1
|
Sun Z, Kantor B, Chiba-Falek O. Neuronal-type-specific epigenome editing to decrease SNCA expression: Implications for precision medicine in synucleinopathies. Mol Ther Nucleic Acids 2024; 35:102084. [PMID: 38130373 PMCID: PMC10732167 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.102084] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Overexpression of SNCA has been implicated in the pathogenesis of synucleinopathies, particularly Parkinson's disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). While PD and DLB share some clinical and pathological similarities, each disease presents distinct characteristics, including the primary affected brain region and neuronal type. We aimed to develop neuronal-type-specific SNCA-targeted epigenome therapies for synucleinopathies. The system is based on an all-in-one lentiviral vector comprised of CRISPR-dSaCas9 and guide RNA (gRNA) targeted at SNCA intron 1 fused with a synthetic repressor molecule of Krüppel-associated box (KRAB)/ methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MeCp2) transcription repression domain (TRD). To achieve neuronal-type specificity for dopaminergic and cholinergic neurons, the system was driven by tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) promoters, respectively. Delivering the system into human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived dopaminergic and cholinergic neurons from a patient with the SNCA triplication resulted in efficient and neuronal-type-specific downregulation of SNCA-mRNA and protein. Furthermore, the reduction in SNCA levels by the gRNA-dSaCas9-repressor system rescued disease-related cellular phenotypes including Ser129-phophorylated α-synuclein, neuronal viability, and mitochondrial dysfunction. We established a novel neuronal-type-specific SNCA-targeted epigenome therapy and provided in vitro proof of concept using human-based disease models. Our results support the therapeutic potential of our system for PD and DLB and provide the foundation for further preclinical studies in animal models toward investigational new drug (IND) enablement and clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Boris Kantor
- Viral Vector Core, Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Ornit Chiba-Falek
- Division of Translational Brain Sciences, Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Badihian N, Savica R, Adler CH, Wszolek ZK, Jackson LM, Benarroch EE, Sandroni P, Low PA, Singer W, Coon EA. Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes in Young-Onset Multiple System Atrophy. Mov Disord Clin Pract 2024; 11:220-226. [PMID: 38468536 PMCID: PMC10928343 DOI: 10.1002/mdc3.13925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Young-onset multiple system atrophy (YOMSA) is defined as the onset of multiple system atrophy (MSA) before the age of 40 years old. YOMSA is rare and there is much uncertainty of the phenotype and natural history in patients with YOMSA. OBJECTIVE The objective is to evaluate the characteristics and disease course of patients with YOMSA. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients with MSA who were evaluated at all Mayo Clinic sites from 1998 to 2021. We identified patients with YOMSA and evaluated clinical characteristics, autonomic function testing results, and disease course. RESULTS Of 1496 patients with a diagnosis of clinically probable or clinically established MSA, 20 patients had YOMSA. The median age of onset was 39.1 (interquartile range [IQR] = 37.1, 40.1) years; 13 patients (65%) were male. MSA-parkinsonism was the most common subtype (65%). The median duration of symptom onset to YOMSA diagnosis was 4.9 (IQR = 3.7, 9) years. At the time of medical record review, 17 patients were deceased with a median survival of 8.3 (IQR = 7, 10.9) years. Univariate analysis showed that initial onset of autonomic failure predicted unfavorable survival (hazard ratio = 2.89, P = 0.04) compared to those who presented with motor impairment only at onset. At the time of YOMSA diagnosis, composite autonomic severity score was available in 19 patients with a median of 5 (IQR = 4, 6.5). CONCLUSIONS YOMSA resembles MSA in most aspects including phenotype and prognosis, although the diagnosis is usually delayed. The presence of autonomic failure at symptom onset may be a poor predictor for survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Negin Badihian
- Department of Neurology, Mayo ClinicRochesterMinnesotaUSA
| | - Rodolfo Savica
- Department of Neurology, Mayo ClinicRochesterMinnesotaUSA
| | - Charles H. Adler
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic College of MedicineScottsdaleArizonaUSA
| | | | | | | | - Paola Sandroni
- Department of Neurology, Mayo ClinicRochesterMinnesotaUSA
| | - Phillip A. Low
- Department of Neurology, Mayo ClinicRochesterMinnesotaUSA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
da Silva ANR, Pereira GRC, Bonet LFS, Outeiro TF, De Mesquita JF. In silico analysis of alpha-synuclein protein variants and posttranslational modifications related to Parkinson's disease. J Cell Biochem 2024; 125:e30523. [PMID: 38239037 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is among the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorders, affecting over 10 million people worldwide. The protein encoded by the SNCA gene, alpha-synuclein (ASYN), is the major component of Lewy body (LB) aggregates, a histopathological hallmark of PD. Mutations and posttranslational modifications (PTMs) in ASYN are known to influence protein aggregation and LB formation, possibly playing a crucial role in PD pathogenesis. In this work, we applied computational methods to characterize the effects of missense mutations and PTMs on the structure and function of ASYN. Missense mutations in ASYN were compiled from the literature/databases and underwent a comprehensive predictive analysis. Phosphorylation and SUMOylation sites of ASYN were retrieved from databases and predicted by algorithms. ConSurf was used to estimate the evolutionary conservation of ASYN amino acids. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of ASYN wild-type and variants A30G, A30P, A53T, and G51D were performed using the GROMACS package. Seventy-seven missense mutations in ASYN were compiled. Although most mutations were not predicted to affect ASYN stability, aggregation propensity, amyloid formation, and chaperone binding, the analyzed mutations received relatively high rates of deleterious predictions and predominantly occurred at evolutionarily conserved sites within the protein. Moreover, our predictive analyses suggested that the following mutations may be possibly harmful to ASYN and, consequently, potential targets for future investigation: K6N, T22I, K34E, G36R, G36S, V37F, L38P, G41D, and K102E. The MD analyses pointed to remarkable flexibility and essential dynamics alterations at nearly all domains of the studied variants, which could lead to impaired contact between NAC and the C-terminal domain triggering protein aggregation. These alterations may have functional implications for ASYN and provide important insight into the molecular mechanism of PD, supporting the design of future biomedical research and improvements in existing therapies for the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aloma N R da Silva
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Laboratory, Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gabriel R C Pereira
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Laboratory, Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luiz Felippe Sarmento Bonet
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Laboratory, Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Tiago Fleming Outeiro
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Joelma F De Mesquita
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Laboratory, Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hansen ML, Ambjørn M, Harndahl MN, Benned-Jensen T, Fog K, Bjerregaard-Andersen K, Sotty F. Characterization of pSer129-αSyn Pathology and Neurofilament Light-Chain Release across In Vivo, Ex Vivo, and In Vitro Models of Pre-Formed-Fibril-Induced αSyn Aggregation. Cells 2024; 13:253. [PMID: 38334646 PMCID: PMC10854598 DOI: 10.3390/cells13030253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Protein aggregation is a predominant feature of many neurodegenerative diseases, including synucleinopathies, which are characterized by cellular inclusions containing α-Synuclein (αSyn) phosphorylated at serine 129 (pSer129). In the present study, we characterized the development of αSyn pre-formed fibril (PFF)-induced pSer129-αSyn pathology in F28tg mice overexpressing human wild-type αSyn, as well as in ex vivo organotypic cultures and in vitro primary cultures from the same mouse model. Concurrently, we collected cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from mice and conditioned media from ex vivo and in vitro cultures and quantified the levels of neurofilament light chain (NFL), a biomarker of neurodegeneration. We found that the intra-striatal injection of PFFs induces the progressive spread of pSer129-αSyn pathology and microglial activation in vivo, as well as modest increases in NFL levels in the CSF. Similarly, PFF-induced αSyn pathology occurs progressively in ex vivo organotypic slice cultures and is accompanied by significant increases in NFL release into the media. Using in vitro primary hippocampal cultures, we further confirmed that pSer129-αSyn pathology and NFL release occur in a manner that correlates with the fibril dose and the level of the αSyn protein. Overall, we demonstrate that αSyn pathology is associated with NFL release across preclinical models of seeded αSyn aggregation and that the pharmacological inhibition of αSyn aggregation in vitro also significantly reduces NFL release.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maja L. Hansen
- Neuroscience, Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, H. Lundbeck A/S, Valby, 2500 Copenhagen, Denmark; (M.L.H.); (M.A.); (K.F.)
| | - Malene Ambjørn
- Neuroscience, Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, H. Lundbeck A/S, Valby, 2500 Copenhagen, Denmark; (M.L.H.); (M.A.); (K.F.)
| | - Mikkel N. Harndahl
- Biotherapeutic Discovery, H. Lundbeck A/S, Valby, 2500 Copenhagen, Denmark; (M.N.H.); (K.B.-A.)
| | - Tau Benned-Jensen
- Neuroscience, Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, H. Lundbeck A/S, Valby, 2500 Copenhagen, Denmark; (M.L.H.); (M.A.); (K.F.)
| | - Karina Fog
- Neuroscience, Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, H. Lundbeck A/S, Valby, 2500 Copenhagen, Denmark; (M.L.H.); (M.A.); (K.F.)
| | | | - Florence Sotty
- Neuroscience, Histology and Pathology Models, H. Lundbeck A/S, Valby, 2500 Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Memon AA, George EB, Nazir T, Sunkara Y, Catiul C, Amara AW. Heart rate variability during sleep in synucleinopathies: a review. Front Neurol 2024; 14:1323454. [PMID: 38239321 PMCID: PMC10794570 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1323454] [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: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Synucleinopathies are a group of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by abnormal accumulations of insoluble alpha-synuclein in neurons or glial cells. These consist of Parkinson's disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and multiple system atrophy (MSA). Moreover, idiopathic REM sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) is often the first manifestation of synucleinopathies, demonstrating a pathophysiological continuum. While these disorders vary in prevalence, symptom patterns, and severity, they can all include autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction, which significantly reduces quality of life and worsens prognosis. Consequently, identifying abnormalities of the ANS can provide opportunities for improving quality of life through symptomatic treatments that are tailored to the individual's symptoms. An exciting development is using heart rate variability (HRV) as a non-invasive research tool for analyzing how the ANS regulates physiological processes. HRV during sleep, however, may provide a more accurate and reliable measure of ANS activity than during wakefulness, as during awake time, ANS activity is influenced by a variety of factors, including physical activity, stress, and emotions, which may mask or confound the underlying patterns of ANS activity. This review aims to provide an overview of the current knowledge regarding sleep-related HRV in synucleinopathies and to discuss contributing mechanisms. Evidence suggests that iRBD, PD, and MSA are associated with nocturnal ANS dysfunction. Further, comparative studies indicate that the presence of RBD could exacerbate this abnormality. In contrast, no studies have been conducted in patients with DLB. Overall, this review provides new insight into the complex interplay between the ANS and synucleinopathies and underscores the need for further research in this area to develop effective therapies to improve sleep and overall quality of life in patients with synucleinopathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adeel A. Memon
- Department of Neurology, West Virginia University Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Ethan B. George
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Talha Nazir
- NeuroCare.AI, Neuroscience Academy, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Yatharth Sunkara
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Corina Catiul
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Amy W. Amara
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sobreira-Neto MA, Stelzer FG, Gitaí LLG, Alves RC, Eckeli AL, Schenck CH. REM sleep behavior disorder: update on diagnosis and management. Arq Neuropsiquiatr 2023; 81:1179-1194. [PMID: 38157884 PMCID: PMC10756822 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1777111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is characterized by a loss of atonia of skeletal muscles during REM sleep, associated with acting out behaviors during dreams. Knowledge of this pathology is important to predict neurodegenerative diseases since there is a strong association of RBD with diseases caused by the deposition of alpha-synuclein in neurons (synucleinopathies), such as Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple system atrophy (MSA), and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Proper diagnosis of this condition will enable the use of future neuroprotective strategies before motor and cognitive symptoms. Diagnostic assessment should begin with a detailed clinical history with the patient and bed partner or roommate and the examination of any recorded home videos. Polysomnography (PSG) is necessary to verify the loss of sleep atonia and, when documented, the behaviors during sleep. Technical recommendations for PSG acquisition and analysis are defined in the AASM Manual for the scoring of sleep and associated events, and the PSG report should describe the percentage of REM sleep epochs that meet the criteria for RWA (REM without atonia) to better distinguish patients with and without RBD. Additionally, PSG helps rule out conditions that may mimic RBD, such as obstructive sleep apnea, non-REM sleep parasomnias, nocturnal epileptic seizures, periodic limb movements, and psychiatric disorders. Treatment of RBD involves guidance on protecting the environment and avoiding injuries to the patient and bed partner/roommate. Use of medications are also reviewed in the article. The development of neuroprotective medications will be crucial for future RBD therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Fernando Gustavo Stelzer
- Univeridade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, Ribeirão Preto SP, Brazil.
