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The predicted candidates of Arabidopsis plastid inner envelope membrane proteins and their expression profiles.

Plastid envelope proteins from the Arabidopsis nuclear genome were predicted using computational methods. Selection criteria were: first, to find proteins with NH(2)-terminal plastid-targeting peptides from all annotated open reading frames from Arabidopsis; second, to search for proteins with membrane-spanning domains among the predicted plastidial-targeted proteins; and third, to subtract known thylakoid membrane proteins. Five hundred forty-one proteins were selected as potential candidates of the Arabidopsis plastid inner envelope membrane proteins (AtPEM candidates). Only 34% (183) of the AtPEM candidates could be assigned to putative functions based on sequence similarity to proteins of known function (compared with the 69% function assignment of the total predicted proteins in the genome). Of the 183 candidates with assigned functions, 40% were classified in the category of "transport facilitation," indicating that this collection is highly enriched in membrane transporters. Information on the predicted proteins, tissue expression data from expressed sequence tags and microarrays, and publicly available T-DNA insertion lines were collected. The data set complements proteomic-based efforts in the increased detection of integral membrane proteins, low-abundance proteins, or those not expressed in tissues selected for proteomic analysis. Digital northern analysis of expressed sequence tags suggested that the transcript levels of most AtPEM candidates were relatively constant among different tissues in contrast to stroma and the thylakoid proteins. However, both digital northern and microarray analyses identified a number of AtPEM candidates with tissue-specific expression patterns.

Arabidopsis↗

High-throughput single-cell proteomics and transcriptomics from same cells with a nanoliter-scale, spin-transfer approach.

Single-cell multiomic platforms provide a comprehensive snapshot of cellular states and cell types by offering critical insights into the spatiotemporal regulation of biomolecular networks at a systems level, thereby defining the basis of multicellularity. Here, we introduce nanoSPINS, an advanced platform that enables high-throughput profiling and integrative analysis of the transcriptome and proteome from the same single cells using RNA sequencing and isobaric labeling LC-MS-based proteomics, respectively. NanoSPINS can efficiently transfer mRNA-containing droplets across two microarrays via a centrifugation-based approach, while proteins are retained on the initial platform. Benchmarking of nanoSPINS on two cell lines demonstrates its ability to generate global proteomic and transcriptomic profiles that align well with previously established methodologies/platforms. The incorporation of isobaric TMTpro labeling into this single-cell multiomics platform significantly enhances the throughput of single-cell proteomic analyses. Through the high-throughput quantification of the proteome and transcriptome, nanoSPINS not only facilitates the identification of molecular features at both mRNA and protein level but also provides larger sample sizes for improved statistical power in clustering and differential abundance. Given the broad applicability of single-cell multiomics in biological research and clinical settings, we believe nanoSPINS represents a powerful platform for the characterization of heterogeneous cell populations.

Single-Cell Analysis↗

New frontiers in proteomics research: a perspective.

Substantial advances have been made in the fundamental understanding of human biology, ranging from DNA structure to identification of diseases associated with genetic abnormalities. Genome sequence information is becoming available in unprecedented amounts. The absence of a direct functional correlation between gene transcripts and their corresponding proteins, however, represents a significant roadblock for improving the efficiency of biological discoveries. The success of proteomics depends on the ability to identify and analyze protein products in a cell or tissue and, this is reliant on the application of several key technologies. Proteomics is in its exponential growth phase. Two-dimensional electrophoresis complemented with mass spectrometry provides a global view of the state of the proteins from the sample. Proteins identification is a requirement to understand their functional diversity. Subtle difference in protein structure and function can contribute to complexity and diversity of life. This review focuses on the progress and the applications of proteomics science with special reference to integration of the evolving technologies involved to address biological questions.

Computational Biology↗

Multi-omics-based study on the biological characteristics of kidney renal deficiency and blood stasis in ankylosing spondylitis.

