| 1. |
- Domert, Jakob, et al.
(författare)
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Aggregated Alpha-Synuclein Transfer Efficiently between Cultured Human Neuron-Like Cells and Localize to Lysosomes
- 2016
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Ingår i: Plos One. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 11:12
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Parkinson's disease and other alpha-synucleinopathies are progressive neurodegenerative diseases characterized by aggregates of misfolded alpha-synuclein spreading throughout the brain. Recent evidence suggests that the pathological progression is likely due to neuron-to-neuron transfer of these aggregates between neuroanatomically connected areas of the brain. As the impact of this pathological spreading mechanism is currently debated, we aimed to investigate the transfer and subcellular location of alpha-synuclein species in a novel 3D co-culture human cell model based on highly differentiated SH-SY5Y cells. Fluorescently-labeled monomeric, oligomeric and fibrillar species of alpha-synuclein were introduced into a donor cell population and co-cultured with an EGFP-expressing acceptor-cell population of differentiated neuron-like cells. Subsequent transfer and colocalization of the different species were determined with confocal microscopy. We could confirm cell-to-cell transfer of all three alpha-synuclein species investigated. Interestingly the level of transferred oligomers and fibrils and oligomers were significantly higher than monomers, which could affect the probability of seeding and pathology in the recipient cells. Most alpha-synuclein colocalized with the lysosomal/endosomal system, both pre- and postsynaptically, suggesting its importance in the processing and spreading of alpha-synuclein.
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| 2. |
- Gustafsson, Gabriel, et al.
(författare)
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Secretion and uptake of α-synuclein via extracellular vesicles in cultured cells
- 2018
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Ingår i: Cellular and molecular neurobiology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0272-4340 .- 1573-6830. ; 38:8, s. 1539-1550
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In Parkinson’s disease and other Lewy body disorders, the propagation of pathology has been accredited to the spreading of extracellular α-synuclein (α-syn). Although the pathogenic mechanisms are not fully understood, cell-to-cell transfer of α-syn via exosomes and other extracellular vesicles (EVs) has been reported. Here, we investigated whether altered molecular properties of α-syn can influence the distribution and secretion of α-syn in human neuroblastoma cells. Different α-syn variants, including α-syn:hemi-Venus and disease-causing mutants, were overexpressed and EVs were isolated from the conditioned medium. Of the secreted α-syn, 0.1–2% was associated with vesicles. The major part of EV α-syn was attached to the outer membrane of vesicles, whereas a smaller fraction was found in their lumen. For α-syn expressed with N-terminal hemi-Venus, the relative levels associated with EVs were higher than for WT α-syn. Moreover, such EV-associated α-syn:hemi-Venus species were internalized in recipient cells to a higher degree than the corresponding free-floating forms. Among the disease-causing mutants, A53T α-syn displayed an increased association with EVs. Taken together, our data suggest that α-syn species with presumably lost physiological functions or altered aggregation properties may shift the cellular processing towards vesicular secretion. Our findings thus lend further support to the tenet that EVs can mediate spreading of harmful α-syn species and thereby contribute to the pathology in α-synucleinopathies.
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| 3. |
- Mosrati, Mohamed Ali, et al.
(författare)
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TERT promoter mutations and polymorphisms as prognostic factors in primary glioblastoma
- 2015
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Ingår i: Oncotarget. - : IMPACT JOURNALS LLC. - 1949-2553. ; 6:18, s. 16663-16673
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) activity is up-regulated in several types of tumors including glioblastoma (GBM). In the present study, 128 primary glioblastoma patients were examined for single nucleotide polymorphisms of TERT in blood and in 92 cases for TERT promoter mutations in tumors. TERT promoter mutations were observed in 86% of the tumors and of these, C228T (-124 bp upstream start codon) was detected in 75% and C250T (-146 bp) in 25% of cases. TERT promoter mutations were associated with shorter overall survival (11 vs. 20 months p = 0.002 and 12 vs. 20, p = 0.04 for C228T and C250T, respectively). The minor alleles of rs2736100 and rs10069690 SNPs, located in intron 2 and the promotor regions, respectively, were associated with an increased risk of developing GBM (p = 0.004 and 0.001). GBM patients having both TERT promoter mutations and being homozygous carriers of the rs2853669 C-allele displayed significantly shorter overall survival than those with the wild type allele. The rs2853669 SNP is located in a putative Ets2 binding site in the promoter (-246 bp upstream start codon) close to the C228T and C250T mutation hot spots. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression regulated by TERT promoter status and polymorphism, what leads us to think that TERT and IL-6 plays a significant role in GBM, where specific SNPs increase the risk of developing GBM while the rs2853669 SNP and specific mutations in the TERT promoter of the tumor lead to shorter survival.
