1
|
Leoni TB, Rezende TJR, Peluzzo TM, Martins MP, Neto ARC, Gonzalez-Salazar C, Cruzeiro MM, Camargos ST, de Souza LC, França MC. Structural brain and spinal cord damage in symptomatic and pre-symptomatic VAPB-related ALS. J Neurol Sci 2022; 434:120126. [PMID: 35007920 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2021.120126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The VAPB gene is associated with fALS (fALS 8). This disease presents a variable phenotype and no study sought to characterize its neuroanatomical abnormalities until now. This study aims to evaluate structural brain and spinal cord abnormalities in symptomatic and pre-symptomatic VAPB-related ALS. METHODS This cohort included 10 presymptomatic and 20 symptomatic carriers of the Pro56Ser VAPB variant as well as 30 matched controls and 20 individuals with sporadic ALS. They underwent detailed clinical evaluation and MRI in a 3 T scanner. Using volumetric T1 sequence, we computed cerebral cortical thickness (FreeSurfer), basal ganglia volumetry (T1 Multi-atlas) and SC morphometry (SpineSeg). DTI was used to assess white matter integrity (DTI Multi-atlas). Groups were compared using a generalized linear model with Bonferroni-corrected p values<0.05. We also plotted VAPB brain expression map using Allen Human Brain Atlas to compare with imaging findings. RESULTS Mean age of presymptomatic and symptomatic subjects were 43.2 and 51.9 years, respectively. Most patients had a predominant lower motor neuron phenotype (16/20). Sleep complaints and tremor were the most frequent additional manifestations. Compared to controls, symptomatic subjects had pallidal, brainstem and SC atrophy, whereas presymptomatic only had SC atrophy. This pattern also contrasted with the sALS group that presented motor cortex and corticospinal abnormalities. Brain structural damage and VAPB expression maps were highly overlapping. CONCLUSION VAPB-related ALS has a distinctive structural signature that targets the basal ganglia, brainstem and SC, which are regions with high VAPB expression. Neuroanatomical SC changes are evident before clinical onset of the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tauana B Leoni
- Department of Neurology, School of Medical Sciences - University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Thiago Junqueira R Rezende
- Department of Neurology, School of Medical Sciences - University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Thiago M Peluzzo
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medical Sciences - University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Melina P Martins
- Department of Neurology, School of Medical Sciences - University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Carelis Gonzalez-Salazar
- Department of Neurology, School of Medical Sciences - University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Maroco Cruzeiro
- Department of Internal Medicine, Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF), Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - Sarah Teixeira Camargos
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine - Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Cruz de Souza
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine - Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Marcondes C França
- Department of Neurology, School of Medical Sciences - University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kors S, Costello JL, Schrader M. VAP Proteins - From Organelle Tethers to Pathogenic Host Interactors and Their Role in Neuronal Disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:895856. [PMID: 35756994 PMCID: PMC9213790 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.895856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Vesicle-associated membrane protein (VAMP)-associated proteins (VAPs) are ubiquitous ER-resident tail-anchored membrane proteins in eukaryotic cells. Their N-terminal major sperm protein (MSP) domain faces the cytosol and allows them to interact with a wide variety of cellular proteins. Therefore, VAP proteins are vital to many cellular processes, including organelle membrane tethering, lipid transfer, autophagy, ion homeostasis and viral defence. Here, we provide a timely overview of the increasing number of VAPA/B binding partners and discuss the role of VAPA/B in maintaining organelle-ER interactions and cooperation. Furthermore, we address how viruses and intracellular bacteria hijack VAPs and their binding partners to induce interactions between the host ER and pathogen-containing compartments and support pathogen replication. Finally, we focus on the role of VAP in human disease and discuss how mutated VAPB leads to the disruption of cellular homeostasis and causes amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suzan Kors
- *Correspondence: Suzan Kors, ; Michael Schrader,
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Srinivasan E, Rajasekaran R. A Systematic and Comprehensive Review on Disease-Causing Genes in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. J Mol Neurosci 2020; 70:1742-1770. [PMID: 32415434 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-020-01569-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder and is characterized by degeneration and axon loss from the upper motor neuron, that descends from the lower motor neuron in the brain. Over the period, assorted outcomes from medical findings, molecular pathogenesis, and structural and biophysical studies have abetted in providing thoughtful insights underlying the importance of disease-causing genes in ALS. Consequently, numerous mechanisms were proposed for the pathogenesis of ALS, considering protein mutations, aggregation, and misfolding. Besides, the answers to the majority of ALS cases that happen to be sporadic still remain obscure. The application in discovering susceptibility factors in ALS contemplating the genetic factors is to be further dissevered in the future years with innovation in research studies. Hence, this review targets in revisiting the breakthroughs on the disease-causing genes related with ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Srinivasan