OBJECIVE: To explore the objective biological evidence for the classification and diagnosis of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) syndromes in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) using multiomics analysis. METHODS: Patients with AS were categorized into kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome (SX group) and damp-heat stasis syndrome (SR group). Transcriptomic sequencing and quantitative plasma proteomics were performed on patients with AS and healthy volunteers. Multiomics integration was used to characterize the biological basis of AS with renal deficiency and blood stasis syndrome. Specific proteins were validated by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Transcriptomic sequencing identified 31 significantly upregulated genes in patients with AS compared to healthy controls. These genes were primarily involved in tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-17, and nuclear factor kappa-B signaling pathways, as well as osteoblast differentiation and various viral infection pathways. Differentially expressed genes, including intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1), 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A, interleukin 1 receptor antagonist, integrin alpha IIb, and myosin light chain 9 were more upregulated in the SX group than in the SR group. Quantitative proteomics identified 723 differential proteins associated with the disease and 788 differential proteins between the SX and SR groups. Notable proteins such as myeloperoxidase, cluster of differentiation 14, macrophage simulating 1 (MST1), and Ras homolog enriched in brain may serve as characteristic proteins of the SX group. By integrating transcriptomic and proteomic data, 45 associated differential molecules involved in platelet activation, pathogenic intestinal flora infection, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, and T-cell receptor signaling pathways were identified in patients with AS compared to healthy controls. Additionally, ICAM1, MST1, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8), suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3), and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 (IGFBP1) were detected in TCM syndromes by RT-qPCR and ELISA, showing upregulation in AS renal deficiency and blood stasis syndromes, which is consistent with the proteomic and transcriptomic results. CONCLUSIONS: ICAM1, MST1, CXCL8, SOCS3, and IGFBP1 were identified as biomarkers of renal deficiency and blood stasis syndrome in AS. This study provides a biological basis for the differential diagnosis of TCM syndromes in AS, offering new insights into Chinese medicine evidence and more precise Chinese medicine treatments for AS.

Humans↗

Multi-omics identifies lipid accumulation in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome cell lines: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, evidence has indicated a metabolic shift towards increased demand for lipids in various lymphoid cell populations from people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). We previously screened the mitochondrial function and gene expression of B cell-derived lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) generated from the blood of people with ME/CFS to characterise a model for hypothesis discovery and testing, observing elevated expression of gene products facilitating amino acid and fatty acid degradation for energy. METHOD: In this follow-up study we have expanded this characterisation by profiling the polar metabolomes and non-polar lipidomes of an all-female cohort of 17 healthy control and 15 ME/CFS LCLs, and we integrated this new data with the previously generated proteomic and transcriptomic data. RESULTS: In the polar metabolome we detected no significantly altered individual features, while integrated multi-omic analysis by MetaboAnalyst indicated 15 dysregulated pathways. Next, in the non-polar lipidome, we identified that PC(O-38:4) had significantly reduced levels in ME/CFS LCLs and was almost entirely discriminative of ME/CFS status. Among all detected classes of lipids we found that triradylglycerolipids ("triglycerides"), diradylglycerolipids and fatty acids were the most significantly affected and were elevated, and that most lipids exhibited average levels higher than in healthy controls. BioPAN pathway analysis of the lipidomic data predicted a more-active gene product that we confirmed to be significantly elevated in both our proteomic and transcriptomic data, this being phosphatidylserine synthase 1 (PTDSS1), plus 7 other gene products that were concordantly altered in expression in the transcriptomic data. We also found that ME/CFS LCLs exhibited a significant tendency towards more saturated lipid content. CONCLUSIONS: LCLs generated from circulating B cells from people with ME/CFS show accumulation of lipids, skewed lipid profiles and altered activity of related metabolic enzymes such as PTDSS1. These findings will inform future hypothesis-driven studies of primary lymphoid cell populations from people with ME/CFS to dissect specific immunometabolic mechanisms that may be involved in the syndrome, particularly relating to intersections between lipid abnormalities and potential effects on immune cell effector functions.

Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic↗

Qingfei Dayuan granules alleviate the inflammatory response in lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury mice by inhibiting the Nf-κB signaling pathway and regulating the complement pathway.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to explore the effects and mechanisms by which Qingfei Dayuan granules (QFDY) mitigate pulmonary inflammation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI). METHODS: We established an ALI mouse model by intraperitoneal injection of LPS. HE, Transmission electron microscopy, ELISA assay of inflammatory cytokines, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to assess the degree of lung injury and inflammation. Utilizing network analysis and proteomics analysis, the potential targets and pathways of QFDY were identified. Western blot, IHC, and qRT-PCR analysis were used to evaluate the potential mechanism of QFDY. Additionally, the chemical composition of QFDY were performed using UPLC-MS/MS. KEY FINDINGS: QFDY reduced the pathologic changes and inflammatory cell infiltration in lung tissue inflammation. Network and proteomic analysis showed that the mechanism of QFDY protection against ALI is closely related to the Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway and complement pathway. Animal experiments showed that Qingfei Dayuan granules (QFDY) significantly reduced the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and lung tissue F4/80-positive alveolar macrophages. Additionally, western blot and qRT-PCR analyses showed the inhibition of the NF-κB pathway. Notably, the levels of mannose-binding lectin (MBL2) were significantly increased, while complement C3a and complement C5a proteins were reduced in the QFDY group compared to the LPS group. CONCLUSIONS: QFDY suppressed the inflammation in LPS-induced ALI by inhibiting the NF-κB and complement pathway.

Animals↗

Proteome survey reveals modularity of the yeast cell machinery.

Protein complexes are key molecular entities that integrate multiple gene products to perform cellular functions. Here we report the first genome-wide screen for complexes in an organism, budding yeast, using affinity purification and mass spectrometry. Through systematic tagging of open reading frames (ORFs), the majority of complexes were purified several times, suggesting screen saturation. The richness of the data set enabled a de novo characterization of the composition and organization of the cellular machinery. The ensemble of cellular proteins partitions into 491 complexes, of which 257 are novel, that differentially combine with additional attachment proteins or protein modules to enable a diversification of potential functions. Support for this modular organization of the proteome comes from integration with available data on expression, localization, function, evolutionary conservation, protein structure and binary interactions. This study provides the largest collection of physically determined eukaryotic cellular machines so far and a platform for biological data integration and modelling.

Genome, Fungal↗

Population proteomics: an emerging discipline to study metapopulation ecology.

Proteomics research has developed until recently in a relative isolation from other fast-moving disciplines such as ecology and evolution. This is unfortunate since applying proteomics to these disciplines has apparently the potential to open new perspectives. The huge majority of species indeed exhibit over their entire geographic range a metapopulation structure, occupying habitats that are fragmented and heterogeneous in space and/or through time. Traditionally, population genetics is the main tool used to studying metatopulations, as it describes the spatial structure of populations and the level of gene flow between them. In this Viewpoint, we present the reasons why we think that proteomics, because of the level of integration it promotes, has the potential to resolve interesting issues specific to metapopulation biology and adaptive processes.

Animals↗

Integrative multi-omics analysis unravels the metabolic landscape and reveals serum biomarkers for early diagnosis of hyperuricemia.

BACKGROUND: Hyperuricemia (HUA) is a major risk factor for gout and multiple metabolic disorders. Although serum uric acid (UA) is the gold standard for HUA diagnosis, it fails to reflect early metabolic disturbances and shows limited predictive value for asymptomatic HUA. This study sought to elucidate the pathological mechanisms underlying HUA and identify novel diagnostic biomarkers beyond UA. METHODS: This study enrolled 195 patients with HUA and 98 healthy controls. Global metabolomics and proteomics profiling were performed to characterize molecular alterations underlying HUA. Based on the biological relevance of the shared dysregulated pathways, a pathway correlation network was constructed to elucidate the pathological mechanisms driving HUA initiation and progression. Furthermore, diagnostic biomarkers for HUA were identified using machine learning algorithms, and were validated with an external cohort. RESULTS: HUA patients exhibited distinct metabolic and proteomic profiles compared with healthy controls. Integrated multi-omics pathway analysis revealed that peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor signaling pathway, arachidonic acid metabolism, purine metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism and sphingolipid signaling pathway were significantly dysregulated in HUA. Among them, arachidonic acid metabolism was identified as a hub pathway involved in HUA progression. Furthermore, a metabolite panel consisting of cysteine-S-sulfate, glycerophosphocholine and 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvic acid was screened by machine learning and validated in an independent cohort, which showed slightly higher diagnostic performance for HUA than UA. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals the core metabolic and protein regulatory networks of HUA, and identifies a novel serum metabolite panel for the diagnosis of HUA. These findings provide new insights for improved clinical diagnosis and management.

