhabditis elegans. ADVANCES IN GENETICS 2020; 107:33-87. [PMID: 33641748 DOI: 10.1016/bs.adgen.2020.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Developmental programs are under strict genetic control that favors robustness of the process. In order to guarantee the same outcome in different environmental situations, development is modulated by input pathways, which inform about external conditions. In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, the process of postembryonic development involves a series of stereotypic cell divisions, the progression of which is controlled by the nutritional status of the animal. C. elegans can arrest development at different larval stages, leading to cell arrest of the relevant divisions of the stage. This means that studying the nutritional control of development in C. elegans we can learn about the mechanisms controlling cell division in an in vivo model. In this work, we reviewed the current knowledge about the nutrient sensing pathways that control the progression or arrest of development in response to nutrient availability, with a special focus on the arrest at the L1 stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Mata-Cabana
- Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Avd. Reina Mercedes, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Carmen Pérez-Nieto
- Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Avd. Reina Mercedes, Sevilla, Spain
| | - María Olmedo
- Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Avd. Reina Mercedes, Sevilla, Spain.
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20
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Medina PM, Ponce JM, Cruz CA. Revealing the anticancer potential of candidate drugs in vivo using Caenorhabditis elegans mutant strains. Transl Oncol 2020; 14:100940. [PMID: 33221682 PMCID: PMC7689339 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2020.100940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the Wnt, Notch, and Ras-ERK signaling pathways in C. elegans lead to infertility, sterility, and multivulva formation. Phenotypic assays using C. elegans mutant strains can be used as in vivo models for drug repurposing. Itraconazole, disulfiram, etodolac, and ouabain have anticancer potential that can specifically target the Wnt, Notch, and RAS-ERK signaling pathways.
Drug repurposing is used as a strategy for finding new drugs for cancer. The process is a faster and a more cost-effective way of providing new indications for drugs that can address emerging drug resistance and numerous side effects of chemotherapeutic drugs. In this study, the in vivo anticancer potential of itraconazole, disulfiram, etodolac, and ouabain were assessed using five different C. elegans mutant strains. Each strain contains mutations in genes involved in different signaling pathways such as Wnt (JK3476), Notch (JK1107 and BS3164), and Ras-ERK (SD939 and MT2124) that result to phenotypes of sterility, infertility, and multivulva formation. These same signaling pathways have been shown to be defective in several human cancer types. The four candidate drugs were tested on the C. elegans mutant strains to determine if they rescue the mutant phenotypes. Both ouabain and etodolac significantly reduced the sterile and infertile phenotypes of JK3476, JK1107, BS3164, and SD939 strains (p=0.0010). Finally, itraconazole and etodolac significantly reduced multivulva formation (p=0.0021). The degrees of significant phenotypic rescues of each mutant were significantly higher than vehicle only (1% DMSO). Therefore, this study demonstrated that the four candidate drugs have anticancer potential in vivo, and etodolac had the highest anticancer potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Mark Medina
- Biological Models Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Metro Manila 1000, Philippines.
| | - Jozelle Marie Ponce
- Biological Models Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Metro Manila 1000, Philippines
| | - Christian Alfredo Cruz
- Biological Models Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Metro Manila 1000, Philippines
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Espada L, Dakhovnik A, Chaudhari P, Martirosyan A, Miek L, Poliezhaieva T, Schaub Y, Nair A, Döring N, Rahnis N, Werz O, Koeberle A, Kirkpatrick J, Ori A, Ermolaeva MA. Loss of metabolic plasticity underlies metformin toxicity in aged Caenorhabditis elegans. Nat Metab 2020; 2:1316-1331. [PMID: 33139960 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-020-00307-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Current clinical trials are testing the life-extending benefits of the diabetes drug metformin in healthy individuals without diabetes. However, the metabolic response of a non-diabetic cohort to metformin treatment has not been studied. Here, we show in C. elegans and human primary cells that metformin shortens lifespan when provided in late life, contrary to its positive effects in young organisms. We find that metformin exacerbates ageing-associated mitochondrial dysfunction, causing respiratory failure. Age-related failure to induce glycolysis and activate the dietary-restriction-like mobilization of lipid reserves in response to metformin result in lethal ATP exhaustion in metformin-treated aged worms and late-passage human cells, which can be rescued by ectopic stabilization of cellular ATP content. Metformin toxicity is alleviated in worms harbouring disruptions in insulin-receptor signalling, which show enhanced resilience to mitochondrial distortions at old age. Together, our data show that metformin induces deleterious changes of conserved metabolic pathways in late life, which could bring into question its benefits for older individuals without diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilia Espada
- Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), Jena, Germany
| | | | - Prerana Chaudhari
- Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), Jena, Germany
| | - Asya Martirosyan
- Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), Jena, Germany
| | - Laura Miek
- Institute of Pharmacy, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | | | - Yvonne Schaub
- Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), Jena, Germany
| | - Ashish Nair
- Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), Jena, Germany
| | - Nadia Döring
- Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), Jena, Germany
| | - Norman Rahnis
- Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), Jena, Germany
| | - Oliver Werz
- Institute of Pharmacy, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Andreas Koeberle
- Institute of Pharmacy, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
- Michael Popp Research Institute, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Alessandro Ori
- Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), Jena, Germany
| | - Maria A Ermolaeva
- Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), Jena, Germany.
