bims-axbals Biomed News
on Axonal biology and ALS
Issue of 2023–12–24
fifty-five papers selected by
TJ Krzystek, ALS Therapy Development Institute
  1. Pathophysiology of ion channels in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
  2. ALS iPSC-derived microglia and motor neurons respond to astrocyte-targeted IL-10 and CCL2 modulation.
  3. Mutant GGGGCC RNA prevents YY1 from binding to Fuzzy promoter which stimulates Wnt/β-catenin pathway in C9ALS/FTD.
  4. Lnc-HIBADH-4 Regulates Autophagy-Lysosome Pathway in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis by Targeting Cathepsin D.
  5. Aggregation of E121K mutant D-amino acid oxidase and ubiquitination-mediated autophagy mechanisms leading to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
  6. The autophagy of stress granules.
  7. Targeting RACK1 to alleviate TDP-43 and FUS proteinopathy-mediated suppression of protein translation and neurodegeneration.
  8. Neural Differentiation and spinal cord organoid generation from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) for ALS modelling and inflammatory screening.
  9. Reconstitution of C9orf72 GGGGCC repeat-associated non-AUG translation with purified human translation factors.
  10. Correction: Multi-modal proteomic characterization of lysosomal function and proteostasis in progranulin-deficient neurons.
  11. Cell Therapy for Parkinson's Disease.
  12. Disruption of Mitophagy Flux through the PARL-PINK1 Pathway by CHCHD10 Mutations or CHCHD10 Depletion.
  13. Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Analysis of Microglia Dissected the Energy Metabolism and Revealed Potential Biomarkers in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
  14. Cellular and subcellular localization of Rab10 and phospho-T73 Rab10 in the mouse and human brain.
  15. Neuronal-type-specific epigenome editing to decrease SNCA expression: Implications for precision medicine in synucleinopathies.
  16. Distribution of ubiquilin 2 and TDP-43 aggregates throughout the CNS in UBQLN2 p.T487I-linked amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia.
  17. Biomarker Qualification for Neurofilament Light Chain in ALS: Theory and Practice.
  18. ABCA7 deficiency causes neuronal dysregulation by altering mitochondrial lipid metabolism.
  19. Proteomic Analysis of Human iPSC-Derived Neural Stem Cells and Motor Neurons Identifies Proteasome Structural Alterations.
  20. Structural Integrity of Nucleolin Is Required to Suppress TDP-43-Mediated Cytotoxicity in Yeast and Human Cell Models.
  21. The Hypoxia Response Pathway: A Potential Intervention Target in Parkinson's Disease?
  22. Masitinib as a neuroprotective agent: a scoping review of preclinical and clinical evidence.
  23. Efficient generation of a self-organizing neuromuscular junction model from human pluripotent stem cells.
  24. Establishment of a high-content imaging assay for tau aggregation in hiPSC-derived neurons differentiated from two protocols to routinely evaluate compounds and genetic perturbations.
  25. ALDH5A1-deficient iPSC-derived excitatory and inhibitory neurons display cell type specific alterations.
  26. Custom-engineered hydrogels for delivery of human iPSC-derived neurons into the injured cervical spinal cord.
  27. FBXL4 mutation-caused mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome is driven by BNIP3/BNIP3L-dependent excessive mitophagy.
  28. Listerin promotes cGAS protein degradation through the ESCRT pathway to negatively regulate cGAS-mediated immune response.
  29. Single-Cell Transcriptomics and In Vitro Lineage Tracing Reveals Differential Susceptibility of Human iPSC-Derived Midbrain Dopaminergic Neurons in a Cellular Model of Parkinson's Disease.
  30. LRRC37B is a human modifier of voltage-gated sodium channels and axon excitability in cortical neurons.
  31. Investigating the reliability of the evoked response in human iPSCs-derived neuronal networks coupled to micro-electrode arrays.
  32. Dysregulation of Human Juvenile Huntington's Disease Brain Proteomes in Cortex and Putamen Involves Mitochondrial and Neuropeptide Systems.
  33. Pathological Correlates of Cognitive Decline in Parkinson's Disease: From Molecules to Neural Networks.
  34. Adavosertib and beyond: Biomarkers, drug combination and toxicity of WEE1 inhibitors.
  35. Mutation corrections in spinal muscular atrophy.
  36. Degree of differentiation impacts neurobiological signature and resistance to hypoxia of SH-SY5Y cells.
  37. MAP4K inhibition as a potential therapy for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
  38. Inhibition of LRRK2 kinase activity rescues deficits in striatal dopamine physiology in VPS35 p.D620N knock-in mice.
  39. Mitochondrial Quality Control via Mitochondrial Unfolded Protein Response (mtUPR) in Ageing and Neurodegenerative Diseases.
  40. A novel mechanism of PHB2-mediated mitophagy participating in the development of Parkinson's disease.
  41. MARK2 phosphorylates KIF13A at a 14-3-3 binding site to polarize vesicular transport of transferrin receptor within dendrites.
  42. Modeling RET-Rearranged Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): Generation of Lung Progenitor Cells (LPCs) from Patient-Derived Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs).
  43. Gut-Brain Axis Deregulation and Its Possible Contribution to Neurodegenerative Disorders.
  44. Serine-129 phosphorylation of α-synuclein is an activity-dependent trigger for physiologic protein-protein interactions and synaptic function.
  45. Genetic ablation of Sarm1 attenuates expression and mislocalization of phosphorylated TDP-43 after mouse repetitive traumatic brain injury.
  46. Huntington disease-like 2: insight into neurodegeneration from an African disease.
  47. Rab29-dependent asymmetrical activation of leucine-rich repeat kinase 2.
  48. Loss of TDP-43 splicing repression occurs early in the aging population and is associated with Alzheimer's disease neuropathologic changes and cognitive decline.
  49. Generation and characterization of PBMCs-derived human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) line SDQLCHi050-A from a healthy donor.
  50. Human motor neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
  51. Upregulation of mitochondrial PGK1 by ROS-TBC1D15 pathway promotes neuronal death after oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation injury.
  52. Treatment following Triple-AAV Delivery in Mature Murine Model of Human CDH23-Associated Hearing Loss.
  53. New insights into the role of GSK-3β in the brain: from neurodegenerative disease to tumorigenesis.
  54. Small molecular decoys in Alzheimer's disease.
  55. NEMO reshapes the α-Synuclein aggregate interface and acts as an autophagy adapter by co-condensation with p62.
  1. Mol Brain. 2023 Dec 15. 16(1): 82
    Pathophysiology of ion channels in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
    Robin N Stringer, Norbert Weiss.
      Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) stands as the most prevalent and severe form of motor neuron disease, affecting an estimated 2 in 100,000 individuals worldwide. It is characterized by the progressive loss of cortical, brainstem, and spinal motor neurons, ultimately resulting in muscle weakness and death. Although the etiology of ALS remains poorly understood in most cases, the remodelling of ion channels and alteration in neuronal excitability represent a hallmark of the disease, manifesting not only during the symptomatic period but also in the early pre-symptomatic stages. In this review, we delve into these alterations observed in ALS patients and preclinical disease models, and explore their consequences on neuronal activities. Furthermore, we discuss the potential of ion channels as therapeutic targets in the context of ALS.
    Keywords:  Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; Ion channels; Motor neurons; Neurodegeneration; Neuronal excitability
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1186/s13041-023-01070-6
  2. Hum Mol Genet. 2023 Dec 21. pii: ddad209. [Epub ahead of print]
    ALS iPSC-derived microglia and motor neurons respond to astrocyte-targeted IL-10 and CCL2 modulation.
    Reilly L Allison, Allison D Ebert.
      Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by the loss of upper and lower motor neurons (MNs). The loss of MNs in ALS leads to muscle weakness and wasting, respiratory failure, and death often within two years of diagnosis. Glial cells in ALS show aberrant expression of pro-inflammatory and neurotoxic proteins associated with activation and have been proposed as ideal therapeutic targets. In this study, we examined astrocyte-targeted treatments to reduce glial activation and neuron pathology using cells differentiated from ALS patient-derived iPSC carrying SOD1 and C9ORF72 mutations. Specifically, we tested the ability of increasing interleukin 10 (IL-10) and reducing C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2/MCP-1) signaling targeted to astrocytes to reduce activation phenotypes in both astrocytes and microglia. Overall, we found IL10/CCL2NAb treated astrocytes to support anti-inflammatory phenotypes and reduce neurotoxicity, through different mechanisms in SOD1 and C9ORF72 cultures. We also found altered responses of microglia and motor neurons to astrocytic influences when cells were cultured together rather than in isolation. Together these data support IL-10 and CCL2 as non-mutation-specific therapeutic targets for ALS and highlight the role of glial-mediated pathology in this disease.
    Keywords:  induced pluripotent stem cells; neurodegeneration; neuroinflammation; phagocytosis
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1093/hmg/ddad209
  3. Nat Commun. 2023 Dec 18. 14(1): 8420
    Mutant GGGGCC RNA prevents YY1 from binding to Fuzzy promoter which stimulates Wnt/β-catenin pathway in C9ALS/FTD.
    Zhefan Stephen Chen, Mingxi Ou, Stephanie Taylor, Ruxandra Dafinca, Shaohong Isaac Peng, Kevin Talbot, Ho Yin Edwin Chan.
      The GGGGCC hexanucleotide repeat expansion mutation in the chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9orf72) gene is a major genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia (C9ALS/FTD). In this study, we demonstrate that the zinc finger (ZF) transcriptional regulator Yin Yang 1 (YY1) binds to the promoter region of the planar cell polarity gene Fuzzy to regulate its transcription. We show that YY1 interacts with GGGGCC repeat RNA via its ZF and that this interaction compromises the binding of YY1 to the FuzzyYY1 promoter sites, resulting in the downregulation of Fuzzy transcription. The decrease in Fuzzy protein expression in turn activates the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway and induces synaptic deficits in C9ALS/FTD neurons. Our findings demonstrate a C9orf72 GGGGCC RNA-initiated perturbation of YY1-Fuzzy transcriptional control that implicates aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signalling in C9ALS/FTD-associated neurodegeneration. This pathogenic cascade provides a potential new target for disease-modifying therapy.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-44215-w
  4. Mol Neurobiol. 2023 Dec 22.
    Lnc-HIBADH-4 Regulates Autophagy-Lysosome Pathway in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis by Targeting Cathepsin D.
    Jingxuan Huang, Yujiao Yu, Dejiang Pang, Chunyu Li, Qianqian Wei, Yangfan Cheng, Yiyuan Cui, Ruwei Ou, Huifang Shang.
      Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most prevalent and lethal class of severe motor neuron diseases (MND) with no efficacious treatment. The pathogenic mechanisms underlying ALS remain unclear. Nearly 90% of patients exhibit sporadic onset (sALS). Therefore, elucidating the pathophysiology of ALS is imperative. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is a large class of non-coding RNAs that regulate transcription, translation, and post-translational processes. LncRNAs contribute to the pathogenesis of diverse neurodegenerative disorders and hold promise as targets for interference in the realm of neurodegeneration. However, the mechanisms of which lncRNAs are involved in ALS have not been thoroughly investigated. We identified and validated a downregulated lncRNA, lnc-HIBADH-4, in ALS which correlated with disease severity and overall survival. Lnc-HIBADH-4 acted as a "molecular sponge" regulating lysosomal function through the lnc-HIBADH-4/miR-326/CTSD pathway, thereby impacting autophagy-lysosome dynamics and the levels of cell proliferation and apoptosis. Therefore, this study discovered and revealed the role of lnc-HIBADH-4 in the pathogenesis of ALS. With further research, lnc-HIBADH-4 is expected to provide a new biomarker in the diagnosis and treatment of ALS.
    Keywords:  ALS; CTSD; Lnc-HIBADH-4; miR-326
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1007/s12035-023-03835-5
  5. J Neurol Sci. 2023 Dec 17. pii: S0022-510X(23)02307-9. [Epub ahead of print]456 122845
    Aggregation of E121K mutant D-amino acid oxidase and ubiquitination-mediated autophagy mechanisms leading to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
    Upma Dave, Priyam Narain, Dibyakanti Mishra, James Gomes.
      Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a terminal adult-onset neuromuscular disorder. Our group has been studying this illness and previously reported novel mutations and rare mutations in a study using next-generation sequencing of DNA samples from Indian ALS patients. In this paper, we focus on the E121K mutation in the DAO gene to understand how it leads to ALS. Our experiments in SH-SY5Y cells indicate that the E121K mutation results in the accumulation of mutant protein aggregates, a change in cell morphology, and the death of neuronal cells. These protein aggregates get ubiquitinated and cause an imbalance in autophagy regulation. We observed an increase in the cellular concentrations of p62, OPTN, and LC3II. Through confocal microscopy studies, we show that the binding of p62 with ubiquitinated aggregates and its recruitment to LC3II mediates autophagosome generation. These relative changes in the key partners in autophagy increase cell death in cells harboring the E121K mutation and is a probable mechanism leading to ALS.
    Keywords:  ALS; Aggregation; Autophagy; DAO mutation; Ubiquitination
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jns.2023.122845
  6. FEBS Lett. 2023 Dec 15.
    The autophagy of stress granules.
    Laura Ryan, David C Rubinsztein.
      Our understanding of stress granule (SG) biology has deepened considerably in recent years, and with this, increased understanding of links has been made between SGs and numerous neurodegenerative diseases. One of the proposed mechanisms by which SGs and any associated protein aggregates may become pathological is based upon defects in their autophagic clearance, and so the precise processes governing the degradation of SGs are important to understand. Mutations and disease-associated variants implicated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease and frontotemporal lobar dementia compromise autophagy, whilst autophagy-inhibiting drugs or knockdown of essential autophagy proteins result in the persistence of SGs. In this review, we will consider the current knowledge regarding the autophagy of SG.
    Keywords:  P62; amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; autophagy; granulophagy; neurodegeneration; proteostasis; stress granules; valosin-containing protein
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1002/1873-3468.14787
  7. Acta Neuropathol Commun. 2023 Dec 18. 11(1): 200
    Targeting RACK1 to alleviate TDP-43 and FUS proteinopathy-mediated suppression of protein translation and neurodegeneration.
    Beibei Zhao, Catherine M Cowan, Juliane A Coutts, Darren D Christy, Ananya Saraph, Shawn C C Hsueh, Stephen S Plotkin, Ian R Mackenzie, Johanne M Kaplan, Neil R Cashman.
      TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) and Fused in Sarcoma/Translocated in Sarcoma (FUS) are ribonucleoproteins associated with pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). Under physiological conditions, TDP-43 and FUS are predominantly localized in the nucleus, where they participate in transcriptional regulation, RNA splicing and metabolism. In disease, however, they are typically mislocalized to the cytoplasm where they form aggregated inclusions. A number of shared cellular pathways have been identified that contribute to TDP-43 and FUS toxicity in neurodegeneration. In the present study, we report a novel pathogenic mechanism shared by these two proteins. We found that pathological FUS co-aggregates with a ribosomal protein, the Receptor for Activated C-Kinase 1 (RACK1), in the cytoplasm of spinal cord motor neurons of ALS, as previously reported for pathological TDP-43. In HEK293T cells transiently transfected with TDP-43 or FUS mutant lacking a functional nuclear localization signal (NLS; TDP-43ΔNLS and FUSΔNLS), cytoplasmic TDP-43 and FUS induced co-aggregation with endogenous RACK1. These co-aggregates sequestered the translational machinery through interaction with the polyribosome, accompanied by a significant reduction of global protein translation. RACK1 knockdown decreased cytoplasmic aggregation of TDP-43ΔNLS or FUSΔNLS and alleviated associated global translational suppression. Surprisingly, RACK1 knockdown also led to partial nuclear localization of TDP-43ΔNLS and FUSΔNLS in some transfected cells, despite the absence of NLS. In vivo, RACK1 knockdown alleviated retinal neuronal degeneration in transgenic Drosophila melanogaster expressing hTDP-43WT or hTDP-43Q331K and improved motor function of hTDP-43WT flies, with no observed adverse effects on neuronal health in control knockdown flies. In conclusion, our results revealed a novel shared mechanism of pathogenesis for misfolded aggregates of TDP-43 and FUS mediated by interference with protein translation in a RACK1-dependent manner. We provide proof-of-concept evidence for targeting RACK1 as a potential therapeutic approach for TDP-43 or FUS proteinopathy associated with ALS and FTLD.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1186/s40478-023-01705-8
  8. Mol Neurobiol. 2023 Dec 21.
    Neural Differentiation and spinal cord organoid generation from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) for ALS modelling and inflammatory screening.
    Ruiyun Guo, Yimeng Chen, Jinyu Zhang, Zijing Zhou, Baofeng Feng, Xiaofeng Du, Xin Liu, Jun Ma, Huixian Cui.
      C9orf72 genetic mutation is the most common genetic cause of ALS/FTD accompanied by abnormal protein insufficiency. Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) cultures are providing new approaches. Therefore, this study established neuronal cell types and generated spinal cord organoids (SCOs) derived from C9orf72 knockdown human iPSCs to model ALS disease and screen the unrevealed phenotype. Wild-type (WT) iPSC lines from three healthy donor fibroblasts were established, and pluripotency and differentiation ability were identified by RT-PCR, immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. After infection by the lentivirus with C9orf72-targeting shRNA, stable C9-knockdown iPSC colonies were selected and differentiated into astrocytes, motor neurons and SCOs. Finally, we analyzed the extracted RNA-seq data of human C9 mutant/knockout iPSC-derived motor neurons and astrocytes from the GEO database and the inflammatory regulation-related genes in function and pathways. The expression of inflammatory factors was measured by qRT-PCR. The results showed that both WT-iPSCs and edited C9-iPSCs maintained a similar ability to differentiate into the three germ layers, astrocytes and motor neurons, forming SCOs in a 3D culture system. The constructed C9-SCOs have features of spinal cord development and multiple neuronal cell types, including sensory neurons, motor neurons, and other neurons. Based on the bioinformatics analysis, proinflammatory factors were confirmed to be upregulated in C9-iPSC-derived 2D cells and 3D cultured SCOs. The above differentiated models exhibited low C9orf72 expression and the pathological characteristics of ALS, especially neuroinflammation.
    Keywords:  Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS); C9orf72; spinal cord organoids (SCOs); Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1007/s12035-023-03836-4
  9. Sci Rep. 2023 Dec 20. 13(1): 22826
    Reconstitution of C9orf72 GGGGCC repeat-associated non-AUG translation with purified human translation factors.
    Hayato Ito, Kodai Machida, Mayuka Hasumi, Morio Ueyama, Yoshitaka Nagai, Hiroaki Imataka, Hideki Taguchi.
      Nucleotide repeat expansion of GGGGCC (G4C2) in the non-coding region of C9orf72 is the most common genetic cause underlying amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. Transcripts harboring this repeat expansion undergo the translation of dipeptide repeats via a non-canonical process known as repeat-associated non-AUG (RAN) translation. In order to ascertain the essential components required for RAN translation, we successfully recapitulated G4C2-RAN translation using an in vitro reconstituted translation system comprising human factors, namely the human PURE system. Our findings conclusively demonstrate that the presence of fundamental translation factors is sufficient to mediate the elongation from the G4C2 repeat. Furthermore, the initiation mechanism proceeded in a 5' cap-dependent manner, independent of eIF2A or eIF2D. In contrast to cell lysate-mediated RAN translation, where longer G4C2 repeats enhanced translation, we discovered that the expansion of the G4C2 repeats inhibited translation elongation using the human PURE system. These results suggest that the repeat RNA itself functions as a repressor of RAN translation. Taken together, our utilization of a reconstituted RAN translation system employing minimal factors represents a distinctive and potent approach for elucidating the intricacies underlying RAN translation mechanism.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-50188-z
  10. Mol Neurodegener. 2023 Dec 18. 18(1): 96
    Correction: Multi-modal proteomic characterization of lysosomal function and proteostasis in progranulin-deficient neurons.
    Saadia Hasan, Michael S Fernandopulle, Stewart W Humble, Ashley M Frankenfield, Haorong Li, Ryan Prestil, Kory R Johnson, Brent J Ryan, Richard Wade-Martins, Michael E Ward, Ling Hao.
      
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1186/s13024-023-00696-3
  11. Pharmaceutics. 2023 Nov 22. pii: 2656. [Epub ahead of print]15(12):
    Cell Therapy for Parkinson's Disease.
    Surabhi Shastry, Junkai Hu, Mingyao Ying, Xiaobo Mao.
      Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta with a reduction in dopamine concentration in the striatum. It is a substantial loss of dopaminergic neurons that is responsible for the classic triad of PD symptoms, i.e., resting tremor, muscular rigidity, and bradykinesia. Several current therapies for PD may only offer symptomatic relief and do not address the underlying neurodegeneration of PD. The recent developments in cellular reprogramming have enabled the development of previously unachievable cell therapies and patient-specific modeling of PD through Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs). iPSCs possess the inherent capacity for pluripotency, allowing for their directed differentiation into diverse cell lineages, such as dopaminergic neurons, thus offering a promising avenue for addressing the issue of neurodegeneration within the context of PD. This narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of the effects of dopamine on PD patients, illustrates the versatility of iPSCs and their regenerative abilities, and examines the benefits of using iPSC treatment for PD as opposed to current therapeutic measures. In means of providing a treatment approach that reinforces the long-term survival of the transplanted neurons, the review covers three supplementary avenues to reinforce the potential of iPSCs.
    Keywords:  Parkinson’s disease; allogeneic transplantation; autologous transplantation; dopaminergic neuron; induced pluripotent stem cells; substantia nigra
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15122656
  12. Cells. 2023 Dec 07. pii: 2781. [Epub ahead of print]12(24):
    Disruption of Mitophagy Flux through the PARL-PINK1 Pathway by CHCHD10 Mutations or CHCHD10 Depletion.
    Tian Liu, Liam Wetzel, Zexi Zhu, Pavan Kumaraguru, Viraj Gorthi, Yan Yan, Mohammed Zaheen Bukhari, Aizara Ermekbaeva, Hanna Jeon, Teresa R Kee, Jung-A Alexa Woo, David E Kang.
      Coiled-coil-helix-coiled-coil-helix domain-containing 10 (CHCHD10) is a nuclear-encoded mitochondrial protein which is primarily mutated in the spectrum of familial and sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)-frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Endogenous CHCHD10 levels decline in the brains of ALS-FTD patients, and the CHCHD10S59L mutation in Drosophila induces dominant toxicity together with PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1), a protein critical for the induction of mitophagy. However, whether and how CHCHD10 variants regulate mitophagy flux in the mammalian brain is unknown. Here, we demonstrate through in vivo and in vitro models, as well as human FTD brain tissue, that ALS/FTD-linked CHCHD10 mutations (R15L and S59L) impair mitophagy flux and mitochondrial Parkin recruitment, whereas wild-type CHCHD10 (CHCHD10WT) normally enhances these measures. Specifically, we show that CHCHD10R15L and CHCHD10S59L mutations reduce PINK1 levels by increasing PARL activity, whereas CHCHD10WT produces the opposite results through its stronger interaction with PARL, suppressing its activity. Importantly, we also demonstrate that FTD brains with TAR DNA-binding protein-43 (TDP-43) pathology demonstrate disruption of the PARL-PINK1 pathway and that experimentally impairing mitophagy promotes TDP-43 aggregation. Thus, we provide herein new insights into the regulation of mitophagy and TDP-43 aggregation in the mammalian brain through the CHCHD10-PARL-PINK1 pathway.
