Shared Genetics of Multiple System Atrophy and Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND: Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare neurodegenerative disease characterized by intracellular accumulations of α-synuclein and nerve cell loss in striatonigral and olivopontocerebellar structures. Epidemiological and clinical studies have reported potential involvement of autoimmune mechanisms in MSA pathogenesis. However, genetic etiology of this interaction remains unknown. We aimed to investigate genetic overlap between MSA and 7 autoimmune diseases and to identify shared genetic loci. METHODS: Genome-wide association study summary statistics of MSA and 7 autoimmune diseases were combined in cross-trait conjunctional false discovery rate analysis to explore overlapping genetic background. Expression of selected candidate genes was compared in transgenic MSA mice and wild-type mice. Genetic variability of candidate genes was further investigated using independent whole-exome genotyping data from large cohorts of MSA and autoimmune disease patients and healthy controls. RESULTS: We observed substantial polygenic overlap between MSA and inflammatory bowel disease and identified 3 shared genetic loci with leading variants upstream of the DENND1B and RSP04 genes, and in intron of the C7 gene. Further, the C7 gene showed significantly dysregulated expression in the degenerating midbrain of transgenic MSA mice compared with wild-type mice and had elevated burden of protein-coding variants in independent MSA and inflammatory bowel disease cohorts. CONCLUSION: Our study provides evidence of shared genetic etiology between MSA and inflammatory bowel disease with an important role of the C7 gene in both phenotypes, with the implication of immune and gut dysfunction in MSA pathophysiology. © 2020 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society

Hypoxia compromises the mitochondrial metabolism of Alzheimer’s disease microglia via HIF1

Genetic Alzheimer’s disease (AD) risk factors associate with reduced defensive amyloid β plaque-associated microglia (AβAM), but the contribution of modifiable AD risk factors to microglial dysfunction is unknown. In AD mouse models, we observe concomitant activation of the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF1) pathway and transcription of mitochondrial-related genes in AβAM, and elongation of mitochondria, a cellular response to maintain aerobic respiration under low nutrient and oxygen conditions. Overactivation of HIF1 induces microglial quiescence in cellulo, with lower mitochondrial respiration and proliferation. In vivo, overstabilization of HIF1, either genetically or by exposure to systemic hypoxia, reduces AβAM clustering and proliferation and increases Aβ neuropathology. In the human AD hippocampus, upregulation of HIF1α and HIF1 target genes correlates with reduced Aβ plaque microglial coverage and an increase of Aβ plaque-associated neuropathology. Thus, hypoxia (a modifiable AD risk factor) hijacks microglial mitochondrial metabolism and converges with genetic susceptibility to cause AD microglial dysfunction.R.M.-D. was the recipient of a Sara Borrell fellowship from Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) (CD09/0007). N.L.-U., C.O.-d.S.L., C.R.-M. and M.I.A.-V. were the recipients of FPU fellowships from Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport (FPU14/02115, AP2010‐1598, FPU16/02050 and FPU15/02898, respectively). A.H.-G. was the recipient of an FPI fellowship from the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport (BES-2010-033886). This work was supported by grants from the Spanish MINEICO, ISCIII and FEDER (European Union) (SAF2012‐33816, SAF2015‐64111‐R, SAF2017-90794-REDT and PIE13/0004 to A.P.); by the Regional Government of Andalusia co-funded by CEC and FEDER funds (European Union) (‘Proyectos de Excelencia’; P12‐CTS‐2138 and P12‐CTS‐2232 to A.P.); by the ‘Ayuda de Biomedicina 2018’, Fundación Domingo Martínez (to A.P.) ; by the ISCIII of Spain, co-financed by FEDER funds (European Union) through grants PI18/01556 (to J.V.) and PI18/01557 (to A. Gutierrez); by Junta de Andalucía, co-financed by FEDER funds (grants UMA18-FEDERJA-211 (to A. Gutierrez) and US‐1262734 (to J.V.)); and by Spanish MINEICO (BFU2016-76872-R and BES-2011-047721 to E.B.).Peer reviewe

Rib biomechanical properties exhibit diagnostic potential for accurate ageing in forensic investigations

