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Raposo M, Hübener-Schmid J, Ferreira AF, Vieira Melo AR, Vasconcelos J, Pires P, Kay T, Garcia-Moreno H, Giunti P, Santana MM, Pereira de Almeida L, Infante J, van de Warrenburg BP, de Vries JJ, Faber J, Klockgether T, Casadei N, Admard J, Schöls L, Riess O, Lima M. Blood transcriptome sequencing identifies biomarkers able to track disease stages in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3. Brain 2023; 146:4132-4143. [PMID: 37071051 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad128] [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: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcriptional dysregulation has been described in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3/Machado-Joseph disease (SCA3/MJD), an autosomal dominant ataxia caused by a polyglutamine expansion in the ataxin-3 protein. As ataxin-3 is ubiquitously expressed, transcriptional alterations in blood may reflect early changes that start before clinical onset and might serve as peripheral biomarkers in clinical and research settings. Our goal was to describe enriched pathways and report dysregulated genes, which can track disease onset, severity or progression in carriers of the ATXN3 mutation (pre-ataxic subjects and patients). Global dysregulation patterns were identified by RNA sequencing of blood samples from 40 carriers of ATXN3 mutation and 20 controls and further compared with transcriptomic data from post-mortem cerebellum samples of MJD patients and controls. Ten genes-ABCA1, CEP72, PTGDS, SAFB2, SFSWAP, CCDC88C, SH2B1, LTBP4, MEG3 and TSPOAP1-whose expression in blood was altered in the pre-ataxic stage and simultaneously, correlated with ataxia severity in the overt disease stage, were analysed by quantitative real-time PCR in blood samples from an independent set of 170 SCA3/MJD subjects and 57 controls. Pathway enrichment analysis indicated the Gαi signalling and the oestrogen receptor signalling to be similarly affected in blood and cerebellum. SAFB2, SFSWAP and LTBP4 were consistently dysregulated in pre-ataxic subjects compared to controls, displaying a combined discriminatory ability of 79%. In patients, ataxia severity was associated with higher levels of MEG3 and TSPOAP1. We propose expression levels of SAFB2, SFSWAP and LTBP4 as well as MEG3 and TSPOAP1 as stratification markers of SCA3/MJD progression, deserving further validation in longitudinal studies and in independent cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mafalda Raposo
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade dos Açores, 9500-321 Ponta Delgada, Portugal
| | - Jeannette Hübener-Schmid
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Centre for Rare Diseases, University of Tübingen, 72072 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ana F Ferreira
- Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade dos Açores, 9500-321 Ponta Delgada, Portugal
| | - Ana Rosa Vieira Melo
- Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade dos Açores, 9500-321 Ponta Delgada, Portugal
| | - João Vasconcelos
- Serviço de Neurologia, Hospital do Divino Espírito Santo, 9500-370 Ponta Delgada, Portugal
| | - Paula Pires
- Serviço de Neurologia, Hospital do Santo Espírito da Ilha Terceira, 9700-049 Angra do Heroísmo, Portugal
| | - Teresa Kay
- Serviço de Genética Clínica, Hospital D. Estefânia, 1169-045 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Hector Garcia-Moreno
- Ataxia Centre, Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
- Department of Neurogenetics, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Paola Giunti
- Ataxia Centre, Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
- Department of Neurogenetics, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Magda M Santana
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3000-075, Portugal
| | - Luis Pereira de Almeida
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3000-075, Portugal
| | - Jon Infante
- Neurology Service, University Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla-IDIVAL, Universidad de Cantabria, Centro de Investigación en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Bart P van de Warrenburg
- Radboud University Medical Centre, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Department of Neurology, 6525 EN Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen J de Vries
- Department of Neurology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9700 AD Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jennifer Faber
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Thomas Klockgether
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Nicolas Casadei
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- NGS Competence Center Tübingen, 72016 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jakob Admard
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- NGS Competence Center Tübingen, 72016 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ludger Schöls
- Department for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center for Neurology, University of Tübingen, 72016 Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 72016 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Olaf Riess
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Centre for Rare Diseases, University of Tübingen, 72072 Tübingen, Germany
- NGS Competence Center Tübingen, 72016 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Manuela Lima
- Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade dos Açores, 9500-321 Ponta Delgada, Portugal
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Pereira Sena P, Weber JJ, Bayezit S, Saup R, Incebacak Eltemur RD, Li X, Velic A, Jung J, Macek B, Nguyen HP, Riess O, Schmidt T. Implications of specific lysine residues within ataxin-3 for the molecular pathogenesis of Machado-Joseph disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1133271. [PMID: 37273907 PMCID: PMC10235640 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1133271] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Lysine residues are one of the main sites for posttranslational modifications of proteins, and lysine ubiquitination of the Machado-Joseph disease protein ataxin-3 is implicated in its cellular function and polyglutamine expansion-dependent toxicity. Despite previously undertaken efforts, the individual roles of specific lysine residues of the ataxin-3 sequence are not entirely understood and demand further analysis. By retaining single lysine residues of otherwise lysine-free wild-type and polyglutamine-expanded ataxin-3, we assessed the effects of a site-limited modifiability on ataxin-3 protein levels, aggregation propensity, localization, and stability. We confirmed earlier findings that levels of lysine-free ataxin-3 are reduced due to its decreased stability, which led to a diminished load of SDS-insoluble species of its polyglutamine-expanded form. The isolated presence of several single lysine residues within the N-terminus of polyglutamine-expanded ataxin-3 significantly restored its aggregate levels, with highest fold changes induced by the presence of lysine 8 or lysine 85, respectively. Ataxin-3 lacking all lysine residues presented a slightly increased nuclear localization, which was counteracted by the reintroduction of lysine 85, whereas presence of either lysine 8 or lysine 85 led to a significantly higher ataxin-3 stability. Moreover, lysine-free ataxin-3 showed increased toxicity and binding to K48-linked polyubiquitin chains, whereas the reintroduction of lysine 85, located between the ubiquitin-binding sites 1 and 2 of ataxin-3, normalized its binding affinity. Overall, our data highlight the relevance of lysine residues 8 and 85 of ataxin-3 and encourage further analyses, to evaluate the potential of modulating posttranslational modifications of these sites for influencing pathophysiological characteristics of the Machado-Joseph disease protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila Pereira Sena
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jonasz Jeremiasz Weber
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Sercan Bayezit
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Rafael Saup
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Rana Dilara Incebacak Eltemur
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Xiaoling Li
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ana Velic
- Proteome Center Tübingen, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jaqueline Jung
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Boris Macek
- Proteome Center Tübingen, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Huu Phuc Nguyen
- Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Olaf Riess
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Thorsten Schmidt
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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Ferreira AF, Raposo M, Shaw ED, Ashraf NS, Medeiros F, Brilhante MDF, Perkins M, Vasconcelos J, Kay T, Costa MDC, Lima M. Tissue-Specific Vulnerability to Apoptosis in Machado-Joseph Disease. Cells 2023; 12:1404. [PMID: 37408238 DOI: 10.3390/cells12101404] [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: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Machado-Joseph disease (MJD) is a dominant neurodegenerative disease caused by an expanded CAG repeat in the ATXN3 gene encoding the ataxin-3 protein. Several cellular processes, including transcription and apoptosis, are disrupted in MJD. To gain further insights into the extent of dysregulation of mitochondrial apoptosis in MJD and to evaluate if expression alterations of specific apoptosis genes/proteins can be used as transcriptional biomarkers of disease, the expression levels of BCL2, BAX and TP53 and the BCL2/BAX ratio (an indicator of susceptibility to apoptosis) were assessed in blood and post-mortem brain samples from MJD subjects and MJD transgenic mice and controls. While patients show reduced levels of blood BCL2 transcripts, this measurement displays low accuracy to discriminate patients from matched controls. However, increased levels of blood BAX transcripts and decreased BCL2/BAX ratio are associated with earlier onset of disease, indicating a possible association with MJD pathogenesis. Post-mortem MJD brains show increased BCL2/BAX transcript ratio in the dentate cerebellar nucleus (DCN) and increased BCL2/BAX insoluble protein ratio in the DCN and pons, suggesting that in these regions, severely affected by degeneration in MJD, cells show signs of apoptosis resistance. Interestingly, a follow-up study of 18 patients further shows that blood BCL2 and TP53 transcript levels increase over time in MJD patients. Furthermore, while the similar levels of blood BCL2, BAX, and TP53 transcripts observed in preclinical subjects and controls is mimicked by pre-symptomatic MJD mice, the expression profile of these genes in patient brains is partially replicated by symptomatic MJD mice. Globally, our findings indicate that there is tissue-specific vulnerability to apoptosis in MJD subjects and that this tissue-dependent behavior is partially replicated in a MJD mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana F Ferreira
- Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade dos Açores, 9500-321 Ponta Delgada, Portugal
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Mafalda Raposo
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Emily D Shaw
- Department of Neurology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Naila S Ashraf
- Department of Neurology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Filipa Medeiros
- Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade dos Açores, 9500-321 Ponta Delgada, Portugal
| | - Maria de Fátima Brilhante
- Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade dos Açores, 9500-321 Ponta Delgada, Portugal
- Centro de Estatística e Aplicações, Universidade de Lisboa (CEAUL), 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Matthew Perkins
- Department of Neurology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - João Vasconcelos
- Serviço de Neurologia, Hospital do Divino Espírito Santo (HDES), 9500-370 Ponta Delgada, Portugal
| | - Teresa Kay
- Serviço de Genética Clínica, Hospital D. Estefânia, 1169-045 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria do Carmo Costa
- Department of Neurology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Manuela Lima
- Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade dos Açores, 9500-321 Ponta Delgada, Portugal
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
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Rufino-Ramos D, Albuquerque PR, Leandro K, Carmona V, Martins IM, Fernandes R, Henriques C, Lobo D, Faro R, Perfeito R, Mendonça LS, Pereira D, Gomes CM, Nobre RJ, Pereira de Almeida L. Extracellular vesicle-based delivery of silencing sequences for the treatment of Machado-Joseph disease/spinocerebellar ataxia type 3. Mol Ther 2023; 31:1275-1292. [PMID: 37025062 PMCID: PMC10188911 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.04.001] [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: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Machado-Joseph disease (MJD)/spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is the most common autosomal dominantly inherited ataxia worldwide. It is caused by an over-repetition of the trinucleotide CAG within the ATXN3 gene, which confers toxic properties to ataxin-3 (ATXN3) species. RNA interference technology has shown promising therapeutic outcomes but still lacks a non-invasive delivery method to the brain. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) emerged as promising delivery vehicles due to their capacity to deliver small nucleic acids, such as microRNAs (miRNAs). miRNAs were found to be enriched into EVs due to specific signal motifs designated as ExoMotifs. In this study, we aimed at investigating whether ExoMotifs would promote the packaging of artificial miRNAs into EVs to be used as non-invasive therapeutic delivery vehicles to treat MJD/SCA3. We found that miRNA-based silencing sequences, associated with ExoMotif GGAG and ribonucleoprotein A2B1 (hnRNPA2B1), retained the capacity to silence mutant ATXN3 (mutATXN3) and were 3-fold enriched into EVs. Bioengineered EVs containing the neuronal targeting peptide RVG on the surface significantly decreased mutATXN3 mRNA in primary cerebellar neurons from MJD YAC 84.2 and in a novel dual-luciferase MJD mouse model upon daily intranasal administration. Altogether, these findings indicate that bioengineered EVs carrying miRNA-based silencing sequences are a promising delivery vehicle for brain therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Rufino-Ramos
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Coimbra 3004-504, Portugal; CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Patrícia R Albuquerque
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Coimbra 3004-504, Portugal; CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Kevin Leandro
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Coimbra 3004-504, Portugal; CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Vitor Carmona
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Inês M Martins
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Coimbra 3004-504, Portugal; CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rita Fernandes
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Coimbra 3004-504, Portugal; CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carina Henriques
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Coimbra 3004-504, Portugal; CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Diana Lobo
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Coimbra 3004-504, Portugal; CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rosário Faro
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Coimbra 3004-504, Portugal; CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rita Perfeito
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Coimbra 3004-504, Portugal; CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Liliana S Mendonça
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Coimbra 3004-504, Portugal; CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Dina Pereira
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Coimbra 3004-504, Portugal; CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Célia M Gomes
- CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rui Jorge Nobre
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Coimbra 3004-504, Portugal; CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Luís Pereira de Almeida
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Coimbra 3004-504, Portugal; CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