    Keywords:  CHCHD10; PARL; PINK1; TDP-43; mitophagy
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/cells12242781
  13. Mol Neurobiol. 2023 Dec 15.
    Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Analysis of Microglia Dissected the Energy Metabolism and Revealed Potential Biomarkers in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
    Dingding Shen, Yanan Ji, Chong Qiu, Kexin Wang, Zihui Gao, Boya Liu, Yuntian Shen, Leilei Gong, Xiaoming Yang, Xin Chen, Hualin Sun, Xinlei Yao.
      Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a common neurodegenerative disease, accompanied by the gradual loss of motor neuron, even life-threatening. However, the pathogenesis, early diagnosis, and effective strategies of ALS are not yet completely understood. In this study, the function of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in non-neuronal cells of the primary motor cortex of ALS patients (DATA1), the brainstem of SOD1 mutant ALS mice (DATA2), and the whole blood tissue of ALS patients (DATA3) were explored. The results showed that the functions of DEGs in non-neuronal cells were mainly related to energy metabolism (such as oxidative phosphorylation) and protein synthesis. In non-neuronal cells, six upregulated DEGs (HSPA8, SOD1, CALM1, CALM2, NEFL, COX6C) and three downregulated DEGs (SNRNP70, HSPA1A, HSPA1B) might be key factors in regulating ALS. Microglia played a key role in the development of ALS. The expression of SOD1 and TUBA4A in microglia in DATA1 was significantly increased. The integration analysis of DEGs in DATA1 and DATA2 showed that SOD1 and CALM1 might be potential biomarkers. The integration analysis of DEGs in DATA1 and DATA3 showed that CALM2 and HSPA1A might be potential biomarkers. Cell interaction showed that the interaction between microglia and other cells was reduced in high oxidative phosphorylation states, which might be a risk factor in ALS. Our research provided evidence for the pathogenesis, early diagnosis, and potential targeted therapy for ALS.
    Keywords:  ALS; Microglia; Oxidative phosphorylation; Single-cell RNA sequencing
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1007/s12035-023-03806-w
  14. Acta Neuropathol Commun. 2023 Dec 18. 11(1): 201
    Cellular and subcellular localization of Rab10 and phospho-T73 Rab10 in the mouse and human brain.
    Vijay Singh, Marissa A Menard, Geidy E Serrano, Thomas G Beach, Hien T Zhao, Alexis Riley-DiPaolo, Nitya Subrahmanian, Matthew J LaVoie, Laura A Volpicelli-Daley.
      Autosomal dominant pathogenic mutations in Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) cause Parkinson's disease (PD). The most common mutation, G2019S-LRRK2, increases the kinase activity of LRRK2 causing hyper-phosphorylation of its substrates. One of these substrates, Rab10, is phosphorylated at a conserved Thr73 residue (pRab10), and is one of the most abundant LRRK2 Rab GTPases expressed in various tissues. The involvement of Rab10 in neurodegenerative disease, including both PD and Alzheimer's disease makes pinpointing the cellular and subcellular localization of Rab10 and pRab10 in the brain an important step in understanding its functional role, and how post-translational modifications could impact function. To establish the specificity of antibodies to the phosphorylated form of Rab10 (pRab10), Rab10 specific antisense oligonucleotides were intraventricularly injected into the brains of mice. Further, Rab10 knock out induced neurons, differentiated from human induced pluripotent stem cells were used to test the pRab10 antibody specificity. To amplify the weak immunofluorescence signal of pRab10, tyramide signal amplification was utilized. Rab10 and pRab10 were expressed in the cortex, striatum and the substantia nigra pars compacta. Immunofluorescence for pRab10 was increased in G2019S-LRRK2 knockin mice. Neurons, astrocytes, microglia and oligodendrocytes all showed Rab10 and pRab10 expression. While Rab10 colocalized with endoplasmic reticulum, lysosome and trans-Golgi network markers, pRab10 did not localize to these organelles. However, pRab10, did overlap with markers of the presynaptic terminal in both mouse and human cortex, including α-synuclein. Results from this study suggest Rab10 and pRab10 are expressed in all brain areas and cell types tested in this study, but pRab10 is enriched at the presynaptic terminal. As Rab10 is a LRRK2 kinase substrate, increased kinase activity of G2019S-LRRK2 in PD may affect Rab10 mediated membrane trafficking at the presynaptic terminal in neurons in disease.
    Keywords:  Antisense oligonucleotide; Mouse brain; Parkinson’s disease; Phosphorylation; Rab10; Rab10 knock down; pRab10
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1186/s40478-023-01704-9
  15. Mol Ther Nucleic Acids. 2024 Mar 12. 35(1): 102084
    Neuronal-type-specific epigenome editing to decrease SNCA expression: Implications for precision medicine in synucleinopathies.
    Zhiguo Sun, Boris Kantor, Ornit Chiba-Falek.
      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.
    Keywords:  DLB; MT: RNA/DNA editing; PD; Parkinson’s disease; SNCA; alpha-synuclein; cholinergic neuron; dementia with Lewy bodies; dopaminergic neurons; epigenetic editing; gene therapy; hiPSC; human induced pluripotent stem cells; lentivirus vectors; synucleinopathies
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.omtn.2023.102084
  16. Brain Pathol. 2023 Dec 19. e13230
    Distribution of ubiquilin 2 and TDP-43 aggregates throughout the CNS in UBQLN2 p.T487I-linked amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia.
    Laura R Nementzik, Kyrah M Thumbadoo, Helen C Murray, David Gordon, Shu Yang, Ian P Blair, Clinton Turner, Richard L M Faull, Maurice A Curtis, Catriona McLean, Garth A Nicholson, Molly E V Swanson, Emma L Scotter.
      Mutations in the UBQLN2 gene cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The neuropathology of such UBQLN2-linked cases of ALS/FTD is characterised by aggregates of the ubiquilin 2 protein in addition to aggregates of the transactive response DNA-binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP-43). ALS and FTD without UBQLN2 mutations are also characterised by TDP-43 aggregates, that may or may not colocalise with wildtype ubiquilin 2. Despite this, the relative contributions of TDP-43 and ubiquilin 2 to disease pathogenesis remain largely under-characterised, as does their relative deposition as aggregates across the central nervous system (CNS). Here we conducted multiplex immunohistochemistry of three UBQLN2 p.T487I-linked ALS/FTD cases, three non-UBQLN2-linked (sporadic) ALS cases, and 8 non-neurodegenerative disease controls, covering 40 CNS regions. We then quantified ubiquilin 2 aggregates, TDP-43 aggregates and aggregates containing both proteins in regions of interest to determine how UBQLN2-linked and non-UBQLN2-linked proteinopathy differ. We find that ubiquilin 2 aggregates that are negative for TDP-43 are predominantly small and punctate and are abundant in the hippocampal formation, spinal cord, all tested regions of neocortex, medulla and substantia nigra in UBQLN2-linked ALS/FTD but not sporadic ALS. Curiously, the striatum harboured small punctate ubiquilin 2 aggregates in all cases examined, while large diffuse striatal ubiquilin 2 aggregates were specific to UBQLN2-linked ALS/FTD. Overall, ubiquilin 2 is mainly deposited in clinically unaffected regions throughout the CNS such that symptomology in UBQLN2-linked cases maps best to the aggregation of TDP-43.
    Keywords:  TDP-43; UBQLN2; amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS); frontotemporal dementia (FTD); neuropathology; ubiquilin 2
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1111/bpa.13230
  17. Ann Neurol. 2023 Dec 18.
    Biomarker Qualification for Neurofilament Light Chain in ALS: Theory and Practice.
    Michael Benatar, Lyle W Ostrow, Joseph W Lewcock, Frank Bennett, Jeremy Shefner, Robert Bowser, Paul Larkin, Lucie Bruijn, Joanne Wuu.
       OBJECTIVE: Explore whether the utility of neurofilament light chain (NfL), as a biomarker to aid amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) therapy development, would be enhanced by obtaining formal qualification from the FDA for defined context-of-use.
    METHODS: Consensus discussion among academic, industry, and patient advocacy group representatives.
    RESULTS: A wealth of scientific evidence supports the use of NfL as a prognostic, response, and potential safety biomarker in the broad ALS population, and as a risk/susceptibility biomarker among the subset of SOD1 pathogenic variant carriers. Though NfL has not yet been formally qualified for any of these contexts-of-use, the FDA has provided accelerated approval for an SOD1-lowering antisense oligonucleotide, based partially on the recognition that a reduction in NfL being reasonably likely to predict a clinical benefit.
    INTERPRETATION: The increasing incorporation of NfL into ALS therapy development provides evidence that its utility-as a prognostic, response, risk/susceptibility, and/or safety biomarker-is already widely accepted by the community. The willingness of the FDA to base regulatory decisions on rigorous peer-reviewed data absent formal qualification, led us to conclude that formal qualification, despite some benefits, is not essential for ongoing and future use of NfL as a tool to aid ALS therapy development. While the balance of considerations for and against seeking NfL biomarker qualification will undoubtedly vary across different diseases and contexts-of-use, the robustness of the published data and careful deliberations of the ALS community may offer valuable insights for other disease communities grappling with the same issues. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1002/ana.26860
  18. Mol Psychiatry. 2023 Dec 22.
    ABCA7 deficiency causes neuronal dysregulation by altering mitochondrial lipid metabolism.
    Keiji Kawatani, Marie-Louise Holm, Skylar C Starling, Yuka A Martens, Jing Zhao, Wenyan Lu, Yingxue Ren, Zonghua Li, Peizhou Jiang, Yangying Jiang, Samantha K Baker, Ni Wang, Bhaskar Roy, Tammee M Parsons, Ralph B Perkerson, Hanmei Bao, Xianlin Han, Guojun Bu, Takahisa Kanekiyo.
      ABCA7 loss-of-function variants are associated with increased risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Using ABCA7 knockout human iPSC models generated with CRISPR/Cas9, we investigated the impacts of ABCA7 deficiency on neuronal metabolism and function. Lipidomics revealed that mitochondria-related phospholipids, such as phosphatidylglycerol and cardiolipin were reduced in the ABCA7-deficient iPSC-derived cortical organoids. Consistently, ABCA7 deficiency-induced alterations of mitochondrial morphology accompanied by reduced ATP synthase activity and exacerbated oxidative damage in the organoids. Furthermore, ABCA7-deficient iPSC-derived neurons showed compromised mitochondrial respiration and excess ROS generation, as well as enlarged mitochondrial morphology compared to the isogenic controls. ABCA7 deficiency also decreased spontaneous synaptic firing and network formation in iPSC-derived neurons, in which the effects were rescued by supplementation with phosphatidylglycerol or NAD+ precursor, nicotinamide mononucleotide. Importantly, effects of ABCA7 deficiency on mitochondria morphology and synapses were recapitulated in synaptosomes isolated from the brain of neuron-specific Abca7 knockout mice. Together, our results provide evidence that ABCA7 loss-of-function contributes to AD risk by modulating mitochondria lipid metabolism.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1038/s41380-023-02372-w
  19. Cells. 2023 Dec 08. pii: 2800. [Epub ahead of print]12(24):
    Proteomic Analysis of Human iPSC-Derived Neural Stem Cells and Motor Neurons Identifies Proteasome Structural Alterations.
    Iñaki Álvarez, Adrián Tirado-Herranz, Belén Alvarez-Palomo, Jordi Requena Osete, Michael J Edel.
       BACKGROUND: Proteins targeted by the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) are identified for degradation by the proteasome, which has been implicated in the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules present peptides broken down by the proteasome and are involved in neuronal plasticity, regulating the synapse number and axon regeneration in the central or peripheral nervous system during development and in brain diseases. The mechanisms governing these effects are mostly unknown, but evidence from different compartments of the cerebral cortex indicates the presence of immune-like MHC receptors in the central nervous system.
    METHODS: We used human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) differentiated into neural stem cells and then into motor neurons as a developmental model to better understand the structure of the proteasome in developing motor neurons. We performed a proteomic analysis of starting human skin fibroblasts, their matching iPSCs, differentiated neural stem cells and motor neurons that highlighted significant differences in the constitutive proteasome and immunoproteasome subunits during development toward motor neurons from iPSCs.