Age estimation remains one of the most challenging tasks in forensic practice when establishing a biological profile of unknown skeletonised remains. Morphological methods based on developmental markers of bones can provide accurate age estimates at a young age, but become highly unreliable for ages over 35 when all developmental markers disappear. This study explores the changes in the biomechanical properties of bone tissue and matrix, which continue to change with age even after skeletal maturity, and their potential value for age estimation. As a proof of concept we investigated the relationship of 28 variables at the macroscopic and microscopic level in rib autopsy samples from 24 individuals. Stepwise regression analysis produced a number of equations one of which with seven variables showed an R2=0.949; a mean residual error of 2.13 yrs ±0.4 (SD) and a maximum residual error value of 2.88 yrs. For forensic purposes, by using only bench top machines in tests which can be carried out within 36 hrs, a set of just 3 variables produced an equation with an R2=0.902 a mean residual error of 3.38 yrs ±2.6 (SD) and a maximum observed residual error 9.26yrs. This method outstrips all existing age-at-death methods based on ribs, thus providing a novel lab based accurate tool in the forensic investigation of human remains. The present application is optimised for fresh (uncompromised by taphonomic conditions) remains, but the potential of the principle and method is vast once the trends of the biomechanical variables are established for other environmental conditions and circumstances

Anle138b modulates α-synuclein oligomerization and prevents motor decline and neurodegeneration in a mouse model of multiple system atrophy.

BACKGROUND: MSA is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by autonomic failure and severe motor impairment. Its main pathological hallmark is the accumulation of α-synuclein in oligodendrocytes, leading to glial and neuronal dysfunction and neurodegeneration. These features are recapitulated in the PLP-hαSyn mouse model expressing human α-synuclein in oligodendrocytes. At present, there is no effective disease-modifying therapy. Previous experiments have shown that the aggregation inhibitor, anle138b, reduces neurodegeneration and behavioral deficits in mouse models of other proteinopathies. OBJECTIVES: To test the therapeutic potential of anle138b in a mouse model of MSA. METHODS: Two-month-old PLP-hαSyn mice were fed over a period of 4 months with pellets containing anle138b at two different doses (0.6 and 2 g/kg) and compared to healthy controls and PLP-hαSyn mice fed with placebo pellets. At the end of the treatment, behavioral and histological analyses were performed. RESULTS: We observed a reversal of motor function to healthy control levels when PLP-hαSyn mice were treated with both doses of anle138b. Histological and molecular analyses showed a significant reduction in α-synuclein oligomers and glial cytoplasmic inclusions in animals fed with anle138b compared to nontreated mice. These animals also present preservation of dopaminergic neurons and reduction in microglial activation in SN correlating with the α-synuclein reduction observed. CONCLUSIONS: Anle138b reduces α-synuclein accumulation in PLP-hαSyn mice, leading to neuroprotection, reduction of microglial activation, and preservation of motor function supporting the use of anle138b in a future clinical trial for MSA. © 2018 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society

Role of prolyl-hydroxilase 3 in the progression of Alzheimer's disease

Póster presentado en Hypoxia: From Basic Mechanisms to Therapeutics, celebrado en Dublín del 12 al 15 de mayo de 2015.Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a progressive loss of cognitive performance. Recent genetic work has revealed a prominent role of innate immunity in the disease. The immune system of the brain is constituted by microglia, which derive from primitive macrophages of the yolk sac and have essential functions in the development, maintenance and protection of this organ. These cells are also responsible of neuroinflammation through the production and release of different cytokines and other pro-inflammatory molecules. The control of the HIF/PHD pathway over innate immune cells has been studied in the last years. In particular, prolyl-hydroxilase 3 (PHD3) expression identifies pro-inflammatory macrophages both in vivo and in vitro and the role of PHD3 in sepsis and immune-mediated inflammatory diseases is being described. However, there is little knowledge about the contribution of PHDs to microglia function and the consequences of the alteration of the HIF/PHD pathway in the pathology of AD. In particular, here we focus in AD models that present accumulated HIF1¿ in the brain and a strong expression of PHD3 in microglial cells. We show histological, biochemical and behavioral data of AD mice in the absence of PHD3 and discuss the implications in the progression of AD and their possible therapeutic implications.Peer Reviewe

Correction: Acute and Chronic Sustained Hypoxia Do Not Substantially Regulate Amyloid-β Peptide Generation In Vivo

