Cited by 8Barrier Structure and Function StudiesLysosomal Storage Disorders ResearchNeuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration Mechanisms

Unraveling the link between neuropathy target esterase NTE/SWS, lysosomal storage diseases, inflammation, abnormal fatty acid metabolism, and leaky brain barrier

Open access
Tsap, Mariana I, Yatsenko, Andriy S, Hegermann, Jan, Beckmann, Bibiana, Tsikas, Dimitrios, Shcherbata, Halyna R·2024·eLife

Published version of a preprint

Abstract

Mutations in Drosophila Swiss cheese (SWS) gene or its vertebrate orthologue neuropathy target esterase (NTE) lead to progressive neuronal degeneration in flies and humans. Despite its enzymatic function as a phospholipase is well established, the molecular mechanism responsible for maintaining nervous system integrity remains unclear. In this study, we found that NTE/SWS is present in surface glia that forms the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and that NTE/SWS is important to maintain its structure and permeability. Importantly, BBB glia-specific expression of Drosophila NTE/SWS or human NTE in the sws mutant background fully rescues surface glial organization and partially restores BBB integrity, suggesting a conserved function of NTE/SWS. Interestingly, sws mutant glia showed abnormal organization of plasma membrane domains and tight junction rafts accompanied by the accumulation of lipid droplets, lysosomes, and multilamellar bodies. Since the observed cellular phenotypes closely resemble the characteristics described in a group of metabolic disorders known as lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs), our data established a novel connection between NTE/SWS and these conditions. We found that mutants with defective BBB exhibit elevated levels of fatty acids, which are precursors of eicosanoids and are involved in the inflammatory response. Also, as a consequence of a permeable BBB, several innate immunity factors are upregulated in an age-dependent manner, while BBB glia-specific expression of NTE/SWS normalizes inflammatory response. Treatment with anti-inflammatory agents prevents the abnormal architecture of the BBB, suggesting that inflammation contributes to the maintenance of a healthy brain barrier. Considering the link between a malfunctioning BBB and various neurodegenerative diseases, gaining a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms causing inflammation due to a defective BBB could help to promote the use of anti-inflammatory therapies for age-related neurodegeneration.

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Authors
Tsap, M. I., Yatsenko, A. S., Hegermann, J., Beckmann, B., Tsikas, D., & Shcherbata, H. R.
Affiliations
  • Medizinische Hochschule Hannover (DE)
  • Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory (US)
Corresponding author
Shcherbata, Halyna R
Venue
eLife
Published
2024-04-25
Volume
13
ISSN
2050-084X (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W4395454199
Cited by
8
References
161
Citations by year
2026: 3 · 2025: 5
FWCI
1.24
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • eLife (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) (acceptedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Funders
  • Volkswagen Foundation (90218, 97750)
  • Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (521749003, INST 192/574-1 FUGG)
  • European Molecular Biology Organization (Young Investigator Programme)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Neurology › Barrier Structure and Function Studies
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Lysosomal Storage Disorders Research
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Neurology › Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration Mechanisms
Keywords
neuropathy target esterase, blood-brain barrier, lysosomal storage disease, fatty acid metabolism, eicosanoids, neuroinflammation, innate immunity, lipid droplets, multilamellar bodies, plasma membrane domains, age-related neurodegeneration, anti-inflammatory therapy, Drosophila
MeSH terms
Animals, Blood-Brain Barrier, Carboxylic Ester Hydrolases, Drosophila melanogaster, Fatty Acids, Humans, Inflammation, Neuroglia, Lysosomal Storage Diseases, Drosophila Proteins

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