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Paulino R, Nóbrega C. Autophagy in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3: From Pathogenesis to Therapeutics. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087405. [PMID: 37108570 PMCID: PMC10138583 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087405] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Machado-Joseph disease (MJD) or spinocerebellar ataxia 3 (SCA3) is a rare, inherited, monogenic, neurodegenerative disease, and the most common SCA worldwide. MJD/SCA3 causative mutation is an abnormal expansion of the triplet CAG at exon 10 within the ATXN3 gene. The gene encodes for ataxin-3, which is a deubiquitinating protein that is also involved in transcriptional regulation. In normal conditions, the ataxin-3 protein polyglutamine stretch has between 13 and 49 glutamines. However, in MJD/SCA3 patients, the size of the stretch increases from 55 to 87, contributing to abnormal protein conformation, insolubility, and aggregation. The formation of aggregates, which is a hallmark of MJD/SCA3, compromises different cell pathways, leading to an impairment of cell clearance mechanisms, such as autophagy. MJD/SCA3 patients display several signals and symptoms in which the most prominent is ataxia. Neuropathologically, the regions most affected are the cerebellum and the pons. Currently, there are no disease-modifying therapies, and patients rely only on supportive and symptomatic treatments. Due to these facts, there is a huge research effort to develop therapeutic strategies for this incurable disease. This review aims to bring together current state-of-the-art strategies regarding the autophagy pathway in MJD/SCA3, focusing on evidence for its impairment in the disease context and, importantly, its targeting for the development of pharmacological and gene-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Paulino
- ABC-RI, Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- FMCB, Faculdade de Medicina e Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Clévio Nóbrega
- ABC-RI, Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- FMCB, Faculdade de Medicina e Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
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Mengel D, Wellik IG, Schuster KH, Jarrah SI, Wacker M, Ashraf NS, Öz G, Synofzik M, do Carmo Costa M, McLoughlin HS. Blood neurofilament light chain levels are associated with disease progression in a transgenic SCA3 mouse model. bioRxiv 2023:2023.02.28.530463. [PMID: 36909535 PMCID: PMC10002656 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.28.530463] [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: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Increased neurofilament light (NfL) protein in biofluids is reflective of neurodegeneration and has gained interest as a biomarker across neurodegenerative diseases. In spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3), the most common dominantly inherited ataxia, patients exhibit progressive NfL increases in peripheral blood when becoming symptomatic, remaining stably elevated throughout further disease course. However, progressive NfL changes are not yet validated in relevant preclinical SCA3 animal models, hindering its application as a biomarker during therapeutic development. We used ultra-sensitive single-molecule array (Simoa) to measure blood NfL over disease progression in the YACQ84 mouse, assessing relationships with measures of disease severity including age, CAG repeat size, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy. We show that YACQ84 mice exhibit increased blood NfL, concomitant with ataxia-related motor deficits and correlated with neurometabolite abnormalities. Our findings establish natural history progression of NfL increases in the preclinical YACQ84 mouse, further supporting the utility of blood NfL as a peripheral neurodegeneration biomarker and informing coinciding timelines of different measures of SCA3 pathogenesis. Summary statement Peripheral blood of SCA3 YACQ84 mice exhibits increased abundance of neuronal-specific NfL protein directly associating with disease progression, providing an accessible disease biofluid biomarker to interrogate in preclinical therapeutic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Mengel
- Research Division Translational Genomics of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Isabel G. Wellik
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | | | - Madeleine Wacker
- Research Division Translational Genomics of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Naila S. Ashraf
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Gülin Öz
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, Department of Radiology, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Matthis Synofzik
- Research Division Translational Genomics of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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Piasecki P, Wiatr K, Ruszkowski M, Marczak Ł, Trottier Y, Figiel M. Impaired interactions of ataxin-3 with protein complexes reveals their specific structure and functions in SCA3 Ki150 model. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1122308. [PMID: 37033372 PMCID: PMC10080164 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1122308] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3/MJD) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by CAG expansion in mutant ATXN3 gene. The resulting PolyQ tract in mutant ataxin-3 protein is toxic to neurons and currently no effective treatment exists. Function of both normal and mutant ataxin-3 is pleiotropic by their interactions and the influence on protein level. Our new preclinical Ki150 model with over 150 CAG/Q in ataxin-3 has robust aggregates indicating the presence of a process that enhances the interaction between proteins. Interactions in large complexes may resemble the real-life inclusion interactions and was never examined before for mutant and normal ataxin-3 and in homozygous mouse model with long polyQ tract. We fractionated ataxin-3-positive large complexes and independently we pulled-down ataxin-3 from brain lysates, and both were followed by proteomics. Among others, mutant ataxin-3 abnormally interacted with subunits of large complexes such as Cct5 and 6, Tcp1, and Camk2a and Camk2b. Surprisingly, the complexes exhibit circular molecular structure which may be linked to the process of aggregates formation where annular aggregates are intermediate stage to fibrils which may indicate novel ataxin-3 mode of interactions. The protein complexes were involved in transport of mitochondria in axons which was confirmed by altered motility of mitochondria along SCA3 Ki150 neurites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Piasecki
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Kalina Wiatr
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Milosz Ruszkowski
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Łukasz Marczak
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Yvon Trottier
- Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Maciej Figiel
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznań, Poland
- *Correspondence: Maciej Figiel,
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8
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Tsimpanouli ME, Ghimire A, Barget AJ, Weston R, Paulson HL, Costa MDC, Watson BO. Sleep Alterations in a Mouse Model of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3. Cells 2022; 11:cells11193132. [PMID: 36231095 PMCID: PMC9563426 DOI: 10.3390/cells11193132] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is a neurodegenerative disorder showing progressive neuronal loss in several brain areas and a broad spectrum of motor and non-motor symptoms, including ataxia and altered sleep. While sleep disturbances are known to play pathophysiologic roles in other neurodegenerative disorders, their impact on SCA3 is unknown. Using spectrographic measurements, we sought to quantitatively characterize sleep electroencephalography (EEG) in SCA3 transgenic mice with confirmed disease phenotype. We first measured motor phenotypes in 18-31-week-old homozygous SCA3 YACMJD84.2 mice and non-transgenic wild-type littermate mice during lights-on and lights-off periods. We next implanted electrodes to obtain 12-h (zeitgeber time 0-12) EEG recordings for three consecutive days when the mice were 26-36 weeks old. EEG-based spectroscopy showed that compared to wild-type littermates, SCA3 homozygous mice display: (i) increased duration of rapid-eye movement sleep (REM) and fragmentation in all sleep and wake states; (ii) higher beta power oscillations during REM and non-REM (NREM); and (iii) additional spectral power band alterations during REM and wake. Our data show that sleep architecture and EEG spectral power are dysregulated in homozygous SCA3 mice, indicating that common sleep-related etiologic factors may underlie mouse and human SCA3 phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Efstratia Tsimpanouli
- Department of Neurology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Correspondence: (M.-E.T.); (M.d.C.C.); (B.O.W.)
| | - Anjesh Ghimire
- Department of Psychiatry, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Anna J. Barget
- Department of Neurology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Ridge Weston
- Department of Psychiatry, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Henry L. Paulson
- Department of Neurology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Maria do Carmo Costa
- Department of Neurology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Correspondence: (M.-E.T.); (M.d.C.C.); (B.O.W.)
| | - Brendon O. Watson
- Department of Psychiatry, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Correspondence: (M.-E.T.); (M.d.C.C.); (B.O.W.)
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9
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Harmuth T, Weber JJ, Zimmer AJ, Sowa AS, Schmidt J, Fitzgerald JC, Schöls L, Riess O, Hübener-Schmid J. Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3 Is Linked to VDAC1 Deubiquitination. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:5933. [PMID: 35682609 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23115933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysfunctional mitochondria are linked to several neurodegenerative diseases. Metabolic defects, a symptom which can result from dysfunctional mitochondria, are also present in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3), also known as Machado–Joseph disease, the most frequent, dominantly inherited neurodegenerative ataxia worldwide. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been reported for several neurodegenerative disorders and ataxin-3 is known to deubiquitinylate parkin, a key protein required for canonical mitophagy. In this study, we analyzed mitochondrial function and mitophagy in a patient-derived SCA3 cell model. Human fibroblast lines isolated from SCA3 patients were immortalized and characterized. SCA3 patient fibroblasts revealed circular, ring-shaped mitochondria and featured reduced OXPHOS complexes, ATP production and cell viability. We show that wildtype ataxin-3 deubiquitinates VDAC1 (voltage-dependent anion channel 1), a member of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore and a parkin substrate. In SCA3 patients, VDAC1 deubiquitination and parkin recruitment to the depolarized mitochondria is inhibited. Increased p62-linked mitophagy, autophagosome formation and autophagy is observed under disease conditions, which is in line with mitochondrial fission. SCA3 fibroblast lines demonstrated a mitochondrial phenotype and dysregulation of parkin-VDAC1-mediated mitophagy, thereby promoting mitochondrial quality control via alternative pathways.
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10
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Sowa AS, Haas E, Hübener-Schmid J, Lorentz A. Ataxin-3, The Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3 Neurodegenerative Disorder Protein, Affects Mast Cell Functions. Front Immunol 2022; 13:870966. [PMID: 35558088 PMCID: PMC9086395 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.870966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3), also known as Machado-Joseph Disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by loss of neuronal matter due to the expansion of the CAG repeat in the ATXN3/MJD1 gene and subsequent ataxin-3 protein. Although the underlying pathogenic protein expansion has been known for more than 20 years, the complexity of its effects is still under exploration. The ataxin-3 protein in its expanded form is known to aggregate and disrupt cellular processes in neuronal tissue but the role of the protein on populations of immune cells is unknown. Recently, mast cells have emerged as potential key players in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Here, we examined the mast cell-related effects of ataxin-3 expansion in the brain tissues of 304Q ataxin-3 knock-in mice and SCA3 patients. We also established cultures of mast cells from the 304Q knock-in mice and examined the effects of 304Q ataxin-3 knock-in on the immune responses of these cells and on markers involved in mast cell growth, development and function. Specifically, our results point to a role for expanded ataxin-3 in suppression of mast cell marker CD117/c-Kit, pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α and NF-κB inhibitor IκBα along with an increased expression of the granulocyte-attracting chemokine CXCL1. These results are the beginning of a more holistic understanding of ataxin-3 and could point to the development of novel therapeutic targets which act on inflammation to mitigate symptoms of SCA3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna S Sowa
- Institute of Nutritional Medicine, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Eva Haas
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Axel Lorentz
- Institute of Nutritional Medicine, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
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11
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Johnson SL, Prifti MV, Sujkowski A, Libohova K, Blount JR, Hong L, Tsou WL, Todi SV. Drosophila as a Model of Unconventional Translation in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3. Cells 2022; 11:cells11071223. [PMID: 35406787 PMCID: PMC8997593 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA toxicity contributes to diseases caused by anomalous nucleotide repeat expansions. Recent work demonstrated RNA-based toxicity from repeat-associated, non-AUG-initiated translation (RAN translation). RAN translation occurs around long nucleotide repeats that form hairpin loops, allowing for translation initiation in the absence of a start codon that results in potentially toxic, poly-amino acid repeat-containing proteins. Discovered in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type (SCA) 8, RAN translation has been documented in several repeat-expansion diseases, including in the CAG repeat-dependent polyglutamine (polyQ) disorders. The ATXN3 gene, which causes SCA3, also known as Machado–Joseph Disease (MJD), contains a CAG repeat that is expanded in disease. ATXN3 mRNA possesses features linked to RAN translation. In this paper, we examined the potential contribution of RAN translation to SCA3/MJD in Drosophila by using isogenic lines that contain homomeric or interrupted CAG repeats. We did not observe unconventional translation in fly neurons or glia. However, our investigations indicate differential toxicity from ATXN3 protein-encoding mRNA that contains pure versus interrupted CAG repeats. Additional work suggests that this difference may be due in part to toxicity from homomeric CAG mRNA. We conclude that Drosophila is not suitable to model RAN translation for SCA3/MJD, but offers clues into the potential pathogenesis stemming from CAG repeat-containing mRNA in this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean L. Johnson
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; (S.L.J.); (M.V.P.); (A.S.); (K.L.); (J.R.B.); (L.H.); (W.-L.T.)
| | - Matthew V. Prifti
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; (S.L.J.); (M.V.P.); (A.S.); (K.L.); (J.R.B.); (L.H.); (W.-L.T.)
| | - Alyson Sujkowski
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; (S.L.J.); (M.V.P.); (A.S.); (K.L.); (J.R.B.); (L.H.); (W.-L.T.)
| | - Kozeta Libohova
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; (S.L.J.); (M.V.P.); (A.S.); (K.L.); (J.R.B.); (L.H.); (W.-L.T.)
| | - Jessica R. Blount
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; (S.L.J.); (M.V.P.); (A.S.); (K.L.); (J.R.B.); (L.H.); (W.-L.T.)
| | - Luke Hong
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; (S.L.J.); (M.V.P.); (A.S.); (K.L.); (J.R.B.); (L.H.); (W.-L.T.)
- Department of Neurology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Wei-Ling Tsou
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; (S.L.J.); (M.V.P.); (A.S.); (K.L.); (J.R.B.); (L.H.); (W.-L.T.)
| | - Sokol V. Todi
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; (S.L.J.); (M.V.P.); (A.S.); (K.L.); (J.R.B.); (L.H.); (W.-L.T.)
