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Yang Y, Zhang Z. α-Synuclein pathology from the body to the brain: so many seeds so close to the central soil. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1463-1472. [PMID: 38051888 PMCID: PMC10883481 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.387967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT α-Synuclein is a protein that mainly exists in the presynaptic terminals. Abnormal folding and accumulation of α-synuclein are found in several neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease. Aggregated and highly phosphorylated α-synuclein constitutes the main component of Lewy bodies in the brain, the pathological hallmark of Parkinson's disease. For decades, much attention has been focused on the accumulation of α-synuclein in the brain parenchyma rather than considering Parkinson's disease as a systemic disease. Recent evidence demonstrates that, at least in some patients, the initial α-synuclein pathology originates in the peripheral organs and spreads to the brain. Injection of α-synuclein preformed fibrils into the gastrointestinal tract triggers the gut-to-brain propagation of α-synuclein pathology. However, whether α-synuclein pathology can occur spontaneously in peripheral organs independent of exogenous α-synuclein preformed fibrils or pathological α-synuclein leakage from the central nervous system remains under investigation. In this review, we aimed to summarize the role of peripheral α-synuclein pathology in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. We also discuss the pathways by which α-synuclein pathology spreads from the body to the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunying Yang
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Zhentao Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
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2
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Chamrád I, Simerský R, Lenobel R, Novák O. Exploring affinity chromatography in proteomics: A comprehensive review. Anal Chim Acta 2024; 1306:342513. [PMID: 38692783 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2024.342513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Over the past decades, the proteomics field has undergone rapid growth. Progress in mass spectrometry and bioinformatics, together with separation methods, has brought many innovative approaches to the study of the molecular biology of the cell. The potential of affinity chromatography was recognized immediately after its first application in proteomics, and since that time, it has become one of the cornerstones of many proteomic protocols. Indeed, this chromatographic technique exploiting the specific binding between two molecules has been employed for numerous purposes, from selective removal of interfering (over)abundant proteins or enrichment of scarce biomarkers in complex biological samples to mapping the post-translational modifications and protein interactions with other proteins, nucleic acids or biologically active small molecules. This review presents a comprehensive survey of this versatile analytical tool in current proteomics. To navigate the reader, the haphazard space of affinity separations is classified according to the experiment's aims and the separated molecule's nature. Different types of available ligands and experimental strategies are discussed in further detail for each of the mentioned procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivo Chamrád
- Laboratory of Growth Regulators, Faculty of Science, Palacký University and Institute of Experimental Botany of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Šlechtitelů 241/27, CZ-77900, Olomouc, Holice, Czech Republic.
| | - Radim Simerský
- Department of Chemical Biology, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, Šlechtitelů 241/27, CZ-77900, Olomouc, Holice, Czech Republic
| | - René Lenobel
- Laboratory of Growth Regulators, Faculty of Science, Palacký University and Institute of Experimental Botany of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Šlechtitelů 241/27, CZ-77900, Olomouc, Holice, Czech Republic
| | - Ondřej Novák
- Laboratory of Growth Regulators, Faculty of Science, Palacký University and Institute of Experimental Botany of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Šlechtitelů 241/27, CZ-77900, Olomouc, Holice, Czech Republic
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3
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Kapila S, Sun Y, Peng C, Zhang S. Soluble alpha-synuclein post-translational modifications: unexpected regulators of pathological alpha-synuclein amplification. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:959-960. [PMID: 37862188 PMCID: PMC10749622 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.385303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Simran Kapila
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yuhan Sun
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Chao Peng
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, Brain Research Institute, Mary S. Easton Center for Alzheimer’s Research, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Shujing Zhang
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Wang T, Liu W, Zhang Q, Jiao J, Wang Z, Gao G, Yang H. 4-Oxo-2-Nonenal- and Agitation-Induced Aggregates of α-Synuclein and Phosphorylated α-Synuclein with Distinct Biophysical Properties and Biomedical Applications. Cells 2024; 13:739. [PMID: 38727274 PMCID: PMC11082957 DOI: 10.3390/cells13090739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
α-Synuclein (α-syn) can form oligomers, protofibrils, and fibrils, which are associated with the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease and other synucleinopathies. Both the lipid peroxidation product 4-oxo-2-nonenal (ONE) and agitation can induce aggregation of α-syn and phosphorylated α-syn. Thus, clarification of the characteristics of different α-syn species could help to select suitable aggregates for diagnosis and elucidate the pathogenesis of diseases. Here, we characterized ONE-induced wild-type (WT) α-syn aggregates (OW), ONE-induced phosphorylated α-syn (p-α-syn) aggregates (OP), agitation-induced α-syn preformed fibrils (PFF), and agitation-induced p-α-syn preformed fibrils (pPFF). Thioflavin T (ThT) dying demonstrated that OW and OP had fewer fibrils than the PFF and pPFF. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the lengths of PFF and pPFF were similar, but the diameters differed. OW and OP had more compact structures than PFF and pPFF. Aggregation of p-α-syn was significantly faster than WT α-syn. Furthermore, OW and OP were more sodium dodecyl sulfate-stable and proteinase K-resistant, suggesting greater stability and compactness, while aggregates of PFF and pPFF were more sensitive to proteinase K treatment. Both ONE- and agitation-induced aggregates were cytotoxic when added exogenously to SH-SY5Y cells with increasing incubation times, but the agitation-induced aggregates caused cell toxicity in a shorter time and more p-α-syn inclusions. Similarly, p-proteins were more cytotoxic than non-p-proteins. Finally, all four aggregates were used as standard antigens to establish sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results showed that the recognition efficiency of OW and OP was more sensitive than that of PFF and pPFF. The OW- and OP-specific ELISA for detection of p-α-syn and α-syn in plasma samples of Thy1-α-syn transgenic mice showed that the content of aggregates could reflect the extent of disease. ONE and agitation induced the formation of α-syn aggregates with distinct biophysical properties and biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tie Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; (T.W.); (W.L.); (Q.Z.); (J.J.); (Z.W.)
- Center of Parkinson’s Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Regeneration and Repair, Key Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Disease of the Ministry of Education, Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Weijin Liu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; (T.W.); (W.L.); (Q.Z.); (J.J.); (Z.W.)
- Center of Parkinson’s Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Regeneration and Repair, Key Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Disease of the Ministry of Education, Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Qidi Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; (T.W.); (W.L.); (Q.Z.); (J.J.); (Z.W.)
- Center of Parkinson’s Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Regeneration and Repair, Key Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Disease of the Ministry of Education, Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Jie Jiao
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; (T.W.); (W.L.); (Q.Z.); (J.J.); (Z.W.)
- Center of Parkinson’s Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Regeneration and Repair, Key Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Disease of the Ministry of Education, Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Zihao Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; (T.W.); (W.L.); (Q.Z.); (J.J.); (Z.W.)
- Center of Parkinson’s Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Regeneration and Repair, Key Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Disease of the Ministry of Education, Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Ge Gao
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; (T.W.); (W.L.); (Q.Z.); (J.J.); (Z.W.)
