1
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Dash BP, Freischmidt A, Weishaupt JH, Hermann A. An integrative miRNA-mRNA expression analysis identifies miRNA signatures associated with SOD1 and TARDBP patient-derived motor neurons. Hum Mol Genet 2024:ddae072. [PMID: 38676626 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddae072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a subset of small non-coding single-stranded RNA molecules involved in the regulation of post-transcriptional gene expression of a variety of transcript targets. Therefore altered miRNA expression may result in the dysregulation of key genes and biological pathways that has been reported with the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS is marked by a progressive degeneration of motor neurons (MNs) present in the spinal cord, brain stem and motor cortex. Although the pathomechanism underlying molecular interactions of ALS remains poorly understood, alterations in RNA metabolism, including dysregulation of miRNA expression in familial as well as sporadic forms are still scarcely studied. In this study, we performed combined transcriptomic data and miRNA profiling in MN samples of the same samples of iPSC-derived MNs from SOD1- and TARDBP (TDP-43 protein)-mutant-ALS patients and healthy controls. We report a global upregulation of mature miRNAs, and suggest that differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs have a significant impact on mRNA-level in SOD1-, but not in TARDBP-linked ALS. Furthermore, in SOD1-ALS we identified dysregulated miRNAs such as miR-124-3p, miR-19b-3p and miR-218 and their potential targets previously implicated in important functional process and pathogenic pathways underlying ALS. These miRNAs may play key roles in the neuronal development and cell survival related functions in SOD1-ALS. Altogether, we provide evidence of miRNA regulated genes expression mainly in SOD1 rather than TDP43-ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Banaja P Dash
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section "Albrecht Kossel", Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, Gehlsheimer Str. 20, Rostock 18147, Germany
| | - Axel Freischmidt
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | - Jochen H Weishaupt
- Division of Neurodegeneration, Department of Neurology, Mannheim Center for Translational Neurosciences, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, Mannheim 68167, Germany
| | - Andreas Hermann
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section "Albrecht Kossel", Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, Gehlsheimer Str. 20, Rostock 18147, Germany
- Center for Transdisciplinary Neurosciences Rostock, University Medical Center Rostock, Gehlsheimer Str. 20, Rostock 18147, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE) Rostock/Greifswald, Gehlsheimer Str. 20, Rostock 18147, Germany
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2
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Advani D, Kumar P. Uncovering Cell Cycle Dysregulations and Associated Mechanisms in Cancer and Neurodegenerative Disorders: A Glimpse of Hope for Repurposed Drugs. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04130-7. [PMID: 38532240 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04130-7] [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: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
The cell cycle is the sequence of events orchestrated by a complex network of cell cycle proteins. Unlike normal cells, mature neurons subsist in a quiescent state of the cell cycle, and aberrant cell cycle activation triggers neuronal death accompanied by neurodegeneration. The periodicity of cell cycle events is choreographed by various mechanisms, including DNA damage repair, oxidative stress, neurotrophin activity, and ubiquitin-mediated degradation. Given the relevance of cell cycle processes in cancer and neurodegeneration, this review delineates the overlapping cell cycle events, signaling pathways, and mechanisms associated with cell cycle aberrations in cancer and the major neurodegenerative disorders. We suggest that dysregulation of some common fundamental signaling processes triggers anomalous cell cycle activation in cancer cells and neurons. We discussed the possible use of cell cycle inhibitors for neurodegenerative disorders and described the associated challenges. We propose that a greater understanding of the common mechanisms driving cell cycle aberrations in cancer and neurodegenerative disorders will open a new avenue for the development of repurposed drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dia Advani
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University (Formerly Delhi College of Engineering), Shahbad Daulatpur, Bawana Road, New Delhi, Delhi, 110042, India
| | - Pravir Kumar
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University (Formerly Delhi College of Engineering), Shahbad Daulatpur, Bawana Road, New Delhi, Delhi, 110042, India.
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3
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Gomes BC, Peixinho N, Pisco R, Gromicho M, Pronto-Laborinho AC, Rueff J, de Carvalho M, Rodrigues AS. Differential Expression of miRNAs in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:7104-7117. [PMID: 37531027 PMCID: PMC10657797 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03520-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive motor neuron disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing loss of muscle control, muscle atrophy and in later stages, death. Diagnosis has an average delay of 1 year after symptoms onset, which impairs early management. The identification of a specific disease biomarker could help decrease the diagnostic delay. MicroRNA (miRNA) expression levels have been proposed as ALS biomarkers, and altered function has been reported in ALS pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to assess the differential expression of plasma miRNAs in ALS patients and two control populations (healthy controls and ALS-mimic disorders). For that, 16 samples from each group were pooled, and then 1008 miRNAs were assessed through reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). From these, ten candidate miRNAs were selected and validated in 35 ALS patients, 16 ALS-mimic disorders controls and 15 healthy controls. We also assessed the same miRNAs in two different time points of disease progression. Although we were unable to determine a miRNA signature to use as disease or condition marker, we found that miR-7-2-3p, miR-26a-1-3p, miR-224-5p and miR-206 are good study candidates to understand the pathophysiology of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Costa Gomes
- Instituto de Fisiologia, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.
- ToxOmics, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS, FCM, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Nuno Peixinho
- ToxOmics, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS, FCM, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Rita Pisco
- ToxOmics, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS, FCM, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Marta Gromicho
- Instituto de Fisiologia, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana Catarina Pronto-Laborinho
- Instituto de Fisiologia, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - José Rueff
- ToxOmics, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS, FCM, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Mamede de Carvalho
- Instituto de Fisiologia, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Hospital de Santa Maria CHULN, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - António Sebastião Rodrigues
- ToxOmics, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS, FCM, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
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4
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Shi Y, Zhu R. Analysis of damage-associated molecular patterns in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis based on ScRNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq data. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1259742. [PMID: 37942135 PMCID: PMC10628000 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1259742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive loss of motor neurons. Despite extensive research, the exact etiology of ALS remains elusive. Emerging evidence highlights the critical role of the immune system in ALS pathogenesis and progression. Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns (DAMPs) are endogenous molecules released by stressed or damaged cells, acting as danger signals and activating immune responses. However, their specific involvement in ALS remains unclear. Methods We obtained single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data of ALS from the primary motor cortex in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. To better understand genes associated with DAMPs, we performed analyses on cell-cell communication and trajectory. The abundance of immune-infiltrating cells was assessed using the single-sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (ssGSEA) method. We performed univariate Cox analysis to construct the risk model and utilized the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis. Finally, we identified potential small molecule drugs targeting ALS by screening the Connectivity Map database (CMap) and confirmed their potential through molecular docking analysis. Results Our study annotated 10 cell types, with the expression of genes related to DAMPs predominantly observed in microglia. Analysis of intercellular communication revealed 12 ligand-receptor pairs in the pathways associated with DAMPs, where microglial cells acted as ligands. Among these pairs, the SPP1-CD44 pair demonstrated the greatest contribution. Furthermore, trajectory analysis demonstrated distinct differentiation fates of different microglial states. Additionally, we constructed a risk model incorporating four genes (TRPM2, ROCK1, HSP90AA1, and HSPA4). The validity of the risk model was supported by multivariate analysis. Moreover, external validation from dataset GSE112681 confirmed the predictive power of the model, which yielded consistent results with datasets GSE112676 and GSE112680. Lastly, the molecular docking analysis suggested that five compounds, namely mead-acid, nifedipine, nifekalant, androstenol, and hydrastine, hold promise as potential candidates for the treatment of ALS. Conclusion Taken together, our study demonstrated that DAMP entities were predominantly observed in microglial cells within the context of ALS. The utilization of a prognostic risk model can accurately predict ALS patient survival. Additionally, genes related to DAMPs may present viable drug targets for ALS therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ruixia Zhu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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5
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Ziff OJ, Neeves J, Mitchell J, Tyzack G, Martinez-Ruiz C, Luisier R, Chakrabarti AM, McGranahan N, Litchfield K, Boulton SJ, Al-Chalabi A, Kelly G, Humphrey J, Patani R. Integrated transcriptome landscape of ALS identifies genome instability linked to TDP-43 pathology. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2176. [PMID: 37080969 PMCID: PMC10119258 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37630-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) causes motor neuron degeneration, with 97% of cases exhibiting TDP-43 proteinopathy. Elucidating pathomechanisms has been hampered by disease heterogeneity and difficulties accessing motor neurons. Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived motor neurons (iPSMNs) offer a solution; however, studies have typically been limited to underpowered cohorts. Here, we present a comprehensive compendium of 429 iPSMNs from 15 datasets, and 271 post-mortem spinal cord samples. Using reproducible bioinformatic workflows, we identify robust upregulation of p53 signalling in ALS in both iPSMNs and post-mortem spinal cord. p53 activation is greatest with C9orf72 repeat expansions but is weakest with SOD1 and FUS mutations. TDP-43 depletion potentiates p53 activation in both post-mortem neuronal nuclei and cell culture, thereby functionally linking p53 activation with TDP-43 depletion. ALS iPSMNs and post-mortem tissue display enrichment of splicing alterations, somatic mutations, and gene fusions, possibly contributing to the DNA damage response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver J Ziff
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK.
