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Wittrahm R, Takalo M, Kuulasmaa T, Mäkinen PM, Mäkinen P, Končarević S, Fartzdinov V, Selzer S, Kokkola T, Antikainen L, Martiskainen H, Kemppainen S, Marttinen M, Jeskanen H, Rostalski H, Rahunen E, Kivipelto M, Ngandu T, Natunen T, Lambert JC, Tanzi RE, Kim DY, Rauramaa T, Herukka SK, Soininen H, Laakso M, Pike I, Leinonen V, Haapasalo A, Hiltunen M. Protective Alzheimer's disease-associated APP A673T variant predominantly decreases sAPPβ levels in cerebrospinal fluid and 2D/3D cell culture models. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 182:106140. [PMID: 37120095 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106140] [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: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The rare A673T variant was the first variant found within the amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene conferring protection against Alzheimer's disease (AD). Thereafter, different studies have discovered that the carriers of the APP A673T variant show reduced levels of amyloid beta (Aβ) in the plasma and better cognitive performance at high age. Here, we analyzed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma of APP A673T carriers and control individuals using a mass spectrometry-based proteomics approach to identify differentially regulated targets in an unbiased manner. Furthermore, the APP A673T variant was introduced into 2D and 3D neuronal cell culture models together with the pathogenic APP Swedish and London mutations. Consequently, we now report for the first time the protective effects of the APP A673T variant against AD-related alterations in the CSF, plasma, and brain biopsy samples from the frontal cortex. The CSF levels of soluble APPβ (sAPPβ) and Aβ42 were significantly decreased on average 9-26% among three APP A673T carriers as compared to three well-matched controls not carrying the protective variant. Consistent with these CSF findings, immunohistochemical assessment of cortical biopsy samples from the same APP A673T carriers did not reveal Aβ, phospho-tau, or p62 pathologies. We identified differentially regulated targets involved in protein phosphorylation, inflammation, and mitochondrial function in the CSF and plasma samples of APP A673T carriers. Some of the identified targets showed inverse levels in AD brain tissue with respect to increased AD-associated neurofibrillary pathology. In 2D and 3D neuronal cell culture models expressing APP with the Swedish and London mutations, the introduction of the APP A673T variant resulted in lower sAPPβ levels. Concomitantly, the levels of sAPPα were increased, while decreased levels of CTFβ and Aβ42 were detected in some of these models. Our findings emphasize the important role of APP-derived peptides in the pathogenesis of AD and demonstrate the effectiveness of the protective APP A673T variant to shift APP processing towards the non-amyloidogenic pathway in vitro even in the presence of two pathogenic mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekka Wittrahm
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Mari Takalo
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Teemu Kuulasmaa
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Petra M Mäkinen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Petri Mäkinen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | | | | | - Stefan Selzer
- Proteome Sciences GmbH & Co. KG, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany.
| | - Tarja Kokkola
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Internal Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70210 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Leila Antikainen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Internal Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70210 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Henna Martiskainen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Susanna Kemppainen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Mikael Marttinen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33520 Tampere, Finland; Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Heli Jeskanen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Hannah Rostalski
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Eija Rahunen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Miia Kivipelto
- Population Health Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland; Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Center for Alzheimer Research, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; The Ageing Epidemiology Research Unit, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; Theme Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Tiia Ngandu
- Population Health Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland; Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Center for Alzheimer Research, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Teemu Natunen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Jean-Charles Lambert
- U1167, University of Lille, Inserm, Institut Pasteur de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France.
| | - Rudolph E Tanzi
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.
| | - Doo Yeon Kim
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.
| | - Tuomas Rauramaa
- Department of Pathology, Kuopio University Hospital, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; Unit of Pathology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70210 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Sanna-Kaisa Herukka
- Department of Neurology, University of Eastern Finland, 70210 Kuopio, Finland; NeuroCenter, Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Hilkka Soininen
- Department of Neurology, University of Eastern Finland, 70210 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Markku Laakso
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Internal Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70210 Kuopio, Finland; Department of Medicine, Kuopio University Hospital, 70210 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Ian Pike
- Proteome Sciences plc, Hamilton House, London, WC1H 9BB, UK.
| | - Ville Leinonen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kuopio University Hospital, and Institute of Clinical Medicine, Unit of Neurosurgery, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.