| | - Lívia Leite Góes Gitaí
- Universidade Federal de Alagoas, Faculty of Medicine, Division of Neurology, Maceió AL, Brazil.
| | | | - Alan Luiz Eckeli
- Univeridade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, Ribeirão Preto SP, Brazil.
| | - Carlos H. Schenck
- Minnesota Regional Sleep Disorders Center; and University of Minnesota, Medical School, Departments of Psychiatry; and Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis MN, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Nakamura R, Tomizawa I, Iwai A, Ikeda T, Hirayama K, Chiu YW, Suzuki T, Tarutani A, Mano T, Iwata A, Toda T, Sohma Y, Kanai M, Hori Y, Tomita T. Photo-oxygenation of histidine residue inhibits α-synuclein aggregation. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23311. [PMID: 37962096 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301533r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Aggregation of α-synuclein (α-syn) into amyloid is the pathological hallmark of several neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and multiple system atrophy. It is widely accepted that α-syn aggregation is associated with neurodegeneration, although the mechanisms are not yet fully understood. Therefore, the inhibition of α-syn aggregation is a potential therapeutic approach against these diseases. This study used the photocatalyst for α-syn photo-oxygenation, which selectively adds oxygen atoms to fibrils. Our findings demonstrate that photo-oxygenation using this photocatalyst successfully inhibits α-syn aggregation, particularly by reducing its seeding ability. Notably, we also discovered that photo-oxygenation of the histidine at the 50th residue in α-syn aggregates is responsible for the inhibitory effect. These findings indicate that photo-oxygenation of the histidine residue in α-syn is a potential therapeutic strategy for synucleinopathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reito Nakamura
- Laboratory of Neuropathology and Neuroscience, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ikumi Tomizawa
- Laboratory of Neuropathology and Neuroscience, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsushi Iwai
- Laboratory of Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Ikeda
- Laboratory of Neuropathology and Neuroscience, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kota Hirayama
- Laboratory of Neuropathology and Neuroscience, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yung Wen Chiu
- Laboratory of Neuropathology and Neuroscience, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takanobu Suzuki
- Laboratory of Neuropathology and Neuroscience, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Airi Tarutani
- Laboratory of Neuropathology and Neuroscience, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Mano
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Degenerative Neurological Diseases, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsushi Iwata
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Metropolitan Geriatric Hospital and Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tatsushi Toda
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Youhei Sohma
- Laboratory of Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Motomu Kanai
- Laboratory of Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukiko Hori
- Laboratory of Neuropathology and Neuroscience, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Taisuke Tomita
- Laboratory of Neuropathology and Neuroscience, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Carreño-Campos C, Govea-Alonso DO, Villarreal ML, Caltempa AO, Gonzalez-Ortega O, Rosales-Mendoza S. Production and characterization of a chimeric protein targeting synuclein epitopes for immunotherapy against synucleinopathies. Biotechnol Prog 2023; 39:e3390. [PMID: 37702113 DOI: 10.1002/btpr.3390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
The aggregation and spread of alpha-synuclein (αSyn) is associated with several pathogenic pathways that lead to neurodegeneration and, ultimately, to synucleinopathies development. Hence, the establishment of a safe and effective disease-modifying therapy that limits or prevents the spread of toxic αSyn aggregation could lead to positive clinical outcomes. A rational vaccine design can be focused on the selection of specific epitopes able to induce the immune response desired, for example, antibodies able to mediate the clearance of αSyn aggregates without the induction of inflammatory responses. To develop a rapid system for the evaluation of a vaccine candidate against synucleinopathies, rLTB-Syn (an antigen based on three B cell epitopes from αSyn and the B subunit of the heat-labile Escherichia coli enterotoxin [LTB] as adjuvant/carrier) was produced using recombinant E. coli (Rosetta DE3) as the expression host. The bacterial version of rLTB-Syn was produced as soluble protein at yields up to 1.72 mg/g biomass. A method for the purification of rLTB-Syn (~18 kDa) was developed based on ion exchange chromatography, reaching purity >93% with a final concentration of 82.6 μg/mL. Furthermore, the purified soluble rLTB-Syn retained GM1 binding activity, suggesting proper folding and pentameric structure. The results from this study establish a fast and effective method to obtain rLTB-Syn, making it useful in the design of novel vaccine formulations targeting synucleinopathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Carreño-Campos
- Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Dania O Govea-Alonso
- Sección de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud y Biomedicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, Mexico
| | - Maria Luisa Villarreal
- Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Anabel O Caltempa
- Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Omar Gonzalez-Ortega
- Sección de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud y Biomedicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, Mexico
| | - Sergio Rosales-Mendoza
- Sección de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud y Biomedicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Natalello A, Brocca S, Ponzini E, Santambrogio C, Grandori R. Modulation of Alpha-Synuclein Conformational Ensemble and Aggregation Pathways by Dopamine and Related Molecules. FRONT BIOSCI-LANDMRK 2023; 28:266. [PMID: 37919088 DOI: 10.31083/j.fbl2810266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Dopaminergic neurons are constantly threatened by the thin boundaries between functional α-synuclein (AS) structural disorder and pathogenic aggregation, and between dopamine (DA) neurotransmitter activity and accumulation of cytotoxic by-products. The possibilities of developing drugs for Parkinson's disease (PD) depend on our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that cause or accompany the pathological structural changes in AS. This review focuses on the three interconnected aspects of AS conformational transitions, its aggregation pathways and ligand binding. Specifically, the interactions of AS with DA, DA metabolites, DA analogs and DA agonists are considered. Recent advances in the field are discussed with reference to the structural properties of AS and the methodologies employed. Although several issues are still object of debate, salient structural features of the protein, the aggregates and the ligands can be identified, in the hope of fueling experimental and computational approaches to the discovery of novel disease-modifying agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonino Natalello
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Brocca
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Erika Ponzini
- Department of Materials Science, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20125 Milan, Italy
- Optics and Optometry Research Center (COMiB), University of Milano-Bicocca, 20125 Milan, Italy
| | - Carlo Santambrogio
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Rita Grandori
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
- Institute for Advanced Simulations, Forschungszentrum Juelich, 52428 Juelich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Elnageeb ME, Elfaki I, Adam KM, Ahmed EM, Elkhalifa EM, Abuagla HA, Ahmed AAEM, Ali EW, Eltieb EI, Edris AM. In Silico Evaluation of the Potential Association of the Pathogenic Mutations of Alpha Synuclein Protein with Induction of Synucleinopathies. Diseases 2023; 11:115. [PMID: 37754311 PMCID: PMC10529770 DOI: 10.3390/diseases11030115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Alpha synuclein (α-Syn) is a neuronal protein encoded by the SNCA gene and is involved in the development of Parkinson's disease (PD). The objective of this study was to examine in silico the functional implications of non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) in the SNCA gene. We used a range of computational algorithms such as sequence conservation, structural analysis, physicochemical properties, and machine learning. The sequence of the SNCA gene was analyzed, resulting in the mapping of 42,272 SNPs that are classified into different functional categories. A total of 177 nsSNPs were identified within the coding region; there were 20 variants that may influence the α-Syn protein structure and function. This identification was made by employing different analytical tools including SIFT, PolyPhen2, Mut-pred, SNAP2, PANTHER, PhD-SNP, SNP&Go, MUpro, Cosurf, I-Mut, and HOPE. Three mutations, V82A, K80E, and E46K, were selected for further examinations due to their spatial positioning within the α-Syn as determined by PyMol. Results indicated that these mutations may affect the stability and function of α-Syn. Then, a molecular dynamics simulation was conducted for the SNCA wildtype and the four mutant variants (p.A18G, p.V82A, p.K80E, and p.E46K). The simulation examined temperature, pressure, density, root-mean-square deviation (RMSD), root-mean-square fluctuation (RMSF), solvent-accessible surface area (SASA), and radius of gyration (Rg). The data indicate that the mutations p.V82A, p.K80E, and p.E46K reduce the stability and functionality of α-Syn. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the impact of nsSNPs on α-syn structure and function. Our results required verifications in further protein functional and case-control studies. After being verified these findings can be used in genetic testing for the early diagnosis of PD, the evaluation of the risk factors, and therapeutic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed E. Elnageeb
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Bisha, P.O. Box 551, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia
| | - Imadeldin Elfaki
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Tabuk, P.O. Box 741, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid M. Adam
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Bisha, P.O. Box 551, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia
| | - Elsadig Mohamed Ahmed
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Bisha, P.O. Box 551, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of El Imam El Mahdi, Kosti 27711, Sudan
| | - Elkhalifa M. Elkhalifa
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Nile Valley University, Atbara 46611, Sudan
| | - Hytham A. Abuagla
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Bisha, P.O. Box 551, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abubakr Ali Elamin Mohamed Ahmed
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Bisha, P.O. Box 551, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia
| | - Elshazali Widaa Ali
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Bisha, P.O. Box 551, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia
| | - Elmoiz Idris Eltieb
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Bisha, P.O. Box 551, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali M. Edris
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Bisha, P.O. Box 551, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Xiang J, Tao Y, Xia Y, Luo S, Zhao Q, Li B, Zhang X, Sun Y, Xia W, Zhang M, Kang SS, Ahn EH, Liu X, Xie F, Guan Y, Yang JJ, Bu L, Wu S, Wang X, Cao X, Liu C, Zhang Z, Li D, Ye K. Development of an α-synuclein positron emission tomography tracer for imaging synucleinopathies. Cell 2023; 186:3350-3367.e19. [PMID: 37421950 PMCID: PMC10527432 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
Synucleinopathies are characterized by the accumulation of α-synuclein (α-Syn) aggregates in the brain. Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of synucleinopathies requires radiopharmaceuticals that selectively bind α-Syn deposits. We report the identification of a brain permeable and rapid washout PET tracer [18F]-F0502B, which shows high binding affinity for α-Syn, but not for Aβ or Tau fibrils, and preferential binding to α-Syn aggregates in the brain sections. Employing several cycles of counter screenings with in vitro fibrils, intraneuronal aggregates, and neurodegenerative disease brain sections from several mice models and human subjects, [18F]-F0502B images α-Syn deposits in the brains of mouse and non-human primate PD models. We further determined the atomic structure of the α-Syn fibril-F0502B complex by cryo-EM and revealed parallel diagonal stacking of F0502B on the fibril surface through an intense noncovalent bonding network via inter-ligand interactions. Therefore, [18F]-F0502B is a promising lead compound for imaging aggregated α-Syn in synucleinopathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Xiang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Youqi Tao
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yiyuan Xia
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Department of Pathophysiology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, JiangHan University, #8, Sanjiaohu Rd., Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Shilin Luo
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qinyue Zhao
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Bowei Li
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Science, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Xiaoqian Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yunpeng Sun
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Wencheng Xia
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Mingming Zhang
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Seong Su Kang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Eun-Hee Ahn
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Xia Liu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Fang Xie
- Department of Nuclear Medicine & PET Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yihui Guan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine & PET Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jenny J Yang
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Lihong Bu
- PET-CT/MRI Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Shengxi Wu
- Department of Neurobiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaochuan Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xuebing Cao
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Cong Liu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China; State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhentao Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China.