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.
- National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London NHS Foundation Trust, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.
| | - Jacob Neeves
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Jamie Mitchell
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Giulia Tyzack
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Carlos Martinez-Ruiz
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
| | - Raphaelle Luisier
- Genomics and Health Informatics Group, Idiap Research Institute, Martigny, Switzerland
| | | | - Nicholas McGranahan
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
| | - Kevin Litchfield
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
| | - Simon J Boulton
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Ammar Al-Chalabi
- Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Gavin Kelly
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Jack Humphrey
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience & Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rickie Patani
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK.
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.
- National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London NHS Foundation Trust, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.
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6
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Shadfar S, Parakh S, Jamali MS, Atkin JD. Redox dysregulation as a driver for DNA damage and its relationship to neurodegenerative diseases. Transl Neurodegener 2023; 12:18. [PMID: 37055865 PMCID: PMC10103468 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-023-00350-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Redox homeostasis refers to the balance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as reactive nitrogen species (RNS), and their elimination by antioxidants. It is linked to all important cellular activities and oxidative stress is a result of imbalance between pro-oxidants and antioxidant species. Oxidative stress perturbs many cellular activities, including processes that maintain the integrity of DNA. Nucleic acids are highly reactive and therefore particularly susceptible to damage. The DNA damage response detects and repairs these DNA lesions. Efficient DNA repair processes are therefore essential for maintaining cellular viability, but they decline considerably during aging. DNA damage and deficiencies in DNA repair are increasingly described in age-related neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Huntington's disease. Furthermore, oxidative stress has long been associated with these conditions. Moreover, both redox dysregulation and DNA damage increase significantly during aging, which is the biggest risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases. However, the links between redox dysfunction and DNA damage, and their joint contributions to pathophysiology in these conditions, are only just emerging. This review will discuss these associations and address the increasing evidence for redox dysregulation as an important and major source of DNA damage in neurodegenerative disorders. Understanding these connections may facilitate a better understanding of disease mechanisms, and ultimately lead to the design of better therapeutic strategies based on preventing both redox dysregulation and DNA damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina Shadfar
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia.
| | - Sonam Parakh
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Md Shafi Jamali
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Julie D Atkin
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia.
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia.
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7
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The paradigm of amyloid precursor protein in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: The potential role of the 682YENPTY 687 motif. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:923-930. [PMID: 36698966 PMCID: PMC9860402 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the progressive decline of neuronal function in several brain areas, and are always associated with cognitive, psychiatric, or motor deficits due to the atrophy of certain neuronal populations. Most neurodegenerative diseases share common pathological mechanisms, such as neurotoxic protein misfolding, oxidative stress, and impairment of autophagy machinery. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is one of the most common adult-onset motor neuron disorders worldwide. It is clinically characterized by the selective and progressive loss of motor neurons in the motor cortex, brain stem, and spinal cord, ultimately leading to muscle atrophy and rapidly progressive paralysis. Multiple recent studies have indicated that the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and its proteolytic fragments are not only drivers of Alzheimer's disease (AD) but also one of the earliest signatures in ALS, preceding or anticipating neuromuscular junction instability and denervation. Indeed, altered levels of APP peptides have been found in the brain, muscles, skin, and cerebrospinal fluid of ALS patients. In this short review, we discuss the nature and extent of research evidence on the role of APP peptides in ALS, focusing on the intracellular C-terminal peptide and its regulatory motif 682YENPTY687, with the overall aim of providing new frameworks and perspectives for intervention and identifying key questions for future investigations.
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8
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Parrella E, Porrini V, Scambi I, Gennari MM, Gussago C, Bankole O, Benarese M, Mariotti R, Pizzi M. Synergistic association of resveratrol and histone deacetylase inhibitors as treatment in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1017364. [PMID: 36339574 PMCID: PMC9633661 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1017364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease associated with motor neuron degeneration, progressive paralysis and finally death. Despite the research efforts, currently there is no cure for ALS. In recent years, multiple epigenetic mechanisms have been associated with neurodegenerative diseases. A pathological role for histone hypoacetylation and the abnormal NF-κB/RelA activation involving deacetylation of lysines, with the exclusion of lysine 310, has been established in ALS. Recent findings indicate that the pathological acetylation state of NF-κB/RelA and histone 3 (H3) occurring in the SOD1(G93A) murine model of ALS can be corrected by the synergistic combination of low doses of the AMP-activated kinase (AMPK)-sirtuin 1 pathway activator resveratrol and the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors MS-275 (entinostat) or valproate. The combination of the epigenetic drugs, by rescuing RelA and the H3 acetylation state, promotes a beneficial and sexually dimorphic effect on disease onset, survival and motor neurons degeneration. In this mini review, we discuss the potential of the epigenetic combination of resveratrol with HDAC inhibitors in the ALS treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Parrella
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Vanessa Porrini
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- *Correspondence: Vanessa Porrini,
| | - Ilaria Scambi
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Michele M. Gennari
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Cristina Gussago
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Oluwamolakun Bankole
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Marina Benarese
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Raffaella Mariotti
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Marina Pizzi
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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9
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Wang F, Li S, Wang TY, Lopez GA, Antoshechkin I, Chou TF. P97/VCP ATPase inhibitors can rescue p97 mutation-linked motor neuron degeneration. Brain Commun 2022; 4:fcac176. [PMID: 35865348 PMCID: PMC9294923 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcac176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in p97/VCP cause two motor neuron diseases: inclusion body myopathy associated with Paget disease of bone and frontotemporal dementia and familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. How p97 mutations lead to motor neuron degeneration is, however, unknown. Here we used patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells to generate p97 mutant motor neurons. We reduced the genetic background variation by comparing mutant motor neurons to its isogenic wild type lines. Proteomic analysis reveals that p97R155H/+ motor neurons upregulate several cell cycle proteins at Day 14, but this effect diminishes by Day 20. Molecular changes linked to delayed cell cycle exit are observed in p97 mutant motor neurons. We also find that two p97 inhibitors, CB-5083 and NMS-873, restore some dysregulated protein levels. In addition, two p97 inhibitors and a food and drug administration-approved cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor, Abemaciclib, can rescue motor neuron death. Overall, we successfully used iPSC-derived motor neurons, identified dysregulated proteome and transcriptome and showed that p97 inhibitors rescue phenotypes in this disease model.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Wang
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - S Li
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - T Y Wang
- Proteome Exploration Laboratory, Beckman Institute, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - G A Lopez
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - I Antoshechkin
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - T F Chou
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
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10
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Hawkins S, Namboori SC, Tariq A, Blaker C, Flaxman C, Dey NS, Henley P, Randall A, Rosa A, Stanton LW, Bhinge A. Upregulation of β-catenin due to loss of miR-139 contributes to motor neuron death in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Stem Cell Reports 2022; 17:1650-1665. [PMID: 35750046 PMCID: PMC9287677 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by the loss of motor neurons (MNs). There are no effective treatments and patients usually die within 2-5 years of diagnosis. Emerging commonalities between familial and sporadic cases of this complex multifactorial disorder include disruption to RNA processing and cytoplasmic inclusion bodies containing TDP-43 and/or FUS protein aggregates. Both TDP-43 and FUS have been implicated in RNA processing functions, including microRNA biogenesis, transcription, and splicing. In this study, we explore the misexpression of microRNAs in an iPSC-based disease model of FUS ALS. We identify the downregulation of miR-139, an MN-enriched microRNA, in FUS and sporadic ALS MN. We discover that miR-139 downregulation leads to the activation of canonical WNT signaling and demonstrate that the WNT transcriptional mediator β-catenin is a major driver of MN degeneration in ALS. Our results highlight the importance of homeostatic RNA networks in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Hawkins
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter EX1 2LU, UK; Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Seema C Namboori
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter EX1 2LU, UK; Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Ammarah Tariq
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK; Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Catherine Blaker
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter EX1 2LU, UK
| | - Christine Flaxman
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter EX1 2LU, UK
| | - Nidhi S Dey
- York Biomedical Research Institute, Hull York Medical School, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Peter Henley
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter EX1 2LU, UK
| | - Andrew Randall
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter EX1 2LU, UK
| | - Alessandro Rosa
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies Charles Darwin, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Lawrence W Stanton
- Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Akshay Bhinge
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter EX1 2LU, UK; Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK.