- Bioinformatics Lab, Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (deemed to be university), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India
| | - R Rajasekaran
- Bioinformatics Lab, Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (deemed to be university), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Abstract
Few proteins have come under such intense scrutiny as superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1). For almost a century, scientists have dissected its form, function and then later its malfunction in the neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We now know SOD1 is a zinc and copper metalloenzyme that clears superoxide as part of our antioxidant defence and respiratory regulation systems. The possibility of reduced structural integrity was suggested by the first crystal structures of human SOD1 even before deleterious mutations in the sod1 gene were linked to the ALS. This concept evolved in the intervening years as an impressive array of biophysical studies examined the characteristics of mutant SOD1 in great detail. We now recognise how ALS-related mutations perturb the SOD1 maturation processes, reduce its ability to fold and reduce its thermal stability and half-life. Mutant SOD1 is therefore predisposed to monomerisation, non-canonical self-interactions, the formation of small misfolded oligomers and ultimately accumulation in the tell-tale insoluble inclusions found within the neurons of ALS patients. We have also seen that several post-translational modifications could push wild-type SOD1 down this toxic pathway. Recently we have come to view ALS as a prion-like disease where both the symptoms, and indeed SOD1 misfolding itself, are transmitted to neighbouring cells. This raises the possibility of intervention after the initial disease presentation. Several small-molecule and biologic-based strategies have been devised which directly target the SOD1 molecule to change the behaviour thought to be responsible for ALS. Here we provide a comprehensive review of the many biophysical advances that sculpted our view of SOD1 biology and the recent work that aims to apply this knowledge for therapeutic outcomes in ALS.
Collapse
|
5
|
Gromicho M, Pinto S, Gisca E, Pronto-Laborinho AC, Andersen PM, de Carvalho M. Frequency of C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion and SOD1 mutations in Portuguese patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neurobiol Aging 2018; 70:325.e7-325.e15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2018.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Revised: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
6
|
Sun YM, Dong Y, Wang J, Lu JH, Chen Y, Wu JJ. A novel mutation of VAPB in one Chinese familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis pedigree and its clinical characteristics. J Neurol 2017; 264:2387-2393. [PMID: 28993872 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-017-8628-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Revised: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The mutation of vesicle-associated membrane protein-associated protein B (VAPB) was proved to cause family amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (FALS). Only two mutations of VAPB associated with ALS have been reported (p.Pro56Ser and p.Thr46Ile). Here we reported a Chinese Han FALS family caused by a novel VAPB point mutation. The clinical materials of one Chinese Han FALS family were collected. The genetic analysis was carried out by target sequencing and further verified by Sanger sequencing. One novel mutation of c.167C>A (p.Pro56His) on VAPB was found in the proband. The age at onset of the proband was 48 with the onset symptoms of weakness in the right arm, followed by progressive limb and trunk weakness with decreased deep-tendon reflexes, muscular cramps and fasciculation. But the disease duration was more than 15 years. He was under the tracheotomy for 1 year at last visit. Electromyography showed widespread acute and chronic neurogenic damages. His mother presented weakness in her limbs in 50 s and died 15 years later. One of his younger sisters diagnosed as ALS for 6 years also carried the same mutation. She presented the similar symptoms on 41. No dominant upper motor neuron sign was showed. The clinical features were similar to the patients carrying the known mutation of p.Pro56Ser. A novel mutation of VAPB was found in one Chinese Han FALS pedigree. The affected patients presented a much slower progression and the lesions were limited in lower motor neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Min Sun
- Department of Neurology, National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Wulumuqi Zhong Road, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Yi Dong
- Department of Neurology, National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Wulumuqi Zhong Road, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Neurology, National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Wulumuqi Zhong Road, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Jia-Hong Lu
- Department of Neurology, National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Wulumuqi Zhong Road, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Neurology, National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Wulumuqi Zhong Road, Shanghai, 200040, China.
