1
|
Fare CM, Rothstein JD. Nuclear pore dysfunction and disease: a complex opportunity. Nucleus 2024; 15:2314297. [PMID: 38383349 PMCID: PMC10883112 DOI: 10.1080/19491034.2024.2314297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The separation of genetic material from bulk cytoplasm has enabled the evolution of increasingly complex organisms, allowing for the development of sophisticated forms of life. However, this complexity has created new categories of dysfunction, including those related to the movement of material between cellular compartments. In eukaryotic cells, nucleocytoplasmic trafficking is a fundamental biological process, and cumulative disruptions to nuclear integrity and nucleocytoplasmic transport are detrimental to cell survival. This is particularly true in post-mitotic neurons, where nuclear pore injury and errors to nucleocytoplasmic trafficking are strongly associated with neurodegenerative disease. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of nuclear pore biology in physiological and pathological contexts and discuss potential therapeutic approaches for addressing nuclear pore injury and dysfunctional nucleocytoplasmic transport.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte M Fare
- Department of Neurology and Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Rothstein
- Department of Neurology and Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Silva-Hucha S, Fernández de Sevilla ME, Humphreys KM, Benson FE, Franco JM, Pozo D, Pastor AM, Morcuende S. VEGF expression disparities in brainstem motor neurons of the SOD1 G93A ALS model: Correlations with neuronal vulnerability. Neurotherapeutics 2024; 21:e00340. [PMID: 38472048 PMCID: PMC11070718 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurot.2024.e00340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare neuromuscular disease characterized by severe muscle weakness mainly due to degeneration and death of motor neurons. A peculiarity of the neurodegenerative processes is the variable susceptibility among distinct neuronal populations, exemplified by the contrasting resilience of motor neurons innervating the ocular motor system and the more vulnerable facial and hypoglossal motor neurons. The crucial role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as a neuroprotective factor in the nervous system is well-established since a deficit of VEGF has been related to motoneuronal degeneration. In this study, we investigated the survival of ocular, facial, and hypoglossal motor neurons utilizing the murine SOD1G93A ALS model at various stages of the disease. Our primary objective was to determine whether the survival of the different brainstem motor neurons was linked to disparate VEGF expression levels in resilient and susceptible motor neurons throughout neurodegeneration. Our findings revealed a selective loss of motor neurons exclusively within the vulnerable nuclei. Furthermore, a significantly higher level of VEGF was detected in the more resistant motor neurons, the extraocular ones. We also examined whether TDP-43 dynamics in the brainstem motor neuron of SOD mice was altered. Our data suggests that the increased VEGF levels observed in extraocular motor neurons may potentially underlie their resistance during the neurodegenerative processes in ALS in a TDP-43-independent manner. Our work might help to better understand the underlying mechanisms of selective vulnerability of motor neurons in ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Silva-Hucha
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012 Seville, Spain; Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, Medawar Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | | | - Kirsty M Humphreys
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - Fiona E Benson
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - Jaime M Franco
- Andalusian Center of Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine-CABIMER, Junta de Andalucía-Universidad Pablo de Olavide-Universidad de Sevilla-CSIC, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - David Pozo
- Andalusian Center of Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine-CABIMER, Junta de Andalucía-Universidad Pablo de Olavide-Universidad de Sevilla-CSIC, 41092, Seville, Spain; Department of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology, Universidad de Sevilla Medical School, 41009 Seville, Spain
| | - Angel M Pastor
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012 Seville, Spain.
| | - Sara Morcuende
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012 Seville, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is well known for its angiogenic activity, but recent evidence has revealed a neuroprotective action of this factor on injured or diseased neurons. In the present review, we summarize the most relevant findings that have contributed to establish a link between VEGF deficiency and neuronal degeneration. At issue, 1) mutant mice with reduced levels of VEGF show adult-onset muscle weakness and motoneuron degeneration resembling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), 2) administration of VEGF to different animal models of motoneuron degeneration improves motor performance and ameliorates motoneuronal degeneration, and 3) there is an association between low plasmatic levels of VEGF and human ALS. Altogether, the results presented in this review highlight VEGF as an essential motoneuron neurotrophic factor endowed with promising therapeutic potential for the treatment of motoneuron disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula M Calvo
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Rosendo G Hernández
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Angel M Pastor
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Rosa R de la Cruz
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Verdile V, Palombo R, Ferrante G, Ferri A, Amadio S, Volonté C, Paronetto MP. Dysregulation of alternative splicing underlies synaptic defects in familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Prog Neurobiol 2023; 231:102529. [PMID: 37739207 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2023.102529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an incurable neurodegenerative disease characterized by the degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons, progressive wasting and paralysis of voluntary muscles. A hallmark of ALS is the frequent nuclear loss and cytoplasmic accumulation of RNA binding proteins (RBPs) in motor neurons (MN), which leads to aberrant alternative splicing regulation. However, whether altered splicing patterns are also present in familial models of ALS without mutations in RBP-encoding genes has not been investigated yet. Herein, we found that altered splicing of synaptic genes is a common trait of familial ALS MNs. Similar deregulation was also observed in hSOD1G93A MN-like cells. In silico analysis identified the potential regulators of these pre-mRNAs, including the RBP Sam68. Immunofluorescence analysis and biochemical fractionation experiments revealed that Sam68 accumulates in the cytoplasmic insoluble ribonucleoprotein fraction of MN. Remarkably, the synaptic splicing events deregulated in ALS MNs were also affected in Sam68-/- spinal cords. Recombinant expression of Sam68 protein was sufficient to rescue these splicing changes in ALS hSOD1G93A MN-like cells. Hence, our study highlights an aberrant function of Sam68, which leads to splicing changes in synaptic genes and may contribute to the MN phenotype that characterizes ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Verdile
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Piazza Lauro de Bosis 6, 00135 Rome, Italy; Division of Experimental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, Rome 00143, Italy
| | - Ramona Palombo
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Piazza Lauro de Bosis 6, 00135 Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Ferrante
- Division of Experimental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, Rome 00143, Italy
| | - Alberto Ferri
- Division of Experimental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, Rome 00143, Italy; National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), Rome, Italy
| | - Susanna Amadio
- Division of Experimental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, Rome 00143, Italy
| | - Cinzia Volonté
- Division of Experimental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, Rome 00143, Italy; National Research Council (CNR), Institute for Systems Analysis and Computer Science (IASI), Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Paronetto
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Piazza Lauro de Bosis 6, 00135 Rome, Italy; Division of Experimental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, Rome 00143, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Joseph BP, Weber V, Knüpfer L, Giorgetti A, Alfonso-Prieto M, Krauß S, Carloni P, Rossetti G. Low Molecular Weight Inhibitors Targeting the RNA-Binding Protein HuR. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13127. [PMID: 37685931 PMCID: PMC10488267 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The RNA-binding protein human antigen R (HuR) regulates stability, translation, and nucleus-to-cytoplasm shuttling of its target mRNAs. This protein has been progressively recognized as a relevant therapeutic target for several pathologies, like cancer, neurodegeneration, as well as inflammation. Inhibitors of mRNA binding to HuR might thus be beneficial against a variety of diseases. Here, we present the rational identification of structurally novel HuR inhibitors. In particular, by combining chemoinformatic approaches, high-throughput virtual screening, and RNA-protein pulldown assays, we demonstrate that the 4-(2-(2,4,6-trioxotetrahydropyrimidin-5(2H)-ylidene)hydrazineyl)benzoate ligand exhibits a dose-dependent HuR inhibition effect in binding experiments. Importantly, the chemical scaffold is new with respect to the currently known HuR inhibitors, opening up a new avenue for the design of pharmaceutical agents targeting this important protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Philipp Joseph
- Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine and Institute for Advanced Simulations (INM-9/IAS-5), Computational Biomedicine, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (B.P.J.); (V.W.); (A.G.); (M.A.-P.); (G.R.)
- Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences, RWTH Aachen University, 52062 Aachen, Germany
| | - Verena Weber
- Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine and Institute for Advanced Simulations (INM-9/IAS-5), Computational Biomedicine, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (B.P.J.); (V.W.); (A.G.); (M.A.-P.); (G.R.)
- Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences, RWTH Aachen University, 52062 Aachen, Germany
| | - Lisa Knüpfer
- Institute of Biology, University of Siegen, 57076 Siegen, Germany;
| | - Alejandro Giorgetti
- Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine and Institute for Advanced Simulations (INM-9/IAS-5), Computational Biomedicine, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (B.P.J.); (V.W.); (A.G.); (M.A.-P.); (G.R.)
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Mercedes Alfonso-Prieto
- Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine and Institute for Advanced Simulations (INM-9/IAS-5), Computational Biomedicine, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (B.P.J.); (V.W.); (A.G.); (M.A.-P.); (G.R.)
| | - Sybille Krauß
- Institute of Biology, University of Siegen, 57076 Siegen, Germany;
| | - Paolo Carloni
- Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine and Institute for Advanced Simulations (INM-9/IAS-5), Computational Biomedicine, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (B.P.J.); (V.W.); (A.G.); (M.A.-P.); (G.R.)
- Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences, RWTH Aachen University, 52062 Aachen, Germany
| | - Giulia Rossetti
- Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine and Institute for Advanced Simulations (INM-9/IAS-5), Computational Biomedicine, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (B.P.J.); (V.W.); (A.G.); (M.A.-P.); (G.R.)