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11
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E2F1 Expression and Apoptosis Initiation in Crayfish and Rat Peripheral Neurons and Glial Cells after Axonal Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084451. [PMID: 35457270 PMCID: PMC9026502 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurotrauma is among the main causes of human disability and mortality. The transcription factor E2F1 is one of the key proteins that determine the fate of cells. The involvement of E2F1 in the regulation of survival and death of peripheral nerve cells after axotomy has not been previously studied. We, for the first time, studied axotomy-induced changes in the expression and localization of E2F1 following axonal injury in rats and crayfish. Immunoblotting and immunofluorescence microscopy were used for the analysis of the expression and intracellular localization of E2F1 and its changes after axotomy. To evaluate whether this transcription factor promotes cell apoptosis, we examined the effect of pharmacological inhibition of E2F activity in axotomized rat models. In this work, axotomy caused increased expression of E2F1 as early as 4 h and even 1 h after axotomy of mechanoreceptor neurons and ganglia of crayfish ventral nerve cord (VNC), as well as rat dorsal root ganglia (DRG). The level of E2F1 expression increased both in the cytoplasm and the nuclei of neurons. Pharmacological inhibition of E2F demonstrated a pronounced neuroprotective activity against axotomized DRGs. E2F1 and downstream targets could be considered promising molecular targets for the development of potential neuroprotective agents.
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12
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Jurcau A. Insights into the Pathogenesis of Neurodegenerative Diseases: Focus on Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Oxidative Stress. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11847. [PMID: 34769277 PMCID: PMC8584731 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
As the population ages, the incidence of neurodegenerative diseases is increasing. Due to intensive research, important steps in the elucidation of pathogenetic cascades have been made and significantly implicated mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. However, the available treatment in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is mainly symptomatic, providing minor benefits and, at most, slowing down the progression of the disease. Although in preclinical setting, drugs targeting mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress yielded encouraging results, clinical trials failed or had inconclusive results. It is likely that by the time of clinical diagnosis, the pathogenetic cascades are full-blown and significant numbers of neurons have already degenerated, making it impossible for mitochondria-targeted or antioxidant molecules to stop or reverse the process. Until further research will provide more efficient molecules, a healthy lifestyle, with plenty of dietary antioxidants and avoidance of exogenous oxidants may postpone the onset of neurodegeneration, while familial cases may benefit from genetic testing and aggressive therapy started in the preclinical stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anamaria Jurcau
- Department of Psycho-Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania;
- Neurology Ward, Clinical Municipal Hospital “dr. G. Curteanu” Oradea, 410154 Oradea, Romania
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13
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Novak V, Rogelj B, Župunski V. Therapeutic Potential of Polyphenols in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10081328. [PMID: 34439576 PMCID: PMC8389294 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10081328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are severe neurodegenerative disorders that belong to a common disease spectrum. The molecular and cellular aetiology of the spectrum is a highly complex encompassing dysfunction in many processes, including mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. There is a paucity of treatment options aside from therapies with subtle effects on the post diagnostic lifespan and symptom management. This presents great interest and necessity for the discovery and development of new compounds and therapies with beneficial effects on the disease. Polyphenols are secondary metabolites found in plant-based foods and are well known for their antioxidant activity. Recent research suggests that they also have a diverse array of neuroprotective functions that could lead to better treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. We present an overview of the effects of various polyphenols in cell line and animal models of ALS/FTD. Furthermore, possible mechanisms behind actions of the most researched compounds (resveratrol, curcumin and green tea catechins) are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Novak
- Chair of Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (V.N.); (B.R.)
| | - Boris Rogelj
- Chair of Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (V.N.); (B.R.)
- Department of Biotechnology, Jozef Stefan Institute, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Vera Župunski
- Chair of Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (V.N.); (B.R.)
- Correspondence:
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14
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Wild-Type and Mutant FUS Expression Reduce Proliferation and Neuronal Differentiation Properties of Neural Stem Progenitor Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147566. [PMID: 34299185 PMCID: PMC8304973 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nervous system development involves proliferation and cell specification of progenitor cells into neurons and glial cells. Unveiling how this complex process is orchestrated under physiological conditions and deciphering the molecular and cellular changes leading to neurological diseases is mandatory. To date, great efforts have been aimed at identifying gene mutations associated with many neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Mutations in the RNA/DNA binding protein Fused in Sarcoma/Translocated in Liposarcoma (FUS/TLS) have been associated with motor neuron degeneration in rodents and humans. Furthermore, increased levels of the wild-type protein can promote neuronal cell death. Despite the well-established causal link between FUS mutations and ALS, its role in neural cells remains elusive. In order to shed new light on FUS functions we studied its role in the control of neural stem progenitor cell (NSPC) properties. Here, we report that human wild-type Fused in Sarcoma (WT FUS), exogenously expressed in mouse embryonic spinal cord-derived NSPCs, was localized in the nucleus, caused cell cycle arrest in G1 phase by affecting cell cycle regulator expression, and strongly reduced neuronal differentiation. Furthermore, the expression of the human mutant form of FUS (P525L-FUS), associated with early-onset ALS, drives the cells preferentially towards a glial lineage, strongly reducing the number of developing neurons. These results provide insight into the involvement of FUS in NSPC proliferation and differentiation into neurons and glia.
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15
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Obrador E, Salvador-Palmer R, López-Blanch R, Jihad-Jebbar A, Vallés SL, Estrela JM. The Link between Oxidative Stress, Redox Status, Bioenergetics and Mitochondria in the Pathophysiology of ALS. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126352. [PMID: 34198557 PMCID: PMC8231819 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common neurodegenerative disease of the motor system. It is characterized by the degeneration of both upper and lower motor neurons, which leads to muscle weakness and paralysis. ALS is incurable and has a bleak prognosis, with median survival of 3-5 years after the initial symptomatology. In ALS, motor neurons gradually degenerate and die. Many features of mitochondrial dysfunction are manifested in neurodegenerative diseases, including ALS. Mitochondria have shown to be an early target in ALS pathophysiology and contribute to disease progression. Disruption of their axonal transport, excessive generation of reactive oxygen species, disruption of the mitochondrial structure, dynamics, mitophagy, energy production, calcium buffering and apoptotic triggering have all been directly involved in disease pathogenesis and extensively reported in ALS patients and animal model systems. Alterations in energy production by motor neurons, which severely limit their survival capacity, are tightly linked to the redox status and mitochondria. The present review focuses on this link. Placing oxidative stress as a main pathophysiological mechanism, the molecular interactions and metabolic flows involved are analyzed. This leads to discussing potential therapeutic approaches targeting mitochondrial biology to slow disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Obrador
- Correspondence: (E.O.); (J.M.E.); Tel.: +34-963864646 (J.M.E.)
| | | | | | | | | | - José M. Estrela
- Correspondence: (E.O.); (J.M.E.); Tel.: +34-963864646 (J.M.E.)
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16
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Yamaguchi M, Lee IS, Jantrapirom S, Suda K, Yoshida H. Drosophila models to study causative genes for human rare intractable neurological diseases. Exp Cell Res 2021; 403:112584. [PMID: 33812867 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2021.112584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Drosophila is emerging as a convenient model for investigating human diseases. Functional homologues of almost 75% of human disease-related genes are found in Drosophila. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a severe neurodegenerative disease that causes defects in motoneurons. Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is one of the most commonly found inherited neuropathies affecting both motor and sensory neurons. No effective therapy has been established for either of these diseases. In this review, after overviewing ALS, Drosophila models targeting several ALS-causing genes, including TDP-43, FUS and Ubiquilin2, are described with their genetic interactants. Then, after overviewing CMT, examples of Drosophila models targeting several CMT-causing genes, including mitochondria-related genes and FIG 4, are also described with their genetic interactants. In addition, we introduce Sotos syndrome caused by mutations in the epigenetic regulator gene NSD1. Lastly, several genes and pathways that commonly interact with ALS- and/or CMT-causing genes are described. In the case of ALS and CMT that have many causative genes, it may be not practical to perform gene therapy for each of the many disease-causing genes. The possible uses of the common genes and pathways as novel diagnosis markers and effective therapeutic targets are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masamitsu Yamaguchi
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8585, Japan; Kansai Gakken Laboratory, Kankyo Eisei Yakuhin Co. Ltd., Seika-cho, Kyoto, 619-0237, Japan
| | - Im-Soon Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Salinee Jantrapirom
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Kojiro Suda
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8585, Japan
| | - Hideki Yoshida
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8585, Japan.