- Department of Neurology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Correspondence:
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12
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Vasconcelos-Ferreira A, Martins IM, Lobo D, Pereira D, Lopes MM, Faro R, Lopes SM, Verbeek D, Schmidt T, Nóbrega C, Pereira de Almeida L. ULK overexpression mitigates motor deficits and neuropathology in mouse models of Machado-Joseph disease. Mol Ther 2022; 30:370-387. [PMID: 34298131 PMCID: PMC8753369 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [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: 12/19/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Machado-Joseph disease (MJD) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder clinically characterized by prominent ataxia. It is caused by an expansion of a CAG trinucleotide in ATXN3, translating into an expanded polyglutamine (polyQ) tract in the ATXN3 protein, that becomes prone to misfolding and aggregation. The pathogenesis of the disease has been associated with the dysfunction of several cellular mechanisms, including autophagy and transcription regulation. In this study, we investigated the transcriptional modifications of the autophagy pathway in models of MJD and assessed whether modulating the levels of the affected autophagy-associated transcripts (AATs) would alleviate MJD-associated pathology. Our results show that autophagy is impaired at the transcriptional level in MJD, affecting multiple AATs, including Unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 1 and 2 (ULK1 and ULK2), two homologs involved in autophagy induction. Reinstating ULK1/2 levels by adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene transfer significantly improved motor performance while preventing neuropathology in two in vivo models of MJD. Moreover, in vitro studies showed that the observed positive effects may be mainly attributed to ULK1 activity. This study provides strong evidence of the beneficial effect of overexpression of ULK homologs, suggesting these as promising instruments for the treatment of MJD and other neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Vasconcelos-Ferreira
- CNC – Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Molecular Therapy of Brain Disorders Group, University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Rua Larga, Pólo 1, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal,CIBB – Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Inês Morgado Martins
- CNC – Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Molecular Therapy of Brain Disorders Group, University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Rua Larga, Pólo 1, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal,CIBB – Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal,IIIUC – Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Casa Costa Alemão – Pólo II, Rua Dom Francisco de Lemos, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Diana Lobo
- CNC – Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Molecular Therapy of Brain Disorders Group, University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Rua Larga, Pólo 1, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal,CIBB – Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal,IIIUC – Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Casa Costa Alemão – Pólo II, Rua Dom Francisco de Lemos, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Dina Pereira
- CNC – Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Molecular Therapy of Brain Disorders Group, University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Rua Larga, Pólo 1, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal,CIBB – Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Miguel M. Lopes
- CNC – Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Molecular Therapy of Brain Disorders Group, University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Rua Larga, Pólo 1, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal,CIBB – Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal,IIIUC – Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Casa Costa Alemão – Pólo II, Rua Dom Francisco de Lemos, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rosário Faro
- CNC – Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Molecular Therapy of Brain Disorders Group, University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Rua Larga, Pólo 1, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal,CIBB – Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sara M. Lopes
- CNC – Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Molecular Therapy of Brain Disorders Group, University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Rua Larga, Pólo 1, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal,CIBB – Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal,IIIUC – Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Casa Costa Alemão – Pólo II, Rua Dom Francisco de Lemos, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Dineke Verbeek
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Thorsten Schmidt
- Institute of Medical Genetics & Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany,Center for Rare Diseases (ZSE Tübingen), 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Clévio Nóbrega
- CNC – Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Molecular Therapy of Brain Disorders Group, University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Rua Larga, Pólo 1, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal,CIBB – Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Luís Pereira de Almeida
- CNC – Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Molecular Therapy of Brain Disorders Group, University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Rua Larga, Pólo 1, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal,CIBB – Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal,Corresponding author: Luís Pereira de Almeida, PhD, CNC – Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Molecular Therapy of Brain Disorders Group, University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Rua Larga, Pólo 1, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal.
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13
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Nobre RJ, Lobo DD, Henriques C, Duarte SP, Lopes SM, Silva AC, Lopes MM, Mariet F, Schwarz LK, Baatje MS, Ferreira V, Vallès A, Pereira de Almeida L, Evers MM, Toonen LJA. MiRNA-Mediated Knockdown of ATXN3 Alleviates Molecular Disease Hallmarks in a Mouse Model for Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3. Nucleic Acid Ther 2021; 32:194-205. [PMID: 34878314 PMCID: PMC9221165 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2021.0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by the expansion of a CAG repeat in the ATXN3 gene. This mutation leads to a toxic gain of function of the ataxin-3 protein, resulting in neuronal dysfunction and atrophy of specific brain regions over time. As ataxin-3 is a dispensable protein in rodents, ataxin-3 knockdown by gene therapy may be a powerful approach for the treatment of SCA3. In this study, we tested the feasibility of an adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector carrying a previously described artificial microRNA against ATXN3 in a striatal mouse model of SCA3. Striatal injection of the AAV resulted in good distribution throughout the striatum, with strong dose-dependent ataxin-3 knockdown. The hallmark intracellular ataxin-3 inclusions were almost completely alleviated by the microRNA-induced ATXN3 knockdown. In addition, the striatal lesion of dopamine- and cAMP-regulated neuronal phosphoprotein (DARPP-32) in the SCA3 mice was rescued by ATXN3 knockdown, indicating functional rescue of neuronal signaling and health upon AAV treatment. Together, these data suggest that microRNA-induced ataxin-3 knockdown is a promising therapeutic strategy in the treatment of SCA3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Jorge Nobre
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Molecular Therapy of Brain Disorders Group, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,ViraVector-Viral Vector for Gene Transfer Core Facility and University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (III), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Diana D Lobo
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Molecular Therapy of Brain Disorders Group, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (III), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carina Henriques
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Molecular Therapy of Brain Disorders Group, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,ViraVector-Viral Vector for Gene Transfer Core Facility and University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sonia P Duarte
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Molecular Therapy of Brain Disorders Group, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (III), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sara M Lopes
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Molecular Therapy of Brain Disorders Group, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (III), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana C Silva
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Molecular Therapy of Brain Disorders Group, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (III), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Miguel M Lopes
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Molecular Therapy of Brain Disorders Group, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (III), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Fanny Mariet
- uniQure Biopharma b.v., Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - M S Baatje
- uniQure Biopharma b.v., Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Luis Pereira de Almeida
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Molecular Therapy of Brain Disorders Group, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,ViraVector-Viral Vector for Gene Transfer Core Facility and University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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14
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Pereira Sena P, Weber JJ, Watchon M, Robinson KJ, Wassouf Z, Hauser S, Helm J, Abeditashi M, Schmidt J, Hübener-Schmid J, Schöls L, Laird AS, Riess O, Schmidt T. Pathophysiological interplay between O-GlcNAc transferase and the Machado-Joseph disease protein ataxin-3. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2025810118. [PMID: 34785590 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2025810118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant O-GlcNAcylation, a protein posttranslational modification defined by the O-linked attachment of the monosaccharide N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc), has been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases. However, although many neuronal proteins are substrates for O-GlcNAcylation, this process has not been extensively investigated in polyglutamine disorders. We aimed to evaluate the enzyme O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT), which attaches O-GlcNAc to target proteins, in Machado-Joseph disease (MJD). MJD is a neurodegenerative condition characterized by ataxia and caused by the expansion of a polyglutamine stretch within the deubiquitinase ataxin-3, which then present increased propensity to aggregate. By analyzing MJD cell and animal models, we provide evidence that OGT is dysregulated in MJD, therefore compromising the O-GlcNAc cycle. Moreover, we demonstrate that wild-type ataxin-3 modulates OGT protein levels in a proteasome-dependent manner, and we present OGT as a substrate for ataxin-3. Targeting OGT levels and activity reduced ataxin-3 aggregates, improved protein clearance and cell viability, and alleviated motor impairment reminiscent of ataxia of MJD patients in zebrafish model of the disease. Taken together, our results point to a direct interaction between OGT and ataxin-3 in health and disease and propose the O-GlcNAc cycle as a promising target for the development of therapeutics in the yet incurable MJD.
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15
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Vasconcelos-Ferreira A, Carmo-Silva S, Codêsso JM, Silva P, Martinez ARM, França MC, Nóbrega C, Pereira de Almeida L. The autophagy-enhancing drug carbamazepine improves neuropathology and motor impairment in mouse models of Machado-Joseph disease. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2021; 48:e12763. [PMID: 34432315 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [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: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Machado-Joseph disease (MJD), or spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3), is the most common autosomal dominantly-inherited ataxia worldwide and is characterised by the accumulation of mutant ataxin-3 (mutATXN3) in different brain regions, leading to neurodegeneration. Currently, there are no available treatments able to block disease progression. In this study, we investigated whether carbamazepine (CBZ) would activate autophagy and mitigate MJD pathology. METHODS The autophagy-enhancing activity of CBZ and its effects on clearance of mutATXN3 were evaluated using in vitro and in vivo models of MJD. To investigate the optimal treatment regimen, a daily or intermittent CBZ administration was applied to MJD transgenic mice expressing a truncated human ATXN3 with 69 glutamine repeats. Motor behaviour tests and immunohistology was performed to access the alleviation of MJD-associated motor deficits and neuropathology. A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the CBZ effect in MJD patients. RESULTS We found that CBZ promoted the activation of autophagy and the degradation of mutATXN3 in MJD models upon short or intermittent, but not daily prolonged, treatment regimens. CBZ up-regulated autophagy through activation of AMPK, which was dependent on the myo-inositol levels. In addition, intermittent CBZ treatment improved motor performance, as well as prevented neuropathology in MJD transgenic mice. However, in patients, no evident differences in SARA scale were found, which was not unexpected given the small number of patients included in the study. CONCLUSIONS Our data support the autophagy-enhancing activity of CBZ in the brain and suggest this pharmacological approach as a promising therapy for MJD and other polyglutamine disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Vasconcelos-Ferreira
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,CIBB-Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sara Carmo-Silva
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,CIBB-Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - José Miguel Codêsso
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,CIBB-Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Patrick Silva
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,CIBB-Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | | | - Clévio Nóbrega
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,CIBB-Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Luís Pereira de Almeida
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,CIBB-Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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16
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Simões AT, Carmona V, Duarte-Neves J, Cunha-Santos J, Pereira de Almeida L. Identification of the calpain-generated toxic fragment of ataxin-3 protein provides new avenues for therapy of Machado-Joseph disease| Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2021; 48:e12748. [PMID: 34273111 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 01/02/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Machado-Joseph disease (MJD) is the most frequent dominantly inherited cerebellar ataxia worldwide. Expansion of a CAG trinucleotide in the MJD1 gene translates into a polyglutamine tract within ataxin-3, which upon proteolysis may lead to MJD. The aim of this work was to understand the in vivo contribution of calpain proteases to the pathogenesis of MJD. Therefore, we investigated (a) the calpain cleavage sites in ataxin-3 protein, (b) the most toxic ataxin-3 fragment generated by calpain cleavage and (c) whether targeting calpain cleavage sites of mutant ataxin-3 could be a therapeutic strategy for MJD. METHODS We generated truncated and calpain-resistant constructs at the predicted cleavage sites of ataxin-3 using inverse PCR mutagenesis. Lentiviral vectors encoding these constructs were transduced in the adult mouse brain prior to western blot and immunohistochemical analysis 5 and 8 weeks later. RESULTS We identified the putative calpain cleavage sites for both wild-type and mutant ataxin-3 proteins. The mutation of these sites eliminated the formation of the toxic fragments, namely, the 26-kDa fragment, the major contributor for striatal degeneration. Nonetheless, reducing the formation of both the 26- and 34-kDa fragments was required to preclude the intranuclear localisation of ataxin-3. A neuroprotective effect was observed upon mutagenesis of calpain cleavage sites within mutant ataxin-3 protein. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that the calpain system should be considered a target for MJD therapy. The identified calpain cleavage sites will contribute to the design of targeted drugs and genome editing systems for those specific locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Teresa Simões
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,CIBB-Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Vítor Carmona
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,CIBB-Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Joana Duarte-Neves
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,CIBB-Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Janete Cunha-Santos
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,CIBB-Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Luís Pereira de Almeida
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,CIBB-Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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17
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Gong B, Zhang J, Hua Z, Liu Z, Thiele CJ, Li Z. Downregulation of ATXN3 Enhances the Sensitivity to AKT Inhibitors (Perifosine or MK-2206), but Decreases the Sensitivity to Chemotherapeutic Drugs (Etoposide or Cisplatin) in Neuroblastoma Cells. Front Oncol 2021; 11:686898. [PMID: 34322387 PMCID: PMC8311598 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.686898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chemotherapy resistance is the major cause of failure in neuroblastoma (NB) treatment. ATXN3 has been linked to various types of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases; however, its roles in NB have not been established. The aim of our study was to explore the role of ATXN3 in the cell death induced by AKT inhibitor (perifosine or MK-2206) or chemotherapy drugs (etoposide or cisplatin) in NB cells. Methods The expressions of ATXN3 and BCL-2 family members were detected by Western blot. Cell survival was evaluated by CCK8, cell confluence was measured by IncuCyte, and apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. AS and BE2 were treated with AKT inhibitors or chemotherapeutics, respectively. Results Downregulation of ATXN3 did not block, but significantly increased the perifosine/MK-2206-induced cell death. Among the BCL-2 family members, the expression of pro-apoptotic protein BIM and anti-proapoptotic protein Bcl-xl expression increased significantly when ATXN3 was down-regulated. Downregulation of BIM protected NB cells from the combination of perifosine/MK-2206 and ATXN3 downregulation. Downregulation of ATXN3 did not increase, but decrease the sensitivity of NB cells to etoposide/cisplatin, and knockdown of Bcl-xl attenuated this decrease in sensitivity. Conclusion Downregulation of ATXN3 enhanced AKT inhibitors (perifosine or MK-2206) induced cell death by BIM, but decreased the cell death induced by chemotherapeutic drugs (etoposide or cisplatin) via Bcl-xl. The expression of ATXN3 may be an indicator in selecting different treatment regimen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baocheng Gong
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Medical Research Center, Liaoning Key Laboratory of Research and Application of Animal Models for Environment and Metabolic Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jinhua Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhongyan Hua
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Medical Research Center, Liaoning Key Laboratory of Research and Application of Animal Models for Environment and Metabolic Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhihui Liu
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Section, Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Carol J Thiele
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Section, Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Zhijie Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Medical Research Center, Liaoning Key Laboratory of Research and Application of Animal Models for Environment and Metabolic Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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18
