Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common neurodegenerative motor disorder, whose clinical features are rest tremor, bradykinesia, muscular rigidity and postural instability. Although most reported cases are sporadic, a handful of familial cases and their causative genes have been identified. Loss-of-function mutations in DJ-1, one of these genes, are responsible for 1% of familial PD cases. Our laboratory has previously reported that DJ-1- lacking neurons are sensitive to oxidative stress, induced by hydrogen peroxide or the neurotoxin MPTP. To investigate the possible mechanisms through which DJ-1 protects against oxidative stress, we performed a proteomic screen and identified Von Hippel Lindau (VHL) and Paraoxonase2 (PON2) as potential DJ-1 interacting partners. VHL is an E3 ubiquitin ligase which, in normal conditions, poly-ubiquitinates HIF-1 , a subunit of a master hypoxic/oxidative stress transcription factor, whose function is protective in oxidative and hypoxic stresses. In the present study, we provided further evidence of interaction of DJ-1 with VHL. We also demonstrated that HIF-1 protein level, as an indicator of VHL activity, is lower in cells lacking DJ-1, suggesting the inhibitory role of DJ-1 on VHL. Our in vitro studies also showed that DJ-1 inhibits ubiquitin ligase activity of VHL on HIF-1 by reducing the VHL-HIF-1 interaction. Importantly, accumulation of HIF-1 protects embryonic cortical neurons against MPP+ induced neuronal death. Finally, we confirmed the impairment of HIF-1 response to oxidative stress in human lymphoblastoids of DJ-1-linked PD cases. In the second part of this study, we demonstrated the interaction of DJ-1 and PON2. Interestingly, PON2 lactonase activity is reduced in DJ-1 deficient cells which could be rescued by re-introduction of DJ-1, suggesting a modulating role of DJ-1 on PON2 activity. In addition, PON2 deficiency, like DJ-1 deficiency, hypersensitizes neurons to MPP+, which could be rescued by over-expression of PON2 in both cases. Taken together, our data provide evidence that DJ-1 exerts its protective role by inhibiting VHL activity, enhancing HIF-1 stability, and increasing PON2 pro-survival function in PD models.

京都大学 / 0048 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(医学) / 甲第18144号 / 医博第3864号 / 新制||医||1002(附属図書館) / 31002 / 京都大学大学院医学研究科医学専攻 / (主査)教授 松原 和夫, 教授 髙橋 淳, 教授 福山 秀直 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Medical Science / Kyoto University / DGAM

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New models in which aging-related neurodegeneration more closely resembling the combination of pathologies that develop in aging humans, are needed. The fish Nothobranchius, which naturally develops such pathologies over the course of its short lifespan, is one such model. This review compares the lifespans and pathologies of different Nothobranchius strains to those of current vertebrate models of aging. Furthermore, existing data pertaining to neurodegeneration in these fish is discussed in the context of their reported neuropathologies, along with open questions related to mammalian chronopathologies. Specifically, the evidence for a Parkinson’s disease-like pathology is discussed. Neurogenesis and age-related changes therein are discussed in the context of siRNA and neurodegeneration. We also discuss changes in the expression of neuropeptide Y in relation to the brain-gut axis and how these change with age. Age-related behavioral changes are discussed, along with the assays used in their evaluation. Genetic discoveries are outlined and discussed with a view on DJ-1/NRF2 signaling in N. furzeri, and insights gained from comparative genomics and siRNA studies. Finally, research focus areas are highlighted, and a case is made for the utility of these fish in the study of aging-related neurodegeneration, and to screen for environmental risk factors of aging-related neuropathology.

Telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein complex that catalyses telomeric repeat addition at the ends of chromosomes. The catalytic subunit, hTERT, acts as a key determinant for telomerase activity control; the induction of hTERT expression is required for telomerase activity. hTERT participates in cellular immortalization and is elevated in certain malignant tissues. Several tumours exhibit telomerase activity, which contributes to the infinite proliferation capacity that promotes tumour progression. Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) represents 2% of all adult malignancies and has a high mortality rate. The WHO classifies RCC into several sub-types based on cytogenetic aberrations and morphological features; the most prevalent sub-types are clear cell (ccRCC), papillary (pRCC), and chromophobe RCC (chRCC). The aims of this thesis were to study the expression patterns of various signalling molecules, to elucidate the functional links among them, and to define the roles of these signalling molecules in the regulation of hTERT gene expression and telomerase activity in RCC. The first paper included in this thesis revealed mRNA overexpression of DJ-1 (a PTEN inhibitor), cMyc, and hTERT in clinical ccRCC samples compared to tumour-free kidney cortex tissues. Significant, positive correlations were detected for DJ-1, cMyc, and hTERT mRNA levels in ccRCC, but not in pRCC. In vitro knockdown of DJ-1 by siRNA in ccRCC cells induced downregulation of p-Akt, cMyc, hTERT, and telomerase activity. Forced overexpression of DJ-1 in an ovarian carcinoma cell line was followed by increased hTERT promoter activity, which appeared to be dependent on cMYC binding to the promoter. Collectively, the in vitro studies verified a functional link among DJ-1, cMyc, and hTERT as implied in the clinical ccRCC samples. The second paper included in this thesis demonstrated overexpression of NBS1 mRNA levels in ccRCC compared to the kidney cortex. NBS1 mRNA levels exhibited significant, positive correlations with DJ-1, cMyc, and S phase, but not with hTERT. In vitro experiments suggested that DJ-1 could regulate NBS1 gene expression. The role of the hTERT transcriptional repressor WT1 in RCC was evaluated in the third paper included in this thesis. ccRCC samples displayed low WT1 mRNA levels compared to kidney cortex samples. Interestingly, WT1 expression was negatively associated with hTERT and cMyc both of which were elevated in ccRCC. Forced overexpression of WT1 isoforms in a ccRCC cell line increased the expression of several negative transcriptional regulators of hTERT and diminished the expression of hTERT positive regulators. In consequence, hTERT mRNA levels and telomerase activity were reduced. Chromatin immunoprecipitation verified direct binding of WT1 to the cMyc, Smad3, and hTERT promoters. Taken together, these data suggested that in ccRCC, WT1 affects hTERT at the transcriptional level via a combined effect on both positive and negative regulators. In conclusion, DJ-1 can regulate hTERT and telomerase activity through the PI3K pathway encompassing PTEN, NBS1, p-Akt, and cMyc in ccRCC, but not in pRCC. WT1 negatively regulates hTERT and telomerase activity directly and indirectly through multiple pathways in ccRCC.

La maladie de Parkinson (MP) est un syndrome neurodégénératif, caractérisé par une dégénérescence spécifique des neurones dopaminergiques de la substance noire, associée à la présence d'inclusions cytoplasmiques appelées corps de Lewy. Les formes familiales résultent de mutations portées par: la parkine (PK), DJ-1, PINK1, l'-synucléine, l'UCHL1, et LRRK2. Ces mutations s'accompagnent d'un dysfonctionnement du système ubiquitine-protéasome, de la mitochondrie ainsi que d'une augmentation du stress oxydatif induisant une mort neuronale par apoptose. Au cours de mon travail de thèse, je me suis intéressée à la synphiline-1, un partenaire de l'-synucléine, et à deux protéines impliquées dans les formes récessives de la MP, DJ-1 et la PK.<br />Je me suis consacrée à l'étude de leurs fonctions physiologiques, ainsi qu'à leurs implications dans les processus apoptotiques. Ainsi, j'ai déterminé que ces protéines réduisent l'activité de la caspase-3 induite par différents stimuli. Ce rôle protecteur passe par la régulation de la voie dépendante de p53. De plus, j'ai identifié DJ-1 et la synphiline-1 comme étant substrats des caspases, mais aussi que les fragments C-terminaux issus de ce clivage portent leurs activités biologiques.<br />Parallèlement, j'ai étudié des aspects de la régulation transcriptionnelle de DJ 1 et de la PK par le facteur de transcription p53. J'ai mis en évidence une boucle de régulation entre p53, DJ-1 et la PK. J'ai montré que ces deux protéines sont capables de réguler l'expression de p53. De plus, j'ai déterminé que la PK régule positivement DJ-1, et que ce contrôle s'effectue via la régulation transcriptionnelle de DJ-1 par p53.