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22
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Bulterijs S, Braeckman BP. Phenotypic Screening in C. elegans as a Tool for the Discovery of New Geroprotective Drugs. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:E164. [PMID: 32722365 PMCID: PMC7463874 DOI: 10.3390/ph13080164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Population aging is one of the largest challenges of the 21st century. As more people live to advanced ages, the prevalence of age-related diseases and disabilities will increase placing an ever larger burden on our healthcare system. A potential solution to this conundrum is to develop treatments that prevent, delay or reduce the severity of age-related diseases by decreasing the rate of the aging process. This ambition has been accomplished in model organisms through dietary, genetic and pharmacological interventions. The pharmacological approaches hold the greatest opportunity for successful translation to the clinic. The discovery of such pharmacological interventions in aging requires high-throughput screening strategies. However, the majority of screens performed for geroprotective drugs in C. elegans so far are rather low throughput. Therefore, the development of high-throughput screening strategies is of utmost importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Bulterijs
- Laboratory of Aging Physiology and Molecular Evolution, Department of Biology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bart P. Braeckman
- Laboratory of Aging Physiology and Molecular Evolution, Department of Biology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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23
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Zwirchmayr J, Kirchweger B, Lehner T, Tahir A, Pretsch D, Rollinger JM. A robust and miniaturized screening platform to study natural products affecting metabolism and survival in Caenorhabditis elegans. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12323. [PMID: 32704017 PMCID: PMC7378205 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-69186-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study a robust, whole organism screening based on Caenorhabditis elegans is presented for the discovery of natural products (NP) with beneficial effects against obesity and age-related diseases. Several parameters of the elaborated workflow were optimized to be adapted for probing multicomponent mixtures combining knowledge from traditional medicine and NP chemistry by generating optimized small-scale extracts considering scarcity of the natural source, solubility issues, and potential assay interferences. The established miniaturized assay protocol allows for in vivo probing of small amounts of even complex samples (~ 1 mg) to test their ability to increase the nematodes' survival time and the suppression of fat accumulation assessed by Nile red staining as hall marks of "healthy aging". The workflow was applied on 24 herbal and fungal materials traditionally used against symptoms of the metabolic syndrome and revealed promising results for the extracts of Gardenia jasminoides fruits and the sclerotia from Inonotus obliquus. Tested at 100 µg/mL they were able to significantly reduce the Nile red fluorescence and extend the 50% survival rate (DT50) compared to the control groups. This phenotype-directed in vivo approach opens up new horizons for the selection of natural starting materials and the investigation of their active principles as fast drug discovery tool with predictive value for human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Zwirchmayr
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Althanstraße 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Benjamin Kirchweger
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Althanstraße 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Theresa Lehner
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Althanstraße 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ammar Tahir
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Althanstraße 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dagmar Pretsch
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Althanstraße 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Judith M Rollinger
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Althanstraße 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
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24
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Narayanan P, Mistry PK. Update on Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency in Liver Disease. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2020; 15:228-235. [PMID: 32617155 PMCID: PMC7326637 DOI: 10.1002/cld.896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Pramod K. Mistry
- Department of Digestive DiseasesYale–New Haven HospitalNew HavenCT
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25
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Sepúlveda-Crespo D, Reguera RM, Rojo-Vázquez F, Balaña-Fouce R, Martínez-Valladares M. Drug discovery technologies: Caenorhabditis elegans as a model for anthelmintic therapeutics. Med Res Rev 2020; 40:1715-1753. [PMID: 32166776 DOI: 10.1002/med.21668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Helminthiasis is one of the gravest problems worldwide. There is a growing concern on less available anthelmintics and the emergence of resistance creating a major threat to human and livestock health resources. Novel and broad-spectrum anthelmintics are urgently needed. The free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans could address this issue through automated high-throughput technologies for the screening of large chemical libraries. This review discusses the strong advantages and limitations for using C elegans as a screening method for anthelmintic drug discovery. C elegans is the best model available for the validation of novel effective drugs in treating most, if not all, helminth infections, and for the elucidation the mode of action of anthelmintic candidates. This review also focuses on available technologies in the discovery of anthelmintics published over the last 15 years with particular attention to high-throughput technologies over conventional screens. On the other hand, this review highlights how combinatorial and nanomedicine strategies could prolong the use of anthelmintics and control resistance problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Sepúlveda-Crespo
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, León, Spain
| | - Rosa M Reguera
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, León, Spain
| | - Francisco Rojo-Vázquez
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-Universidad de León), León, Spain.,Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, León, Spain
| | - Rafael Balaña-Fouce
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, León, Spain
| | - María Martínez-Valladares
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-Universidad de León), León, Spain.,Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, León, Spain
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26
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Jiao Y, Preston S, Hofmann A, Taki A, Baell J, Chang BCH, Jabbar A, Gasser RB. A perspective on the discovery of selected compounds with anthelmintic activity against the barber's pole worm-Where to from here? ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2020; 108:1-45. [PMID: 32291083 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2019.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Parasitic roundworms (nematodes) cause substantial morbidity and mortality in animals worldwide. Anthelmintic treatment is central to controlling these worms, but widespread resistance to most of the commercially available anthelmintics for veterinary and agricultural use is compromising control, such that there is an urgency to discover new and effective drugs. The purpose of this article is to review information on parasitic nematodes, the treatment and control of parasitic nematode infections and aspects of discovering new anthelmintics in the context of anthelmintic resistance problems, and then to discuss some progress that our group has made in identifying selected compounds with activity against nematodes. The focus of our recent work has been on discovering new chemical entities and known drugs with anthelmintic activities against Haemonchus contortus as well as other socioeconomically important parasitic nematodes for subsequent development. Using whole worm-based phenotypic assays, we have been screening compound collections obtained via product-development-partnerships and/or collaborators, and active compounds have been assessed for their potential as anthelmintic candidates. Following the screening of 15,333 chemicals from five distinct compound collections against H. contortus, we have discovered one new chemical entity (designated SN00797439), two human kinase inhibitors (SNS-032 and AG-1295), 14 tetrahydroquinoxaline analogues, one insecticide (tolfenpyrad) and two tolfenpyrad (pyrazole-5-carboxamide) derivatives (a-15 and a-17) with anthelmintic activity in vitro. Some of these 20 'hit' compounds have selectivity against H. contortus in vitro when compared to particular human cell lines. In our opinion, some of these compounds could represent starting points for 'lead' development. Accordingly, the next research steps to be pursued include: (i) chemical optimisation of representative chemicals via structure-activity relationship (SAR) evaluations; (ii) assessment of the breadth of spectrum of anthelmintic activity on a range of other parasitic nematodes, such as strongyloids, ascaridoids, enoplids and filarioids; (iii) detailed investigations of the absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADMET) of optimised chemicals with broad nematocidal or nematostatic activity; and (iv) establishment of the modes of action of lead candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqing Jiao
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Sarah Preston
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Faculty of Science and Technology, Federation University, Ballarat, VIC, Australia
| | - Andreas Hofmann
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Aya Taki
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Jonathan Baell
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Bill C H Chang
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Abdul Jabbar
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
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Akirin Is Required for Muscle Function and Acts Through the TGF-β Sma/Mab Signaling Pathway in Caenorhabditis elegans Development. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2020; 10:387-400. [PMID: 31767636 PMCID: PMC6945016 DOI: 10.1534/g3.119.400377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Akirin, a conserved metazoan protein, functions in muscle development in flies and mice. However, this was only tested in the rodent and fly model systems. Akirin was shown to act with chromatin remodeling complexes in transcription and was established as a downstream target of the NFκB pathway. Here we show a role for Caenorhabditis elegans Akirin/AKIR-1 in the muscle and body length regulation through a different pathway. Akirin localizes to somatic tissues throughout the body of C. elegans, including muscle nuclei. In agreement with its role in other model systems, Akirin loss of function mutants exhibit defects in muscle development in the embryo, as well as defects in movement and maintenance of muscle integrity in the C. elegans adult. We also have determined that Akirin acts downstream of the TGF-β Sma/Mab signaling pathway in controlling body size. Moreover, we found that the loss of Akirin resulted in an increase in autophagy markers, similar to mutants in the TGF-β Sma/Mab signaling pathway. In contrast to what is known in rodent and fly models, C. elegans Akirin does not act with the SWI/SNF chromatin-remodeling complex, and is instead involved with the NuRD chromatin remodeling complex in both movement and regulation of body size. Our studies define a novel developmental role (body size) and a new pathway (TGF-β Sma/Mab) for Akirin function, and confirmed its evolutionarily conserved function in muscle development in a new organism.