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17
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Fare CM, Shorter J. Open Access: A Role for p53 in c9ALS/FTD? Trends Genet 2021; 37:404-406. [PMID: 33551183 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2021.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Poly(PR), a toxic dipeptide-repeat protein, translated from the pathogenic G4C2 repeat expansion in C9orf72, contributes to c9 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/frontotemporal dementia (c9ALS/FTD). However, precisely how poly(PR) elicits neurodegeneration has remained unclear. Maor-Nof et al. now establish that poly(PR) remodels the neuronal epigenome to promote proapoptotic p53 activity involving PUMA, which drives neurodegeneration in several models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte M Fare
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - James Shorter
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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18
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Maor-Nof M, Shipony Z, Lopez-Gonzalez R, Nakayama L, Zhang YJ, Couthouis J, Blum JA, Castruita PA, Linares GR, Ruan K, Ramaswami G, Simon DJ, Nof A, Santana M, Han K, Sinnott-Armstrong N, Bassik MC, Geschwind DH, Tessier-Lavigne M, Attardi LD, Lloyd TE, Ichida JK, Gao FB, Greenleaf WJ, Yokoyama JS, Petrucelli L, Gitler AD. p53 is a central regulator driving neurodegeneration caused by C9orf72 poly(PR). Cell 2021; 184:689-708.e20. [PMID: 33482083 PMCID: PMC7886018 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2020.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a GGGGCC repeat expansion in the C9orf72 gene. We developed a platform to interrogate the chromatin accessibility landscape and transcriptional program within neurons during degeneration. We provide evidence that neurons expressing the dipeptide repeat protein poly(proline-arginine), translated from the C9orf72 repeat expansion, activate a highly specific transcriptional program, exemplified by a single transcription factor, p53. Ablating p53 in mice completely rescued neurons from degeneration and markedly increased survival in a C9orf72 mouse model. p53 reduction also rescued axonal degeneration caused by poly(glycine-arginine), increased survival of C9orf72 ALS/FTD-patient-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived motor neurons, and mitigated neurodegeneration in a C9orf72 fly model. We show that p53 activates a downstream transcriptional program, including Puma, which drives neurodegeneration. These data demonstrate a neurodegenerative mechanism dynamically regulated through transcription-factor-binding events and provide a framework to apply chromatin accessibility and transcription program profiles to neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Maor-Nof
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Zohar Shipony
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Lisa Nakayama
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Yong-Jie Zhang
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Julien Couthouis
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jacob A Blum
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Patricia A Castruita
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Gabriel R Linares
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kai Ruan
- Department of Neurology, Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Gokul Ramaswami
- Department of Neurology, Program in Neurogenetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - David J Simon
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Aviv Nof
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Manuel Santana
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kyuho Han
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Michael C Bassik
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Daniel H Geschwind
- Department of Neurology, Program in Neurogenetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Laura D Attardi
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; Division of Radiation and Cancer Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Thomas E Lloyd
- Department of Neurology, Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Justin K Ichida
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Fen-Biao Gao
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - William J Greenleaf
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer S Yokoyama
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Aaron D Gitler
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
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19
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Gollapalli K, Kim JK, Monani UR. Emerging concepts underlying selective neuromuscular dysfunction in infantile-onset spinal muscular atrophy. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:1978-1984. [PMID: 33642371 PMCID: PMC8343306 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.308073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Infantile-onset spinal muscular atrophy is the quintessential example of a disorder characterized by a predominantly neurodegenerative phenotype that nevertheless stems from perturbations in a housekeeping protein. Resulting from low levels of the Survival of Motor Neuron (SMN) protein, spinal muscular atrophy manifests mainly as a lower motor neuron disease. Why this is so and whether other cell types contribute to the classic spinal muscular atrophy phenotype continue to be the subject of intense investigation and are only now gaining appreciation. Yet, what is emerging is sometimes as puzzling as it is instructive, arguing for a careful re-examination of recent study outcomes, raising questions about established dogma in the field and making the case for a greater focus on milder spinal muscular atrophy models as tools to identify key mechanisms driving selective neuromuscular dysfunction in the disease. This review examines the evidence for novel molecular and cellular mechanisms that have recently been implicated in spinal muscular atrophy, highlights breakthroughs, points out caveats and poses questions that ought to serve as the basis of new investigations to better understand and treat this and other more common neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kishore Gollapalli
- Department of Neurology; Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jeong-Ki Kim
- Department of Neurology; Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Umrao R Monani
- Department of Neurology; Department of Pathology & Cell Biology; Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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20
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Voss TD, Gerget M, Linkus B, von Einem B, Landwehrmeyer GB, Lewerenz J. Ubiquitination and the proteasome rather than caspase-3-mediated C-terminal cleavage are involved in the EAAT2 degradation by staurosporine-induced cellular stress. J Neurochem 2020; 157:1284-1299. [PMID: 33180957 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Diminished glutamate (Glu) uptake via the excitatory amino acid transporter EAAT2, which normally accounts for ~90% of total forebrain EAAT activity, may contribute to neurodegeneration via Glu-mediated excitotoxicity. C-terminal cleavage by caspase-3 (C3) was reported to mediate EAAT2 inactivation and down-regulation in the context of neurodegeneration. For a detailed analysis of C3-dependent EAAT2 degradation, we employed A172 glioblastoma as well as hippocampal HT22 cells and murine astrocytes over-expressing VSV-G-tagged EAAT2 constructs. C3 activation was induced by staurosporine (STR). In HT22 cells, STR-induced C3 activation-induced rapid EAAT2 protein degradation. The mutation of asparagine 504 to aspartate (D504N), which should inactivate the putative C3 cleavage site, increased EAAT2 activity in A172 cells. In contrast, the D504N mutation did not protect EAAT2 protein against STR-induced degradation in HT22 cells, whereas inhibition of caspases, ubiquitination and the proteasome did. Similar results were obtained in astrocytes. Phylogenetic analysis showed that C-terminal ubiquitin acceptor sites-but not the putative C3 cleavage site-exhibit a high degree of conservation. Moreover, C-terminal truncation mimicking C3 cleavage increased rather than decreased EAAT2 activity and stability as well as protected EAAT2 against STR-induced ubiquitination-dependent degradation. We conclude that cellular stress associated with endogenous C3 activation degrades EAAT2 via a pathway involving ubiquitination and the proteasome but not direct C3-mediated cleavage. In addition, C3 cleavage of EAAT2, described to occur in other models, is unlikely to inactivate EAAT2. However, mutation of the highly conserved D504 within the putative C3 cleavage site increases EAAT2 activity via an unknown mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Gerget
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Birgit Linkus
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | | | | | - Jan Lewerenz
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
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21
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Joseph C, Mangani AS, Gupta V, Chitranshi N, Shen T, Dheer Y, Kb D, Mirzaei M, You Y, Graham SL, Gupta V. Cell Cycle Deficits in Neurodegenerative Disorders: Uncovering Molecular Mechanisms to Drive Innovative Therapeutic Development. Aging Dis 2020; 11:946-966. [PMID: 32765956 PMCID: PMC7390532 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2019.0923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell cycle dysregulation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders. Specialised function obligates neuronal cells to subsist in a quiescent state of cell cycle once differentiated and therefore the circumstances and mechanisms underlying aberrant cell cycle activation in post-mitotic neurons in physiological and disease conditions remains an intriguing area of research. There is a strict requirement of concurrence to cell cycle regulation for neurons to ensure intracellular biochemical conformity as well as interrelationship with other cells within neural tissues. This review deliberates on various mechanisms underlying cell cycle regulation in neuronal cells and underscores potential implications of their non-compliance in neural pathology. Recent research suggests that successful duplication of genetic material without subsequent induction of mitosis induces inherent molecular flaws that eventually assert as apoptotic changes. The consequences of anomalous cell cycle activation and subsequent apoptosis are demonstrated by the increased presence of molecular stress response and apoptotic markers. This review delineates cell cycle events under normal physiological conditions and deficits amalgamated by alterations in protein levels and signalling pathways associated with cell-division are analysed. Cell cycle regulators essentially, cyclins, CDKs, cip/kip family of inhibitors, caspases, bax and p53 have been identified to be involved in impaired cell cycle regulation and associated with neural pathology. The pharmacological modulators of cell cycle that are shown to impart protection in various animal models of neurological deficits are summarised. Greater understanding of the molecular mechanisms that are indispensable to cell cycle regulation in neurons in health and disease conditions will facilitate targeted drug development for neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chitra Joseph
- 1Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | | | - Veer Gupta
- 2School of Medicine, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Nitin Chitranshi
- 1Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Ting Shen
- 1Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Yogita Dheer
- 1Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Devaraj Kb
- 1Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Mehdi Mirzaei
- 3Department of Molecular Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Yuyi You
- 1Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.,4Save Sight Institute, Sydney University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Stuart L Graham
- 1Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.,4Save Sight Institute, Sydney University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Vivek Gupta
- 1Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
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22