Humans↗

Metabonomics: its potential as a tool in toxicology for safety assessment and data integration.

The functional genomic techniques of transcriptomics and proteomics promise unparalleled global information during the drug development process. However, if these technologies are used in isolation the large multivariate data sets produced are often difficult to interpret, and have the potential of missing key metabolic events (e.g. as a result of experimental noise in the system). To better understand the significance of these megavariate data the temporal changes in phenotype must be described. High resolution 1H NMR spectroscopy used in conjunction with pattern recognition provides one such tool for defining the dynamic phenotype of a cell, organ or organism in terms of a metabolic phenotype. In this review the benefits of this metabonomics/metabolomics approach to problems in toxicology will be discussed. One of the major benefits of this approach is its high throughput nature and cost effectiveness on a per sample basis. Using such a method the consortium for metabonomic toxicology (COMET) are currently investigating approximately 150 model liver and kidney toxins. This investigation will allow the generation of expert systems where liver and kidney toxicity can be predicted for model drug compounds, providing a new research tool in the field of drug metabolism. The review will also include how metabonomics may be used to investigate co-responses with transcripts and proteins involved in metabolism and stress responses, such as during drug induced fatty liver disease. By using data integration to combine metabolite analysis and gene expression profiling key perturbed metabolic pathways can be identified and used as a tool to investigate drug function.

Animals↗

Disentangling adiposity-related and non-adiposity-related genetic pathways for type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: To identify circulating proteins associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk through pathways not fully explained by body mass index (BMI), and to assess therapeutic actionability. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We applied GWAS-by-subtraction within a genomic structural equation model to European ancestry summary statistics for T2D (74,124 cases, 824,006 controls) and BMI (n = 681,275), partitioning T2D liability into BMI-related and BMI-subtracted components. We then performed proteome-wide Mendelian randomization (MR) using cis-protein quantitative trait loci from four plasma proteomics cohorts: ARIC, deCODE, Fenland, and the UK Biobank Pharma Proteomics Project. Prioritized proteins passed sensitivity analyses with alternative MR methods and were supported by colocalization evidence. Tissue-resolution regulatory support was assessed using cis-eQTL colocalization across GTEx and pancreatic islet, subcutaneous adipose, and whole-blood resources. Actionability was evaluated using the druggable genome and Open Targets. RESULTS: GWAS-by-subtraction attenuated the genetic correlation between BMI and BMI-subtracted T2D from 0.54 (SE 0.02) to 0.35 (SE 0.02). Proteome-wide MR prioritized 29 proteins for BMI-subtracted T2D. Thirteen showed eQTL colocalization in at least one tissue, implicating liver and intermediary metabolism (GCDH, NOTCH2), pancreatic islet biology (CTRB2, MANBA), adipose and Wnt signaling (RSPO3, GALNT3), and whole blood regulatory signals (PAM, SNUPN). Sixteen proteins were classified within druggable-genome Tiers 1-3, and five had existing Open Targets compounds. CONCLUSIONS: Integrating GWAS-by-subtraction, proteome-wide MR, and colocalization nominated 29 proteins associated with T2D liability not fully explained by BMI. These findings highlight genetically supported targets for follow-up studies of T2D therapies that complement weight-centered approaches.

Journal Article↗

Clinical proteomics: from biomarker discovery and cell signaling profiles to individualized personal therapy.

The discovery of new highly sensitive and specific biomarkers for early disease detection and risk stratification coupled with the development of personalized "designer" therapies holds the key to future treatment of complex diseases such as cancer. Mounting evidence confirms that the low molecular weight (LMW) range of the circulatory proteome contains a rich source of information that may be able to detect early stage disease and stratify risk. Current mass spectrometry (MS) platforms can generate a rapid and high resolution portrait of the LMW proteome. Emerging novel nanotechnology strategies to amplify and harvest these LMW biomarkers in vivo or ex vivo will greatly enhance our ability to discover and characterize molecules for early disease detection, subclassification and prognostic capability of current proteomics modalities. Ultimately genetic mutations giving rise to disease are played out and manifested on a protein level, involving derangements in protein function and information flow within diseased cells and the interconnected tissue microenvironment. Newly developed highly sensitive, specific and linearly dynamic reverse phase protein microarray systems are now able to generate circuit maps of information flow through phosphoprotein networks of pure populations of microdissected tumor cells obtained from patient biopsies. We postulate that this type of enabling technology will provide the foundation for the development of individualized combinatorial therapies of molecular inhibitors to target tumor-specific deranged pathways regulating key biologic processes including proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, immunity and metastasis. Hence future therapies will be tailored to the specific deranged molecular circuitry of an individual patient's disease. The successful transition of these groundbreaking proteomic technologies from research tools to integrated clinical diagnostic platforms will require ongoing continued development, and optimization with rigorous standardization development and quality control procedures.