- Center of Parkinson’s Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Regeneration and Repair, Key Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Disease of the Ministry of Education, Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Hui Yang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; (T.W.); (W.L.); (Q.Z.); (J.J.); (Z.W.)
- Center of Parkinson’s Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Regeneration and Repair, Key Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Disease of the Ministry of Education, Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Beijing 100069, China
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Matsui H, Takahashi R. Current trends in basic research on Parkinson's disease: from mitochondria, lysosome to α-synuclein. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2024:10.1007/s00702-024-02774-2. [PMID: 38613675 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-024-02774-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and other brain regions. A key pathological feature of PD is the abnormal accumulation of α-synuclein protein within affected neurons, manifesting as Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites. Despite extensive research efforts spanning several decades, the underlying mechanisms of PD and disease-modifying therapies remain elusive. This review provides an overview of current trends in basic research on PD. Initially, it discusses the involvement of mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of PD, followed by insights into the role of lysosomal dysfunction and disruptions in the vesicular transport system. Additionally, it delves into the pathological and physiological roles of α-synuclein, a crucial protein associated with PD pathophysiology. Overall, the purpose of this review is to comprehend the current state of elucidating the intricate mechanisms underlying PD and to outline future directions in understanding this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideaki Matsui
- Department of Neuroscience of Disease, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, 1-757, Asahimachidori, Chuoku, Niigata, 951-8585, Japan.
| | - Ryosuke Takahashi
- Department of Neurology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 54, Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyoku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan.
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Jin M, Wang S, Gao X, Zou Z, Hirotsune S, Sun L. Pathological and physiological functional cross-talks of α-synuclein and tau in the central nervous system. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:855-862. [PMID: 37843221 PMCID: PMC10664117 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.382231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
α-Synuclein and tau are abundant multifunctional brain proteins that are mainly expressed in the presynaptic and axonal compartments of neurons, respectively. Previous works have revealed that intracellular deposition of α-synuclein and/or tau causes many neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Despite intense investigation, the normal physiological functions and roles of α-synuclein and tau are still unclear, owing to the fact that mice with knockout of either of these proteins do not present apparent phenotypes. Interestingly, the co-occurrence of α-synuclein and tau aggregates was found in post-mortem brains with synucleinopathies and tauopathies, some of which share similarities in clinical manifestations. Furthermore, the direct interaction of α-synuclein with tau is considered to promote the fibrillization of each of the proteins in vitro and in vivo. On the other hand, our recent findings have revealed that α-synuclein and tau are cooperatively involved in brain development in a stage-dependent manner. These findings indicate strong cross-talk between the two proteins in physiology and pathology. In this review, we provide a summary of the recent findings on the functional roles of α-synuclein and tau in the physiological conditions and pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. A deep understanding of the interplay between α-synuclein and tau in physiological and pathological conditions might provide novel targets for clinical diagnosis and therapeutic strategies to treat neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyue Jin
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Neuroscience, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
- Department of Genetic Disease Research, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shengming Wang
- Department of Genetic Disease Research, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Xiaodie Gao
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Neuroscience, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Zhenyou Zou
- Department of Scientific Research, Brain Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Liuzhou, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Shinji Hirotsune
- Department of Genetic Disease Research, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Liyuan Sun
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Neuroscience, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
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Lee M, Barnes J, Vermilyea S, Meints J, Martinez H. Soluble and insoluble lysates from the human A53T mutant α-synuclein transgenic mouse model induces α-synucleinopathy independent of injection site. Res Sq 2024:rs.3.rs-3982325. [PMID: 38496623 PMCID: PMC10942550 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3982325/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Pathological aggregation of a-synuclein (aS) is implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD) and other a-synucleinopathies. The current view is that neuron-to-neuron spreading of aS pathology contributes to the progression of a-synucleinopathy. We used an A53T mutant human aS transgenic mouse model (TgA53T) to examine whether the site of pathogenic aS inoculation affects the pattern of neuropathology and whether soluble and insoluble fractions derived from crude pathogenic tissue lysates exhibit differential capacities to initiate aS pathology. To test whether the inoculation site impacts the ultimate spatial/temporal patterns of aS pathology, aS preformed fibrils (PFF), or brain homogenates from TgA53T mice with a-synucleinopathy, were injected into the cortex/striatum, brain stem, or skeletal muscle. In all cases, inoculation of pathogenic aS induced end-stage motor dysfunction within ~100 days post-inoculation (dpi). Significantly, irrespective of the inoculation sites, ultimate distribution of the aS pathology was like that seen in normally aged TgA53T mice at end-stage, indicating that the intrinsic neuronal vulnerability is a significant determinant in the induction of aS pathology, even when initiated by inoculation of pathogenic aS. Temporal analysis of brain stem injected TgA53T mice show that initial aS pathology was seen by 30 days post-inoculation and inflammatory changes occur at later stages. To determine if the aS species with differential solubility are differentially pathogenic, brain lysates from end-stage TgA53Tmice were fractionated into highly soluble (S150) and insoluble (P150) fractions, as well as the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-enriched fraction (P100). Significantly, all fractions were able to seed de novo aS pathology in vivo, when injected unilaterally into TgA53Tmice with the ER fractions being most pathogenic. Our results suggest that multiple aS species from brain can initiate the development of progressive aS pathology.
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Perez-Villalba A, Sirerol-Piquer MS, Soriano-Cantón R, Folgado V, Pérez-Cañamás A, Kirstein M, Fariñas I, Pérez-Sánchez F. Dopaminergic neuron loss in mice due to increased levels of wild-type human α-Synuclein only takes place under conditions of accelerated aging. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2490. [PMID: 38291230 PMCID: PMC10828501 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53093-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding the intricate pathogenic mechanisms behind Parkinson's disease (PD) and its multifactorial nature presents a significant challenge in disease modeling. To address this, we explore genetic models that better capture the disease's complexity. Given that aging is the primary risk factor for PD, this study investigates the impact of aging in conjunction with overexpression of wild-type human α-synuclein (α-Syn) in the dopaminergic system. This is achieved by introducing a novel transgenic mouse strain overexpressing α-Syn under the TH-promoter within the senescence-accelerated SAMP8 (P8) genetic background. Behavioral assessments, conducted at both 10 and 16 months of age, unveil motor impairments exclusive to P8 α-SynTg mice, a phenomenon conspicuously absent in α-SynTg mice. These findings suggest a synergistic interplay between heightened α-Syn levels and the aging process, resulting in motor deficits. These motor disturbances correlate with reduced dopamine (DA) levels, increased DA turnover, synaptic terminal loss, and notably, the depletion of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and noradrenergic neurons in the locus coeruleus. Furthermore, P8 α-SynTg mice exhibit alterations in gut transit time, mirroring early PD symptoms. In summary, P8 α-SynTg mice effectively replicate parkinsonian phenotypes by combining α-Syn transgene expression with accelerated aging. This model offers valuable insights into the understanding of PD and serves as a valuable platform for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Perez-Villalba
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología Física, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
- Instituto de Biotecnología y Biomedicina (BioTecMed), Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
- Laboratory of Animal Behavior Phenotype (L.A.B.P.), Department of Neuropsychology, Faculty of Psychology, Catholic University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - María Salomé Sirerol-Piquer
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología Física, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
- Instituto de Biotecnología y Biomedicina (BioTecMed), Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Raúl Soriano-Cantón
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología Física, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
- Instituto de Biotecnología y Biomedicina (BioTecMed), Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Virginia Folgado
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología Física, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
- Instituto de Biotecnología y Biomedicina (BioTecMed), Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Azucena Pérez-Cañamás
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología Física, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
- Instituto de Biotecnología y Biomedicina (BioTecMed), Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Martina Kirstein
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología Física, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
- Instituto de Biotecnología y Biomedicina (BioTecMed), Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Isabel Fariñas
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología Física, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain.