| | | | - Mikko Hiltunen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
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2
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Huber N, Korhonen S, Hoffmann D, Leskelä S, Rostalski H, Remes AM, Honkakoski P, Solje E, Haapasalo A. Deficient neurotransmitter systems and synaptic function in frontotemporal lobar degeneration-Insights into disease mechanisms and current therapeutic approaches. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:1300-1309. [PMID: 34799692 PMCID: PMC9095474 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01384-8] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) comprises a heterogenous group of fatal neurodegenerative diseases and, to date, no validated diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers or effective disease-modifying therapies exist for the different clinical or genetic subtypes of FTLD. Current treatment strategies rely on the off-label use of medications for symptomatic treatment. Changes in several neurotransmitter systems including the glutamatergic, GABAergic, dopaminergic, and serotonergic systems have been reported in FTLD spectrum disease patients. Many FTLD-related clinical and neuropsychiatric symptoms such as aggressive and compulsive behaviour, agitation, as well as altered eating habits and hyperorality can be explained by disturbances in these neurotransmitter systems, suggesting that their targeting might possibly offer new therapeutic options for treating patients with FTLD. This review summarizes the present knowledge on neurotransmitter system deficits and synaptic dysfunction in model systems and patients harbouring the most common genetic causes of FTLD, the hexanucleotide repeat expansion in C9orf72 and mutations in the granulin (GRN) and microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) genes. We also describe the current pharmacological treatment options for FLTD that target different neurotransmitter systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Huber
- grid.9668.10000 0001 0726 2490A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Sonja Korhonen
- grid.9668.10000 0001 0726 2490A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Dorit Hoffmann
- grid.9668.10000 0001 0726 2490A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Stina Leskelä
- grid.9668.10000 0001 0726 2490A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Hannah Rostalski
- grid.9668.10000 0001 0726 2490A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Anne M. Remes
- grid.10858.340000 0001 0941 4873Unit of Clinical Neuroscience, Neurology, University of Oulu, P. O. Box 8000, University of Oulu, FI-90014 Oulu, Finland ,grid.412326.00000 0004 4685 4917MRC Oulu, Oulu University Hospital, P. O. Box 8000, University of Oulu, FI-90014 Oulu, Finland
| | - Paavo Honkakoski
- grid.9668.10000 0001 0726 2490School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70210 Kuopio, Finland ,grid.10698.360000000122483208Department of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
| | - Eino Solje
- grid.9668.10000 0001 0726 2490Institute of Clinical Medicine—Neurology, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70210 Kuopio, Finland ,grid.410705.70000 0004 0628 207XNeuro Center, Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital, P.O. Box 100, KYS, FI-70029 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Annakaisa Haapasalo
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland.
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3
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Huber N, Hoffmann D, Giniatullina R, Rostalski H, Leskelä S, Takalo M, Natunen T, Solje E, Remes AM, Giniatullin R, Hiltunen M, Haapasalo A. C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion leads to altered neuronal and dendritic spine morphology and synaptic dysfunction. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 162:105584. [PMID: 34915153 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) comprises a heterogenous group of progressive neurodegenerative syndromes. To date, no validated biomarkers or effective disease-modifying therapies exist for the different clinical or genetic subtypes of FTLD. The most common genetic cause underlying FTLD and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a hexanucleotide repeat expansion in the C9orf72 gene (C9-HRE). FTLD is accompanied by changes in several neurotransmitter systems, including the glutamatergic, GABAergic, dopaminergic, and serotonergic systems and many clinical symptoms can be explained by disturbances in these systems. Here, we aimed to elucidate the effects of the C9-HRE on synaptic function, molecular composition of synapses, and dendritic spine morphology. We overexpressed the pathological C9-HRE in cultured E18 mouse primary hippocampal neurons and characterized the pathological, morphological, and functional changes by biochemical methods, confocal microscopy, and live cell calcium imaging. The C9-HRE-expressing neurons were confirmed to display the pathological RNA foci and DPR proteins. C9-HRE expression led to significant changes in dendritic spine morphologies, as indicated by decreased number of mushroom-type spines and increased number of stubby and thin spines, as well as diminished neuronal branching. These morphological changes were accompanied by concomitantly enhanced susceptibility of the neurons to glutamate-induced excitotoxicity as well as augmented and prolonged responses to excitatory stimuli by glutamate and depolarizing potassium chloride as compared to control neurons. Mechanistically, the hyperexcitation phenotype in the C9-HRE-expressing neurons was found to be underlain by increased activity of extrasynaptic GluN2B-containing N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Our results are in accordance with the idea suggesting that C9-HRE is associated with enhanced excitotoxicity and synaptic dysfunction. Thus, therapeutic interventions targeted to alleviate synaptic disturbances might offer efficient avenues for the treatment of patients with C9-HRE-associated FTLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Huber
- Molecular Neurodegeneration group, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Neulaniementie 2, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Dorit Hoffmann
- Molecular Neurodegeneration group, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Neulaniementie 2, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Raisa Giniatullina
- Molecular Pain Research group, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Neulaniementie 2, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Hannah Rostalski
- Molecular Neurodegeneration group, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Neulaniementie 2, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Stina Leskelä
- Molecular Neurodegeneration group, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Neulaniementie 2, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Mari Takalo
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1E, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Teemu Natunen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1E, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Eino Solje
- Institute of Clinical Medicine - Neurology, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1 C, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; Neuro Center, Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital, P. O. Box 100, FI-70029 KYS, Finland.