| | - Dan Li
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
| | - Keqiang Ye
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Borsche M, Berg D. Blood-Based α-Synuclein Seeding-A New Era for Identifying Parkinsonian Syndromes. Mov Disord 2023; 38:1397-1398. [PMID: 37489601 DOI: 10.1002/mds.29555] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Max Borsche
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Lübeck and University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Daniela Berg
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel and Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Anagnostou D, Sfakianaki G, Melachroinou K, Soutos M, Constantinides V, Vaikath N, Tsantzali I, Paraskevas GP, Agnaf OE, Vekrellis K, Emmanouilidou E. Assessment of Aggregated and Exosome-Associated α-Synuclein in Brain Tissue and Cerebrospinal Fluid Using Specific Immunoassays. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2192. [PMID: 37443586 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13132192] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Even though it is currently well-established that α-synuclein aggregation is closely associated with the pathological events in Parkinson's disease (PD) and several other neurodegenerative disorders, collectively called synucleinopathies, the mechanistic link between α-synuclein aggregates and the onset and progression of neurodegeneration in these diseases remain unclear. The process of aggregation initiates from a structurally distorted monomer that gradually oligomerizes to generate a repertoire of fibrillar and oligomeric multimers that deposit within diseased cells in the brain. Total α-synuclein has been proposed as a potential biomarker in PD, but most of the studies do not discriminate between distinct α-synuclein conformers. To correlate protein measurements to disease pathology, we have developed a conformation-specific ELISA method that selectively detects fibrillar and oligomeric forms of α-synuclein without cross-reacting with monomers. We have used this assay to determine the levels of aggregated α-synuclein in human and mouse brain tissue as well as in CSF and CSF-derived exosomes from patients with synucleinopathy and control subjects. Our results verify the ability of the new assay to detect aggregated α-synuclein in complex matrices and support the idea that the levels of these conformers are related to the age of onset in PD patients, while CSF analysis showed that these species exist in low abundance in CSF and CSF-derived exosomes. Future studies will be required to fully assess the diagnostic usefulness of this ELISA in synucleinopathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Anagnostou
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15784 Athens, Greece
| | - Garifalia Sfakianaki
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15784 Athens, Greece
| | - Katerina Melachroinou
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Miltiadis Soutos
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Vassilios Constantinides
- Neurochemistry Unit, 1st Department of Neurology, Eginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Nishant Vaikath
- Neurological Disorder Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (H.B.K.U.), Qatar Foundation, Doha P.O. Box 34110, Qatar
| | - Ioanna Tsantzali
- 2nd Department of Neurology, Attikon General University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece
| | - George P Paraskevas
- 2nd Department of Neurology, Attikon General University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece
| | - Omar El Agnaf
- Neurological Disorder Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (H.B.K.U.), Qatar Foundation, Doha P.O. Box 34110, Qatar
| | - Kostas Vekrellis
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelia Emmanouilidou
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15784 Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Canever JB, Queiroz LY, Soares ES, de Avelar NCP, Cimarosti HI. Circadian rhythm alterations affecting the pathology of neurodegenerative diseases. J Neurochem 2023. [PMID: 37358003 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15883] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
The circadian rhythm is a nearly 24-h oscillation found in various physiological processes in the human brain and body that is regulated by environmental and genetic factors. It is responsible for maintaining body homeostasis and it is critical for essential functions, such as metabolic regulation and memory consolidation. Dysregulation in the circadian rhythm can negatively impact human health, resulting in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, psychiatric disorders, and premature death. Emerging evidence points to a relationship between the dysregulation circadian rhythm and neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that the alterations in circadian function might play crucial roles in the pathogenesis and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Better understanding this association is of paramount importance to expand the knowledge on the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases, as well as, to provide potential targets for the development of new interventions based on the dysregulation of circadian rhythm. Here we review the latest findings on dysregulation of circadian rhythm alterations in Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, spinocerebellar ataxia and multiple-system atrophy, focusing on research published in the last 3 years.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaquelini Betta Canever
- Postgraduate Program of Neuroscience, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Letícia Yoshitome Queiroz
- Postgraduate Program of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Ericks Sousa Soares
- Postgraduate Program of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Núbia Carelli Pereira de Avelar
- Laboratory of Aging, Resources and Rheumatology, Department of Health Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Araranguá, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Helena Iturvides Cimarosti
- Postgraduate Program of Neuroscience, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Leńska-Mieciek M, Madetko-Alster N, Alster P, Królicki L, Fiszer U, Koziorowski D. Inflammation in multiple system atrophy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1214677. [PMID: 37426656 PMCID: PMC10327640 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1214677] [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: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Misfolding protein aggregation inside or outside cells is the major pathological hallmark of several neurodegenerative diseases. Among proteinopathies are neurodegenerative diseases with atypical Parkinsonism and an accumulation of insoluble fibrillary alpha-synuclein (synucleinopathies) or hyperphosphorylated tau protein fragments (tauopathies). As there are no therapies available to slow or halt the progression of these disea ses, targeting the inflammatory process is a promising approach. The inflammatory biomarkers could also help in the differential diagnosis of Parkinsonian syndromes. Here, we review inflammation's role in multiple systems atrophy pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Leńska-Mieciek
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Piotr Alster
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Leszek Królicki
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Urszula Fiszer
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Brembati V, Faustini G, Longhena F, Bellucci A. Alpha synuclein post translational modifications: potential targets for Parkinson's disease therapy? Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1197853. [PMID: 37305556 PMCID: PMC10248004 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1197853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder with motor symptoms. The neuropathological alterations characterizing the brain of patients with PD include the loss of dopaminergic neurons of the nigrostriatal system and the presence of Lewy bodies (LB), intraneuronal inclusions that are mainly composed of alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) fibrils. The accumulation of α-Syn in insoluble aggregates is a main neuropathological feature in PD and in other neurodegenerative diseases, including LB dementia (LBD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA), which are therefore defined as synucleinopathies. Compelling evidence supports that α-Syn post translational modifications (PTMs) such as phosphorylation, nitration, acetylation, O-GlcNAcylation, glycation, SUMOylation, ubiquitination and C-terminal cleavage, play important roles in the modulation α-Syn aggregation, solubility, turnover and membrane binding. In particular, PTMs can impact on α-Syn conformational state, thus supporting that their modulation can in turn affect α-Syn aggregation and its ability to seed further soluble α-Syn fibrillation. This review focuses on the importance of α-Syn PTMs in PD pathophysiology but also aims at highlighting their general relevance as possible biomarkers and, more importantly, as innovative therapeutic targets for synucleinopathies. In addition, we call attention to the multiple challenges that we still need to face to enable the development of novel therapeutic approaches modulating α-Syn PTMs.
Collapse
|
17
|
Martins GF, Nascimento C, Galamba N. Mechanistic Insights into Polyphenols' Aggregation Inhibition of α-Synuclein and Related Peptides. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:1905-1920. [PMID: 37125909 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00162] [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] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
While several polyphenols were found to either inhibit or modulate the aggregation of proteins implicated in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease (PD), discrepant action mechanisms have been reported. This, in addition to some polyphenols' pan-assay interference compounds' reputation, casts some doubts concerning their therapeutic relevance. Here, we studied, through molecular dynamics and enhanced sampling methods, the aggregation of 11-mer peptides from the non-amyloid-β component, an aggregation-prone domain of α-synuclein (α-syn) implicated in PD and other synucleinopathies, in neat water and aqueous solutions of resveratrol (RSV) and gallic acid (GA). Further, simulations of the complete protein were carried out in aqueous urea, RSV, and GA solutions. Our results show that peptide aggregation is not disrupted by either phenolic compound. Thus, instead, intrusion of RSV and GA in the inter-peptide region induces a peptide-peptide re-orientation, favoring terminal interactions that manifest in the formation of barrierless solvent-separated configurations. Moreover, although the (poly)phenols induce a pronounced peptide dewetting at high concentrations, β-sheet-rich regions, a hallmark of α-syn aggregation, are not disrupted. Thus, our results indicate that, if anything, RSV and GA delay or modulate peptide aggregation at high concentrations via the stabilization of solvent-separated conformations as opposed to aggregation inhibition. Structural analysis of the full protein, however, shows that the (poly)phenols induce more extended conformations of α-syn, similar to urea, possibly also influencing its aggregation propensity. However, opposite to urea, the (poly)phenols reduce α-syn's conformational space, likely due to steric effects and a slowdown of the solvent dynamics. These effects are concentration-dependent and possibly unattainable at therapeutic-relevant concentrations. These results suggest that the aggregation inhibition activity of RSV and GA in vitro should involve, instead, either the non-covalent binding to oligomeric intermediates or the stabilization of the monomer and/or oligomers through the formation of covalent bonds of the respective quinones with α-syn. In addition, the enhanced aggregation tendency of the peptides observed here could be associated with the formation of non-toxic oligomers, reported for some polyphenols.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G F Martins
- BioISI─Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon, C8, Campo Grande, Lisbon 1749-016, Portugal
| | - C Nascimento
- BioISI─Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon, C8, Campo Grande, Lisbon 1749-016, Portugal
| | - N Galamba
- BioISI─Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon, C8, Campo Grande, Lisbon 1749-016, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Lyra P, Machado V, Rota S, Chaudhuri KR, Botelho J, Mendes JJ. Revisiting Alpha-Synuclein Pathways to Inflammation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087137. [PMID: 37108299 PMCID: PMC10138587 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) is a short presynaptic protein with an active role on synaptic vesicle traffic and the neurotransmitter release and reuptake cycle. The α-Syn pathology intertwines with the formation of Lewy Bodies (multiprotein intraneuronal aggregations), which, combined with inflammatory events, define various α-synucleinopathies, such as Parkinson's Disease (PD). In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on α-Syn mechanistic pathways to inflammation, as well as the eventual role of microbial dysbiosis on α-Syn. Furthermore, we explore the possible influence of inflammatory mitigation on α-Syn. In conclusion, and given the rising burden of neurodegenerative disorders, it is pressing to clarify the pathophysiological processes underlying α-synucleinopathies, in order to consider the mitigation of existing low-grade chronic inflammatory states as a potential pathway toward the management and prevention of such conditions, with the aim of starting to search for concrete clinical recommendations in this particular population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Lyra
- Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research (CiiEM), Egas Moniz School of Health and Science, Caparica, 2829-511 Almada, Portugal
- Evidence-Based Hub, CiiEM, Egas Moniz-Cooperativa de Ensino Superior, Caparica, 2829-511 Almada, Portugal
| | - Vanessa Machado
- Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research (CiiEM), Egas Moniz School of Health and Science, Caparica, 2829-511 Almada, Portugal
- Evidence-Based Hub, CiiEM, Egas Moniz-Cooperativa de Ensino Superior, Caparica, 2829-511 Almada, Portugal
| | - Silvia Rota
- Department of Basic & Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK
- Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence, King's College Hospital, London SE5 9RS, UK
| | - Kallol Ray Chaudhuri
- Department of Basic & Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK
- Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence, King's College Hospital, London SE5 9RS, UK
| | - João Botelho
- Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research (CiiEM), Egas Moniz School of Health and Science, Caparica, 2829-511 Almada, Portugal
- Evidence-Based Hub, CiiEM, Egas Moniz-Cooperativa de Ensino Superior, Caparica, 2829-511 Almada, Portugal
| | - José João Mendes
- Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research (CiiEM), Egas Moniz School of Health and Science, Caparica, 2829-511 Almada, Portugal
- Evidence-Based Hub, CiiEM, Egas Moniz-Cooperativa de Ensino Superior, Caparica, 2829-511 Almada, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Lucas-Jiménez O, Ibarretxe-Bilbao N, Diez I, Peña J, Tijero B, Galdós M, Murueta-Goyena A, Del Pino R, Acera M, Gómez-Esteban JC, Gabilondo I, Ojeda N. Brain Degeneration in Synucleinopathies Based on Analysis of Cognition and Other Nonmotor Features: A Multimodal Imaging Study. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020573. [PMID: 36831109 PMCID: PMC9953265 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020573] [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: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to characterize subtypes of synucleinopathies using a clustering approach based on cognitive and other nonmotor data and to explore structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain differences between identified clusters. METHODS Sixty-two patients (n = 6 E46K-SNCA, n = 8 dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and n = 48 idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD)) and 37 normal controls underwent nonmotor evaluation with extensive cognitive assessment. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) was performed on patients' samples based on nonmotor variables. T1, diffusion-weighted, and resting-state functional MRI data were acquired. Whole-brain comparisons were performed. RESULTS HCA revealed two subtypes, the mild subtype (n = 29) and the severe subtype (n = 33). The mild subtype patients were slightly impaired in some nonmotor domains (fatigue, depression, olfaction, and orthostatic hypotension) with no detectable cognitive impairment; the severe subtype patients (PD patients, all DLB, and the symptomatic E46K-SNCA carriers) were severely impaired in motor and nonmotor domains with marked cognitive, visual and bradykinesia alterations. Multimodal MRI analyses suggested that the severe subtype exhibits widespread brain alterations in both structure and function, whereas the mild subtype shows relatively mild disruptions in occipital brain structure and function. CONCLUSIONS These findings support the potential value of incorporating an extensive nonmotor evaluation to characterize specific clinical patterns and brain degeneration patterns of synucleinopathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olaia Lucas-Jiménez
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Deusto, 48007 Bilbao, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +34-944-139000 (ext. 3231)
| | - Naroa Ibarretxe-Bilbao
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Deusto, 48007 Bilbao, Spain
| | - Ibai Diez
- Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114-1107, USA
| | - Javier Peña
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Deusto, 48007 Bilbao, Spain
| | - Beatriz Tijero
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain
- Department of Neurology, Cruces University Hospital, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Marta Galdós
- Ophthalmology Department, Cruces University Hospital, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Ane Murueta-Goyena
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain
- Department of Neurosciences, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Rocío Del Pino
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Marian Acera
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Gómez-Esteban
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain
- Department of Neurology, Cruces University Hospital, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain
- Department of Neurosciences, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Iñigo Gabilondo
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain
- Department of Neurology, Cruces University Hospital, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, The Basque Foundation for Science, 48009 Bilbao, Spain
| | - Natalia Ojeda
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Deusto, 48007 Bilbao, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Abstract
α-Synuclein is a neuronal protein that is enriched in presynaptic terminals. Under physiological conditions, it binds to synaptic vesicle membranes and functions in neurotransmitter release, although the molecular details remain unclear, and it is controversial whether α-synuclein inhibits or facilitates neurotransmitter release. Pathologically, in synucleinopathies including Parkinson's disease (PD), α-synuclein forms aggregates that recruit monomeric α-synuclein and spread throughout the brain, which triggers neuronal dysfunction at molecular, cellular, and organ levels. Here, we present an overview of the effects of α-synuclein on SNARE-complex assembly, neurotransmitter release, and synaptic vesicle pool homeostasis, and discuss how the observed divergent effects of α-synuclein on neurotransmitter release can be reconciled. We also discuss how gain-of-function versus loss-of-function of α-synuclein may contribute to pathogenesis in synucleinopathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manu Sharma
- Appel Alzheimer's Disease Research Institute, Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Jacqueline Burré
- Appel Alzheimer's Disease Research Institute, Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Deyell JS, Sriparna M, Ying M, Mao X. The Interplay between α-Synuclein and Microglia in α- Synucleinopathies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24. [PMID: 36768798 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Synucleinopathies are a set of devastating neurodegenerative diseases that share a pathologic accumulation of the protein α-synuclein (α-syn). This accumulation causes neuronal death resulting in irreversible dementia, deteriorating motor symptoms, and devastating cognitive decline. While the etiology of these conditions remains largely unknown, microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS), have been consistently implicated in the pathogenesis of synucleinopathies. Microglia are generally believed to be neuroprotective in the early stages of α-syn accumulation and contribute to further neurodegeneration in chronic disease states. While the molecular mechanisms by which microglia achieve this role are still being investigated, here we highlight the major findings to date. In this review, we describe how structural varieties of inherently disordered α-syn result in varied microglial receptor-mediated interactions. We also summarize which microglial receptors enable cellular recognition and uptake of α-syn. Lastly, we review the downstream effects of α-syn processing within microglia, including spread to other brain regions resulting in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in chronic disease states. Understanding the mechanism of microglial interactions with α-syn is vital to conceptualizing molecular targets for novel therapeutic interventions. In addition, given the significant diversity in the pathophysiology of synucleinopathies, such molecular interactions are vital in gauging all potential pathways of neurodegeneration in the disease state.