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| 4. |
- Reyes, Juan, et al.
(författare)
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Accumulation of alpha-synuclein within the liver, potential role in the clearance of brain pathology associated with Parkinsons disease
- 2021
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Ingår i: Acta neuropathologica communications. - : BMC. - 2051-5960. ; 9:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Alpha-synuclein (alpha-syn) aggregation is the hallmark pathological lesion in brains of patients with Parkinsons disease (PD) and related neurological disorders characterized as synucleinopathies. Accumulating evidence now indicates that alpha-syn deposition is also present within the gut and other peripheral organs outside the central nervous system (CNS). In the current study, we demonstrate for the first time that alpha-syn pathology also accumulates within the liver, the main organ responsible for substance clearance and detoxification. We further demonstrate that cultured human hepatocytes readily internalize oligomeric alpha-syn assemblies mediated, at least in part, by the gap junction protein connexin-32 (Cx32). Moreover, we identified a time-dependent accumulation of alpha-syn within the liver of three different transgenic (tg) mouse models expressing human alpha-syn under CNS-specific promoters, despite the lack of alpha-syn mRNA expression within the liver. Such a brain-to-liver transmission route could be further corroborated by detection of alpha-syn pathology within the liver of wild type mice one month after a single striatal alpha-syn injection. In contrast to the synucleinopathy models, aged mice modeling AD rarely show any amyloid-beta (Ass) deposition within the liver. In human post-mortem liver tissue, we identified cases with neuropathologically confirmed alpha-syn pathology containing alpha-syn within hepatocellular structures to a higher degree (75%) than control subjects without alpha-syn accumulation in the brain (57%). Our results reveal that alpha-syn accumulates within the liver and may be derived from the brain or other peripheral sources. Collectively, our findings indicate that the liver may play a role in the clearance and detoxification of pathological proteins in PD and related synucleinopathies.
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| 5. |
- Reyes, Juan, et al.
(författare)
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Binding of alfa-synuclein oligomers to Cx32 facilitates protein uptake and transfer in neurons and oligodendrocytes
- 2019
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Ingår i: Acta Neuropathologica. - : SPRINGER. - 0001-6322 .- 1432-0533. ; 138:1, s. 23-47
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The intercellular transfer of alpha-synuclein (-syn) has been implicated in the progression of Parkinson's disease (PD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA). The cellular mechanisms underlying this process are now beginning to be elucidated. In this study, we demonstrate that the gap junction protein connexin-32 (Cx32) is centrally involved in the preferential uptake of -syn oligomeric assemblies (o-syn) in neurons and oligodendrocytes. In vitro, we demonstrate a clear correlation between Cx32 expression and o-syn uptake. Pharmacological and genetic strategies targeting Cx32 successfully blocked o-syn uptake. In cellular and transgenic mice modeling PD and MSA, we observed significant upregulation of Cx32 which correlates with -syn accumulation. Notably, we could alsodemonstrate a direct interaction between -syn and Cx32 in two out of four human PD cases that was absent in all four age-matched controls. These data are suggestive of a link between Cx32 and PD pathophysiology. Collectively, our results provide compelling evidence for Cx32 as a novel target for therapeutic intervention in PD and related -synucleinopathies.
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| 6. |
- Sardar Sinha, Maitrayee, et al.