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Porterfield V, Khan SS, Foff EP, Koseoglu MM, Blanco IK, Jayaraman S, Lien E, McConnell MJ, Bloom GS, Lazo JS, Sharlow ER. A three-dimensional dementia model reveals spontaneous cell cycle re-entry and a senescence-associated secretory phenotype. Neurobiol Aging 2020; 90:125-134. [PMID: 32184029 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2020.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A hexanucleotide repeat expansion on chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9orf72) is associated with familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and a subpopulation of patients with sporadic ALS and frontotemporal dementia. We used inducible pluripotent stem cells from neurotypic and C9orf72+ (C9+) ALS patients to derive neuronal progenitor cells. We demonstrated that C9+ and neurotypic neuronal progenitor cells differentiate into neurons. The C9+ neurons, however, spontaneously re-expressed cyclin D1 after 12 weeks, suggesting cell cycle re-engagement. Gene profiling revealed significant increases in senescence-associated genes in C9+ neurons. Moreover, C9+ neurons expressed high levels of mRNA for CXCL8, a chemokine overexpressed by senescent cells, while media from C9+ neurons contained significant levels of CXCL8, CXCL1, IL13, IP10, CX3CL1, and reactive oxygen species, which are components of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype. Thus, re-engagement of cell cycle-associated proteins and a senescence-associated secretory phenotype could be fundamental components of neuronal dysfunction in ALS and frontotemporal dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Porterfield
- Department of Neurology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA; University of Virginia Stem Cell Core, Office of Research Core Administration, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Shahzad S Khan
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Erin P Foff
- Department of Neurology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Mehmet Murat Koseoglu
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Fiske Drug Discovery Laboratory, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Isabella K Blanco
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Sruthi Jayaraman
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Eric Lien
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Michael J McConnell
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - George S Bloom
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - John S Lazo
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Fiske Drug Discovery Laboratory, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Elizabeth R Sharlow
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Fiske Drug Discovery Laboratory, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
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23
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Kim BW, Jeong YE, Wong M, Martin LJ. DNA damage accumulates and responses are engaged in human ALS brain and spinal motor neurons and DNA repair is activatable in iPSC-derived motor neurons with SOD1 mutations. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2020; 8:7. [PMID: 32005289 PMCID: PMC6995159 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-019-0874-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA damage is implicated in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, relationships between DNA damage accumulation, DNA damage response (DDR), and upper and lower motor neuron vulnerability in human ALS are unclear; furthermore, it is unknown whether epigenetic silencing of DNA repair pathways contributes to ALS pathogenesis. We tested the hypotheses that DNA damage accumulates in ALS motor neurons along with diminished DDR, and that DNA repair genes undergo hypermethylation. Human postmortem CNS tissue was obtained from ALS cases (N = 34) and age-matched controls without neurologic disease (N = 15). Compared to age-matched controls, abasic sites accumulated in genomic DNA of ALS motor cortex and laser capture microdissection-acquired spinal motor neurons but not in motor neuron mitochondrial DNA. By immunohistochemistry, DNA damage accumulated significantly in upper and lower motor neurons in ALS cases as single-stranded DNA and 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (OHdG) compared to age-matched controls. Significant DDR was engaged in ALS motor neurons as evidenced by accumulation of c-Abl, nuclear BRCA1, and ATM activation. DNA damage and DDR were present in motor neurons at pre-attritional stages and throughout the somatodendritic attritional stages of neurodegeneration. Motor neurons with DNA damage were also positive for activated p53 and cleaved caspase-3. Gene-specific promoter DNA methylation pyrosequencing identified the DNA repair genes Ogg1, Apex1, Pnkp and Aptx as hypomethylated in ALS. In human induced-pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived motor neurons with familial ALS SOD1 mutations, DNA repair capacity was similar to isogenic control motor neurons. Our results show that vulnerable neurons in human ALS accumulate DNA damage, and contrary to our hypothesis, strongly activate and mobilize response effectors and DNA repair genes. This DDR in ALS motor neurons involves recruitment of c-Abl and BRCA1 to the nucleus in vivo, and repair of DNA double-strand breaks in human ALS motor neurons with SOD1 mutations in cell culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byung Woo Kim
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 558 Ross Building, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21205-2196, USA
- Division of Neuropathology, the Pathobiology Graduate Training Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ye Eun Jeong
- Division of Neuropathology, the Pathobiology Graduate Training Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Margaret Wong
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 558 Ross Building, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21205-2196, USA
| | - Lee J Martin
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 558 Ross Building, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21205-2196, USA.
- Division of Neuropathology, the Pathobiology Graduate Training Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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24
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Klatt CL, Theis V, Hahn S, Theiss C, Matschke V. Deregulated miR-29b-3p Correlates with Tissue-Specific Activation of Intrinsic Apoptosis in An Animal Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Cells 2019; 8:cells8091077. [PMID: 31547454 PMCID: PMC6770833 DOI: 10.3390/cells8091077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is one of the most common incurable motor neuron disorders in adults. The majority of all ALS cases occur sporadically (sALS). Symptoms of ALS are caused by a progressive degeneration of motor neurons located in the motor cortex and spinal cord. The question arises why motor neurons selectively degenerate in ALS, while other cells and systems appear to be spared the disease. Members of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway are frequent targets of altered microRNA expression. Therefore, microRNAs and their effects on cell survival are subject of controversial debates. In this study, we investigated the expression of numerous members of the intrinsic apoptotic cascade by qPCR, western blot, and immunostaining in two different regions of the CNS of wobbler mice. Further we addressed the expression of miR-29b-3p targeting BMF, Bax, and, Bak, members of the apoptotic pathway. We show a tissue-specific differential expression of BMF, Bax, and cleaved-Caspase 3 in wobbler mice. An opposing regulation of miR-29b-3p expression in the cerebellum and cervical spinal cord of wobbler mice suggests different mechanisms regulating the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Based on our findings, it could be speculated that miR-29b-3p might regulate antiapoptotic survival mechanisms in CNS areas that are not affected by neurodegeneration in the wobbler mouse ALS model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina L Klatt
- Ruhr University Bochum, Medical Faculty, Institute of Anatomy, Department of Cytology, 44801 Bochum, Germany.
| | - Verena Theis
- Ruhr University Bochum, Medical Faculty, Institute of Anatomy, Department of Cytology, 44801 Bochum, Germany.
| | - Stephan Hahn
- Ruhr University Bochum, Clinical Research Center, Department of Molecular Gastrointestinal Oncology, 44801 Bochum, Germany.
| | - Carsten Theiss
- Ruhr University Bochum, Medical Faculty, Institute of Anatomy, Department of Cytology, 44801 Bochum, Germany.
| | - Veronika Matschke
- Ruhr University Bochum, Medical Faculty, Institute of Anatomy, Department of Cytology, 44801 Bochum, Germany.
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25
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Courtney NL, Mole AJ, Thomson AK, Murray LM. Reduced P53 levels ameliorate neuromuscular junction loss without affecting motor neuron pathology in a mouse model of spinal muscular atrophy. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:515. [PMID: 31273192 PMCID: PMC6609617 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-1727-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Revised: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a childhood motor neuron disease caused by mutations or deletions within the SMN1 gene. At endstages of disease there is profound loss of motor neurons, loss of axons within ventral roots and defects at the neuromuscular junctions (NMJ), as evidenced by pathological features such as pre-synaptic loss and swelling and post-synaptic shrinkage. Although these motor unit defects have been widely described, the time course and interdependancy of these aspects of motor unit degeneration are unclear. Recent reports have also revealed an early upregulation of transcripts associated with the P53 signalling pathway. The relationship between the upregulation of these transcripts and pathology within the motor unit is also unclear. In this study, we exploit the prolonged disease timecourse and defined pre-symptomatic period in the Smn2B/- mouse model to perform a temporal analysis of the different elements of motor unit pathology. We demonstrate that NMJ loss occurs prior to cell body loss, and coincides with the onset of symptoms. The onset of NMJ pathology also coincides with an increase in P53-related transcripts at the cell body. Finally, using a tamoxifen inducible P53 knockout, we demonstrate that post-natal reduction in P53 levels can reduce NMJ loss, but does not affect other aspects of NMJ pathology, motor neuron loss or the phenotype of the Smn2B/- mouse model. Together this work provides a detailed temporal description of pathology within motor units of an SMA mouse model, and demonstrates that NMJ loss is a P53-dependant process. This work supports the role for P53 as an effector of synaptic and axonal degeneration in a die-back neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie L Courtney
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, Edinburgh, UK.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Alannah J Mole
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, Edinburgh, UK.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Alison K Thomson
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, Edinburgh, UK.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Lyndsay M Murray
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, Edinburgh, UK. .,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH8 9XD, UK.
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26
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Converging Mechanisms of p53 Activation Drive Motor Neuron Degeneration in Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Cell Rep 2019; 21:3767-3780. [PMID: 29281826 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Revised: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The hallmark of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), an inherited disease caused by ubiquitous deficiency in the SMN protein, is the selective degeneration of subsets of spinal motor neurons. Here, we show that cell-autonomous activation of p53 occurs in vulnerable but not resistant motor neurons of SMA mice at pre-symptomatic stages. Moreover, pharmacological or genetic inhibition of p53 prevents motor neuron death, demonstrating that induction of p53 signaling drives neurodegeneration. At late disease stages, however, nuclear accumulation of p53 extends to resistant motor neurons and spinal interneurons but is not associated with cell death. Importantly, we identify phosphorylation of serine 18 as a specific post-translational modification of p53 that exclusively marks vulnerable SMA motor neurons and provide evidence that amino-terminal phosphorylation of p53 is required for the neurodegenerative process. Our findings indicate that distinct events induced by SMN deficiency converge on p53 to trigger selective death of vulnerable SMA motor neurons.