- Instituto de Biotecnología y Biomedicina (BioTecMed), Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Francisco Pérez-Sánchez
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología Física, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain.
- Instituto de Biotecnología y Biomedicina (BioTecMed), Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.
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Brockmann K, Lerche S, Baiardi S, Rossi M, Wurster I, Quadalti C, Roeben B, Mammana A, Zimmermann M, Hauser AK, Deuschle C, Schulte C, Liepelt-Scarfone I, Gasser T, Parchi P. CSF α-synuclein seed amplification kinetic profiles are associated with cognitive decline in Parkinson's disease. NPJ Parkinsons Dis 2024; 10:24. [PMID: 38242875 PMCID: PMC10799016 DOI: 10.1038/s41531-023-00627-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Seed amplification assays have been implemented in Parkinson's disease to reveal disease-specific misfolded alpha-synuclein aggregates in biospecimens. While the assays' qualitative dichotomous seeding response is valuable to stratify and enrich cohorts for alpha-synuclein pathology in general, more quantitative parameters that are associated with clinical dynamics of disease progression and that might potentially serve as exploratory outcome measures in clinical trials targeting alpha-synuclein would add important information. To evaluate whether the seeding kinetic parameters time required to reach the seeding threshold (LAG phase), the peak of fluorescence response (Imax), and the area under the curve (AUC) are associated with clinical trajectories, we analyzed LAG, Imax, and AUC in relation to the development of cognitive decline in a longitudinal cohort of 199 people with Parkinson's disease with positive CSF alpha-synuclein seeding status. Patients were stratified into tertiles based on their individual CSF alpha-synuclein seeding kinetic properties. The effect of the kinetic parameters on longitudinal development of cognitive impairment defined by MoCA ≤25 was analyzed by Cox-Regression. Patients with a higher number of positive seeding replicates and tertile groups of shorter LAG, higher Imax, and higher AUC showed a higher prevalence of and a shorter duration until cognitive impairment longitudinally (3, 6, and 3 years earlier with p ≤ 0.001, respectively). Results remained similar in separate subgroup analyses of patients with and without GBA mutation. We conclude that a more prominent alpha-synuclein seeding kinetic profile translates into a more rapid development of cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Brockmann
- Department of Neurodegeneration, Center of Neurology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Tuebingen, Hoppe Seyler‑Strasse 3, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany.
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Stefanie Lerche
- Department of Neurodegeneration, Center of Neurology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Tuebingen, Hoppe Seyler‑Strasse 3, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Simone Baiardi
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Via Altura 1/8, 40139, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DiBiNeM), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marcello Rossi
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Via Altura 1/8, 40139, Bologna, Italy
| | - Isabel Wurster
- Department of Neurodegeneration, Center of Neurology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Tuebingen, Hoppe Seyler‑Strasse 3, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- Edmond J. Safra Fellow in Movement Disorders, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Corinne Quadalti
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Via Altura 1/8, 40139, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Benjamin Roeben
- Department of Neurodegeneration, Center of Neurology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Tuebingen, Hoppe Seyler‑Strasse 3, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Angela Mammana
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Via Altura 1/8, 40139, Bologna, Italy
| | - Milan Zimmermann
- Department of Neurodegeneration, Center of Neurology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Tuebingen, Hoppe Seyler‑Strasse 3, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Ann-Kathrin Hauser
- Department of Neurodegeneration, Center of Neurology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Tuebingen, Hoppe Seyler‑Strasse 3, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Christian Deuschle
- Department of Neurodegeneration, Center of Neurology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Tuebingen, Hoppe Seyler‑Strasse 3, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Claudia Schulte
- Department of Neurodegeneration, Center of Neurology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Tuebingen, Hoppe Seyler‑Strasse 3, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Inga Liepelt-Scarfone
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Gasser
- Department of Neurodegeneration, Center of Neurology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Tuebingen, Hoppe Seyler‑Strasse 3, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Piero Parchi
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Via Altura 1/8, 40139, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DiBiNeM), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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10
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van der Gaag BL, Deshayes NAC, Breve JJP, Bol JGJM, Jonker AJ, Hoozemans JJM, Courade JP, van de Berg WDJ. Distinct tau and alpha-synuclein molecular signatures in Alzheimer's disease with and without Lewy bodies and Parkinson's disease with dementia. Acta Neuropathol 2024; 147:14. [PMID: 38198008 PMCID: PMC10781859 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-023-02657-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Alpha-synuclein (aSyn) pathology is present in approximately 50% of Alzheimer's disease (AD) cases at autopsy and might impact the age-of-onset and disease progression in AD. Here, we aimed to determine whether tau and aSyn profiles differ between AD cases with Lewy bodies (AD-LB), pure AD and Parkinson's disease with dementia (PDD) cases using epitope-, post-translational modification- (PTM) and isoform-specific tau and aSyn antibody panels spanning from the N- to C-terminus. We included the middle temporal gyrus (MTG) and amygdala (AMY) of clinically diagnosed and pathologically confirmed cases and performed dot blotting, western blotting and immunohistochemistry combined with quantitative and morphological analyses. All investigated phospho-tau (pTau) species, except pT181, were upregulated in AD-LB and AD cases compared to PDD and control cases, but no significant differences were observed between AD-LB and AD subjects. In addition, tau antibodies targeting the proline-rich regions and C-terminus showed preferential binding to AD-LB and AD brain homogenates. Antibodies targeting C-terminal aSyn epitopes and pS129 aSyn showed stronger binding to AD-LB and PDD cases compared to AD and control cases. Two pTau species (pS198 and pS396) were specifically detected in the soluble protein fractions of AD-LB and AD subjects, indicative of early involvement of these PTMs in the multimerization process of tau. Other phospho-variants for both tau (pT212/S214, pT231 and pS422) and aSyn (pS129) were only detected in the insoluble protein fraction of AD-LB/AD and AD-LB/PDD cases, respectively. aSyn load was higher in the AMY of AD-LB cases compared to PDD cases, suggesting aggravated aSyn pathology under the presence of AD pathology, while tau load was similar between AD-LB and AD cases. Co-localization of pTau and aSyn could be observed within astrocytes of AD-LB cases within the MTG. These findings highlight a unique pathological signature for AD-LB cases compared to pure AD and PDD cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bram L van der Gaag
- Section Clinical Neuroanatomy and Biobanking, Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Program Neurodegeneration, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Natasja A C Deshayes
