1
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Fare CM, Rothstein JD. Nuclear pore dysfunction and disease: a complex opportunity. Nucleus 2024; 15:2314297. [PMID: 38383349 PMCID: PMC10883112 DOI: 10.1080/19491034.2024.2314297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The separation of genetic material from bulk cytoplasm has enabled the evolution of increasingly complex organisms, allowing for the development of sophisticated forms of life. However, this complexity has created new categories of dysfunction, including those related to the movement of material between cellular compartments. In eukaryotic cells, nucleocytoplasmic trafficking is a fundamental biological process, and cumulative disruptions to nuclear integrity and nucleocytoplasmic transport are detrimental to cell survival. This is particularly true in post-mitotic neurons, where nuclear pore injury and errors to nucleocytoplasmic trafficking are strongly associated with neurodegenerative disease. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of nuclear pore biology in physiological and pathological contexts and discuss potential therapeutic approaches for addressing nuclear pore injury and dysfunctional nucleocytoplasmic transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte M Fare
- Department of Neurology and Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Rothstein
- Department of Neurology and Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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2
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Abdelsam SS, Ghanem SK, Zahid MA, Abunada HH, Bader L, Raïq H, Khan A, Parray A, Djouhri L, Agouni A. Human antigen R: Exploring its inflammatory response impact and significance in cardiometabolic disorders. J Cell Physiol 2024; 239:e31229. [PMID: 38426269 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31229] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) play a crucial role in the regulation of posttranscriptional RNA networks, which can undergo dysregulation in many pathological conditions. Human antigen R (HuR) is a highly researched RBP that plays a crucial role as a posttranscriptional regulator. HuR plays a crucial role in the amplification of inflammatory signals by stabilizing the messenger RNA of diverse inflammatory mediators and key molecular players. The noteworthy correlations between HuR and its target molecules, coupled with the remarkable impacts reported on the pathogenesis and advancement of multiple diseases, position HuR as a promising candidate for therapeutic intervention in diverse inflammatory conditions. This review article examines the significance of HuR as a member of the RBP family, its regulatory mechanisms, and its implications in the pathophysiology of inflammation and cardiometabolic illnesses. Our objective is to illuminate potential directions for future research and drug development by conducting a comprehensive analysis of the existing body of research on HuR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahenda Salah Abdelsam
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sarah Khalaf Ghanem
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Muhammad Ammar Zahid
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hanan H Abunada
- Office of Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Loulia Bader
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hicham Raïq
- Department of Social Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Abbas Khan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Aijaz Parray
- The Neuroscience Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Laiche Djouhri
- Department of Basic Medical Science, College of Medicine, QU health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Abdelali Agouni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- Office of Vice President for Medical & Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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3
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Pandey U, Behara SM, Sharma S, Patil RS, Nambiar S, Koner D, Bhukya H. DeePNAP: A Deep Learning Method to Predict Protein-Nucleic Acid Binding Affinity from Their Sequences. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:1806-1815. [PMID: 38458968 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c01151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Predicting the protein-nucleic acid (PNA) binding affinity solely from their sequences is of paramount importance for the experimental design and analysis of PNA interactions (PNAIs). A large number of currently developed models for binding affinity prediction are limited to specific PNAIs while also relying on the sequence and structural information of the PNA complexes for both training and testing, and also as inputs. As the PNA complex structures available are scarce, this significantly limits the diversity and generalizability due to the small training data set. Additionally, a majority of the tools predict a single parameter, such as binding affinity or free energy changes upon mutations, rendering a model less versatile for usage. Hence, we propose DeePNAP, a machine learning-based model built from a vast and heterogeneous data set with 14,401 entries (from both eukaryotes and prokaryotes) from the ProNAB database, consisting of wild-type and mutant PNA complex binding parameters. Our model precisely predicts the binding affinity and free energy changes due to the mutation(s) of PNAIs exclusively from their sequences. While other similar tools extract features from both sequence and structure information, DeePNAP employs sequence-based features to yield high correlation coefficients between the predicted and experimental values with low root mean squared errors for PNA complexes in predicting KD and ΔΔG, implying the generalizability of DeePNAP. Additionally, we have also developed a web interface hosting DeePNAP that can serve as a powerful tool to rapidly predict binding affinities for a myriad of PNAIs with high precision toward developing a deeper understanding of their implications in various biological systems. Web interface: http://14.139.174.41:8080/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uddeshya Pandey
- Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Tirupati, Tirupati 517507, India
| | - Sasi M Behara
- Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Tirupati, Tirupati 517507, India
| | - Siddhant Sharma
- Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Tirupati, Tirupati 517507, India
| | - Rachit S Patil
- Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Tirupati, Tirupati 517507, India
| | - Souparnika Nambiar
- Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Tirupati, Tirupati 517507, India
| | - Debasish Koner
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi 502284, India
| | - Hussain Bhukya
- Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Tirupati, Tirupati 517507, India
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4
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Fakim H, Vande Velde C. The implications of physiological biomolecular condensates in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2024; 156:176-189. [PMID: 37268555 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2023.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, there has been an emphasis on the role of phase-separated biomolecular condensates, especially stress granules, in neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This is largely due to several ALS-associated mutations occurring in genes involved in stress granule assembly and observations that pathological inclusions detected in ALS patient neurons contain stress granule proteins, including the ALS-linked proteins TDP-43 and FUS. However, protein components of stress granules are also found in numerous other phase-separated biomolecular condensates under physiological conditions which are inadequately discussed in the context of ALS. In this review, we look beyond stress granules and describe the roles of TDP-43 and FUS in physiological condensates occurring in the nucleus and neurites, such as the nucleolus, Cajal bodies, paraspeckles and neuronal RNA transport granules. We also discuss the consequences of ALS-linked mutations in TDP-43 and FUS on their ability to phase separate into these stress-independent biomolecular condensates and perform their respective functions. Importantly, biomolecular condensates sequester multiple overlapping protein and RNA components, and their dysregulation could contribute to the observed pleiotropic effects of both sporadic and familial ALS on RNA metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hana Fakim
- Department of Neurosciences, Université de Montréal, and CHUM Research Center, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Christine Vande Velde
- Department of Neurosciences, Université de Montréal, and CHUM Research Center, Montréal, QC, Canada.
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5
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Garg M, Li L, Godbout R. Role of DDX1 in the oxidative response of ataxia telangiectasia patient-derived fibroblasts. Redox Biol 2024; 69:102988. [PMID: 38096740 PMCID: PMC10761787 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Ataxia Telangiectasia (A-T) is an inherited autosomal recessive disorder characterized by cerebellar neurodegeneration, radiosensitivity, immunodeficiency and a high incidence of lymphomas. A-T is caused by mutations in the ATM gene. While loss of ATM function in DNA repair explains some aspects of A-T pathophysiology such as radiosensitivity and cancer predisposition, other A-T features such as neurodegeneration imply additional roles for ATM outside the nucleus. Emerging evidence suggests that ATM participates in cellular response to oxidative stress, failure of which contributes to the neurodegeneration associated with A-T. Here, we use fibroblasts derived from A-T patients to investigate whether DEAD Box 1 (DDX1), an RNA binding/unwinding protein that functions downstream of ATM in DNA double strand break repair, also plays a role in ATM-dependent cellular response to oxidative stress. Focusing on DDX1 target RNAs that are associated with neurological disorders and oxidative stress response, we show that ATM is required for increased binding of DDX1 to its target RNAs in the presence of arsenite-induced oxidative stress. Our results indicate that DDX1 functions downstream of ATM by protecting specific mRNAs in the cytoplasm of arsenite-treated cells. In keeping with a role for ATM and DDX1 in oxidative stress, levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are increased in ATM-deficient as well as DDX1-depleted cells. We propose that reduced levels of cytoplasmic DDX1 RNA targets sensitizes ATM-deficient cells to oxidative stress resulting in increased cell death. This sensitization would be especially detrimental to long-lived highly metabolically active cells such as neurons providing a possible explanation for the neurodegenerative defects associated with A-T.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mansi Garg
- Department of Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, University of Alberta, 11560 University Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 1Z2, Canada
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, University of Alberta, 11560 University Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 1Z2, Canada
| | - Roseline Godbout
- Department of Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, University of Alberta, 11560 University Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 1Z2, Canada.
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Guise AJ, Misal SA, Carson R, Chu JH, Boekweg H, Van Der Watt D, Welsh NC, Truong T, Liang Y, Xu S, Benedetto G, Gagnon J, Payne SH, Plowey ED, Kelly RT. TDP-43-stratified single-cell proteomics of postmortem human spinal motor neurons reveals protein dynamics in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113636. [PMID: 38183652 PMCID: PMC10926001 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113636] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024] Open
Abstract
A limitation of conventional bulk-tissue proteome studies in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the confounding of motor neuron (MN) signals by admixed non-MN proteins. Here, we leverage laser capture microdissection and nanoPOTS single-cell mass spectrometry-based proteomics to query changes in protein expression in single MNs from postmortem ALS and control tissues. In a follow-up analysis, we examine the impact of stratification of MNs based on cytoplasmic transactive response DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43)+ inclusion pathology on the profiles of 2,238 proteins. We report extensive overlap in differentially abundant proteins identified in ALS MNs with or without overt TDP-43 pathology, suggesting early and sustained dysregulation of cellular respiration, mRNA splicing, translation, and vesicular transport in ALS. Together, these data provide insights into proteome-level changes associated with TDP-43 proteinopathy and begin to demonstrate the utility of pathology-stratified trace sample proteomics for understanding single-cell protein dynamics in human neurologic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Santosh A Misal
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Richard Carson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | | | - Hannah Boekweg
- Biology Department, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | | | | | - Thy Truong
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Yiran Liang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | | | | | | | - Samuel H Payne
- Biology Department, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | | | - Ryan T Kelly
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA.