    RESULTS: The proteomic analysis showed that the catalytic proteasome subunits expressed in fibroblasts differed from those in the neural stem cells and motor neurons. Western blot analysis confirmed the proteomic data, particularly the decreased expression of the β5i (PSMB8) subunit immunoproteasome in MNs compared to HFFs and increased β5 (PSMB5) in MNs compared to HFFs.
    CONCLUSION: The constitutive proteasome subunits are upregulated in iPSCs and NSCs from HFFs. Immunoproteasome subunit β5i expression is higher in MNs than NSCs; however, overall, there is more of a constitutive proteasome structure in MNs when comparing HFFs to MNs. The proteasome composition may have implications for motor neuron development and neurodevelopmental diseases that warrant further investigation.
    Keywords:  26S proteasome; differentiation; induced pluripotent stem cells; motor neurons; neural stem cells; proteasome; proteomics
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/cells12242800
  20. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Dec 14. pii: 17466. [Epub ahead of print]24(24):
    Structural Integrity of Nucleolin Is Required to Suppress TDP-43-Mediated Cytotoxicity in Yeast and Human Cell Models.
    Caterina Peggion, Maria Lina Massimino, Daniel Pereira, Sara Granuzzo, Francesca Righetto, Raissa Bortolotto, Jessica Agostini, Geppo Sartori, Alessandro Bertoli, Raffaele Lopreiato.
      The Transactivating response (TAR) element DNA-binding of 43 kDa (TDP-43) is mainly implicated in the regulation of gene expression, playing multiple roles in RNA metabolism. Pathologically, it is implicated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and in a class of neurodegenerative diseases broadly going under the name of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). A common hallmark of most forms of such diseases is the presence of TDP-43 insoluble inclusions in the cell cytosol. The molecular mechanisms of TDP-43-related cell toxicity are still unclear, and the contribution to cell damage from either loss of normal TDP-43 function or acquired toxic properties of protein aggregates is yet to be established. Here, we investigate the effects on cell viability of FTLD-related TDP-43 mutations in both yeast and mammalian cell models. Moreover, we focus on nucleolin (NCL) gene, recently identified as a genetic suppressor of TDP-43 toxicity, through a thorough structure/function characterization aimed at understanding the role of NCL domains in rescuing TDP-43-induced cytotoxicity. Using functional and biochemical assays, our data demonstrate that the N-terminus of NCL is necessary, but not sufficient, to exert its antagonizing effects on TDP-43, and further support the relevance of the DNA/RNA binding central region of the protein. Concurrently, data suggest the importance of the NCL nuclear localization for TDP-43 trafficking, possibly related to both TDP-43 physiology and toxicity.
    Keywords:  TDP-43 proteinopathies; neurodegenerative disorders; nucleocytoplasmic trafficking; nucleolin
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242417466
  21. Mov Disord. 2023 Dec 23.
    The Hypoxia Response Pathway: A Potential Intervention Target in Parkinson's Disease?
    Jules M Janssen Daalen, Werner J H Koopman, Christiaan G J Saris, Marjan J Meinders, Dick H J Thijssen, Bastiaan R Bloem.
      Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder for which only symptomatic treatments are available. Both preclinical and clinical studies suggest that moderate hypoxia induces evolutionarily conserved adaptive mechanisms that enhance neuronal viability and survival. Therefore, targeting the hypoxia response pathway might provide neuroprotection by ameliorating the deleterious effects of mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, which underlie neurodegeneration in PD. Here, we review experimental studies regarding the link between PD pathophysiology and neurophysiological adaptations to hypoxia. We highlight the mechanistic differences between the rescuing effects of chronic hypoxia in neurodegeneration and short-term moderate hypoxia to improve neuronal resilience, termed "hypoxic conditioning". Moreover, we interpret these preclinical observations regarding the pharmacological targeting of the hypoxia response pathway. Finally, we discuss controversies with respect to the differential effects of hypoxia response pathway activation across the PD spectrum, as well as intervention dosing in hypoxic conditioning and potential harmful effects of such interventions. We recommend that initial clinical studies in PD should focus on the safety, physiological responses, and mechanisms of hypoxic conditioning, as well as on repurposing of existing pharmacological compounds. © 2023 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
    Keywords:  Parkinson's disease; hypoxia; hypoxia-inducible factor 1α; mitochondrial dysfunction; neuroprotection
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1002/mds.29688
  22. Neurol Sci. 2023 Dec 18.
    Masitinib as a neuroprotective agent: a scoping review of preclinical and clinical evidence.
    Abdullah Ashraf Hamad, Basma Ehab Amer, Yousef Hawas, Manar Alaa Mabrouk, Mostafa Meshref.
       OBJECTIVES: Masitinib, originally developed as a tyrosine kinase inhibitor for cancer treatment, has shown potential neuroprotective effects in various neurological disorders by modulating key pathways implicated in neurodegeneration. This scoping review aimed to summarize the current evidence of masitinib's neuroprotective activities from preclinical to clinical studies.
    METHODS: This scoping review was conducted following the guidelines described by Arksey and O'Malley and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The inclusion criteria covered all original studies reporting on the neuroprotective effects of masitinib, including clinical studies, animal studies, and in vitro studies.
    RESULTS: A total of 16 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. These comprised five randomized controlled trials (RCTs), one post-hoc analysis study, one case report, and nine animal studies. The RCTs focused on Alzheimer's disease (two studies), multiple sclerosis (two studies), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (one study). Across all included studies, masitinib consistently demonstrated neuroprotective properties. However, the majority of RCTs reported concerns regarding the safety profile of masitinib. Preclinical studies revealed the neuroprotective mechanisms of masitinib, which include inhibition of certain kinases interfering with cell proliferation and survival, reduction of neuroinflammation, and exhibition of antioxidant activity.
    CONCLUSION: The current evidence suggests a promising therapeutic benefit of masitinib in neurodegenerative diseases. However, further research is necessary to validate and expand upon these findings, particularly regarding the precise mechanisms through which masitinib exerts its therapeutic effects. Future studies should also focus on addressing the safety concerns associated with masitinib use.
    Keywords:  ALS; Alzheimer’s disease; Masitinib; Multiple sclerosis; Neurodegeneration; Neuroprotection
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-023-07259-w
  23. Nat Commun. 2023 Dec 19. 14(1): 8043
    Efficient generation of a self-organizing neuromuscular junction model from human pluripotent stem cells.
    Alessia Urzi, Ines Lahmann, Lan Vi N Nguyen, Benjamin R Rost, Angélica García-Pérez, Noemie Lelievre, Megan E Merritt-Garza, Han C Phan, Gary J Bassell, Wilfried Rossoll, Sebastian Diecke, Severine Kunz, Dietmar Schmitz, Mina Gouti.
      The complex neuromuscular network that controls body movements is the target of severe diseases that result in paralysis and death. Here, we report the development of a robust and efficient self-organizing neuromuscular junction (soNMJ) model from human pluripotent stem cells that can be maintained long-term in simple adherent conditions. The timely application of specific patterning signals instructs the simultaneous development and differentiation of position-specific brachial spinal neurons, skeletal muscles, and terminal Schwann cells. High-content imaging reveals self-organized bundles of aligned muscle fibers surrounded by innervating motor neurons that form functional neuromuscular junctions. Optogenetic activation and pharmacological interventions show that the spinal neurons actively instruct the synchronous skeletal muscle contraction. The generation of a soNMJ model from spinal muscular atrophy patient-specific iPSCs reveals that the number of NMJs and muscle contraction is severely affected, resembling the patient's pathology. In the future, the soNMJ model could be used for high-throughput studies in disease modeling and drug development. Thus, this model will allow us to address unmet needs in the neuromuscular disease field.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-43781-3
  24. SLAS Discov. 2023 Dec 19. pii: S2472-5552(23)00099-0. [Epub ahead of print]
    Establishment of a high-content imaging assay for tau aggregation in hiPSC-derived neurons differentiated from two protocols to routinely evaluate compounds and genetic perturbations.
    Lamiaa Bahnassawy, Nathalie Nicolaisen, Christopher Untucht, Benjamin Mielich-Süss, Lydia Reinhardt, Janina S Ried, Martina P Morawe, Daniela Geist, Anja Finck, Elke Käfer, Jürgen Korffmann, Matthew Townsend, Brinda Ravikumar, Viktor Lakics, Miroslav Cik, Peter Reinhardt.
      Aberrant protein aggregation is a pathological cellular hallmark of many neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), where the tau protein is aggregating, forming neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), and propagating from neuron to neuron. These processes have been linked to disease progression and a decline in cognitive function. Various therapeutic approaches aim at the prevention or reduction of tau aggregates in neurons. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are a very valuable tool in neuroscience discovery, as they offer access to potentially unlimited amounts of cell types that are affected in disease, including cortical neurons, for in vitro studies. We have generated an in vitro model for tau aggregation that uses hiPSC - derived neurons expressing an aggregation prone, fluorescently tagged version of the human tau protein after lentiviral transduction. Upon addition of tau seeds in the form of recombinant sonicated paired helical filaments (sPHFs), the neurons show robust, disease-like aggregation of the tau protein. The model was developed as a plate-based high content screening assay coupled with an image analysis algorithm to evaluate the impact of small molecules or genetic perturbations on tau. We show that the assay can be used to evaluate small molecules or screen targeted compound libraries. Using siRNA-based gene knockdown, genes of interest can be evaluated, and we could show that a targeted gene library can be screened, by screening nearly 100 deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) in that assay. The assay uses an imaging-based readout, a relatively short timeline, quantifies the extent of tau aggregation, and also allows the assessment of cell viability. Furthermore, it can be easily adapted to different hiPSC lines or neuronal subtypes. Taken together, this complex and highly relevant approach can be routinely applied on a weekly basis in the screening funnels of several projects and generates data with a turnaround time of approximately five weeks.
    Keywords:  Alzheimer's disease; Disease model; High Content Screening; RNA interference; gene knockdown screening; human pluripotent stem cells; in vitro screening; neurodegenerative diseases; protein aggregation; small molecule screening; tauopathy
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.slasd.2023.12.009
  25. Neurobiol Dis. 2023 Dec 16. pii: S0969-9961(23)00402-3. [Epub ahead of print]190 106386
    ALDH5A1-deficient iPSC-derived excitatory and inhibitory neurons display cell type specific alterations.
    Wardiya Afshar-Saber, Nicole A Teaney, Kellen D Winden, Hellen Jumo, Xutong Shi, Gabrielle McGinty, Jed Hubbs, Cidi Chen, Itay Tokatly Latzer, Federico Gasparoli, Darius Ebrahimi-Fakhari, Elizabeth D Buttermore, Jean-Baptiste Roullet, Phillip L Pearl, Mustafa Sahin.
      Succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency (SSADHD) is a neurometabolic disorder caused by ALDH5A1 mutations presenting with autism and epilepsy. SSADHD leads to impaired GABA metabolism and results in accumulation of GABA and γ-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), which alter neurotransmission and are thought to lead to neurobehavioral symptoms. However, why increased inhibitory neurotransmitters lead to seizures remains unclear. We used induced pluripotent stem cells from SSADHD patients (one female and two male) and differentiated them into GABAergic and glutamatergic neurons. SSADHD iGABA neurons show altered GABA metabolism and concomitant changes in expression of genes associated with inhibitory neurotransmission. In contrast, glutamatergic neurons display increased spontaneous activity and upregulation of mitochondrial genes. CRISPR correction of the pathogenic variants or SSADHD mRNA expression rescue various metabolic and functional abnormalities in human neurons. Our findings uncover a previously unknown role for SSADHD in excitatory human neurons and provide unique insights into the cellular and molecular basis of SSADHD and potential therapeutic interventions.