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28
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A high throughput drug screening paradigm using transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans model of Alzheimer’s disease. TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE OF AGING 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tma.2019.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
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29
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Mitochondrial Perturbations Couple mTORC2 to Autophagy in C. elegans. Cell Rep 2019; 29:1399-1409.e5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.09.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
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30
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Pye A, Turner AM. Experimental and investigational drugs for the treatment of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2019; 28:891-902. [PMID: 31550938 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2019.1672656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is most often associated with chronic lung disease, early onset emphysema, and liver disease. The standard of care in lung disease due to AATD is alpha-1 antitrypsin augmentation but there are several new and emerging treatment options under investigation for both lung and liver manifestations. Areas covered: We review therapeutic approaches to lung and liver disease in alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) and the agents in clinical development according to their mode of action. The focus is on products in clinical trials, but data from pre-clinical studies are described where relevant, particularly where progression to trials appears likely. Expert opinion: Clinical trials directed at lung and liver disease separately are now taking place. Multimodality treatment may be the future, but this could be limited by treatment costs. The next 5-10 years may reveal new guidance on when to use therapeutics for slowing disease progression with personalized treatment regimes coming to the forefront.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Pye
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham , Birmingham , UK
| | - Alice M Turner
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham , Birmingham , UK
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31
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Yang WH, Chen CY, Wang KL, Kwok HL, Stern A, Lo SJ, Yang HC. Reflex and habituation behavior of Caenorhabditis elegans assessed by a mechanical vibration system and image analysis. J Neurosci Methods 2019; 328:108415. [PMID: 31470028 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2019.108415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is an emerging invertebrate animal model for investigating neuronal functions in behavioral assays. C. elegans mechanosensation was characterized by the use of a constant mechanical stimulation transmitter followed by quantitative imaging. NEW METHOD C. elegans reflex and habituation behaviors were characterized by mechanical vibration followed by image analysis. A custom-designed system consists of an aluminum alloy Petri dish holder frame coupled with a mechanical vibration buzzer delivering adjustable pulsed vibration to an agar plate. The basal and evoked movements of C. elegans were recorded by a microscopic digital camera followed by quantitative analysis using microscopic imaging software. RESULTS Application of the platform in C. elegans was demonstrated with three proof-of-concept experiments: (1) Evaluation of the reflex response stimulated by tapping and mechanical vibration with a mechano-sensation defective mutant. (2) Comparison of the reflex response stimulated by mechanical vibration between wild type and aging mutants. (3) Assessment of the efficacy of the mechanical vibration system on long-term memory for habituation. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS Conventional C. elegans mechanosensation techniques depend on stimulation either by manually touching a single animal or tapping the Petri dish followed by scoring via visual observation from the examiner. The mechanical vibration method has greater capacity compared to conventional methods which are labor-intensive, have low throughput and lack quantifiable parameters. CONCLUSIONS The mechanical vibration system followed by image analysis is a convenient and integrated platform for investigatingC. elegans reflex and habituation in aging and neural behavioral assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Hua Yang
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Yuanpei University of Medical Technology, Hsinchu, Taiwan; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Hsinchu Branch, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yi Chen
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | | | - Hong Luen Kwok
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Yuanpei University of Medical Technology, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Arnold Stern
- New York University School of Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Szecheng J Lo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Chi Yang
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Yuanpei University of Medical Technology, Hsinchu, Taiwan.
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32
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Leroux F, Bosc D, Beghyn T, Hermant P, Warenghem S, Landry V, Pottiez V, Guillaume V, Charton J, Herledan A, Urata S, Liang W, Sheng L, Tang WJ, Deprez B, Deprez-Poulain R. Identification of ebselen as a potent inhibitor of insulin degrading enzyme by a drug repurposing screening. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 179:557-566. [PMID: 31276900 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.06.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Insulin-degrading enzyme, IDE, is a metalloprotease implicated in the metabolism of key peptides such as insulin, glucagon, β-amyloid peptide. Recent studies have pointed out its broader role in the cell physiology. In order to identify new drug-like inhibitors of IDE with optimal pharmacokinetic properties to probe its multiple roles, we ran a high-throughput drug repurposing screening. Ebselen, cefmetazole and rabeprazole were identified as reversible inhibitors of IDE. Ebselen is the most potent inhibitor (IC50(insulin) = 14 nM). The molecular mode of action of ebselen was investigated by biophysical methods. We show that ebselen induces the disorder of the IDE catalytic cleft, which significantly differs from the previously reported IDE inhibitors. IDE inhibition by ebselen can explain some of its reported activities in metabolism as well as in neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Leroux
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1177, Drugs and Molecules for Living Systems, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Damien Bosc
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1177, Drugs and Molecules for Living Systems, F-59000, Lille, France
| | | | - Paul Hermant
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1177, Drugs and Molecules for Living Systems, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Sandrine Warenghem
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1177, Drugs and Molecules for Living Systems, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Valérie Landry
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1177, Drugs and Molecules for Living Systems, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Virginie Pottiez
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1177, Drugs and Molecules for Living Systems, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Valentin Guillaume
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1177, Drugs and Molecules for Living Systems, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Julie Charton
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1177, Drugs and Molecules for Living Systems, F-59000, Lille, France; European Genomic Institute for Diabetes, EGID, University of Lille, F-59000, France
| | - Adrien Herledan
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1177, Drugs and Molecules for Living Systems, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Sarah Urata
- Department of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, CA 92093, La Jolla, United States
| | - Wenguang Liang
- Ben-May Institute for Cancer Research, The University of Chicago, IL 60637, Chicago, United States
| | - Li Sheng
- Department of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, CA 92093, La Jolla, United States
| | - Wei-Jen Tang
- Ben-May Institute for Cancer Research, The University of Chicago, IL 60637, Chicago, United States
| | - Benoit Deprez
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1177, Drugs and Molecules for Living Systems, F-59000, Lille, France; APTEEUS, F-59000, Lille, France; European Genomic Institute for Diabetes, EGID, University of Lille, F-59000, France
| | - Rebecca Deprez-Poulain
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1177, Drugs and Molecules for Living Systems, F-59000, Lille, France; European Genomic Institute for Diabetes, EGID, University of Lille, F-59000, France; Institut Universitaire de France, F- 75231, Paris, France.