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Zhu Y, Burg T, Neyrinck K, Vervliet T, Nami F, Vervoort E, Ahuja K, Sassano ML, Chai YC, Tharkeshwar AK, De Smedt J, Hu H, Bultynck G, Agostinis P, Swinnen JV, Van Den Bosch L, da Costa RFM, Verfaillie C. Disruption of MAM integrity in mutant FUS oligodendroglial progenitors from hiPSCs. Acta Neuropathol 2024; 147:6. [PMID: 38170217 PMCID: PMC10764485 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-023-02666-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by selective loss of motor neurons (MNs). A number of causative genetic mutations underlie the disease, including mutations in the fused in sarcoma (FUS) gene, which can lead to both juvenile and late-onset ALS. Although ALS results from MN death, there is evidence that dysfunctional glial cells, including oligodendroglia, contribute to neurodegeneration. Here, we used human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) with a R521H or a P525L mutation in FUS and their isogenic controls to generate oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) by inducing SOX10 expression from a TET-On SOX10 cassette. Mutant and control iPSCs differentiated efficiently into OPCs. RNA sequencing identified a myelin sheath-related phenotype in mutant OPCs. Lipidomic studies demonstrated defects in myelin-related lipids, with a reduction of glycerophospholipids in mutant OPCs. Interestingly, FUSR521H OPCs displayed a decrease in the phosphatidylcholine/phosphatidylethanolamine ratio, known to be associated with maintaining membrane integrity. A proximity ligation assay further indicated that mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes (MAM) were diminished in both mutant FUS OPCs. Moreover, both mutant FUS OPCs displayed increased susceptibility to ER stress when exposed to thapsigargin, and exhibited impaired mitochondrial respiration and reduced Ca2+ signaling from ER Ca2+ stores. Taken together, these results demonstrate a pathological role of mutant FUS in OPCs, causing defects in lipid metabolism associated with MAM disruption manifested by impaired mitochondrial metabolism with increased susceptibility to ER stress and with suppressed physiological Ca2+ signaling. As such, further exploration of the role of oligodendrocyte dysfunction in the demise of MNs is crucial and will provide new insights into the complex cellular mechanisms underlying ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingli Zhu
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Stem Cell Institute, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Thibaut Burg
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Center for Brain and Disease Research, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Katrien Neyrinck
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Stem Cell Institute, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tim Vervliet
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Signalling, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Fatemeharefeh Nami
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Stem Cell Institute, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ellen Vervoort
- Laboratory of Cell Death Research and Therapy, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karan Ahuja
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Stem Cell Institute, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Section, Department of Biology, Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Maria Livia Sassano
- Laboratory of Cell Death Research and Therapy, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yoke Chin Chai
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Stem Cell Institute, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Arun Kumar Tharkeshwar
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Center for Brain and Disease Research, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jonathan De Smedt
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Stem Cell Institute, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Haibo Hu
- National Engineering Research Center for Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine-Hakka Medical Resources Branch, School of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Geert Bultynck
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Signalling, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Patrizia Agostinis
- Laboratory of Cell Death Research and Therapy, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Johannes V Swinnen
- Laboratory of Lipid Metabolism and Cancer, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ludo Van Den Bosch
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Center for Brain and Disease Research, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Catherine Verfaillie
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Stem Cell Institute, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
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Kumar R, Malik MZ, Thanaraj TA, Bagabir SA, Haque S, Tambuwala M, Haider S. A computational biology approach to identify potential protein biomarkers and drug targets for sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Cell Signal 2023; 112:110915. [PMID: 37838312 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.110915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by the loss of upper and lower motor neurons. The sporadic ALS (sALS) is a multigenic disorder and the complex mechanisms underlying its onset are still not fully delineated. Despite the recent scientific advancements, certain aspects of ALS pathogenic targets need to be yet clarified. The aim of the presented study is to identify potential genetic biomarkers and drug targets for sALS, by analysing gene expression profiles, presented in the publicly available GSE68605 dataset, of motor neurons cells obtained from sALS patients. We used different computational approaches including differential expression analysis, protein network mapping, candidate protein biomarker (CPB) identification, elucidation of the role of functional modules, and molecular docking analysis. The resultant top ten up- and downregulated genes were further used to construct protein-protein interaction network (PPIN). The PPIN analysis resulted in identifying four CPBs (namely RIOK2, AKT1, CTNNB1, and TNF) that commonly overlapped with one another in network parameters (degree, bottleneck and maximum neighbourhood component). The RIOK2 protein emerged as a potential mediator of top five functional modules that are associated with RNA binding, lipoprotein particle receptor binding in pre-ribosome, and interferon, cytokine-mediated signaling pathway. Furthermore, molecular docking analysis revealed that cyclosporine exhibited the highest binding affinity (-8.6 kJ/mol) with RIOK2, and surpassed the FDA-approved ALS drugs, such as riluzole and edaravone. This suggested that cyclosporine may serve as a promising candidate for targeting RIOK2 downregulation observed in sALS patients. In order to validate our computational results, it is suggested that in vitro and in vivo studies may be conducted in future to provide a more detailed understanding of ALS diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupesh Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Noida, Sec-62, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Md Zubbair Malik
- Department of Genetics and Bioinformatics, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman, P.O. Box 1180, Kuwait city 15462, Kuwait.
| | - Thangavel Alphonse Thanaraj
- Department of Genetics and Bioinformatics, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman, P.O. Box 1180, Kuwait city 15462, Kuwait.
| | - Sali Abubaker Bagabir
- Genetics Unit, Department of Medical Laboratory Technology Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Shafiul Haque
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia; Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon; Centre of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Murtaza Tambuwala
- Lincoln Medical School, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool Campus, Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK.
| | - Shazia Haider
- Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia University, New Delhi 110025, India.
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Naskar A, Nayak A, Salaikumaran MR, Vishal SS, Gopal PP. Phase separation and pathologic transitions of RNP condensates in neurons: implications for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal dementia and other neurodegenerative disorders. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1242925. [PMID: 37720552 PMCID: PMC10502346 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1242925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation results in the formation of dynamic biomolecular condensates, also known as membrane-less organelles, that allow for the assembly of functional compartments and higher order structures within cells. Multivalent, reversible interactions between RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), including FUS, TDP-43, and hnRNPA1, and/or RNA (e.g., RBP-RBP, RBP-RNA, RNA-RNA), result in the formation of ribonucleoprotein (RNP) condensates, which are critical for RNA processing, mRNA transport, stability, stress granule assembly, and translation. Stress granules, neuronal transport granules, and processing bodies are examples of cytoplasmic RNP condensates, while the nucleolus and Cajal bodies are representative nuclear RNP condensates. In neurons, RNP condensates promote long-range mRNA transport and local translation in the dendrites and axon, and are essential for spatiotemporal regulation of gene expression, axonal integrity and synaptic function. Mutations of RBPs and/or pathologic mislocalization and aggregation of RBPs are hallmarks of several neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and Alzheimer's disease. ALS/FTD-linked mutations of RBPs alter the strength and reversibility of multivalent interactions with other RBPs and RNAs, resulting in aberrant phase transitions. These aberrant RNP condensates have detrimental functional consequences on mRNA stability, localization, and translation, and ultimately lead to compromised axonal integrity and synaptic function in disease. Pathogenic protein aggregation is dependent on various factors, and aberrant dynamically arrested RNP condensates may serve as an initial nucleation step for pathologic aggregate formation. Recent studies have focused on identifying mechanisms by which neurons resolve phase transitioned condensates to prevent the formation of pathogenic inclusions/aggregates. The present review focuses on the phase separation of neurodegenerative disease-linked RBPs, physiological functions of RNP condensates, and the pathologic role of aberrant phase transitions in neurodegenerative disease, particularly ALS/FTD. We also examine cellular mechanisms that contribute to the resolution of aberrant condensates in neurons, and potential therapeutic approaches to resolve aberrantly phase transitioned condensates at a molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Naskar
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Asima Nayak
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | | | - Sonali S. Vishal
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Pallavi P. Gopal
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Program in Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, and Repair, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
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Zhou W, Xu R. Current insights in the molecular genetic pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1189470. [PMID: 37638324 PMCID: PMC10448825 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1189470] [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: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease that leads to the massive loss of motor neurons in cerebrum, brain stem and spinal cord. It affects not only motor neurons but also other neurons and glial cells, resulting in the progressive muscle atrophy, the severe disability and the eventual death due to the respiratory failure. The pathogenesis of ALS is not fully understood. Currently, several factors are considered to be involved in the pathogenesis of ALS, such as genetic factors, imbalances in protein homeostasis, RNA metabolism disorders, mitochondrial dysfunctions, glutamate-mediated excitatory toxicities and intra-neuronal material transport disorders in neurons. The study of genetic mutations related to ALS pathogenesis will link the molecular and cellular mechanisms of the disease, thus enhancing the understanding of its occurrence and progression, thereby providing new insights for the pathogenesis of ALS. This review summarizes the current insights in the molecular genetic pathogenesis of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan Zhou
- Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, The Clinical College of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, China
| | - Renshi Xu
- Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, The Clinical College of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, China
