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Ittner, L. M.

Publications and source records attributed to Ittner, L. M..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

The SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) and the orthoreovirus p15 cause neuronal and glial fusion

Numerous enveloped viruses use specialized surface molecules called fusogens to enter host cells1. During virus replication, these fusogens decorate the host cells membrane enabling them the ability to fuse with neighboring cells, forming syncytia that the viruses use to propagate while evading the immune system. Many of these viruses, including the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), infect the brain and may cause serious neurological symptoms through mechanisms which remain poorly understood2-4. Here we show that expression of either the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein or p15 protein from the baboon orthoreovirus is sufficient to induce fusion between interconnected neurons, as well as between neurons and glial cells. This phenomenon is observed across species, from nematodes to mammals, including human embryonic stem cells-derived neurons and brain organoids. We show that fusion events are progressive, can occur between distant neurites, and lead to the formation of multicellular syncytia. Finally, we reveal that in addition to intracellular molecules, fusion events allow diffusion and movement of large organelles such as mitochondria between fused neurons. Our results provide important mechanistic insights into how SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses could affect the nervous system circuitries causing neurological symptoms.

neuroscience

Differential mitochondrial protein interaction profile between human translocator protein and its A147T polymorphism variant

The translocator protein (TSPO) has been implicated in mitochondrial transmembrane cholesterol transport, brain inflammation, and other mitochondrial functions. It is upregulated in glial cells during neuroinflammation in Alzheimers disease. High affinity TSPO imaging radioligands are utilized to visualize neuroinflammation. However, this is hampered by the common A147T polymorphism which compromises ligand binding. Furthermore, this polymorphism has been linked to increased risk of neuropsychiatric disorders, and possibly reduces TSPO protein stability. Here, we used immunoprecipitation coupled to mass-spectrometry (IP-MS) to establish a mitochondrial protein binding profile of wild-type (WT) TSPO and the A147T polymorphism variant. Using mitochondria from human glial cells expressing either WT or A147T TSPO, we identified 30 WT TSPO binding partners, yet only 23 for A147T TSPO. Confirming that A147T polymorphism of the TSPO might confer loss of function, we found that one of the identified interactors of WT TSPO, 14-3-3 theta (YWHAQ), a protein involved in regulating mitochondrial membrane proteins, interacts much less with A147T TSPO. Our data presents a network of mitochondrial interactions of TSPO and its A147T polymorphism variant in human glial cells and indicate functional relevance of A147T in mitochondrial protein networks.

molecular biology

BioID analysis of the cyclin F interactome reveals that ALS-variant cyclin F alters the homeostasis of paraspeckle-associated proteins

BackgroundPreviously, we identified missense mutations in CCNF that are causative of familial and sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). CCNF encodes for the protein cyclin F, a substrate recognition component of the E3-ubiquitin ligase, SCFcyclin F. We have previously shown that mutations in CCNF cause disruptions to overall protein homeostasis; causing a build-up of ubiquitylated proteins (1) as well as defects in autophagic machinery (2). MethodsHere, we have used an unbiased proteomic screening workflow using BioID, as well as standard immunoprecipitations to identify novel interaction partners of cyclin F, identifying the interaction between cyclin F and a series of paraspeckle proteins. The homeostasis of these new cyclin F interaction partners, RBM14, NONO and SFPQ were monitored in primary neurons using immunoblotting. In addition, the homeostasis of RBM14 was compared between control and ALS/FTD patient tissue using standard IHC studies. ResultsUsing BioID, we found over 100 putative interaction partners of cyclin F and demonstrated that cyclin F closely associates with a number of essential paraspeckle proteins, which are stress-responsive proteins that have recently been implicated in ALS pathogenesis. We further demonstrate that the turnover of these novel binding partners are defective when cyclin F carries an ALS/FTD-causing mutation. In addition the analysis of RBM14 levels in ALS patient post-mortem tissue revealed that RBM14 levels were significantly reduced in post-mortem ALS patient motor cortex and significantly reduced in the neurons of spinal cord tissue. ConclusionOverall, our data demonstrate that the dysregulation of paraspeckle components may be contributing factors to the molecular pathogenesis of ALS/FTD. HighlightsO_LIPreviously, we identified missense mutations in CCNF that are linked to Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/Frontotemporal dementia (ALS/FTD) and have shown that a single mutation in cyclin F can cause defects to major protein degradation systems in dividing cells. C_LIO_LICyclin F has very few known interaction partners, many of which have roles in cell cycle progression. Accordingly, we used BioID and mass spectrometry to identify novel binding partners of cyclin F that may reveal insight into the role of cyclin F in neurodegeneration. C_LIO_LIMass spectrometry and bioinformatic studies demonstrate that cyclin F interacts with several RNA binding proteins. This includes the essential paraspeckle proteins, RBM14. Notably, this interaction could be validated by standard immunoprecipitations and immunoblotting. Cyclin F could also be found to interact with a series of essential proteins which form the paraspeckle complex. C_LIO_LIWe further evaluated the effect of cyclin F(S621G) on the homeostasis of these novel interaction partners in primary neurons in response to a known paraspeckle inducer, MG132. Notably, we demonstrate significant defects in the homeostasis of RBM14 and SFPQ, but not NONO, when cyclin F carries an S621G mutation. C_LIO_LIUnlike other paraspeckle proteins, RBM14 levels have not previously been reported in the post-mortem brain and spinal cord of ALS patient post-mortem tissue. Here, we note significant defects in the homeostasis of RBM14 in the post-mortem tissue of ALS patients. C_LI

neuroscience