- Jülich Supercomputing Centre (JSC), Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, 44517 Aachen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Guha A, Husain MA, Si Y, Nabors LB, Filippova N, Promer G, Smith R, King PH. RNA regulation of inflammatory responses in glia and its potential as a therapeutic target in central nervous system disorders. Glia 2023; 71:485-508. [PMID: 36380708 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A major hallmark of neuroinflammation is the activation of microglia and astrocytes with the induction of inflammatory mediators such as IL-1β, TNF-α, iNOS, and IL-6. Neuroinflammation contributes to disease progression in a plethora of neurological disorders ranging from acute CNS trauma to chronic neurodegenerative disease. Posttranscriptional pathways of mRNA stability and translational efficiency are major drivers for the expression of these inflammatory mediators. A common element in this level of regulation centers around the adenine- and uridine-rich element (ARE) which is present in the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of the mRNAs encoding these inflammatory mediators. (ARE)-binding proteins (AUBPs) such as Human antigen R (HuR), Tristetraprolin (TTP) and KH- type splicing regulatory protein (KSRP) are key nodes for directing these posttranscriptional pathways and either promote (HuR) or suppress (TTP and KSRP) glial production of inflammatory mediators. This review will discuss basic concepts of ARE-mediated RNA regulation and its impact on glial-driven neuroinflammatory diseases. We will discuss strategies to target this novel level of gene regulation for therapeutic effect and review exciting preliminary studies that underscore its potential for treating neurological disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Guha
- Department Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Mohammed Amir Husain
- Department Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Ying Si
- Department Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.,Department Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - L Burt Nabors
- Department Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Natalia Filippova
- Department Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Grace Promer
- Department Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Reed Smith
- Department Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Peter H King
- Department Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.,Department Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.,Birmingham Department of Veterans Health Care System, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.,Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Merjane J, Chung R, Patani R, Lisowski L. Molecular mechanisms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis as broad therapeutic targets for gene therapy applications utilizing adeno-associated viral vectors. Med Res Rev 2023. [PMID: 36786126 DOI: 10.1002/med.21937] [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: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Despite the devastating clinical outcome of the neurodegenerative disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), its etiology remains mysterious. Approximately 90% of ALS is characterized as sporadic, signifying that the patient has no family history of the disease. The development of an impactful disease modifying therapy across the ALS spectrum has remained out of grasp, largely due to the poorly understood mechanisms of disease onset and progression. Currently, ALS is invariably fatal and rapidly progressive. It is hypothesized that multiple factors can lead to the development of ALS, however, treatments are often focused on targeting specific familial forms of the disease (10% of total cases). There is a strong need to develop disease modifying treatments for ALS that can be effective across the full ALS spectrum of familial and sporadic cases. Although the onset of disease varies significantly between patients, there are general disease mechanisms and progressions that can be seen broadly across ALS patients. Therefore, this review explores the targeting of these widespread disease mechanisms as possible areas for therapeutic intervention to treat ALS broadly. In particular, this review will focus on targeting mechanisms of defective protein homeostasis and RNA processing, which are both increasingly recognized as design principles of ALS pathogenesis. Additionally, this review will explore the benefits of gene therapy as an approach to treating ALS, specifically focusing on the use of adeno-associated virus (AAV) as a vector for gene delivery to the CNS and recent advances in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Merjane
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Roger Chung
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rickie Patani
- Department of Neuromuscular Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK.,The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Leszek Lisowski
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.,Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Innovative Therapies, Military Institute of Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Evidence and Metabolic Implications for a New Non-Canonical Role of Cu-Zn Superoxide Dismutase. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043230. [PMID: 36834640 PMCID: PMC9966940 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Copper-zinc superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) has long been recognized as a major redox enzyme in scavenging superoxide radicals. However, there is little information on its non-canonical role and metabolic implications. Using a protein complementation assay (PCA) and pull-down assay, we revealed novel protein-protein interactions (PPIs) between SOD1 and tyrosine 3-monooxygenase/tryptophan 5-monooxygenase activation protein zeta (YWHAZ) or epsilon (YWHAE) in this research. Through site-directed mutagenesis of SOD1, we studied the binding conditions of the two PPIs. Forming the SOD1 and YWHAE or YWHAZ protein complex enhanced enzyme activity of purified SOD1 in vitro by 40% (p < 0.05) and protein stability of over-expressed intracellular YWHAE (18%, p < 0.01) and YWHAZ (14%, p < 0.05). Functionally, these PPIs were associated with lipolysis, cell growth, and cell survival in HEK293T or HepG2 cells. In conclusion, our findings reveal two new PPIs between SOD1 and YWHAE or YWHAZ and their structural dependences, responses to redox status, mutual impacts on the enzyme function and protein degradation, and metabolic implications. Overall, our finding revealed a new unorthodox role of SOD1 and will provide novel perspectives and insights for diagnosing and treating diseases related to the protein.
Collapse
|
9
|
Rei N, Valente CA, Vaz SH, Farinha-Ferreira M, Ribeiro JA, Sebastião AM. Changes in adenosine receptors and neurotrophic factors in the SOD1G93A mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Modulation by chronic caffeine. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0272104. [PMID: 36516126 PMCID: PMC9749988 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by the progressive degeneration of corticospinal tract motor neurons. Previous studies showed that adenosine-mediated neuromodulation is disturbed in ALS and that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has a neuroprotective function in ALS mouse models. We evaluated how adenosine (A1R and A2AR) and VEGF (VEGFA, VEGFB, VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2) system markers are altered in the cortex and spinal cord of pre-symptomatic and symptomatic SOD1G93A mice. We then assessed if/how chronic treatment of SOD1G93A mice with a widely consumed adenosine receptor antagonist, caffeine, modulates VEGF system and/or the levels of Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), known to be under control of A2AR. We found out decreases in A1R and increases in A2AR levels even before disease onset. Concerning the VEGF system, we detected increases of VEGFB and VEGFR-2 levels in the spinal cord at pre-symptomatic stage, which reverses at the symptomatic stage, and decreases of VEGFA levels in the cortex, in very late disease states. Chronic treatment with caffeine rescued cortical A1R levels in SOD1G93A mice, bringing them to control levels, while rendering VEGF signaling nearly unaffected. In contrast, BDNF levels were significantly affected in SOD1G93A mice treated with caffeine, being decreased in the cortex and increased in spinal the cord. Altogether, these findings suggest an early dysfunction of the adenosinergic system in ALS and highlights the possibility that the negative influence of caffeine previously reported in ALS animal models results from interference with BDNF rather than with the VEGF signaling molecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nádia Rei
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Cláudia A. Valente
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sandra H. Vaz
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Miguel Farinha-Ferreira
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Joaquim A. Ribeiro
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana M. Sebastião
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Hu Antigen R (HuR) Protein Structure, Function and Regulation in Hepatobiliary Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14112666. [PMID: 35681645 PMCID: PMC9179498 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14112666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hepatobiliary tumors are a group of primary malignancies encompassing the liver, the intra- and extra-hepatic biliary tracts, and the gall bladder. Within the liver, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary cancer, which is, also, representing the third-most recurrent cause of cancer-associated death and the sixth-most prevalent type of tumor worldwide, nowadays. Although less frequent, cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is, currently, a fatal cancer with limited therapeutic options. Here, we review the regulatory role of Hu antigen R (HuR), a ubiquitous member of the ELAV/Hu family of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), in the pathogenesis, progression, and treatment of HCC and CCA. Overall, HuR is proposed as a valuable diagnostic and prognostic marker, as well as a therapeutic target in hepatobiliary cancers. Therefore, novel therapeutic approaches that can selectively modulate HuR function appear to be highly attractive for the clinical management of these types of tumors. Abstract Hu antigen R (HuR) is a 36-kDa ubiquitous member of the ELAV/Hu family of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), which plays an important role as a post-transcriptional regulator of specific RNAs under physiological and pathological conditions, including cancer. Herein, we review HuR protein structure, function, and its regulation, as well as its implications in the pathogenesis, progression, and treatment of hepatobiliary cancers. In particular, we focus on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), tumors where the increased cytoplasmic localization of HuR and activity are proposed, as valuable diagnostic and prognostic markers. An overview of the main regulatory axes involving HuR, which are associated with cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, apoptosis, and autophagy in HCC, is provided. These include the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational modulators of HuR function, in addition to HuR target transcripts. Finally, whereas studies addressing the relevance of targeting HuR in CCA are limited, in the past few years, HuR has emerged as a potential therapeutic target in HCC. In fact, the therapeutic efficacy of some pharmacological inhibitors of HuR has been evaluated, in early experimental models of HCC. We, further, discuss the major findings and future perspectives of therapeutic approaches that specifically block HuR interactions, either with post-translational modifiers or cognate transcripts in hepatobiliary cancers.
Collapse
|
11
|
Biomarkers in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells: The State of the Art in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052580. [PMID: 35269723 PMCID: PMC8910056 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease, characterized by the progressive loss of lower motor neurons, weakness and muscle atrophy. ALS lacks an effective cure and diagnosis is often made by exclusion. Thus, it is imperative to search for biomarkers. Biomarkers can help in understanding ALS pathomechanisms, identification of targets for treatment and development of effective therapies. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) represent a valid source for biomarkers compared to cerebrospinal fluid, as they are simple to collect, and to plasma, because of the possibility of detecting lower expressed proteins. They are a reliable model for patients’ stratification. This review provides an overview on PBMCs as a potential source of biomarkers in ALS. We focused on altered RNA metabolism (coding/non-coding RNA), including RNA processing, mRNA stabilization, transport and translation regulation. We addressed protein abnormalities (aggregation, misfolding and modifications); specifically, we highlighted that SOD1 appears to be the most characterizing protein in ALS. Finally, we emphasized the correlation between biological parameters and disease phenotypes, as regards prognosis, severity and clinical features. In conclusion, even though further studies are needed to standardize the use of PBMCs as a tool for biomarker investigation, they represent a promising approach in ALS research.
