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Stephens AD, Matak-Vinkovic D, Fernandez-Villegas A, Kaminski Schierle GS. Purification of Recombinant α-synuclein: A Comparison of Commonly Used Protocols. Biochemistry 2020; 59:4563-4572. [PMID: 33237763 PMCID: PMC7818547 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.0c00725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The initial state of the intrinsically disordered protein α-synuclein (aSyn), e.g., the presence of oligomers and degradation products, or the presence of contaminants and adducts can greatly influence the aggregation kinetics and toxicity of the protein. Here, we compare four commonly used protocols for the isolation of recombinant aSyn from Escherichia coli: boiling, acid precipitation, ammonium sulfate precipitation, and periplasmic lysis followed by ion exchange chromatography and gel filtration. We identified, using nondenaturing electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, that aSyn isolated by acid precipitation and periplasmic lysis was the purest and yielded the highest percentage of monomeric protein, 100% and 96.5%, respectively. We then show that aSyn purified by the different protocols exerts different metabolic stresses in cells, with the more multimeric/degraded and least pure samples leading to a larger increase in cell vitality. However, the percentage of monomeric protein and the purity of the samples did not correlate with aSyn aggregation propensity. This study highlights the importance of characterizing monomeric aSyn after purification, as the choice of purification method can significantly influence the outcome of a subsequent study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amberley D. Stephens
- Chemical
Engineering and Biotechnology, University
of Cambridge, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge CB3 0AS, U.K.,
| | - Dijana Matak-Vinkovic
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
| | - Ana Fernandez-Villegas
- Chemical
Engineering and Biotechnology, University
of Cambridge, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge CB3 0AS, U.K.
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Rodríguez-Losada N, de la Rosa J, Larriva M, Wendelbo R, Aguirre JA, Castresana JS, Ballaz SJ. Overexpression of alpha-synuclein promotes both cell proliferation and cell toxicity in human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. J Adv Res 2020; 23:37-45. [PMID: 32071790 PMCID: PMC7016025 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2020.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Alpha-Synuclein (aSyn) is a chameleon-like protein. Its overexpression and intracellular deposition defines neurodegenerative α-synucleinopathies including Parkinson's disease. Whether aSyn up-regulation is the cause or the protective reaction to α-synucleinopathies remains unresolved. Remarkably, the accumulation of aSyn is involved in cancer. Here, the neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line was genetically engineered to overexpress aSyn at low and at high levels. aSyn cytotoxicity was assessed by the MTT and vital-dye exclusion methods, observed at the beginning of the sub-culture of low-aSyn overexpressing neurons when cells can barely proliferate exponentially. Conversely, high-aSyn overexpressing cultures grew at high rates while showing enhanced colony formation compared to low-aSyn neurons. Cytotoxicity of aSyn overexpression was indirectly revealed by the addition of pro-oxidant rotenone. Pretreatment with partially reduced graphene oxide, an apoptotic agent, increased toxicity of rotenone in low-aSyn neurons, but, it did not in high-aSyn neurons. Consistent with their enhanced proliferation, high-aSyn neurons showed elevated levels of SMP30, a senescence-marker protein, and the mitosis Ki-67 marker. High-aSyn overexpression conferred to the carcinogenic neurons heightened tumorigenicity and resistance to senescence compared to low-aSyn cells, thus pointing to an inadequate level of aSyn stimulation, rather than the aSyn overload itself, as one of the factors contributing to α-synucleinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noela Rodríguez-Losada
- Dept. of Human Physiology & Physical Sports Education, Medical School, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Javier de la Rosa
- Dept. of Biochemistry & Genetics, University of Navarra School of Sciences, Pamplona, Spain
| | - María Larriva
- Dept. of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Navarra School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Pamplona, Spain
| | | | - José A. Aguirre
- Dept. of Human Physiology & Physical Sports Education, Medical School, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Javier S. Castresana
- Dept. of Biochemistry & Genetics, University of Navarra School of Sciences, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Santiago J. Ballaz
- School of Biological Sciences & Engineering, Yachay Tech University, Urcuquí, Ecuador
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Motyl J, Wencel PL, Cieślik M, Strosznajder RP, Strosznajder JB. Alpha-synuclein alters differently gene expression of Sirts, PARPs and other stress response proteins: implications for neurodegenerative disorders. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 55:727-740. [PMID: 28050792 PMCID: PMC5808059 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-016-0317-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Alpha-synuclein (ASN) is a presynaptic protein that can easily change its conformation under different types of stress. It's assumed that ASN plays an important role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. However, the molecular mechanism of ASN toxicity has not been elucidated. This study focused on the role of extracellular ASN (eASN) in regulation of transcription of sirtuins (Sirts) and DNA-bound poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs) - proteins crucial for cells' survival/death. Our results indicate that eASN enhanced the free radicals level, decreased mitochondria membrane potential, cells viability and activated cells' death. Concomitantly eASN activated expression of antioxidative proteins (Sod2, Gpx4, Gadd45b) and DNA-bound Parp2 and Parp3. Moreover, eASN upregulated expression of Sirt3 and Sirt5, but downregulated of Sirt1, which plays an important role in cell metabolism including Aβ precursor protein (APP) processing. eASN downregulated gene expression of APP alpha secretase (Adam10) and metalloproteinases Mmp2, Mmp10 but upregulated Mmp11. Additionally, expression and activity of pro-survival sphingosine kinase 1 (Sphk1), Akt kinase and anti-apoptotic protein Bcl2 were inhibited. Moreover, higher expression of pro-apoptotic protein Bax and enhancement of apoptotic cells' death were observed. Summarizing, eASN significantly modulates transcription of Sirts and enzymes involved in APP/Aβ metabolism and through these mechanisms eASN toxicity may be enhanced. The inhibition of Sphk1 and Akt by eASN may lead to disturbances of survival pathways. These results suggest that eASN through alteration of transcription and by inhibition of pro-survival kinases may play important pathogenic role in neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Motyl