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33
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Patel DS, Xu N, Lu H. Digging deeper: methodologies for high-content phenotyping in Caenorhabditis elegans. Lab Anim (NY) 2019; 48:207-216. [PMID: 31217565 DOI: 10.1038/s41684-019-0326-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Deep phenotyping is an emerging conceptual paradigm and experimental approach aimed at measuring and linking many aspects of a phenotype to understand its underlying biology. To date, deep phenotyping has been applied mostly in cultured cells and used less in multicellular organisms. However, in the past decade, it has increasingly been recognized that deep phenotyping could lead to a better understanding of how genetics, environment and stochasticity affect the development, physiology and behavior of an organism. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is an invaluable model system for studying how genes affect a phenotypic trait, and new technologies have taken advantage of the worm's physical attributes to increase the throughput and informational content of experiments. Coupling of these technical advancements with computational and analytical tools has enabled a boom in deep-phenotyping studies of C. elegans. In this Review, we highlight how these new technologies and tools are digging into the biological origins of complex, multidimensional phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhaval S Patel
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Nan Xu
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.,The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hang Lu
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Development and optimization of a high-throughput screening method utilizing Ancylostoma ceylanicum egg hatching to identify novel anthelmintics. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0217019. [PMID: 31158236 PMCID: PMC6546214 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0217019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Hookworms remain a major health burden in the developing world, with hundreds of millions currently afflicted by these blood-feeding parasites. There exists a vital need for the discovery of novel drugs and identification of parasite drug targets for the development of chemotherapies. New drug development requires the identification of compounds that target molecules essential to parasite survival and preclinical testing in robust, standardized animal models of human disease. This process can prove costly and time consuming using conventional, low-throughput methods. We have developed a novel high-throughput screen (HTS) to identify anthelmintics for the treatment of soil-transmitted helminths. Our high-throughput, plate reader-based assay was used to rapidly assess compound toxicity to Ancylostoma ceylanicum L1 larva. Using this method, we screened 39,568 compounds from several small molecule screening libraries at 10 μM and identified 830 bioactive compounds that inhibit egg hatching of the human hookworm A. ceylanicum by >50%. Of these, 132 compounds inhibited hookworm egg hatching by >90% compared to controls. The nematicidal activities of 268 compounds were verified by retesting in the egg hatching assay and were also tested for toxicity against the human HeLa cell line at 10 μM. Fifty-nine compounds were verified to inhibit A. ceylanicum egg hatching by >80% and were <20% toxic to HeLa cells. Half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values were determined for the 59 hit compounds and ranged from 0.05–8.94 μM. This stringent advancement of compounds was designed to 1) systematically assess the nematicidal activity of novel compounds against the egg stage of A. ceylanicum hookworms in culture and 2) define their chemotherapeutic potential in vivo by evaluating their toxicity to human cells. Information gained from these experiments may directly contribute to the development of new drugs for the treatment of human hookworm disease.
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Thomas BJ, Wight IE, Chou WYY, Moreno M, Dawson Z, Homayouni A, Huang H, Kim H, Jia H, Buland JR, Wambach JA, Cole FS, Pak SC, Silverman GA, Luke CJ. CemOrange2 fusions facilitate multifluorophore subcellular imaging in C. elegans. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0214257. [PMID: 30913273 PMCID: PMC6435234 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0214257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to its ease of genetic manipulation and transparency, Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) has become a preferred model system to study gene function by microscopy. The use of Aequorea victoria green fluorescent protein (GFP) fused to proteins or targeting sequences of interest, further expanded upon the utility of C. elegans by labeling subcellular structures, which enables following their disposition during development or in the presence of genetic mutations. Fluorescent proteins with excitation and emission spectra different from that of GFP accelerated the use of multifluorophore imaging in real time. We have expanded the repertoire of fluorescent proteins for use in C. elegans by developing a codon-optimized version of Orange2 (CemOrange2). Proteins or targeting motifs fused to CemOrange2 were distinguishable from the more common fluorophores used in the nematode; such as GFP, YFP, and mKate2. We generated a panel of CemOrange2 fusion constructs, and confirmed they were targeted to their correct subcellular addresses by colocalization with independent markers. To demonstrate the potential usefulness of this new panel of fluorescent protein markers, we showed that CemOrange2 fusion proteins could be used to: 1) monitor biological pathways, 2) multiplex with other fluorescent proteins to determine colocalization and 3) gain phenotypic knowledge of a human ABCA3 orthologue, ABT-4, trafficking variant in the C. elegans model organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J. Thomas
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine and St. Louis Children’s Hospital, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Ira E. Wight
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine and St. Louis Children’s Hospital, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Wendy Y. Y. Chou
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine and St. Louis Children’s Hospital, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Marco Moreno
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine and St. Louis Children’s Hospital, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Zachary Dawson
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine and St. Louis Children’s Hospital, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Arielle Homayouni
- Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Huiyan Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine and St. Louis Children’s Hospital, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Hyori Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine and St. Louis Children’s Hospital, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Hanna Jia
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine and St. Louis Children’s Hospital, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Justin R. Buland
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine and St. Louis Children’s Hospital, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Jennifer A. Wambach
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine and St. Louis Children’s Hospital, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - F. Sessions Cole
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine and St. Louis Children’s Hospital, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Stephen C. Pak
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine and St. Louis Children’s Hospital, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Gary A. Silverman
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine and St. Louis Children’s Hospital, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Cliff J. Luke
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine and St. Louis Children’s Hospital, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