Collapse
|
12
|
Chellappan R, Guha A, Si Y, Kwan T, Nabors LB, Filippova N, Yang X, Myneni AS, Meesala S, Harms AS, King PH. SRI-42127, a novel small molecule inhibitor of the RNA regulator HuR, potently attenuates glial activation in a model of lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammation. Glia 2022; 70:155-172. [PMID: 34533864 PMCID: PMC8595840 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Glial activation with the production of pro-inflammatory mediators is a major driver of disease progression in neurological processes ranging from acute traumatic injury to chronic neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease. Posttranscriptional regulation is a major gateway for glial activation as many mRNAs encoding pro-inflammatory mediators contain adenine- and uridine-rich elements (ARE) in the 3' untranslated region which govern their expression. We have previously shown that HuR, an RNA regulator that binds to AREs, plays a major positive role in regulating inflammatory cytokine production in glia. HuR is predominantly nuclear in localization but translocates to the cytoplasm to exert a positive regulatory effect on RNA stability and translational efficiency. Homodimerization of HuR is necessary for translocation and we have developed a small molecule inhibitor, SRI-42127, that blocks this process. Here we show that SRI-42127 suppressed HuR translocation in LPS-activated glia in vitro and in vivo and significantly attenuated the production of pro-inflammatory mediators including IL1β, IL-6, TNF-α, iNOS, CXCL1, and CCL2. Cytokines typically associated with anti-inflammatory effects including TGF-β1, IL-10, YM1, and Arg1 were either unaffected or minimally affected. SRI-42127 suppressed microglial activation in vivo and attenuated the recruitment/chemotaxis of neutrophils and monocytes. RNA kinetic studies and luciferase studies indicated that SRI-42127 has inhibitory effects both on mRNA stability and gene promoter activation. In summary, our findings underscore HuR's critical role in promoting glial activation and the potential for SRI-42127 and other HuR inhibitors for treating neurological diseases driven by this activation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rajeshwari Chellappan
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294,,Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, AL 35294
| | - Abhishek Guha
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294
| | - Ying Si
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294,,Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, AL 35294
| | - Thaddaeus Kwan
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294
| | - L. Burt Nabors
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294
| | - Natalia Filippova
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294
| | - Xiuhua Yang
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294
| | - Anish S. Myneni
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294
| | - Shriya Meesala
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294
| | - Ashley S Harms
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294
| | - Peter H. King
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294,,Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294,,Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, AL 35294,Correspondence to: Dr. P.H. King; UAB Dept. of Neurology, Civitan 545C, 1530 3 Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294-0017, USA. Tel. (205) 975-8116; Fax (205) 996-7255;
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Schirò G, Balistreri CR. The close link between brain vascular pathological conditions and neurodegenerative diseases: Focus on some examples and potential treatments. Vascul Pharmacol 2021; 142:106951. [PMID: 34942382 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2021.106951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A close relationship is emerging among the age-related neurodegenerative decline, and the age-related typical alterations, dysfunctions, and related diseases of the cerobro-and/or cardiovascular system, which contributes in a significative manner to the triggering and progressing of neurodegenerative diseases (NeuroDegD). Specifically, macroinfarcts, microinfarcts, micro-hemorrhages (and particularly their number), atherosclerosis, arteriolosclerosis and cerebral amyloid angiopathy have been documented to be significantly associated with the onset of the cognitive impairment. In addition, vascular alterations and dysfunctions resulting in a reduced cerebral blood flow, and anomalies in the brain blood barrier (BBB), have been also demonstrated to contribute to NeuroDegD pathophysiologic processes. At the same time, such vascular alterations are also observed in cognitively unimpaired subjects. Here, some of these aspects are described with a particular focus on some NeuroDegD, as well as potential strategies for delaying or stopping their onset and progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Schirò
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND), University of Palermo, 90134 Palermo, Italy
| | - Carmela Rita Balistreri
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND), University of Palermo, 90134 Palermo, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Laneve P, Tollis P, Caffarelli E. RNA Deregulation in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: The Noncoding Perspective. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10285. [PMID: 34638636 PMCID: PMC8508793 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA metabolism is central to cellular physiopathology. Almost all the molecular pathways underpinning biological processes are affected by the events governing the RNA life cycle, ranging from transcription to degradation. The deregulation of these processes contributes to the onset and progression of human diseases. In recent decades, considerable efforts have been devoted to the characterization of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) and to the study of their role in the homeostasis of the nervous system (NS), where they are highly enriched. Acting as major regulators of gene expression, ncRNAs orchestrate all the steps of the differentiation programs, participate in the mechanisms underlying neural functions, and are crucially implicated in the development of neuronal pathologies, among which are neurodegenerative diseases. This review aims to explore the link between ncRNA dysregulation and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the most frequent motoneuron (MN) disorder in adults. Notably, defective RNA metabolism is known to be largely associated with this pathology, which is often regarded as an RNA disease. We also discuss the potential role that these transcripts may play as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Laneve
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Tollis
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology Charles Darwin, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Elisa Caffarelli
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council, 00185 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Soldatov VO, Kukharsky MS, Belykh AE, Sobolev AM, Deykin AV. Retinal Damage in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Underlying Mechanisms. Eye Brain 2021; 13:131-146. [PMID: 34012311 PMCID: PMC8128130 DOI: 10.2147/eb.s299423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease resulting in a gradual loss of motor neuron function. Although ophthalmic complaints are not presently considered a classic symptom of ALS, retinal changes such as thinning, axonal degeneration and inclusion bodies have been found in many patients. Retinal abnormalities observed in postmortem human tissues and animal models are similar to spinal cord changes in ALS. These findings are not dramatically unexpected because retina shares an ontogenetic relationship with the brain, and many genes are associated both with neurodegeneration and retinal diseases. Experimental studies have demonstrated that ALS affects many “vulnerable points” of the retina. Aggregate deposition, impaired nuclear protein import, endoplasmic reticulum stress, glutamate excitotoxicity, vascular regression, and mitochondrial dysfunction are factors suspected as being the main cause of motor neuron damage in ALS. Herein, we show that all of these pathways can affect retinal cells in the same way as motor neurons. Furthermore, we suppose that understanding the patterns of neuro-ophthalmic interaction in ALS can help in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vladislav O Soldatov
- Core Facility Centre, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod, Russia
| | - Michail S Kukharsky
- Department of General and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medical Biology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia.,Laboratory of Genetic Modelling of Neurodegenerative Processes, Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds, Russian Academy of Sciences, Chernogolovka, Russia
| | - Andrey E Belykh
- Department of Pathophysiology, Kursk State Medical University, Kursk, Russia
| | - Andrey M Sobolev
- Laboratory of Genetic Modelling of Neurodegenerative Processes, Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds, Russian Academy of Sciences, Chernogolovka, Russia
| | - Alexey V Deykin
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod, Russia.,Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Neuroprotective Effect of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor on Motoneurons of the Oculomotor System. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020814. [PMID: 33467517 PMCID: PMC7830098 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was initially characterized as a potent angiogenic factor based on its activity on the vascular system. However, it is now well established that VEGF also plays a crucial role as a neuroprotective factor in the nervous system. A deficit of VEGF has been related to motoneuronal degeneration, such as that occurring in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Strikingly, motoneurons of the oculomotor system show lesser vulnerability to neurodegeneration in ALS compared to other motoneurons. These motoneurons presented higher amounts of VEGF and its receptor Flk-1 than other brainstem pools. That higher VEGF level could be due to an enhanced retrograde input from their target muscles, but it can also be produced by the motoneurons themselves and act in an autocrine way. By contrast, VEGF’s paracrine supply from the vicinity cells, such as glial cells, seems to represent a minor source of VEGF for brainstem motoneurons. In addition, ocular motoneurons experiment an increase in VEGF and Flk-1 level in response to axotomy, not observed in facial or hypoglossal motoneurons. Therefore, in this review, we summarize the differences in VEGF availability that could contribute to the higher resistance of extraocular motoneurons to injury and neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
|
17
|
Eleutherio ECA, Silva Magalhães RS, de Araújo Brasil A, Monteiro Neto JR, de Holanda Paranhos L. SOD1, more than just an antioxidant. Arch Biochem Biophys 2020; 697:108701. [PMID: 33259795 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2020.108701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
During cellular respiration, radicals, such as superoxide, are produced, and in a large concentration, they may cause cell damage. To combat this threat, the cell employs the enzyme Cu/Zn Superoxide Dismutase (SOD1), which converts the radical superoxide into molecular oxygen and hydrogen peroxide, through redox reactions. Although this is its main function, recent studies have shown that the SOD1 has other functions that deviates from its original one including activation of nuclear gene transcription or as an RNA binding protein. This comprehensive review looks at the most important aspects of human SOD1 (hSOD1), including the structure, properties, and characteristics as well as transcriptional and post-translational modifications (PTM) that the enzyme can receive and their effects, and its many functions. We also discuss the strategies currently used to analyze it to better understand its participation in diseases linked to hSOD1 including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), cancer, and Parkinson.