Collapse
|
22
|
Han Y, He Z. Concomitant protein pathogenesis in Parkinson's disease and perspective mechanisms. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1189809. [PMID: 37181621 PMCID: PMC10174460 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1189809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Comorbidity is a common phenotype in Parkinson's disease (PD). Patients with PD not only have motor deficit symptoms, but also have heterogeneous non-motor symptoms, including cognitive impairment and emotional changes, which are the featured symptoms observed in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and cerebrovascular disease. Moreover, autopsy studies have also confirmed the concomitant protein pathogenesis, such as the co-existences of α-synuclein, amyloid-β and tau pathologies in PD and AD patients' brains. Here, we briefly summarize the recent reports regarding the comorbidity issues in PD from both clinical observations and neuropathological evidences. Furthermore, we provide some discussion about the perspective potential mechanisms underlying such comorbidity phenomenon, with a focus on PD and related neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuliang Han
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuohao He
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Zhuohao He,
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Arlinghaus R, Iba M, Masliah E, Cookson MR, Landeck N. Specific Detection of Physiological S129 Phosphorylated α-Synuclein in Tissue Using Proximity Ligation Assay. J Parkinsons Dis 2023; 13:255-270. [PMID: 36847016 PMCID: PMC10041430 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-213085] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Synucleinopathies are a group of neurodegenerative disorders that are pathologically characterized by intracellular aggregates called Lewy bodies. Lewy bodies are primarily composed of α-synuclein (asyn) protein, which is mostly phosphorylated at serine 129 (pS129) when aggregated and therefore used as a marker for pathology. Currently commercial antibodies against pS129 asyn stain aggregates well but in healthy brains cross react with other proteins, thus making it difficult to specifically detect physiological pS129 asyn. OBJECTIVE To develop a staining procedure that detects endogenous and physiological relevant pS129 asyn with high specificity and low background. METHODS We used the fluorescent and brightfield in situ proximity ligation assay (PLA) to specifically detect pS129 asyn in cell culture, mouse, and human brain sections. RESULTS The pS129 asyn PLA specifically stained physiological and soluble pS129 asyn in cell culture, mouse brain sections, and human brain tissue without significant cross-reactivity or background signal. However, this technique was not successful in detecting Lewy bodies in human brain tissue. CONCLUSION We successfully developed a novel PLA method that can, in the future, be used on in vitro and in vivo samples as a tool to explore and better understand the cellular localization and function of pS129 asyn in health and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Arlinghaus
- Cell Biology and Gene Expression Section, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Michiyo Iba
- Molecular Neuropathology Section, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institutes on Aging, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Eliezer Masliah
- Molecular Neuropathology Section, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institutes on Aging, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Division of Neuroscience, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mark R Cookson
- Cell Biology and Gene Expression Section, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Natalie Landeck
- Cell Biology and Gene Expression Section, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Gelain DP, Bittencourt RR, Bastos Mendes LF, Moreira JCF, Outeiro TF. RAGE Against the Glycation Machine in Synucleinopathies: Time to Explore New Questions. J Parkinsons Dis 2023; 13:717-728. [PMID: 37270812 PMCID: PMC10473104 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-230070] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Oligomerization and aggregation of misfolded forms of α-synuclein are believed to be key molecular mechanisms in Parkinson's disease (PD) and other synucleinopathies, so extensive research has attempted to understand these processes. Among diverse post-translational modifications that impact α-synuclein aggregation, glycation may take place at several lysine sites and modify α-synuclein oligomerization, toxicity, and clearance. The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is considered a key regulator of chronic neuroinflammation through microglial activation in response to advanced glycation end products, such as carboxy-ethyl-lysine, or carboxy-methyl-lysine. The presence of RAGE in the midbrain of PD patients has been reported in the last decades and this receptor was proposed to have a role in sustaining PD neuroinflammation. However, different PD animal models demonstrated that RAGE is preferentially expressed in neurons and astrocytes, while recent evidence demonstrated that fibrillar, non-glycated α-synuclein binds to RAGE. Here, we summarize the available data on α-synuclein glycation and RAGE in the context of PD, and discuss about the questions yet to be answered that may increase our understanding of the molecular bases of PD and synucleinopathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Pens Gelain
- Center for Oxidative Stress Studies, Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Reykla Ramon Bittencourt
- Center for Oxidative Stress Studies, Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Luiz Filipe Bastos Mendes
- Center for Oxidative Stress Studies, Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - José Claudio Fonseca Moreira
- Center for Oxidative Stress Studies, Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Tiago Fleming Outeiro
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Natural Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Neupane S, De Cecco E, Aguzzi A. The Hidden Cell-to-Cell Trail of α-Synuclein Aggregates. J Mol Biol 2022:167930. [PMID: 36566800 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [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: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The progressive accumulation of insoluble aggregates of the presynaptic protein alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) is a hallmark of neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson's disease (PD), Multiple System Atrophy, and Dementia with Lewy Bodies, commonly referred to as synucleinopathies. Despite considerable progress on the structural biology of these aggregates, the molecular mechanisms mediating their cell-to-cell transmission, propagation, and neurotoxicity remain only partially understood. Numerous studies have highlighted the stereotypical spatiotemporal spreading of pathological α-Syn aggregates across different tissues and anatomically connected brain regions over time. Experimental evidence from various cellular and animal models indicate that α-Syn transfer occurs in two defined steps: the release of pathogenic α-Syn species from infected cells, and their uptake via passive or active endocytic pathways. Once α-Syn aggregates have been internalized, little is known about what drives their toxicity or how they interact with the endogenous protein to promote its misfolding and subsequent aggregation. Similarly, unknown genetic factors modulate different cellular responses to the aggregation and accumulation of pathogenic α-Syn species. Here we discuss the current understanding of the molecular phenomena associated with the intercellular spreading of pathogenic α-Syn seeds and summarize the evidence supporting the transmission hypothesis. Understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in α-Syn aggregates transmission is essential to develop novel targeted therapeutics against PD and related synucleinopathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandesh Neupane
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital of Zurich, University of Zurich, Schmelzbergstrasse 12, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland. https://twitter.com/neuron_sandesh
| | - Elena De Cecco
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital of Zurich, University of Zurich, Schmelzbergstrasse 12, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Adriano Aguzzi
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital of Zurich, University of Zurich, Schmelzbergstrasse 12, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Surguchov A, Surguchev A. Synucleins: New Data on Misfolding, Aggregation and Role in Diseases. Biomedicines 2022; 10. [PMID: 36551997 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The synucleins are a family of natively unfolded (or intrinsically unstructured) proteins consisting of α-, β-, and γ-synuclein involved in neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. The current number of publications on synucleins has exceeded 16.000. They remain the subject of constant interest for over 35 years. Two reasons explain this unchanging attention: synuclein's association with several severe human diseases and the lack of understanding of the functional roles under normal physiological conditions. We analyzed recent publications to look at the main trends and developments in synuclein research and discuss possible future directions. Traditional areas of peak research interest which still remain high among last year's publications are comparative studies of structural features as well as functional research on of three members of the synuclein family. Another popular research topic in the area is a mechanism of α-synuclein accumulation, aggregation, and fibrillation. Exciting fast-growing area of recent research is α-synuclein and epigenetics. We do not present here a broad and comprehensive review of all directions of studies but summarize only the most significant recent findings relevant to these topics and outline potential future directions.