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Liu G, Dong F, Fu C, Smith ZJ. Automated morphometry toolbox for analysis of microscopic model organisms using simple bright-field imaging. Biol Open 2019; 8:bio.037788. [PMID: 30814065 PMCID: PMC6451328 DOI: 10.1242/bio.037788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Model organisms with compact genomes, such as yeast and C aenorhabditis elegans, are particularly useful for understanding organism growth and life/cell cycle. Organism morphology is a critical parameter to measure in monitoring growth and stage in the life cycle. However, manual measurements are both time consuming and potentially inaccurate, due to variations among users and user fatigue. In this paper we present an automated method to segment bright-field images of fission yeast, budding yeast, and C. elegans roundworm, reporting a wide range of morphometric parameters, such as length, width, eccentricity, and others. Comparisons between automated and manual methods on fission yeast reveal good correlation in size values, with the 95% confidence interval lying between -0.8 and +0.6 μm in cell length, similar to the 95% confidence interval between two manual users. In a head-to-head comparison with other published algorithms on multiple datasets, our method achieves more accurate and robust results with substantially less computation time. We demonstrate the method's versatility on several model organisms, and demonstrate its utility through automated analysis of changes in fission yeast growth due to single kinase deletions. The algorithm has additionally been implemented as a stand-alone executable program to aid dissemination to other researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanghui Liu
- Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
| | - Fenfen Dong
- School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
| | - Chuanhai Fu
- School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
| | - Zachary J Smith
- Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
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Wang Y, Cobanoglu MC, Li J, Hidvegi T, Hale P, Ewing M, Chu AS, Gong Z, Muzumdar R, Pak SC, Silverman GA, Bahar I, Perlmutter DH. An analog of glibenclamide selectively enhances autophagic degradation of misfolded α1-antitrypsin Z. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0209748. [PMID: 30673724 PMCID: PMC6343872 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0209748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The classical form of α1-antitrypsin deficiency (ATD) is characterized by intracellular accumulation of the misfolded variant α1-antitrypsin Z (ATZ) and severe liver disease in some of the affected individuals. In this study, we investigated the possibility of discovering novel therapeutic agents that would reduce ATZ accumulation by interrogating a C. elegans model of ATD with high-content genome-wide RNAi screening and computational systems pharmacology strategies. The RNAi screening was utilized to identify genes that modify the intracellular accumulation of ATZ and a novel computational pipeline was developed to make high confidence predictions on repurposable drugs. This approach identified glibenclamide (GLB), a sulfonylurea drug that has been used broadly in clinical medicine as an oral hypoglycemic agent. Here we show that GLB promotes autophagic degradation of misfolded ATZ in mammalian cell line models of ATD. Furthermore, an analog of GLB reduces hepatic ATZ accumulation and hepatic fibrosis in a mouse model in vivo without affecting blood glucose or insulin levels. These results provide support for a drug discovery strategy using simple organisms as human disease models combined with genetic and computational screening methods. They also show that GLB and/or at least one of its analogs can be immediately tested to arrest the progression of human ATD liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Murat C. Cobanoglu
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Tunda Hidvegi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Pamela Hale
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Michael Ewing
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Andrew S. Chu
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Zhenwei Gong
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Radhika Muzumdar
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Stephen C. Pak
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Gary A. Silverman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Ivet Bahar
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - David H. Perlmutter
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Ben-Yakar A. High-Content and High-Throughput In Vivo Drug Screening Platforms Using Microfluidics. Assay Drug Dev Technol 2019; 17:8-13. [DOI: 10.1089/adt.2018.908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Adela Ben-Yakar
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
- Adela Ben-Yakar from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin was awarded The President's Innovation award at the annual Society of Biomolecular Imaging and Informatics (SBI2) meeting held in Boston, September 2018
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Worms on a Chip. Bioanalysis 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-6229-3_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
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Caldwell KA, Thies JL, Caldwell GA. No Country for Old Worms: A Systematic Review of the Application of C. elegans to Investigate a Bacterial Source of Environmental Neurotoxicity in Parkinson's Disease. Metabolites 2018; 8:metabo8040070. [PMID: 30380609 PMCID: PMC6315381 DOI: 10.3390/metabo8040070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2018] [Revised: 10/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
While progress has been made in discerning genetic associations with Parkinson's disease (PD), identifying elusive environmental contributors necessitates the application of unconventional hypotheses and experimental strategies. Here, we provide an overview of studies that we conducted on a neurotoxic metabolite produced by a species of common soil bacteria, Streptomyces venezuelae (S. ven), indicating that the toxicity displayed by this bacterium causes stress in diverse cellular mechanisms, such as the ubiquitin proteasome system and mitochondrial homeostasis. This dysfunction eventually leads to age and dose-dependent neurodegeneration in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Notably, dopaminergic neurons have heightened susceptibility, but all of the neuronal classes eventually degenerate following exposure. Toxicity further extends to human SH-SY5Y cells, which also degenerate following exposure. Additionally, the neurons of nematodes expressing heterologous aggregation-prone proteins display enhanced metabolite vulnerability. These mechanistic analyses collectively reveal a unique metabolomic fingerprint for this bacterially-derived neurotoxin. In considering that epidemiological distinctions in locales influence the incidence of PD, we surveyed soils from diverse regions of Alabama, and found that exposure to ~30% of isolated Streptomyces species caused worm dopaminergic neurons to die. In addition to aging, one of the few established contributors to PD appears to be a rural lifestyle, where exposure to soil on a regular basis might increase the risk of interaction with bacteria producing such toxins. Taken together, these data suggest that a novel toxicant within the Streptomyces genus might represent an environmental contributor to the progressive neurodegeneration that is associated with PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim A Caldwell
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Box 870344, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA.
- Departments of Neurology and Neurobiology, Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Nathan Shock Center for Research on the Basic Biology of Aging, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
| | - Jennifer L Thies
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Box 870344, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA.
| | - Guy A Caldwell
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Box 870344, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA.