Collapse
|
18
|
Manzano R, Toivonen JM, Moreno-Martínez L, de la Torre M, Moreno-García L, López-Royo T, Molina N, Zaragoza P, Calvo AC, Osta R. What skeletal muscle has to say in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Implications for therapy. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 178:1279-1297. [PMID: 32986860 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an adult onset disorder characterized by progressive neuromuscular junction (NMJ) dismantling and degeneration of motor neurons leading to atrophy and paralysis of voluntary muscles responsible for motion and breathing. Except for a minority of patients harbouring genetic mutations, the origin of most ALS cases remains elusive. Peripheral tissues, and particularly skeletal muscle, have lately demonstrated an active contribution to disease pathology attracting a growing interest for these tissues as therapeutic targets in ALS. In this sense, molecular mechanisms essential for cell and tissue homeostasis have been shown to be deregulated in the disease. These include muscle metabolism and mitochondrial activity, RNA processing, tissue-resident stem cell function responsible for muscle regeneration, and proteostasis that regulates muscle mass in adulthood. This review aims to compile scientific evidence that demonstrates the role of skeletal muscle in ALS pathology and serves as reference for development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting this tissue to delay disease onset and progression. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on Neurochemistry in Japan. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v178.6/issuetoc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Manzano
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Animal Genetics, University of Zaragoza, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Agroalimentary Institute of Aragon (IA2), Institute of Health Research of Aragon (IIS), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Janne Markus Toivonen
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Animal Genetics, University of Zaragoza, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Agroalimentary Institute of Aragon (IA2), Institute of Health Research of Aragon (IIS), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Laura Moreno-Martínez
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Animal Genetics, University of Zaragoza, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Agroalimentary Institute of Aragon (IA2), Institute of Health Research of Aragon (IIS), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Miriam de la Torre
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Animal Genetics, University of Zaragoza, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Agroalimentary Institute of Aragon (IA2), Institute of Health Research of Aragon (IIS), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Leticia Moreno-García
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Animal Genetics, University of Zaragoza, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Agroalimentary Institute of Aragon (IA2), Institute of Health Research of Aragon (IIS), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Tresa López-Royo
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Animal Genetics, University of Zaragoza, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Agroalimentary Institute of Aragon (IA2), Institute of Health Research of Aragon (IIS), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Nora Molina
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Animal Genetics, University of Zaragoza, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Agroalimentary Institute of Aragon (IA2), Institute of Health Research of Aragon (IIS), Zaragoza, Spain.,Geriatrics Service, Hospital Nuestra Señora de Gracia, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Pilar Zaragoza
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Animal Genetics, University of Zaragoza, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Agroalimentary Institute of Aragon (IA2), Institute of Health Research of Aragon (IIS), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ana Cristina Calvo
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Animal Genetics, University of Zaragoza, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Agroalimentary Institute of Aragon (IA2), Institute of Health Research of Aragon (IIS), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Rosario Osta
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Animal Genetics, University of Zaragoza, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Agroalimentary Institute of Aragon (IA2), Institute of Health Research of Aragon (IIS), Zaragoza, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Da Ros M, Deol HK, Savard A, Guo H, Meiering EM, Gibbings D. Wild-type and mutant SOD1 localizes to RNA-rich structures in cells and mice but does not bind RNA. J Neurochem 2020; 156:524-538. [PMID: 32683701 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Many of the genes whose mutation causes Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) are RNA-binding proteins which localize to stress granules, while others impact the assembly, stability, and elimination of stress granules. This has led to the hypothesis that alterations in the dynamics of stress granules and RNA biology cause ALS. Genetic mutations in Superoxide Dismutase 1 (SOD1) also cause ALS. Evidence demonstrates that SOD1 harboring ALS-linked mutations is recruited to stress granules, induces changes in alternative splicing, and could be an RNA-binding protein. Whether SOD1 inclusions contain RNA in disease models and whether SOD1 directly binds RNA remains uncertain. We applied methods including cross-linking immunoprecipitation and in vitro gel shift assays to detect binding of SOD1 to RNA in vitro, in cells with and without stress granules, and in mice expressing human SOD1 G93A. We find that SOD1 localizes to RNA-rich structures including stress granules, and SOD1 inclusions in mice contain mRNA. However, we find no evidence that SOD1 directly binds RNA. This suggests that SOD1 may impact stress granules, alternative splicing and RNA biology without binding directly to RNA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Da Ros
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.,The Eric Poulin Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Harmeen K Deol
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Alexandre Savard
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.,The Eric Poulin Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Huishan Guo
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.,The Eric Poulin Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Derrick Gibbings
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.,The Eric Poulin Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Schultz CW, Preet R, Dhir T, Dixon DA, Brody JR. Understanding and targeting the disease-related RNA binding protein human antigen R (HuR). WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2020; 11:e1581. [PMID: 31970930 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Altered gene expression is a characteristic feature of many disease states such as tumorigenesis, and in most cancers, it facilitates cancer cell survival and adaptation. Alterations in global gene expression are strongly impacted by post-transcriptional gene regulation. The RNA binding protein (RBP) HuR (ELAVL1) is an established regulator of post-transcriptional gene regulation and is overexpressed in most human cancers. In many cancerous settings, HuR is not only overexpressed, but it is "overactive" as denoted by increased subcellular localization within the cytoplasm. This dysregulation of HuR expression and cytoplasmic localization allows HuR to stabilize and increase the translation of various prosurvival messenger RNA (mRNAs) involved in the pathogenesis of numerous cancers and various diseases. Based on almost 20 years of work, HuR is now recognized as a therapeutic target. Herein, we will review the role HuR plays in the pathophysiology of different diseases and ongoing therapeutic strategies to target HuR. We will focus on three ongoing-targeted strategies: (1) inhibiting HuR's translocation from the nucleus to the cytoplasm; (2) inhibiting the ability of HuR to bind target RNA; and (3) silencing HuR expression levels. In an oncologic setting, HuR has been demonstrated to be critical for a cancer cell's ability to survive a variety of cancer relevant stressors (including drugs and elements of the tumor microenvironment) and targeting this protein has been shown to sensitize cancer cells further to insult. We strongly believe that targeting HuR could be a powerful therapeutic target to treat different diseases, particularly cancer, in the near future. This article is categorized under: RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease NRA Turnover and Surveillance > Regulation of RNA Stability Translation > Translation Regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher W Schultz
- Department of Surgery, Jefferson Pancreas, Biliary and Related Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Ranjan Preet
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas
| | - Teena Dhir
- Department of Surgery, Jefferson Pancreas, Biliary and Related Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Dan A Dixon
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas
| | - Jonathan R Brody
- Department of Surgery, Jefferson Pancreas, Biliary and Related Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Tyzack GE, Luisier R, Taha DM, Neeves J, Modic M, Mitchell JS, Meyer I, Greensmith L, Newcombe J, Ule J, Luscombe NM, Patani R. Widespread FUS mislocalization is a molecular hallmark of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Brain 2019; 142:2572-2580. [PMID: 31368485 PMCID: PMC6735815 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awz217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations causing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) clearly implicate ubiquitously expressed and predominantly nuclear RNA binding proteins, which form pathological cytoplasmic inclusions in this context. However, the possibility that wild-type RNA binding proteins mislocalize without necessarily becoming constituents of cytoplasmic inclusions themselves remains relatively unexplored. We hypothesized that nuclear-to-cytoplasmic mislocalization of the RNA binding protein fused in sarcoma (FUS), in an unaggregated state, may occur more widely in ALS than previously recognized. To address this hypothesis, we analysed motor neurons from a human ALS induced-pluripotent stem cell model caused by the VCP mutation. Additionally, we examined mouse transgenic models and post-mortem tissue from human sporadic ALS cases. We report nuclear-to-cytoplasmic mislocalization of FUS in both VCP-mutation related ALS and, crucially, in sporadic ALS spinal cord tissue from multiple cases. Furthermore, we provide evidence that FUS protein binds to an aberrantly retained intron within the SFPQ transcript, which is exported from the nucleus into the cytoplasm. Collectively, these data support a model for ALS pathogenesis whereby aberrant intron retention in SFPQ transcripts contributes to FUS mislocalization through their direct interaction and nuclear export. In summary, we report widespread mislocalization of the FUS protein in ALS and propose a putative underlying mechanism for this process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia E Tyzack
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, UK
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK
| | | | - Doaa M Taha
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, UK
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK
| | - Jacob Neeves
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, UK
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK
| | - Miha Modic
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, UK
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK
| | - Jamie S Mitchell
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, UK
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK
| | - Ione Meyer
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK
| | - Linda Greensmith
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK
| | - Jia Newcombe
- NeuroResource, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK
| | - Jernej Ule
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, UK
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK
| | - Nicholas M Luscombe
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, UK
- UCL Genetics Institute, University College London, Gower Street, London, UK
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa 904–0495, Japan
| | - Rickie Patani
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, UK
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Crivello M, Hogg MC, Jirström E, Halang L, Woods I, Rayner M, Coughlan KS, Lewandowski SA, Prehn JHM. Vascular regression precedes motor neuron loss in the FUS (1-359) ALS mouse model. Dis Model Mech 2019; 12:dmm.040238. [PMID: 31383794 PMCID: PMC6737946 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.040238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) presents a poorly understood pathogenesis. Evidence from patients and mutant SOD1 mouse models suggests vascular damage may precede or aggravate motor dysfunction in ALS. We have previously shown angiogenin (ANG) treatment enhances motor neuron survival, delays motor dysfunction and prevents vascular regression in the SOD1G93A ALS model. However, the existence of vascular defects at different stages of disease progression remains to be established in other ALS models. Here, we assessed vascular integrity in vivo throughout different disease stages, and investigated whether ANG treatment reverses vascular regression and prolongs motor neuron survival in the FUS (1-359) mouse model of ALS. Lumbar spinal cord tissue was collected from FUS (1-359) and non-transgenic control mice at postnatal day (P)50, P90 and P120. We found a significant decrease in vascular network density in lumbar spinal cords from FUS (1-359) mice by day 90, at which point motor neuron numbers were unaffected. ANG treatment did not affect survival or counter vascular regression. Endogenous Ang1 and Vegf expression were unchanged at P50 and P90; however, we found a significant decrease in miRNA 126 at P50, indicating vascular integrity in FUS mice may be compromised via an alternative pathway. Our study demonstrates that vascular regression occurs before motor neuron degeneration in FUS (1-359) mice, and highlights that heterogeneity in responses to novel ALS therapeutics can already be detected in preclinical mouse models of ALS. This article has an associated First Person interview with the joint first authors of the paper. Summary: Vascular regression is observed prior to motor neuron loss in the FUS (1-359) mouse model of ALS, yet is not rescued by angiogenin treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Crivello