    Keywords:  Autism spectrum disorder; Epilepsy; GABA metabolism; Mitochondrion; Stem cell derived neurons
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106386
  26. Biomaterials. 2023 Nov 17. pii: S0142-9612(23)00408-8. [Epub ahead of print]305 122400
    Custom-engineered hydrogels for delivery of human iPSC-derived neurons into the injured cervical spinal cord.
    V M Doulames, L M Marquardt, M E Hefferon, N J Baugh, R A Suhar, A T Wang, K R Dubbin, J M Weimann, T D Palmer, G W Plant, S C Heilshorn.
      Cervical damage is the most prevalent type of spinal cord injury clinically, although few preclinical research studies focus on this anatomical region of injury. Here we present a combinatorial therapy composed of a custom-engineered, injectable hydrogel and human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived deep cortical neurons. The biomimetic hydrogel has a modular design that includes a protein-engineered component to allow customization of the cell-adhesive peptide sequence and a synthetic polymer component to allow customization of the gel mechanical properties. In vitro studies with encapsulated iPSC-neurons were used to select a bespoke hydrogel formulation that maintains cell viability and promotes neurite extension. Following injection into the injured cervical spinal cord in a rat contusion model, the hydrogel biodegraded over six weeks without causing any adverse reaction. Compared to cell delivery using saline, the hydrogel significantly improved the reproducibility of cell transplantation and integration into the host tissue. Across three metrics of animal behavior, this combinatorial therapy significantly improved sensorimotor function by six weeks post transplantation. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that design of a combinatorial therapy that includes a gel customized for a specific fate-restricted cell type can induce regeneration in the injured cervical spinal cord.
    Keywords:  Biomaterials; Cell transplantation; Hydrogel; Induced pluripotent stem cell; Spinal cord injury
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122400
  27. Trends Mol Med. 2023 Dec 19. pii: S1471-4914(23)00279-4. [Epub ahead of print]
    FBXL4 mutation-caused mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome is driven by BNIP3/BNIP3L-dependent excessive mitophagy.
    Kun Gao, Xiayun Xu, Chenji Wang.
      Encephalomyopathic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) depletion syndrome 13 (MTDPS13) is an autosomal recessive disorder arising from biallelic F-box and leucine-rich repeat (LRR) protein 4 (FBXL4) gene mutations. Recent advances have shown that excessive BCL2 interacting protein 3 (BNIP3)/ BCL2 interacting protein 3 like (BNIP3L)-dependent mitophagy underlies the molecular pathogenesis of MTDPS13. Here, we provide an overview of these groundbreaking findings and discuss potential therapeutic strategies for this fatal disease.
    Keywords:  BNIP3/BNIP3L; FBXL4; MTDPS13; mitochondria; mitophagy; ubiquitination
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molmed.2023.11.017
  28. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2023 Dec 26. 120(52): e2308853120
    Listerin promotes cGAS protein degradation through the ESCRT pathway to negatively regulate cGAS-mediated immune response.
    Fei Qin, Baoshan Cai, Runyu Cao, Xuemei Bai, Jiahua Yuan, Yuling Zhang, Yaxing Liu, Tian Chen, Feng Liu, Wanwei Sun, Yi Zheng, Xiaopeng Qi, Wei Zhao, Bingyu Liu, Chengjiang Gao.
      The enzyme cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) is a key sensor for detecting misplaced double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) of genomic, mitochondrial, and microbial origin. It synthesizes 2'3'-cGAMP, which in turn activates the stimulator of interferon genes pathway, leading to the initiation of innate immune responses. Here, we identified Listerin as a negative regulator of cGAS-mediated innate immune response. We found that Listerin interacts with cGAS on endosomes and promotes its K63-linked ubiquitination through recruitment of the E3 ligase TRIM27. The polyubiquitinated cGAS is then recognized by the endosomal sorting complexes required for transport machinery and sorted into endosomes for degradation. Listerin deficiency enhances the innate antiviral response to herpes simplex virus 1 infection. Genetic deletion of Listerin also deteriorates the neuroinflammation and the ALS disease progress in an ALS mice model; overexpression of Listerin can robustly ameliorate disease progression in ALS mice. Thus, our work uncovers a mechanism for cGAS regulation and suggests that Listerin may be a promising therapeutic target for ALS disease.
    Keywords:  ALS; ESCRT; antiviral innate immunity; cGAS; listerin
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2308853120
  29. Cells. 2023 Dec 18. pii: 2860. [Epub ahead of print]12(24):
    Single-Cell Transcriptomics and In Vitro Lineage Tracing Reveals Differential Susceptibility of Human iPSC-Derived Midbrain Dopaminergic Neurons in a Cellular Model of Parkinson's Disease.
    Lucia F Cardo, Jimena Monzón-Sandoval, Zongze Li, Caleb Webber, Meng Li.
      Advances in stem cell technologies open up new avenues for modelling development and diseases. The success of these pursuits, however, relies on the use of cells most relevant to those targeted by the disease of interest, for example, midbrain dopaminergic neurons for Parkinson's disease. In the present study, we report the generation of a human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) line capable of purifying and tracing nascent midbrain dopaminergic progenitors and their differentiated progeny via the expression of a Blue Fluorescent Protein (BFP). This was achieved by CRISPR/Cas9-assisted knock-in of BFP and Cre into the safe harbour locus AAVS1 and an early midbrain dopaminergic lineage marker gene LMX1A, respectively. Immunocytochemical analysis and single-cell RNA sequencing of iPSC-derived neural cultures confirm developmental recapitulation of the human fetal midbrain and high-quality midbrain cells. By modelling Parkinson's disease-related drug toxicity using 1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+), we showed a preferential reduction of BFP+ cells, a finding demonstrated independently by cell death assays and single-cell transcriptomic analysis of MPP+ treated neural cultures. Together, these results highlight the importance of disease-relevant cell types in stem cell modelling.
    Keywords:  CRISPR/Cas9; Parkinson’s disease; genome editing; human pluripotent stem cell; in vitro differentiation; midbrain dopaminergic neuron; single-cell RNA sequencing
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/cells12242860
  30. Cell. 2023 Dec 21. pii: S0092-8674(23)01314-4. [Epub ahead of print]186(26): 5766-5783.e25
    LRRC37B is a human modifier of voltage-gated sodium channels and axon excitability in cortical neurons.
    Baptiste Libé-Philippot, Amélie Lejeune, Keimpe Wierda, Nikolaos Louros, Emir Erkol, Ine Vlaeminck, Sofie Beckers, Vaiva Gaspariunaite, Angéline Bilheu, Katerina Konstantoulea, Hajnalka Nyitrai, Matthias De Vleeschouwer, Kristel M Vennekens, Niels Vidal, Thomas W Bird, Daniela C Soto, Tom Jaspers, Maarten Dewilde, Megan Y Dennis, Frederic Rousseau, Davide Comoletti, Joost Schymkowitz, Tom Theys, Joris de Wit, Pierre Vanderhaeghen.
      The enhanced cognitive abilities characterizing the human species result from specialized features of neurons and circuits. Here, we report that the hominid-specific gene LRRC37B encodes a receptor expressed in human cortical pyramidal neurons (CPNs) and selectively localized to the axon initial segment (AIS), the subcellular compartment triggering action potentials. Ectopic expression of LRRC37B in mouse CPNs in vivo leads to reduced intrinsic excitability, a distinctive feature of some classes of human CPNs. Molecularly, LRRC37B binds to the secreted ligand FGF13A and to the voltage-gated sodium channel (Nav) β-subunit SCN1B. LRRC37B concentrates inhibitory effects of FGF13A on Nav channel function, thereby reducing excitability, specifically at the AIS level. Electrophysiological recordings in adult human cortical slices reveal lower neuronal excitability in human CPNs expressing LRRC37B. LRRC37B thus acts as a species-specific modifier of human neuron excitability, linking human genome and cell evolution, with important implications for human brain function and diseases.
    Keywords:  FGF13; LRRC37; SCN1B; axon initial segment; cerebral cortex; gene duplicates; human brain evolution; neuronal excitability; voltage-gated channels
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2023.11.028
  31. APL Bioeng. 2023 Dec;7(4): 046121
    Investigating the reliability of the evoked response in human iPSCs-derived neuronal networks coupled to micro-electrode arrays.
    Giorgia Zanini, Giulia Parodi, Michela Chiappalone, Sergio Martinoia.
      In vitro models of neuronal networks have emerged as a potent instrument for gaining deeper insights into the intricate mechanisms governing the human brain. Notably, the integration of human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) with micro-electrode arrays offers a means to replicate and dissect both the structural and functional elements of the human brain within a controlled in vitro environment. Given that neuronal communication relies on the emission of electrical (and chemical) stimuli, the employment of electrical stimulation stands as a mean to comprehensively interrogate neuronal assemblies, to better understand their inherent electrophysiological dynamics. However, the establishment of standardized stimulation protocols for cultures derived from hiPSCs is still lacking, thereby hindering the precise delineation of efficacious parameters to elicit responses. To fill this gap, the primary objective of this study resides in delineating effective parameters for the electrical stimulation of hiPSCs-derived neuronal networks, encompassing the determination of voltage amplitude and stimulation frequency able to evoke reliable and stable responses. This study represents a stepping-stone in the exploration of efficacious stimulation parameters, thus broadening the electrophysiological activity profiling of neural networks sourced from human-induced pluripotent stem cells.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0174227
  32. J Huntingtons Dis. 2023 ;12(4): 315-333
    Dysregulation of Human Juvenile Huntington's Disease Brain Proteomes in Cortex and Putamen Involves Mitochondrial and Neuropeptide Systems.
    Sonia Podvin, Charles Mosier, William Poon, Enlin Wei, Leigh-Ana Rossotto, Vivian Hook.
       BACKGROUND: Huntington's disease (HD) is a genetic neurodegenerative disease caused by trinucleotide repeat CAG expansions in the human HTT gene. Early onset juvenile HD (JHD) in children is the most severe form of the disease caused by high CAG repeat numbers of the HTT gene.
    OBJECTIVE: To gain understanding of human HD mechanisms hypothesized to involve dysregulated proteomes of brain regions that regulate motor and cognitive functions, this study analyzed the proteomes of human JHD cortex and putamen brain regions compared to age-matched controls.
    METHODS: JHD and age-matched control brain tissues were assessed for CAG repeat numbers of HTT by PCR. Human brain JHD brain cortex regions of BA4 and BA6 with the putamen region (n = 5) were analyzed by global proteomics, compared to age-matched controls (n = 7). Protein interaction pathways were assessed by gene ontology (GO), STRING-db, and KEGG bioinformatics.
    RESULTS: JHD brain tissues were heterozygous for one mutant HTT allele containing 60 to 120 CAG repeats, and one normal HTT allele with 10 to 19 CAG repeats. Proteomics data for JHD brain regions showed dysregulated mitochondrial energy pathways and changes in synaptic systems including peptide neurotransmitters. JHD compared to control proteomes of cortex and putamen displayed (a) proteins present only in JHD, (b) proteins absent in JHD, and (c) proteins that were downregulated or upregulated.
    CONCLUSIONS: Human JHD brain cortex and putamen regions display significant dysregulation of proteomes representing deficits in mitochondrial and synaptic neurotransmission functions. These findings advance understanding of JHD brain molecular mechanisms associated with HD disabilities.
    Keywords:  HTT; Huntington’s disease; bioinformatics; brain; cortex; juvenile Huntington’s disease; mass spectrometry; mitochondria; neurotransmitter; proteomics; putamen; synapse
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3233/JHD-230577
  33. Biochemistry (Mosc). 2023 Nov;88(11): 1890-1904
    Pathological Correlates of Cognitive Decline in Parkinson's Disease: From Molecules to Neural Networks.
    Nikolai I Novikov, Elena S Brazhnik, Valentina F Kitchigina.
      Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by the death of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and appearance of protein aggregates (Lewy bodies) consisting predominantly of α-synuclein in neurons. PD is currently recognized as a multisystem disorder characterized by severe motor impairments and various non-motor symptoms. Cognitive decline is one of the most common and worrisome non-motor symptoms. Moderate cognitive impairments (CI) are diagnosed already at the early stages of PD, usually transform into dementia. The main types of CI in PD include executive dysfunction, attention and memory decline, visuospatial impairments, and verbal deficits. According to the published data, the following mechanisms play an essential role demonstrates a crucial importance in the decline of the motor and cognitive functions in PD: (1) changes in the conformational structure of transsynaptic proteins and protein aggregation in presynapses; (2) synaptic transmission impairment; (3) neuroinflammation (pathological activation of the neuroglia); (4) mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress; (5) metabolic disorders (hypometabolism of glucose, dysfunction of glycolipid metabolism; and (6) functional rearrangement of neuronal networks. These changes can lead to the death of dopaminergic cells in the substantia nigra and affect the functioning of other neurotransmitter systems, thus disturbing neuronal networks involved in the transmission of information related to the regulation of motor activity and cognitive functions. Identification of factors causing detrimental changes in PD and methods for their elimination will help in the development of new approaches to the therapy of PD. The goal of this review was to analyze pathological processes that take place in the brain and underlie the onset of cognitive disorders in PD, as well as to describe the impairments of cognitive functions in this disease.
    Keywords:  Parkinson’s disease; animal models; biomarkers; cognitive impairments; dopamine; hypometabolism of glucose; mitochondrial dysfunction; neuroinflammation; neurotransmission pathology; positron emission and magnetic resonance imaging (tomography); structural changes; α-synuclein
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1134/S0006297923110172
  34. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol. 2023 Dec 14. pii: S1040-8428(23)00321-9. [Epub ahead of print]193 104233
    Adavosertib and beyond: Biomarkers, drug combination and toxicity of WEE1 inhibitors.
    Chi Zhang, Ke Peng, Qing Liu, Qihong Huang, Tianshu Liu.
      WEE1 kinase is renowned as an S-G2 checkpoint inhibitor activated by ATR-CHK1 in response to replication stress. WEE1 inhibition enhances replication stress and effectively circumvents checkpoints into mitosis, which triggers significant genetic impairs and culminates in cell death. This approach has been validated clinically for its promising anti-tumor efficacy across various cancer types, notably in cases of ovarian cancers. Nonetheless, the initial stage of clinical trials has shown that the first-in-human WEE1 inhibitor adavosertib is limited by dose-limiting adverse events. As a result, recent efforts have been made to explore predictive biomarkers and smart combination schedules to alleviate adverse effects. In this review, we focused on the exploration of therapeutic biomarkers, as well as schedules of combination utilizing WEE1 inhibitors and canonical anticancer drugs, according to the latest preclinical and clinical studies, indicating that the optimal application of WEE1 inhibitors will likely be as part of dose-reducing combination and be tailored to specific patient populations.
    Keywords:  Adavosertib; Adverse effects; Biomarkers; Combination strategy; WEE1
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104233
  35. Nat Biomed Eng. 2023 Dec 21.
    Mutation corrections in spinal muscular atrophy.
    Andrew Portell, Prashant Mali.
      
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1038/s41551-023-01166-3
  36. J Neural Eng. 2023 Dec 21.
    Degree of differentiation impacts neurobiological signature and resistance to hypoxia of SH-SY5Y cells.
    Eva Voogd, Nina Doorn, Marloes Levers, Jeannette Hofmeijer, Monica Frega.
       OBJECTIVE: SH-SY5Y cells are valuable neuronal in vitro models for studying patho-mechanisms and treatment targets in brain disorders due to their easy maintenance, rapid expansion, and low costs. However, the use of various degrees of differentiation hampers appreciation of results and may limit the translation of findings to neurons or the brain. Here, we studied the neurobiological signatures of SH-SY5Y cells in terms of morphology, expression of neuronal markers, and functionality at various degrees of differentiation, as well as their resistance to hypoxia. We compared these to neurons derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), a well-characterized neuronal in vitro model.
    APPROACH: We cultured SH-SY5Y cells and neurons derived from hiPSCs on glass coverslips or micro-electrode arrays. We studied expression of mature neuronal markers, electrophysiological activity, and sensitivity to hypoxia at various degrees of differentiation (one day up to three weeks) in SH-SY5Y cells. We used hiPSC derived neurons as a reference.
    MAIN RESULTS: Undifferentiated and shortly differentiated SH-SY5Y cells lacked neuronal characteristics. Expression of neuronal markers and formation of synaptic puncta increased during differentiation. Longer differentiation was associated with lower resistance to hypoxia. At three weeks of differentiation, MAP2 expression and vulnerability to hypoxia were similar to hiPSC-derived neurons, while the number of synaptic puncta and detected events were significantly lower. Our results show that at least three weeks of differentiation are necessary to obtain neurobiological signatures that are comparable to those of hiPSC-derived neurons, as well as similar sensitivities to metabolic stress.
    SIGNIFICANCE: This indicates that extended differentiation protocols should be used to study neuronal characteristics and to model brain disorders with SH-SY5Y cells. We provided insights that may offer the basis for the utilization of SH-SY5Y cells as a more relevant neuronal model in the study of brain disorders.
    Keywords:  Human in vitro neuronal model; IPS neurons; Ischemic penumbra; Neuronal differentiation; SH-SY5Y cell
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1088/1741-2552/ad17f3
  37. Neural Regen Res. 2024 Aug 01. 19(8): 1639-1640
    MAP4K inhibition as a potential therapy for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
    Shuaipeng Ma, Chun-Li Zhang.
      
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.4103/1673-5374.389639
  38. NPJ Parkinsons Dis. 2023 Dec 18. 9(1): 167
    Inhibition of LRRK2 kinase activity rescues deficits in striatal dopamine physiology in VPS35 p.D620N knock-in mice.
    Mengfei Bu, Jordan Follett, Isaac Deng, Igor Tatarnikov, Shannon Wall, Dylan Guenther, Melissa Maczis, Genevieve Wimsatt, Austen Milnerwood, Mark S Moehle, Habibeh Khoshbouei, Matthew J Farrer.
      Dysregulation of dopamine neurotransmission profoundly affects motor, motivation and learning behaviors, and can be observed during the prodromal phase of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the mechanism underlying these pathophysiological changes remains to be elucidated. Mutations in vacuolar protein sorting 35 (VPS35) and leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) both lead to autosomal dominant PD, and VPS35 and LRRK2 may physically interact to govern the trafficking of synaptic cargos within the endo-lysosomal network in a kinase-dependent manner. To better understand the functional role of VPS35 and LRRK2 on dopamine physiology, we examined Vps35 haploinsufficient (Haplo) and Vps35 p.D620N knock-in (VKI) mice and how their behavior, dopamine kinetics and biochemistry are influenced by LRRK2 kinase inhibitors. We found Vps35 p.D620N significantly elevates LRRK2-mediated phosphorylation of Rab10, Rab12 and Rab29. In contrast, Vps35 haploinsufficiency reduces phosphorylation of Rab12. While striatal dopamine transporter (DAT) expression and function is similarly impaired in both VKI and Haplo mice, that physiology is normalized in VKI by treatment with the LRRK2 kinase inhibitor, MLi-2. As a corollary, VKI animals show a significant increase in amphetamine induced hyperlocomotion, compared to Haplo mice, that is also abolished by MLi-2. Taken together, these data show Vps35 p.D620N confers a gain-of-function with respect to LRRK2 kinase activity, and that VPS35 and LRRK2 functionally interact to regulate DAT function and striatal dopamine transmission.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1038/s41531-023-00609-7
  39. Biomolecules. 2023 Dec 13. pii: 1789. [Epub ahead of print]13(12):
    Mitochondrial Quality Control via Mitochondrial Unfolded Protein Response (mtUPR) in Ageing and Neurodegenerative Diseases.
    Paula Cilleros-Holgado, David Gómez-Fernández, Rocío Piñero-Pérez, Jose Manuel Romero-Domínguez, Diana Reche-López, Alejandra López-Cabrera, Mónica Álvarez-Córdoba, Manuel Munuera-Cabeza, Marta Talaverón-Rey, Alejandra Suárez-Carrillo, Ana Romero-González, Jose Antonio Sánchez-Alcázar.
      Mitochondria play a key role in cellular functions, including energy production and oxidative stress regulation. For this reason, maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis and proteostasis (homeostasis of the proteome) is essential for cellular health. Therefore, there are different mitochondrial quality control mechanisms, such as mitochondrial biogenesis, mitochondrial dynamics, mitochondrial-derived vesicles (MDVs), mitophagy, or mitochondrial unfolded protein response (mtUPR). The last item is a stress response that occurs when stress is present within mitochondria and, especially, when the accumulation of unfolded and misfolded proteins in the mitochondrial matrix surpasses the folding capacity of the mitochondrion. In response to this, molecular chaperones and proteases as well as the mitochondrial antioxidant system are activated to restore mitochondrial proteostasis and cellular function. In disease contexts, mtUPR modulation holds therapeutic potential by mitigating mitochondrial dysfunction. In particular, in the case of neurodegenerative diseases, such as primary mitochondrial diseases, Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), or Friedreich's Ataxia (FA), there is a wealth of evidence demonstrating that the modulation of mtUPR helps to reduce neurodegeneration and its associated symptoms in various cellular and animal models. These findings underscore mtUPR's role as a promising therapeutic target in combating these devastating disorders.
    Keywords:  ageing; mitochondria; mitochondrial biogenesis; mitochondrial diseases; mitochondrial dynamics; mitochondrial quality control mechanisms; mitochondrial unfolded protein response (mtUPR); mitophagy; neurodegenerative diseases; therapeutic target
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/biom13121789
  40. Neural Regen Res. 2024 Aug 01. 19(8): 1828-1834
    A novel mechanism of PHB2-mediated mitophagy participating in the development of Parkinson's disease.
    Yongjiang Zhang, Shiyi Yin, Run Song, Xiaoyi Lai, Mengmeng Shen, Jiannan Wu, Junqiang Yan.
      JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202408000-00037/figure1/v/2023-12-16T180322Z/r/image-tiff Endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial dysfunction play important roles in Parkinson's disease, but the regulatory mechanism remains elusive. Prohibitin-2 (PHB2) is a newly discovered autophagy receptor in the mitochondrial inner membrane, and its role in Parkinson's disease remains unclear. Protein kinase R (PKR)-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) is a factor that regulates cell fate during endoplasmic reticulum stress. Parkin is regulated by PERK and is a target of the unfolded protein response. It is unclear whether PERK regulates PHB2-mediated mitophagy through Parkin. In this study, we established a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced mouse model of Parkinson's disease. We used adeno-associated virus to knockdown PHB2 expression. Our results showed that loss of dopaminergic neurons and motor deficits were aggravated in the MPTP-induced mouse model of Parkinson's disease. Overexpression of PHB2 inhibited these abnormalities. We also established a 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridine (MPP+)-induced SH-SY5Y cell model of Parkinson's disease. We found that overexpression of Parkin increased co-localization of PHB2 and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3, and promoted mitophagy. In addition, MPP+ regulated Parkin involvement in PHB2-mediated mitophagy through phosphorylation of PERK. These findings suggest that PHB2 participates in the development of Parkinson's disease by interacting with endoplasmic reticulum stress and Parkin.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.4103/1673-5374.389356
  41. bioRxiv. 2023 Dec 07. pii: 2023.07.11.548513. [Epub ahead of print]
    MARK2 phosphorylates KIF13A at a 14-3-3 binding site to polarize vesicular transport of transferrin receptor within dendrites.
    Yue Han, Min Li, Bingqing Zhao, Huichao Wang, Yan Liu, Zhijun Liu, Jiaxi Xu, Rui Yang.