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Wiatr K, Marczak Ł, Pérot JB, Brouillet E, Flament J, Figiel M. Broad Influence of Mutant Ataxin-3 on the Proteome of the Adult Brain, Young Neurons, and Axons Reveals Central Molecular Processes and Biomarkers in SCA3/MJD Using Knock-In Mouse Model. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:658339. [PMID: 34220448 PMCID: PMC8248683 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.658339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3/MJD) is caused by CAG expansion mutation resulting in a long polyQ domain in mutant ataxin-3. The mutant protein is a special type of protease, deubiquitinase, which may indicate its prominent impact on the regulation of cellular proteins levels and activity. Yet, the global model picture of SCA3 disease progression on the protein level, molecular pathways in the brain, and neurons, is largely unknown. Here, we investigated the molecular SCA3 mechanism using an interdisciplinary research paradigm combining behavioral and molecular aspects of SCA3 in the knock-in ki91 model. We used the behavior, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and brain tissue examination to correlate the disease stages with brain proteomics, precise axonal proteomics, neuronal energy recordings, and labeling of vesicles. We have demonstrated that altered metabolic and mitochondrial proteins in the brain and the lack of weight gain in Ki91 SCA3/MJD mice is reflected by the failure of energy metabolism recorded in neonatal SCA3 cerebellar neurons. We have determined that further, during disease progression, proteins responsible for metabolism, cytoskeletal architecture, vesicular, and axonal transport are disturbed, revealing axons as one of the essential cell compartments in SCA3 pathogenesis. Therefore we focus on SCA3 pathogenesis in axonal and somatodendritic compartments revealing highly increased axonal localization of protein synthesis machinery, including ribosomes, translation factors, and RNA binding proteins, while the level of proteins responsible for cellular transport and mitochondria was decreased. We demonstrate the accumulation of axonal vesicles in neonatal SCA3 cerebellar neurons and increased phosphorylation of SMI-312 positive adult cerebellar axons, which indicate axonal dysfunction in SCA3. In summary, the SCA3 disease mechanism is based on the broad influence of mutant ataxin-3 on the neuronal proteome. Processes central in our SCA3 model include disturbed localization of proteins between axonal and somatodendritic compartment, early neuronal energy deficit, altered neuronal cytoskeletal structure, an overabundance of various components of protein synthesis machinery in axons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalina Wiatr
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Łukasz Marczak
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Jean-Baptiste Pérot
- Université Paris-Saclay, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, Direction de la Recherche Fondamentale, Institut de Biologie François Jacob, Molecular Imaging Research Center, Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Emmanuel Brouillet
- Université Paris-Saclay, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, Direction de la Recherche Fondamentale, Institut de Biologie François Jacob, Molecular Imaging Research Center, Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Julien Flament
- Université Paris-Saclay, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, Direction de la Recherche Fondamentale, Institut de Biologie François Jacob, Molecular Imaging Research Center, Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Maciej Figiel
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznań, Poland
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19
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Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3), also known as Machado-Joseph disease (MJD), is a polyglutamine expansion disease arising from a trinucleotide CAG repeat expansion in exon 10 of the gene ATXN3. There are no effective pharmacological treatments for MJD, thus the identification of new pathogenic mechanisms, and the development of novel therapeutics is urgently needed. In this study, we performed a comprehensive, blind drug screen of 3942 compounds (many FDA approved) and identified small molecules that rescued the motor-deficient phenotype in transgenic ATXN3 Caenorhabditis elegans strain. Out of this screen, five lead compounds restoring motility, protecting against neurodegeneration, and increasing the lifespan in ATXN3-CAG89 mutant worms were identified. These compounds were alfacalcidol, chenodiol, cyclophosphamide, fenbufen, and sulfaphenazole. We then investigated how these molecules might exert their neuroprotective properties. We found that three of these compounds, chenodiol, fenbufen, and sulfaphenazole, act as modulators for TFEB/HLH-30, a key transcriptional regulator of the autophagy process, and require this gene for their neuroprotective activities. These genetic-chemical approaches, using genetic C. elegans models for MJD and the screening, are promising tools to understand the mechanisms and pathways causing neurodegeneration, leading to MJD. Positively acting compounds may be promising candidates for investigation in mammalian models of MJD and preclinical applications in the treatment of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin Fardghassemi
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, Quebec H2X 0A9 Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1J4 Canada
| | - Claudia Maios
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, Quebec H2X 0A9 Canada
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1J4 Canada
| | - J. Alex Parker
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, Quebec H2X 0A9 Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1J4 Canada
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1J4 Canada
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20
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Tu Y, Li X, Zhu X, Liu X, Guo C, Jia D, Tang TS. Determining the Fate of Neurons in SCA3: ATX3, a Rising Decision Maker in Response to DNA Stresses and Beyond. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:619911. [PMID: 33425926 PMCID: PMC7793700 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.619911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA damage response (DDR) and apoptosis are reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of many neurodegenerative diseases including polyglutamine (polyQ) disorders, such as Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) and Huntington's disease (HD). Consistently, an increasing body of studies provide compelling evidence for the crucial roles of ATX3, whose polyQ expansion is defined as the cause of SCA3, in the maintenance of genome integrity and regulation of apoptosis. The polyQ expansion in ATX3 seems to affect its physiological functions in these distinct pathways. These advances have expanded our understanding of the relationship between ATX3's cellular functions and the underlying molecular mechanism of SCA3. Interestingly, dysregulated DDR pathways also contribute to the pathogenesis of other neurodegenerative disorder such as HD, which presents a common molecular mechanism yet distinct in detail among different diseases. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current studies about the physiological roles of ATX3 in DDR and related apoptosis, highlighting the crosslinks between these impaired pathways and the pathogenesis of SCA3. Moreover, whether these mechanisms are shared in other neurodegenerative diseases are analyzed. Finally, the preclinical studies targeting DDR and related apoptosis for treatment of polyQ disorders including SCA3 and HD are also summarized and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingfeng Tu
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Department of Paediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoling Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Applied Chemistry, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - Xuefei Zhu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Genome Stability & Disease Prevention, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaokang Liu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Applied Chemistry, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - Caixia Guo
- Beijing Institute of Genomics (China National Center for Bioinformation), University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Da Jia
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Department of Paediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tie-Shan Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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21
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Dantuma NP, Hoppe T, Herzog LK. The price of longevity. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:22350-22351. [PMID: 33253121 PMCID: PMC7746350 DOI: 10.18632/aging.104215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nico P Dantuma
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, S-17177, Sweden
| | - Thorsten Hoppe
- Institute for Genetics and Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Cologne, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Laura K Herzog
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, S-17177, Sweden
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22
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Costa MDC, Radzwion M, McLoughlin HS, Ashraf NS, Fischer S, Shakkottai VG, Maciel P, Paulson HL, Öz G. In Vivo Molecular Signatures of Cerebellar Pathology in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3. Mov Disord 2020; 35:1774-1786. [PMID: 32621646 PMCID: PMC7572607 DOI: 10.1002/mds.28140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [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: 01/02/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND No treatment exists for the most common dominantly inherited ataxia Machado-Joseph disease, or spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3). Successful evaluation of candidate therapeutics will be facilitated by validated noninvasive biomarkers of disease pathology recapitulated by animal models. OBJECTIVE We sought to identify shared in vivo neurochemical signatures in two mouse models of SCA3 that reflect the human disease pathology. METHODS Cerebellar neurochemical concentrations in homozygous YACMJD84.2 (Q84/Q84) and hemizygous CMVMJD135 (Q135) mice were measured by in vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 9.4 tesla. To validate the neurochemical biomarkers, levels of neurofilament medium (NFL; indicator of neuroaxonal integrity) and myelin basic protein (MBP; indicator of myelination) were measured in cerebellar lysates from a subset of mice and patients with SCA3. Finally, NFL and MBP levels were measured in the cerebellar extracts of Q84/Q84 mice upon silencing of the mutant ATXN3 gene. RESULTS Both Q84/Q84 and Q135 mice displayed lower N-acetylaspartate than wild-type littermates, indicating neuroaxonal loss/dysfunction, and lower myo-inositol and total choline, indicating disturbances in phospholipid membrane metabolism and demyelination. Cerebellar NFL and MBP levels were accordingly lower in both models as well as in the cerebellar cortex of patients with SCA3 than controls. Importantly, N-acetylaspartate and total choline correlated with NFL and MPB, respectively, in Q135 mice. Long-term sustained RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated reduction of ATXN3 levels increased NFL and MBP in Q84/Q84 cerebella. CONCLUSIONS N-acetylaspartate, myo-inositol, and total choline levels in the cerebellum are candidate biomarkers of neuroaxonal and oligodendrocyte pathology in SCA3, aspects of pathology that are reversible by RNAi therapy. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Radzwion
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Naila S. Ashraf
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Svetlana Fischer
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Vikram G. Shakkottai
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Departments of Molecular & Integrative Physiology and of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Patrícia Maciel
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Portugal
| | - Henry L. Paulson
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Gülin Öz
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, Department of Radiology, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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23
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Pinto MF, Figueiredo F, Silva A, Pombinho AR, Pereira PJB, Macedo-Ribeiro S, Rocha F, Martins PM. Major Improvements in Robustness and Efficiency during the Screening of Novel Enzyme Effectors by the 3-Point Kinetics Assay. SLAS Discov 2020; 26:373-382. [PMID: 32981414 DOI: 10.1177/2472555220958386] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The throughput level currently reached by automatic liquid handling and assay monitoring techniques is expected to facilitate the discovery of new modulators of enzyme activity. Judicious and dependable ways to interpret vast amounts of information are, however, required to effectively answer this challenge. Here, the 3-point method of kinetic analysis is proposed as a means to significantly increase the hit success rates and decrease the number of falsely identified compounds (false positives). In this post-Michaelis-Menten approach, each screened reaction is probed in three different occasions, none of which necessarily coincide with the initial period of constant velocity. Enzymology principles rather than subjective criteria are applied to identify unwanted outliers such as assay artifacts, and then to accurately distinguish true enzyme modulation effects from false positives. The exclusion and selection criteria are defined based on the 3-point reaction coordinates, whose relative positions along the time-courses may change from well to well or from plate to plate, if necessary. The robustness and efficiency of the new method is illustrated during a small drug repurposing screening of potential modulators of the deubiquinating activity of ataxin-3, a protein implicated in Machado-Joseph disease. Apparently, intractable Z factors are drastically enhanced after (1) eliminating spurious results, (2) improving the normalization method, and (3) increasing the assay resilience to systematic and random variability. Numerical simulations further demonstrate that the 3-point analysis is highly sensitive to specific, catalytic, and slow-onset modulation effects that are particularly difficult to detect by typical endpoint assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Filipa Pinto
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Laboratório de Engenharia de Processos, Ambiente, Biotecnologia e Energia (LEPABE), Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Francisco Figueiredo
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), Braga, Portugal
| | - Alexandra Silva
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - António R Pombinho
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro José Barbosa Pereira
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sandra Macedo-Ribeiro
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Fernando Rocha
- Laboratório de Engenharia de Processos, Ambiente, Biotecnologia e Energia (LEPABE), Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro M Martins
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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24
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Herzog LK, Kevei É, Marchante R, Böttcher C, Bindesbøll C, Lystad AH, Pfeiffer A, Gierisch ME, Salomons FA, Simonsen A, Hoppe T, Dantuma NP. The Machado-Joseph disease deubiquitylase ataxin-3 interacts with LC3C/GABARAP and promotes autophagy. Aging Cell 2020; 19:e13051. [PMID: 31625269 PMCID: PMC6974715 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathology of spinocerebellar ataxia type 3, also known as Machado‐Joseph disease, is triggered by aggregation of toxic ataxin‐3 (ATXN3) variants containing expanded polyglutamine repeats. The physiological role of this deubiquitylase, however, remains largely unclear. Our recent work showed that ATX‐3, the nematode orthologue of ATXN3, together with the ubiquitin‐directed segregase CDC‐48, regulates longevity in Caenorhabditis elegans. Here, we demonstrate that the long‐lived cdc‐48.1; atx‐3 double mutant displays reduced viability under prolonged starvation conditions that can be attributed to the loss of catalytically active ATX‐3. Reducing the levels of the autophagy protein BEC‐1 sensitized worms to the effect of ATX‐3 deficiency, suggesting a role of ATX‐3 in autophagy. In support of this conclusion, the depletion of ATXN3 in human cells caused a reduction in autophagosomal degradation of proteins. Surprisingly, reduced degradation in ATXN3‐depleted cells coincided with an increase in the number of autophagosomes while levels of lipidated LC3 remained unaffected. We identified two conserved LIR domains in the catalytic Josephin domain of ATXN3 that directly interacted with the autophagy adaptors LC3C and GABARAP in vitro. While ATXN3 localized to early autophagosomes, it was not subject to lysosomal degradation, suggesting a transient regulatory interaction early in the autophagic pathway. We propose that the deubiquitylase ATX‐3/ATXN3 stimulates autophagic degradation by preventing superfluous initiation of autophagosomes, thereby promoting an efficient autophagic flux important to survive starvation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura K. Herzog
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology Karolinska Institutet Stockholm Sweden
| | - Éva Kevei
- Institute for Genetics and CECAD Research Center University of Cologne Cologne Germany
| | - Ricardo Marchante
- Institute for Genetics and CECAD Research Center University of Cologne Cologne Germany
| | - Claudia Böttcher
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology Karolinska Institutet Stockholm Sweden
| | - Christian Bindesbøll
- Department of Molecular Medicine Faculty of Medicine Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and Centre for Cancer Cell Reprogramming Institute of Clinical Medicine University of Oslo Oslo Norway
| | - Alf Håkon Lystad
- Department of Molecular Medicine Faculty of Medicine Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and Centre for Cancer Cell Reprogramming Institute of Clinical Medicine University of Oslo Oslo Norway
| | - Annika Pfeiffer
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology Karolinska Institutet Stockholm Sweden
| | - Maria E. Gierisch
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology Karolinska Institutet Stockholm Sweden
| | - Florian A. Salomons
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology Karolinska Institutet Stockholm Sweden
| | - Anne Simonsen
- Department of Molecular Medicine Faculty of Medicine Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and Centre for Cancer Cell Reprogramming Institute of Clinical Medicine University of Oslo Oslo Norway
| | - Thorsten Hoppe
- Institute for Genetics and CECAD Research Center University of Cologne Cologne Germany
| | - Nico P. Dantuma
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology Karolinska Institutet Stockholm Sweden
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25
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McIntosh CS, Aung-Htut MT, Fletcher S, Wilton SD. Removal of the Polyglutamine Repeat of Ataxin-3 by Redirecting pre-mRNA Processing. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20215434. [PMID: 31683630 PMCID: PMC6862616 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20215434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease for which there is currently no cure, nor effective treatment strategy. One of nine polyglutamine disorders known to date, SCA3 is clinically heterogeneous and the main feature is progressive ataxia, which in turn affects speech, balance and gait of the affected individual. SCA3 is caused by an expanded polyglutamine tract in the ataxin-3 protein, resulting in conformational changes that lead to toxic gain of function. The expanded glutamine tract is located at the 5′ end of the penultimate exon (exon 10) of ATXN3 gene transcript. Other studies reported removal of the expanded glutamine tract using splice switching antisense oligonucleotides. Here, we describe improved efficiency in the removal of the toxic polyglutamine tract of ataxin-3 in vitro using phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers, when compared to antisense oligonucleotides composed of 2′-O-methyl modified bases on a phosphorothioate backbone. Significant downregulation of both the expanded and non-expanded protein was induced by the morpholino antisense oligomer, with a greater proportion of ataxin-3 protein missing the polyglutamine tract. With growing concerns over toxicity associated with long-term administration of phosphorothioate oligonucleotides, the use of a phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer may be preferable for clinical application. These results suggest that morpholino oligomers may provide greater therapeutic benefit for the treatment of spinocerebellar ataxia type 3, without toxic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig S McIntosh
- Molecular Therapy Laboratory, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Health Research Building, Discovery Way, Murdoch WA 6150, Australia.