Biomarkers↗

Quantification of protein half-lives in the budding yeast proteome.

A complete description of protein metabolism requires knowledge of the rates of protein production and destruction within cells. Using an epitope-tagged strain collection, we measured the half-life of >3,750 proteins in the yeast proteome after inhibition of translation. By integrating our data with previous measurements of protein and mRNA abundance and translation rate, we provide evidence that many proteins partition into one of two regimes for protein metabolism: one optimized for efficient production or a second optimized for regulatory efficiency. Incorporation of protein half-life information into a simple quantitative model for protein production improves our ability to predict steady-state protein abundance values. Analysis of a simple dynamic protein production model reveals a remarkable correlation between transcriptional regulation and protein half-life within some groups of coregulated genes, suggesting that cells coordinate these two processes to achieve uniform effects on protein abundances. Our experimental data and theoretical analysis underscore the importance of an integrative approach to the complex interplay between protein degradation, transcriptional regulation, and other determinants of protein metabolism.

Fungal Proteins↗

Mapping the covalent cysteine interactome of Ebselen reveals high-sensitivity target engagement and redox proteome remodeling.

Ebselen is a covalent organoselenium compound with broad pharmacological activity, yet its cellular cysteine targets and downstream proteomic consequences remain incompletely defined. Here, we integrated competitive gel-based activity-based protein profiling, reactivity-dependent tandem orthogonal proteolysis-activity-based protein profiling, and TMT-based quantitative proteomics to map Ebselen-induced cysteine engagement and proteome remodeling in living cancer cells. Ebselen exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity and markedly perturbed intracellular thiol-redox balance, as reflected by glutathione depletion and altered reactive oxygen species-associated fluorescence readouts. Competitive gel-based profiling confirmed concentration-dependent engagement of protein cysteine residues in live cells. Quantitative rdTOP-ABPP further identified hundreds of dose-responsive cysteine sites in HeLa and HepG2 cells and revealed a preference for cysteine microenvironments enriched with basic residues. Cross-cell-line comparison highlighted CDK5 Cys53, SMU1 Cys298, and RPSA2 Cys163 as conserved covalent nodes, among which CDK5 Cys53 showed high sensitivity to Ebselen treatment, a finding validated by competitive labeling and MS-based site assignment. Global TMT proteomics revealed extensive remodeling of redox-related and cell-survival-associated pathways, including compensatory upregulation of selenoproteins such as TXNRD1 and GPX family members. Together, these results define a chemical proteomic atlas of Ebselen-cysteine interactions and provide a framework for understanding and optimizing covalent organoselenium therapeutics.

Humans↗

Organellar proteomics: turning inventories into insights.

Subcellular organization is yielding to large-scale analysis. Researchers are now applying robust mass-spectrometry-based proteomics methods to obtain an inventory of biochemically isolated organelles that contain hundreds of proteins. High-resolution methods allow accurate protein identification, and novel algorithms can distinguish genuine from co-purifying components. Organellar proteomes have been analysed by bioinformatic methods and integrated with other large-scale data sets. The dynamics of organelles can also be studied by quantitative proteomics, which offers powerful methods that are complementary to fluorescence-based microscopy. Here, we review the emerging trends in this rapidly expanding area and discuss the role of organellar proteomics in the context of functional genomics and systems biology.

Animals↗

Clinical bioinformatics.

