A partial Drp1 knockout improves autophagy flux independent of mitochondrial function.

BACKGROUND: Dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) plays a critical role in mitochondrial dynamics. Partial inhibition of this protein is protective in experimental models of neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. The protective mechanism has been attributed primarily to improved mitochondrial function. However, the observations that Drp1 inhibition reduces protein aggregation in such neurological disorders suggest the involvement of autophagy. To investigate this potential novel protective mechanism of Drp1 inhibition, a model with impaired autophagy without mitochondrial involvement is needed. METHODS: We characterized the effects of manganese (Mn), which causes parkinsonian-like symptoms in humans, on autophagy and mitochondria by performing dose-response studies in two cell culture models (stable autophagy HeLa reporter cells and N27 rat immortalized dopamine neuronal cells). Mitochondrial function was assessed using the Seahorse Flux Analyzer. Autophagy flux was monitored by quantifying the number of autophagosomes and autolysosomes, as well as the levels of other autophagy proteins. To strengthen the in vitro data, multiple mouse models (autophagy reporter mice and mutant Drp1+/- mice and their wild-type littermates) were orally treated with a low chronic Mn regimen that was previously reported to increase α-synuclein aggregation and transmission via exosomes. RNAseq, laser captured microdissection, immunofluorescence, immunoblotting, stereological cell counting, and behavioural studies were used. RESULTS IN VITRO: data demonstrate that at low non-toxic concentrations, Mn impaired autophagy flux but not mitochondrial function and morphology. In the mouse midbrain, RNAseq data further confirmed autophagy pathways were dysregulated but not mitochondrial related genes. Additionally, Mn selectively impaired autophagy in the nigral dopamine neurons but not the nearby nigral GABA neurons. In cells with a partial Drp1-knockdown and Drp1+/- mice, Mn induced autophagic impairment was significantly prevented. Consistent with these observations, Mn increased the levels of proteinase-K resistant α-synuclein and Drp1-knockdown protected against this pathology. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that improved autophagy flux is a separate mechanism conferred by Drp1 inhibition independent of its role in mitochondrial fission. Given that impaired autophagy and mitochondrial dysfunction are two prominent features of neurodegenerative diseases, the combined protective mechanisms targeting these two pathways conferred by Drp1 inhibition make this protein an attractive therapeutic target.

A partial Drp1 knockout improves autophagy flux independent of mitochondrial function.

Dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) is typically known for its role in mitochondrial fission. A partial inhibition of this protein has been reported to be protective in experimental models of neurodegenerative diseases. The protective mechanism has been attributed primarily to improved mitochondrial function. Herein, we provide evidence showing that a partial Drp1-knockout improves autophagy flux independent of mitochondria. First, we characterized in cell and animal models that at low non-toxic concentrations, manganese (Mn), which causes parkinsonian-like symptoms in humans, impaired autophagy flux but not mitochondrial function and morphology. Furthermore, nigral dopaminergic neurons were more sensitive than their neighbouring GABAergic counterparts. Second, in cells with a partial Drp1-knockdown and Drp1 +/- mice, autophagy impairment induced by Mn was significantly attenuated. This study demonstrates that autophagy is a more vulnerable target than mitochondria to Mn toxicity. Furthermore, improving autophagy flux is a separate mechanism conferred by Drp1 inhibition independent of mitochondrial fission.

Nonmotor symptom burden grading as predictor of cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease.

BACKGROUND: Identifying predictors of incident cognitive impairment (CI), one of the most problematic long-term outcomes, in Parkinson's disease (PD) is highly relevant for personalized medicine and prognostic counseling. The Nonmotor Symptoms Scale (NMSS) provides a global clinical assessment of a range of NMS, reflecting NMS burden (NMSB), and thus may assist in the identification of an "at-risk" CI group based on overall NMSB cutoff scores. METHODS: To investigate whether specific patterns of PD NMS profiles predict incident CI, we performed a retrospective longitudinal study on a convenience sample of 541 nondemented PD patients taking part in the Nonmotor Longitudinal International Study (NILS) cohort, with Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), NMSS, and Scales for Outcomes in PD Motor Scale (SCOPA Motor) scores at baseline and last follow-up (mean 3.2 years) being available. RESULTS: PD patients with incident CI (i.e., MMSE score ≤ 25) at last follow-up (n = 107) had severe overall NMSB level, significantly worse NMSS hallucinations/perceptual problems and higher NMSS attention/memory scores at baseline. Patients with CI also were older and with more advanced disease, but with no differences in disease duration, dopamine replacement therapy, sex, and comorbid depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that a comprehensive baseline measure of NMS and in particular hallucinations and perceptual problems assessed with a validated single instrument can be used to predict incident CI in PD. This approach provides a simple, holistic strategy to predict future CI in this population.