| | - Jian-Jun Wu
- Department of Neurology, National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Wulumuqi Zhong Road, Shanghai, 200040, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Chadi G, Maximino JR, Jorge FMDH, Borba FCD, Gilio JM, Callegaro D, Lopes CG, Santos SND, Rebelo GNS. Genetic analysis of patients with familial and sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in a Brazilian Research Center. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2016; 18:249-255. [DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2016.1254245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Gerson Chadi
- Neuroregeneration Center, Department of Neurology, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jessica Ruivo Maximino
- Neuroregeneration Center, Department of Neurology, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Fabrício Castro de Borba
- Neuroregeneration Center, Department of Neurology, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Joyce Meire Gilio
- Neuroregeneration Center, Department of Neurology, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Dagoberto Callegaro
- Neuroregeneration Center, Department of Neurology, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Camila Galvão Lopes
- Neuroregeneration Center, Department of Neurology, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Samantha Nakamura Dos Santos
- Neuroregeneration Center, Department of Neurology, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Alsultan AA, Waller R, Heath PR, Kirby J. The genetics of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: current insights. Degener Neurol Neuromuscul Dis 2016; 6:49-64. [PMID: 30050368 PMCID: PMC6053097 DOI: 10.2147/dnnd.s84956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that results in loss of the upper and lower motor neurons from motor cortex, brainstem, and spinal cord. While the majority of cases are sporadic, approximately 10% show familial inheritance. ALS is usually inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, although autosomal recessive and X-linked inheritance do occur. To date, 24 of the genes at 26 loci have been identified; these include loci linked to ALS and to frontotemporal dementia-ALS, where family pedigrees contain individuals with frontotemporal dementia with/without ALS. The most commonly established genetic causes of familial ALS (FALS) to date are the presence of a hexanucleotide repeat expansion in the C9ORF72 gene (39.3% FALS) and mutation of SOD1, TARDBP, and FUS, with frequencies of 12%-23.5%, 5%, and 4.1%, respectively. However, with the increasing use of next-generation sequencing of small family pedigrees, this has led to an increasing number of genes being associated with ALS. This review provides a comprehensive review on the genetics of ALS and an update of the pathogenic mechanisms associated with these genes. Commonly implicated pathways have been established, including RNA processing, the protein degradation pathways of autophagy and ubiquitin-proteasome system, as well as protein trafficking and cytoskeletal function. Elucidating the role genetics plays in both FALS and sporadic ALS is essential for understanding the subsequent cellular dysregulation that leads to motor neuron loss, in order to develop future effective therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Afnan A Alsultan
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK,
| | - Rachel Waller
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK,
| | - Paul R Heath
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK,
| | - Janine Kirby
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK,
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Pronto-Laborinho AC, Pinto S, de Carvalho M. Roles of vascular endothelial growth factor in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:947513. [PMID: 24987705 PMCID: PMC4022172 DOI: 10.1155/2014/947513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2014] [Accepted: 03/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal devastating neurodegenerative disorder, involving progressive degeneration of motor neurons in spinal cord, brainstem, and motor cortex. Riluzole is the only drug approved in ALS but it only confers a modest improvement in survival. In spite of a high number of clinical trials no other drug has proved effectiveness. Recent studies support that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), originally described as a key angiogenic factor, also plays a key role in the nervous system, including neurogenesis, neuronal survival, neuronal migration, and axon guidance. VEGF has been used in exploratory clinical studies with promising results in ALS and other neurological disorders. Although VEGF is a very promising compound, translating the basic science breakthroughs into clinical practice is the major challenge ahead. VEGF-B, presenting a single safety profile, protects motor neurons from degeneration in ALS animal models and, therefore, it will be particularly interesting to test its effects in ALS patients. In the present paper the authors make a brief description of the molecular properties of VEGF and its receptors and review its different features and therapeutic potential in the nervous system/neurodegenerative disease, particularly in ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Catarina Pronto-Laborinho
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular (IMM), Translational Clinical Physiology Unit, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Susana Pinto
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular (IMM), Translational Clinical Physiology Unit, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mamede de Carvalho
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular (IMM), Translational Clinical Physiology Unit, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Neurosciences, Hospital Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Sanhueza M, Zechini L, Gillespie T, Pennetta G. Gain-of-function mutations in the ALS8 causative gene VAPB have detrimental effects on neurons and muscles. Biol Open 2014; 3:59-71. [PMID: 24326187 PMCID: PMC3892161 DOI: 10.1242/bio.20137070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a motor neuron degenerative disease characterized by a progressive, and ultimately fatal, muscle paralysis. The human VAMP-Associated Protein B (hVAPB) is the causative gene of ALS type 8. Previous studies have shown that a loss-of-function mechanism is responsible for VAPB-induced ALS. Recently, a novel mutation in hVAPB (V234I) has been identified but its pathogenic potential has not been assessed. We found that neuronal expression of the V234I mutant allele in Drosophila (DVAP-V260I) induces defects in synaptic structure and microtubule architecture that are opposite to those associated with DVAP mutants and transgenic expression of other ALS-linked alleles. Expression of DVAP-V260I also induces aggregate formation, reduced viability, wing postural defects, abnormal locomotion behavior, nuclear abnormalities, neurodegeneration and upregulation of the heat-shock-mediated stress response. Similar, albeit milder, phenotypes are associated with the overexpression of the wild-type protein. These data show that overexpressing the wild-type DVAP is sufficient to induce the disease and that DVAP-V260I is a pathogenic allele with increased wild-type activity. We propose that a combination of gain- and loss-of-function mechanisms is responsible for VAPB-induced ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mario Sanhueza
- Centre for Integrative Physiology, Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|