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27
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Gagliardi D, Comi GP, Bresolin N, Corti S. MicroRNAs as regulators of cell death mechanisms in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 23:1647-1656. [PMID: 30614179 PMCID: PMC6378226 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.13976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting upper and lower motor neurons (MNs), resulting in paralysis and precocious death from respiratory failure. Although the causes of ALS are incompletely understood, the role of alterations in RNA metabolism seems central. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are noncoding RNAs implicated in the regulation of gene expression of many relevant physiological processes, including cell death. The recent model of programmed cell death (PCD) encompasses different mechanisms, from apoptosis to regulated necrosis (RN), in particular necroptosis. Both apoptosis and necroptosis play a significant role in the progressive death of MNs in ALS. In this review, we present key research related to miRNAs that modulate apoptosis and RN pathways in ALS. We also discuss whether these miRNAs represent potential targets for therapeutic development in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delia Gagliardi
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giacomo P Comi
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Nereo Bresolin
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Corti
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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28
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Rahman MR, Islam T, Huq F, Quinn JM, Moni MA. Identification of molecular signatures and pathways common to blood cells and brain tissue of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients. INFORMATICS IN MEDICINE UNLOCKED 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imu.2019.100193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
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29
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MicroRNA expression analysis identifies a subset of downregulated miRNAs in ALS motor neuron progenitors. Sci Rep 2018; 8:10105. [PMID: 29973608 PMCID: PMC6031650 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-28366-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurological disorder that is characterized by a progressive degeneration of motor neurons (MNs). The pathomechanism underlying the disease is largely unknown, even though increasing evidence suggests that RNA metabolism, including microRNAs (miRNAs) may play an important role. In this study, human ALS induced pluripotent stem cells were differentiated into MN progenitors and their miRNA expression profiles were compared to those of healthy control cells. We identified 15 downregulated miRNAs in patients’ cells. Gene ontology and molecular pathway enrichment analysis indicated that the predicted target genes of the differentially expressed miRNAs were involved in neurodegeneration-related pathways. Among the 15 examined miRNAs, miR-34a and miR504 appeared particularly relevant due to their involvement in the p53 pathway, synaptic vesicle regulation and general involvement in neurodegenerative diseases. Taken together our results demonstrate that the neurodegenerative phenotype in ALS can be associated with a dysregulation of miRNAs involved in the control of disease-relevant genetic pathways, suggesting that targeting entire gene networks can be a potential strategy to treat complex diseases such as ALS.
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30
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Vogt MA, Ehsaei Z, Knuckles P, Higginbottom A, Helmbrecht MS, Kunath T, Eggan K, Williams LA, Shaw PJ, Wurst W, Floss T, Huber AB, Taylor V. TDP-43 induces p53-mediated cell death of cortical progenitors and immature neurons. Sci Rep 2018; 8:8097. [PMID: 29802307 PMCID: PMC5970242 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-26397-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) is a key player in neurodegenerative diseases including frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Accumulation of TDP-43 is associated with neuronal death in the brain. How increased and disease-causing mutant forms of TDP-43 induce cell death remains unclear. Here we addressed the role of TDP-43 during neural development and show that reduced TDP-43 causes defects in neural stem/progenitor cell proliferation but not cell death. However, overexpression of wild type and TDP-43A315T proteins induce p53-dependent apoptosis of neural stem/progenitors and human induced pluripotent cell (iPS)-derived immature cortical neurons. We show that TDP-43 induces expression of the proapoptotic BH3-only genes Bbc3 and Bax, and that p53 inhibition rescues TDP-43 induced cell death of embryonic mouse, and human cortical neurons, including those derived from TDP-43G298S ALS patient iPS cells. Hence, an increase in wild type and mutant TDP-43 induces p53-dependent cell death in neural progenitors developing neurons and this can be rescued. These findings may have important implications for accumulated or mutant TDP-43 induced neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam A Vogt
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 28, 4058, Basel, Switzerland.,Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Feodor-Lynen-Strasse 17, 81377, München, Germany
| | - Zahra Ehsaei
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 28, 4058, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Philip Knuckles
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Maulbeerstrasse 66, 4058, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Adrian Higginbottom
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, 385A Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
| | | | - Tilo Kunath
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Kevin Eggan
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 7 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Luis A Williams
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 7 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Pamela J Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, 385A Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Wolfgang Wurst
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstrasse 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Floss
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstrasse 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Andrea B Huber
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstrasse 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany.,ETH Zurich, Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Verdon Taylor
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 28, 4058, Basel, Switzerland.
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31
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Endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria in diseases of motor and sensory neurons: a broken relationship? Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:333. [PMID: 29491369 PMCID: PMC5832431 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-017-0125-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2017] [Revised: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Recent progress in the understanding of neurodegenerative diseases revealed that multiple molecular mechanisms contribute to pathological changes in neurons. A large fraction of these alterations can be linked to dysfunction in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria, affecting metabolism and secretion of lipids and proteins, calcium homeostasis, and energy production. Remarkably, these organelles are interacting with each other at specialized domains on the ER called mitochondria-associated membranes (MAMs). These membrane structures rely on the interaction of several complexes of proteins localized either at the mitochondria or at the ER interface and serve as an exchange platform of calcium, metabolites, and lipids, which are critical for the function of both organelles. In addition, recent evidence indicates that MAMs also play a role in the control of mitochondria dynamics and autophagy. MAMs thus start to emerge as a key element connecting many changes observed in neurodegenerative diseases. This review will focus on the role of MAMs in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy, two neurodegenerative diseases particularly affecting neurons with long projecting axons. We will discuss how defects in MAM signaling may impair neuronal calcium homeostasis, mitochondrial dynamics, ER function, and autophagy, leading eventually to axonal degeneration. The possible impact of MAM dysfunction in glial cells, which may affect the capacity to support neurons and/or axons, will also be described. Finally, the possible role of MAMs as an interesting target for development of therapeutic interventions aiming at delaying or preventing neurodegeneration will be highlighted.
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32
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Magri F, Vanoli F, Corti S. miRNA in spinal muscular atrophy pathogenesis and therapy. J Cell Mol Med 2017; 22:755-767. [PMID: 29160009 PMCID: PMC5783860 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.13450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disease characterized by the selective death of lower motor neurons in the brain stem and spinal cord. SMA is caused by mutations in the survival motor neuron 1 gene (SMN1), leading to the reduced expression of the full-length SMN protein. microRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNAs that regulate post-transcriptional gene expression. Recent findings have suggested an important role for miRNAs in the pathogenesis of motor neuron diseases, including SMA. Motor neuron-specific miRNA dysregulation in SMA might be implicated in their selective vulnerability. In this study, we discuss recent findings regarding the consequences of SMN defects on miRNAs and their target mRNAs in motor neurons. Taken together, these data suggest that cell-specific changes in miRNAs are not only involved in the SMA motor neuron phenotype but can also be used as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Magri
- Dino Ferrari Center, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Fiammetta Vanoli
- Dino Ferrari Center, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Department of Neurological Sciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Corti
- Dino Ferrari Center, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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33
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De Santis R, Santini L, Colantoni A, Peruzzi G, de Turris V, Alfano V, Bozzoni I, Rosa A. FUS Mutant Human Motoneurons Display Altered Transcriptome and microRNA Pathways with Implications for ALS Pathogenesis. Stem Cell Reports 2017; 9:1450-1462. [PMID: 28988989 PMCID: PMC5830977 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2017.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The FUS gene has been linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). FUS is a ubiquitous RNA-binding protein, and the mechanisms leading to selective motoneuron loss downstream of ALS-linked mutations are largely unknown. We report the transcriptome analysis of human purified motoneurons, obtained from FUS wild-type or mutant isogenic induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Gene ontology analysis of differentially expressed genes identified significant enrichment of pathways previously associated to sporadic ALS and other neurological diseases. Several microRNAs (miRNAs) were also deregulated in FUS mutant motoneurons, including miR-375, involved in motoneuron survival. We report that relevant targets of miR-375, including the neural RNA-binding protein ELAVL4 and apoptotic factors, are aberrantly increased in FUS mutant motoneurons. Characterization of transcriptome changes in the cell type primarily affected by the disease contributes to the definition of the pathogenic mechanisms of FUS-linked ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo De Santis
- Center for Life Nano Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy; Department of Biology and Biotechnology Charles Darwin, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Santini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology Charles Darwin, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessio Colantoni
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology Charles Darwin, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Peruzzi
- Center for Life Nano Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria de Turris
- Center for Life Nano Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Alfano
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology Charles Darwin, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Irene Bozzoni
- Center for Life Nano Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy; Department of Biology and Biotechnology Charles Darwin, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; Institute Pasteur Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rosa
- Center for Life Nano Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy; Department of Biology and Biotechnology Charles Darwin, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
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34
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Szybińska A, Leśniak W. P53 Dysfunction in Neurodegenerative Diseases - The Cause or Effect of Pathological Changes? Aging Dis 2017; 8:506-518. [PMID: 28840063 PMCID: PMC5524811 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2016.1120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 11/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are a heterogeneous, mostly age-associated group of disorders characterized by progressive neuronal loss, the most prevalent being Alzheimer disease. It is anticipated that, with continuously increasing life expectancy, these diseases will pose a serious social and health problem in the near feature. Meanwhile, however, their etiology remains largely obscure even though all possible novel clues are being thoroughly examined. In this regard, a concept has been proposed that p53, as a transcription factor controlling many vital cellular pathways including apoptosis, may contribute to neuronal death common to all neurodegenerative disorders. In this work, we review the research devoted to the possible role of p53 in the pathogenesis of these diseases. We not only describe aberrant changes in p53 level/activity observed in CNS regions affected by particular diseases but, most importantly, put special attention to the complicated reciprocal regulatory ties existing between p53 and proteins commonly regarded as pathological hallmarks of these diseases, with the ultimate goal to identify the primary element of their pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Szybińska