- Section Clinical Neuroanatomy and Biobanking, Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - John J P Breve
- Section Clinical Neuroanatomy and Biobanking, Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - John G J M Bol
- Section Clinical Neuroanatomy and Biobanking, Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Allert J Jonker
- Section Clinical Neuroanatomy and Biobanking, Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen J M Hoozemans
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Program Neurodegeneration, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Wilma D J van de Berg
- Section Clinical Neuroanatomy and Biobanking, Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Program Neurodegeneration, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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11
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Tarutani A, Hasegawa M. Ultrastructures of α-Synuclein Filaments in Synucleinopathy Brains and Experimental Models. J Mov Disord 2024; 17:15-29. [PMID: 37990381 PMCID: PMC10846975 DOI: 10.14802/jmd.23213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Intracellular α-synuclein (α-syn) inclusions are a neuropathological hallmark of Lewy body disease (LBD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA), both of which are termed synucleinopathies. LBD is defined by Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites in neurons, while MSA displays glial cytoplasmic inclusions in oligodendrocytes. Pathological α-syn adopts an ordered filamentous structure with a 5-10 nm filament diameter, and this conformational change has been suggested to be involved in the disease onset and progression. Synucleinopathies also exhibit characteristic ultrastructural and biochemical properties of α-syn filaments, and α-syn strains with distinct conformations have been identified. Numerous experimental studies have supported the idea that pathological α-syn self-amplifies and spreads throughout the brain, during which processes the conformation of α-syn filaments may drive the disease specificity. In this review, we summarize the ultrastructural features and heterogeneity of α-syn filaments in the brains of patients with synucleinopathy and in experimental models of seeded α-syn aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Airi Tarutani
- Department of Brain and Neurosciences, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masato Hasegawa
- Department of Brain and Neurosciences, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
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12
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Fan YG, Wu TY, Zhao LX, Jia RJ, Ren H, Hou WJ, Wang ZY. From zinc homeostasis to disease progression: Unveiling the neurodegenerative puzzle. Pharmacol Res 2024; 199:107039. [PMID: 38123108 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.107039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Zinc is a crucial trace element in the human body, playing a role in various physiological processes such as oxidative stress, neurotransmission, protein synthesis, and DNA repair. The zinc transporters (ZnTs) family members are responsible for exporting intracellular zinc, while Zrt- and Irt-like proteins (ZIPs) are involved in importing extracellular zinc. These processes are essential for maintaining cellular zinc homeostasis. Imbalances in zinc metabolism have been linked to the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Disruptions in zinc levels can impact the survival and activity of neurons, thereby contributing to the progression of neurodegenerative diseases through mechanisms like cell apoptosis regulation, protein phase separation, ferroptosis, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. Therefore, conducting a systematic review of the regulatory network of zinc and investigating the relationship between zinc dysmetabolism and neurodegenerative diseases can enhance our understanding of the pathogenesis of these diseases. Additionally, it may offer new insights and approaches for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Gang Fan
- Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Major Chronic Diseases of Nervous System of Liaoning Province, Health Sciences Institute of China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China.
| | - Ting-Yao Wu
- First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121000, China
| | - Ling-Xiao Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Major Chronic Diseases of Nervous System of Liaoning Province, Health Sciences Institute of China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Rong-Jun Jia
- Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Major Chronic Diseases of Nervous System of Liaoning Province, Health Sciences Institute of China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Hang Ren
- Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Major Chronic Diseases of Nervous System of Liaoning Province, Health Sciences Institute of China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Wen-Jia Hou
- Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Major Chronic Diseases of Nervous System of Liaoning Province, Health Sciences Institute of China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Zhan-You Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Major Chronic Diseases of Nervous System of Liaoning Province, Health Sciences Institute of China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China.
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13
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Miller SA, Jeanne Dit Fouque K, Hard ER, Balana AT, Kaplan D, Voinov VG, Ridgeway ME, Park MA, Anderson GA, Pratt MR, Fernandez-Lima F. Top/Middle-Down Characterization of α-Synuclein Glycoforms. Anal Chem 2023; 95:18039-18045. [PMID: 38047498 PMCID: PMC10836061 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c02405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
α-Synuclein is an intrinsically disordered protein that plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's disease. Proteomics studies of human brain samples have associated the modification of the O-linked N-acetyl-glucosamine (O-GlcNAc) to several synucleinopathies; in particular, the position of the O-GlcNAc can regulate protein aggregation and subsequent cell toxicity. There is a need for site specific O-GlcNAc α-synuclein screening tools to direct better therapeutic strategies. In the present work, for the first time, the potential of fast, high-resolution trapped ion mobility spectrometry (TIMS) preseparation in tandem with mass spectrometry assisted by an electromagnetostatic (EMS) cell, capable of electron capture dissociation (ECD), and ultraviolet photodissociation (213 nm UVPD) is illustrated for the characterization of α-synuclein positional glycoforms: T72, T75, T81, and S87 modified with a single O-GlcNAc. Top-down 213 nm UVPD and ECD MS/MS experiments of the intact proteoforms showed specific product ions for each α-synuclein glycoforms associated with the O-GlcNAc position with a sequence coverage of ∼68 and ∼82%, respectively. TIMS-MS profiles of α-synuclein and the four glycoforms exhibited large structural heterogeneity and signature patterns across the 8+-15+ charge state distribution; however, while the α-synuclein positional glycoforms showed signature mobility profiles, they were only partially separated in the mobility domain. Moreover, a middle-down approach based on the Val40-Phe94 (55 residues) chymotrypsin proteolytic product using tandem TIMS-q-ECD-TOF MS/MS permitted the separation of the parent positional isomeric glycoforms. The ECD fragmentation of the ion mobility and m/z separated isomeric Val40-Phe94 proteolytic peptides with single O-GlcNAc in the T72, T75, T81, and S87 positions provided the O-GlcNAc confirmation and positional assignment with a sequence coverage of ∼80%. This method enables the high-throughput screening of positional glycoforms and further enhances the structural mass spectrometry toolbox with fast, high-resolution mobility separations and 213 nm UVPD and ECD fragmentation capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel A Miller