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Centre for the Study of Neurological Disorders, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Marion C Hogg
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Centre for the Study of Neurological Disorders, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland.,FutureNeuro Research Centre, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Elisabeth Jirström
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Centre for the Study of Neurological Disorders, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland.,FutureNeuro Research Centre, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Luise Halang
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Centre for the Study of Neurological Disorders, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Ina Woods
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Centre for the Study of Neurological Disorders, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Megan Rayner
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Centre for the Study of Neurological Disorders, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Karen S Coughlan
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Centre for the Study of Neurological Disorders, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Sebastian A Lewandowski
- Tissue Biology Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Scheeles v. 2, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Centre for the Study of Neurological Disorders, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Jochen H M Prehn
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Centre for the Study of Neurological Disorders, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland.,FutureNeuro Research Centre, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Butti Z, Patten SA. RNA Dysregulation in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Front Genet 2019; 9:712. [PMID: 30723494 PMCID: PMC6349704 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2018.00712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common adult-onset motor neuron disease and is characterized by the degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons. It has become increasingly clear that RNA dysregulation is a key contributor to ALS pathogenesis. The major ALS genes SOD1, TARDBP, FUS, and C9orf72 are involved in aspects of RNA metabolism processes such as mRNA transcription, alternative splicing, RNA transport, mRNA stabilization, and miRNA biogenesis. In this review, we highlight the current understanding of RNA dysregulation in ALS pathogenesis involving these major ALS genes and discuss the potential of therapeutic strategies targeting disease RNAs for treating ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zoe Butti
- INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, National Institute of Scientific Research, Laval, QC, Canada
| | - Shunmoogum A Patten
- INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, National Institute of Scientific Research, Laval, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Van Damme P, Robberecht W, Van Den Bosch L. Modelling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: progress and possibilities. Dis Model Mech 2018; 10:537-549. [PMID: 28468939 PMCID: PMC5451175 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.029058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects the motor system and presents with progressive muscle weakness. Most patients survive for only 2-5 years after disease onset, often due to failure of the respiratory muscles. ALS is a familial disease in ∼10% of patients, with the remaining 90% developing sporadic ALS. Over the past decade, major advances have been made in our understanding of the genetics and neuropathology of ALS. To date, around 20 genes are associated with ALS, with the most common causes of typical ALS associated with mutations in SOD1, TARDBP, FUS and C9orf72. Advances in our understanding of the genetic basis of ALS have led to the creation of different models of this disease. The molecular pathways that have emerged from these systems are more heterogeneous than previously anticipated, ranging from protein aggregation and defects in multiple key cellular processes in neurons, to dysfunction of surrounding non-neuronal cells. Here, we review the different model systems used to study ALS and discuss how they have contributed to our current knowledge of ALS disease mechanisms. A better understanding of emerging disease pathways, the detrimental effects of the various gene mutations and the causes underlying motor neuron denegation in sporadic ALS will accelerate progress in the development of novel treatments. Summary: In this Review, Ludo Van Den Bosch and colleagues discuss the different model systems for studying ALS and how they have contributed to our current understanding of the etiology and pathology of this neurodegenerative disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philip Van Damme
- KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND), B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.,VIB - Center of Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.,University Hospitals Leuven, Department of Neurology, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Wim Robberecht
- KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND), B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.,University Hospitals Leuven, Department of Neurology, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ludo Van Den Bosch
- KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND), B-3000 Leuven, Belgium .,VIB - Center of Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Volkening K, Keller BA, Leystra-Lantz C, Strong MJ. RNA and Protein Interactors with TDP-43 in Human Spinal-Cord Lysates in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. J Proteome Res 2018. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.8b00126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
26
|
Crivello M, O'Riordan SL, Woods I, Cannon S, Halang L, Coughlan KS, Hogg MC, Lewandowski SA, Prehn JHM. Pleiotropic activity of systemically delivered angiogenin in the SOD1 G93A mouse model. Neuropharmacology 2018; 133:503-511. [PMID: 29486168 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Revised: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Loss-of-function mutations in the angiogenin (ANG) gene have been identified in familial and sporadic ALS patients. Previous work from our group identified human ANG (huANG) to protect motoneurons in vitro, and provided proof-of-concept that daily intraperitoneal (i.p.) huANG injections post-symptom onset increased lifespan and delayed disease progression in SOD1G93A mice. huANG's mechanism of action remains less well understood. Here, we implemented a preclinical in vivo design to validate our previous results, provide pharmacokinetic and protein distribution data after systemic administration, and explore potential pleiotropic activities of huANG in vivo. SOD1G93A mice (n = 45) and non-transgenic controls (n = 31) were sex- age- and litter-matched according to the 2010 European ALS/MND group guidelines, and treated with huANG (1 μg, i.p., 3 times/week) or vehicle from 90 days on. huANG treatment increased survival and delayed motor dysfunction as assessed by rotarod in SOD1G93A mice. Increased huANG serum levels were detectable 2 and 24 h after i.p. injection equally in transgenic and non-transgenic mice. Exogenous huANG localized to spinal cord astrocytes, supporting a glia-mediated, paracrine mechanism of action; uptake into endothelial cells was also observed. 1 μg huANG or vehicle were administered from 90 to 115 days of age for histological analysis. Vehicle-treated SOD1G93A mice showed decreased motoneuron numbers and vascular length per ventral horn area, while huANG treatment resulted in improved vascular network maintenance and motoneuron survival. Our data suggest huANG represents a new class of pleiotropic ALS therapeutic that acts on the spinal cord vasculature and glia to delay motoneuron degeneration and disease progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Crivello
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Centre for the Study of Neurological Disorders, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland.
| | - Saidhbhe L O'Riordan
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Centre for the Study of Neurological Disorders, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland.
| | - Ina Woods
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Centre for the Study of Neurological Disorders, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland.
| | - Sarah Cannon
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Centre for the Study of Neurological Disorders, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland.
| | - Luise Halang
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Centre for the Study of Neurological Disorders, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland.
| | - Karen S Coughlan
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Centre for the Study of Neurological Disorders, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland.
| | - Marion C Hogg
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Centre for the Study of Neurological Disorders, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland.
| | - Sebastian A Lewandowski
- Tissue Biology Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, Scheeles v. 2, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Jochen H M Prehn
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Centre for the Study of Neurological Disorders, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Tosolini AP, Sleigh JN. Motor Neuron Gene Therapy: Lessons from Spinal Muscular Atrophy for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:405. [PMID: 29270111 PMCID: PMC5725447 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are severe nervous system diseases characterized by the degeneration of lower motor neurons. They share a number of additional pathological, cellular, and genetic parallels suggesting that mechanistic and clinical insights into one disorder may have value for the other. While there are currently no clinical ALS gene therapies, the splice-switching antisense oligonucleotide, nusinersen, was recently approved for SMA. This milestone was achieved through extensive pre-clinical research and patient trials, which together have spawned fundamental insights into motor neuron gene therapy. We have thus tried to distil key information garnered from SMA research, in the hope that it may stimulate a more directed approach to ALS gene therapy. Not only must the type of therapeutic (e.g., antisense oligonucleotide vs. viral vector) be sensibly selected, but considerable thought must be applied to the where, which, what, and when in order to enhance treatment benefit: to where (cell types and tissues) must the drug be delivered and how can this be best achieved? Which perturbed pathways must be corrected and can they be concurrently targeted? What dosing regime and concentration should be used? When should medication be administered? These questions are intuitive, but central to identifying and optimizing a successful gene therapy. Providing definitive solutions to these quandaries will be difficult, but clear thinking about therapeutic testing is necessary if we are to have the best chance of developing viable ALS gene therapies and improving upon early generation SMA treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P Tosolini
- Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - James N Sleigh
- Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Lu T, Wade K, Hong H, Sanchez JT. Ion channel mechanisms underlying frequency-firing patterns of the avian nucleus magnocellularis: A computational model. Channels (Austin) 2017; 11:444-458. [PMID: 28481659 PMCID: PMC5626364 DOI: 10.1080/19336950.2017.1327493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
We have previously shown that late-developing avian nucleus magnocellularis (NM) neurons (embryonic [E] days 19–21) fire action potentials (APs) that resembles a band-pass filter in response to sinusoidal current injections of varying frequencies. NM neurons located in the mid- to high-frequency regions of the nucleus fire preferentially at 75 Hz, but only fire a single onset AP to frequency inputs greater than 200 Hz. Surprisingly, NM neurons do not fire APs to sinusoidal inputs less than 20 Hz regardless of the strength of the current injection. In the present study we evaluated intrinsic mechanisms that prevent AP generation to low frequency inputs. We constructed a computational model to simulate the frequency-firing patterns of NM neurons based on experimental data at both room and near physiologic temperatures. The results from our model confirm that the interaction among low- and high-voltage activated potassium channels (KLVA and KHVA, respectively) and voltage dependent sodium channels (NaV) give rise to the frequency-firing patterns observed in vitro. In particular, we evaluated the regulatory role of KLVA during low frequency sinusoidal stimulation. The model shows that, in response to low frequency stimuli, activation of large KLVA current counterbalances the slow-depolarizing current injection, likely permitting NaV closed-state inactivation and preventing the generation of APs. When the KLVA current density was reduced, the model neuron fired multiple APs per sinusoidal cycle, indicating that KLVA channels regulate low frequency AP firing of NM neurons. This intrinsic property of NM neurons may assist in optimizing response to different rates of synaptic inputs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ting Lu
- a Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders , Northwestern University , Evanston , IL , USA
| | - Kirstie Wade
