Many lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) cause childhood-onset neurodegeneration leading to profound psychomotor retardation and ophthalmological abnormalities. In general, LSDs are notoriously difficult to treat because although these diseases are monogenic in origin, they typically affect a host of cellular signaling cascades and cell biological processes. The pleiotropy associated with LSDs prevents the development of suitable therapeutic strategies that simultaneously target the multiple disease outcomes. Moreover, it is becoming increasingly clear that LSDs are also characterized by neurodevelopmental abnormalities such as diminished axonal development in the cortex and corpus callosum. Unfortunately, the mechanistic basis for these neuronal defects associated with LSDs remain poorly understood. The overarching goal of this proposal is to address these conceptual gaps using a Drosophila model of an LSD called mucolipidosis type IV (MLIV) that arises from loss of function mutations in a lysosomal Ca2+ channel called TRPML1. We previously established that the fly TRPML1 homolog, TRPML, is a late-endosomal/amphisomal Ca2+ channel that drives the fusion of these vesicles with lysosomes. Here, we will leverage the genetic tractability of the Drosophila to address the critical mechanistic questions regarding the neuropathology of LSDs.
In Aim 1, we will test the hypothesis that loss of TRPML results in alterations in the organization of cholesterol-enriched ordered membrane microdomains called lipid rafts. Because lipid rafts are critical for the functioning of a plethora of cellular signalig processes, alterations in the stability of these domains could provide a mechanistic explanation for the pleiotropy associated with lysosomal dysfunction.
In Aim 2, we will test the hypothesis that TRPML promotes synaptic growth by activating developmental c-Jun Kinase (JNK) signaling in neurons. Interestingly, diminished JNK activation results in hypoplasia and agenesis of axonal tracts of the cortex and corpus callosum. Therefore, decreased JNK activation following lysosomal dysfunction signaling may be the molecular explanation for why LSDs are characterized by axonal growth defects. If successful, these studies should provide us with mechanistic insight into some of the common neurological outcomes associated with lysosomal dysfunction and also aid in the establishment of concepts for therapeutically targeting the neurological sequelae of LSDs.

Public Health Relevance

Many lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) cause childhood-onset neurodegeneration resulting in profound psychomotor retardation. However, the neurobiological basis of these diseases remains incompletely understood. As a consequence, no therapies exist for targeting the CNS dysfunction observed in LSDs. The goal of this project is to investigate novel aspects of LSD associated neuropathology in a Drosophila model of LSD called mucolipidosis type IV. At the conclusion of this study, we hope to have gained a more detailed understanding regarding the mechanisms underlying disease-associated neuronal dysfunction, and developed a conceptual framework for devising therapies.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01NS081301-04
Application #
9222813
Study Section
Synapses, Cytoskeleton and Trafficking Study Section (SYN)
Program Officer
Morris, Jill A
Project Start
2014-02-01
Project End
2019-01-31
Budget Start
2017-02-01
Budget End
2018-01-31
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2017
Total Cost
$299,250
Indirect Cost
$102,375
Name
University of Texas Health Science Center Houston
Department
Biology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
800771594
City
Houston
State
TX
Country
United States
Zip Code
77225
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Wong, Ching-On; Gregory, Steven; Hu, Hongxiang et al. (2017) Lysosomal Degradation Is Required for Sustained Phagocytosis of Bacteria by Macrophages. Cell Host Microbe 21:719-730.e6
Venkatachalam, Kartik; Wong, Ching-On; Zhu, Michael X (2015) The role of TRPMLs in endolysosomal trafficking and function. Cell Calcium 58:48-56
Wong, Ching-On; Palmieri, Michela; Li, Jiaxing et al. (2015) Diminished MTORC1-Dependent JNK Activation Underlies the Neurodevelopmental Defects Associated with Lysosomal Dysfunction. Cell Rep 12:2009-20
Zhou, Yong; Wong, Ching-On; Cho, Kwang-jin et al. (2015) SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION. Membrane potential modulates plasma membrane phospholipid dynamics and K-Ras signaling. Science 349:873-6
Wong, Ching-On; Chen, Kuchuan; Lin, Yong Qi et al. (2014) A TRPV channel in Drosophila motor neurons regulates presynaptic resting Ca2+ levels, synapse growth, and synaptic transmission. Neuron 84:764-77