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199, United States
| | - Kevin Jeanne Dit Fouque
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199, United States
| | - Eldon R Hard
- Department of Chemistry and Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90007, United States
| | - Aaron T Balana
- Department of Chemistry and Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90007, United States
| | - Desmond Kaplan
- KapScience LLC, Tewksbury, Massachusetts 01876, United States
| | | | - Mark E Ridgeway
- Bruker Daltonics Inc., Billerica, Massachusetts 01821, United States
| | - Melvin A Park
- Bruker Daltonics Inc., Billerica, Massachusetts 01821, United States
| | | | - Matthew R Pratt
- Department of Chemistry and Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90007, United States
| | - Francisco Fernandez-Lima
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199, United States
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14
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Geibl FF, Henrich MT, Xie Z, Zampese E, Tkatch T, Wokosin DL, Nasiri E, Grotmann CA, Dawson VL, Dawson TM, Chandel NS, Oertel WH, Surmeier DJ. α-Synuclein pathology disrupts mitochondrial function in dopaminergic and cholinergic neurons at-risk in Parkinson's disease. bioRxiv 2023:2023.12.11.571045. [PMID: 38168401 PMCID: PMC10759995 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.11.571045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Background Pathological accumulation of aggregated α-synuclein (aSYN) is a common feature of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the mechanisms by which intracellular aSYN pathology contributes to dysfunction and degeneration of neurons in the brain are still unclear. A potentially relevant target of aSYN is the mitochondrion. To test this hypothesis, genetic and physiological methods were used to monitor mitochondrial function in substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) dopaminergic and pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) cholinergic neurons after stereotaxic injection of aSYN pre-formed fibrils (PFFs) into the mouse brain. Methods aSYN PPFs were stereotaxically injected into the SNc or PPN of mice. Twelve weeks later, mice were studied using a combination of approaches, including immunocytochemical analysis, cell- type specific transcriptomic profiling, electron microscopy, electrophysiology and two-photon-laser- scanning microscopy of genetically encoded sensors for bioenergetic and redox status. Results In addition to inducing a significant neuronal loss, SNc injection of PFFs induced the formation of intracellular, phosphorylated aSYN aggregates selectively in dopaminergic neurons. In these neurons, PFF-exposure decreased mitochondrial gene expression, reduced the number of mitochondria, increased oxidant stress, and profoundly disrupted mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate production. Consistent with an aSYN-induced bioenergetic deficit, the autonomous spiking of dopaminergic neurons slowed or stopped. PFFs also up-regulated lysosomal gene expression and increased lysosomal abundance, leading to the formation of Lewy-like inclusions. Similar changes were observed in PPN cholinergic neurons following aSYN PFF exposure. Conclusions Taken together, our findings suggest that disruption of mitochondrial function, and the subsequent bioenergetic deficit, is a proximal step in the cascade of events induced by aSYN pathology leading to dysfunction and degeneration of neurons at-risk in PD.
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15
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Kon T, Forrest SL, Lee S, Martinez-Valbuena I, Li J, Nassir N, Uddin MJ, Lang AE, Kovacs GG. Neuronal SNCA transcription during Lewy body formation. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2023; 11:185. [PMID: 37996943 PMCID: PMC10666428 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-023-01687-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Misfolded α-synuclein (α-syn) is believed to contribute to neurodegeneration in Lewy body disease (LBD) based on considerable evidence including a gene-dosage effect observed in relation to point mutations and multiplication of SNCA in familial Parkinson's disease. A contradictory concept proposes early loss of the physiological α-syn as the major driver of neurodegeneration. There is a paucity of data on SNCA transcripts in various α-syn immunoreactive cytopathologies. Here, the total cell body, nuclear, and cytoplasmic area density of SNCA transcripts in neurons without and with various α-syn immunoreactive cytopathologies in the substantia nigra and amygdala in autopsy cases of LBD (n = 5) were evaluated using RNAscope combined with immunofluorescence for disease-associated α-syn. Single-nucleus RNA sequencing was performed to elucidate cell-type specific SNCA expression in non-diseased frontal cortex (n = 3). SNCA transcripts were observed in the neuronal nucleus and cytoplasm in neurons without α-syn, those containing punctate α-syn immunoreactivity, irregular-shaped compact inclusion, and brainstem-type and cortical-type LBs. However, SNCA transcripts were only rarely found in the α-syn immunoreactive LB areas. The total cell body SNCA transcript area densities in neurons with punctate α-syn immunoreactivity were preserved but were significantly reduced in neurons with compact α-syn inclusions both in the substantia nigra and amygdala. This reduction was also observed in the cytoplasm but not in the nucleus. Only single SNCA transcripts were detected in astrocytes with or without disease-associated α-syn immunoreactivity in the amygdala. Single-nucleus RNA sequencing revealed that excitatory and inhibitory neurons, oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, oligodendrocytes, and homeostatic microglia expressed SNCA transcripts, while expression was largely absent in astrocytes and microglia. The preserved cellular SNCA expression in the more abundant non-Lewy body type α-syn cytopathologies might provide a pool for local protein production that can aggregate and serve as a seed for misfolded α-syn. Successful segregation of disease-associated α-syn is associated with the exhaustion of SNCA production in the terminal cytopathology, the Lewy body. Our observations inform therapy development focusing on targeting SNCA transcription in LBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoya Kon
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Toronto, 60 Leonard Ave., Rm 6KD414, Tanz CRND, Krembil Discovery Tower, Toronto, ON, M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Neurology, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Japan
| | - Shelley L Forrest
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Toronto, 60 Leonard Ave., Rm 6KD414, Tanz CRND, Krembil Discovery Tower, Toronto, ON, M5T 0S8, Canada
- Dementia Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
- Laboratory Medicine Program and Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Seojin Lee
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Toronto, 60 Leonard Ave., Rm 6KD414, Tanz CRND, Krembil Discovery Tower, Toronto, ON, M5T 0S8, Canada
| | - Ivan Martinez-Valbuena
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Toronto, 60 Leonard Ave., Rm 6KD414, Tanz CRND, Krembil Discovery Tower, Toronto, ON, M5T 0S8, Canada
| | - Jun Li
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Toronto, 60 Leonard Ave., Rm 6KD414, Tanz CRND, Krembil Discovery Tower, Toronto, ON, M5T 0S8, Canada
| | | | - Mohammed J Uddin
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, UAE
- GenomeArc Inc, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Anthony E Lang
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Toronto, 60 Leonard Ave., Rm 6KD414, Tanz CRND, Krembil Discovery Tower, Toronto, ON, M5T 0S8, Canada
- Edmund J Safra Program in Parkinson's Disease and Rossy Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Centre, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gabor G Kovacs
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Toronto, 60 Leonard Ave., Rm 6KD414, Tanz CRND, Krembil Discovery Tower, Toronto, ON, M5T 0S8, Canada.
- Dementia Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.