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11
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Rezvykh A, Ustyugov A, Chaprov K, Teterina E, Nebogatikov V, Spasskaya D, Evgen’ev M, Morozov A, Funikov S. Cytoplasmic aggregation of mutant FUS causes multistep RNA splicing perturbations in the course of motor neuron pathology. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:5810-5830. [PMID: 37115004 PMCID: PMC10287951 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysfunction of the RNA-binding protein (RBP) FUS implicated in RNA metabolism can cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neurodegenerative diseases. Mutations affecting FUS nuclear localization can drive RNA splicing defects and stimulate the formation of non-amyloid inclusions in affected neurons. However, the mechanism by which FUS mutations contribute to the development of ALS remains uncertain. Here we describe a pattern of RNA splicing changes in the dynamics of the continuous proteinopathy induced by mislocalized FUS. We show that the decrease in intron retention of FUS-associated transcripts represents the hallmark of the pathogenesis of ALS and is the earliest molecular event in the course of progression of the disease. As FUS aggregation increases, the pattern of RNA splicing changes, becoming more complex, including a decrease in the inclusion of neuron-specific microexons and induction of cryptic exon splicing due to the sequestration of additional RBPs into FUS aggregates. Crucially, the identified features of the pathological splicing pattern are also observed in ALS patients in both sporadic and familial cases. Our data provide evidence that both a loss of nuclear FUS function due to mislocalization and the subsequent cytoplasmic aggregation of mutant protein lead to the disruption of RNA splicing in a multistep fashion during FUS aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander P Rezvykh
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation
| | - Aleksey A Ustyugov
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds at Federal Research Center of Problems of Chemical Physics and Medicinal Chemistry of Russian Academy of Sciences, Chernogolovka, 142432, Russian Federation
| | - Kirill D Chaprov
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds at Federal Research Center of Problems of Chemical Physics and Medicinal Chemistry of Russian Academy of Sciences, Chernogolovka, 142432, Russian Federation
| | - Ekaterina V Teterina
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds at Federal Research Center of Problems of Chemical Physics and Medicinal Chemistry of Russian Academy of Sciences, Chernogolovka, 142432, Russian Federation
| | - Vladimir O Nebogatikov
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds at Federal Research Center of Problems of Chemical Physics and Medicinal Chemistry of Russian Academy of Sciences, Chernogolovka, 142432, Russian Federation
| | - Daria S Spasskaya
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation
| | - Michael B Evgen’ev
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation
| | - Alexey V Morozov
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation
| | - Sergei Yu Funikov
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation
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12
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Guise AJ, Misal SA, Carson R, Boekweg H, Watt DVD, Truong T, Liang Y, Chu JH, Welsh NC, Gagnon J, Payne SH, Plowey ED, Kelly RT. TDP-43-stratified single-cell proteomic profiling of postmortem human spinal motor neurons reveals protein dynamics in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.08.544233. [PMID: 37333094 PMCID: PMC10274884 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.08.544233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Unbiased proteomics has been employed to interrogate central nervous system (CNS) tissues (brain, spinal cord) and fluid matrices (CSF, plasma) from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients; yet, a limitation of conventional bulk tissue studies is that motor neuron (MN) proteome signals may be confounded by admixed non-MN proteins. Recent advances in trace sample proteomics have enabled quantitative protein abundance datasets from single human MNs (Cong et al., 2020b). In this study, we leveraged laser capture microdissection (LCM) and nanoPOTS (Zhu et al., 2018c) single-cell mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics to query changes in protein expression in single MNs from postmortem ALS and control donor spinal cord tissues, leading to the identification of 2515 proteins across MNs samples (>900 per single MN) and quantitative comparison of 1870 proteins between disease groups. Furthermore, we studied the impact of enriching/stratifying MN proteome samples based on the presence and extent of immunoreactive, cytoplasmic TDP-43 inclusions, allowing identification of 3368 proteins across MNs samples and profiling of 2238 proteins across TDP-43 strata. We found extensive overlap in differential protein abundance profiles between MNs with or without obvious TDP-43 cytoplasmic inclusions that together point to early and sustained dysregulation of oxidative phosphorylation, mRNA splicing and translation, and retromer-mediated vesicular transport in ALS. Our data are the first unbiased quantification of single MN protein abundance changes associated with TDP-43 proteinopathy and begin to demonstrate the utility of pathology-stratified trace sample proteomics for understanding single-cell protein abundance changes in human neurologic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Santosh A. Misal
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602
| | - Richard Carson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602
| | - Hannah Boekweg
- Biology Department, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | | | - Thy Truong
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602
| | - Yiran Liang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602
| | | | | | | | - Samuel H. Payne
- Biology Department, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | | | - Ryan T. Kelly
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602
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13
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Merjane J, Chung R, Patani R, Lisowski L. Molecular mechanisms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis as broad therapeutic targets for gene therapy applications utilizing adeno-associated viral vectors. Med Res Rev 2023. [PMID: 36786126 DOI: 10.1002/med.21937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Despite the devastating clinical outcome of the neurodegenerative disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), its etiology remains mysterious. Approximately 90% of ALS is characterized as sporadic, signifying that the patient has no family history of the disease. The development of an impactful disease modifying therapy across the ALS spectrum has remained out of grasp, largely due to the poorly understood mechanisms of disease onset and progression. Currently, ALS is invariably fatal and rapidly progressive. It is hypothesized that multiple factors can lead to the development of ALS, however, treatments are often focused on targeting specific familial forms of the disease (10% of total cases). There is a strong need to develop disease modifying treatments for ALS that can be effective across the full ALS spectrum of familial and sporadic cases. Although the onset of disease varies significantly between patients, there are general disease mechanisms and progressions that can be seen broadly across ALS patients. Therefore, this review explores the targeting of these widespread disease mechanisms as possible areas for therapeutic intervention to treat ALS broadly. In particular, this review will focus on targeting mechanisms of defective protein homeostasis and RNA processing, which are both increasingly recognized as design principles of ALS pathogenesis. Additionally, this review will explore the benefits of gene therapy as an approach to treating ALS, specifically focusing on the use of adeno-associated virus (AAV) as a vector for gene delivery to the CNS and recent advances in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Merjane
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Roger Chung
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rickie Patani
- Department of Neuromuscular Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK.,The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Leszek Lisowski
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.,Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Innovative Therapies, Military Institute of Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
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14
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Duan G, Li Y, Ye M, Liu H, Wang N, Luo S. The Regulatory Mechanism of Transthyretin Irreversible Aggregation through Liquid-to-Solid Phase Transition. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043729. [PMID: 36835140 PMCID: PMC9960511 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Transthyretin (TTR) aggregation and amyloid formation are associated with several ATTR diseases, such as senile systemic amyloidosis (SSA) and familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP). However, the mechanism that triggers the initial pathologic aggregation process of TTR remains largely elusive. Lately, increasing evidence has suggested that many proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases undergo liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) and subsequent liquid-to-solid phase transition before the formation of amyloid fibrils. Here, we demonstrate that electrostatic interactions mediate LLPS of TTR, followed by a liquid-solid phase transition, and eventually the formation of amyloid fibrils under a mildly acidic pH in vitro. Furthermore, pathogenic mutations (V30M, R34T, and K35T) of TTR and heparin promote the process of phase transition and facilitate the formation of fibrillar aggregates. In addition, S-cysteinylation, which is a kind of post-translational modification of TTR, reduces the kinetic stability of TTR and increases the propensity for aggregation, while another modification, S-sulfonation, stabilizes the TTR tetramer and reduces the aggregation rate. Once TTR was S-cysteinylated or S-sulfonated, they dramatically underwent the process of phase transition, providing a foundation for post-translational modifications that could modulate TTR LLPS in the context of pathological interactions. These novel findings reveal molecular insights into the mechanism of TTR from initial LLPS and subsequent liquid-to-solid phase transition to amyloid fibrils, providing a new dimension for ATTR therapy.
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15
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He X, Chen X, Wang Y. Mass Spectrometry for Assessing Protein-Nucleic Acid Interactions. Anal Chem 2023; 95:115-127. [PMID: 36625126 PMCID: PMC9869667 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c04353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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16
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Włodarczyk P, Witczak M, Gajewska A, Chady T, Piotrowski I. The role of TDP-43 protein in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.20883/medical.e710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease where both upper and lower motoneurons are damaged. Even though the pathogenesis of ALS is unclear, the TDP-43 aggregations and non-nuclear localization may be crucial to understanding this process. Despite intensive research on ALS therapies, only two lifespan-prolonging medications have been approved: Riluzole and Edaravone. Unravelling the TDP-43 pathology could help develop new ALS therapies using mechanisms such as inhibition of nuclear export, autophagy, chaperones, or antisense oligonucleotides. Selective inhibitors of nuclear export (SINEs) are drugs that block Exportin 1 (XPO1) and cause the accumulation of not exported molecules inside the nucleus. SINEs that target XPO1 are shown to slightly extend the survival of neurons and soften motor symptoms. Dysfunctional proteins, including TDP-43, can be eliminated through autophagocytosis, which is regulated by the mTOR kinase. Stimulating the elimination of protein deposits may be an effective ALS therapy. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) are single-stranded, synthetic oligonucleotides that can bind and modulate specific RNA: via ribonuclease H, inducing their degradation or inducing alternative splicing via blocking primary RNA transcripts. Current ASOs therapies used in ALS focus on SOD1, C9ORF72, FUS, and ATXN2, and they may be used to slow the ALS progression. Reversing the aggregation is a promising therapeutic strategy. Chaperones control other proteins' quality and protect them against stress factors. Due to the irreversible character of ALS, it is essential to understand its complicated pathology better and to seek new therapies.