L’angiopoietin-like 2 (angptl2) est une glycoprotéine de 64 kDa pro-inflammatoire et pro-athérogénique associée à divers maladies inflammatoires chroniques. Il est probable que l’angptl2 possède également un effet pro-oxydant, puisqu’elle stimule la production aigüe de dérivés réactifs oxygénés (DRO). Le facteur de transcription « nuclear factor (erythroidderived 2)-like 2 » (Nrf2) fait partie d’un mécanisme antioxydant majeur permettant de maintenir l’équilibre redox via l’induction de plusieurs gènes de l’élément de réponse antioxydante (ERA). En présence de DRO, la protéine Keap-1 se dissocie de Nrf2 et cesse de promouvoir sa dégradation protéasomale. Cette dissociation est stimulée par la protéine DJ-1 qui favorise la translocation nucléaire de Nrf2. La p38MAPK peut phosphoryler Nrf2 et promouvoir son interaction avec Keap-1. Nous avons posé l’hypothèse selon laquelle l’angptl2 causait un stress oxydant chronique, d’abord en stimulant en aigu la production de DRO, puis en inhibant la voie antioxydante Nrf2. Nous avons étudié, par immunobuvardage de type Western sur des cellules endothéliales en culture (HUVEC), les effets de l’angptl2 recombinante (100 nM) sur les niveaux protéiques nucléaires de Nrf2, les niveaux de Keap-1 dans le cytosol et de DJ-1 dans le noyau, en absence et en présence de l’antioxydant NAC (10 μM). Nous avons également étudié l’activation de la p38MAPK. Les niveaux nucléaires de Nrf2 n’ont pas été affectés par la stimulation aigüe (10 min) à l’angptl2 recombinante, mais ont été diminués par la stimulation chronique (24 h). L’ajout d’un agent antioxydant n’a pas altéré l’effet chronique, indiquant que les DRO ne sont pas directement impliqués. Les niveaux protéiques cytosoliques de Keap-1, protéine inhibitrice de Nrf2, et les niveaux nucléaires de DJ-1, protéine stabilisatrice de Nrf2, n’ont pas été affectés par l’angptl2 de manière significative. La phosphorylation de la p38MAPK n’a pas été non plus affectée par la stimulation aigüe ou chronique à l’angptl2. Ces données suggèrent que l’angptl2 n’a pas d’effet aigu, mais a un effet chronique inhibiteur sur la voie Nrf2, qui n’est pas associé à un effet sur Keap-1, DJ-1 ou p38MAPK. / Angiopoietin-like 2 (angptl2) is a 64 kDa pro-inflammatory and pro-atherogenic glycoprotein associated with various chronic inflammatory diseases. It is likely that angptl2 also has a pro-oxidant property, since it stimulates the acute production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The transcription factor nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) constitutes a major antioxidant mechanism, responsible for maintaining redox balance within the cell via the induction of various genes composing the antioxidant response element (ARE). In the presence of ROS, cytosolic protein Keap-1 dissociates from Nrf2 and is thus no longer able to target Nrf2 for proteasomal degradation. The interaction between Nrf2 and Keap-1 is inhibited by DJ-1, another regulator of Nrf2, but is favoured by phosphorylation of Nrf2 by p38MAPK. Our hypothesis was that angptl2 caused a chronic oxidative stress, at first by stimulating an acute ROS production, and later by inhibiting the Nrf2 antioxidant pathway. We studied, by Western Blot on cultured endothelial cells (HUVEC), the effects of recombinant angptl2 (100 nM) on nuclear protein levels of Nrf2, as well as cytosolic levels of Keap-1 and nuclear levels of DJ-1 in the absence and presence of the antioxidant NAC (10 μM). We also measured the activation of p38MAPK in response to angptl2 stimulation. Nuclear protein levels of Nrf2 were not affected by acute simulation (10 min) by recombinant angptl2, but were diminished after chronic stimulation (24 h). The addition of an antioxidant did not alter angptl2’s chronic effect on Nrf2, indicating that ROS were not directly implicated. Cytosolic levels of Keap-1 and nuclear levels of DJ-1 were not significantly affected by angptl2. Similarly, angptl2 did not affect p38MAPK phosphorylation. These data suggest that angptl2 has no acute effect on Nrf2, but has an inhibitory chronic effect, which is not likely to involve Keap-1, DJ-1 or p38MAPK.