- Laboratory Medicine Program and Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Edmund J Safra Program in Parkinson's Disease and Rossy Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Centre, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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16
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Li D, Liu C. Molecular rules governing the structural polymorphism of amyloid fibrils in neurodegenerative diseases. Structure 2023; 31:1335-1347. [PMID: 37657437 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2023.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Amyloid fibrils are hallmarks of various neurodegenerative diseases. The structural polymorphism of amyloid fibrils holds significant pathological importance in diseases. This review aims to provide an in-depth overview on the complexity of amyloid fibrils' structural polymorphism and its implications in disease pathogenesis. We firstly decipher the molecular rules governing the structural polymorphism of amyloid fibrils. We then discuss pivotal factors that contribute to the assortment of fibril structural polymorphs, including post-translational modifications (PTMs), disease mutations, and interacting molecules, and elucidate the structural basis of how these determinants influence amyloid fibril polymorphism. Furthermore, we underscore the need for a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between diverse fibril polymorphs and pathological activities, as well as their potential roles in therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Li
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
| | - Cong Liu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China; State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China.
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17
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Xiao B, Tan EK. Targeting α-synuclein and c-Abl in Parkinson's disease. Trends Mol Med 2023; 29:883-885. [PMID: 37500382 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2023.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
In this forum article we present the latest progress on therapeutic-based research focusing on α-synuclein and c-Abl in Parkinson's disease (PD). We highlight the challenges and potential solutions that may facilitate development of these novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Xiao
- Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore.
| | - Eng-King Tan
- Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore; Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.
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18
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Galesic A, Pan B, Ramirez J, Rhoades E, Pratt MR, Petersson EJ. Combining non-canonical amino acid mutagenesis and native chemical ligation for multiply modifying proteins: A case study of α-synuclein post-translational modifications. Methods 2023; 218:101-109. [PMID: 37549799 PMCID: PMC10657485 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2023.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The Parkinson's disease associated protein α-synuclein (αS) has been found to contain numerous post-translational modifications (PTMs), in both physiological and pathological states. One PTM site of particular interest is serine 87, which is subject to both O-linked β-N-acetylglucosamine (gS) modification and phosphorylation (pS), with αS-pS87 enriched in Parkinson's disease. An often-overlooked aspect of these PTMs is their effect on the membrane-binding properties of αS, which are important to its role in regulating neurotransmitter release. Here, we show how one can study these effects by synthesizing αS constructs containing authentic PTMs and labels for single molecule fluorescence correlation spectroscopy measurements. We synthesize αS-gS87 and αS-pS87 by combining native chemical ligation with genetic code expansion approaches. We introduce the fluorophore by a click reaction with a non-canonical amino acid. Beyond the specific problem of PTM effects on αS, our studies highlight the value of this combination of methods for multiply modifying proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Galesic
- Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Buyan Pan
- Department of Chemistry; University of Pennsylvania; 231 South 34th Street; Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jennifer Ramirez
- Graduate Group in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 421 Curie Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Elizabeth Rhoades
- Department of Chemistry; University of Pennsylvania; 231 South 34th Street; Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 421 Curie Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Matthew R. Pratt
- Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - E. James Petersson
- Department of Chemistry; University of Pennsylvania; 231 South 34th Street; Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 421 Curie Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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19
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Kim HY, Chia WK, Hsieh CJ, Guarino DS, Graham TJA, Lengyel-Zhand Z, Schneider M, Tomita C, Lougee MG, Kim HJ, Pagar VV, Lee H, Hou C, Garcia BA, Petersson EJ, O’Shea J, Kotzbauer PT, Mathis CA, Lee VMY, Luk KC, Mach RH. A Novel Brain PET Radiotracer for Imaging Alpha Synuclein Fibrils in Multiple System Atrophy. J Med Chem 2023; 66:12185-12202. [PMID: 37651366 PMCID: PMC10617560 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Abnormal α-synuclein (α-syn) aggregation characterizes α-synucleinopathies, including Parkinson's disease (PD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA). However, no suitable positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracer for imaging α-syn in PD and MSA exists currently. Our structure-activity relationship studies identified 4-methoxy-N-(4-(3-(pyridin-2-yl)-3,8-diazabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-8-yl)phenyl)benzamide (4i) as a PET radiotracer candidate for imaging α-syn. In vitro assays revealed high binding of 4i to recombinant α-syn fibrils (inhibition constant (Ki) = 6.1 nM) and low affinity for amyloid beta (Aβ) fibrils in Alzheimer's disease (AD) homogenates. However, [3H]4i also exhibited high specific binding to AD, progressive supranuclear palsy, and corticobasal degeneration tissues as well as PD and MSA tissues, suggesting notable affinity to tau. Nevertheless, the specific binding to pathologic α-syn aggregates in MSA post-mortem brain tissues was significantly higher than in PD tissues. This finding demonstrated the potential use of [11C]4i as a PET tracer for imaging α-syn in MSA patients. Nonhuman primate PET studies confirmed good brain uptake and rapid washout for [11C]4i.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho Young Kim
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Vagelos Laboratories, 1012, 231 S. 34th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6323, USA
| | - Wai Kit Chia
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Vagelos Laboratories, 1012, 231 S. 34th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6323, USA
| | - Chia-Ju Hsieh
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Vagelos Laboratories, 1012, 231 S. 34th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6323, USA
| | - Dinahlee Saturnino Guarino
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Vagelos Laboratories, 1012, 231 S. 34th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6323, USA
| | - Thomas J. A. Graham
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Vagelos Laboratories, 1012, 231 S. 34th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6323, USA
| | - Zsofia Lengyel-Zhand
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Vagelos Laboratories, 1012, 231 S. 34th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6323, USA
| | - Mark Schneider
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Vagelos Laboratories, 1012, 231 S. 34th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6323, USA
| | - Cosette Tomita
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Vagelos Laboratories, 1012, 231 S. 34th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6323, USA
| | - Marshall G. Lougee
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6323, USA
| | - Hee Jong Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6303, USA
| | - Vinayak V. Pagar
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6323, USA
| | - Hsiaoju Lee
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Vagelos Laboratories, 1012, 231 S. 34th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6323, USA
| | - Catherine Hou
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Vagelos Laboratories, 1012, 231 S. 34th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6323, USA
| | - Benjamin A. Garcia