(författare)
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Alzheimer's disease pathology propagation by exosomes containing toxic amyloid-beta oligomers
- 2018
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Ingår i: Acta Neuropathologica. - : SPRINGER. - 0001-6322 .- 1432-0533. ; 136:1, s. 41-56
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The gradual deterioration of cognitive functions in Alzheimer's disease is paralleled by a hierarchical progression of amyloid-beta and tau brain pathology. Recent findings indicate that toxic oligomers of amyloid-beta may cause propagation of pathology in a prion-like manner, although the underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood. Here we show that small extracellular vesicles, exosomes, from Alzheimer patients' brains contain increased levels of amyloid-beta oligomers and can act as vehicles for the neuron-to-neuron transfer of such toxic species in recipient neurons in culture. Moreover, blocking the formation, secretion or uptake of exosomes was found to reduce both the spread of oligomers and the related toxicity. Taken together, our results imply that exosomes are centrally involved in Alzheimer's disease and that they could serve as targets for development of new diagnostic and therapeutic principles.
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| 7. |
- Agholme, Lotta, et al.
(författare)
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Amyloid-β Secretion, Generation, and Lysosomal Sequestration in Response to Proteasome Inhibition : Involvement of Autophagy
- 2012
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Ingår i: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. - : I O S Press. - 1387-2877 .- 1875-8908. ; 31:2, s. 343-358
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The proteasome is important for degradation of worn out and misfolded proteins. Decreased proteasome activity has been implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Proteasome inhibition induces autophagy, but it is still unknown whether autophagy is beneficial or deleterious to AD neurons, as the autophagosome has been suggested as a site of amyloid-β (Aβ) generation. In this study, we investigated the effect of proteasome inhibition on Aβ accumulation and secretion, as well as the processing of amyloid-β protein precursor (AβPP) in AβPPSwe transfected SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. We show that proteasome inhibition resulted in autophagy-dependent accumulation of Aβ in lysosomes, and increased levels of intracellular and secreted Aβ. The enhanced levels of Aβ could not be explained by increased amounts of AβPP. Instead, reduced degradation of the C-terminal fragment of AβPP (C99) by the proteasome makes C99 available for γ-secretase cleavage, leading to Aβ generation. Inhibition of autophagy after proteasome inhibition led to reduced levels of intracellular, but not secreted Aβ, and tended to further increase the C99 to AβPP ratio, supporting involvement of the autophagosome in Aβ generation. Furthermore, proteasome inhibition caused a reduction in cellular viability, which was reverted by inhibition of autophagy. Dysfunction of the proteasome could cause lysosomal accumulation of Aβ, as well as increased generation and secretion of Aβ, which is partly facilitated by autophagy. As a decrease in cellular viability was also detected, it is possible that upregulation of autophagy is an unsuccessful rescue mechanism, which instead of being protective, contributes to AD pathogenesis.
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| 8. |
- Agholme, Lotta, et al.
(författare)
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An In Vitro Model for Neuroscience: Differentiation of SH-SY5Y Cells into Cells with Morphological and Biochemical Characteristics of Mature Neurons
- 2010
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Ingår i: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. - : Ios Press. - 1387-2877 .- 1875-8908. ; 20:4, s. 1069-1082
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Neuroscience, including research on Alzheimers disease, is hampered by the lack of suitable in vitro models to study the human nervous system. To counteract this, many attempts to differentiate cell lines into more neuron-like cells have been performed, resulting in partial expression of neuronal features. Furthermore, it has been reported that neuroblastoma cell lines lack mature isoforms of tau. Our aim was to develop an improved in vitro model, generating sustainable cells with morphology and biochemistry of human, mature neurons. To obtain cells with neuronal differentiation and function, we investigated the effect of combining three-dimensional culturing of SH-SY5Y cells in extracellular matrix (ECM) gel with several factors reported to have neuro-differentiating effects. This resulted in cells with apparent neuronal morphology with long, extensively branched neurites. Further investigation revealed expression of several neurospecific markers including synapse protein Sv2 and nuclear marker NeuN, as well as the presence of synapses and axonal vesicle transport. In addition, these cells expressed mature tau isoforms, and tau protein expression was significantly increased compared to undifferentiated cells, reaching levels found in adult human brain. In conclusion, we found that pre-treatment with retinoic acid followed by ECM gel culturing in combination with brain derived neurotrophic factor, neuregulin beta(1), nerve growth factor, and vitamin D-3 treatment generated sustainable cells with unambiguous resemblance to adult neurons. These cells also expresses adult splicing forms of tau with neuronal localization, making this cellular in vitro model useful in many areas of neuroscience research, particularly the Alzheimers disease field.