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands WA 6009, Australia.
| | - May Thandar Aung-Htut
- Molecular Therapy Laboratory, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Health Research Building, Discovery Way, Murdoch WA 6150, Australia.
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands WA 6009, Australia.
| | - Sue Fletcher
- Molecular Therapy Laboratory, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Health Research Building, Discovery Way, Murdoch WA 6150, Australia.
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands WA 6009, Australia.
| | - Steve D Wilton
- Molecular Therapy Laboratory, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Health Research Building, Discovery Way, Murdoch WA 6150, Australia.
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands WA 6009, Australia.
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26
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Krauss S, Evert BO. The Role of MicroRNAs in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3. J Mol Biol 2019; 431:1729-1742. [PMID: 30664869 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2019.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [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: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 01/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
More than 90% of the human genome are transcribed as non-coding RNAs. While it is still under debate if all these non-coding transcripts are functional, there is emerging evidence that RNA has several important functions in addition to coding for proteins. For example, microRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulatory RNAs that control gene expression in various biological processes and human diseases. In spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3), a devastating neurodegenerative disease, miRNAs are involved in the disease process at different levels, including the deregulation of components of the general miRNA biogenesis machinery, as well as in the cell type-specific control of the expression of the SCA3 disease protein and other SCA3 disease-relevant proteins. However, it remains difficult to predict whether these changes are a cause or a consequence of the neurodegenerative process in SCA3. Further studies using standardized procedures for the analysis of miRNA expression and larger sample numbers are required to enhance our understanding of the miRNA-mediated processes involved in SCA3 disease and may enable the development of miRNA-based therapeutics. In this review, we summarize the findings of independent studies highlighting both the disease-related and cytoprotective roles of miRNAs that have been implicated so far in the disease process of SCA3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sybille Krauss
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Sigmund-Freud-Street 27, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Bernd O Evert
- Department of Neurology, University of Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Street 25, 53127 Bonn, Germany.
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27
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Harmuth T, Prell-Schicker C, Weber JJ, Gellerich F, Funke C, Drießen S, Magg JCD, Krebiehl G, Wolburg H, Hayer SN, Hauser S, Krüger R, Schöls L, Riess O, Hübener-Schmid J. Mitochondrial Morphology, Function and Homeostasis Are Impaired by Expression of an N-terminal Calpain Cleavage Fragment of Ataxin-3. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:368. [PMID: 30364204 PMCID: PMC6192284 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Alterations in mitochondrial morphology and function have been linked to neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson disease, Alzheimer disease and Huntington disease. Metabolic defects, resulting from dysfunctional mitochondria, have been reported in patients and respective animal models of all those diseases. Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3 (SCA3), another neurodegenerative disorder, also presents with metabolic defects and loss of body weight in early disease stages although the possible role of mitochondrial dysfunction in SCA3 pathology is still to be determined. Interestingly, the SCA3 disease protein ataxin-3, which is predominantly localized in cytoplasm and nucleus, has also been associated with mitochondria in both its mutant and wildtype form. This observation provides an interesting link to a potential mitochondrial involvement of mutant ataxin-3 in SCA3 pathogenesis. Furthermore, proteolytic cleavage of ataxin-3 has been shown to produce toxic fragments and even overexpression of artificially truncated forms of ataxin-3 resulted in mitochondria deficits. Therefore, we analyzed the repercussions of expressing a naturally occurring N-terminal cleavage fragment of ataxin-3 and the influence of an endogenous expression of the S256 cleavage fragment in vitro and in vivo. In our study, expression of a fragment derived from calpain cleavage induced mitochondrial fragmentation and cristae alterations leading to a significantly decreased capacity of mitochondrial respiration and contributing to an increased susceptibility to apoptosis. Furthermore, analyzing mitophagy revealed activation of autophagy in the early pathogenesis with reduced lysosomal activity. In conclusion, our findings indicate that cleavage of ataxin-3 by calpains results in fragments which interfere with mitochondrial function and mitochondrial degradation processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Harmuth
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Centre for Rare Diseases, Tübingen, Germany.,Graduate School of Cellular Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Caroline Prell-Schicker
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jonasz J Weber
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Centre for Rare Diseases, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Frank Gellerich
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Funke
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Drießen
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Janine C D Magg
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Centre for Rare Diseases, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Guido Krebiehl
- Center of Neurology and Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Hartwig Wolburg
- Institute of Pathology and Neuropathology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stefanie N Hayer
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Tübingen, Germany.,Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Hauser
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Rejko Krüger
- Center of Neurology and Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Ludger Schöls
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Tübingen, Germany.,Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Olaf Riess
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Centre for Rare Diseases, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jeannette Hübener-Schmid
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Centre for Rare Diseases, Tübingen, Germany
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28
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Matos CA, de Almeida LP, Nóbrega C. Machado-Joseph disease/spinocerebellar ataxia type 3: lessons from disease pathogenesis and clues into therapy. J Neurochem 2018; 148:8-28. [PMID: 29959858 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [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: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Machado-Joseph disease (MJD), also known as spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3), is an incurable disorder, widely regarded as the most common form of spinocerebellar ataxia in the world. MJD/SCA3 arises from mutation of the ATXN3 gene, but this simple monogenic cause contrasts with the complexity of the pathogenic mechanisms that are currently admitted to underlie neuronal dysfunction and death. The aberrantly expanded protein product - ataxin-3 - is known to aggregate and generate toxic species that disrupt several cell systems, including autophagy, proteostasis, transcription, mitochondrial function and signalling. Over the years, research into putative therapeutic approaches has often been devoted to the development of strategies that counteract disease at different stages of cellular pathogenesis. Silencing the pathogenic protein, blocking aggregation, inhibiting toxic proteolytic processing and counteracting dysfunctions of the cellular systems affected have yielded promising ameliorating results in studies with cellular and animal models. The current review analyses the available studies dedicated to the investigation of MJD/SCA3 pathogenesis and the exploration of possible therapeutic strategies, focusing primarily on gene therapy and pharmacological approaches rooted on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos A Matos
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Luís Pereira de Almeida
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Clévio Nóbrega
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Department of Biomedical Sciences and Medicine, University of Algarve, Coimbra, Portugal.,Centre for Biomedical Research (CBMR), University of Algarve, Coimbra, Portugal.,Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
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29
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Visentin C, Navarro S, Grasso G, Regonesi ME, Deriu MA, Tortora P, Ventura S. Protein Environment: A Crucial Triggering Factor in Josephin Domain Aggregation: The Role of 2,2,2-Trifluoroethanol. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19082151. [PMID: 30042316 PMCID: PMC6121581 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19082151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Revised: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The protein ataxin-3 contains a polyglutamine stretch that triggers amyloid aggregation when it is expanded beyond a critical threshold. This results in the onset of the spinocerebellar ataxia type 3. The protein consists of the globular N-terminal Josephin domain and a disordered C-terminal tail where the polyglutamine stretch is located. Expanded ataxin-3 aggregates via a two-stage mechanism: first, Josephin domain self-association, then polyQ fibrillation. This highlights the intrinsic amyloidogenic potential of Josephin domain. Therefore, much effort has been put into investigating its aggregation mechanism(s). A key issue regards the conformational requirements for triggering amyloid aggregation, as it is believed that, generally, misfolding should precede aggregation. Here, we have assayed the effect of 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol, a co-solvent capable of stabilizing secondary structures, especially α-helices. By combining biophysical methods and molecular dynamics, we demonstrated that both secondary and tertiary JD structures are virtually unchanged in the presence of up to 5% 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol. Despite the preservation of JD structure, 1% of 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol suffices to exacerbate the intrinsic aggregation propensity of this domain, by slightly decreasing its conformational stability. These results indicate that in the case of JD, conformational fluctuations might suffice to promote a transition towards an aggregated state without the need for extensive unfolding, and highlights the important role played by the environment on the aggregation of this globular domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Visentin
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina and Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Susanna Navarro
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina and Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Gianvito Grasso
- Istituto Dalle Molle di Studi sull'Intelligenza Artificiale (IDSIA), Scuola Universitaria Professionale della Svizzera italiana (SUPSI), Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), CH-6928 Manno, Switzerland.
| | - Maria Elena Regonesi
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Bioscienze, Università di Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milano, Italy.
- Centro di Neuroscienze di Milano (Neuro-MI), 20126 Milano, Italy.
| | - Marco Agostino Deriu
- Istituto Dalle Molle di Studi sull'Intelligenza Artificiale (IDSIA), Scuola Universitaria Professionale della Svizzera italiana (SUPSI), Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), CH-6928 Manno, Switzerland.
| | - Paolo Tortora
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Bioscienze, Università di Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milano, Italy.
- Centro di Neuroscienze di Milano (Neuro-MI), 20126 Milano, Italy.
| | - Salvador Ventura
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina and Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain.