- a Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders , Northwestern University , Evanston , IL , USA
| | - Hui Hong
- a Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders , Northwestern University , Evanston , IL , USA
| | - Jason Tait Sanchez
- a Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders , Northwestern University , Evanston , IL , USA.,b Department of Neurobiology , Northwestern University , Evanston , IL , USA.,c The Hugh Knowles Hearing Research Center , Northwestern University , Evanston , IL , USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Chung WH. Unraveling new functions of superoxide dismutase using yeast model system: Beyond its conventional role in superoxide radical scavenging. J Microbiol 2017; 55:409-416. [PMID: 28281199 DOI: 10.1007/s12275-017-6647-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2016] [Revised: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
To deal with chemically reactive oxygen molecules constantly threatening aerobic life, cells are readily equipped with elaborate biological antioxidant systems. Superoxide dismutase is a metalloenzyme catalytically eliminating superoxide radical as a first-line defense mechanism against oxidative stress. Multiple different SOD isoforms have been developed throughout evolution to play distinct roles in separate subcellular compartments. SOD is not essential for viability of most aerobic organisms and intriguingly found even in strictly anaerobic bacteria. Sod1 has recently been known to play important roles as a nuclear transcription factor, an RNA binding protein, a synthetic lethal interactor, and a signal modulator in glucose metabolism, most of which are independent of its canonical function as an antioxidant enzyme. In this review, recent advances in understanding the unconventional role of Sod1 are highlighted and discussed with an emphasis on its genetic crosstalk with DNA damage repair/checkpoint pathways. The budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been successfully used as an efficient tool and a model organism to investigate a number of novel functions of Sod1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Woo-Hyun Chung
- College of Pharmacy, Duksung Women's University, Seoul, 01369, Republic of Korea. .,Innovative Drug Center, Duksung Women's University, Seoul, 01369, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
|
31
|
Wang Y, Duan W, Wang W, Di Wen, Liu Y, Liu Y, Li Z, Hu H, Lin H, Cui C, Li D, Dong H, Li C. scAAV9-VEGF prolongs the survival of transgenic ALS mice by promoting activation of M2 microglia and the PI3K/Akt pathway. Brain Res 2016; 1648:1-10. [PMID: 27392886 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2016.06.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2016] [Revised: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 06/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an adult-onset neurodegenerative disease that leads to paralysis and death three to five years after diagnosis in most patients. The disease is incurable, and the mechanism of motoneuron degeneration remains unknown, although research has demonstrated that activated microglia are involved in motor neuron death. Here, we used a simple method to deliver AAV9 virus by direct intrathecal injection and found that scAAV9-VEGF-165 improved the motor performance and prolonged the life span of SOD1-G93A mice. Furthermore, scAAV9-VEGF-165 activated the PI3K/Akt survival pathway and increased the level of Bcl-2, which contributed to the protection of motor neurons. Additionally, scAAV9-VEGF-165 attenuated the expression of classically activated (M1) microglial markers and enhanced the expression of alternatively activated (M2) microglial markers. Taken together, the results of our study suggest that simple, direct intrathecal injection of scAAV9-VEGF-165 may have a curative effect for ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Weisong Duan
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Wan Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Di Wen
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaling Liu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China; Institute of Cardiocerebrovascular Disease, West Heping Road 215, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China; Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yakun Liu
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongyao Li
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Haojie Hu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Huiqian Lin
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Can Cui
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongxiao Li
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Dong
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China; Institute of Cardiocerebrovascular Disease, West Heping Road 215, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China; Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunyan Li
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China; Institute of Cardiocerebrovascular Disease, West Heping Road 215, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China; Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Bunton-Stasyshyn RKA, Saccon RA, Fratta P, Fisher EMC. SOD1 Function and Its Implications for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Pathology: New and Renascent Themes. Neuroscientist 2014; 21:519-29. [PMID: 25492944 DOI: 10.1177/1073858414561795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The canonical role of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) is as an antioxidant enzyme protecting the cell from reactive oxygen species toxicity. SOD1 was also the first gene in which mutations were found to be causative for the neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), more than 20 years ago. ALS is a relentless and incurable mid-life onset disease, which starts with a progressive paralysis and usually leads to death within 3 to 5 years of diagnosis; in the majority of cases, the intellect appears to remain intact while the motor system degenerates. It rapidly became clear that when mutated SOD1 takes on a toxic gain of function in ALS. However, this novel function remains unknown and many cellular systems have been implicated in disease. Now it seems that SOD1 may play a rather larger role in the cell than originally realized, including as a key modulator of glucose signaling (at least so far in yeast) and in RNA binding. Here, we consider some of the new findings for SOD1 in health and disease, which may shed light on how single amino acid changes at sites throughout this protein can cause devastating neurodegeneration in the mammalian motor system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rachele A Saccon
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Pietro Fratta
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Elizabeth M C Fisher
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Poppe L, Rué L, Robberecht W, Van Den Bosch L. Translating biological findings into new treatment strategies for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Exp Neurol 2014; 262 Pt B:138-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2014.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2014] [Revised: 06/26/2014] [Accepted: 07/02/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
|
34
|
Lu L, Zheng L, Si Y, Luo W, Dujardin G, Kwan T, Potochick NR, Thompson SR, Schneider DA, King PH. Hu antigen R (HuR) is a positive regulator of the RNA-binding proteins TDP-43 and FUS/TLS: implications for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:31792-31804. [PMID: 25239623 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.573246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Posttranscriptional gene regulation is governed by a network of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) that interact with regulatory elements in the mRNA to modulate multiple molecular processes, including splicing, RNA transport, RNA stability, and translation. Mounting evidence indicates that there is a hierarchy within this network whereby certain RBPs cross-regulate other RBPs to coordinate gene expression. HuR, an RNA-binding protein we linked previously to aberrant VEGF mRNA metabolism in models of SOD1-associated amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, has been identified as being high up in this hierarchy, serving as a regulator of RNA regulators. Here we investigated the role of HuR in regulating two RBPs, TDP-43 and FUS/TLS, that have been linked genetically to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. We found that HuR promotes the expression of both RBPs in primary astrocytes and U251 cells under normal and stressed (hypoxic) conditions. For TDP-43, we found that HuR binds to the 3' untranslated region (UTR) and regulates its expression through translational efficiency rather than RNA stability. With HuR knockdown, there was a shift of TDP-43 and FUS mRNAs away from polysomes, consistent with translational silencing. The TDP-43 splicing function was attenuated upon HuR knockdown and could be rescued by ectopic TDP-43 lacking the 3' UTR regulatory elements. Finally, conditioned medium from astrocytes in which HuR or TDP-43 was knocked down produced significant motor neuron and cortical neuron toxicity in vitro. These findings indicate that HuR regulates TDP-43 and FUS/TLS expression and that loss of HuR-mediated RNA processing in astrocytes can alter the molecular and cellular landscape to produce a toxic phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liang Lu
- Departments of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294; Departments of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294; Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, and.
| | - Lei Zheng
- Departments of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294
| | - Ying Si
- Departments of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294
| | - Wenyi Luo
- Departments of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294
| | - Gwendal Dujardin
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1428EHA, Argentina
| | - Thaddaeus Kwan
- Departments of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294
| | - Nicholas R Potochick
- Departments of Microbiology, and University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294
| | - Sunnie R Thompson
- Departments of Microbiology, and University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294
| | - David A Schneider
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294
| | - Peter H King
- Departments of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294; Departments of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294; Departments of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294; Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, and
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Pronto-Laborinho AC, Pinto S, de Carvalho M. Roles of vascular endothelial growth factor in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:947513. [PMID: 24987705 PMCID: PMC4022172 DOI: 10.1155/2014/947513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2014] [Accepted: 03/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal devastating neurodegenerative disorder, involving progressive degeneration of motor neurons in spinal cord, brainstem, and motor cortex. Riluzole is the only drug approved in ALS but it only confers a modest improvement in survival. In spite of a high number of clinical trials no other drug has proved effectiveness. Recent studies support that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), originally described as a key angiogenic factor, also plays a key role in the nervous system, including neurogenesis, neuronal survival, neuronal migration, and axon guidance. VEGF has been used in exploratory clinical studies with promising results in ALS and other neurological disorders. Although VEGF is a very promising compound, translating the basic science breakthroughs into clinical practice is the major challenge ahead. VEGF-B, presenting a single safety profile, protects motor neurons from degeneration in ALS animal models and, therefore, it will be particularly interesting to test its effects in ALS patients. In the present paper the authors make a brief description of the molecular properties of VEGF and its receptors and review its different features and therapeutic potential in the nervous system/neurodegenerative disease, particularly in ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Catarina Pronto-Laborinho
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular (IMM), Translational Clinical Physiology Unit, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Susana Pinto
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular (IMM), Translational Clinical Physiology Unit, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mamede de Carvalho
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular (IMM), Translational Clinical Physiology Unit, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Neurosciences, Hospital Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
ALS and oxidative stress: the neurovascular scenario. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2013; 2013:635831. [PMID: 24367722 PMCID: PMC3866720 DOI: 10.1155/2013/635831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2013] [Revised: 10/07/2013] [Accepted: 10/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress and angiogenic factors have been placed as the prime focus of scientific investigations after an establishment of link between vascular endothelial growth factor promoter (VEGF), hypoxia, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) pathogenesis. Deletion of the hypoxia-response element in the vascular endothelial growth factor promoter and mutant superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) which are characterised by atrophy and muscle weakness resulted in phenotype resembling human ALS in mice. This results in lower motor neurodegeneration thus establishing an important link between motor neuron degeneration, vasculature, and angiogenic molecules. In this review, we have presented human, animal, and in vitro studies which suggest that molecules like VEGF have a therapeutic, diagnostic, and prognostic potential in ALS. Involvement of vascular growth factors and hypoxia response elements also highlights the converging role of oxidative stress and neurovascular network for understanding and treatment of various neurodegenerative disorders like ALS.