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17
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Xiao J, Jin S, Wang X, Huang J, Zou H. CELF1 Selectively Regulates Alternative Splicing of DNA Repair Genes Associated With Cataract in Human Lens Cell Line. Biochem Genet 2022:10.1007/s10528-022-10324-2. [PMID: 36585568 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-022-10324-2] [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: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Cataract is a global eye disease caused by the opacification of lens, while its underlying molecular pathogenesis is not clear, making it difficult for prevention. CELF1, an RNA binding protein, mediates Alternative Splicing (AS) of genes involved in diverse diseases and regulates development or defects of lens. Utilizing transcriptome-wide approaches, we analyzed and compared AS patterns between human lens epithelial cells (SRA01/04) with CELF1 overexpression (CELF1-OE) and control cells. Extensive changes in AS patterns upon CELF1-OE were identified in SRA01/04 cells. We finally identified 840 CELF1-regulated AS events (RASEs) and found that CELF1-OE preferred to repress exon skipping events in SRA01/04 cells. CELF1-regulated AS genes were enriched in the regulation of DNA repair, cellular response to DNA damage stimulus, and apoptosis pathways (including HMGA2, CSNK1E, and YAP1). These biological functions and pathways have been reported to be associated with lens development or other eye diseases. To further explore the mechanisms of CELF1 in regulating AS genes, we downloaded and re-analyzed a set of CELF1-RNA interactome data. We found that 194 genes were bound and regulated by CELF1 at the AS level. 10 genes involved in DNA repair-related pathways were also bound by CELF1. Motif analysis for CELF1-bound peaks and splicing sites of RASEs showed that CELF1 regulates AS by binding to the AGGU[AG]AG motif in SRA01/04 cells. CELF1 could mediate AS of DNA repair-related genes through directly binding to their transcripts with distinct motif bias. The functional mechanism of CELF1 may ultimately participate in cataract formation and lens development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Xiao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Siyan Jin
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xue Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ju Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - He Zou
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
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18
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Rifai OM, Longden J, O'Shaughnessy J, Sewell MDE, Pate J, McDade K, Daniels MJ, Abrahams S, Chandran S, McColl BW, Sibley CR, Gregory JM. Random forest modelling demonstrates microglial and protein misfolding features to be key phenotypic markers in C9orf72-ALS. J Pathol 2022; 258:366-381. [PMID: 36070099 PMCID: PMC9827842 DOI: 10.1002/path.6008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Clinical heterogeneity observed across patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a known complicating factor in identifying potential therapeutics, even within cohorts with the same mutation, such as C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat expansions (HREs). Thus, further understanding of pathways underlying this heterogeneity is essential for appropriate ALS trial stratification and the meaningful assessment of clinical outcomes. It has been shown that both inflammation and protein misfolding can influence ALS pathogenesis, such as the manifestation or severity of motor or cognitive symptoms. However, there has yet to be a systematic and quantitative assessment of immunohistochemical markers to interrogate the potential relevance of these pathways in an unbiased manner. To investigate this, we extensively characterised features of commonly used glial activation and protein misfolding stains in thousands of images of post-mortem tissue from a heterogeneous cohort of deeply clinically profiled patients with a C9orf72 HRE. Using a random forest model, we show that microglial staining features are the most accurate classifiers of disease status in our panel and that clinicopathological relationships exist between microglial activation status, TDP-43 pathology, and language dysfunction. Furthermore, we detected spatially resolved changes in fused in sarcoma (FUS) staining, suggesting that liquid-liquid phase shift of this aggregation-prone RNA-binding protein may be important in ALS caused by a C9orf72 HRE. Interestingly, no one feature alone significantly impacted the predictiveness of the model, indicating that the collective examination of all features, or a combination of several features, is what allows the model to be predictive. Our findings provide further support to the hypothesis of dysfunctional immune regulation and proteostasis in the pathogenesis of C9-ALS and provide a framework for digital analysis of commonly used neuropathological stains as a tool to enrich our understanding of clinicopathological relationships within and between cohorts. © 2022 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia M Rifai
- Translational Neuroscience PhD Programme, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - James Longden
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Judi O'Shaughnessy
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Michael DE Sewell
- Translational Neuroscience PhD Programme, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Judith Pate
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Karina McDade
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Sharon Abrahams
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Human Cognitive Neuroscience-Psychology, School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Siddharthan Chandran
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Barry W McColl
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Christopher R Sibley
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Institute of Quantitative Biology, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jenna M Gregory
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
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19
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Quach TT, Stratton HJ, Khanna R, Mackey-Alfonso S, Deems N, Honnorat J, Meyer K, Duchemin AM. Neurodegenerative Diseases: From Dysproteostasis, Altered Calcium Signalosome to Selective Neuronal Vulnerability to AAV-Mediated Gene Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214188. [PMID: 36430666 PMCID: PMC9694178 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite intense research into the multifaceted etiology of neurodegenerative diseases (ND), they remain incurable. Here we provide a brief overview of several major ND and explore novel therapeutic approaches. Although the cause (s) of ND are not fully understood, the accumulation of misfolded/aggregated proteins in the brain is a common pathological feature. This aggregation may initiate disruption of Ca++ signaling, which is an early pathological event leading to altered dendritic structure, neuronal dysfunction, and cell death. Presently, ND gene therapies remain unidimensional, elusive, and limited to modifying one pathological feature while ignoring others. Considering the complexity of signaling cascades in ND, we discuss emerging therapeutic concepts and suggest that deciphering the molecular mechanisms involved in dendritic pathology may broaden the phenotypic spectrum of ND treatment. An innovative multiplexed gene transfer strategy that employs silencing and/or over-expressing multiple effectors could preserve vulnerable neurons before they are lost. Such therapeutic approaches may extend brain health span and ameliorate burdensome chronic disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tam T. Quach
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- INSERM U1217/CNRS UMR5310, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69677 Lyon, France
| | | | - Rajesh Khanna
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, New York University, New York, NY 10010, USA
| | - Sabrina Mackey-Alfonso
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Nicolas Deems
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Jérome Honnorat
- INSERM U1217/CNRS UMR5310, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69677 Lyon, France
- French Reference Center on Paraneoplastic Neurological Syndromes and Autoimmune Encephalitis, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69677 Lyon, France
- SynatAc Team, Institut NeuroMyoGène, 69677 Lyon, France
| | - Kathrin Meyer
- The Research Institute of Nationwide Children Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
- Department of Pediatric, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Anne-Marie Duchemin
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-614-293-5517; Fax: +1-614-293-7599
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20
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The Cellular and Molecular Signature of ALS in Muscle. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12111868. [PMID: 36579600 PMCID: PMC9692882 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12111868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a disease affecting upper and lower motor neurons. Although motor neuron death is the core event of ALS pathology, it is increasingly recognized that other tissues and cell types are affected in the disease, making potentially major contributions to the occurrence and progression of pathology. We review here the known cellular and molecular characteristics of muscle tissue affected by ALS. Evidence of toxicity in skeletal muscle tissue is considered, including metabolic dysfunctions, impaired proteostasis, and deficits in muscle regeneration and RNA metabolism. The role of muscle as a secretory organ, and effects on the skeletal muscle secretome are also covered, including the increase in secretion of toxic factors or decrease in essential factors that have consequences for neuronal function and survival.
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21
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Chen W, Wang Y, Xia W, Zhang J, Zhao Y. Neddylation-mediated degradation of hnRNPA2B1 contributes to hypertriglyceridemia pancreatitis. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:863. [PMID: 36220838 PMCID: PMC9554191 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05310-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis (HTGP) is characterized by the acute and excessive release of FFA produced by pancreatic lipases. However, the underlying mechanisms of this disease remain poorly understood. In this study, we describe the involvement of the RNA binding protein hnRNPA2B1 in the development of HTGP. We used palmitic acid (PA) and AR42J cells to create a model of HTGP in vitro. RT-PCR and western blot analyses revealed a decrease in the level of hnRNPA2B1 protein but not mRNA expression in PA-treated cells. Further analyses revealed that hnRNPA2B1 expression was regulated at the post-translational level by neddylation. Restoration of hnRNPA2B1 expression using the neddylation inhibitor MLN4924 protected AR42J cells from PA-induced inflammatory injury by preventing NF-κB activation and restoring fatty acid oxidation and cell proliferation. Furthermore, RNA immunoprecipitation studies demonstrated that hnRNPA2B1 orchestrates fatty acid oxidation by regulating the expression of the mitochondrial trifunctional protein-α (MTPα). Administration of MLN4924 in vivo restored hnRNPA2B1 protein expression in the pancreas of hyperlipidemic mice and ameliorated HTGP-associated inflammation and pancreatic tissue injury. In conclusion, we show that hnRNPA2B1 has a central regulatory role in preventing HTGP-induced effects on cell metabolism and viability. Furthermore, our findings indicate that pharmacological inhibitors that target neddylation may provide therapeutic benefits to HTGP patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Chen
- grid.412538.90000 0004 0527 0050Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital of Tongji University, 200072 Shanghai, China
| | - Yilong Wang
- grid.412538.90000 0004 0527 0050Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital of Tongji University, 200072 Shanghai, China
| | - Wenwen Xia
- grid.412538.90000 0004 0527 0050Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital of Tongji University, 200072 Shanghai, China
| | - Jinbao Zhang
- grid.452461.00000 0004 1762 8478Department of Critical Medicine, the First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, 030000 Shanxi, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- grid.412538.90000 0004 0527 0050Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital of Tongji University, 200072 Shanghai, China
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22
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Hayes LR, Kalab P. Emerging Therapies and Novel Targets for TDP-43 Proteinopathy in ALS/FTD. Neurotherapeutics 2022; 19:1061-1084. [PMID: 35790708 PMCID: PMC9587158 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-022-01260-5] [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] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear clearance and cytoplasmic mislocalization of the essential RNA binding protein, TDP-43, is a pathologic hallmark of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal dementia, and related neurodegenerative disorders collectively termed "TDP-43 proteinopathies." TDP-43 mislocalization causes neurodegeneration through both loss and gain of function mechanisms. Loss of TDP-43 nuclear RNA processing function destabilizes the transcriptome by multiple mechanisms including disruption of pre-mRNA splicing, the failure of repression of cryptic exons, and retrotransposon activation. The accumulation of cytoplasmic TDP-43, which is prone to aberrant liquid-liquid phase separation and aggregation, traps TDP-43 in the cytoplasm and disrupts a host of downstream processes including the trafficking of RNA granules, local translation within axons, and mitochondrial function. In this review, we will discuss the TDP-43 therapy development pipeline, beginning with therapies in current and upcoming clinical trials, which are primarily focused on accelerating the clearance of TDP-43 aggregates. Then, we will look ahead to emerging strategies from preclinical studies, first from high-throughput genetic and pharmacologic screens, and finally from mechanistic studies focused on the upstream cause(s) of TDP-43 disruption in ALS/FTD. These include modulation of stress granule dynamics, TDP-43 nucleocytoplasmic shuttling, RNA metabolism, and correction of aberrant splicing events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey R Hayes