There are several errors throughout the paper.[Background] Recent epidemiological evidence has linked hypoxia with the development of Alzheimer disease (AD). A number of in vitro and in vivo studies have reported that hypoxia can induce amyloid-β peptide accumulation through various molecular mechanisms including the up-regulation of the amyloid-β precursor protein, the β-secretase Bace1, or the γγ-secretase complex components, as well as the down-regulation of Aβ-degrading enzymes.[Objectives] To investigate the effects of acute and chronic sustained hypoxia in Aβ generation in vivo.[Methods] 2–3 month-old C57/Bl6J wild-type mice were exposed to either normoxia (21% O2) or hypoxia (9% O2) for either 4 to 72 h (acute) or 21–30 days (chronic sustained) in a hermetic chamber. Brain mRNA levels of Aβ-related genes were measured by quantitative real-time PCR, whereas levels of Bace1 protein, full length AβPP, and its C-terminal fragments (C99/C88 ratio) were measured by Western blot. In addition, 8 and 14-month-old APP/PS1 transgenic mice were subjected to 9% O2 for 21 days and levels of Aβ40, Aβ42, full length AβPP, and soluble AβPPα (sAβPPα) were measured by ELISA or WB.[Results] Hypoxia (either acute or chronic sustained) did not impact the transcription of any of the Aβ-related genes in young wild-type mice. A significant reduction of Bace1 protein level was noted with acute hypoxia for 16 h but did not correlate with an increased level of full length AβPP or a decreased C99/C83 ratio. Chronic sustained hypoxia did not significantly alter the levels of Bace1, full length AβPP or the C99/C83 ratio. Last, chronic sustained hypoxia did not significantly change the levels of Aβ40, Aβ42, full length AβPP, or sAβPPα in either young or aged APP/PS1 mice.[Discussion] Our results argue against a hypoxia-induced shift of AβPP proteolysis from the non-amyloidogenic to the amyloidogenic pathways. We discuss the possible methodological caveats of previous in vivo studies.This research was supported by the Spanish Ministries of Science and Innovation and Health (SAF2012-33816, SAF2015-64111-R and PIE13/00004) and by the grant CTS-2138 from the Regional Ministry of Economía, Innovación, Ciencia y Empleo, co-funded by CEC and FEDER funds. AS-P was funded with a fellowship from the Fondo de Investigaciones Sanitarias/Instituto de Salud Carlos III of the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (CM06/00161). AH-G received a predoctoral fellowship of the FPI program, RM-D a contract from the “Sara Borrell” program, and MAS-G a predoctoral fellowship (FPU program) from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation.Peer reviewe

Shared Genetics of Multiple System Atrophy and Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Background Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare neurodegenerative disease characterized by intracellular accumulations of α‐synuclein and nerve cell loss in striatonigral and olivopontocerebellar structures. Epidemiological and clinical studies have reported potential involvement of autoimmune mechanisms in MSA pathogenesis. However, genetic etiology of this interaction remains unknown. We aimed to investigate genetic overlap between MSA and 7 autoimmune diseases and to identify shared genetic loci. Methods Genome‐wide association study summary statistics of MSA and 7 autoimmune diseases were combined in cross‐trait conjunctional false discovery rate analysis to explore overlapping genetic background. Expression of selected candidate genes was compared in transgenic MSA mice and wild‐type mice. Genetic variability of candidate genes was further investigated using independent whole‐exome genotyping data from large cohorts of MSA and autoimmune disease patients and healthy controls. Results We observed substantial polygenic overlap between MSA and inflammatory bowel disease and identified 3 shared genetic loci with leading variants upstream of the DENND1B and RSP04 genes, and in intron of the C7 gene. Further, the C7 gene showed significantly dysregulated expression in the degenerating midbrain of transgenic MSA mice compared with wild‐type mice and had elevated burden of protein‐coding variants in independent MSA and inflammatory bowel disease cohorts. Conclusion Our study provides evidence of shared genetic etiology between MSA and inflammatory bowel disease with an important role of the C7 gene in both phenotypes, with the implication of immune and gut dysfunction in MSA pathophysiology. © 2020 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society

Shared genetics of multiple system atrophy and inflammatory bowel disease.

Background Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare neurodegenerative disease characterized by intracellular accumulations of alpha-synuclein and nerve cell loss in striatonigral and olivopontocerebellar structures. Epidemiological and clinical studies have reported potential involvement of autoimmune mechanisms in MSA pathogenesis. However, genetic etiology of this interaction remains unknown. We aimed to investigate genetic overlap between MSA and 7 autoimmune diseases and to identify shared genetic loci.Methods Genome-wide association study summary statistics of MSA and 7 autoimmune diseases were combined in cross-trait conjunctional false discovery rate analysis to explore overlapping genetic background. Expression of selected candidate genes was compared in transgenic MSA mice and wild-type mice. Genetic variability of candidate genes was further investigated using independent whole-exome genotyping data from large cohorts of MSA and autoimmune disease patients and healthy controls.Results We observed substantial polygenic overlap between MSA and inflammatory bowel disease and identified 3 shared genetic loci with leading variants upstream of the DENND1B and RSP04 genes, and in intron of the C7 gene. Further, the C7 gene showed significantly dysregulated expression in the degenerating midbrain of transgenic MSA mice compared with wild-type mice and had elevated burden of protein-coding variants in independent MSA and inflammatory bowel disease cohorts.Conclusion Our study provides evidence of shared genetic etiology between MSA and inflammatory bowel disease with an important role of the C7 gene in both phenotypes, with the implication of immune and gut dysfunction in MSA pathophysiology. (c) 2020 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society