- Departments of Neurology and Neurobiology, Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Nathan Shock Center for Research on the Basic Biology of Aging, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
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Richaud M, Galas S. Defining the viability of tardigrades with a molecular sensor related to death. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0206444. [PMID: 30365540 PMCID: PMC6203378 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0206444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The design of experimental protocols that use animal models to assess the impact of a stress on a population or to determine the life span expectancy impact can be time-consuming due to the need for direct observations of dead and living animals. These experiments are usually based on the detectable activity of animals such as food intake or mobility and can sometimes produce either under- or overestimated results. The tardigrade Hypsibius exemplaris is an emerging model for the evolutionary biology of the tardigrade phylum because of its convenient laboratory breeding and the recent introduction of new molecular tools. In this report, we describe the use of a new fluorescent dye that can specifically stain dead tardigrades. Furthermore, we also monitored the absence of a toxic side effect of the death-linked fluorescent dye on tardigrade populations. Finally, we conclude that tardigrade experiments that require survival counting of the Hypsibius exemplaris species can be greatly improved by using this technique in order to limit underestimation of alive animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriam Richaud
- IBMM, University of Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier, France
| | - Simon Galas
- IBMM, University of Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier, France
- * E-mail:
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42
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Segeritz CP, Rashid ST, de Brito MC, Serra MP, Ordonez A, Morell CM, Kaserman JE, Madrigal P, Hannan NRF, Gatto L, Tan L, Wilson AA, Lilley K, Marciniak SJ, Gooptu B, Lomas DA, Vallier L. hiPSC hepatocyte model demonstrates the role of unfolded protein response and inflammatory networks in α 1-antitrypsin deficiency. J Hepatol 2018; 69:851-860. [PMID: 29879455 PMCID: PMC6562205 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2018.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Revised: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS α1-Antitrypsin deficiency (A1ATD) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the SERPINA1 gene. Individuals with the Z variant (Gly342Lys) retain polymerised protein in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of their hepatocytes, predisposing them to liver disease. The concomitant lack of circulating A1AT also causes lung emphysema. Greater insight into the mechanisms that link protein misfolding to liver injury will facilitate the design of novel therapies. METHODS Human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived hepatocytes provide a novel approach to interrogate the molecular mechanisms of A1ATD because of their patient-specific genetic architecture and reflection of human physiology. To that end, we utilised patient-specific hiPSC hepatocyte-like cells (ZZ-HLCs) derived from an A1ATD (ZZ) patient, which faithfully recapitulated key aspects of the disease at the molecular and cellular level. Subsequent functional and "omics" comparisons of these cells with their genetically corrected isogenic-line (RR-HLCs) and primary hepatocytes/human tissue enabled identification of new molecular markers and disease signatures. RESULTS Our studies showed that abnormal A1AT polymer processing (immobilised ER components, reduced luminal protein mobility and disrupted ER cisternae) occurred heterogeneously within hepatocyte populations and was associated with disrupted mitochondrial structure, presence of the oncogenic protein AKR1B10 and two upregulated molecular clusters centred on members of inflammatory (IL-18 and Caspase-4) and unfolded protein response (Calnexin and Calreticulin) pathways. These results were validated in a second patient-specific hiPSC line. CONCLUSIONS Our data identified novel pathways that potentially link the expression of Z A1AT polymers to liver disease. These findings could help pave the way towards identification of new therapeutic targets for the treatment of A1ATD. LAY SUMMARY This study compared the gene expression and protein profiles of healthy liver cells and those affected by the inherited disease α1-antitrypsin deficiency. This approach identified specific factors primarily present in diseased samples which could provide new targets for drug development. This study also demonstrates the interest of using hepatic cells generated from human-induced pluripotent stem cells to model liver disease in vitro for uncovering new mechanisms with clinical relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charis-Patricia Segeritz
- Wellcome Trust and MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Department of Surgery, University of Cambridge, UK; Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Sheikh Tamir Rashid
- Wellcome Trust and MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Department of Surgery, University of Cambridge, UK; Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, UK; Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine & Institute for Liver Studies, King's College London, UK.
| | - Miguel Cardoso de Brito
- Wellcome Trust and MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Department of Surgery, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Maria Paola Serra
- Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine & Institute for Liver Studies, King's College London, UK
| | - Adriana Ordonez
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Carola Maria Morell
- Wellcome Trust and MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Department of Surgery, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Joseph E Kaserman
- Center for Regenerative Medicine (CReM) of Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Pedro Madrigal
- Wellcome Trust and MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Department of Surgery, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Nicholas R F Hannan
- Wellcome Trust and MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Department of Surgery, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Laurent Gatto
- Cambridge Centre for Proteomics, Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Building O, Downing Site, Cambridge CB2 1QW, UK
| | - Lu Tan
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Andrew A Wilson
- Center for Regenerative Medicine (CReM) of Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Kathryn Lilley
- Cambridge Centre for Proteomics, Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Building O, Downing Site, Cambridge CB2 1QW, UK
| | | | - Bibek Gooptu
- NIHR Leicester BRC-Respiratory and Leicester Institute of Structural & Chemical Biology, University of Leicester, UK; ISMB/Birkbeck & UCL, University of London, UK; Division of Asthma, Allergy and Lung Biology, King's College London, UK
| | | | - Ludovic Vallier
- Wellcome Trust and MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Department of Surgery, University of Cambridge, UK; Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Genome Campus Hinxton, UK.
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Schmeisser K, Parker JA. Nicotinamide-N-methyltransferase controls behavior, neurodegeneration and lifespan by regulating neuronal autophagy. PLoS Genet 2018; 14:e1007561. [PMID: 30192747 PMCID: PMC6191153 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Revised: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Nicotinamide N-methyl-transferase (NNMT) is an essential contributor to various metabolic and epigenetic processes, including the regulating of aging, cellular stress response, and body weight gain. Epidemiological studies show that NNMT is a risk factor for psychiatric diseases like schizophrenia and neurodegeneration, especially Parkinson's disease (PD), but its neuronal mechanisms of action remain obscure. Here, we describe the role of neuronal NNMT using C. elegans. We discovered that ANMT-1, the nematode NNMT ortholog, competes with the methyltransferase LCMT-1 for methyl groups from S-adenosyl methionine. Thereby, it regulates the catalytic capacities of LCMT-1, targeting NPRL-2, a regulator of autophagy. Autophagy is a core cellular, catabolic process for degrading cytoplasmic material, but very little is known about the regulation of autophagy during aging. We report an important role for NNMT in regulation of autophagy during aging, where high neuronal ANMT-1 activity induces autophagy via NPRL-2, which maintains neuronal function in old wild type animals and various disease models, also affecting longevity. In younger animals, however, ANMT-1 activity disturbs neuronal homeostasis and dopamine signaling, causing abnormal behavior. In summary, we provide fundamental insights into neuronal NNMT/ANMT-1 as pivotal regulator of behavior, neurodegeneration, and lifespan by controlling neuronal autophagy, potentially influencing PD and schizophrenia risk in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Schmeisser
- Research Center of the Centre Hospitalier de l‘Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - J. Alex Parker
- Research Center of the Centre Hospitalier de l‘Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Quebec, Canada
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Mondal S, Hegarty E, Sahn JJ, Scott LL, Gökçe SK, Martin C, Ghorashian N, Satarasinghe PN, Iyer S, Sae-Lee W, Hodges TR, Pierce JT, Martin SF, Ben-Yakar A. High-Content Microfluidic Screening Platform Used To Identify σ2R/Tmem97 Binding Ligands that Reduce Age-Dependent Neurodegeneration in C. elegans SC_APP Model. ACS Chem Neurosci 2018; 9:1014-1026. [PMID: 29426225 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.7b00428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, with tractable genetics and a well-defined nervous system, provides a unique whole-animal model system to identify novel drug targets and therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. Large-scale drug or target screens in models that recapitulate the subtle age- and cell-specific aspects of neurodegenerative diseases are limited by a technological requirement for high-throughput analysis of neuronal morphology. Recently, we developed a single-copy model of amyloid precursor protein (SC_APP) induced neurodegeneration that exhibits progressive degeneration of select cholinergic neurons. Our previous work with this model suggests that small molecule ligands of the sigma 2 receptor (σ2R), which was recently cloned and identified as transmembrane protein 97 (TMEM97), are neuroprotective. To determine structure-activity relationships for unexplored chemical space in our σ2R/Tmem97 ligand collection, we developed an in vivo high-content screening (HCS) assay to identify potential drug leads. The HCS assay uses our recently developed large-scale microfluidic immobilization chip and automated imaging platform. We discovered norbenzomorphans that reduced neurodegeneration in our C. elegans model, including two compounds that demonstrated significant neuroprotective activity at multiple doses. These findings provide further evidence that σ2R/Tmem97-binding norbenzomorphans may represent a new drug class for treating neurodegenerative diseases.