- Department of Cellular Signalling, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5 Pawińskiego Street, Warsaw, Poland
| | - P L Wencel
- Laboratory of Preclinical Research and Environmental Agents, Department of Neurosurgery, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5 Pawińskiego Street, 02-106, Warsaw, Poland
| | - M Cieślik
- Department of Cellular Signalling, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5 Pawińskiego Street, Warsaw, Poland
| | - R P Strosznajder
- Laboratory of Preclinical Research and Environmental Agents, Department of Neurosurgery, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5 Pawińskiego Street, 02-106, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - J B Strosznajder
- Department of Cellular Signalling, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5 Pawińskiego Street, Warsaw, Poland
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Ge Y, Xu K. Alpha-synuclein contributes to malignant progression of human meningioma via the Akt/mTOR pathway. Cancer Cell Int 2016; 16:86. [PMID: 27895530 PMCID: PMC5109801 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-016-0361-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 11/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study is to explore the expression of alpha-synuclein (α-synuclein) in benign, atypical, and anaplastic meningiomas and determine its role in the malignant progression of meningiomas. METHODS Expression of α-synuclein was measured in 44 meningioma samples by real-time PCR analysis. The effects of overexpression or knockdown of α-synuclein on meningioma cell growth, invasiveness, and tumorigenicity were determined. RESULTS Atypical and anaplastic meningiomas displayed significantly greater levels of α-synuclein mRNA, relative to benign tumors. Depletion of α-synuclein decreased cell proliferation and colony formation and promoted apoptosis in IOMM-Lee meningioma cells, whereas overexpression of α-synuclein facilitated cell proliferation and colony formation in CH-157MN meningioma cells. Silencing of α-synuclein attenuated IOMM-Lee cell migration and invasion. In contrast, ectopic expression of α-synuclein increased the invasiveness of CH-157MN cells. In vivo studies further demonstrated that downregulation of α-synuclein significantly retarded meningioma growth in nude mice. At the molecular level, the phosphorylation levels of Akt, mTOR, p70S6K and 4EBP were significantly decreased in α-synuclein-depleted IOMM-Lee cells. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, α-synuclein upregulation contributes to aggressive phenotypes of meningiomas via the Akt/mTOR pathway and thus represents a potential therapeutic target for malignant meningiomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqin Ge
- Department of Neurosurgery, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.164 Lanxi Road, Shanghai, 200062 China
| | - Kan Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.164 Lanxi Road, Shanghai, 200062 China
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Ahn TB, Jeon BS. The role of quercetin on the survival of neuron-like PC12 cells and the expression of α-synuclein. Neural Regen Res 2015; 10:1113-9. [PMID: 26330835 PMCID: PMC4541243 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.160106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Both genetic and environmental factors are important in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. As α-synuclein is a major constituent of Lewy bodies, a pathologic hallmark of Parkinson's disease, genetic aspects of α-synuclein is widely studied. However, the influence of dietary factors such as quercetin on α-synuclein was rarely studied. Herein we aimed to study the neuroprotective role of quercetin against various toxins affecting apoptosis, autophagy and aggresome, and the role of quercetin on α-synuclein expression. PC12 cells were pre-treated with quercetin (100, 500, 1,000 μM) and then together with various drugs such as 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+; a free radical generator), 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA; a free radical generator), ammonium chloride (an autophagy inhibitor), and nocodazole (an aggresome inhibitor). Cell viability was determined using a 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltertazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Apoptosis was detected by annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate and propidium iodide through the use of fluorescence activated cell sorter. α-Synuclein expression was detected by western blot assay and immunohistochemistry. The role of α-synuclein was further studied by knocking out α-synuclein using RNA interference. Cell viability increased at lower concentrations (100 and 500 μM) of quercetin but decreased at higher concentration (1,000 μM). Quercetin exerted neuroprotective effect against MPP+, ammonium chloride and nocodazole at 100 μM. MPP+ induced apoptosis was decreased by 100 μM quercetin. Quercetin treatment increased α-synuclein expression. However, knocking out α-synuclein exerted no significant effect on cell survival. In conclusion, quercetin is neuroprotective against toxic agents via affecting various mechanisms such as apoptosis, autophagy and aggresome. Because α-synuclein expression is increased by quercetin, the role of quercetin as an environmental factor in Parkinson's disease pathogenesis needs further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae-Beom Ahn
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Beom S Jeon
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea ; Department of Neurology, Movement Disorder Center, Parkinson Study Group, and Neuroscience Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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