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| 9. |
- Agholme, Lotta, et al.
(författare)
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Getting rid of intracellular Aβ- loss of cellular degradation leads to transfer between connected neurons
- 2014
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Ingår i: Current pharmaceutical design. - : Bentham Science Publishers. - 1381-6128 .- 1873-4286. ; 20:15, s. 2458-2468
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The sporadic, late onset form of Alzheimers disease (AD) shares pathological hallmarks with the familial form; however, no clear reason for increased beta-amyloid (A beta) generation has been found in the former. It has long been speculated that the late onset form of AD is caused by reduced degradation and/or clearance of A beta. Indeed, both intracellular degradation systems, the proteasomal and lysosomal systems, have been shown to be defective in AD. Reduced proteasome activity increases levels of intracellular and secreted A beta. Furthermore, accumulation of improperly degraded A beta in the lysosomes causes lysosomal disruption and cell death. We recently showed that oligomeric A beta can be transmitted from one neuron to another, which causes neurotoxicity. In both the donating and receiving cells, A beta accumulates in the endo-lysosomal compartment. It is possible that ineffective degradation of A beta causes its transfer to neighboring neurons, thereby spreading AD pathology. This review summarizes the data underlying the idea of reduced A beta clearance and subsequent A beta spread in AD, and also suggests new therapeutic methods, which are aimed at targeting the degradation systems and synaptic transfer. By enhancing degradation of intracellular accumulated A beta, it can be possible to remove it and avoid A beta-induced neurodegeneration without disturbing the endogenously important pool of secreted A beta. Additionally, drugs targeted to inhibit the spread of intracellular toxic A beta aggregates may also be useful in stopping the progression of pathology, without affecting the level of A beta that normally occurs in the brain.
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| 10. |
- Agholme, Lotta, et al.
(författare)
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Proteasome Inhibition Induces Stress Kinase Dependent Transport Deficits – Implications for Alzheimer’s Disease
- 2014
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Ingår i: Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience. - : Elsevier. - 1044-7431 .- 1095-9327. ; 58, s. 29-39
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by accumulation of two misfolded and aggregated proteins, β-amyloid and hyperphosphorylated tau. Both cellular systems responsible for clearance of misfolded and aggregated proteins, the lysosomal and the proteasomal, have been shown to be malfunctioning in the aged brain and more so in AD patients. This malfunction could be the cause of β-amyloid and tau accumulation, eventually aggregating in plaques and tangles. We have investigated how decreased proteasome activity affects AD related pathophysiological changes of microtubule transport and stability, as well as tau phosphorylation. To do this, we used our recently developed neuronal model where human SH-SY5Y cells obtain neuronal morphology and function through differentiation. We found that exposure to low doses of the proteasome inhibitor MG-115 caused disturbed neuritic transport, together with microtubule destabilization and tau phosphorylation. Furthermore, reduced proteasome activity activated several kinases implicated in AD pathology, including JNK, c-Jun and ERK 1/2. Restoration of the microtubule transport was achieved by inhibiting ERK 1/2 activation, and simultaneous inhibition of both ERK 1/2 and c-Jun reversed the proteasome inhibition-induced tau phosphorylation. Taken together, this study suggests that a decrease in proteasome activity can, through activation of c-Jun and ERK 1/2, result in several events contributing to AD pathology. Restoring proteasome function or inhibiting ERK 1/2 and c-Jun could therefore be used as novel treatments against AD.
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