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45
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Hernando-Rodríguez B, Erinjeri AP, Rodríguez-Palero MJ, Millar V, González-Hernández S, Olmedo M, Schulze B, Baumeister R, Muñoz MJ, Askjaer P, Artal-Sanz M. Combined flow cytometry and high-throughput image analysis for the study of essential genes in Caenorhabditis elegans. BMC Biol 2018; 16:36. [PMID: 29598825 PMCID: PMC5875015 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-018-0496-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Advances in automated image-based microscopy platforms coupled with high-throughput liquid workflows have facilitated the design of large-scale screens utilising multicellular model organisms such as Caenorhabditis elegans to identify genetic interactions, therapeutic drugs or disease modifiers. However, the analysis of essential genes has lagged behind because lethal or sterile mutations pose a bottleneck for high-throughput approaches, and a systematic way to analyse genetic interactions of essential genes in multicellular organisms has been lacking. Results In C. elegans, non-conditional lethal mutations can be maintained in heterozygosity using chromosome balancers, commonly expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) in the pharynx. However, gene expression or function is typically monitored by the use of fluorescent reporters marked with the same fluorophore, presenting a challenge to sort worm populations of interest, particularly at early larval stages. Here, we develop a sorting strategy capable of selecting homozygous mutants carrying a GFP stress reporter from GFP-balanced animals at the second larval stage. Because sorting is not completely error-free, we develop an automated high-throughput image analysis protocol that identifies and discards animals carrying the chromosome balancer. We demonstrate the experimental usefulness of combining sorting of homozygous lethal mutants and automated image analysis in a functional genomic RNA interference (RNAi) screen for genes that genetically interact with mitochondrial prohibitin (PHB). Lack of PHB results in embryonic lethality, while homozygous PHB deletion mutants develop into sterile adults due to maternal contribution and strongly induce the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt). In a chromosome-wide RNAi screen for C. elegans genes having human orthologues, we uncover both known and new PHB genetic interactors affecting the UPRmt and growth. Conclusions The method presented here allows the study of balanced lethal mutations in a high-throughput manner. It can be easily adapted depending on the user’s requirements and should serve as a useful resource for the C. elegans community for probing new biological aspects of essential nematode genes as well as the generation of more comprehensive genetic networks. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12915-018-0496-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanca Hernando-Rodríguez
- Andalusian Center for Developmental Biology, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Junta de Andalucía/Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain.,Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemical Engineering, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
| | - Annmary Paul Erinjeri
- Andalusian Center for Developmental Biology, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Junta de Andalucía/Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain.,Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemical Engineering, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
| | - María Jesús Rodríguez-Palero
- Andalusian Center for Developmental Biology, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Junta de Andalucía/Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain.,Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemical Engineering, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
| | - Val Millar
- GE Healthcare Life Sciences, Maynard Centre, Forest Farm, Whitchurch, Cardiff, UK.,Present address: Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sara González-Hernández
- Andalusian Center for Developmental Biology, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Junta de Andalucía/Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain.,Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemical Engineering, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain.,Present address: Cell and Developmental Biology Area, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - María Olmedo
- Andalusian Center for Developmental Biology, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Junta de Andalucía/Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain.,Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemical Engineering, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain.,Present address: Department of Genetics, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Bettina Schulze
- Centre for Biological Signalling Studies (BIOSS), Laboratory for Bioinformatics and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biology, and ZBMZ Center for Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology (Faculty of Medicine), Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ralf Baumeister
- Centre for Biological Signalling Studies (BIOSS), Laboratory for Bioinformatics and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biology, and ZBMZ Center for Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology (Faculty of Medicine), Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Manuel J Muñoz
- Andalusian Center for Developmental Biology, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Junta de Andalucía/Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain.,Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemical Engineering, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
| | - Peter Askjaer
- Andalusian Center for Developmental Biology, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Junta de Andalucía/Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
| | - Marta Artal-Sanz
- Andalusian Center for Developmental Biology, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Junta de Andalucía/Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain. .,Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemical Engineering, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain.