Collapse
|
27
|
Hmila I, Sudhakaran IP, Ghanem SS, Vaikath NN, Poggiolini I, Abdesselem H, El-Agnaf OMA. Inhibition of α-Synuclein Seeding-Dependent Aggregation by ssDNA Aptamers Specific to C-Terminally Truncated α-Synuclein Fibrils. ACS Chem Neurosci 2022; 13:3330-3341. [PMID: 36348612 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00362] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathologically, Parkinson's disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) are characterized by the accumulation of insoluble aggregates of α-synuclein (α-syn) in the Lewy bodies (LBs). In addition to full-length α-syn fibrils, C-terminally truncated α-syn is also abundant in the LBs that acts as seeds and facilitates the aggregation of the full-length α-syn in vitro and in vivo and induces toxicity. Hence, identifying molecules that can inhibit the seeding activity of these truncated forms is of great importance. Here, we report the first in vitro selection of aptamers targeting the fibrillar forms of different C-terminally truncated α-syn using systematic evolution by an exponential enrichment method followed by quantitative high-throughput DNA sequencing. We identify a panel of aptamers that bound with high specificity to different truncated forms of α-syn fibrils with no cross-reactivity toward other amyloid fibrils. Interestingly, two of the aptamers (named Apt11 and Apt15) show higher affinity to most C-terminally truncated forms of α-syn fibrils with an evident inhibition of α-syn-seeded aggregation in vitro by Apt11. This inhibition is further confirmed by circular dichroism, Congo red binding assay, and electronic microscopy. Moreover, Apt11 is also found to reduce the insoluble phosphorylated form of α-syn at Ser-129 (pS129-α-syn) in the cell model and also can inhibit α-syn aggregation using RT-QuIC reactions seeded with brain homogenates extracted from patients affected by PD. The aptamers discovered in this study represent potential useful tools for research and diagnostics or therapy toward PD and DLB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Issam Hmila
- Neurological Disorder Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha 34110, Qatar
| | - Indulekha P Sudhakaran
- Neurological Disorder Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha 34110, Qatar
| | - Simona S Ghanem
- Neurological Disorder Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha 34110, Qatar
| | - Nishant N Vaikath
- Neurological Disorder Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha 34110, Qatar
| | - Ilaria Poggiolini
- Neurological Disorder Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha 34110, Qatar
| | - Houari Abdesselem
- Neurological Disorder Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha 34110, Qatar
| | - Omar M A El-Agnaf
- Neurological Disorder Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha 34110, Qatar
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Fassler M, Benaim C, George J. A Single Chain Fragment Variant Binding Misfolded Alpha-Synuclein Exhibits Neuroprotective and Antigen-Specific Anti-Inflammatory Properties. Cells 2022; 11:cells11233822. [PMID: 36497081 PMCID: PMC9739179 DOI: 10.3390/cells11233822] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alpha synuclein (αSyn) misfolding plays a requisite role in the pathogenesis of synucleinopathies. Direct toxicity to neurons, triggering neuroinflammation as well as the spreading and seeding of αSyn pathology are essential pathogenetic underlying mechanisms. Immunotherapy in experimental Parkinson's disease (PD) has been shown to be consistently effective in preclinical models, yet the initial clinical trials with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) yielded marginal results if any. Aiming to overcome some of the limitation of this approach, we aimed to select an αSyn binding scFv antibody format and test it in multiple experimental PD in vivo models. METHODS We cloned the lead αSyn scFv based on preselection of human phage display libraries of human Fab. The selected of scFv targeting both oligomers and pre-formed fibrils (PFF) of αSyn were tested for their ability to protect neurons from triggered toxicity, influence their uptake to microglia, and accelerate misfolded αSyn degradation. The lead scFv- sMB08, was also tested for its ability to impact αSyn aggregation as well as spreading and seeding. RESULTS sMB08 was shown to protect neurons from misfolded αSyn mediated toxicity, promote its intracellular degradation, and to reduce its uptake by microglia. sMB08 exhibited anti-inflammatory properties, including its ability to attenuate adaptive αSyn autoimmunity and ameliorate proinflammatory cytokine expression in brains of mice stereotactically injected with PFF. Employing three experimental models of PD, intranasal treatment with sMB08 attenuated motoric dysfunction and achieved acceptable brain levels by pharmacokinetic analysis, leading to significant preservation of dopaminergic n neurons. CONCLUSION sMB08, a scFv targeting both αSyn oligomers and PFF, due to its small size facilitating paraneural brain penetration and avoidance of nonspecific inflammation, appears as an attractive approach to test in patients with PD by addressing the major mechanisms that mediate misfolded αSyn driven pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Fassler
- Heart Center, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot 76100, Israel
- Cognyxx Ltd., Tel Aviv 6578317, Israel
| | - Clara Benaim
- Heart Center, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot 76100, Israel
- Cognyxx Ltd., Tel Aviv 6578317, Israel
| | - Jacob George
- Heart Center, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot 76100, Israel
- Cognyxx Ltd., Tel Aviv 6578317, Israel
- Correspondence: or
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Sriram S, Root K, Chacko K, Patel A, Lucke-Wold B. Surgical Management of Synucleinopathies. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10102657. [PMID: 36289920 PMCID: PMC9599076 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102657] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Synucleinopathies represent a diverse set of pathologies with significant morbidity and mortality. In this review, we highlight the surgical management of three synucleinopathies: Parkinson’s disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and multiple system atrophy (MSA). After examining underlying molecular mechanisms and the medical management of these diseases, we explore the role of deep brain stimulation (DBS) in the treatment of synuclein pathophysiology. Further, we examine the utility of focused ultrasound (FUS) in the treatment of synucleinopathies such as PD, including its role in blood–brain barrier (BBB) opening for the delivery of novel drug therapeutics and gene therapy vectors. We also discuss other recent advances in the surgical management of MSA and DLB. Together, we give a diverse overview of current techniques in the neurosurgical management of these pathologies.
Collapse
|
30
|
Henríquez G, Méndez L, Castañeda E, Wagler A, Jeon S, Narayan M. Preclinical Model to Evaluate Outcomes of Amyloid Cross-Toxicity in the Rodent Brain. ACS Chem Neurosci 2022; 13:2962-2973. [PMID: 36194532 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The progress of neurodegenerative disorders correlates with the spread of their associated amyloidogenic proteins. Here, we investigated whether amyloid entry into nonconstitutive neurons could drive cross-toxic outcomes. Amyloid β (Aβ) was stereotaxically introduced into the rodent midbrain tegmentum, where it is not endogenously expressed. Postinfusion, rodent motor and sensorimotor capacities were assessed by standard behavioral tests at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. The longitudinal study revealed no behavioral abnormalities. However, Aβ insult provoked intraneuronal inclusions positive for phosphorylated α-synuclein in dopaminergic neurons and were seen throughout the midbrain, a pathognomonic biomarker suggesting Parkinson's pathogenesis. These findings not only underscore the cross-toxic potential of amyloid proteins but also provide a mechanism by which they disrupt homeostasis in nonconstitutive neurons and cause neuronal corruption, injury, and demise. This study may help reconcile the large incidence of neurodegenerative comorbidity observed clinically.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Henríquez
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
| | - Lois Méndez
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
| | - Edward Castañeda
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
| | - Amy Wagler
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
| | - Soyoung Jeon
- Department of Economics, Applied Statistics and International Business, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico 88003, United States
| | - Mahesh Narayan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Palma J, Krismer F, Meissner WG, Kuijpers M, Millar‐Vernetti P, Perez MA, Fanciulli A, Norcliffe‐Kaufmann L, Bower P, Wenning GK, Kaufmann H. Patient-Reported Symptoms in the Global Multiple System Atrophy Registry. Mov Disord Clin Pract 2022; 9:967-971. [PMID: 36247899 PMCID: PMC9547130 DOI: 10.1002/mdc3.13544] [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: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Global Multiple System Atrophy Registry (GLOMSAR) was established in 2013. It is an online patient-reported contact registry open and free that relies on self-reported diagnosis by the patient or caregiver. Objectives To report the demographics of patients enrolled in GLOMSAR and the results of an ancillary online symptom questionnaire. Methods Patients enrolled in GLOMSAR were invited to complete a custom-designed online questionnaire about disease onset and symptom prevalence. Results At the time of writing, there were 1083 participants in GLOMSAR, of which 33% (365) completed the questionnaire. The onset and frequency of most symptoms was similar to those reported in the literature in physician-reported studies. Some were understudied or not typically associated with multiple system atrophy (MSA), including reduced female sexual sensation (55%), forgetfulness (60%), pseudobulbar affect (37%), olfactory changes (36%), and visual hallucinations (21%). Conclusions Patient-reported studies and ancillary online questionnaires are valid, underused research tools useful to advance our knowledge on understudied MSA features and highlight the patients' voice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jose‐Alberto Palma
- Department of Neurology, Dysautonomia CenterNew York University School of MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Florian Krismer
- Department of NeurologyInnsbruck Medical UniversityInnsbruckAustria
| | - Wassilios G. Meissner
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Bordeaux, Service de Neurologie des Maladies NeurodégénérativesBordeauxFrance
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of BordeauxBordeauxFrance
- Department of MedicineUniversity of OtagoChristchurchNew Zealand
- New Zealand Brain Research InstituteChristchurchNew Zealand
| | - Mechteld Kuijpers
- Department of Neurology, Dysautonomia CenterNew York University School of MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Patricio Millar‐Vernetti
- Department of Neurology, Dysautonomia CenterNew York University School of MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Miguel A. Perez
- Department of Neurology, Dysautonomia CenterNew York University School of MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | | | - Lucy Norcliffe‐Kaufmann
- Department of Neurology, Dysautonomia CenterNew York University School of MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Pam Bower
- Multiple System Atrophy CoalitionMcLeanVirginiaUSA
| | | | - Horacio Kaufmann
- Department of Neurology, Dysautonomia CenterNew York University School of MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Roberts B, Theunissen F, Mastaglia FL, Akkari PA, Flynn LL. Synucleinopathy in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Potential Avenue for Antisense Therapeutics? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:9364. [PMID: 36012622 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common adult-onset motor neuron disease classified as both a neurodegenerative and neuromuscular disorder. With a complex aetiology and no current cure for ALS, broadening the understanding of disease pathology and therapeutic avenues is required to progress with patient care. Alpha-synuclein (αSyn) is a hallmark for disease in neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, Lewy body dementia, and multiple system atrophy. A growing body of evidence now suggests that αSyn may also play a pathological role in ALS, with αSyn-positive Lewy bodies co-aggregating alongside known ALS pathogenic proteins, such as SOD1 and TDP-43. This review endeavours to capture the scope of literature regarding the aetiology and development of ALS and its commonalities with "synucleinopathy disorders". We will discuss the involvement of αSyn in ALS and motor neuron disease pathology, and the current theories and strategies for therapeutics in ALS treatment, as well as those targeting αSyn for synucleinopathies, with a core focus on small molecule RNA technologies.
Collapse
|
33
|
Matiiv AB, Moskalenko SE, Sergeeva OS, Zhouravleva GA, Bondarev SA. NOS1AP Interacts with α-Synuclein and Aggregates in Yeast and Mammalian Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:9102. [PMID: 36012368 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [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: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The NOS1AP gene encodes a cytosolic protein that binds to the signaling cascade component neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS). It is associated with many different disorders, such as schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder, autism, cardiovascular disorders, and breast cancer. The NOS1AP (also known as CAPON) protein mediates signaling within a complex which includes the NMDA receptor, PSD-95, and nNOS. This adapter protein is involved in neuronal nitric oxide (NO) synthesis regulation via its association with nNOS (NOS1). Our bioinformatics analysis revealed NOS1AP as an aggregation-prone protein, interacting with α-synuclein. Further investigation showed that NOS1AP forms detergent-resistant non-amyloid aggregates when overproduced. Overexpression of NOS1AP was found in rat models for nervous system injury as well as in schizophrenia patients. Thus, we can assume for the first time that the molecular mechanisms underlying these disorders include misfolding and aggregation of NOS1AP. We show that NOS1AP interacts with α-synuclein, allowing us to suggest that this protein may be implicated in the development of synucleinopathies and that its aggregation may explain the relationship between Parkinson’s disease and schizophrenia.