      Neurons regulate the microtubule-based transport of certain vesicles selectively into axons or dendrites to ensure proper polarization of function. The mechanism of this polarized vesicle transport is still not fully elucidated, though it is known to involve kinesins, which drive anterograde transport on microtubules. Here we explore how the kinesin-3 family member KIF13A is regulated such that vesicles containing transferrin receptor (TfR) travel only to dendrites. In experiments involving live-cell imaging, knockout of KIF13A, BioID assay, we found that the kinase MARK2 phosphorylates KIF13A at a 14-3-3 binding motif, strengthening interaction of KIF13A with 14-3-3 such that it dissociates from TfR-containing vesicles, which therefore cannot enter axons. Overexpression of KIF13A or knockout of MARK2 leads to axonal transport of TfR-containing vesicles. These results suggest a novel kinesin-based mechanism for polarized transport of vesicles to dendrites.
    Significance: Our findings suggest that at least one type of vesicles, those containing transferrin receptor, travel exclusively to dendrites and are excluded from axons because the kinase MARK2 phosphorylates the kinesin KIF13A to promote its separation from vesicles at the proximal axon, preventing vesicle transport into axons, such that they travel only to dendrites. Future studies should explore how this mechanism of polarized vesicle transport supports neuronal function.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.07.11.548513
  42. Cells. 2023 Dec 15. pii: 2847. [Epub ahead of print]12(24):
    Modeling RET-Rearranged Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): Generation of Lung Progenitor Cells (LPCs) from Patient-Derived Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs).
    Paul Marcoux, Jin Wook Hwang, Christophe Desterke, Jusuf Imeri, Annelise Bennaceur-Griscelli, Ali G Turhan.
      REarranged during Transfection (RET) oncogenic rearrangements can occur in 1-2% of lung adenocarcinomas. While RET-driven NSCLC models have been developed using various approaches, no model based on patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) has yet been described. Patient-derived iPSCs hold great promise for disease modeling and drug screening. However, generating iPSCs with specific oncogenic drivers, like RET rearrangements, presents challenges due to reprogramming efficiency and genotypic variability within tumors. To address this issue, we aimed to generate lung progenitor cells (LPCs) from patient-derived iPSCs carrying the mutation RETC634Y, commonly associated with medullary thyroid carcinoma. Additionally, we established a RETC634Y knock-in iPSC model to validate the effect of this oncogenic mutation during LPC differentiation. We successfully generated LPCs from RETC634Y iPSCs using a 16-day protocol and detected an overexpression of cancer-associated markers as compared to control iPSCs. Transcriptomic analysis revealed a distinct signature of NSCLC tumor repression, suggesting a lung multilineage lung dedifferentiation, along with an upregulated signature associated with RETC634Y mutation, potentially linked to poor NSCLC prognosis. These findings were validated using the RETC634Y knock-in iPSC model, highlighting key cancerous targets such as PROM2 and C1QTNF6, known to be associated with poor prognostic outcomes. Furthermore, the LPCs derived from RETC634Y iPSCs exhibited a positive response to the RET inhibitor pralsetinib, evidenced by the downregulation of the cancer markers. This study provides a novel patient-derived off-the-shelf iPSC model of RET-driven NSCLC, paving the way for exploring the molecular mechanisms involved in RET-driven NSCLC to study disease progression and to uncover potential therapeutic targets.
    Keywords:  LPC differentiation; NSCLC; RET; cancer; iPSCs; model; patient derived; pralsetinib
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/cells12242847
  43. Neurotox Res. 2023 Dec 16. 42(1): 4
    Gut-Brain Axis Deregulation and Its Possible Contribution to Neurodegenerative Disorders.
    Francisca Villavicencio-Tejo, Margrethe A Olesen, Laura Navarro, Nancy Calisto, Cristian Iribarren, Katherine García, Gino Corsini, Rodrigo A Quintanilla.
      The gut-brain axis is an essential communication pathway between the central nervous system (CNS) and the gastrointestinal tract. The human microbiota is composed of a diverse and abundant microbial community that compasses more than 100 trillion microorganisms that participate in relevant physiological functions such as host nutrient metabolism, structural integrity, maintenance of the gut mucosal barrier, and immunomodulation. Recent evidence in animal models has been instrumental in demonstrating the possible role of the microbiota in neurodevelopment, neuroinflammation, and behavior. Furthermore, clinical studies suggested that adverse changes in the microbiota can be considered a susceptibility factor for neurological disorders (NDs), such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In this review, we will discuss evidence describing the role of gut microbes in health and disease as a relevant risk factor in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders, including AD, PD, HD, and ALS.
    Keywords:  Alzheimer’s disease; Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; Gut-brain axis; Huntington’s disease; Microbiota; Parkinson’s disease
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1007/s12640-023-00681-0
  44. Neuron. 2023 Dec 20. pii: S0896-6273(23)00894-2. [Epub ahead of print]111(24): 4006-4023.e10
    Serine-129 phosphorylation of α-synuclein is an activity-dependent trigger for physiologic protein-protein interactions and synaptic function.
    Leonardo A Parra-Rivas, Kayalvizhi Madhivanan, Brent D Aulston, Lina Wang, Dube Dheeraj Prakashchand, Nicholas P Boyer, Veronica M Saia-Cereda, Kristen Branes-Guerrero, Donald P Pizzo, Pritha Bagchi, V S Sundar, Yong Tang, Utpal Das, David A Scott, Padmini Rangamani, Yuki Ogawa, Subhojit Roy.
      Phosphorylation of α-synuclein at the serine-129 site (α-syn Ser129P) is an established pathologic hallmark of synucleinopathies and a therapeutic target. In physiologic states, only a fraction of α-syn is phosphorylated at this site, and most studies have focused on the pathologic roles of this post-translational modification. We found that unlike wild-type (WT) α-syn, which is widely expressed throughout the brain, the overall pattern of α-syn Ser129P is restricted, suggesting intrinsic regulation. Surprisingly, preventing Ser129P blocked activity-dependent synaptic attenuation by α-syn-thought to reflect its normal function. Exploring mechanisms, we found that neuronal activity augments Ser129P, which is a trigger for protein-protein interactions that are necessary for mediating α-syn function at the synapse. AlphaFold2-driven modeling and membrane-binding simulations suggest a scenario where Ser129P induces conformational changes that facilitate interactions with binding partners. Our experiments offer a new conceptual platform for investigating the role of Ser129 in synucleinopathies, with implications for drug development.
    Keywords:  AlphaFold; CRISPR; alanine mutations; endogenous tagging; neuronal activity; pHluorin; proximity-ligation assay; serine phosphorylation; synapses; α-synuclein
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2023.11.020
  45. Acta Neuropathol Commun. 2023 Dec 20. 11(1): 206
    Genetic ablation of Sarm1 attenuates expression and mislocalization of phosphorylated TDP-43 after mouse repetitive traumatic brain injury.
    Elif O Dogan, James Bouley, Jianjun Zhong, Ashley L Harkins, Allison M Keeler, Daryl A Bosco, Robert H Brown, Nils Henninger.
      Traumatic brain injury (TBI), particularly when moderate-to-severe and repetitive, is a strong environmental risk factor for several progressive neurodegenerative disorders. Mislocalization and deposition of transactive response DNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43) has been reported in both TBI and TBI-associated neurodegenerative diseases. It has been hypothesized that axonal pathology, an early event after TBI, may promote TDP-43 dysregulation and serve as a trigger for neurodegenerative processes. We sought to determine whether blocking the prodegenerative Sarm1 (sterile alpha and TIR motif containing 1) axon death pathway attenuates TDP-43 pathology after TBI. We subjected 111 male Sarm1 wild type, hemizygous, and knockout mice to moderate-to-severe repetitive TBI (rTBI) using a previously established injury paradigm. We conducted serial neurological assessments followed by histological analyses (NeuN, MBP, Iba-1, GFAP, pTDP-43, and AT8) at 1 month after rTBI. Genetic ablation of the Sarm1 gene attenuated the expression and mislocalization of phosphorylated TDP-43 (pTDP-43) and accumulation of pTau. In addition, Sarm1 knockout mice had significantly improved cortical neuronal and axonal integrity, functional deficits, and improved overall survival after rTBI. In contrast, removal of one Sarm1 allele delayed, but did not prevent, neurological deficits and neuroaxonal loss. Nevertheless, Sarm1 haploinsufficient mice showed significantly less microgliosis, pTDP-43 pathology, and pTau accumulation when compared to wild type mice. These data indicate that the Sarm1-mediated prodegenerative pathway contributes to pathogenesis in rTBI including the pathological accumulation of pTDP-43. This suggests that anti-Sarm1 therapeutics are a viable approach for preserving neurological function after moderate-to-severe rTBI.
    Keywords:  Axon; Behavior; Brain injury; Glial scar; Haploinsufficiency; Interleukin; Neurodegeneration; SARM1; TDP-43; Tau
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1186/s40478-023-01709-4
  46. Nat Rev Neurol. 2023 Dec 19.
    Huntington disease-like 2: insight into neurodegeneration from an African disease.
    Amanda Krause, David G Anderson, Aline Ferreira-Correia, Jessica Dawson, Fiona Baine-Savanhu, Pan P Li, Russell L Margolis.
      Huntington disease (HD)-like 2 (HDL2) is a rare genetic disease caused by an expanded trinucleotide repeat in the JPH3 gene (encoding junctophilin 3) that shows remarkable clinical similarity to HD. To date, HDL2 has been reported only in patients with definite or probable African ancestry. A single haplotype background is shared by patients with HDL2 from different populations, supporting a common African origin for the expansion mutation. Nevertheless, outside South Africa, reports of patients with HDL2 in Africa are scarce, probably owing to limited clinical services across the continent. Systematic comparisons of HDL2 and HD have revealed closely overlapping motor, cognitive and psychiatric features and similar patterns of cerebral and striatal atrophy. The pathogenesis of HDL2 remains unclear but it is proposed to occur through several mechanisms, including loss of protein function and RNA and/or protein toxicity. This Review summarizes our current knowledge of this African-specific HD phenocopy and highlights key areas of overlap between HDL2 and HD. Given the aforementioned similarities in clinical phenotype and pathology, an improved understanding of HDL2 could provide novel insights into HD and other neurodegenerative and/or trinucleotide repeat expansion disorders.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1038/s41582-023-00906-y
  47. Science. 2023 Dec 22. 382(6677): 1404-1411
    Rab29-dependent asymmetrical activation of leucine-rich repeat kinase 2.
    Hanwen Zhu, Francesca Tonelli, Martin Turk, Alan Prescott, Dario R Alessi, Ji Sun.
      Gain-of-function mutations in LRRK2, which encodes the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2), are the most common genetic cause of late-onset Parkinson's disease. LRRK2 is recruited to membrane organelles and activated by Rab29, a Rab guanosine triphosphatase encoded in the PARK16 locus. We present cryo-electron microscopy structures of Rab29-LRRK2 complexes in three oligomeric states, providing key snapshots during LRRK2 recruitment and activation. Rab29 induces an unexpected tetrameric assembly of LRRK2, formed by two kinase-active central protomers and two kinase-inactive peripheral protomers. The central protomers resemble the active-like state trapped by the type I kinase inhibitor DNL201, a compound that underwent a phase 1 clinical trial. Our work reveals the structural mechanism of LRRK2 spatial regulation and provides insights into LRRK2 inhibitor design for Parkinson's disease treatment.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1126/science.adi9926
  48. Acta Neuropathol. 2023 Dec 22. 147(1): 4
    Loss of TDP-43 splicing repression occurs early in the aging population and is associated with Alzheimer's disease neuropathologic changes and cognitive decline.
    Koping Chang, Jonathan P Ling, Javier Redding-Ochoa, Yang An, Ling Li, Stephanie A Dean, Thomas G Blanchard, Tatiana Pylyukh, Alexander Barrett, Katherine E Irwin, Abhay Moghekar, Susan M Resnick, Philip C Wong, Juan C Troncoso.