Collapse
|
37
|
Keifer OP, O'Connor DM, Boulis NM. Gene and protein therapies utilizing VEGF for ALS. Pharmacol Ther 2013; 141:261-71. [PMID: 24177067 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2013.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2013] [Accepted: 10/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that is usually fatal within 2-5years. Unfortunately, the only treatment currently available is riluzole, which has a limited efficacy. As a redress, there is an expanding literature focusing on other potential treatments. One such potential treatment option utilizes the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family, which includes factors that are primarily associated with angiogenesis but are now increasingly recognized to have neurotrophic effects. Reduced expression of a member of this family, VEGF-A, in mice results in neurodegeneration similar to that of ALS, while treatment of animal models of ALS with either VEGF-A gene therapy or VEGF-A protein has yielded positive therapeutic outcomes. These basic research findings raise the potential for a VEGF therapy to be translated to the clinic for the treatment of ALS. This review covers the VEGF family, its receptors and neurotrophic effects as well as VEGF therapy in animal models of ALS and advances towards clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Orion P Keifer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University, 101 Woodruff Circle, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
| | - Deirdre M O'Connor
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University, 101 Woodruff Circle, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
| | - Nicholas M Boulis
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University, 101 Woodruff Circle, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Lladó J, Tolosa L, Olmos G. Cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the neuroprotective effects of VEGF on motoneurons. Front Cell Neurosci 2013; 7:181. [PMID: 24155688 PMCID: PMC3803143 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2013.00181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2013] [Accepted: 09/30/2013] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), originally described as a factor with a regulatory role in vascular growth and development, it is also known for its direct effects on neuronal cells. The discovery in the past decade that transgenic mice expressing reduced levels of VEGF developed late-onset motoneuron pathology, reminiscent of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), opened a new field of research on this disease. VEGF has been shown to protect motoneurons from excitotoxic death, which is a relevant mechanism involved in motoneuron degeneration in ALS. Thus, VEGF delays motoneuron degeneration and increases survival in animal models of ALS. VEGF exerts its anti-excitotoxic effects on motoneurons through molecular mechanisms involving the VEGF receptor-2 resulting in the activation of the PI3-K/Akt signaling pathway, upregulation of GluR2 subunit of AMPA receptors, inhibition of p38MAPK, and induction of the anti-apoptotic molecule Bcl-2. In addition, VEGF acts on astrocytes to reduce astroglial activation and to induce the release of growth factors. The potential use of VEGF as a therapeutic tool in ALS is counteracted by its vascular effects and by its short effective time frame. More studies are needed to assess the optimal isoform, route of administration, and time frame for using VEGF in the treatment of ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jerònia Lladó
- Grup de Neurobiologia Celular, Departament de Biologia, Universitat de les Illes Balears Palma de Mallorca, Spain ; Institut Universitari d'Investigacions en Ciències de la Salut (IUNICS), Universitat de les Illes Balears Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Chou CF, Lin WJ, Lin CC, Luber CA, Godbout R, Mann M, Chen CY. DEAD box protein DDX1 regulates cytoplasmic localization of KSRP. PLoS One 2013; 8:e73752. [PMID: 24023901 PMCID: PMC3762726 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0073752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2013] [Accepted: 07/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
mRNA decay mediated by the AU-rich elements (AREs) is one of the most studied post-transcriptional mechanisms and is modulated by ARE-binding proteins (ARE-BPs). To understand the regulation of K homology splicing regulatory protein (KSRP), a decay-promoting ARE-BP, we purified KSRP protein complexes and identified an RNA helicase, DDX1. We showed that down-regulation of DDX1 expression elevated cytoplasmic levels of KSRP and facilitated ARE-mediated mRNA decay. Association of KSRP with 14-3-3 proteins, that are predominately located in the cytoplasm, increased upon reduction of DDX1. We also demonstrated that KSRP associated with DDX1 or 14-3-3, but not both. These observations indicate that subcellular localization of KSRP is regulated by competing interactions with DDX1 or 14-3-3.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chu-Fang Chou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Wei-Jye Lin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Chen-Chung Lin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Christian A. Luber
- Department of Proteomics and Signal Transduction, Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Roseline Godbout
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Matthias Mann
- Department of Proteomics and Signal Transduction, Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Ching-Yi Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Carmeliet P, Ruiz de Almodovar C, Carmen RDA. VEGF ligands and receptors: implications in neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration. Cell Mol Life Sci 2013; 70:1763-78. [PMID: 23475071 PMCID: PMC11113464 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-013-1283-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2013] [Revised: 01/28/2013] [Accepted: 01/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Intensive research in the last decade shows that the prototypic angiogenic factor vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) can have direct effects in neurons and modulate processes such as neuronal migration, axon outgrowth, axon guidance and neuronal survival. Depending on the neuronal cell type and the process, VEGF seems to exert these effects by signaling via different receptors. It is also becoming clear that other VEGF ligands such as VEGF-B, -C and -D can act in various neuronal cell types as well. Moreover, apart from playing a role in physiological conditions, VEGF and VEGF-B have been related to different neurological disorders. We give an update on how VEGF controls different processes during neurodevelopment as well as on its role in several neurodegenerative disorders. We also discuss recent findings demonstrating that other VEGF ligands influence processes such as neurogenesis and dendrite arborization and participate in neurodegeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Carmeliet
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Neurovascular Link, Vesalius Research Center, K.U.Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Keller BA, Volkening K, Droppelmann CA, Ang LC, Rademakers R, Strong MJ. Co-aggregation of RNA binding proteins in ALS spinal motor neurons: evidence of a common pathogenic mechanism. Acta Neuropathol 2012; 124:733-47. [PMID: 22941224 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-012-1035-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2012] [Revised: 07/22/2012] [Accepted: 08/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
While the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) remains to be clearly delineated, there is mounting evidence that altered RNA metabolism is a commonality amongst several of the known genetic variants of the disease. In this study, we evaluated the expression of 10 ALS-associated proteins in spinal motor neurons (MNs) in ALS patients with mutations in C9orf72 (C9orf72(GGGGCC)-ALS; n = 5), SOD1 (mtSOD1-ALS; n = 9), FUS/TLS (mtFUS/TLS-ALS; n = 2), or TARDBP (mtTDP-43-ALS; n = 2) and contrasted these to cases of sporadic ALS (sALS; n = 4) and familial ALS without known mutations (fALS; n = 2). We performed colorimetric immunohistochemistry (IHC) using antibodies against TDP-43, FUS/TLS, SOD1, C9orf72, ubiquitin, sequestosome 1 (p62), optineurin, phosphorylated high molecular weight neurofilament, peripherin, and Rho-guanine nucleotide exchange factor (RGNEF). We observed that RGNEF-immunoreactive neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions (NCIs) can co-localize with TDP-43, FUS/TLS and p62 within spinal MNs. We confirmed their capacity to interact by co-immunoprecipitations. We also found that mtSOD1-ALS cases possess a unique IHC signature, including the presence of C9orf72-immunoreactive diffuse NCIs, which allows them to be distinguished from other variants of ALS at the level of light microscopy. These findings support the hypothesis that alterations in RNA metabolism are a core pathogenic pathway in ALS. We also conclude that routine IHC-based analysis of spinal MNs may aid in the identification of families not previously suspected to harbor SOD1 mutations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian A Keller
- Department of Pathology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Redler RL, Dokholyan NV. The complex molecular biology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2012; 107:215-62. [PMID: 22482452 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-385883-2.00002-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an adult-onset neurodegenerative disorder that causes selective death of motor neurons followed by paralysis and death. A subset of ALS cases is caused by mutations in the gene for Cu, Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1), which impart a toxic gain of function to this antioxidant enzyme. This neurotoxic property is widely believed to stem from an increased propensity to misfold and aggregate caused by decreased stability of the native homodimer or a tendency to lose stabilizing posttranslational modifications. Study of the molecular mechanisms of SOD1-related ALS has revealed a complex array of interconnected pathological processes, including glutamate excitotoxicity, dysregulation of neurotrophic factors and axon guidance proteins, axonal transport defects, mitochondrial dysfunction, deficient protein quality control, and aberrant RNA processing. Many of these pathologies are directly exacerbated by misfolded and aggregated SOD1 and/or cytosolic calcium overload, suggesting the primacy of these events in disease etiology and their potential as targets for therapeutic intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L Redler
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Sato K, Morimoto N, Kurata T, Mimoto T, Miyazaki K, Ikeda Y, Abe K. Impaired response of hypoxic sensor protein HIF-1α and its downstream proteins in the spinal motor neurons of ALS model mice. Brain Res 2012; 1473:55-62. [PMID: 22871270 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2012.07.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2012] [Revised: 07/16/2012] [Accepted: 07/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
We have recently reported spinal blood flow-metabolism uncoupling in an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) animal model using Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1)-transgenic (Tg) mice, suggesting a relative hypoxia in the spinal cord. However, the hypoxic stress sensor pathway has not been well studied in ALS. Here, we examined temporal and spatial changes of the hypoxic stress sensor proteins HIF-1α and its downstream proteins (VEGF, HO-1, and EPO) during the normoxiccourse of motor neuron (MN) degeneration in the spinal cord of these ALS model mice. We found that HIF-1α protein expression progressively increased both in the anterior large MNs and the surrounding glial cells in Tg mice from early symptomatic 14 week (W) and end stage 18 W. Double immunofluorescence analysis revealed that HIF-1α, plus GFAP and Iba-1 double-positive surrounding glial cells, progressively increased from 14 W to 18 W, although the immunohistochemistry in large MNs did not change. Expression levels of VEGF and HO-1 also showed a progressive increase but were significant only in the surrounding glial cells at 18 W. In contrast, EPO protein expression was decreased in the surrounding glial cells of Tg mice at 18 W. Because HIF1-α serves as an important mediator of the hypoxic response, these findings indicate that MNs lack the neuroprotective response to hypoxic stress through the HIF-1α system, which could be an important mechanism of neurodegeneration in ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kota Sato
- Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
From Transcriptome to Noncoding RNAs: Implications in ALS Mechanism. Neurol Res Int 2012; 2012:278725. [PMID: 22778949 PMCID: PMC3385659 DOI: 10.1155/2012/278725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2012] [Revised: 04/27/2012] [Accepted: 05/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last years, numerous studies have focused on understanding the metabolism of RNA and its implication in disease processes but abnormal RNA metabolism is still unknown. RNA plays a central role in translating genetic information into proteins and in many other catalytic and regulatory tasks. Recent advances in the study of RNA metabolism revealed complex pathways for the generation and maintenance of functional RNA in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Interestingly, perturbations in RNA processing have been described in ALS at various levels such as gene transcription, mRNA stabilization, transport, and translational regulations. In this paper, we will discuss the alteration of RNA profile in ALS disease, starting from transcription, the first step leading to gene expression, through the posttranscriptional regulation, including RNA/DNA binding proteins and aberrant exon splicing to protein noncoding RNAs, as lncRNA and microRNA.