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46
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Li Y, Finkbeiner S, Ganner A, Gerber J, Klein M, Grafe M, Kandzia J, Thien A, Thedieck K, Breves G, Jank T, Baumeister R, Walz G, Neumann-Haefelin E. CGEF-1 regulates mTORC1 signaling during adult longevity and stress response in C. elegans. Oncotarget 2018. [PMID: 29515755 PMCID: PMC5839386 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase is central to metabolism and growth, and has a conserved role in aging. mTOR functions in two complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2. In diverse eukaryotes, inhibition of mTORC1 signaling increases lifespan. mTORC1 transduces anabolic signals to stimulate protein synthesis and inhibits autophagy. In this study, we demonstrate that CGEF-1, the C. elegans homolog of the human guanine nucleotide exchange factor Dbl, is a novel binding partner of RHEB-1 and activator of mTORC1 signaling in C. elegans. cgef-1 mutants display prolonged lifespan and enhanced stress resistance. The transcription factors DAF-16/FoxO and SKN-1/Nrf are required for increased longevity and stress tolerance, and induce protective gene expression in cgef-1 mutants. Genetic evidence indicates that cgef-1 functions in the same pathway with rheb-1, the mTOR kinase let-363, and daf-15/Raptor. When cgef-1 is inactivated, phosphorylation of 4E-BP, a central mTORC1 substrate for protein translation is reduced in C. elegans. Moreover, autophagy is increased upon cgef-1 and mTORC1 inhibition. In addition, we show that in human cells Dbl associates with Rheb and stimulates mTORC1 downstream targets for protein synthesis suggesting that the function of CGEF-1/Dbl in the mTORC1 signaling pathway is evolutionarily conserved. These findings have important implications for mTOR functions and signaling mechanisms in aging and age-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Li
- Department of Nephrology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sandra Finkbeiner
- Department of Nephrology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Athina Ganner
- Department of Nephrology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Julia Gerber
- Department of Nephrology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Physiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Marinella Klein
- Department of Nephrology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Manuel Grafe
- Department of Nephrology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jakob Kandzia
- Department of Nephrology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Antje Thien
- Department of Nephrology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Bioinformatics and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Kathrin Thedieck
- Bioinformatics and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Pediatrics, Section Systems Medicine of Metabolism and Signaling, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Gerhard Breves
- Department of Physiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas Jank
- Institute for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ralf Baumeister
- Bioinformatics and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Centre for Biological Signaling Studies (BIOSS), Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Centre for Biological Systems Analysis (ZBSA), Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,ZBMZ Centre for Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Research, Faculty of Medicine, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Gerd Walz
- Department of Nephrology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Centre for Biological Signaling Studies (BIOSS), Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Abstract
Zebrafish are increasingly used to perform phenotypic screens to identify agents that can alter physiology in a whole organismal context. Here, we describe an automated high-content chemical screen using transgenic zebrafish embryos to identify small molecules that modulate Fibroblast Growth Factor Signaling. High content multi-well screening was further refined with a particular emphasis on automated imaging and quantification that increases sensitivity and throughput of whole organism chemical screens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manush Saydmohammed
- Department of Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, 5062 Biomedical Science Tower 3, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Michael Tsang
- Department of Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, 5062 Biomedical Science Tower 3, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA.
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48
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Ma L, Zhao Y, Chen Y, Cheng B, Peng A, Huang K. Caenorhabditis elegans as a model system for target identification and drug screening against neurodegenerative diseases. Eur J Pharmacol 2017; 819:169-180. [PMID: 29208474 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2017.11.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decades, Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) has been widely used as a model system because of its small size, transparent body, short generation time and lifespan (~3 days and 3 weeks, respectively), completely sequenced genome and tractability to genetic manipulation. Protein misfolding and aggregation are key pathological features in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Animal models, including C. elegans, have been extensively used to discover and validate new drugs against neurodegenerative diseases. The well-defined and genetically tractable nervous system of C. elegans offers an effective model to explore basic mechanistic pathways of neurodegenerative diseases. Recent progress in high-throughput drug screening also provides a powerful approach for identifying chemical modulators of biological processes. Here, we summarize the latest progress of using C. elegans as a model system for target identification and drug screening in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Ma
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yudan Zhao
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yuchen Chen
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Biao Cheng
- Department of Pharmacy, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430014, China
| | - Anlin Peng
- Department of Pharmacy, The Third Hospital of Wuhan, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Kun Huang
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; Center for Biomedicine Research, Wuhan Institute of Biotechnology, Wuhan 430075, China.
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49
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Golden A. From phenologs to silent suppressors: Identifying potential therapeutic targets for human disease. Mol Reprod Dev 2017; 84:1118-1132. [PMID: 28834577 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Orthologous phenotypes, or phenologs, are seemingly unrelated phenotypes generated by mutations in a conserved set of genes. Phenologs have been widely observed and accepted by those who study model organisms, and allow one to study a set of genes in a model organism to learn more about the function of those genes in other organisms, including humans. At the cellular and molecular level, these conserved genes likely function in a very similar mode, but are doing so in different tissues or cell types and can result in different phenotypic effects. For example, the RAS-RAF-MEK-MAPK pathway in animals is a highly conserved signaling pathway that animals adopted for numerous biological processes, such as vulval induction in Caenorhabditis elegans and cell proliferation in mammalian cells; but this same gene set has been co-opted to function in a variety of cellular contexts. In this review, I give a few examples of how suppressor screens in model organisms (with a emphasis on C. elegans) can identify new genes that function in a conserved pathway in many other organisms. I also demonstrate how the identification of such genes can lead to important insights into mammalian biology. From such screens, an occasional silent suppressor that does not cause a phenotype on its own is found; such suppressors thus make for good candidates as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andy Golden
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Genetics, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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50
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Approaches for Studying Autophagy in Caenorhabditis elegans. Cells 2017; 6:cells6030027. [PMID: 28867808 PMCID: PMC5617973 DOI: 10.3390/cells6030027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Revised: 08/25/2017] [Accepted: 08/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Macroautophagy (hereafter referred to as autophagy) is an intracellular degradative process, well conserved among eukaryotes. By engulfing cytoplasmic constituents into the autophagosome for degradation, this process is involved in the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. Autophagy induction triggers the formation of a cup-shaped double membrane structure, the phagophore, which progressively elongates and encloses materials to be removed. This double membrane vesicle, which is called an autophagosome, fuses with lysosome and forms the autolysosome. The inner membrane of the autophagosome, along with engulfed compounds, are degraded by lysosomal enzymes, which enables the recycling of carbohydrates, amino acids, nucleotides, and lipids. In response to various factors, autophagy can be induced for non-selective degradation of bulk cytoplasm. Autophagy is also able to selectively target cargoes and organelles such as mitochondria or peroxisome, functioning as a quality control system. The modification of autophagy flux is involved in developmental processes such as resistance to stress conditions, aging, cell death, and multiple pathologies. So, the use of animal models is essential for understanding these processes in the context of different cell types throughout the entire lifespan. For almost 15 years, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has emerged as a powerful model to analyze autophagy in physiological or pathological contexts. This review presents a rapid overview of physiological processes involving autophagy in Caenorhabditis elegans, the different assays used to monitor autophagy, their drawbacks, and specific tools for the analyses of selective autophagy.
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