      LATE-NC, the neuropathologic changes of limbic-predominant age-related TAR DNA-binding protein 43 kDa (TDP-43) encephalopathy are frequently associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and cognitive impairment in older adults. The association of TDP-43 proteinopathy with AD neuropathologic changes (ADNC) and its impact on specific cognitive domains are not fully understood and whether loss of TDP-43 function occurs early in the aging brain remains unknown. Here, using a large set of autopsies from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA) and another younger cohort, we were able to study brains from subjects 21-109 years of age. Examination of these brains show that loss of TDP-43 splicing repression, as judged by TDP-43 nuclear clearance and expression of a cryptic exon in HDGFL2, first occurs during the 6th decade, preceding by a decade the appearance of TDP-43+ neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions (NCIs). We corroborated this observation using a monoclonal antibody to demonstrate a cryptic exon-encoded neoepitope within HDGFL2 in neurons exhibiting nuclear clearance of TDP-43. TDP-43 nuclear clearance is associated with increased burden of tau pathology. Age at death, female sex, high CERAD neuritic plaque score, and high Braak neurofibrillary stage significantly increase the odds of LATE-NC. Faster rates of cognitive decline on verbal memory (California Verbal Learning Test immediate recall), visuospatial ability (Card Rotations Test), mental status (MMSE) and semantic fluency (Category Fluency Test) were associated with LATE-NC. Notably, the effects of LATE-NC on verbal memory and visuospatial ability are independent of ADNC. However, the effects of TDP-43 nuclear clearance in absence of NCI on the longitudinal trajectories and levels of cognitive measures are not significant. These results establish that loss of TDP-43 splicing repression is an early event occurring in the aging population during the development of TDP-43 proteinopathy and is associated with increased tau pathology. Furthermore, LATE-NC correlates with high levels of ADNC but also has an impact on specific memory and visuospatial functions in aging that is independent of AD.
    Keywords:  Cryptic HDGFL2; Cryptic exons; Dementia; LATE-NC; TDP-43 loss-of-function; TDP-43 neuronal inclusions
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1007/s00401-023-02653-2
  49. Stem Cell Res. 2023 Dec 10. pii: S1873-5061(23)00252-0. [Epub ahead of print]74 103266
    Generation and characterization of PBMCs-derived human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) line SDQLCHi050-A from a healthy donor.
    Xiaomeng Yang, Yuxuan Fan, Yue Li, Haiyan Zhang, Bin Wang, Jingyun Guan, Jianen Gao, Xu Ma, Yi Liu.
      The human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) line SDQLCHi050-A was derived from the PBMCs of a healthy 5-year-old male child. The karyotyping, pluripotency, and trilineage differentiation characteristics were verified in the SDQLCHi050-A line.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scr.2023.103266
  50. Front Cell Neurosci. 2023 ;17 1285836
    Human motor neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
    Gioia Cappelletti, Claudia Colombrita, Fiona Limanaqi, Sabrina Invernizzi, Micaela Garziano, Claudia Vanetti, Claudia Moscheni, Serena Santangelo, Silvia Zecchini, Daria Trabattoni, Vincenzo Silani, Mario Clerici, Antonia Ratti, Mara Biasin.
       Introduction: COVID-19 typically causes Q7 respiratory disorders, but a high proportion of patients also reports neurological and neuromuscular symptoms during and after SARSCoV-2 infection. Despite a number of studies documenting SARS-CoV-2 infection of various neuronal cell populations, the impact of SARS-CoV-2 exposure on motor neuronal cells specifically has not been investigated so far.
    Methods: Thus, by using human iPSC-derived motor neurons (iPSC-MNs) we assessed: (i) the expression of SARS-CoV-2 main receptors; (ii) iPSC-MN infectability by SARS-CoV-2; and (iii) the effect of SARS-CoV-2 exposure on iPSC-MN transcriptome.
    Results: Gene expression profiling and immunofluorescence (IF) analysis of the main host cell receptors recognized by SARS-CoV-2 revealed that all of them are expressed in iPSC-MNs, with CD147 and NRP1 being the most represented ones. By analyzing SARS-CoV-2 N1 and N2 gene expression over time, we observed that human iPSC-MNs were productively infected by SARS-CoV-2 in the absence of cytopathic effect. Supernatants collected from SARS-CoV-2-infected iPSC-MNs were able to re-infect VeroE6 cells. Image analyses of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid proteins by IF confirmed iPSC-MN infectability. Furthermore, SARS-CoV-2 infection in iPSCMNs significantly altered the expression of genes (IL-6, ANG, S1PR1, BCL2, BAX, Casp8, HLA-A, ERAP1, CD147, MX1) associated with cell survival and metabolism, as well as antiviral and inflammatory response.
    Discussion: These results suggest for the very first time that SARS-CoV-2 can productively infect human iPSC-derived MNs probably by binding CD147 and NRP1 receptors. Such information will be important to unveil the biological bases of neuromuscular disorders characterizing SARS-CoV-2 infection and the so called long-COVID symptoms.
    Keywords:  COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2 infection; iPSC-derived motor neurons; long-COVID; neuroinflammation; neuromuscular disorders
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fncel.2023.1285836
  51. Brain Res. 2023 Dec 16. pii: S0006-8993(23)00495-X. [Epub ahead of print]1825 148724
    Upregulation of mitochondrial PGK1 by ROS-TBC1D15 pathway promotes neuronal death after oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation injury.
    Songfeng Chen, Hui Wang, Juan Chen, Jing Cheng, Jingchen Gao, Shujun Chen, Xujin Yao, Jiangdong Sun, Jinyang Ren, Shifang Li, Fengyuan Che, Qi Wan.
      Phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1) is extensively located in the cytosol and mitochondria. The role of PGK1 in ischemic neuronal injury remains elusive. In the in vitro model of oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R), we showed that PGK1 expression was increased in cortical neurons. Knockdown of PGK1 led to a reduction of OGD/R-induced neuronal death. The expression of cytosolic PGK1 was reduced, but the levels of mitochondrial PGK1 were increased in OGD/R-insulted neurons. Inhibiting the activity of mitochondrial PGK1 alleviated the neuronal injury after OGD/R insult. We further showed that the protein levels of TBC domain family member 15 (TBC1D15) were decreased in OGD/R-insulted neurons. Knockdown of TBC1D15 led to increased levels of mitochondrial PGK1 after OGD/R insult in cortical neurons. Moreover, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) resulted in a reduction of TBC1D15 in OGD/R-insulted neurons. These results suggest that the upregulation of mitochondrial PGK1 by ROS-TBC1D15 signaling pathway promotes neuronal death after OGD/R injury. Mitochondrial PGK1 may act as a regulator of neuronal survival and interventions in the PGK1-dependent pathway may be a potential therapeutic strategy.
    Keywords:  Mitochondria; Oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation; Phosphoglycerate Kinase 1; Reactive oxygen species; TBC domain family member 15
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brainres.2023.148724
  52. Curr Issues Mol Biol. 2023 Nov 24. 45(12): 9413-9421
    Treatment following Triple-AAV Delivery in Mature Murine Model of Human CDH23-Associated Hearing Loss.
    Hidekane Yoshimura, Shu Yokota, Yutaka Takumi.
      This study aimed to investigate the transduction efficiency of triple adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors in the cochleae of adult mice, focusing on large-gene-associated hearing loss (HL). Additionally, we sought to evaluate the feasibility of cochlear gene therapy in a mouse model of human CDH23-mediated HL using the triple AAV approach. To create a reporter protein, we fused EGFP to mCherry, which was then divided into three parts, each packaged in a separate AAV2/2 vector. Four weeks after co-injecting the triple AAV vectors into 4-5-week-old mice, we assessed transduction efficiency. We found that up to 5.9% of inner hair cells were positive for both EGFP and mCherry. Subsequently, we developed triple Cdh23 AAV vectors for therapeutic purposes. After administering these vectors to 4- to 5-week-old C57/BL6 mice, we conducted auditory tests and immunohistochemistry studies over a period of 60 weeks. Co-injecting triple Cdh23-AAVs did not alter auditory function or lead to hair cell degeneration. In conclusion, this study confirms the feasibility of the triple-AAV approach for cochlear gene delivery. While this strategy did not produce any treatment effects, our findings suggest that large deafness genes could be potential future targets for cochlear gene therapy.
    Keywords:  adeno-associated virus; gene therapy; genetic hearing loss; progressive hearing loss
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb45120590
  53. PeerJ. 2023 ;11 e16635
    New insights into the role of GSK-3β in the brain: from neurodegenerative disease to tumorigenesis.
    Shenjin Lai, Peng Wang, Jingru Gong, Shuaishuai Zhang.
      Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3) is a serine/threonine kinase widely expressed in various tissues and organs. Unlike other kinases, GSK-3 is active under resting conditions and is inactivated upon stimulation. In mammals, GSK-3 includes GSK-3 α and GSK-3β isoforms encoded by two homologous genes, namely, GSK3A and GSK3B. GSK-3β is essential for the control of glucose metabolism, signal transduction, and tissue homeostasis. As more than 100 known proteins have been identified as GSK-3β substrates, it is sometimes referred to as a moonlighting kinase. Previous studies have elucidated the regulation modes of GSK-3β. GSK-3β is involved in almost all aspects of brain functions, such as neuronal morphology, synapse formation, neuroinflammation, and neurological disorders. Recently, several comparatively specific small molecules have facilitated the chemical manipulation of this enzyme within cellular systems, leading to the discovery of novel inhibitors for GSK-3β. Despite these advancements, the therapeutic significance of GSK-3β as a drug target is still complicated by uncertainties surrounding the potential of inhibitors to stimulate tumorigenesis. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the intricate mechanisms of this enzyme and evaluates the existing evidence regarding the therapeutic potential of GSK-3β in brain diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, mood disorders, and glioblastoma.
    Keywords:  Alzheimer’s disease; GSK-3β; Glioblastoma; Neuroinflammation; Parkinson’s disease; Synaptic plasticity
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.16635
  54. Neural Regen Res. 2024 Aug 01. 19(8): 1658-1659
    Small molecular decoys in Alzheimer's disease.
    Sho Oasa, Valentina L Kouznetsova, Igor F Tsigelny, Lars Terenius.
      
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.4103/1673-5374.389643
  55. Nat Commun. 2023 Dec 19. 14(1): 8368
    NEMO reshapes the α-Synuclein aggregate interface and acts as an autophagy adapter by co-condensation with p62.
    Nikolas Furthmann, Verian Bader, Lena Angersbach, Alina Blusch, Simran Goel, Ana Sánchez-Vicente, Laura J Krause, Sarah A Chaban, Prerna Grover, Victoria A Trinkaus, Eva M van Well, Maximilian Jaugstetter, Kristina Tschulik, Rune Busk Damgaard, Carsten Saft, Gisa Ellrichmann, Ralf Gold, Arend Koch, Benjamin Englert, Ana Westenberger, Christine Klein, Lisa Jungbluth, Carsten Sachse, Christian Behrends, Markus Glatzel, F Ulrich Hartl, Ken Nakamura, Chadwick W Christine, Eric J Huang, Jörg Tatzelt, Konstanze F Winklhofer.
      NEMO is a ubiquitin-binding protein which regulates canonical NF-κB pathway activation in innate immune signaling, cell death regulation and host-pathogen interactions. Here we identify an NF-κB-independent function of NEMO in proteostasis regulation by promoting autophagosomal clearance of protein aggregates. NEMO-deficient cells accumulate misfolded proteins upon proteotoxic stress and are vulnerable to proteostasis challenges. Moreover, a patient with a mutation in the NEMO-encoding IKBKG gene resulting in defective binding of NEMO to linear ubiquitin chains, developed a widespread mixed brain proteinopathy, including α-synuclein, tau and TDP-43 pathology. NEMO amplifies linear ubiquitylation at α-synuclein aggregates and promotes the local concentration of p62 into foci. In vitro, NEMO lowers the threshold concentrations required for ubiquitin-dependent phase transition of p62. In summary, NEMO reshapes the aggregate surface for efficient autophagosomal clearance by providing a mobile phase at the aggregate interphase favoring co-condensation with p62.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-44033-0
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