| | - Anne M Remes
- Medical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital, P. O. Box 8000, FI-90014 University of Oulu, Finland; Unit of Clinical Neuroscience, Neurology, University of Oulu, P. O. Box 8000, FI-90014 University of Oulu, Finland.
| | - Rashid Giniatullin
- Molecular Pain Research group, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Neulaniementie 2, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Mikko Hiltunen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1E, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Annakaisa Haapasalo
- Molecular Neurodegeneration group, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Neulaniementie 2, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
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4
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Katisko K, Cajanus A, Huber N, Jääskeläinen O, Kokkola T, Kärkkäinen V, Rostalski H, Hartikainen P, Koivisto AM, Hannonen S, Lehtola JM, Korhonen VE, Helisalmi S, Koivumaa-Honkanen H, Herukka SK, Remes AM, Solje E, Haapasalo A. GFAP as a biomarker in frontotemporal dementia and primary psychiatric disorders: diagnostic and prognostic performance. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2021; 92:1305-1312. [PMID: 34187866 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2021-326487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and primary psychiatric disorders (PPD) are characterised by overlapping clinical features but different aetiologies. Here, we assessed for the first time the potential of blood glial fibrillar acidic protein (GFAP), marker of astrogliosis, as a discriminative and prognostic tool in FTLD and PPD. METHODS The levels of GFAP in serum (sGFAP) of patients with FTLD (N=107) and PPD (N=44) and GFAP in whole blood samples (bGFAP) from FTLD (N=10), PPD (N=10) and healthy controls (N=18) were measured. We evaluated whether the sGFAP levels associate with C9orf72 repeat expansion, survival of FTLD and PPD patients, and brain atrophy assessed cross-sectionally and longitudinally by structural T1W MRI. We also examined the correlation between sGFAP and bGFAP levels in a subset of patients. RESULTS sGFAP and bGFAP levels were elevated in the FTLD group compared with the PPD or control groups. Receiver operating characteristic analysis indicated an excellent diagnostic performance between FTLD and PPD (the area under the curve (AUC)=0.820, 95% CI 0.745 to 0.896). sGFAP and bGFAP levels showed a strong correlation and elevated sGFAP levels significantly associated with atrophy rate in the temporal cortex and predicted shorter survival time in patients with FTLD. No association with C9orf72 repeat expansion was detected. CONCLUSIONS sGFAP enabled differentiation of patients with FTLD and PPD and associated with shorter survival and more severe brain atrophy rate in patients with FTLD. These results suggest that blood-based GFAP represents a minimally invasive and useful biomarker in the differential diagnostics between patients with FTLD and PPD and in evaluating disease progression and astrogliosis in FTLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasper Katisko
- Institute of Clinical Medicine - Neurology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Antti Cajanus
- Institute of Clinical Medicine - Neurology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Nadine Huber
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Olli Jääskeläinen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine - Neurology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Tarja Kokkola
- Institute of Clinical Medicine - Neurology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Virve Kärkkäinen
- Neuro center, Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Hannah Rostalski
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Paivi Hartikainen
- Neuro center, Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Anne M Koivisto
- Institute of Clinical Medicine - Neurology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.,Neuro center, Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland.,Department of Internal Medicine and Rehabilitation, Geriatrics, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Neurosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sanna Hannonen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine - Neurology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.,Neuro center, Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Juha-Matti Lehtola
- Institute of Clinical Medicine - Neurology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Ville E Korhonen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine - Neurology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Seppo Helisalmi
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Internal Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Heli Koivumaa-Honkanen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Psychiatry, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.,Mental Health and Wellbeing Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Sanna-Kaisa Herukka
- Institute of Clinical Medicine - Neurology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.,Neuro center, Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Anne M Remes
- Unit of Clinical Neuroscience, Neurology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Medical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Eino Solje
- Institute of Clinical Medicine - Neurology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland .,Neuro center, Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Annakaisa Haapasalo
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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5