Clinical bioinformatics provides biological and medical information to allow for individualized healthcare. In this review, we describe the uses of clinical bioinformatics. After the analysis of the complete human genome sequences, clinical bioinformatics enables researchers to search online biological databases and use the biological information in their medical practices. The data obtained from using microarray is extremely complicated. In clinical bioinformatics, selecting appropriate software to analyze the microarray data for medical decision making is crucial. Proteomics strategy tools usually focus on similarity searches, structure prediction, and protein modeling. In clinical bioinformatics, the proteomic data only have meaning if they are integrated with clinical data. In pharmacogenomics, clinical bioinformatics includes elaborate studies of bioinformatics tools and various facets of proteomics related to drug target identification and clinical validation. Using clinical bioinformatics, researchers apply computational and high-throughput experimental techniques to cancer research and systems biology. Meanwhile, researchers of bioinformatics and medical information have incorporated clinical bioinformatics to improve health care, using biological and medical information. Using the high volume of biological information from clinical bioinformatics will contribute to changes in practice standards in the healthcare system. We believe that clinical bioinformatics provides benefits of improving healthcare, disease prevention and health maintenance as we move toward the era of personalized medicine.

Computational Biology↗

Bridging the airway microbiome and targeted therapy in bronchiectasis: multi-omics insights, endotypes and emerging therapies.

Bronchiectasis is a heterogeneous chronic airway disease primarily driven by persistent infection, microbial dysbiosis and dysregulated host immunity. While culture-based microbiology has historically informed clinical management, advances in high-throughput sequencing and multi-omic technologies have transformed our understanding of the airway ecosystem, revealing that disease activity is shaped not only by individual pathogens, but by complex and dynamic host-microbe interactions. Despite the breadth of descriptive microbiome data, translation into clinically actionable diagnostics or therapies has been limited. Importantly, cross-sectional correlations between microbiota and inflammation do not establish cause and effect, underscoring the need to embed host-microbiome profiling within both longitudinal and interventional therapeutic trials. In this review, we critically appraise current microbial and host multi-omics research in bronchiectasis, integrating microbiome studies with host inflammatory, proteomic and immunophenotyping data. We highlight themes emerging across cohorts, including low microbial diversity, pathogen dominance, loss of commensal networks and neutrophil-driven inflammation, and discuss how these features align with biological endotypes associated with exacerbations and treatment response. Drawing on lessons from host-directed therapeutic successes, we examine translational roadblocks limiting microbiome-guided care. We further review emerging microbiome-modulating strategies such as pathogen-specific biologics, bacteriophage therapy, live biotherapeutic products, biofilm-targeting adjuncts and precision antibiotic stewardship. Finally, we propose a roadmap toward microbiome-informed precision medicine through harmonised methodologies, integration of host and microbial biomarkers into clinical trials, and embedding multi-omics pipelines within large international registries. Collectively, these advances have the potential to shift bronchiectasis research and clinical management towards rationally designed, precision medicine-driven therapeutic strategies.

Humans↗

Proteomic analysis reveals early pathological defects in corticospinal motor neurons of a spastin model of hereditary spastic paraplegia, which are improved by NU-9 treatment.

Upper motor neuron (UMN) degeneration is a characteristic feature of hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), a genetically heterogeneous heritable neurodegenerative disorder resulting from mutations in over ninety genes. The mutations in the SPAST gene, which encodes the microtubule-severing protein spastin, are responsible for about 40% of all HSP cases. To date, the cellular and molecular mechanisms linking mutant spastin protein to UMN vulnerability in HSP patients remain unknown and there are no disease modifying therapies. To address this knowledge gap, we isolated pure populations of corticospinal motor neurons (CSMN; a.k.a. UMN in mice) from SPASTC448Y-UeGFP reporter mice at two pre-symptomatic time points and performed bottom-up proteomic analyses to reveal changes in their proteome that informs the underlying causes of their initial vulnerability. We find dynamic changes in their proteome and that limitations with cytoarchitectural integrity and stability of key organelles contribute to their neuronal vulnerability. Since the compound NU-9 was shown to improve similar cellular problems in CSMN that are diseased due to misfolded SOD1 toxicity and TDP-43 pathology, we further investigated its effect on the well-established pathological features of HSP that are recapitulated in the SPASTC448Y mice. We find that NU-9 treatment (100 mg/kg, for 100 days) significantly prevented degeneration of corticospinal axons, restored the integrity of mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum, and reduced the presence of electron-dense accumulations in the CSMN of SPASTC448Y mice.

Animals↗