Collapse
|
45
|
Abstract
The cytoplasmic events that control mammalian gene expression, primarily mRNA stability and translation, potently influence the cellular response to internal and external signals. The ubiquitous RNA-binding protein (RBP) HuR is one of the best-studied regulators of cytoplasmic mRNA fate. Through its post-transcriptional influence on specific target mRNAs, HuR can alter the cellular response to proliferative, stress, apoptotic, differentiation, senescence, inflammatory and immune stimuli. In light of its central role in important cellular functions, HuR's role in diseases in which these responses are aberrant is increasingly appreciated. Here, we review the mechanisms that control HuR function, its influence on target mRNAs, and how impairment in HuR-governed gene expression programs impact upon different disease processes. We focus on HuR's well-recognized implication in cancer and chronic inflammation, and discuss emerging studies linking HuR to cardiovascular, neurological, and muscular pathologies. We also discuss the progress, potential, and challenges of targeting HuR therapeutically.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Subramanya Srikantan
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, NIA-IRP, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Gupta PK, Prabhakar S, Abburi C, Sharma NK, Anand A. Vascular endothelial growth factor-A and chemokine ligand (CCL2) genes are upregulated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in Indian amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients. J Neuroinflammation 2011; 8:114. [PMID: 21906274 PMCID: PMC3177897 DOI: 10.1186/1742-2094-8-114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2011] [Accepted: 09/09/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We have earlier shown that protein levels of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and chemokine ligand-2 (CCL2) were elevated in Indian amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. Here, we report the mRNA levels of VEGF-A and CCL2 in Indian ALS patients since they display extended survival after disease onset. Methods VEGF-A and CCL2 mRNA levels were measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 50 sporadic Indian ALS patients using Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and compared with normal controls (n = 50). Their levels were adjusted for possible confounders like cigarette smoking, alcohol and meat consumption. Results VEGF-A and CCL2 mRNA levels were found to be significantly elevated in PBMCs in ALS patients as compared to controls. PBMCs from definite ALS revealed higher VEGF-A mRNA expression as compared to probable and possible ALS. CCL2 mRNA levels were found to be unaltered when definite, probable and possible ALS were compared. PBMCs from patients with respiratory dysfunction showed much higher VEGF-A and CCL2 elevation when compared to patients without respiratory dysfunction. No association of smoking, alcohol and meat consumption with VEGF-A and CCL2 was observed after analyzing the data with univariate and multivariate analysis. Conclusion VEGF-A and CCL2 mRNA upregulation in PBMCs may have a clinico-pathological/etiological/epidemiological association with ALS pathogenesis. The cross-cultural and cross-ethnic investigations of these molecules could determine if they have any role in enhancing the mean survival time unique to Indian ALS patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pawan K Gupta
- Department of Neurology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Kasai A, Kinjo T, Ishihara R, Sakai I, Ishimaru Y, Yoshioka Y, Yamamuro A, Ishige K, Ito Y, Maeda S. Apelin deficiency accelerates the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. PLoS One 2011; 6:e23968. [PMID: 21887354 PMCID: PMC3161091 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0023968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2011] [Accepted: 07/28/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the selective loss of motor neurons. Recent studies have implicated that chronic hypoxia and insufficient vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-dependent neuroprotection may lead to the degeneration of motor neurons in ALS. Expression of apelin, an endogenous ligand for the G protein-coupled receptor APJ, is regulated by hypoxia. In addition, recent reports suggest that apelin protects neurons against glutamate-induced excitotoxicity. Here, we examined whether apelin is an endogenous neuroprotective factor using SOD1G93A mouse model of ALS. In mouse CNS tissues, the highest expressions of both apelin and APJ mRNAs were detected in spinal cord. APJ immunoreactivity was observed in neuronal cell bodies located in gray matter of spinal cord. Although apelin mRNA expression in the spinal cord of wild-type mice was not changed from 4 to 18 weeks age, that of SOD1G93A mice was reduced along with the paralytic phenotype. In addition, double mutant apelin-deficient and SOD1G93A displayed the disease phenotypes earlier than SOD1G93A littermates. Immunohistochemical observation revealed that the number of motor neurons was decreased and microglia were activated in the spinal cord of the double mutant mice, indicating that apelin deficiency pathologically accelerated the progression of ALS. Furthermore, we showed that apelin enhanced the protective effect of VEGF on H2O2-induced neuronal death in primary neurons. These results suggest that apelin/APJ system in the spinal cord has a neuroprotective effect against the pathogenesis of ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Kasai
- Department of Pharmacotherapeutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Setsunan University, Hirakata, Osaka, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Riboldi G, Nizzardo M, Simone C, Falcone M, Bresolin N, Comi GP, Corti S. ALS genetic modifiers that increase survival of SOD1 mice and are suitable for therapeutic development. Prog Neurobiol 2011; 95:133-48. [PMID: 21816207 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2011.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2011] [Accepted: 07/19/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a frequently fatal motor neuron disease without any cure. To find molecular therapeutic targets, several studies crossed transgenic ALS murine models with animals transgenic for some ALS target genes. We aimed to revise the new discoveries and new works in this field. We selected the 10 most promising genes, according to their capability when down-regulated or up-regulated in ALS animal models, for increasing life span and mitigating disease progression: XBP-1, NogoA and NogoB, dynein, heavy and medium neurofilament, NOX1 and NOX2, MLC-mIGF-1, NSE-VEGF, and MMP-9. Interestingly, some crucial modifier genes have been described as being involved in common pathways, the most significant of which are inflammation and cytoskeletal activities. The endoplasmic reticulum also seems to play an important role in ALS pathogenesis, as it is involved in different selected gene pathways. In addition, these genes have evident links to each other, introducing the hypothesis of a single unknown, common pathway involving all of these identified genes and others to be discovered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulietta Riboldi
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Dino Ferrari Centre, University of Milan, IRCCS Fondazione Ca' Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Ponnambalam S, Alberghina M. Evolution of the VEGF-regulated vascular network from a neural guidance system. Mol Neurobiol 2011; 43:192-206. [PMID: 21271303 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-011-8167-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2010] [Accepted: 01/12/2011] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The vascular network is closely linked to the neural system, and an interdependence is displayed in healthy and in pathophysiological responses. How has close apposition of two such functionally different systems occurred? Here, we present a hypothesis for the evolution of the vascular network from an ancestral neural guidance system. Biological cornerstones of this hypothesis are the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein family and cognate receptors. The primary sequences of such proteins are conserved from invertebrates, such as worms and flies that lack discernible vascular systems compared to mammals, but all these systems have sophisticated neuronal wiring involving such molecules. Ancestral VEGFs and receptors (VEGFRs) could have been used to develop and maintain the nervous system in primitive eukaryotes. During evolution, the demands of increased morphological complexity required systems for transporting molecules and cells, i.e., biological conductive tubes. We propose that the VEGF-VEGFR axis was subverted by evolution to mediate the formation of biological tubes necessary for transport of fluids, e.g., blood. Increasingly, there is evidence that aberrant VEGF-mediated responses are also linked to neuronal dysfunctions ranging from motor neuron disease, stroke, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, ischemic brain disease, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and neuronal repair after injury, as well as common vascular diseases (e.g., retinal disease). Manipulation and correction of the VEGF response in different neural tissues could be an effective strategy to treat different neurological diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sreenivasan Ponnambalam
- Endothelial Cell Biology Unit, Institute of Molecular & Cellular Biology, LIGHT Laboratories, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
| | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
The “Dying-Back” Phenomenon of Motor Neurons in ALS. J Mol Neurosci 2010; 43:470-7. [DOI: 10.1007/s12031-010-9467-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 260] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2010] [Accepted: 10/20/2010] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
|