Collapse
|
34
|
Mehra S, Ahlawat S, Kumar H, Datta D, Navalkar A, Singh N, Patel K, Gadhe L, Kadu P, Kumar R, Jha NN, Sakunthala A, Sawner AS, Padinhateeri R, Udgaonkar JB, Agarwal V, Maji SK. α-Synuclein aggregation intermediates form fibril polymorphs with distinct prion-like properties. J Mol Biol 2022; 434:167761. [PMID: 35907572 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
α-Synuclein (α-Syn) amyloids in synucleinopathies are suggested to be structurally and functionally diverse, reminiscent of prion-like strains. But how the aggregation of the same precursor protein results in the formation of fibril polymorphs remains elusive. Here, we demonstrate the structure-function relationship of two polymorphs, pre-matured fibrils (PMFs) and helix-matured fibrils (HMFs), based on α-Syn aggregation intermediates. These polymorphs display the structural differences as demonstrated by solid-state NMR and mass spectrometry studies and also possess different cellular activities such as seeding, internalization, and cell-to-cell transfer of aggregates. HMFs with a compact core structure exhibit low seeding potency but readily internalize and transfer from one cell to another. The less structured PMFs lack transcellular transfer ability but induce abundant α-Syn pathology and trigger the formation of aggresomes in cells. Overall, the study highlights that the conformational heterogeneity in the aggregation pathway may lead to fibril polymorphs with distinct prion-like behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Surabhi Mehra
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai-400076, India
| | - Sahil Ahlawat
- Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Sy. No. 36/P, Gopanpally, Hyderabad-500 046, India
| | - Harish Kumar
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune- 411 008, India; National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bengaluru 560065, India
| | - Debalina Datta
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai-400076, India
| | - Ambuja Navalkar
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai-400076, India
| | - Nitu Singh
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai-400076, India
| | - Komal Patel
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai-400076, India
| | - Laxmikant Gadhe
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai-400076, India
| | - Pradeep Kadu
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai-400076, India
| | - Rakesh Kumar
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai-400076, India
| | - Narendra N Jha
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai-400076, India
| | - Arunima Sakunthala
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai-400076, India
| | - Ajay S Sawner
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai-400076, India
| | - Ranjith Padinhateeri
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai-400076, India
| | - Jayant B Udgaonkar
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune- 411 008, India; National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bengaluru 560065, India
| | - Vipin Agarwal
- Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Sy. No. 36/P, Gopanpally, Hyderabad-500 046, India
| | - Samir K Maji
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai-400076, India.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Wang J, Yang X, Zeng W, Zhang X, Yang X, Xu Y, Liu K, Zhang Z, Xu Y, Cao X. Dual Effects: Intrastriatal Injection of α-syn N103/tau N368 Preformed Fibrils Promotes Endogenous α-synuclein Aggregates in the Proximal Colon. J Parkinsons Dis 2022; 12:2097-2116. [PMID: 35912751 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-223294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pathological changes in the brain can affect the gastrointestinal tract, whereas there is less evidence regarding the brain-gut axis. OBJECTIVE To identify whether cerebral endogenous phosphorylated α-synuclein induces gastrointestinal dysfunction via the brain-gut axis, mediated by the vagus nerve. METHODS α-syn N103/tau N368 preformed fibrils were injected into the dorsal lateral striatum of rodents, and the cerebral and colonic synucleinopathies and changes in the enteric nervous system were analyzed. Moreover, subdiaphragmatic vagotomy was conducted to confirm the role of the vagus nerve in brain-gut propagation. RESULTS An anterograde propagation of phosphorylated α-synuclein from the brain to the proximal colon mainly via the vagus nerve was observed at one month. The accumulation of phosphorylated α-synuclein was detected in the proximal colon over time, accompanied by infiltration of macrophages and eosinophils in the mucosa and submucosa. Upon injection with lower doses of preformed fibrils, the accumulation of phosphorylated α-synuclein and dopaminergic neuron loss was reduced to levels consistent with control at six months, while the expression levels of GFAP, Iba-1, and IL-6 increased. Under high preformed fibrils dose conditions, fecal traits and gastrointestinal motility were significantly reduced at six months, and aggregations of phosphorylated α-synuclein and an increasing level of IL-1β appeared. CONCLUSION Induced endogenous α-synuclein can quickly propagate into the proximal colon mainly via the vagus nerve. Injections of low doses of preformed fibrils can elicit recovery of the enteric nervous system and degradation of α-synuclein aggregates whereas high doses cause accumulation of pathological α-synuclein, enteric inflammation, and prominent gastrointestinal dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jialing Wang
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoman Yang
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Weiqi Zeng
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoqian Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaomei Yang
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu Xu
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ke Liu
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhaoyuan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Xu
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xuebing Cao
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Noronha O, Mesarosovo L, Anink JJ, Iyer A, Aronica E, Mills JD. Differentially Expressed miRNAs in Age-Related Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Meta-Analysis. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13061034. [PMID: 35741796 PMCID: PMC9222420 DOI: 10.3390/genes13061034] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
To date, no neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) have cures, and the underlying mechanism of their pathogenesis is undetermined. As miRNAs extensively regulate all biological processes and are crucial regulators of healthy brain function, miRNAs differentially expressed in NDDs may provide insight into the factors that contribute to the emergence of protein inclusions and the propagation of deleterious cellular environments. A meta-analysis of miRNAs dysregulated in Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple system atrophy, progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal degeneration, dementia with Lewy bodies and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (TDP43 variant) was performed to determine if diseases within a proteinopathy have distinct or shared mechanisms of action leading to neuronal death, and if proteinopathies can be classified on the basis of their miRNA profiles. Our results identified both miRNAs distinct to the anatomy, disease type and pathology, and miRNAs consistently dysregulated within single proteinopathies and across neurodegeneration in general. Our results also highlight the necessity to minimize the variability between studies. These findings showcase the need for more transcriptomic research on infrequently occurring NDDs, and the need for the standardization of research techniques and platforms utilized across labs and diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ocana Noronha
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (O.N.); (L.M.); (J.J.A.); (E.A.)
- Neurodegenerative Disorders Collaborative Laboratory, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama 351-0106, Japan
| | - Lucia Mesarosovo
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (O.N.); (L.M.); (J.J.A.); (E.A.)
| | - Jasper J. Anink
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (O.N.); (L.M.); (J.J.A.); (E.A.)
| | - Anand Iyer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medicine Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Eleonora Aronica
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (O.N.); (L.M.); (J.J.A.); (E.A.)
| | - James D. Mills
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (O.N.); (L.M.); (J.J.A.); (E.A.)
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
- Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St Peter, Gerrards Cross SL9 0RJ, UK
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Just MK, Gram H, Theologidis V, Jensen PH, Nilsson KPR, Lindgren M, Knudsen K, Borghammer P, Van Den Berge N. Alpha-Synuclein Strain Variability in Body-First and Brain-First Synucleinopathies. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:907293. [PMID: 35693346 PMCID: PMC9178288 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.907293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic alpha-synuclein (asyn) aggregates are a defining feature of neurodegenerative synucleinopathies, which include Parkinson's disease, Lewy body dementia, pure autonomic failure and multiple system atrophy. Early accurate differentiation between these synucleinopathies is challenging due to the highly heterogeneous clinical profile at early prodromal disease stages. Therefore, diagnosis is often made in late disease stages when a patient presents with a broad range of motor and non-motor symptoms easing the differentiation. Increasing data suggest the clinical heterogeneity seen in patients is explained by the presence of distinct asyn strains, which exhibit variable morphologies and pathological functions. Recently, asyn seed amplification assays (PMCA and RT-QuIC) and conformation-specific ligand assays have made promising progress in differentiating between synucleinopathies in prodromal and advanced disease stages. Importantly, the cellular environment is known to impact strain morphology. And, asyn aggregate pathology can propagate trans-synaptically along the brain-body axis, affecting multiple organs and propagating through multiple cell types. Here, we present our hypothesis that the changing cellular environments, an asyn seed may encounter during its brain-to-body or body-to-brain propagation, may influence the structure and thereby the function of the aggregate strains developing within the different cells. Additionally, we aim to review strain characteristics of the different synucleinopathies in clinical and preclinical studies. Future preclinical animal models of synucleinopathies should investigate if asyn strain morphology is altered during brain-to-body and body-to-brain spreading using these seeding amplification and conformation-specific assays. Such findings would greatly deepen our understanding of synucleinopathies and the potential link between strain and phenotypic variability, which may enable specific diagnosis of different synucleinopathies in the prodromal phase, creating a large therapeutic window with potential future applications in clinical trials and personalized therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mie Kristine Just
- Institute for Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Nuclear Medicine and PET, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Hjalte Gram
- Department of Biomedicine, DANDRITE-Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Vasileios Theologidis
- Department of Biomedicine, DANDRITE-Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Poul Henning Jensen
- Department of Biomedicine, DANDRITE-Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - K. Peter R. Nilsson
- Division of Chemistry, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Mikael Lindgren
- Department of Physics, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Karoline Knudsen
- Institute for Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Nuclear Medicine and PET, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Per Borghammer
- Institute for Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Nuclear Medicine and PET, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Nathalie Van Den Berge
- Institute for Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Nuclear Medicine and PET, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Galamba N. Aggregation of a Parkinson's Disease-Related Peptide: When Does Urea Weaken Hydrophobic Interactions? ACS Chem Neurosci 2022; 13:1769-1781. [PMID: 35616516 PMCID: PMC9775218 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00169] [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] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
While the exact cause of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease is not completely understood, compelling evidence implicates the aggregation of specific proteins and peptides. Co-solvents can provide molecular insight into protein aggregation mechanisms and the chemical nature of potential aggregation inhibitors. Here, we study, through molecular simulations, the hydration and binding free energies of an amphiphilic peptide from the nonamyloid-β component (NAC), a key aggregation-prone domain of α-synuclein, in water and an 8 M aqueous urea solution. Isoleucine, glycine, and serine peptides of the same length are also studied to unravel the role of urea in the hydration and aggregation of hydrophobic and hydrophilic domains. A strong impact of urea in hindering the aggregation of the NAC subdomain is observed. A slightly weaker aggregation inhibition is observed for the Gly and Ser peptides, whereas a much lower aggregation inhibitory activity is found for the Ile peptide, seemingly contrasting with urea's protein unfolding mechanism. This behavior is shown to derive from a lower profusion of urea next to the hydrophobic side chains and the backbone of the Ile's peptide in the dimeric form. As a consequence, β-sheets, formed upon aggregation, remain nearly intact. Hydrophilic neighbor groups in the amphiphilic NAC subdomain, however, are shown to anchor enough urea to weaken hydrophobic interactions and disrupt β-sheet structures. Our results indicate that urea's activity is potentiated in amphiphilic domains and that potential drugs could disrupt hydrophobic β-sheet-rich regions while not binding primarily to hydrophobic amino acids.
Collapse
|
39
|
Vidović M, Rikalovic MG. Alpha-Synuclein Aggregation Pathway in Parkinson's Disease: Current Status and Novel Therapeutic Approaches. Cells 2022; 11:cells11111732. [PMID: 35681426 PMCID: PMC9179656 DOI: 10.3390/cells11111732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [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: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Following Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second-most common neurodegenerative disorder, sharing an unclear pathophysiology, a multifactorial profile, and massive social costs worldwide. Despite this, no disease-modifying therapy is available. PD is tightly associated with α-synuclein (α-Syn) deposits, which become organised into insoluble, amyloid fibrils. As a typical intrinsically disordered protein, α-Syn adopts a monomeric, random coil conformation in an aqueous solution, while its interaction with lipid membranes drives the transition of the molecule part into an α-helical structure. The central unstructured region of α-Syn is involved in fibril formation by converting to well-defined, β-sheet rich secondary structures. Presently, most therapeutic strategies against PD are focused on designing small molecules, peptides, and peptidomimetics that can directly target α-Syn and its aggregation pathway. Other approaches include gene silencing, cell transplantation, stimulation of intracellular clearance with autophagy promoters, and degradation pathways based on immunotherapy of amyloid fibrils. In the present review, we sum marise the current advances related to α-Syn aggregation/neurotoxicity. These findings present a valuable arsenal for the further development of efficient, nontoxic, and non-invasive therapeutic protocols for disease-modifying therapy that tackles disease onset and progression in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marija Vidović
- Laboratory for Plant Molecular Biology, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042 Belgrade, Serbia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +38-16-4276-3221
| | - Milena G. Rikalovic
- Environment and Sustainable Development, Singidunum Univeristy, Danijelova 32, 11010 Belgrade, Serbia;
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Pan L, Li C, Meng L, Tian Y, He M, Yuan X, Zhang G, Zhang Z, Xiong J, Chen G, Zhang Z. Tau accelerates α-synuclein aggregation and spreading in Parkinson's disease. Brain 2022; 145:3454-3471. [PMID: 35552614 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awac171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [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: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The aggregation and prion-like propagation of α-synuclein are involved in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. However, the underlying mechanisms regulating the assembly and spreading of α-synuclein fibrils remain poorly understood. Tau co-deposits with α-synuclein in the brains of Parkinson's disease patients, suggesting a pathological interplay between them. Here we show that tau interacts with α-synuclein and accelerates its aggregation. Compared with pure α-synuclein fibrils, the tau-modified α-synuclein fibrils show enhanced seeding activity, inducing mitochondrial dysfunction, synaptic impairment, and neurotoxicity in vitro. Injection of the tau-modified α-synuclein fibrils into the striatum of mice induces more severe α-synuclein pathology, motor dysfunction, and cognitive impairment when compared with the mice injected with pure α-synuclein fibrils. Knockout of tau attenuates the propagation of α-synuclein pathology and Parkinson's disease-like symptoms both in mice injected with α-syn fibrils and α-syn A53 T transgenic mice. In conclusion, tau facilitates α-synuclein aggregation and propagation in Parkinson's disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lina Pan