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Dept. of Neurology, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Petr Kalab
- Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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23
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Hu G, Ou X, Li J. Mechanistic Insight on General Protein-Binding Ability of ATP and the Impacts of Arginine Residues. J Phys Chem B 2022; 126:4647-4658. [PMID: 35713479 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.2c01478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Recent experiments suggested that adenosine triphosphate (ATP) can regulate liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of various proteins and inhibit protein aggregations at its physiological concentration, which is highly correlated with the nonspecific interactions of ATP to a wide variety of proteins. However, the mechanism underlying the general binding capability of ATP largely remains unclear. In this work, we used molecular dynamics simulation to study the binding of ATPs to three proteins with distinct net charges: TDP-43 NTD (-7 e), TAF15-RRM (0 e), HWEL (+8 e). Negatively charged ATP exhibits a strong trend to accumulate around all of these proteins. While only a fraction of the accumulated ATPs directly binds to the limited regions of the protein surface, additional ATPs indirectly bind to proteins by aggregating into ATP clusters. Hence, the proportion of the directly bound ATPs in the clusters as well as their binding regions can be adjusted in response to different proteins, which makes ATP well adapted to a variety of proteins. Moreover, our results suggest that ATP tightly binds to Arg with high affinity, and Arg dominates the direct binding of ATP. Meanwhile, Arg also affects the self-association of accumulated ATPs. The size of the ATP cluster is effectively regulated by the distribution of Arg. Considering the ubiquity of Arg in proteins, our findings are helpful to understand the general binding capability of ATP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guorong Hu
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Quantum Technology and Device, School of Physics, Zhejiang University, Zheda Road 38, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Xinwen Ou
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Quantum Technology and Device, School of Physics, Zhejiang University, Zheda Road 38, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Jingyuan Li
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Quantum Technology and Device, School of Physics, Zhejiang University, Zheda Road 38, Hangzhou 310027, China
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24
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Wheeler JR, Whitney ON, Vogler TO, Nguyen ED, Pawlikowski B, Lester E, Cutler A, Elston T, Dalla Betta N, Parker KR, Yost KE, Vogel H, Rando TA, Chang HY, Johnson AM, Parker R, Olwin BB. RNA-binding proteins direct myogenic cell fate decisions. eLife 2022; 11:e75844. [PMID: 35695839 PMCID: PMC9191894 DOI: 10.7554/elife.75844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), essential for skeletal muscle regeneration, cause muscle degeneration and neuromuscular disease when mutated. Why mutations in these ubiquitously expressed RBPs orchestrate complex tissue regeneration and direct cell fate decisions in skeletal muscle remains poorly understood. Single-cell RNA-sequencing of regenerating Mus musculus skeletal muscle reveals that RBP expression, including the expression of many neuromuscular disease-associated RBPs, is temporally regulated in skeletal muscle stem cells and correlates with specific stages of myogenic differentiation. By combining machine learning with RBP engagement scoring, we discovered that the neuromuscular disease-associated RBP Hnrnpa2b1 is a differentiation-specifying regulator of myogenesis that controls myogenic cell fate transitions during terminal differentiation in mice. The timing of RBP expression specifies cell fate transitions by providing post-transcriptional regulation of messenger RNAs that coordinate stem cell fate decisions during tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua R Wheeler
- Department of Biochemistry, University of ColoradoBoulderUnited States
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAuroraUnited States
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of ColoradoBoulderUnited States
- Department of Pathology, Stanford UniversityStanfordUnited States
- Department of Neuropathology, Stanford UniversityStanfordUnited States
| | - Oscar N Whitney
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
| | - Thomas O Vogler
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAuroraUnited States
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of ColoradoBoulderUnited States
- Department of Surgery, University of ColoradoAuroraUnited States
| | - Eric D Nguyen
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAuroraUnited States
- Molecular Biology Program and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAuroraUnited States
| | - Bradley Pawlikowski
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of ColoradoBoulderUnited States
| | - Evan Lester
- Department of Biochemistry, University of ColoradoBoulderUnited States
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAuroraUnited States
| | - Alicia Cutler
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of ColoradoBoulderUnited States
| | - Tiffany Elston
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of ColoradoBoulderUnited States
| | - Nicole Dalla Betta
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of ColoradoBoulderUnited States
| | - Kevin R Parker
- Center for Personal and Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford UniversityPalo AltoUnited States
| | - Kathryn E Yost
- Center for Personal and Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford UniversityPalo AltoUnited States
| | - Hannes Vogel
- Department of Pathology, Stanford UniversityStanfordUnited States
| | - Thomas A Rando
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of MedicineStanfordUnited States
- Paul F. Glenn Center for the Biology of Aging, Stanford University School of MedicineStanfordUnited States
- Center for Tissue Regeneration, Repair, and Restoration, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care SystemPalo AltoUnited States
| | - Howard Y Chang
- Center for Personal and Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford UniversityPalo AltoUnited States
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford UniversityStanfordUnited States
| | - Aaron M Johnson
- Molecular Biology Program and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAuroraUnited States
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, RNA Bioscience Initiative, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAuroraUnited States
| | - Roy Parker
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of ColoradoBoulderUnited States
| | - Bradley B Olwin
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of ColoradoBoulderUnited States
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25
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Emerging Roles of RNA-Binding Proteins in Neurodevelopment. J Dev Biol 2022; 10:jdb10020023. [PMID: 35735914 PMCID: PMC9224834 DOI: 10.3390/jdb10020023] [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: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Diverse cell types in the central nervous system (CNS) are generated by a relatively small pool of neural stem cells during early development. Spatial and temporal regulation of stem cell behavior relies on precise coordination of gene expression. Well-studied mechanisms include hormone signaling, transcription factor activity, and chromatin remodeling processes. Much less is known about downstream RNA-dependent mechanisms including posttranscriptional regulation, nuclear export, alternative splicing, and transcript stability. These important functions are carried out by RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). Recent work has begun to explore how RBPs contribute to stem cell function and homeostasis, including their role in metabolism, transport, epigenetic regulation, and turnover of target transcripts. Additional layers of complexity are provided by the different target recognition mechanisms of each RBP as well as the posttranslational modifications of the RBPs themselves that alter function. Altogether, these functions allow RBPs to influence various aspects of RNA metabolism to regulate numerous cellular processes. Here we compile advances in RNA biology that have added to our still limited understanding of the role of RBPs in neurodevelopment.
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26
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He F, Kuwasako K, Takizawa M, Takahashi M, Tsuda K, Nagata T, Watanabe S, Tanaka A, Kobayashi N, Kigawa T, Güntert P, Shirouzu M, Yokoyama S, Muto Y. 1H, 13C and 15N resonance assignments and solution structures of the two RRM domains of Matrin-3. BIOMOLECULAR NMR ASSIGNMENTS 2022; 16:41-49. [PMID: 34783967 DOI: 10.1007/s12104-021-10057-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Matrin-3 is a multifunctional protein that binds to both DNA and RNA. Its DNA-binding activity is linked to the formation of the nuclear matrix and transcriptional regulation, while its RNA-binding activity is linked to mRNA metabolism including splicing, transport, stabilization, and degradation. Correspondingly, Matrin-3 has two zinc finger domains for DNA binding and two consecutive RNA recognition motif (RRM) domains for RNA binding. Matrin-3 has been reported to cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) when its disordered region contains pathogenic mutations. Simultaneously, it has been shown that the RNA-binding activity of Matrin-3 mediated by its RRM domains, affects the formation of insoluble cytoplasmic granules, which are related to the pathogenic mechanism of ALS/FTD. Thus, the effect of the RRM domains on the phase separation of condensed protein/RNA mixtures has to be clarified for a comprehensive understanding of ALS/FTD. Here, we report the 1H, 15N, and 13C resonance assignments of the two RNA binding domains and their solution structures. The resonance assignments and the solution structures obtained in this work will contribute to the elucidation of the molecular basis of Matrin-3 in the pathogenic mechanism of ALS and/or FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahu He
- RIKEN Center for Life Science and Technologies, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
- RIKEN, Systems and Structural Biology Center, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Kanako Kuwasako
- RIKEN Center for Life Science and Technologies, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
- RIKEN, Systems and Structural Biology Center, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Musashino University, Tokyo, 202-8585, Japan
| | - Masayuki Takizawa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Musashino University, Tokyo, 202-8585, Japan
| | - Mari Takahashi
- RIKEN Center for Life Science and Technologies, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
- RIKEN, Systems and Structural Biology Center, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Kengo Tsuda
- RIKEN Center for Life Science and Technologies, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
- RIKEN, Systems and Structural Biology Center, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Takashi Nagata
- RIKEN Center for Life Science and Technologies, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
- Institute of Advanced Energy and Graduate School of Energy Science, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto, 611-0011, Japan
| | - Satoru Watanabe
- RIKEN Center for Life Science and Technologies, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
- RIKEN Yokohama NMR Facility, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Akiko Tanaka
- RIKEN Center for Life Science and Technologies, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
- RIKEN, Systems and Structural Biology Center, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Naohiro Kobayashi
- RIKEN Center for Life Science and Technologies, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
- RIKEN Yokohama NMR Facility, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Takanori Kigawa
- RIKEN Center for Life Science and Technologies, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
- RIKEN Quantitative Biology Center, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Peter Güntert
- Tatsuo Miyazawa Memorial Program, RIKEN Genomic Sciences Center, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Institute of Biophysical Chemistry, Goethe-University Frankfurt am Main, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Department of Chemistry, Tokyo Metropolitan University, 1-1 Minami-Ohsawa, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0397, Japan
| | - Mikako Shirouzu
- RIKEN Center for Life Science and Technologies, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
- RIKEN, Systems and Structural Biology Center, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Shigeyuki Yokoyama
- RIKEN, Systems and Structural Biology Center, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan.