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30
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Abstract
Proteolytic cleavage has been implicated in the pathogenesis of diverse neurodegenerative diseases involving abnormal protein accumulation. Polyglutamine diseases are a group of nine hereditary disorders caused by an abnormal expansion of repeated glutamine tracts contained in otherwise unrelated proteins. When expanded, these proteins display toxic properties and are prone to aggregate, but the mechanisms responsible for the selective neurodegeneration observed in polyglutamine disease patients are still poorly understood. It has been suggested that the neuronal toxicity of polyglutamine-expanded proteins is associated with the production of deleterious protein fragments. This review aims at discussing the involvement of proteolytic cleavage in the six types of spinocerebellar ataxia caused by polyglutamine expansion of proteins. The analysis takes into detailed consideration evidence concerning fragment detection and the mechanisms of fragment toxicity. Current evidence suggests that the proteins involved in spinocerebellar ataxia types 3, 6 and 7 give rise to stable proteolytic fragments. Fragments carrying polyglutamine expansions display increased tendency to aggregate and toxicity, comparing with their non-expanded counterparts or with the correspondent full-length expanded proteins. Data concerning spinocerebellar ataxia types 1, 2 and 17 is still scarce, but available results afford further investigation. Available literature suggests that proteolytic cleavage of expanded polyglutamine-containing proteins enhances toxicity in disease-associated contexts and may constitute an important step in the pathogenic cascade of polyglutamine diseases. Countering protein fragmentation thus presents itself as a promising therapeutic aim.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos A Matos
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Luis Pereira de Almeida
- Center for Neuroscience & Cell Biology and Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Faculdade de Medicina, Pólo I, 1º andar, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Clevio Nobrega
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Medicine, University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; Center for Biomedical Research (CBMR), University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
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31
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Chung CG, Kwon MJ, Jeon KH, Hyeon DY, Han MH, Park JH, Cha IJ, Cho JH, Kim K, Rho S, Kim GR, Jeong H, Lee JW, Kim T, Kim K, Kim KP, Ehlers MD, Hwang D, Lee SB. Golgi Outpost Synthesis Impaired by Toxic Polyglutamine Proteins Contributes to Dendritic Pathology in Neurons. Cell Rep 2018; 20:356-369. [PMID: 28700938 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.06.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 08/18/2016] [Revised: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendrite aberration is a common feature of neurodegenerative diseases caused by protein toxicity, but the underlying mechanisms remain largely elusive. Here, we show that nuclear polyglutamine (polyQ) toxicity resulted in defective terminal dendrite elongation accompanied by a loss of Golgi outposts (GOPs) and a decreased supply of plasma membrane (PM) in Drosophila class IV dendritic arborization (da) (C4 da) neurons. mRNA sequencing revealed that genes downregulated by polyQ proteins included many secretory pathway-related genes, including COPII genes regulating GOP synthesis. Transcription factor enrichment analysis identified CREB3L1/CrebA, which regulates COPII gene expression. CrebA overexpression in C4 da neurons restores the dysregulation of COPII genes, GOP synthesis, and PM supply. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-PCR revealed that CrebA expression is regulated by CREB-binding protein (CBP), which is sequestered by polyQ proteins. Furthermore, co-overexpression of CrebA and Rac1 synergistically restores the polyQ-induced dendrite pathology. Collectively, our results suggest that GOPs impaired by polyQ proteins contribute to dendrite pathology through the CBP-CrebA-COPII pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Geon Chung
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Jee Kwon
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Keun Hye Jeon
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea; Department of Family Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul 06351, Republic of Korea
| | - Do Young Hyeon
- School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering, POSTECH, Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Myeong Hoon Han
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Hyang Park
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - In Jun Cha
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Ho Cho
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Kunhyung Kim
- Department of New Biology, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangchul Rho
- Center for Plant Aging Research, Institute for Basic Science, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyu Ree Kim
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyobin Jeong
- Center for Plant Aging Research, Institute for Basic Science, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Won Lee
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Institute of Natural Science, College of Applied Science, Kyung Hee University, Yongin 17104, Republic of Korea
| | - TaeSoo Kim
- Department of Life Science and the Research Center for Cellular Homeostasis, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Keetae Kim
- Department of New Biology, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang Pyo Kim
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Institute of Natural Science, College of Applied Science, Kyung Hee University, Yongin 17104, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Daehee Hwang
- School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering, POSTECH, Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea; Department of New Biology, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea; Center for Plant Aging Research, Institute for Basic Science, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sung Bae Lee
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea.
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32
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Sowa AS, Martin E, Martins IM, Schmidt J, Depping R, Weber JJ, Rother F, Hartmann E, Bader M, Riess O, Tricoire H, Schmidt T. Karyopherin α-3 is a key protein in the pathogenesis of spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 controlling the nuclear localization of ataxin-3. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:E2624-33. [PMID: 29476013 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1716071115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by a CAG expansion in the ATXN3 gene leading to a polyglutamine expansion in the ataxin-3 protein. The nuclear presence and aggregation of expanded ataxin-3 are critical steps in disease pathogenesis. To identify novel therapeutic targets, we investigated the nucleocytoplasmic transport system by screening a collection of importins and exportins that potentially modulate this nuclear localization. Using cell, Drosophila, and mouse models, we focused on three transport proteins, namely, CRM1, IPO13, KPNA3, and their respective Drosophila orthologs Emb, Cdm, and Kap-α3. While overexpression of CRM1/Emb demonstrated positive effects in Drosophila, KPNA3/Kap-α3 emerged as the most promising target, as knockdown via multiple RNAi lines demonstrated its ability to shuttle both truncated and full-length expanded ataxin-3, rescue neurodegeneration, restore photoreceptor formation, and reduce aggregation. Furthermore, KPNA3 knockout in SCA3 mice resulted in an amelioration of molecular and behavioral disturbances such as total activity, anxiety, and gait. Since KPNA3 is known to function as an import protein and recognize nuclear localization signals (NLSs), this work unites ataxin-3 structure to the nuclear pore machinery and provides a link between karyopherins, NLS signals, and polyglutamine disease, as well as demonstrates that KPNA3 is a key player in the pathogenesis of SCA3.
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33
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Wang XZ, Huang XY, Yao JG, Wang C, Xia Q, Long XD. Genetic polymorphisms in ataxin-3 and liver cirrhosis risk related to aflatoxin B1. Oncotarget 2018; 9:27321-27332. [PMID: 29937988 PMCID: PMC6007954 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Altered expression of ataxin-3 (AT3) can modify DNA repair capacity and is observed in human diseases. The genetic polymorphisms of this gene in aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)–related liver cirrhosis (LC) have not yet been elucidated. Materials and Methods We conducted a hospital-based case–control study, including 384 patients with LC and 851 controls without any liver diseases, to assess the association between 264 polymorphisms in AT3 and AFB1-related LC risk. Genotype were tested using TaqMan-PCR or sequencing technique. Results We found three differentially distributed SNPs (rs8021276, rs7158733, and rs10146249) via the screening analysis; however, only rs8021276 polymorphism was further identified to modify the risk of LC. Compared with the homozygote of rs8021276 A alleles (rs8021276-AA), the genotypes of rs8021276 G alleles (rs8021276-AG or -GG) increased LC risk (OR: 2.48 and 6.98; 95% CI: 1.84–3.33 and 4.35–11.22, respectively). Significant interactive effects between risk genotypes and AFB1 exposure status were also observed in the joint effects analysis. Additionally, rs8021276 polymorphism was also associated with down-regulation of AT3 mRNA expression and increasing AFB1-DNA adducts in liver tissues with cirrhosis. Conclusions These results suggest AT3 polymorphisms may be risk biomarkers of AFB1-related LC, and rs8021276 is a potential candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing-Zhizi Wang
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise 533000, China
| | - Xiao-Ying Huang
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise 533000, China
| | - Jin-Guang Yao
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise 533000, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Department of Digestive Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise 533000, China
| | - Qiang Xia
- Department of Liver Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Xi-Dai Long
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise 533000, China.,Department of Liver Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China.,Guangxi Clinic Research Center of Hepatobiliary Diseases, Baise 533000, China
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Knight PD, Karamanos TK, Radford SE, Ashcroft AE. Identification of a novel site of interaction between ataxin-3 and the amyloid aggregation inhibitor polyglutamine binding peptide 1. Eur J Mass Spectrom (Chichester) 2018; 24:129-140. [PMID: 29334808 PMCID: PMC6134688 DOI: 10.1177/1469066717729298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/10/2017] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Amyloid diseases represent a growing social and economic burden in the developed world. Understanding the assembly pathway and the inhibition of amyloid formation is key to developing therapies to treat these diseases. The neurodegenerative condition Machado-Joseph disease is characterised by the self-aggregation of the protein ataxin-3. Ataxin-3 consists of a globular N-terminal Josephin domain, which can aggregate into curvilinear protofibrils, and an unstructured, dynamically disordered C-terminal domain containing three ubiquitin interacting motifs separated by a polyglutamine stretch. Upon expansion of the polyglutamine region above 50 residues, ataxin-3 undergoes a second stage of aggregation in which long, straight amyloid fibrils form. A peptide inhibitor of polyglutamine aggregation, known as polyQ binding peptide 1, has been shown previously to prevent the maturation of ataxin-3 fibrils. However, the mechanism of this inhibition remains unclear. Using nanoelectrospray ionisation-mass spectrometry, we demonstrate that polyQ binding peptide 1 binds to monomeric ataxin-3. By investigating the ability of polyQ binding peptide 1 to bind to truncated ataxin-3 constructs lacking one or more domains, we localise the site of this interaction to a 39-residue sequence immediately C-terminal to the Josephin domain. The results suggest a new mechanism for the inhibition of polyglutamine aggregation by polyQ binding peptide 1 in which binding to a region outside of the polyglutamine tract can prevent fibril formation, highlighting the importance of polyglutamine flanking regions in controlling aggregation and disease.
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35
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Sittler A, Muriel MP, Marinello M, Brice A, den Dunnen W, Alves S. Deregulation of autophagy in postmortem brains of Machado-Joseph disease patients. Neuropathology 2017; 38:113-124. [PMID: 29218765 DOI: 10.1111/neup.12433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [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: 08/02/2017] [Revised: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Autophagy, the major pathway for protein turnover, is critical to maintain cellular homeostasis and has been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases. The aim of this research was to analyze the expression of autophagy markers in postmortem brains from Machado-Joseph disease (MJD) patients. The expression of autophagy markers in the cerebellum and the oculomotor nucleus from MJD patients and age-matched controls with no signs of neuropathology was inspected postmortem by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blot. Furthermore, autophagy was examined by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Western blot and IHC revealed nuclear accumulation of misfolded ataxin-3 (ATXN3) and the presence of ubiquitin- and p62-positive aggregates in MJD patients as compared to controls. Moreover, the autophagic proteins, autophagy-related gene (Atg) protein (ATG)-7, ATG-12, ATG16L2 and autophagosomal microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3) were significantly increased in MJD brains relative to controls, while beclin-1 levels were reduced in MJD patients. Increase in the levels of lysosomal-associated membrane protein 2 (LAMP-2) and of the endosomal markers (Rab7 and Rab1A) were observed in MJD patients relatively to controls. In addition, these findings were further confirmed by TEM in brain tissue where large vesicles accumulating electron-dense materials were highly enriched in MJD patients. Postmortem brains with MJD exhibit increased markers of autophagy relative to age-matched control brains, therefore suggesting strong dysregulation of autophagy that may have an important role in the course of MJD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Sittler
- INSERM U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne University UPMC, Univ Paris 06 UMR_S 1127, ICM (Brain and Spine Institute) Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Marie-Paule Muriel
- INSERM U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne University UPMC, Univ Paris 06 UMR_S 1127, ICM (Brain and Spine Institute) Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Martina Marinello
- INSERM U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne University UPMC, Univ Paris 06 UMR_S 1127, ICM (Brain and Spine Institute) Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Alexis Brice
- INSERM U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne University UPMC, Univ Paris 06 UMR_S 1127, ICM (Brain and Spine Institute) Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, 75013 Paris, France.,Department of Genetics and Cytogenetics, AP-HP, G-H Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Wilfred den Dunnen
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sandro Alves
- INSERM U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne University UPMC, Univ Paris 06 UMR_S 1127, ICM (Brain and Spine Institute) Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, 75013 Paris, France
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36
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Wang Z. Experimental and Clinical Strategies for Treating Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3. Neuroscience 2017; 371:138-154. [PMID: 29229556 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2017.11.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 08/08/2017] [Revised: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3), or Machado-Joseph disease (MJD), is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder caused by the expansion of a polyglutamine (polyQ) tract in the ataxin-3 protein. To date, there is no effective therapy available to prevent progression of this disease. However, clinical strategies for alleviating various symptoms are imperative to promote a better quality of life for SCA3/MJD patients. Furthermore, experimental therapeutic strategies, including gene silencing or mutant protein clearance, mutant polyQ protein modification, stabilizing the native protein conformation, rescue of cellular dysfunction and neuromodulation to slow the progression of SCA3/MJD, have been developed. In this study, based on the current knowledge, I detail the clinical and experimental therapeutic strategies for treating SCA3/MJD, paying particular attention to drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijian Wang
- Genetic Engineering Laboratory, College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Xi'an University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710065, China.