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Chunrui Li
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Lanxia Meng
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Ye Tian
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Mingyang He
- Hubei Provincial Institute for Food Supervision and Test, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xin Yuan
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Guoxin Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Zhaohui Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Jing Xiong
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Guiqin Chen
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Zhentao Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Prieto Huarcaya S, Drobny A, Marques ARA, Di Spiezio A, Dobert JP, Balta D, Werner C, Rizo T, Gallwitz L, Bub S, Stojkovska I, Belur NR, Fogh J, Mazzulli JR, Xiang W, Fulzele A, Dejung M, Sauer M, Winner B, Rose-John S, Arnold P, Saftig P, Zunke F. Recombinant pro-CTSD (cathepsin D) enhances SNCA/α-Synuclein degradation in α-Synucleinopathy models. Autophagy 2022; 18:1127-1151. [PMID: 35287553 PMCID: PMC9196656 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2022.2045534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [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] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the abnormal intracellular accumulation of SNCA/α-synuclein. While the exact mechanisms underlying SNCA pathology are not fully understood, increasing evidence suggests the involvement of autophagy as well as lysosomal deficiencies. Because CTSD (cathepsin D) has been proposed to be the major lysosomal protease involved in SNCA degradation, its deficiency has been linked to the presence of insoluble SNCA conformers in the brain of mice and humans as well as to the transcellular transmission of SNCA aggregates. We here postulate that SNCA degradation can be enhanced by the application of the recombinant human proform of CTSD (rHsCTSD). Our results reveal that rHsCTSD is efficiently endocytosed by neuronal cells, correctly targeted to lysosomes and matured to an enzymatically active protease. In dopaminergic neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) of PD patients harboring the A53T mutation within the SNCA gene, we confirm the reduction of insoluble SNCA after treatment with rHsCTSD. Moreover, we demonstrate a decrease of pathological SNCA conformers in the brain and within primary neurons of a ctsd-deficient mouse model after dosing with rHsCTSD. Boosting lysosomal CTSD activity not only enhanced SNCA clearance in human and murine neurons as well as tissue, but also restored endo-lysosome and autophagy function. Our findings indicate that CTSD is critical for SNCA clearance and function. Thus, enzyme replacement strategies utilizing CTSD may also be of therapeutic interest for the treatment of PD and other synucleinopathies aiming to decrease the SNCA burden.Abbreviations: aa: amino acid; SNCA/α-synuclein: synuclein alpha; APP: amyloid beta precursor protein; BBB: blood brain barrier; BF: basal forebrain; CBB: Coomassie Brilliant Blue; CLN: neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis; CNL10: neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 10; Corr.: corrected; CTSD: cathepsin D; CTSB: cathepsin B; DA: dopaminergic; DA-iPSn: induced pluripotent stem cell-derived dopaminergic neurons; dox: doxycycline; ERT: enzyme replacement therapy; Fx: fornix, GBA/β-glucocerebrosidase: glucosylceramidase beta; h: hour; HC: hippocampus; HT: hypothalamus; i.c.: intracranially; IF: immunofluorescence; iPSC: induced pluripotent stem cell; KO: knockout; LAMP1: lysosomal associated membrane protein 1; LSDs: lysosomal storage disorders; MAPT: microtubule associated protein tau; M6P: mannose-6-phosphate; M6PR: mannose-6-phosphate receptor; MB: midbrain; mCTSD: mature form of CTSD; neurofil.: neurofilament; PD: Parkinson disease; proCTSD: proform of CTSD; PRNP: prion protein; RFU: relative fluorescence units; rHsCTSD: recombinant human proCTSD; SAPC: Saposin C; SIM: structured illumination microscopy; T-insol: Triton-insoluble; T-sol: Triton-soluble; TEM: transmission electron microscopy, TH: tyrosine hydroxylase; Thal: thalamus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Alice Drobny
- Department of Molecular Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (Fau), Erlangen, Germany
| | - André R A Marques
- iNOVA4Health, Chronic Diseases Research Center (CEDOC), Nova Medical School, Nms, Nova University Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - Jan Philipp Dobert
- Department of Molecular Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (Fau), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Denise Balta
- Department of Molecular Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (Fau), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christian Werner
- Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, University of Würzburg, Biocenter, Am Hubland, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Tania Rizo
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Lisa Gallwitz
- Institute of Biochemistry, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Simon Bub
- Department of Molecular Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (Fau), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Iva Stojkovska
- The Ken and Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois USA
| | - Nandkishore R Belur
- The Ken and Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois USA
| | | | - Joseph R Mazzulli
- Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, University of Würzburg, Biocenter, Am Hubland, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Wei Xiang
- Department of Molecular Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (Fau), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Amitkumar Fulzele
- Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Ackermannweg 4, Mainz, Germany
| | - Mario Dejung
- Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Ackermannweg 4, Mainz, Germany
| | - Markus Sauer
- Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, University of Würzburg, Biocenter, Am Hubland, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Beate Winner
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Stefan Rose-John
- Institute of Biochemistry, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Philipp Arnold
- Institute of Functional and Clinical Anatomy, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Paul Saftig
- Institute of Biochemistry, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Friederike Zunke
- Department of Molecular Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (Fau), Erlangen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Peña-Díaz S, Pujols J, Vasili E, Pinheiro F, Santos J, Manglano-Artuñedo Z, Outeiro TF, Ventura S. The small aromatic compound SynuClean-D inhibits the aggregation and seeded polymerization of multiple α-synuclein strains. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101902. [PMID: 35390347 PMCID: PMC9079179 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101902] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, as well as the accumulation of intraneuronal proteinaceous inclusions known as Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites. The major protein component of Lewy inclusions is the intrinsically disordered protein α-synuclein (α-Syn), which can adopt diverse amyloid structures. Different conformational strains of α-Syn have been proposed to be related to the onset of distinct synucleinopathies; however, how specific amyloid fibrils cause distinctive pathological traits is not clear. Here, we generated three different α-Syn amyloid conformations at different pH and salt concentrations and analyzed the activity of SynuClean-D (SC-D), a small aromatic molecule, on these strains. We show that incubation of α-Syn with SC-D reduced the formation of aggregates and the seeded polymerization of α-Syn in all cases. Moreover, we found that SC-D exhibited a general fibril disaggregation activity. Finally, we demonstrate that treatment with SC-D also reduced strain-specific intracellular accumulation of phosphorylated α-Syn inclusions. Taken together, we conclude that SC-D may be a promising hit compound to inhibit polymorphic α-Syn aggregation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Peña-Díaz
- Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina. Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain; Departament de Bioquimica i Biologia Molecular. Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Jordi Pujols
- Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina. Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain; Departament de Bioquimica i Biologia Molecular. Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Eftychia Vasili
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Francisca Pinheiro
- Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina. Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain; Departament de Bioquimica i Biologia Molecular. Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Jaime Santos
- Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina. Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain; Departament de Bioquimica i Biologia Molecular. Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Zoe Manglano-Artuñedo
- Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina. Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain; Departament de Bioquimica i Biologia Molecular. Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Tiago F Outeiro
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany; Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Newcastle, United Kingdom; Scientific Employee With a Honorary Contract at Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Salvador Ventura
- Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina. Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain; Departament de Bioquimica i Biologia Molecular. Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain; ICREA, Passeig Lluis Companys 23, Barcelona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Abstract
α-Synuclein aggregates abnormally into intracellular inclusions in Parkinson's disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), multiple system atrophy (MSA), and many other neurological disorders, closely connecting with their pathogenesis. The accurate tracking of α-synuclein by targeting probes is of great significance for early diagnosis, disease monitoring, and drug development. However, there have been no promising α-synuclein targeting probes for clinical application reported so far. This overview focuses on various potential α-synuclein targeting probes reported in the past two decades, including small-molecule fluorescent probes and radiolabeled probes. We provide the current status of the development of the small molecular α-synuclein imaging probes, including properties of promising imaging molecules, strategies of processing new probes, limited progress, and growth prospects in this field, expecting to help in the further development of α-synuclein targeting probes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Radiopharmaceuticals, Ministry of Education, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Mengchao Cui
- Key Laboratory of Radiopharmaceuticals, Ministry of Education, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
- Center for Advanced Materials Research, Advanced Institute of Natural Sciences, Beijing Normal University at Zhuhai, Zhuhai 519087, China
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Cheng A, Wang YF, Shinoda Y, Kawahata I, Yamamoto T, Jia WB, Yamamoto H, Mizobata T, Kawata Y, Fukunaga K. Fatty acid-binding protein 7 triggers α-synuclein oligomerization in glial cells and oligodendrocytes associated with oxidative stress. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2022; 43:552-562. [PMID: 33935286 PMCID: PMC8888578 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-021-00675-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [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: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
We previously show that fatty acid-binding protein 3 (FABP3) triggers α-synuclein (Syn) accumulation and induces dopamine neuronal cell death in Parkinson disease mouse model. But the role of fatty acid-binding protein 7 (FABP7) in the brain remains unclear. In this study we investigated whether FABP7 was involved in synucleinopathies. We showed that FABP7 was co-localized and formed a complex with Syn in Syn-transfected U251 human glioblastoma cells, and treatment with arachidonic acid (100 M) significantly promoted FABP7-induced Syn aggregation, which was associated with cell death. We demonstrated that synthetic FABP7 ligand 6 displayed a high affinity against FABP7 with Kd value of 209 nM assessed in 8-anilinonaphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (ANS) assay; ligand 6 improved U251 cell survival via disrupting the FABP7-Syn interaction. We showed that activation of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) by psychosine (10 M) triggered oligomerization of endogenous Syn and FABP7, and induced cell death in both KG-1C human oligodendroglia cells and oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs). FABP7 ligand 6 (1 M) significantly decreased Syn oligomerization and aggregation thereby prevented KG-1C and OPC cell death. This study demonstrates that FABP7 triggers α-synuclein oligomerization through oxidative stress, while FABP7 ligand 6 can inhibit FABP7-induced Syn oligomerization and aggregation, thereby rescuing glial cells and oligodendrocytes from cell death.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- An Cheng
- grid.69566.3a0000 0001 2248 6943Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yi-fei Wang
- grid.69566.3a0000 0001 2248 6943Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yasuharu Shinoda
- grid.69566.3a0000 0001 2248 6943Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Ichiro Kawahata
- grid.69566.3a0000 0001 2248 6943Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Tetsunori Yamamoto
- grid.69566.3a0000 0001 2248 6943Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Wen-bin Jia
- grid.69566.3a0000 0001 2248 6943Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hanae Yamamoto
- grid.265107.70000 0001 0663 5064Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Mizobata
- grid.265107.70000 0001 0663 5064Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan
| | - Yasushi Kawata
- grid.265107.70000 0001 0663 5064Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan
| | - Kohji Fukunaga
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Al-Azzani M, König A, Outeiro TF. Production of Recombinant Alpha-Synuclein: Still No Standardized Protocol in Sight. Biomolecules 2022; 12:324. [PMID: 35204823 DOI: 10.3390/biom12020324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Synucleinopathies are a group of neurodegenerative diseases, characterized by the abnormal accumulation of the protein alpha-synuclein (aSyn). aSyn is an intrinsically disordered protein that can adopt different aggregation states, some of which may be associated with disease. Therefore, understanding the transitions between such aggregation states may be essential for deciphering the molecular underpinnings underlying synucleinopathies. Recombinant aSyn is routinely produced and purified from E. coli in many laboratories, and in vitro preparations of aSyn aggregated species became central for modeling neurodegeneration in cell and animal models. Thus, reproducibility and reliability of such studies largely depends on the purity and homogeneity of aSyn preparations across batches and between laboratories. A variety of different methods are in use to produce and purify aSyn, which we review in this commentary. We also show how extraction buffer composition can affect aSyn aggregation, emphasizing the importance of standardizing protocols to ensure reproducibility between different laboratories and studies, which are essential for advancing the field.
Collapse
|
46
|
Ayers JI, Lee J, Monteiro O, Woerman AL, Lazar AA, Condello C, Paras NA, Prusiner SB. Different α-synuclein prion strains cause dementia with Lewy bodies and multiple system atrophy. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2113489119. [PMID: 35115402 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2113489119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [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] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and multiple system atrophy (MSA) are caused by α-synuclein prions that differ from each other and from those causing Parkinson’s disease (PD). DLB prions differ in their infectivity from those causing MSA or PD. The wild-type, normal version of the α-synuclein protein has the acidic amino acid glutamate (E) at residue 46, while in cases of inherited PD, it is mutated to the basic amino acid lysine (K). Using genetically engineered α-synuclein, we identified unique conditions for propagating MSA and DLB prions. Being able to distinguish among strains of naturally occurring α-synuclein prions may make it possible to develop strain-specific therapeutics for MSA, DLB, and PD. The α-synuclein protein can adopt several different conformations that cause neurodegeneration. Different α-synuclein conformers cause at least three distinct α-synucleinopathies: multiple system atrophy (MSA), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and Parkinson’s disease (PD). In earlier studies, we transmitted MSA to transgenic (Tg) mice and cultured HEK cells both expressing mutant α-synuclein (A53T) but not to cells expressing α-synuclein (E46K). Now, we report that DLB is caused by a strain of α-synuclein prions that is distinct from MSA. Using cultured HEK cells expressing mutant α-synuclein (E46K), we found that DLB prions could be transmitted to these HEK cells. Our results argue that a third strain of α-synuclein prions likely causes PD, but further studies are needed to identify cells and/or Tg mice that express a mutant α-synuclein protein that is permissive for PD prion replication. Our findings suggest that other α-synuclein mutants should give further insights into α-synuclein prion replication, strain formation, and disease pathogenesis, all of which are likely required to discover effective drugs for the treatment of PD as well as the other α-synucleinopathies.