Metformin as a Potential Neuroprotective Agent in Prodromal Parkinson's Disease-Viewpoint.

To date, there are no clinically effective neuroprotective or disease-modifying treatments that can halt Parkinson's disease (PD) progression. The current clinical approach focuses on symptomatic management. This failure may relate to the complex neurobiology underpinning the development of PD and the absence of true translational animal models. In addition, clinical diagnosis of PD relies on presentation of motor symptoms which occur when the neuropathology is already established. These multiple factors could contribute to the unsuccessful development of neuroprotective treatments for PD. Prodromal symptoms develop years prior to formal diagnosis and may provide an excellent tool for early diagnosis and better trial design. Patients with idiopathic rapid eye movement behavior disorder (iRBD) have the highest risk of developing PD and could represent an excellent group to include in neuroprotective trials for PD. In addition, repurposing drugs with excellent safety profiles is an appealing strategy to accelerate drug discovery. The anti-diabetic drug metformin has been shown to target diverse cellular pathways implicated in PD progression. Multiple studies have, additionally, observed the benefits of metformin to counteract other age-related diseases. The purpose of this viewpoint is to discuss metformin's neuroprotective potential by outlining relevant mechanisms of action and the selection of iRBD patients for future clinical trials in PD.

Pain in Parkinson's disease: new concepts in pathogenesis and treatment.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In this review, we discuss the most recent evidence on mechanisms underlying pathological nociceptive processing in Parkinson's disease patients, as well as novel treatment strategies. RECENT FINDINGS: In Parkinson's disease, specific neurodegenerative changes may cause alterations in nociceptive processing at multiple levels. Optimization of dopaminergic therapies should always be the first step in the management of Parkinson's disease pain. Reportedly, rotigotine transdermal patch, a monoamine oxidase type B inhibitor safinamide (as an add-on therapy to levodopa), subcutaneous apomorphine and intrajejunal levodopa infusion therapy may have a beneficial effect on pain sensations in Parkinson's disease patients. Among the nondopaminergic pharmacological therapies, prolonged-release oxycodone/naloxone and duloxetine may be effective in the treatment of chronic pain in Parkinson's disease. Botulinum toxin (BTX) injections should be considered for the treatment of dystonic Parkinson's disease pain. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) may lead to pain relief with a long-lasting effect in Parkinson's disease patients. Physiotherapy and physical activity in general are essential for Parkinson's disease patients suffering from pain. SUMMARY: Pain in Parkinson's disease is not simply a consequence of motor complainants. The management of Parkinson's disease-related pain implicates maintenance of stable levels of dopaminergic drugs. Nondopaminergic pharmacological therapies (prolonged-release oxycodone/naloxone, duloxetine, BTX) and nonpharmacological interventions (DBS, physiotherapie) may also be beneficial in treatment of Parkinson's disease pain.

Mitochondria: A Common Target for Genetic Mutations and Environmental Toxicants in Parkinson's Disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a devastating neurological movement disorder. Since its first discovery 200 years ago, genetic and environmental factors have been identified to play a role in PD development and progression. Although genetic studies have been the predominant driving force in PD research over the last few decades, currently only a small fraction of PD cases can be directly linked to monogenic mutations. The remaining cases have been attributed to other risk associated genes, environmental exposures and gene-environment interactions, making PD a multifactorial disorder with a complex etiology. However, enormous efforts from global research have yielded significant insights into pathogenic mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets for PD. This review will highlight mitochondrial dysfunction as a common pathway involved in both genetic mutations and environmental toxicants linked to PD.