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37
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Ashkenazi A, Bento CF, Ricketts T, Vicinanza M, Siddiqi F, Pavel M, Squitieri F, Hardenberg MC, Imarisio S, Menzies FM, Rubinsztein DC. Polyglutamine tracts regulate autophagy. Autophagy 2017; 13:1613-1614. [PMID: 28722507 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2017.1336278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Expansions of polyglutamine (polyQ) tracts in different proteins cause 9 neurodegenerative conditions, such as Huntington disease and various ataxias. However, many normal mammalian proteins contain shorter polyQ tracts. As these are frequently conserved in multiple species, it is likely that some of these polyQ tracts have important but unknown biological functions. Here we review our recent study showing that the polyQ domain of the deubiquitinase ATXN3/ataxin-3 enables its interaction with BECN1/beclin 1, a key macroautophagy/autophagy initiator. ATXN3 regulates autophagy by deubiquitinating BECN1 and protecting it from proteasomal degradation. Interestingly, expanded polyQ tracts in other polyglutamine disease proteins compete with the shorter ATXN3 polyQ stretch and interfere with the ATXN3-BECN1 interaction. This competition results in decreased BECN1 levels and impaired starvation-induced autophagy, which phenocopies the loss of autophagic function mediated by ATXN3. Our findings describe a new autophagy-protective mechanism that may be altered in multiple neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avraham Ashkenazi
- a Department of Medical Genetics, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR) , University of Cambridge , Cambridge , UK
| | - Carla F Bento
- a Department of Medical Genetics, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR) , University of Cambridge , Cambridge , UK
| | - Thomas Ricketts
- a Department of Medical Genetics, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR) , University of Cambridge , Cambridge , UK
| | - Mariella Vicinanza
- a Department of Medical Genetics, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR) , University of Cambridge , Cambridge , UK
| | - Farah Siddiqi
- a Department of Medical Genetics, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR) , University of Cambridge , Cambridge , UK
| | - Mariana Pavel
- a Department of Medical Genetics, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR) , University of Cambridge , Cambridge , UK
| | - Ferdinando Squitieri
- b IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza , Huntington and Rare Diseases Unit , San Giovanni Rotondo , Italy
| | - Maarten C Hardenberg
- a Department of Medical Genetics, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR) , University of Cambridge , Cambridge , UK
| | - Sara Imarisio
- a Department of Medical Genetics, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR) , University of Cambridge , Cambridge , UK
| | - Fiona M Menzies
- a Department of Medical Genetics, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR) , University of Cambridge , Cambridge , UK
| | - David C Rubinsztein
- a Department of Medical Genetics, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR) , University of Cambridge , Cambridge , UK
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38
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Toonen LJA, Rigo F, van Attikum H, van Roon-Mom WMC. Antisense Oligonucleotide-Mediated Removal of the Polyglutamine Repeat in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3 Mice. Mol Ther Nucleic Acids 2017; 8:232-242. [PMID: 28918024 PMCID: PMC5504086 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2017.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Revised: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 06/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is a currently incurable neurodegenerative disorder caused by a CAG triplet expansion in exon 10 of the ATXN3 gene. The resultant expanded polyglutamine stretch in the mutant ataxin-3 protein causes a gain of toxic function, which eventually leads to neurodegeneration. One important function of ataxin-3 is its involvement in the proteasomal protein degradation pathway, and long-term downregulation of the protein may therefore not be desirable. In the current study, we made use of antisense oligonucleotides to mask predicted exonic splicing signals, resulting in exon 10 skipping from ATXN3 pre-mRNA. This led to formation of a truncated ataxin-3 protein lacking the toxic polyglutamine expansion, but retaining its ubiquitin binding and cleavage function. Repeated intracerebroventricular injections of the antisense oligonucleotides in a SCA3 mouse model led to exon skipping and formation of the modified ataxin-3 protein throughout the mouse brain. Exon skipping was long lasting, with the modified protein being detectable for at least 2.5 months after antisense oligonucleotide injection. A reduction in insoluble ataxin-3 and nuclear accumulation was observed following antisense oligonucleotide treatment, indicating a beneficial effect on pathogenicity. Together, these data suggest that exon 10 skipping is a promising therapeutic approach for SCA3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lodewijk J A Toonen
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Frank Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA
| | - Haico van Attikum
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Willeke M C van Roon-Mom
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands.
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39
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Masoumi KC, Marfany G, Wu Y, Massoumi R. Putative role of SUMOylation in controlling the activity of deubiquitinating enzymes in cancer. Future Oncol 2016; 12:565-74. [PMID: 26777062 DOI: 10.2217/fon.15.320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) are specialized proteins that can recognize ubiquitinated proteins, and after direct interaction, deconjugate monomeric or polymeric ubiquitin chains, thus changing the fate of the substrates. This process is instrumental in mediating or changing downstream signaling pathways. Beside mutations and alterations in their expression levels, the activity and stability of deubiquitinating enzymes is vital for their function. SUMOylations consist of the conjugation of the small peptide SUMO to protein substrates which is very similar to ubiquitination in the mechanistic and machinery required. In this review, we will focus on how SUMOylation can regulate DUB enzymatic activity, stability or DUB interaction with partners and substrates, in cancer. Furthermore, we will discuss the impact of these recent findings in the identification of new potential tools for efficient anticancer treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna C Masoumi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medicon Village, Lund University, 22381 Lund, Sweden
| | - Gemma Marfany
- Departament de Genètica, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.,Institut de Biomedicina (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, 08007 Barcelona, Spain.,CIBERER, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yingli Wu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Chemical Biology Division of Shanghai Universities E-Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Ramin Massoumi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medicon Village, Lund University, 22381 Lund, Sweden
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40
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Lupton CJ, Steer DL, Wintrode PL, Bottomley SP, Hughes VA, Ellisdon AM. Enhanced molecular mobility of ordinarily structured regions drives polyglutamine disease. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:24190-200. [PMID: 26260925 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.659532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [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: 04/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Polyglutamine expansion is a hallmark of nine neurodegenerative diseases, with protein aggregation intrinsically linked to disease progression. Although polyglutamine expansion accelerates protein aggregation, the misfolding process is frequently instigated by flanking domains. For example, polyglutamine expansion in ataxin-3 allosterically triggers the aggregation of the catalytic Josephin domain. The molecular mechanism that underpins this allosteric aggregation trigger remains to be determined. Here, we establish that polyglutamine expansion increases the molecular mobility of two juxtaposed helices critical to ataxin-3 deubiquitinase activity. Within one of these helices, we identified a highly amyloidogenic sequence motif that instigates aggregation and forms the core of the growing fibril. Critically, by mutating residues within this key region, we decrease local structural fluctuations to slow ataxin-3 aggregation. This provides significant insight, down to the molecular level, into how polyglutamine expansion drives aggregation and explains the positive correlation between polyglutamine tract length, protein aggregation, and disease severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Lupton
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, and
| | - David L Steer
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, and
| | - Patrick L Wintrode
- the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, Maryland 21201
| | - Stephen P Bottomley
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, and
| | - Victoria A Hughes
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, and the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 3800 and
| | - Andrew M Ellisdon
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, and the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 3800 and
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41
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Raposo M, Bettencourt C, Maciel P, Gao F, Ramos A, Kazachkova N, Vasconcelos J, Kay T, Rodrigues AJ, Bettencourt B, Bruges-Armas J, Geschwind D, Coppola G, Lima M. Novel candidate blood-based transcriptional biomarkers of Machado-Joseph disease. Mov Disord 2015; 30:968-75. [PMID: 25914309 DOI: 10.1002/mds.26238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [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: 10/01/2014] [Revised: 01/27/2015] [Accepted: 03/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Machado-Joseph disease (or spinocerebellar ataxia type 3) is a late-onset polyglutamine neurodegenerative disorder caused by a mutation in the ATXN3 gene, which encodes for the ubiquitously expressed protein ataxin-3. Previous studies on cell and animal models have suggested that mutated ataxin-3 is involved in transcriptional dysregulation. Starting with a whole-transcriptome profiling of peripheral blood samples from patients and controls, we aimed to confirm abnormal expression profiles in Machado-Joseph disease and to identify promising up-regulated genes as potential candidate biomarkers of disease status. METHODS The Illumina Human V4-HT12 array was used to measure transcriptome-wide gene expression in peripheral blood samples from 12 patients and 12 controls. Technical validation and validation in an independent set of samples were performed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS Based on the results from the microarray, twenty six genes, found to be up-regulated in patients, were selected for technical validation by quantitative real-time PCR (validation rate of 81% for the up-regulation trend). Fourteen of these were further tested in an independent set of 42 patients and 35 controls; 10 genes maintained the up-regulation trend (FCGR3B, CSR2RA, CLC, TNFSF14, SLA, P2RY13, FPR2, SELPLG, YIPF6, and GPR96); FCGR3B, P2RY13, and SELPLG were significantly up-regulated in patients when compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support the hypothesis that mutated ataxin-3 is associated with transcription dysregulation, detectable in peripheral blood cells. Furthermore, this is the first report suggesting a pool of up-regulated genes in Machado-Joseph disease that may have the potential to be used for fine phenotyping of this disease. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mafalda Raposo
- Centre of Research in Natural Resources (CIRN), University of the Azores, Ponta Delgada, Portugal.,Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology (IBMC), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Patrícia Maciel
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Fuying Gao
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles CA, USA
| | - Amanda Ramos
- Centre of Research in Natural Resources (CIRN), University of the Azores, Ponta Delgada, Portugal.,Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology (IBMC), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Nadiya Kazachkova
- Centre of Research in Natural Resources (CIRN), University of the Azores, Ponta Delgada, Portugal.,Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology (IBMC), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - João Vasconcelos
- Department of Neurology, Hospital do Divino Espírito Santo, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
| | - Teresa Kay
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Hospital of D. Estefania, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana João Rodrigues
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Bruno Bettencourt
- Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology (IBMC), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Hospital de Santo Espírito da Ilha Terceira, SEEBMO, Angra do Heroísmo, Portugal
| | - Jácome Bruges-Armas
- Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology (IBMC), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Hospital de Santo Espírito da Ilha Terceira, SEEBMO, Angra do Heroísmo, Portugal
| | - Daniel Geschwind
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles CA, USA
| | - Giovanni Coppola
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles CA, USA
| | - Manuela Lima
- Centre of Research in Natural Resources (CIRN), University of the Azores, Ponta Delgada, Portugal.,Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology (IBMC), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Faggiano S, Menon RP, Kelly GP, Todi SV, Scaglione KM, Konarev PV, Svergun DI, Paulson HL, Pastore A. Allosteric regulation of deubiquitylase activity through ubiquitination. Front Mol Biosci 2015; 2:2. [PMID: 25988170 PMCID: PMC4428445 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2015.00002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2014] [Accepted: 01/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Ataxin-3, the protein responsible for spinocerebellar ataxia type-3, is a cysteine protease that specifically cleaves poly-ubiquitin chains and participates in the ubiquitin proteasome pathway. The enzymatic activity resides in the N-terminal Josephin domain. An unusual feature of ataxin-3 is its low enzymatic activity especially for mono-ubiquitinated substrates and short ubiquitin chains. However, specific ubiquitination at lysine 117 in the Josephin domain activates ataxin-3 through an unknown mechanism. Here, we investigate the effects of K117 ubiquitination on the structure and enzymatic activity of the protein. We show that covalently linked ubiquitin rests on the Josephin domain, forming a compact globular moiety and occupying a ubiquitin binding site previously thought to be essential for substrate recognition. In doing so, ubiquitination enhances enzymatic activity by locking the enzyme in an activated state. Our results indicate that ubiquitin functions both as a substrate and as an allosteric regulatory factor. We provide a novel example in which a conformational switch controls the activity of an enzyme that mediates deubiquitination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Faggiano
- National Institute for Medical Research, Medical Research Council London, UK
| | - Rajesh P Menon
- National Institute for Medical Research, Medical Research Council London, UK
| | - Geoff P Kelly
- Medical Research Council Biomedical NMR Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, Medical Research Council London, UK
| | - Sokol V Todi
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Neurology, Wayne State University School of Medicine Detroit, MI, USA
| | - K Matthew Scaglione
- Department of Biochemistry and The Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Petr V Konarev
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory Hamburg, Germany ; Laboratory of Reflectometry and Small-Angle Scattering, Institute of Crystallography Russian Academy of Sciences Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Henry L Paulson
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan Medical School Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Annalisa Pastore
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London London, UK
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43