- 1Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, 4 Ks. Trojdena St., 02-109 Warsaw, Poland.,2Department of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Mossakowski Medical Research Center Polish Academy of Sciences, 5 Pawinskiego St. 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Wiesława Leśniak
- 3Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur St., 02-093 Warsaw Poland
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35
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Bhinge A, Namboori SC, Zhang X, VanDongen AMJ, Stanton LW. Genetic Correction of SOD1 Mutant iPSCs Reveals ERK and JNK Activated AP1 as a Driver of Neurodegeneration in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Stem Cell Reports 2017; 8:856-869. [PMID: 28366453 PMCID: PMC5390134 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2017.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2016] [Revised: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Although mutations in several genes with diverse functions have been known to cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), it is unknown to what extent causal mutations impinge on common pathways that drive motor neuron (MN)-specific neurodegeneration. In this study, we combined induced pluripotent stem cells-based disease modeling with genome engineering and deep RNA sequencing to identify pathways dysregulated by mutant SOD1 in human MNs. Gene expression profiling and pathway analysis followed by pharmacological screening identified activated ERK and JNK signaling as key drivers of neurodegeneration in mutant SOD1 MNs. The AP1 complex member JUN, an ERK/JNK downstream target, was observed to be highly expressed in MNs compared with non-MNs, providing a mechanistic insight into the specific degeneration of MNs. Importantly, investigations of mutant FUS MNs identified activated p38 and ERK, indicating that network perturbations induced by ALS-causing mutations converge partly on a few specific pathways that are drug responsive and provide immense therapeutic potential. Genome correction of SOD1 E100G mutation corrects ALS phenotypes in MNs Activation of MAPK, AP1, WNT, cell-cycle, and p53 signaling in ALS MNs Pharmacological screening uncovers ERK and JNK signaling as therapeutic targets Susceptibility of MNs to degeneration may be due to heightened JUN activity in MNs
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshay Bhinge
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore 138672, Singapore.
| | - Seema C Namboori
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore 138672, Singapore
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Program for Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore; NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore
| | - Antonius M J VanDongen
- Program for Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Lawrence W Stanton
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore 138672, Singapore; Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore.
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Copy Number Variations in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Piecing the Mosaic Tiles Together through a Systems Biology Approach. Mol Neurobiol 2017; 55:1299-1322. [PMID: 28120152 PMCID: PMC5820374 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-017-0393-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 01/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating and still untreatable motor neuron disease. Despite the molecular mechanisms underlying ALS pathogenesis that are still far from being understood, several studies have suggested the importance of a genetic contribution in both familial and sporadic forms of the disease. In addition to single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which account for only a limited number of ALS cases, a consistent number of common and rare copy number variations (CNVs) have been associated to ALS. Most of the CNV-based association studies use a traditional candidate-gene approach that is inadequate for uncovering the genetic architectures of complex traits like ALS. The emergent paradigm of “systems biology” may offer a new perspective to better interpret the wide spectrum of CNVs in ALS, enabling the characterization of the complex network of gene products underlying ALS pathogenesis. In this review, we will explore the landscape of CNVs in ALS, putting specific emphasis on the functional impact of common CNV regions and genes consistently associated with increased risk of developing disease. In addition, we will discuss the potential contribution of multiple rare CNVs in ALS pathogenesis, focusing our attention on the complex mechanisms by which these proteins might impact, individually or in combination, the genetic susceptibility of ALS. The comprehensive detection and functional characterization of common and rare candidate risk CNVs in ALS susceptibility may bring new pieces into the intricate mosaic of ALS pathogenesis, providing interesting and important implications for a more precise molecular biomarker-assisted diagnosis and more effective and personalized treatments.
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Bhinge A, Namboori SC, Bithell A, Soldati C, Buckley NJ, Stanton LW. MiR-375 is Essential for Human Spinal Motor Neuron Development and May Be Involved in Motor Neuron Degeneration. Stem Cells 2016; 34:124-134. [DOI: 10.1002/stem.2233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
The transcription factor REST is a key suppressor of neuronal genes in non-neuronal tissues. REST has been shown to suppress proneuronal microRNAs in neural progenitors indicating that REST-mediated neurogenic suppression may act in part via microRNAs. We used neural differentiation of Rest-null mouse ESC to identify dozens of microRNAs regulated by REST during neural development. One of the identified microRNAs, miR-375, was upregulated during human spinal motor neuron development. We found that miR-375 facilitates spinal motor neurogenesis by targeting the cyclin kinase CCND2 and the transcription factor PAX6. Additionally, miR-375 inhibits the tumor suppressor p53 and protects neurons from apoptosis in response to DNA damage. Interestingly, motor neurons derived from a spinal muscular atrophy patient displayed depressed miR-375 expression and elevated p53 protein levels. Importantly, SMA motor neurons were significantly more susceptible to DNA damage induced apoptosis suggesting that miR-375 may play a protective role in motor neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshay Bhinge
- Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Seema C. Namboori
- Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Angela Bithell
- Department of Neuroscience, Centre for the Cellular Basis of Behaviour, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Chiara Soldati
- Department of Neuroscience, Centre for the Cellular Basis of Behaviour, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Noel J. Buckley
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Lawrence W. Stanton
- Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
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Rabinovich-Toidman P, Rabinovich-Nikitin I, Ezra A, Barbiro B, Fogel H, Slutsky I, Solomon B. Mutant SOD1 Increases APP Expression and Phosphorylation in Cellular and Animal Models of ALS. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0143420. [PMID: 26600047 PMCID: PMC4658003 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0143420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2015] [Accepted: 11/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease and it is the most common adult onset neurodegenerative disorder affecting motor neurons. There is currently no effective treatment for ALS and our understanding of the pathological mechanism is still far away from prevention and/or treatment of this devastating disease. Amyloid precursor protein (APP) is a transmembrane protein that undergoes processing either by β-secretase or α-secretase, followed by γ-secretase. In the present study, we show that APP levels, and aberrant phosphorylation, which is associated with enhanced β-secretase cleavage, are increased in SOD1G93A ALS mouse model. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) analysis suggests a close interaction between SOD1 and APP at hippocampal synapses. Notably, SOD1G93A mutation induces APP-SOD1 conformational changes, indicating a crosstalk between these two signaling proteins. Inhibition of APP processing via monoclonal antibody called BBS that blocks APP β-secretase cleavage site, resulted in reduction of mutant SOD1G93A levels in animal and cellular models of ALS, significantly prolonged life span of SOD1G93A mice and diminished inflammation. Beyond its effect on toxic mutant SOD1G93A, BBS treatment resulted in a reduction in the levels of APP, its processing product soluble APPβ and pro-apoptotic p53. This study demonstrates that APP and its processing products contribute to ALS pathology through several different pathways; thus BBS antibody could be a promising neuroprotective strategy for treatment of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polina Rabinovich-Toidman
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Biotechnology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University,Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Inna Rabinovich-Nikitin
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Biotechnology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University,Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Assaf Ezra
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Biotechnology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University,Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Beka Barbiro
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Biotechnology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University,Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Hilla Fogel
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine; Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Inna Slutsky
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine; Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Beka Solomon
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Biotechnology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University,Tel-Aviv, Israel
- * E-mail:
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Tang N, Lyu D, Liu T, Chen F, Jing S, Hao T, Liu S. Different Effects of p52SHC1 and p52SHC3 on the Cell Cycle of Neurons and Neural Stem Cells. J Cell Physiol 2015; 231:172-80. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2014] [Revised: 04/27/2015] [Accepted: 06/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ning Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics and; Department of Neurobiology; Institute of Basic Medical Sciences; Beijing P. R. China
- Reproductive Medicine Center; Jinan Military General Hospital; Jinan P. R. China
| | - Dan Lyu
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics and; Department of Neurobiology; Institute of Basic Medical Sciences; Beijing P. R. China
- Dan Lyu is currently working in Department of Pain Management; Tianjin First Center Hospital; Tianjin P. R. China
| | - Tao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics and; Department of Neurobiology; Institute of Basic Medical Sciences; Beijing P. R. China
| | - Fangjin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics and; Department of Neurobiology; Institute of Basic Medical Sciences; Beijing P. R. China
| | - Shuqian Jing
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics and; Department of Neurobiology; Institute of Basic Medical Sciences; Beijing P. R. China
| | - Tianyu Hao
- Reproductive Medicine Center; Jinan Military General Hospital; Jinan P. R. China
| | - Shaojun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics and; Department of Neurobiology; Institute of Basic Medical Sciences; Beijing P. R. China
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Wojsiat J, Prandelli C, Laskowska-Kaszub K, Martín-Requero A, Wojda U. Oxidative Stress and Aberrant Cell Cycle in Alzheimer’s Disease Lymphocytes: Diagnostic Prospects. J Alzheimers Dis 2015; 46:329-50. [DOI: 10.3233/jad-141977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Wojsiat
- Laboratory of Preclinical Studies of Higher Standard, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Chiara Prandelli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Katarzyna Laskowska-Kaszub
- Laboratory of Preclinical Studies of Higher Standard, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Angeles Martín-Requero
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Valencia, Spain
| | - Urszula Wojda
- Laboratory of Preclinical Studies of Higher Standard, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
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Telomerase expression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. J Hum Genet 2014; 59:555-61. [PMID: 25142509 DOI: 10.1038/jhg.2014.72] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2014] [Revised: 07/13/2014] [Accepted: 07/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Telomerase and telomeric complex have been linked to a variety of disease states related to neurological dysfunction. In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients, telomerase activity, as human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) expression, has not been characterized yet. Here, for the first time, we characterized telomerase and related pathway in blood sample and spinal cord from ALS patients compared with healthy controls. We found that hTERT expression level was significantly lower in ALS patients and was correlated either to p53 mRNA expression or p21 expression, pointing out the hypothesis that telomerase inhibition could be a pathogenetic contributor to neurodegeneration in ALS. As a consequence of the reduced telomerase activity, we identified shorter telomeres in leukocytes from sporadic ALS patients compared with healthy control group.