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6303, USA
| | - E. James Petersson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6323, USA
| | - Jennifer O’Shea
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110-1010, USA
| | - Paul T. Kotzbauer
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110-1010, USA
| | - Chester A. Mathis
- Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Virginia M.-Y. Lee
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-2676, USA
| | - Kelvin C. Luk
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-2676, USA
| | - Robert H. Mach
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Vagelos Laboratories, 1012, 231 S. 34th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6323, USA
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Chaturvedi M, Raj R, Yadav SK, Srivastava T, Devi S, Dharmadana D, Valéry C, Sharma SK, Kumar D, Priya S. Implications of In Vitro Multi-Serine Phosphorylation of Alpha-Synuclein in Aggregation and Cytotoxicity. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:3103-3112. [PMID: 37562012 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-translational modifications guide the functional diversity and identity of proteins. Phosphorylation is one such post-translational modification that has been reported in pathological proteins related to various neurodegenerative disorders such as α-synuclein (α-syn) phosphorylation in Parkinson's disease and other synucleinopathies. In α-syn, the phosphorylation has mostly been observed at S129; however, the occurrence of other serine modifications at S9, S42, and S87 is partially explored. In pathogenic conditions, where α-syn is phosphorylated by complex kinase pathways, multi-site modifications may happen and alter the mechanism of α-syn aggregation. Here, using Polo-like kinase 2 and G-protein coupled receptor kinase 4, the in vitro phosphorylation of α-syn was performed, which revealed multi-serine phosphorylation. Mass spectrometry with customized proteolytic digestion showed prominent phosphorylation at S129 and modifications at S87 and S42 with PLK2 and S87 with GRK4. The phosphorylation at the identified serine residues was further validated with NMR and western blotting. Multi-serine phosphorylation aggravates the aggregation potential of monomeric α-syn, seeding capacity, and cytotoxicity in the SH-SY5Y cell line. This study proposes evidence for in vitro multi-site phosphorylation and its significance in α-syn aggregation, toxicity, and related pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minal Chaturvedi
- Systems Toxicology and Health Risk Assessment Group, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Vishvigyan Bhawan 31, MG Marg, Lucknow 226001, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
- School of Health and Biomedical Science, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria 3083, Australia
| | - Ritu Raj
- Centre of BioMedical Research, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences Campus, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226014, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sanjeev Kumar Yadav
- Systems Toxicology and Health Risk Assessment Group, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Vishvigyan Bhawan 31, MG Marg, Lucknow 226001, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Tulika Srivastava
- Systems Toxicology and Health Risk Assessment Group, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Vishvigyan Bhawan 31, MG Marg, Lucknow 226001, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Shweta Devi
- Systems Toxicology and Health Risk Assessment Group, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Vishvigyan Bhawan 31, MG Marg, Lucknow 226001, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Durga Dharmadana
- School of Health and Biomedical Science, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria 3083, Australia
| | - Céline Valéry
- School of Health and Biomedical Science, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria 3083, Australia
| | - Sandeep K Sharma
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
- Food, Drug & Chemical Toxicology Group, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Vishvigyan Bhawan 31, MG Marg, Lucknow 226001, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Dinesh Kumar
- Centre of BioMedical Research, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences Campus, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226014, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Smriti Priya
- Systems Toxicology and Health Risk Assessment Group, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Vishvigyan Bhawan 31, MG Marg, Lucknow 226001, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
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21
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Brembati V, Faustini G, Longhena F, Outeiro TF, Bellucci A. Changes in α-Synuclein Posttranslational Modifications in an AAV-Based Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13435. [PMID: 37686236 PMCID: PMC10488235 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) pathology is characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons of the nigrostriatal system and accumulation of Lewy bodies (LB) and Lewy neurites (LN), inclusions mainly composed of alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) fibrils. Studies linking the occurrence of mutations and multiplications of the α-Syn gene (SNCA) to the onset of PD support that α-Syn deposition may play a causal role in the disease, in line with the hypothesis that disease progression may correlate with the spreading of LB pathology in the brain. Interestingly, LB accumulate posttranslationally modified forms of α-Syn, suggesting that α-Syn posttranslational modifications impinge on α-Syn aggregation and/or toxicity. Here, we aimed at investigating changes in α-Syn phosphorylation, nitration and acetylation in mice subjected to nigral stereotaxic injections of adeno-associated viral vectors inducing overexpression of human α-Syn (AAV-hα-Syn), that model genetic PD with SNCA multiplications. We detected a mild increase of serine (Ser) 129 phosphorylated α-Syn in the substantia nigra (SN) of AAV-hα-Syn-injected mice in spite of the previously described marked accumulation of this PTM in the striatum. Following AAV-hα-Syn injection, tyrosine (Tyr) 125/136 nitrated α-Syn accumulation in the absence of general 3-nitrotirosine (3NT) or nitrated-Tyr39 α-Syn changes and augmented protein acetylation abundantly overlapping with α-Syn immunopositivity were also detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Brembati
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy (F.L.)
| | - Gaia Faustini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy (F.L.)
| | - Francesca Longhena
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy (F.L.)
| | - Tiago Fleming Outeiro
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Goettingen, 37073 Goettingen, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, 37075 Goettingen, Germany
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Arianna Bellucci
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy (F.L.)
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Wojewska MJ, Otero-Jimenez M, Guijarro-Nuez J, Alegre-Abarrategui J. Beyond Strains: Molecular Diversity in Alpha-Synuclein at the Center of Disease Heterogeneity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13199. [PMID: 37686005 PMCID: PMC10487421 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Alpha-synucleinopathies (α-synucleinopathies) such as Parkinson's disease (PD), Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and multiple system atrophy (MSA) are all characterized by aggregates of alpha-synuclein (α-syn), but display heterogeneous clinical and pathological phenotypes. The mechanism underlying this heterogeneity is thought to be due to diversity in the α-syn strains present across the diseases. α-syn obtained from the post-mortem brain of patients who lived with these conditions is heterogenous, and displays a different protease sensitivity, ultrastructure, cytotoxicity, and seeding potential. The primary aim of this review is to summarize previous studies investigating these concepts, which not only reflect the idea of different syn strains being present, but demonstrate that each property explains a small part of a much larger puzzle. Strains of α-syn appear at the center of the correlation between α-syn properties and the disease phenotype, likely influenced by external factors. There are considerable similarities in the properties of disease-specific α-syn strains, but MSA seems to consistently display more aggressive traits. Elucidating the molecular underpinnings of heterogeneity amongst α-synucleinopathies holds promise for future clinical translation, allowing for the development of personalized medicine approaches tackling the root cause of each α-synucleinopathy.