Collapse
|
47
|
Chen J, Zhou L, Jiang C, Chen Z, Zhang L, Zhou H, Kang W, Jiang X, Li Y, Luo N, Yao M, Niu M, Chen S, Zuo XN, Li L, Liu J. Impaired Ocular Tracking and Cortical Atrophy in Idiopathic Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder. Mov Disord 2022; 37:972-982. [PMID: 35107831 DOI: 10.1002/mds.28931] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) is a prodromal stage of synucleinopathies. Patients with synucleinopathies frequently display eye movement abnormalities. However, whether patients with iRBD have eye movement abnormalities remains unknown. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess eye movement abnormalities and related gray matter alterations and explore whether such abnormalities can serve as biomarkers to indicate phenoconversion to synucleinopathies in iRBD. METHODS Forty patients with iRBD with early disease progression and 35 healthy control subjects participated in a 15-minute ocular-tracking task that evaluated their control of eye movement abilities. They also underwent clinical assessments for olfactory function, nonmotor symptoms, and autonomic symptoms, all of which are biomarkers to predict phenoconversion to synucleinopathies in iRBD. A subgroup of the participants (20 patients with iRBD and 20 healthy control subjects) also participated in structural magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS The ocular-tracking ability in patients with iRBD was inferior to that of healthy control subjects in two aspects: pursuit initiation and steady-state tracking. Cortical thinning in the right visual area V4 in patients with iRBD is coupled with impaired pursuit initiation. Furthermore, prolonged pursuit initiation in patients with iRBD exhibits a trend of correlation with olfactory loss, the earliest biomarker that develops prior to other prodromal biomarkers. CONCLUSIONS We found ocular-tracking abnormalities in patients with iRBD even early in their disease progression that have not been reported before. These abnormalities are coupled with atrophy of brain areas involved in the perception of object motion and might indicate phenoconversion to synucleinopathies in iRBD. © 2022 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- Faculty of Arts and Science, New York University Shanghai, Shanghai, China
- NYU-ECNU Institute of Brain and Cognitive Science at New York University Shanghai, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liche Zhou
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao Jiang
- Developmental Population Neuroscience Research Center, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhichun Chen
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lina Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Haiyan Zhou
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenyan Kang
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xufeng Jiang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ningdi Luo
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengsha Yao
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengyue Niu
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shengdi Chen
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi-Nian Zuo
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Li
- Faculty of Arts and Science, New York University Shanghai, Shanghai, China
- NYU-ECNU Institute of Brain and Cognitive Science at New York University Shanghai, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Ramirez AE, Fernández-Pérez EJ, Olivos N, Burgos CF, Boopathi S, Armijo-Weingart L, Pacheco CR, González W, Aguayo LG. The Stimulatory Effects of Intracellular α-Synuclein on Synaptic Transmission Are Attenuated by 2-Octahydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-ylethanamine. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413253. [PMID: 34948050 PMCID: PMC8705949 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413253] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
α-Synuclein (αSyn) species can be detected in synaptic boutons, where they play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's Disease (PD). However, the effects of intracellular αSyn species on synaptic transmission have not been thoroughly studied. Here, using patch-clamp recordings in hippocampal neurons, we report that αSyn oligomers (αSynO), intracellularly delivered through the patch electrode, produced a fast and potent effect on synaptic transmission, causing a substantial increase in the frequency, amplitude and transferred charge of spontaneous synaptic currents. We also found an increase in the frequency of miniature synaptic currents, suggesting an effect located at the presynaptic site of the synapsis. Furthermore, our in silico approximation using docking analysis and molecular dynamics simulations showed an interaction between a previously described small anti-amyloid beta (Aβ) molecule, termed M30 (2-octahydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-ylethanamine), with a central hydrophobic region of αSyn. In line with this finding, our empirical data aimed to obtain oligomerization states with thioflavin T (ThT) and Western blot (WB) indicated that M30 interfered with αSyn aggregation and decreased the formation of higher-molecular-weight species. Furthermore, the effect of αSynO on synaptic physiology was also antagonized by M30, resulting in a decrease in the frequency, amplitude, and charge transferred of synaptic currents. Overall, the present results show an excitatory effect of intracellular αSyn low molecular-weight species, not previously described, that are able to affect synaptic transmission, and the potential of a small neuroactive molecule to interfere with the aggregation process and the synaptic effect of αSyn, suggesting that M30 could be a potential therapeutic strategy for synucleinopathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra E. Ramirez
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, 160-C, Concepción 4030000, Chile; (A.E.R.); (N.O.); (C.F.B.); (L.A.-W.); (C.R.P.)
| | - Eduardo J. Fernández-Pérez
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, 160-C, Concepción 4030000, Chile; (A.E.R.); (N.O.); (C.F.B.); (L.A.-W.); (C.R.P.)
- Correspondence: (E.J.F.-P.); (L.G.A.)
| | - Nicol Olivos
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, 160-C, Concepción 4030000, Chile; (A.E.R.); (N.O.); (C.F.B.); (L.A.-W.); (C.R.P.)
| | - Carlos F. Burgos
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, 160-C, Concepción 4030000, Chile; (A.E.R.); (N.O.); (C.F.B.); (L.A.-W.); (C.R.P.)
| | - Subramanian Boopathi
- Instituto de Ciencias Físicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico;
- Center for Bioinformatics, Simulations and Modeling, The Center for Bioinformatics and Molecular Simulations (CBSM), University of Talca, Talca 3530000, Chile;
| | - Lorena Armijo-Weingart
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, 160-C, Concepción 4030000, Chile; (A.E.R.); (N.O.); (C.F.B.); (L.A.-W.); (C.R.P.)
| | - Carla R. Pacheco
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, 160-C, Concepción 4030000, Chile; (A.E.R.); (N.O.); (C.F.B.); (L.A.-W.); (C.R.P.)
| | - Wendy González
- Center for Bioinformatics, Simulations and Modeling, The Center for Bioinformatics and Molecular Simulations (CBSM), University of Talca, Talca 3530000, Chile;
- Millennium Nucleus of Ion Channels-Associated Diseases, The Center for Bioinformatics and Molecular Simulations (CBSM), University of Talca, Talca 3530000, Chile
| | - Luis G. Aguayo
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, 160-C, Concepción 4030000, Chile; (A.E.R.); (N.O.); (C.F.B.); (L.A.-W.); (C.R.P.)
- Programa de Neurociencia, Psiquiatría y Salud Mental, Anatomy Building,
Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción 4030000, Chile
- Correspondence: (E.J.F.-P.); (L.G.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Jiménez-Jiménez FJ, Alonso-Navarro H, García-Martín E, Agúndez JAG. Current Treatment Options for REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder. J Pers Med 2021; 11:1204. [PMID: 34834556 PMCID: PMC8624088 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11111204] [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] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The symptomatic treatment of REM sleep behaviour disorder (RBD) is very important to prevent sleep-related falls and/or injuries. Though clonazepam and melatonin are usually considered the first-line symptomatic therapy for RBD, their efficiency has not been proven by randomized clinical trials. The role of dopamine agonists in improving RBD symptoms is controversial, and rivastigmine, memantine, 5-hydroxytryptophan, and the herbal medicine yokukansan have shown some degree of efficacy in short- and medium-term randomized clinical trials involving a low number of patients. The development of potential preventive therapies against the phenoconversion of isolated RBD to synucleinopathies should be another important aim of RBD therapy. The design of long-term, multicentre, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials involving a large number of patients diagnosed with isolated RBD with polysomnographic confirmation, directed towards both symptomatic and preventive therapy for RBD, is warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Hortensia Alonso-Navarro
- Section of Neurology, Hospital Universitario del Sureste, Arganda del Rey, E-28500 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Elena García-Martín
- University Institute of Molecular Pathology Biomarkers, Universidad de Extremadura, ARADyAL Instituto de Salud Carlos III, E-10071 Cáceres, Spain; (E.G.-M.); (J.A.G.A.)
| | - José A. G. Agúndez
- University Institute of Molecular Pathology Biomarkers, Universidad de Extremadura, ARADyAL Instituto de Salud Carlos III, E-10071 Cáceres, Spain; (E.G.-M.); (J.A.G.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Inden M, Takagi A, Kitai H, Ito T, Kurita H, Honda R, Kamatari YO, Nozaki S, Wen X, Hijioka M, Kitamura Y, Hozumi I. Kaempferol Has Potent Protective and Antifibrillogenic Effects for α-Synuclein Neurotoxicity In Vitro. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111484. [PMID: 34768913 PMCID: PMC8584179 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111484] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Aggregation of α-synuclein (α-Syn) is implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and multiple system atrophy (MSA). Therefore, the removal of α-Syn aggregation could lead to the development of many new therapeutic agents for neurodegenerative diseases. In the present study, we succeeded in generating a new α-Syn stably expressing cell line using a piggyBac transposon system to investigate the neuroprotective effect of the flavonoid kaempferol on α-Syn toxicity. We found that kaempferol provided significant protection against α-Syn-related neurotoxicity. Furthermore, kaempferol induced autophagy through an increase in the biogenesis of lysosomes by inducing the expression of transcription factor EB and reducing the accumulation of α-Syn; thus, kaempferol prevented neuronal cell death. Moreover, kaempferol directly blocked the amyloid fibril formation of α-Syn. These results support the therapeutic potential of kaempferol in diseases such as synucleinopathies that are characterized by α-Syn aggregates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Inden
- Laboratory of Medical Therapeutics and Molecular Therapeutics, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-nishi, Gifu 501-1196, Japan; (A.T.); (H.K.); (T.I.); (H.K.); (I.H.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +81-58-230-8121
| | - Ayaka Takagi
- Laboratory of Medical Therapeutics and Molecular Therapeutics, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-nishi, Gifu 501-1196, Japan; (A.T.); (H.K.); (T.I.); (H.K.); (I.H.)
| | - Hazuki Kitai
- Laboratory of Medical Therapeutics and Molecular Therapeutics, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-nishi, Gifu 501-1196, Japan; (A.T.); (H.K.); (T.I.); (H.K.); (I.H.)
| | - Taisei Ito
- Laboratory of Medical Therapeutics and Molecular Therapeutics, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-nishi, Gifu 501-1196, Japan; (A.T.); (H.K.); (T.I.); (H.K.); (I.H.)
| | - Hisaka Kurita
- Laboratory of Medical Therapeutics and Molecular Therapeutics, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-nishi, Gifu 501-1196, Japan; (A.T.); (H.K.); (T.I.); (H.K.); (I.H.)
| | - Ryo Honda
- The United Graduate School of Drug Discovery and Medical Information Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu 501-1193, Japan; (R.H.); (Y.O.K.)
| | - Yuji O. Kamatari
- The United Graduate School of Drug Discovery and Medical Information Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu 501-1193, Japan; (R.H.); (Y.O.K.)
- Institute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
- Life Science Research Center, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Sora Nozaki
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Neurobiology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, 1-1-1 Noji-Higashi, Kusatsu 525-8577, Japan; (S.N.); (X.W.); (M.H.); (Y.K.)
| | - Xiaopeng Wen
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Neurobiology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, 1-1-1 Noji-Higashi, Kusatsu 525-8577, Japan; (S.N.); (X.W.); (M.H.); (Y.K.)
| | - Masanori Hijioka
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Neurobiology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, 1-1-1 Noji-Higashi, Kusatsu 525-8577, Japan; (S.N.); (X.W.); (M.H.); (Y.K.)
- Department of Neurocognitive Science, Institute of Brain Science, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1 Kawasumi, Mizuho-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Kitamura
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Neurobiology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, 1-1-1 Noji-Higashi, Kusatsu 525-8577, Japan; (S.N.); (X.W.); (M.H.); (Y.K.)
| | - Isao Hozumi
- Laboratory of Medical Therapeutics and Molecular Therapeutics, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-nishi, Gifu 501-1196, Japan; (A.T.); (H.K.); (T.I.); (H.K.); (I.H.)
| |
Collapse
|