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Vaz AR, Cunha C, Gomes C, Schmucki N, Barbosa M, Brites D. Glycoursodeoxycholic acid reduces matrix metalloproteinase-9 and caspase-9 activation in a cellular model of superoxide dismutase-1 neurodegeneration. Mol Neurobiol 2014; 51:864-77. [PMID: 24848512 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-014-8731-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that affects mainly motor neurons (MNs). NSC-34 MN-like cells carrying the G93A mutation in human superoxide dismutase-1 (hSOD1(G93A)) are a common model to study the molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration in ALS. Although the underlying pathways of MN failure still remain elusive, increased apoptosis and oxidative stress seem to be implicated. Riluzole, the only approved drug, only slightly delays ALS progression. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), as well as its glycine (glycoursodeoxycholic acid, GUDCA) and taurine (TUDCA) conjugated species, have shown therapeutic efficacy in neurodegenerative models and diseases. Pilot studies in ALS patients indicate safety and tolerability for UDCA oral administration. We explored the mechanisms associated with superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1) accumulation and MN degeneration in NSC-34/hSOD1(G93A) cells differentiated for 4 days in vitro (DIV). We examined GUDCA efficacy in preventing such pathological events and in restoring MN functionality by incubating cells with 50 μM GUDCA at 0 DIV and at 2 DIV, respectively. Increased cytosolic SOD1 inclusions were observed in 4 DIV NSC-34/hSOD1(G93A) cells together with decreased mitochondria viability (1.2-fold, p < 0.01), caspase-9 activation (1.8-fold, p < 0.05), and apoptosis (2.1-fold, p < 0.01). GUDCA exerted preventive effects (p < 0.05) while also reduced caspase-9 levels when added at 2 DIV (p < 0.05). ATP depletion (2-fold, p < 0.05), increased nitrites (1.6-fold, p < 0.05) and metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) activation (1.8-fold, p < 0.05), but no changes in MMP-2, were observed in the extracellular media of 4 DIV NSC-34/hSOD1(G93A) cells. GUDCA inhibited nitrite production (p < 0.05) while simultaneously prevented and reverted MMP-9 activation (p < 0.05), but not ATP depletion. Data highlight caspase-9 and MMP-9 activation as key pathomechanisms in ALS and GUDCA as a promising therapeutic strategy for slowing disease onset and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rita Vaz
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa) and Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal
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Dangoumau A, Veyrat-Durebex C, Blasco H, Praline J, Corcia P, Andres CR, Vourc'h P. Protein SUMOylation, an emerging pathway in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Int J Neurosci 2013; 123:366-74. [PMID: 23289752 DOI: 10.3109/00207454.2012.761984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The covalent attachment of SUMO proteins (small ubiquitin-like modifier) to specific proteins or SUMOylation regulates their functional properties in the nucleus and cytoplasm of neurons. Recent studies reported dysfunction of the SUMO pathway in molecular and cellular abnormalities associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Furthermore, several observations support a direct role for SUMOylation in diverse pathogenic mechanisms involved in ALS, such as response to hypoxia, oxidative stress, glutamate excitotoxicity and proteasome impairment. Recent results also suggest that SUMO modifications of superoxide dismutase 1, transactive response DNA-binding protein 43, CTE (COOH terminus of EAAT2) (proteolytic C-terminal fragment of the glutamate transporter excitatory amino acid transporter 2, EAAT2) and proteins regulating the turnover of ALS-related proteins can participate in the pathogenesis of ALS. Moreover, the fused in sarcoma (FUS) gene, mutated in ALS, encodes a protein with a SUMO E3 ligase activity. In this review, we summarize the functioning of the SUMO pathway in normal conditions and in response to stresses, its action on ALS-related proteins and discuss the need for further research on this pathway in ALS.
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Yin F, Ye F, Tan L, Liu K, Xuan Z, Zhang J, Wang W, Zhang Y, Jiang X, Zhang DY. Alterations of signaling pathways in muscle tissues of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Muscle Nerve 2012; 46:861-70. [PMID: 22996383 DOI: 10.1002/mus.23411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system, manifests as progressive weakening of muscles. The diagnosis and prognosis of ALS are often unclear, so useful biomarkers are needed. METHODS Total proteins were extracted from muscle samples from 36 ALS, 17 spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), and 36 normal individuals. The expression levels of 134 proteins and phosphoproteins were assessed using protein pathway array analysis. RESULTS Seventeen proteins were differentially expressed between ALS and normal muscle, and 9 proteins were differentially expressed between ALS and SMA muscle. The low-level expression of Akt and Factor XIIIB correlates with unfavorable survival, and the risk score calculated based on these proteins predicts the survival of each individual patient. CONCLUSIONS Some proteins could be selected as clinically useful biomarkers. Specifically, Akt and Factor XIIIB were found to be promising biomarkers for estimating prognosis in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Yin
- Department of Neurology, First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
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Karimi AR, Momeni HR, Pashazadeh R. l-Proline-catalyzed diastereoselective synthesis of cis-isoquinolonic acids and evaluation of their neuroprotective effects. Tetrahedron Lett 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tetlet.2012.04.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Lanni C, Racchi M, Memo M, Govoni S, Uberti D. p53 at the crossroads between cancer and neurodegeneration. Free Radic Biol Med 2012; 52:1727-33. [PMID: 22387179 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2012.02.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2011] [Revised: 02/17/2012] [Accepted: 02/22/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Aging, dementia, and cancer share a critical set of altered cellular functions in response to DNA damage, genotoxic stress, and other insults. Recent data suggest that the molecular machinery involved in maintaining neural function in neurodegenerative disease may be shared with oncogenic pathways. Cancer and neurodegenerative diseases may be influenced by common signaling pathways regulating the balance of cell survival versus death, a decision often governed by checkpoint proteins. This paper focuses on one such protein, p53, which represents one of the most extensively studied proteins because of its role in cancer prevention and which, furthermore, has been recently shown to be involved in aging and Alzheimer disease (AD). The contribution of a conformational change in p53 to aging and neurodegenerative processes has yet to be elucidated. In this review we discuss the multiple functions of p53 and how these correlate between cancer and neurodegeneration, focusing on various factors that may have a role in regulating p53 activity. The observation that aging and AD interfere with proteins controlling duplication and cell cycle may lead to the speculation that, in senescent neurons, aberrations in proteins generally dealing with cell cycle control and apoptosis could affect neuronal plasticity and functioning rather than cell duplication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Lanni
- Department of Drug Sciences, Centre of Excellence in Applied Biology, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
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Folch J, Junyent F, Verdaguer E, Auladell C, Pizarro JG, Beas-Zarate C, Pallàs M, Camins A. Role of Cell Cycle Re-Entry in Neurons: A Common Apoptotic Mechanism of Neuronal Cell Death. Neurotox Res 2011; 22:195-207. [DOI: 10.1007/s12640-011-9277-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2011] [Revised: 09/02/2011] [Accepted: 09/13/2011] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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