Introdução: O seguimento de pacientes com câncer de bexiga superficial apresenta embargos financeiros e psicológicos ao paciente, devido à realização frequente de exames invasivos. Com fim de substituir ou diminuir os exames invasivos, busca-se biomarcadores urinários acurados, que permitam diagnosticar a recidiva tumoral e estratificar pacientes com maior risco de recidiva futura. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar se expressão na urina de PAI-1, DJ-1, ApoA-1, MMP-9 e IL-8 permite identificar e antecipar a recidiva de câncer de bexiga. Método: A expressão da PAI-1, DJ-1, ApoA-1, MMP-9 e IL-8 foi mensurada por ELISA na urina de 152 pacientes tratados previamente de carcinoma urotelial superficial de bexiga e em seguimento. Os níveis das proteínas foram comparados entre pacientes com e sem recidiva de câncer de bexiga (1) no momento da coleta de urina e (2) durante o seguimento. A ocorrência de recidiva tumoral foi confirmada por análise histopatológica da biópsia de lesões suspeitas, investigadas quando havia alterações na cistoscopia, ultrassom ou citologia oncótica. Pacientes com recidiva diagnosticada no momento da coleta de urina foram excluídos da análise para avaliar o papel antecipatório das cinco proteínas. Foi avaliado se o uso prévio de BCG intra-vesical exercia influência no nível das cinco proteínas estudadas. Resultados: Entre os pacientes avaliados, 16 (10,5%) apresentaram recidiva de carcinoma urotelial no momento da coleta de urina e 21 (15,4%) apresentaram recidiva de carcinoma urotelial durante o seguimento. O seguimento mediano foi de 47 meses (interquartis de 39 e 50 meses). Um painel para o diagnóstico de recidiva tumoral incluindo três biomarcadores (ApoA-1, MMP-9 e IL-8) apresentou razão de risco de 12,9 (IC 95% =3,5-47,4) e um painel para prever pacientes que desenvolverão recidiva durante o seguimento incluindo dois biomarcadores (PAI-1 e IL-8) apresentou razão de risco de 4,1 (IC 95% =1,4-11,4). Os resultados dos painéis não foram influenciados pelo uso prévio de BCG intra-vesical. Conclusão: Os painéis apresentados permitem identificar pacientes com recidiva de carcinoma urotelial de bexiga e prever quais pacientes terão maior risco de desenvolver recidiva no futuro. O uso prévio de BCG intra-vesical não alterou a expressão dos biomarcadores / Purpose: To evaluate if the urinary levels of PAI-1, DJ-1, ApoA-1, MMP-9 and IL-8 can identify and predict tumor recurrence in patients on follow-up of superficial bladder cancer. Methods: We prospectively analyzed the urine of 152 patients previously treated of superficial bladder cancer on follow-up regimen. Five biomarkers (PAI-1, DJ-1, ApoA-1, MMP-9 and IL-8) were assessed by ELISA and compared among patients with and without bladder cancer recurrence (1) in the moment of urine collection and (2) during follow-up. Tumor recurrence was evaluated with cystoscopy, ultrasound and urine oncotic cytology and confirmed by pathological analysis. Patients with recurrence at urine collection were excluded from prediction analysis. A correlation between the level of the biomarkers and previous use of intravesical BCG was investigated. Results: Median follow-up was 47 months (IQR =39-50 months). Among patients included, 16 (10,5%; N =152) and 21 (15,4%; N =136) had bladder cancer recurrence diagnosed in the moment of urine collection and during follow-up, respectively. The panel to diagnose recurrence including 3 biomarkers (ApoA-1, MMP-9 and IL-8) presented OR =12,9 (CI =3,5-47,4), while the panel to predict patients who will have a recurrence during follow-up including 2 biomarkers (PAI-1 and IL-8) presented OR =4,1 (CI =1,4- 11,4). Previous use of intra-vesical BCG didn\'t influence urine biomarkers expression. Conclusions: The 3-biomarker panel can be used to identify patients with bladder cancer recurrence. The 2-biomarker panel can be used to predict patients at greater risk of bladder cancer recurrence during follow-up. Both are reliable in patients with previous use of intravesical BCG