- RIKEN Structural Biology Laboratory, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan.
- RIKEN Cluster for Science, Technology and Innovation Hub, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan.
| | - Yutaka Muto
- RIKEN Center for Life Science and Technologies, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan.
- RIKEN, Systems and Structural Biology Center, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Musashino University, Tokyo, 202-8585, Japan.
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27
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Milicevic K, Rankovic B, Andjus PR, Bataveljic D, Milovanovic D. Emerging Roles for Phase Separation of RNA-Binding Proteins in Cellular Pathology of ALS. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:840256. [PMID: 35372329 PMCID: PMC8965147 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.840256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is emerging as a major principle for the mesoscale organization of proteins, RNAs, and membrane-bound organelles into biomolecular condensates. These condensates allow for rapid cellular responses to changes in metabolic activities and signaling. Nowhere is this regulation more important than in neurons and glia, where cellular physiology occurs simultaneously on a range of time- and length-scales. In a number of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), misregulation of biomolecular condensates leads to the formation of insoluble aggregates—a pathological hallmark of both sporadic and familial ALS. Here, we summarize how the emerging knowledge about the LLPS of ALS-related proteins corroborates with their aggregation. Understanding the mechanisms that lead to protein aggregation in ALS and how cells respond to these aggregates promises to open new directions for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Milicevic
- Center for Laser Microscopy, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Physiology and Biochemistry “Ivan Djaja”, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Branislava Rankovic
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Berlin, Germany
| | - Pavle R. Andjus
- Center for Laser Microscopy, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Physiology and Biochemistry “Ivan Djaja”, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Danijela Bataveljic
- Center for Laser Microscopy, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Physiology and Biochemistry “Ivan Djaja”, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- *Correspondence: Danijela Bataveljic, ; Dragomir Milovanovic,
| | - Dragomir Milovanovic
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Berlin, Germany
- *Correspondence: Danijela Bataveljic, ; Dragomir Milovanovic,
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28
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Jiang LL, Guan WL, Wang JY, Zhang SX, Hu HY. RNA-assisted sequestration of RNA-binding proteins by cytoplasmic inclusions of the C-terminal 35-kDa fragment of TDP-43. J Cell Sci 2022; 135:274331. [PMID: 35142363 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.259380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
TDP-43 is a nuclear splicing factor functioning in pre-mRNA processing. Its C-terminal 35-kDa fragment (TDP-35) forms inclusions or aggregates in cytoplasm, and sequesters full-length TDP-43 into the inclusions through binding with RNA. We extended the research to investigate whether TDP-35 inclusions sequester other RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and how RNA-binding specificity exerts the function in this sequestration process. We have characterized TIA1 (T-cell restricted intracellular antigen-1) and other RBPs that can be sequestered into the TDP-35 inclusions through specific RNA binding, and found that this sequestration leads to dysfunction of TIA1 in maturation of target pre-mRNA. Moreover, we directly visualized the dynamic sequestration of TDP-43 by the cytoplasmic TDP-35 inclusions by live-cell imaging. Our results demonstrate that TDP-35 sequesters some specific RBPs and this sequestration is assisted by binding with sequence-specific RNA. This study provides further evidence in supporting the hijacking hypothesis for RNA-assisted sequestration and will be beneficial to further understanding of the TDP-43 proteinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei-Lei Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, P. R. China
| | - Wen-Liang Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, P. R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Jian-Yang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, P. R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Shu-Xian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, P. R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Hong-Yu Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, P. R. China
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29
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Xue YC, Liu H, Mohamud Y, Bahreyni A, Zhang J, Cashman NR, Luo H. Sublethal enteroviral infection exacerbates disease progression in an ALS mouse model. J Neuroinflammation 2022; 19:16. [PMID: 35022041 PMCID: PMC8753920 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02380-7] [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: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease of the motor neuron system associated with both genetic and environmental risk factors. Infection with enteroviruses, including poliovirus and coxsackievirus, such as coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3), has been proposed as a possible causal/risk factor for ALS due to the evidence that enteroviruses can target motor neurons and establish a persistent infection in the central nervous system (CNS), and recent findings that enteroviral infection-induced molecular and pathological phenotypes closely resemble ALS. However, a causal relationship has not yet been affirmed. Methods Wild-type C57BL/6J and G85R mutant superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1G85R) ALS mice were intracerebroventricularly infected with a sublethal dose of CVB3 or sham-infected. For a subset of mice, ribavirin (a broad-spectrum anti-RNA viral drug) was given subcutaneously during the acute or chronic stage of infection. Following viral infection, general activity and survival were monitored daily for up to week 60. Starting at week 20 post-infection (PI), motor functions were measured weekly. Mouse brains and/or spinal cords were harvested at day 10, week 20 and week 60 PI for histopathological evaluation of neurotoxicity, immunohistochemical staining of viral protein, neuroinflammatory/immune and ALS pathology markers, and NanoString and RT-qPCR analysis of inflammatory gene expression. Results We found that sublethal infection (mimicking chronic infection) of SOD1G85R ALS mice with CVB3 resulted in early onset and progressive motor dysfunction, and shortened lifespan, while similar viral infection in C57BL/6J, the background strain of SOD1G85R mice, did not significantly affect motor function and mortality as compared to mock infection within the timeframe of the current study (60 weeks PI). Furthermore, we showed that CVB3 infection led to a significant increase in proinflammatory gene expression and immune cell infiltration and induced ALS-related pathologies (i.e., TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) pathology and neuronal damage) in the CNS of both SOD1G85R and C57BL/6J mice. Finally, we discovered that early (day 1) but not late (day 15) administration of ribavirin could rescue ALS-like neuropathology and symptoms induced by CVB3 infection. Conclusions Our study identifies a new risk factor that contributes to early onset and accelerated progression of ALS and offers opportunities for the development of novel targeted therapies. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12974-022-02380-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Chao Xue
- Centre for Heart and Lung Innovation, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Huitao Liu
- Centre for Heart and Lung Innovation, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Experimental Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Yasir Mohamud
- Centre for Heart and Lung Innovation, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Amirhossein Bahreyni
- Centre for Heart and Lung Innovation, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jingchun Zhang
- Centre for Heart and Lung Innovation, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Neil R Cashman
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Honglin Luo
- Centre for Heart and Lung Innovation, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada. .,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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30
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Alterations in Leptin Signaling in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910305. [PMID: 34638645 PMCID: PMC8508891 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptin has been suggested to play a role in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a fatal progressive neurodegenerative disease. This adipokine has previously been shown to be associated with a lower risk of ALS and to confer a survival advantage in ALS patients. However, the role of leptin in the progression of ALS is unknown. Indeed, our understanding of the mechanisms underlying leptin's effects in the pathogenesis of ALS is very limited, and it is fundamental to determine whether alterations in leptin's actions take place in this neurodegenerative disease. To characterize the association between leptin signaling and the clinical course of ALS, we assessed the mRNA and protein expression profiles of leptin, the long-form of the leptin receptor (Ob-Rb), and leptin-related signaling pathways at two different stages of the disease (onset and end-stage) in TDP-43A315T mice compared to age-matched WT littermates. In addition, at selected time-points, an immunoassay analysis was conducted to characterize plasma levels of total ghrelin, the adipokines resistin and leptin, and metabolic proteins (plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1), gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP), glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), insulin and glucagon) in TDP-43A315T mice compared to WT controls. Our results indicate alterations in leptin signaling in the spinal cord and the hypothalamus on the backdrop of TDP-43-induced deficits in mice, providing new evidence about the pathways that could link leptin signaling to ALS.
