Targeting the NEDP1 enzyme to ameliorate ALS phenotypes through stress granule disassembly

Sci Adv. 2023 Mar 31;9(13):eabq7585. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.abq7585. Epub 2023 Mar 31.

Abstract

The elimination of aberrant inclusions is regarded as a therapeutic approach in neurodegeneration. In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), mutations in proteins found within cytoplasmic condensates called stress granules (SGs) are linked to the formation of pathological SGs, aberrant protein inclusions, and neuronal toxicity. We found that inhibition of NEDP1, the enzyme that processes/deconjugates the ubiquitin-like molecule NEDD8, promotes the disassembly of physiological and pathological SGs. Reduction in poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase1 activity through hyper-NEDDylation is a key mechanism for the observed phenotype. These effects are related to improved cell survival in human cells, and in C. elegans, nedp1 deletion ameliorates ALS phenotypes related to animal motility. Our studies reveal NEDP1 as potential therapeutic target for ALS, correlated to the disassembly of pathological SGs.

MeSH terms

  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis* / drug therapy
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis* / genetics
  • Animals
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / genetics
  • Humans
  • Phenotype
  • Stress Granules
  • Ubiquitin

Substances

  • Ubiquitin