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23
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Janssen B, Tian G, Lengyel-Zhand Z, Hsieh CJ, Lougee MG, Riad A, Xu K, Hou C, Weng CC, Lopresti BJ, Kim HJ, Pagar VV, Ferrie JJ, Garcia BA, Mathis CA, Luk K, Petersson EJ, Mach RH. Identification of a Putative α-synuclein Radioligand Using an in silico Similarity Search. Mol Imaging Biol 2023; 25:704-719. [PMID: 36991273 PMCID: PMC10527666 DOI: 10.1007/s11307-023-01814-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Previous studies from our lab utilized an ultra-high throughput screening method to identify compound 1 as a small molecule that binds to alpha-synuclein (α-synuclein) fibrils. The goal of the current study was to conduct a similarity search of 1 to identify structural analogs having improved in vitro binding properties for this target that could be labeled with radionuclides for both in vitro and in vivo studies for measuring α-synuclein aggregates. METHODS Using 1 as a lead compound in a similarity search, isoxazole derivative 15 was identified to bind to α-synuclein fibrils with high affinity in competition binding assays. A photocrosslinkable version was used to confirm binding site preference. Derivative 21, the iodo-analog of 15, was synthesized, and subsequently radiolabeled isotopologs [125I]21 and [11C]21 were successfully synthesized for use in in vitro and in vivo studies, respectively. [125I]21 was used in radioligand binding studies in post-mortem Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain homogenates. In vivo imaging of an α-synuclein mouse model and non-human primates was performed with [11C]21. RESULTS In silico molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation studies for a panel of compounds identified through a similarity search, were shown to correlate with Ki values obtained from in vitro binding studies. Improved affinity of isoxazole derivative 15 for α-synuclein binding site 9 was indicated by photocrosslinking studies with CLX10. Design and successful (radio)synthesis of iodo-analog 21 of isoxazole derivative 15 enabled further in vitro and in vivo evaluation. Kd values obtained in vitro with [125I]21 for α-synuclein and Aβ42 fibrils were 0.48 ± 0.08 nM and 2.47 ± 1.30 nM, respectively. [125I]21 showed higher binding in human postmortem PD brain tissue compared with AD tissue, and low binding in control brain tissue. Lastly, in vivo preclinical PET imaging showed elevated retention of [11C]21 in PFF-injected mouse brain. However, in PBS-injected control mouse brain, slow washout of the tracer indicates high non-specific binding. [11C]21 showed high initial brain uptake in a healthy non-human primate, followed by fast washout that may be caused by rapid metabolic rate (21% intact [11C]21 in blood at 5 min p.i.). CONCLUSION Through a relatively simple ligand-based similarity search, we identified a new radioligand that binds with high affinity (<10 nM) to α-synuclein fibrils and PD tissue. Although the radioligand has suboptimal selectivity for α-synuclein towards Aβ and high non-specific binding, we show here that a simple in silico approach is a promising strategy to identify novel ligands for target proteins in the CNS with the potential to be radiolabeled for PET neuroimaging studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bieneke Janssen
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Guilong Tian
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Zsofia Lengyel-Zhand
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Chia-Ju Hsieh
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Marshall G Lougee
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Aladdin Riad
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Kuiying Xu
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Catherine Hou
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Chi-Chang Weng
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Brian J Lopresti
- Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Hee Jong Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Vinayak V Pagar
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - John J Ferrie
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Benjamin A Garcia
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Chester A Mathis
- Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Kelvin Luk
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - E James Petersson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Robert H Mach
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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Siwecka N, Saramowicz K, Galita G, Rozpędek-Kamińska W, Majsterek I. Inhibition of Protein Aggregation and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress as a Targeted Therapy for α-Synucleinopathy. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2051. [PMID: 37631265 PMCID: PMC10459316 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15082051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
α-synuclein (α-syn) is an intrinsically disordered protein abundant in the central nervous system. Physiologically, the protein regulates vesicle trafficking and neurotransmitter release in the presynaptic terminals. Pathologies related to misfolding and aggregation of α-syn are referred to as α-synucleinopathies, and they constitute a frequent cause of neurodegeneration. The most common α-synucleinopathy, Parkinson's disease (PD), is caused by abnormal accumulation of α-syn in the dopaminergic neurons of the midbrain. This results in protein overload, activation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and, ultimately, neural cell apoptosis and neurodegeneration. To date, the available treatment options for PD are only symptomatic and rely on dopamine replacement therapy or palliative surgery. As the prevalence of PD has skyrocketed in recent years, there is a pending issue for development of new disease-modifying strategies. These include anti-aggregative agents that target α-syn directly (gene therapy, small molecules and immunization), indirectly (modulators of ER stress, oxidative stress and clearance pathways) or combine both actions (natural compounds). Herein, we provide an overview on the characteristic features of the structure and pathogenic mechanisms of α-syn that could be targeted with novel molecular-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ireneusz Majsterek
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (N.S.); (K.S.); (G.G.); (W.R.-K.)
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25
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Bazan N, Bhattacharjee S, Kala-Bhattacharjee S, Ledet A, Mukherjee P. Elovanoids are neural resiliency epigenomic regulators targeting histone modifications, DNA methylation, tau phosphorylation, telomere integrity, senescence programming, and dendrite integrity. Res Sq 2023:rs.3.rs-3185942. [PMID: 37502897 PMCID: PMC10371143 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3185942/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Cellular identity, developmental reorganization, genomic structure modulation, and susceptibility to diseases are determined by epigenomic regulation by multiple signaling interplay. Here we demonstrate that elovanoids (ELVs), mediators derived from very-long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (VLC-PUFAs, n-3, C > 28), and their precursors in neurons in culture overcome the damage triggered by oligomeric amyloid-beta (OAβ), erastin (ferroptosis-dependent cell death), or other insults that target epigenomic signaling. We uncover that ELVs counteract damage targeting histones H3K9 and H3K27 methylation and acetylation; tau hyperphosphorylation (pThr181, pThr217, pThr231, and pSer202/pThr205 (AT8)); senescence gene programming (p16INK4a, p27KIP, p21CIP1, and p53); DNA methylation (DNAm) modifying enzymes: TET (DNA hydroxymethylase), DNA methyltransferase, DNA demethylase, and DNAm (5mC) phenotype. Moreover, ELVs revert OAβ-triggered telomere length (TL) attrition as well as upregulation of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) expression fostering dendrite protection and neuronal survival. Thus, ELVs modulate epigenomic resiliency by pleiotropic interrelated signaling.
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26
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Peelaerts W, Baekelandt V. ⍺-Synuclein Structural Diversity and the Cellular Environment in ⍺-Synuclein Transmission Models and Humans. Neurotherapeutics 2023; 20:67-82. [PMID: 37052776 PMCID: PMC10119367 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-023-01365-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and multiple system atrophy (MSA) are termed synucleinopathies, disorders that are characterized by the intracellular aggregation of the protein ɑ-synuclein. The cellular tropism of synuclein pathology in these syndromes is notably distinct since in the Lewy disorders, PD and DLB, ɑSyn forms aggregates in neurons whereas in MSA ɑSyn forms aggregates in oligodendrocytes. Studies examining ɑSyn pathology in experimental models and in human brain have now identified fibrillar ɑSyn with unique but distinct molecular signatures, suggesting that the structure of these ɑSyn fibrils might be closely tied to their cellular ontogeny. In contrast to the native structural heterogeneity of ɑSyn in vitro, the conformational landscape of fibrillar ɑSyn in human brain and in vivo transmission models appears to be remarkably uniform. Here, we review the studies by which we propose a hypothesis that the cellular host environment might be in part responsible for how ɑSyn filaments assemble into phenotype-specific strains. We postulate that the maturation of ɑSyn strains develops as a function of their in vivo transmission routes and cell-specific risk factors. The impact of the cellular environment on the structural diversity of ɑSyn might have important implications for the design of preclinical studies and their use for the development of ɑSyn-based biomarkers and therapeutic strategies. By combining phenotype-specific fibrils and relevant synucleinopathy transmission models, preclinical models might more closely reflect unique disease phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wouter Peelaerts
- Laboratory for Neurobiology and Gene Therapy, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Veerle Baekelandt
- Laboratory for Neurobiology and Gene Therapy, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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