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31
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Rybak-Wolf A, Plass M. RNA Dynamics in Alzheimer's Disease. Molecules 2021; 26:5113. [PMID: 34500547 PMCID: PMC8433936 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26175113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common age-related neurodegenerative disorder that heavily burdens healthcare systems worldwide. There is a significant requirement to understand the still unknown molecular mechanisms underlying AD. Current evidence shows that two of the major features of AD are transcriptome dysregulation and altered function of RNA binding proteins (RBPs), both of which lead to changes in the expression of different RNA species, including microRNAs (miRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and messenger RNAs (mRNAs). In this review, we will conduct a comprehensive overview of how RNA dynamics are altered in AD and how this leads to the differential expression of both short and long RNA species. We will describe how RBP expression and function are altered in AD and how this impacts the expression of different RNA species. Furthermore, we will also show how changes in the abundance of specific RNA species are linked to the pathology of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Rybak-Wolf
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology (BIMSB), 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Mireya Plass
- Gene Regulation of Cell Identity, Regenerative Medicine Program, Bellvitge Institute for Biomedical Research (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet del Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain
- Program for Advancing Clinical Translation of Regenerative Medicine of Catalonia, P-CMR[C], L'Hospitalet del Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain
- Center for Networked Biomedical Research on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
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32
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Xue YC, Ng CS, Mohamud Y, Fung G, Liu H, Bahreyni A, Zhang J, Luo H. FUS/TLS Suppresses Enterovirus Replication and Promotes Antiviral Innate Immune Responses. J Virol 2021; 95:e00304-21. [PMID: 33827951 PMCID: PMC8316056 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00304-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
During viral infection, the dynamic virus-host relationship is constantly in play. Many cellular proteins, such as RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), have been shown to mediate antiviral responses during viral infection. Here, we report that the RBP FUS/TLS (fused in sarcoma/translocated in liposarcoma) acts as a host-restricting factor against infection with coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3). Mechanistically, we found that deletion of FUS leads to increased viral RNA transcription and enhanced internal ribosome entry site (IRES)-driven translation, with no apparent impact on viral RNA stability. We further demonstrated that FUS physically interacts with the viral genome, which may contribute to direct inhibition of viral RNA transcription/translation. Moreover, we identified a novel function for FUS in regulating host innate immune response. We show that in the absence of FUS, gene expression of type I interferons and proinflammatory cytokines elicited by viral or bacterial infection is significantly impaired. Emerging evidence suggests a role for stress granules (SGs) in antiviral innate immunity. We further reveal that knockout of FUS abolishes the ability to form SGs upon CVB3 infection or poly(I·C) treatment. Finally, we show that, to avoid FUS-mediated antiviral response and innate immunity, CVB3 infection results in cytoplasmic mislocalization and cleavage of FUS through the enzymatic activity of viral proteases. Together, our findings in this study identify FUS as a novel host antiviral factor which restricts CVB3 replication through direct inhibition of viral RNA transcription and protein translation and through regulation of host antiviral innate immunity.IMPORTANCE Enteroviruses are common human pathogens, including those that cause myocarditis (coxsackievirus B3 [CVB3]), poliomyelitis (poliovirus), and hand, foot, and mouth disease (enterovirus 71). Understanding the virus-host interaction is crucial for developing means of treating and preventing diseases caused by these pathogens. In this study, we explored the interplay between the host RNA-binding protein FUS/TLS and CVB3 and found that FUS/TLS restricts CVB3 replication through direct inhibition of viral RNA transcription/translation and through regulation of cellular antiviral innate immunity. To impede the antiviral role of FUS, CVB3 targets FUS for mislocalization and cleavage. Findings from this study provide novel insights into interactions between CVB3 and FUS, which may lead to novel therapeutic interventions against enterovirus-induced diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Chao Xue
- Centre for Heart and Lung Innovation, St. Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Chen Seng Ng
- Centre for Heart and Lung Innovation, St. Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Yasir Mohamud
- Centre for Heart and Lung Innovation, St. Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Gabriel Fung
- Centre for Heart and Lung Innovation, St. Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Huitao Liu
- Centre for Heart and Lung Innovation, St. Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Amirhossein Bahreyni
- Centre for Heart and Lung Innovation, St. Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jingchun Zhang
- Centre for Heart and Lung Innovation, St. Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Honglin Luo
- Centre for Heart and Lung Innovation, St. Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Rodríguez-Cueto C, Gómez-Almería M, García Toscano L, Romero J, Hillard CJ, de Lago E, Fernández-Ruiz J. Inactivation of the CB 2 receptor accelerated the neuropathological deterioration in TDP-43 transgenic mice, a model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Brain Pathol 2021; 31:e12972. [PMID: 33983653 PMCID: PMC8549023 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.12972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The activation of the cannabinoid receptor type‐2 (CB2) afforded neuroprotection in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) models. The objective of this study was to further investigate the relevance of the CB2 receptor through investigating the consequences of its inactivation. TDP‐43(A315T) transgenic mice were crossed with CB2 receptor knock‐out mice to generate double mutants. Temporal and qualitative aspects of the pathological phenotype of the double mutants were compared to TDP‐43 transgenic mice expressing the CB2 receptor. The double mutants exhibited significantly accelerated neurological decline, such that deteriorated rotarod performance was visible at 7 weeks, whereas rotarod performance was normal up to 11 weeks in transgenic mice with intact expression of the CB2 receptor. A morphological analysis of spinal cords confirmed an earlier death (visible at 65 days) of motor neurons labelled with Nissl staining and ChAT immunofluorescence in double mutants compared to TDP‐43 transgenic mice expressing the CB2 receptor. Evidence of glial reactivity, measured using GFAP and Iba‐1 immunostaining, was seen in double mutants at 65 days, but not in TDP‐43 transgenic mice expressing the CB2 receptor. However, at 90 days, both genotypes exhibited similar changes for all these markers, although surviving motor neurons of transgenic mice presented some morphological abnormalities in absence of the CB2 receptor that were not as evident in the presence of this receptor. This faster deterioration seen in double mutants led to premature mortality compared with TDP‐43 transgenic mice expressing the CB2 receptor. We also investigated the consequences of a pharmacological inactivation of the CB2 receptor using the selective antagonist AM630 in TDP‐43 transgenic mice, but results showed only subtle trends towards a greater deterioration. In summary, our results confirmed the potential of the CB2 receptor agonists as a neuroprotective therapy in ALS and strongly support the need to progress towards an evaluation of this potential in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Rodríguez-Cueto
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Gómez-Almería
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura García Toscano
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Julián Romero
- Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cecilia J Hillard
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Eva de Lago
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Fernández-Ruiz
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
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Velázquez-Cruz A, Baños-Jaime B, Díaz-Quintana A, De la Rosa MA, Díaz-Moreno I. Post-translational Control of RNA-Binding Proteins and Disease-Related Dysregulation. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:658852. [PMID: 33987205 PMCID: PMC8111222 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.658852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell signaling mechanisms modulate gene expression in response to internal and external stimuli. Cellular adaptation requires a precise and coordinated regulation of the transcription and translation processes. The post-transcriptional control of mRNA metabolism is mediated by the so-called RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), which assemble with specific transcripts forming messenger ribonucleoprotein particles of highly dynamic composition. RBPs constitute a class of trans-acting regulatory proteins with affinity for certain consensus elements present in mRNA molecules. However, these regulators are subjected to post-translational modifications (PTMs) that constantly adjust their activity to maintain cell homeostasis. PTMs can dramatically change the subcellular localization, the binding affinity for RNA and protein partners, and the turnover rate of RBPs. Moreover, the ability of many RBPs to undergo phase transition and/or their recruitment to previously formed membrane-less organelles, such as stress granules, is also regulated by specific PTMs. Interestingly, the dysregulation of PTMs in RBPs has been associated with the pathophysiology of many different diseases. Abnormal PTM patterns can lead to the distortion of the physiological role of RBPs due to mislocalization, loss or gain of function, and/or accelerated or disrupted degradation. This Mini Review offers a broad overview of the post-translational regulation of selected RBPs and the involvement of their dysregulation in neurodegenerative disorders, cancer and other pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Velázquez-Cruz
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas, Centro de Investigaciones Científicas Isla de la Cartuja, Universidad de Sevilla, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Seville, Spain
| | - Blanca Baños-Jaime
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas, Centro de Investigaciones Científicas Isla de la Cartuja, Universidad de Sevilla, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Seville, Spain
| | - Antonio Díaz-Quintana
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas, Centro de Investigaciones Científicas Isla de la Cartuja, Universidad de Sevilla, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Seville, Spain
| | - Miguel A De la Rosa
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas, Centro de Investigaciones Científicas Isla de la Cartuja, Universidad de Sevilla, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Seville, Spain
| | - Irene Díaz-Moreno
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas, Centro de Investigaciones Científicas Isla de la Cartuja, Universidad de Sevilla, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Seville, Spain
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Kelaini S, Chan C, Cornelius VA, Margariti A. RNA-Binding Proteins Hold Key Roles in Function, Dysfunction, and Disease. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10050366. [PMID: 33923168 PMCID: PMC8146904 DOI: 10.3390/biology10050366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are multi-faceted proteins in the regulation of RNA or its RNA splicing, localisation, stability, and translation. Amassing proof from many recent and dedicated studies reinforces the perception of RBPs exerting control through differing expression levels, cellular localization and post-transcriptional alterations. However, since the regulation of RBPs is reliant on the micro-environment and events like stress response and metabolism, their binding affinities and the resulting RNA-RBP networks may be affected. Therefore, any misregulation and disruption in the features of RNA and its related homeostasis can lead to a number of diseases that include diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other disorders such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. As such, correct regulation of RNA and RBPs is crucial to good health as the effect RBPs exert through loss of function can cause pathogenesis. In this review, we will discuss the significance of RBPs and their typical function and how this can be disrupted in disease.
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The Novel Regulatory Role of lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA Axis in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: An Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2021; 2021:5526179. [PMID: 33953791 PMCID: PMC8067776 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5526179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an incurable neurodegenerative disease that primarily affects motor neurons, causing muscle atrophy, bulbar palsy, and pyramidal tract signs. However, the aetiology and pathogenesis of ALS have not been elucidated to date. In this study, a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was constructed by analyzing the expression profiles of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) that were matched by 7 ALS samples and 4 control samples, and then a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to identify the genes related to ALS. Gene Ontology (GO) was used to study the potential functions of differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs) in the ceRNA network. For the ALS and control groups, 247177 potential lncRNA-mRNA ceRNA relationship pairs were screened. Analysis of significant relationship pairs demonstrated that the PPI modules formed by the MALAT1-regulated SYNRG, ITSN2, PICALM, AP3B1, and AAK1 genes may play important roles in the pathogenesis of ALS, and these results may help to characterize the pathogenesis of ALS.
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Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Lobar Degenerations: Similarities in Genetic Background. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11030509. [PMID: 33805659 PMCID: PMC7998502 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11030509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating, uniformly lethal progressive degenerative disorder of motor neurons that overlaps with frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) clinically, morphologically, and genetically. Although many distinct mutations in various genes are known to cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, it remains poorly understood how they selectively impact motor neuron biology and whether they converge on common pathways to cause neuronal degeneration. Many of the gene mutations are in proteins that share similar functions. They can be grouped into those associated with cell axon dynamics and those associated with cellular phagocytic machinery, namely protein aggregation and metabolism, apoptosis, and intracellular nucleic acid transport. Analysis of pathways implicated by mutant ALS genes has provided new insights into the pathogenesis of both familial forms of ALS (fALS) and sporadic forms (sALS), although, regrettably, this has not yet yielded definitive treatments. Many genes play an important role, with TARDBP, SQSTM1, VCP, FUS, TBK1, CHCHD10, and most importantly, C9orf72 being critical genetic players in these neurological disorders. In this mini-review, we will focus on the molecular mechanisms of these two diseases.