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Rostalski H, Korhonen V, Kuulasmaa T, Solje E, Krüger J, Gen F, Kaivola K, Eide PK, Lambert JC, Julkunen V, Tienari PJ, Remes AM, Leinonen V, Hiltunen M, Haapasalo A. A Novel Genetic Marker for the C9orf72 Repeat Expansion in the Finnish Population. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 83:1325-1332. [PMID: 34397416 DOI: 10.3233/jad-210599] [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: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND C9orf72 repeat expansion (C9exp) is the most common genetic cause underlying frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, detection of the C9exp requires elaborative methods. OBJECTIVE Identification of C9exp carriers from genotyped cohorts could be facilitated by using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as markers for the C9exp. METHODS We elucidated the potential of the previously described Finnish risk haplotype, defined by the SNP rs3849942, to identify potential C9exp carriers among 218,792 Finns using the FinnGen database. The haplotype approach was first tested in an idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) patient cohort (European Alzheimer's Disease DNA BioBank) containing C9exp carriers by comparing intermediate (15-30) and full-length (> 60 repeats) C9exp carriers (n = 41) to C9exp negative patients (< 15 repeats, n = 801). RESULTS In this analysis, rs3849942 was associated with carriership of C9exp (OR 8.44, p < 2×10-15), while the strongest association was found with rs139185008 (OR 39.4, p < 5×10-18). Unbiased analysis of rs139185008 in FinnGen showed the strongest association with FTLD (OR 4.38, 3×10-15) and motor neuron disease ALS (OR 5.19, 3×10-21). rs139185008 was the top SNP in all diseases (iNPH, FTLD, ALS), and further showed a strong association with ALS in the UK Biobank (p = 9.0×10-8). CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that rs139185008 is a useful marker to identify potential C9exp carriers in the genotyped cohorts and biobanks originating from Finland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Rostalski
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Ville Korhonen
- Neurocenter, Neurosurgery, Kuopio University Hospital and University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Teemu Kuulasmaa
- Institute of Biomedicine, Yliopistonranta 1E, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Eino Solje
- Institute of Clinical Medicine - Neurology, University of Eastern Finland.,Neuro Center, Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Johanna Krüger
- Research Unit of Clinical Neuroscience, Neurology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Medical Research Center (MRC), Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Finn Gen
- Department of Neurology, Helsinki University Hospital and Translational Immunology Program, Biomedicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Karri Kaivola
- Department of Neurology, Helsinki University Hospital and Translational Immunology Program, Biomedicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Per Kristian Eide
- Oslo University Hospital-Rikshospitalet; and Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Jean-Charles Lambert
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1167-RID-AGE facteurs de risque et déterminants moléculaires des maladies liés au vieillissement, Lille, France
| | - Valtteri Julkunen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine - Neurology, University of Eastern Finland.,Neuro Center, Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Pentti J Tienari
- Department of Neurology, Helsinki University Hospital and Translational Immunology Program, Biomedicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anne M Remes
- Research Unit of Clinical Neuroscience, Neurology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Medical Research Center (MRC), Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Ville Leinonen
- Neurocenter, Neurosurgery, Kuopio University Hospital and University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Mikko Hiltunen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Yliopistonranta 1E, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Annakaisa Haapasalo
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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6
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Leskelä S, Hoffmann D, Rostalski H, Huber N, Wittrahm R, Hartikainen P, Korhonen V, Leinonen V, Hiltunen M, Solje E, Remes AM, Haapasalo A. FTLD Patient-Derived Fibroblasts Show Defective Mitochondrial Function and Accumulation of p62. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:5438-5458. [PMID: 34328616 PMCID: PMC8599259 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02475-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) is a clinically, genetically, and neuropathologically heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative syndromes, leading to progressive cognitive dysfunction and frontal and temporal atrophy. C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion (C9-HRE) is the most common genetic cause of FTLD, but pathogenic mechanisms underlying FTLD are not fully understood. Here, we compared cellular features and functional properties, especially related to protein degradation pathways and mitochondrial function, of FTLD patient–derived skin fibroblasts from C9-HRE carriers and non-carriers and healthy donors. Fibroblasts from C9-HRE carriers were found to produce RNA foci, but no dipeptide repeat proteins, and they showed unchanged levels of C9orf72 mRNA transcripts. The main protein degradation pathways, the ubiquitin–proteasome system and autophagy, did not show alterations between the fibroblasts from C9-HRE-carrying and non-carrying FTLD patients and compared to healthy controls. An increase in the number and size of p62-positive puncta was evident in fibroblasts from both C9-HRE carriers and non-carriers. In addition, several parameters of mitochondrial function, namely, basal and maximal respiration and respiration linked to ATP production, were significantly reduced in the FTLD patient–derived fibroblasts from both C9-HRE carriers and non-carriers. Our findings suggest that FTLD patient–derived fibroblasts, regardless of whether they carry the C9-HRE expansion, show unchanged proteasomal and autophagic function, but significantly impaired mitochondrial function and increased accumulation of p62 when compared to control fibroblasts. These findings suggest the possibility of utilizing FTLD patient–derived fibroblasts as a platform for biomarker discovery and testing of drugs targeted to specific cellular functions, such as mitochondrial respiration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stina Leskelä