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Evers MM, Toonen LJA, van Roon-Mom WMC. Ataxin-3 protein and RNA toxicity in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3: current insights and emerging therapeutic strategies. Mol Neurobiol 2014; 49:1513-31. [PMID: 24293103 PMCID: PMC4012159 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-013-8596-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2013] [Accepted: 11/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Ataxin-3 is a ubiquitously expressed deubiqutinating enzyme with important functions in the proteasomal protein degradation pathway and regulation of transcription. The C-terminus of the ataxin-3 protein contains a polyglutamine (PolyQ) region that, when mutationally expanded to over 52 glutamines, causes the neurodegenerative disease spinocerebellar ataxia 3 (SCA3). In spite of extensive research, the molecular mechanisms underlying the cellular toxicity resulting from mutant ataxin-3 remain elusive and no preventive treatment is currently available. It has become clear over the last decade that the hallmark intracellular ataxin-3 aggregates are likely not the main toxic entity in SCA3. Instead, the soluble PolyQ containing fragments arising from proteolytic cleavage of ataxin-3 by caspases and calpains are now regarded to be of greater influence in pathogenesis. In addition, recent evidence suggests potential involvement of a RNA toxicity component in SCA3 and other PolyQ expansion disorders, increasing the pathogenic complexity. Herein, we review the functioning of ataxin-3 and the involvement of known protein and RNA toxicity mechanisms of mutant ataxin-3 that have been discovered, as well as future opportunities for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melvin M. Evers
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Lodewijk J. A. Toonen
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Willeke M. C. van Roon-Mom
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
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Kantor S, Mochizuki T, Lops SN, Ko B, Clain E, Clark E, Yamamoto M, Scammell TE. Orexin gene therapy restores the timing and maintenance of wakefulness in narcoleptic mice. Sleep 2013; 36:1129-38. [PMID: 23904672 PMCID: PMC3700709 DOI: 10.5665/sleep.2870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES Narcolepsy is caused by selective loss of the orexin/hypocretin-producing neurons of the hypothalamus. For patients with narcolepsy, chronic sleepiness is often the most disabling symptom, but current therapies rarely normalize alertness and do not address the underlying orexin deficiency. We hypothesized that the sleepiness of narcolepsy would substantially improve if orexin signaling were restored in specific brain regions at appropriate times of day. DESIGN We used gene therapy to restore orexin signaling in a mouse model of narcolepsy. In these Atx mice, expression of a toxic protein (ataxin-3) selectively kills the orexin neurons. INTERVENTIONS To induce ectopic expression of the orexin neuropeptides, we microinjected an adeno-associated viral vector coding for prepro-orexin plus a red fluorescence protein (AAV-orexin) into the mediobasal hypothalamus of Atx and wild-type mice. Control mice received an AAV coding only for red fluorescence protein. Two weeks later, we recorded sleep/wake behavior, locomotor activity, and body temperature and examined the patterns of orexin expression. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS Atx mice rescued with AAV-orexin produced long bouts of wakefulness and had a normal diurnal pattern of arousal, with the longest bouts of wake and the highest amounts of locomotor activity in the first hours of the night. In addition, AAV-orexin improved the timing of rapid eye movement sleep and the consolidation of nonrapid eye movement sleep in Atx mice. CONCLUSIONS These substantial improvements in sleepiness and other symptoms of narcolepsy demonstrate the effectiveness of orexin gene therapy in a mouse model of narcolepsy. Additional work is needed to optimize this approach, but in time, AAV-orexin could become a useful therapeutic option for patients with narcolepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandor Kantor
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Stefan N. Lops
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Brian Ko
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Elizabeth Clain
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Erika Clark
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Mihoko Yamamoto
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Thomas E. Scammell
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
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Abstract
Machado-Joseph disease (MJD) is the most common dominant inherited ataxia worldwide, caused by an unstable CAG trinucleotide expansion mutation within the SCA3 gene resulting in an expanded polyglutamine tract within the ataxin-3 protein. Ataxin-3 functions as a deubiquitinating enzyme (DUB), within the Ub system and whilst many DUBs are known to partner with and deubiquitinate specific E3-Ub ligases, ataxin-3 had no identified E3 partner until recent studies implicated parkin and CHIP, two neuroprotective E3 ligases. MJD often presents with symptoms of Parkinson disease (PD), which led to identification of parkin as a novel E3-Ub ligase whose activity was regulated by ataxin-3-mediated deubiquitination. Findings from these studies also revealed an unexpected convergence upon the E2-Ub-conjugating enzyme in the regulation of an E3/DUBenzyme pair. Moreover, mutant but not wild-type ataxin-3 promotes the clearance of parkin via the autophagy pathway, raising the intriguing possibility that increased turnover of parkin may contribute to the pathogenesis of MJD and help explain some of the Parkinsonian features in MJD. In addition to parkin, the U-box E3 ligase CHIP, a neuroprotective E3 implicated in protein quality control, was identified as a second E3 partner of ataxin-3, with ataxin-3 regulating the ability of CHIP to ubiquitinate itself. Indeed, ataxin-3 not only deubiquitinated CHIP, but also trimmed Ub conjugates on CHIP substrates, thereby regulating the length of Ub chains. Interestingly, when expanded ataxin-3 was present, CHIP levels were also reduced in the brains of MJD transgenic mice, raising the possibility that loss of one or both E3 partners may be a contributing factor in the pathogenesis of SCA3. In this review we discuss the implications from these studies and describe the importance of these findings in helping us understand the molecular processes involved in SCA3 and other neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M Durcan
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Centre for Neuronal Survival and McGill Parkinson Program, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University Montreal, QC, Canada
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Evers MM, Tran HD, Zalachoras I, Pepers BA, Meijer OC, den Dunnen JT, van Ommen GJB, Aartsma-Rus A, van Roon-Mom WMC. Ataxin-3 protein modification as a treatment strategy for spinocerebellar ataxia type 3: removal of the CAG containing exon. Neurobiol Dis 2013; 58:49-56. [PMID: 23659897 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2013.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [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: 03/01/2013] [Revised: 04/17/2013] [Accepted: 04/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 is caused by a polyglutamine expansion in the ataxin-3 protein, resulting in gain of toxic function of the mutant protein. The expanded glutamine stretch in the protein is the result of a CAG triplet repeat expansion in the penultimate exon of the ATXN3 gene. Several gene silencing approaches to reduce mutant ataxin-3 toxicity in this disease aim to lower ataxin-3 protein levels, but since this protein is involved in deubiquitination and proteasomal protein degradation, its long-term silencing might not be desirable. Here, we propose a novel protein modification approach to reduce mutant ataxin-3 toxicity by removing the toxic polyglutamine repeat from the ataxin-3 protein through antisense oligonucleotide-mediated exon skipping while maintaining important wild type functions of the protein. In vitro studies showed that exon skipping did not negatively impact the ubiquitin binding capacity of ataxin-3. Our in vivo studies showed no toxic properties of the novel truncated ataxin-3 protein. These results suggest that exon skipping may be a novel therapeutic approach to reduce polyglutamine-induced toxicity in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melvin M Evers
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands.
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47
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Abstract
Machado-Joseph Disease (MJD), also known as spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3), represents the most common form of SCA worldwide. MJD is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder of late onset, involving predominantly the cerebellar, pyramidal, extrapyramidal, motor neuron and oculomotor systems; although sharing features with other SCAs, the identification of minor, but more specific signs, facilitates its differential diagnosis. MJD presents strong phenotypic heterogeneity, which has justified the classification of patients into three main clinical types. Main pathological lesions are observed in the spinocerebellar system, as well as in the cerebellar dentate nucleus. MJD's causative mutation consists in an expansion of an unstable CAG tract in exon 10 of the ATXN3 gene, located at 14q32.1. Haplotype-based studies have suggested that two main founder mutations may explain the present global distribution of the disease; the ancestral haplotype is of Asian origin, and has an estimated age of around 5,800 years, while the second mutational event has occurred about 1,400 years ago. The ATXN3 gene encodes for ataxin-3, which is ubiquitously expressed in neuronal and non-neuronal tissues, and, among other functions, is thought to participate in cellular protein quality control pathways. Mutated ATXN3 alleles consensually present about 61 to 87 CAG repeats, resulting in an expanded polyglutamine tract in ataxin-3. This altered protein gains a neurotoxic function, through yet unclear mechanisms. Clinical variability of MJD is only partially explained by the size of the CAG tract, which leaves a residual variance that should be explained by still unknown additional factors. Several genetic tests are available for MJD, and Genetic Counseling Programs have been created to better assist the affected families, namely on what concerns the possibility of pre-symptomatic testing. The main goal of this review was to bring together updated knowledge on MJD, covering several aspects from its initial descriptions and clinical presentation, through the discovery of the causative mutation, its origin and dispersion, as well as molecular genetics aspects considered essential for a better understanding of its neuropathology. Issues related with molecular testing and Genetic Counseling, as well as recent progresses and perspectives on genetic therapy, are also addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conceição Bettencourt
- Center of Research in Natural Resources (CIRN) and Department of Biology, University of the Azores, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
- Institute for Molecular and Cellular Biology (IBMC), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular, Instituto de Enfermedades Neurológicas de Guadalajara, Fundación Socio-Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha, Guadalajara, Spain
| | - Manuela Lima
- Center of Research in Natural Resources (CIRN) and Department of Biology, University of the Azores, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
- Institute for Molecular and Cellular Biology (IBMC), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES The orexin-producing neurons are hypothesized to be essential for the circadian control of sleep/wake behavior, but it remains unknown whether these rhythms are mediated by the orexin peptides or by other signaling molecules released by these neurons such as glutamate or dynorphin. To determine the roles of these neurotransmitters, we examined the circadian rhythms of sleep/wake behavior in mice lacking the orexin neurons (ataxin-3 [Atx] mice) and mice lacking just the orexin neuropeptides (orexin knockout [KO] mice). DESIGN We instrumented mice for recordings of sleep-wake behavior, locomotor activity (LMA), and body temperature (Tb) and recorded behavior after 6 days in constant darkness. RESULTS The amplitude of the rapid eye movement (REM) sleep rhythm was substantially reduced in Atx mice but preserved in orexin KO mice. This blunted rhythm in Atx mice was caused by an increase in the amount of REM sleep during the subjective night (active period) due to more transitions into REM sleep and longer REM sleep episodes. In contrast, the circadian variations of Tb, LMA, Wake, non-REM sleep, and cataplexy were normal, suggesting that the circadian timekeeping system and other output pathways are intact in both Atx and KO mice. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that the orexin neurons are necessary for the circadian suppression of REM sleep. Blunting of the REM sleep rhythm in Atx mice but not in orexin KO mice suggests that other signaling molecules such as dynorphin or glutamate may act in concert with orexins to suppress REM sleep during the active period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandor Kantor
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | | | | | - Erika Clark
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Seiji Nishino
- Department of Psychiatry, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Thomas E. Scammell
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
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Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) and type 3 (SCA3) are autosomal-dominant neurodegenerative disorders. SCA2 primarily affects cerebellar Purkinje neurons. SCA3 primarily affects dentate and pontine nuclei and substantia nigra. Both disorders belong to a class of polyglutamine (polyQ) expansion disorders. SCA2 is caused by a polyQ expansion in the amino-terminal region of a cytosolic protein ataxin-2 (Atxn2). SCA3 is caused by a polyQ expansion in the carboxy-terminal portion of a cytosolic protein ataxin-3 (Atxn3). Both disorders are found worldwide, but SCA2 is common among people of Cuban decent and SCA3 is common among people of Portuguese decent. No effective treatment exist for SCA2, SCA3 or any other polyQ-expansion disorder. Based on anecdotal evidence, a number of small scale clinical trials have been attempted previously for SCA2 and SCA3. These trials were underpowered and did not yield any promising results so far. A number of pathogenic mechanisms have been proposed to explain neuronal dysfunction and degeneration in SCA2 and SCA3. Knockdown of mutant Atxn2 and Atxn3 protein by RNAi or similar approach is most promising avenue of therapeutic development in the long term, but translation of this approach to clinic faces very serious technical challenges. Recent preclinical studies in SCA2 and SCA3 genetic mouse model suggested that abnormal neuronal calcium (Ca2+) signaling may play an important role in SCA2 and SCA3 pathology. These studies also suggested that dantrolene and other Ca2+ signaling inhibitors and stabilizers may have a therapeutic value for treatment of SCA2 and SCA3. Controlled clinical evaluation of dantrolene, memantine, riluzole, dihydropyridines, CoQ10, creatine or other Ca2+ blockers and stabilizers in SCA2 and SCA3 patients is necessary to test clinical importance of these ideas. The EUROSCA consortium provides a potential framework for such clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilya Bezprozvanny
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
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Matsumoto M, Yada M, Hatakeyama S, Ishimoto H, Tanimura T, Tsuji S, Kakizuka A, Kitagawa M, Nakayama KI. Molecular clearance of ataxin-3 is regulated by a mammalian E4. EMBO J 2004; 23:659-69. [PMID: 14749733 PMCID: PMC1271811 DOI: 10.1038/sj.emboj.7600081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [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: 03/11/2003] [Accepted: 12/17/2003] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Insoluble aggregates of polyglutamine-containing proteins are usually conjugated with ubiquitin in neurons of individuals with polyglutamine diseases. We now show that ataxin-3, in which the abnormal expansion of a polyglutamine tract is responsible for spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3), undergoes ubiquitylation and degradation by the proteasome. Mammalian E4B (UFD2a), a ubiquitin chain assembly factor (E4), copurified with the polyubiquitylation activity for ataxin-3. E4B interacted with, and thereby mediated polyubiquitylation of, ataxin-3. Expression of E4B promoted degradation of a pathological form of ataxin-3. In contrast, a dominant-negative mutant of E4B inhibited degradation of this form of ataxin-3, resulting in the formation of intracellular aggregates. In a Drosophila model of SCA3, expression of E4B suppressed the neurodegeneration induced by an ataxin-3 mutant. These observations suggest that E4 is a rate-limiting factor in the degradation of pathological forms of ataxin-3, and that targeted expression of E4B is a potential gene therapy for SCA3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaki Matsumoto
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- CREST, Japan Science and Technology Corporation (JST), Kawaguchi, Japan
| | - Masayoshi Yada
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- CREST, Japan Science and Technology Corporation (JST), Kawaguchi, Japan
| | - Shigetsugu Hatakeyama
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- CREST, Japan Science and Technology Corporation (JST), Kawaguchi, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ishimoto
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Teiichi Tanimura
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Shoji Tsuji
- Department of Neurology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Akira Kakizuka
- CREST, Japan Science and Technology Corporation (JST), Kawaguchi, Japan
- Department of Functional Biology, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Kitagawa
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- CREST, Japan Science and Technology Corporation (JST), Kawaguchi, Japan
| | - Keiichi I Nakayama
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- CREST, Japan Science and Technology Corporation (JST), Kawaguchi, Japan
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