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Kim W, Kim DY, Lee KH. RNA-Binding Proteins and the Complex Pathophysiology of ALS. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052598. [PMID: 33807542 PMCID: PMC7961459 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic analyses of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have identified disease-causing mutations and accelerated the unveiling of complex molecular pathogenic mechanisms, which may be important for understanding the disease and developing therapeutic strategies. Many disease-related genes encode RNA-binding proteins, and most of the disease-causing RNA or proteins encoded by these genes form aggregates and disrupt cellular function related to RNA metabolism. Disease-related RNA or proteins interact or sequester other RNA-binding proteins. Eventually, many disease-causing mutations lead to the dysregulation of nucleocytoplasmic shuttling, the dysfunction of stress granules, and the altered dynamic function of the nucleolus as well as other membrane-less organelles. As RNA-binding proteins are usually components of several RNA-binding protein complexes that have other roles, the dysregulation of RNA-binding proteins tends to cause diverse forms of cellular dysfunction. Therefore, understanding the role of RNA-binding proteins will help elucidate the complex pathophysiology of ALS. Here, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the function of disease-associated RNA-binding proteins and their role in the dysfunction of membrane-less organelles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanil Kim
- Division of Cosmetic Science and Technology, Daegu Haany University, Hanuidae-ro 1, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk 38610, Korea;
| | - Do-Yeon Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Dentistry, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41940, Korea
- Correspondence: (D.-Y.K.); (K.-H.L.); Tel.: +82-53-660-6880 (D.-Y.K.); +82-53-819-7743 (K.-H.L.)
| | - Kyung-Ha Lee
- Division of Cosmetic Science and Technology, Daegu Haany University, Hanuidae-ro 1, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk 38610, Korea;
- Correspondence: (D.-Y.K.); (K.-H.L.); Tel.: +82-53-660-6880 (D.-Y.K.); +82-53-819-7743 (K.-H.L.)
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39
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Rodríguez-Cueto C, García-Toscano L, Santos-García I, Gómez-Almería M, Gonzalo-Consuegra C, Espejo-Porras F, Fernández-Ruiz J, de Lago E. Targeting the CB 2 receptor and other endocannabinoid elements to delay disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 178:1373-1387. [PMID: 33486755 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoids form a singular group of plant-derived compounds, endogenous lipids and synthetic derivatives with multiple therapeutic effects exerted by targeting different elements of the endocannabinoid system. One of their therapeutic applications is the preservation of neuronal integrity exerted by attenuating the multiple neurotoxic events that kill neurons in neurodegenerative disorders. In this review, we will address the potential of cannabinoids as neuroprotective agents in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a devastating neurodegenerative disorder characterized by muscle denervation, atrophy and paralysis, and progressive deterioration in upper and/or lower motor neurons. The emphasis will be paid on the cannabinoid type 2 (CB2 ) receptor, whose activation limits glial reactivity, but the potential of additional endocannabinoid-related targets will be also addressed. The evidence accumulated so far at the preclinical level supports the need to soon move towards the patients and initiate clinical trials to confirm the potential of cannabinoid-based medicines as disease modifiers in ALS. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on Neurochemistry in Japan. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v178.6/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Rodríguez-Cueto
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.,CIBERNED, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Area 1 - Neurociencias y Organos de los Sentidos, IRYCIS, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura García-Toscano
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.,CIBERNED, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Area 1 - Neurociencias y Organos de los Sentidos, IRYCIS, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene Santos-García
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.,CIBERNED, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Area 1 - Neurociencias y Organos de los Sentidos, IRYCIS, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Gómez-Almería
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.,CIBERNED, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Area 1 - Neurociencias y Organos de los Sentidos, IRYCIS, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Claudia Gonzalo-Consuegra
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.,CIBERNED, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Area 1 - Neurociencias y Organos de los Sentidos, IRYCIS, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Espejo-Porras
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.,CIBERNED, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Area 1 - Neurociencias y Organos de los Sentidos, IRYCIS, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Fernández-Ruiz
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.,CIBERNED, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Area 1 - Neurociencias y Organos de los Sentidos, IRYCIS, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva de Lago
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.,CIBERNED, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Area 1 - Neurociencias y Organos de los Sentidos, IRYCIS, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
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40
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Dalla Costa I, Buchanan CN, Zdradzinski MD, Sahoo PK, Smith TP, Thames E, Kar AN, Twiss JL. The functional organization of axonal mRNA transport and translation. Nat Rev Neurosci 2021; 22:77-91. [PMID: 33288912 PMCID: PMC8161363 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-020-00407-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Axons extend for tremendously long distances from the neuronal soma and make use of localized mRNA translation to rapidly respond to different extracellular stimuli and physiological states. The locally synthesized proteins support many different functions in both developing and mature axons, raising questions about the mechanisms by which local translation is organized to ensure the appropriate responses to specific stimuli. Publications over the past few years have uncovered new mechanisms for regulating the axonal transport and localized translation of mRNAs, with several of these pathways converging on the regulation of cohorts of functionally related mRNAs - known as RNA regulons - that drive axon growth, axon guidance, injury responses, axon survival and even axonal mitochondrial function. Recent advances point to these different regulatory pathways as organizing platforms that allow the axon's proteome to be modulated to meet its physiological needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Dalla Costa
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Courtney N Buchanan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | | | - Pabitra K Sahoo
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Terika P Smith
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Elizabeth Thames
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Amar N Kar
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Jeffery L Twiss
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA.
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41
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Layalle S, They L, Ourghani S, Raoul C, Soustelle L. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Genes in Drosophila melanogaster. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020904. [PMID: 33477509 PMCID: PMC7831090 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating adult-onset neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive degeneration of upper and lower motoneurons. Most ALS cases are sporadic but approximately 10% of ALS cases are due to inherited mutations in identified genes. ALS-causing mutations were identified in over 30 genes with superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1), chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9orf72), fused in sarcoma (FUS), and TAR DNA-binding protein (TARDBP, encoding TDP-43) being the most frequent. In the last few decades, Drosophila melanogaster emerged as a versatile model for studying neurodegenerative diseases, including ALS. In this review, we describe the different Drosophila ALS models that have been successfully used to decipher the cellular and molecular pathways associated with SOD1, C9orf72, FUS, and TDP-43. The study of the known fruit fly orthologs of these ALS-related genes yielded significant insights into cellular mechanisms and physiological functions. Moreover, genetic screening in tissue-specific gain-of-function mutants that mimic ALS-associated phenotypes identified disease-modifying genes. Here, we propose a comprehensive review on the Drosophila research focused on four ALS-linked genes that has revealed novel pathogenic mechanisms and identified potential therapeutic targets for future therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Layalle
- The Neuroscience Institute of Montpellier, INSERM, University of Montpellier, 34091 Montpellier, France; (S.L.); (L.T.); (S.O.)
| | - Laetitia They
- The Neuroscience Institute of Montpellier, INSERM, University of Montpellier, 34091 Montpellier, France; (S.L.); (L.T.); (S.O.)
| | - Sarah Ourghani
- The Neuroscience Institute of Montpellier, INSERM, University of Montpellier, 34091 Montpellier, France; (S.L.); (L.T.); (S.O.)
| | - Cédric Raoul
- The Neuroscience Institute of Montpellier, INSERM, University of Montpellier, 34091 Montpellier, France; (S.L.); (L.T.); (S.O.)
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
- Correspondence: (C.R.); (L.S.)
| | - Laurent Soustelle
- The Neuroscience Institute of Montpellier, INSERM, University of Montpellier, 34091 Montpellier, France; (S.L.); (L.T.); (S.O.)
- Correspondence: (C.R.); (L.S.)
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Niss F, Zaidi W, Hallberg E, Ström AL. Polyglutamine expanded Ataxin-7 induces DNA damage and alters FUS localization and function. Mol Cell Neurosci 2020; 110:103584. [PMID: 33338633 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2020.103584] [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: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases, such as Spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7), are caused by expansions of polyQ repeats in disease specific proteins. The sequestration of vital proteins into aggregates formed by polyQ proteins is believed to be a common pathological mechanism in these disorders. The RNA-binding protein FUS has been observed in polyQ aggregates, though if disruption of this protein plays a role in the neuronal dysfunction in SCA7 or other polyQ diseases remains unclear. We therefore analysed FUS localisation and function in a stable inducible PC12 cell model expressing the SCA7 polyQ protein ATXN7. We found that there was a high degree of FUS sequestration, which was associated with a more cytoplasmic FUS localisation, as well as a decreased expression of FUS regulated mRNAs. In contrast, the role of FUS in the formation of γH2AX positive DNA damage foci was unaffected. In fact, a statistical increase in the number of γH2AX foci, as well as an increased trend of single and double strand DNA breaks, detected by comet assay, could be observed in mutant ATXN7 cells. These results were further corroborated by a clear trend towards increased DNA damage in SCA7 patient fibroblasts. Our findings suggest that both alterations in the RNA regulatory functions of FUS, and increased DNA damage, may contribute to the pathology of SCA7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frida Niss
- Stockholm University, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Svante Arrhenius väg 16C, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Wajiha Zaidi
- Stockholm University, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Svante Arrhenius väg 16C, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Einar Hallberg
- Stockholm University, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Svante Arrhenius väg 16C, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna-Lena Ström
- Stockholm University, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Svante Arrhenius väg 16C, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden.
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