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Neulaniementie 2, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Dorit Hoffmann
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Neulaniementie 2, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Hannah Rostalski
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Neulaniementie 2, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Nadine Huber
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Neulaniementie 2, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Rebekka Wittrahm
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1E, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Päivi Hartikainen
- Neuro Center, Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital, 70029, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Ville Korhonen
- Neuro Center, Neurosurgery, Kuopio University Hospital, 70029, Kuopio, Finland
- Institute of Clinical Medicine - Neurosurgery, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1C, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Ville Leinonen
- Neuro Center, Neurosurgery, Kuopio University Hospital, 70029, Kuopio, Finland
- Institute of Clinical Medicine - Neurosurgery, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1C, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Mikko Hiltunen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1E, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Eino Solje
- Neuro Center, Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital, 70029, Kuopio, Finland
- Institute of Clinical Medicine - Neurology, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1C, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Anne M Remes
- Unit of Clinical Neuroscience, Neurology, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 8000, 90014, Oulu, Finland
- MRC Oulu, Oulu University Hospital, P.O. Box 8000, 90014, Oulu, Finland
| | - Annakaisa Haapasalo
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Neulaniementie 2, 70211, Kuopio, Finland.
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7
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Rostalski H, Hietanen T, Leskelä S, Behánová A, Abdollahzadeh A, Wittrahm R, Mäkinen P, Huber N, Hoffmann D, Solje E, Remes AM, Natunen T, Takalo M, Tohka J, Hiltunen M, Haapasalo A. BV-2 Microglial Cells Overexpressing C9orf72 Hexanucleotide Repeat Expansion Produce DPR Proteins and Show Normal Functionality but No RNA Foci. Front Neurol 2020; 11:550140. [PMID: 33123074 PMCID: PMC7573144 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.550140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hexanucleotide repeat expansion (HRE) in the chromosome 9 open-reading frame 72 (C9orf72) gene is the most common genetic cause underpinning frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It leads to the accumulation of toxic RNA foci and various dipeptide repeat (DPR) proteins into cells. These C9orf72 HRE-specific hallmarks are abundant in neurons. So far, the role of microglia, the immune cells of the brain, in C9orf72 HRE-associated FTLD/ALS is unclear. In this study, we overexpressed C9orf72 HRE of a pathological length in the BV-2 microglial cell line and used biochemical methods and fluorescence imaging to investigate its effects on their phenotype, viability, and functionality. We found that BV-2 cells expressing the C9orf72 HRE presented strong expression of specific DPR proteins but no sense RNA foci. Transiently increased levels of cytoplasmic TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43), slightly altered levels of p62 and lysosome-associated membrane protein (LAMP) 2A, and reduced levels of polyubiquitinylated proteins, but no signs of cell death were detected in HRE overexpressing cells. Overexpression of the C9orf72 HRE did not affect BV-2 cell phagocytic activity or response to an inflammatory stimulus, nor did it shift their RNA profile toward disease-associated microglia. These findings suggest that DPR proteins do not affect microglial cell viability or functionality in BV-2 cells. However, additional studies in other models are required to further elucidate the role of C9orf72 HRE in microglia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Rostalski
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Tomi Hietanen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Stina Leskelä
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Andrea Behánová
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Ali Abdollahzadeh
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Rebekka Wittrahm
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Petra Mäkinen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Nadine Huber
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Dorit Hoffmann
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Eino Solje
- Institute of Clinical Medicine-Neurology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.,Neuro Center, Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Anne M Remes
- Unit of Clinical Neuroscience, Neurology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Medical Research Center (MRC) Oulu, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Teemu Natunen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Mari Takalo
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jussi Tohka
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Mikko Hiltunen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Annakaisa Haapasalo
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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8
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Hoffmann D, Huber N, Leskelä S, Rostalski H, Solje E, Remes AM, Haapasalo A. Frontotemporal dementia: a conference report from the 2nd FinFTD Symposium. Neurodegener Dis Manag 2020; 10:119-123. [PMID: 32552461 DOI: 10.2217/nmt-2019-0039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The 2nd FinFTD Symposium was held on 13 September 2019, in Kuopio, Finland, and attracted 80 attendees from six different countries. The program, spanning from molecular mechanisms to biomarkers, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of frontotemporal lobar degeneration and related diseases, provided a great opportunity for researchers, clinicians, healthcare professionals and other participants to discuss about the current status and future directions of frontotemporal lobar degeneration research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorit Hoffmann
- Molecular Neurodegeneration group, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Nadine Huber
- Molecular Neurodegeneration group, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Stina Leskelä
- Molecular Neurodegeneration group, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Hannah Rostalski
- Molecular Neurodegeneration group, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Eino Solje
- Institute of Clinical Medicine - Neurology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.,Neuro Center, Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Anne M Remes
- Unit of Clinical Neuroscience, Neurology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Medical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Annakaisa Haapasalo
- Molecular Neurodegeneration group, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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Rostalski H, Leskelä S, Huber N, Katisko K, Cajanus A, Solje E, Marttinen M, Natunen T, Remes AM, Hiltunen M, Haapasalo A. Astrocytes and Microglia as Potential Contributors to the Pathogenesis of C9orf72 Repeat Expansion-Associated FTLD and ALS. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:486. [PMID: 31156371 PMCID: PMC6529740 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [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] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are neurodegenerative diseases with a complex, but often overlapping, genetic and pathobiological background and thus they are considered to form a disease spectrum. Although neurons are the principal cells affected in FTLD and ALS, increasing amount of evidence has recently proposed that other central nervous system-resident cells, including microglia and astrocytes, may also play roles in neurodegeneration in these diseases. Therefore, deciphering the mechanisms underlying the disease pathogenesis in different types of brain cells is fundamental in order to understand the etiology of these disorders. The major genetic cause of FTLD and ALS is a hexanucleotide repeat expansion (HRE) in the intronic region of the C9orf72 gene. In neurons, specific pathological hallmarks, including decreased expression of the C9orf72 RNA and proteins and generation of toxic RNA and protein species, and their downstream effects have been linked to C9orf72 HRE-associated FTLD and ALS. In contrast, it is still poorly known to which extent these pathological changes are presented in other brain cells. Here, we summarize the current literature on the potential role of astrocytes and microglia in C9orf72 HRE-linked FTLD and ALS and discuss their possible phenotypic alterations and neurotoxic mechanisms that may contribute to neurodegeneration in these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Rostalski
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Stina Leskelä
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Nadine Huber
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Kasper Katisko
- Institute of Clinical Medicine - Neurology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Antti Cajanus
- Institute of Clinical Medicine - Neurology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Eino Solje
- Institute of Clinical Medicine - Neurology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.,Neuro Center, Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Mikael Marttinen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Teemu Natunen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Anne M Remes
- Medical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland.,Research Unit of Clinical Neuroscience, Neurology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Mikko Hiltunen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Annakaisa Haapasalo
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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10
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Natunen TA, Gynther M, Rostalski H, Jaako K, Jalkanen AJ. Extracellular prolyl oligopeptidase derived from activated microglia is a potential neuroprotection target. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2018; 124:40-49. [DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Teemu A. Natunen
- Institute of Biomedicine; University of Eastern Finland; Kuopio Finland
| | - Mikko Gynther
- School of Pharmacy; University of Eastern Finland; Kuopio Finland
| | - Hannah Rostalski
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences; University of Eastern Finland; Kuopio Finland
| | - Külli Jaako
- Department of Pharmacology; Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine; University of Tartu; Tartu Estonia
| | - Aaro J. Jalkanen
- School of Pharmacy; University of Eastern Finland; Kuopio Finland
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