51
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Gento-Caro Á, Vilches-Herrando E, García-Morales V, Portillo F, Rodríguez-Bey G, González-Forero D, Moreno-López B. Interfering with lysophosphatidic acid receptor edg2/lpa 1 signalling slows down disease progression in SOD1-G93A transgenic mice. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2021; 47:1004-1018. [PMID: 33508894 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Alterations in excitability represent an early hallmark in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Therefore, deciphering the factors that impact motor neuron (MN) excitability offers an opportunity to uncover further aetiopathogenic mechanisms, neuroprotective agents, therapeutic targets, and/or biomarkers in ALS. Here, we hypothesised that the lipokine lysophosphatidic acid (lpa) regulates MN excitability via the G-protein-coupled receptor lpa1 . Then, modulating lpa1 -mediated signalling might affect disease progression in the ALS SOD1-G93A mouse model. METHODS The influence of lpa-lpa1 signalling on the electrical properties, Ca2+ dynamic and survival of MNs was tested in vitro. Expression of lpa1 in cultured MNs and in the spinal cord of SOD1-G93A mice was analysed. ALS mice were chronically treated with a small-interfering RNA against lpa1 (siRNAlpa1 ) or with the lpa1 inhibitor AM095. Motor skills, MN loss, and lifespan were evaluated. RESULTS AM095 reduced MN excitability. Conversely, exogenous lpa increased MN excitability by modulating task1 'leak' potassium channels downstream of lpa1 . Lpa-lpa1 signalling evoked an excitotoxic response in MNs via voltage-sensitive calcium channels. Cultured SOD1-G93A MNs displayed lpa1 upregulation and heightened vulnerability to lpa. In transgenic mice, lpa1 was upregulated mostly in spinal cord MNs before cell loss. Chronic administration of either siRNAlpa1 or AM095 reduced lpa1 expression at least in MNs, delayed MN death, improved motor skills, and prolonged life expectancy of ALS mice. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that stressed lpa-lpa1 signalling contributes to MN degeneration in SOD1-G93A mice. Consequently, disrupting lpa1 slows down disease progression. This highlights LPA1 signalling as a potential target and/or biomarker in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángela Gento-Caro
- Grupo de Neurodegeneración y Neurorreparación (GRUNEDERE), Área de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz (INiBICA), Cádiz, Spain
| | - Esther Vilches-Herrando
- Grupo de Neurodegeneración y Neurorreparación (GRUNEDERE), Área de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz (INiBICA), Cádiz, Spain
| | - Victoria García-Morales
- Grupo de Neurodegeneración y Neurorreparación (GRUNEDERE), Área de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz (INiBICA), Cádiz, Spain
| | - Federico Portillo
- Grupo de Neurodegeneración y Neurorreparación (GRUNEDERE), Área de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz (INiBICA), Cádiz, Spain
| | - Guillermo Rodríguez-Bey
- Grupo de Neurodegeneración y Neurorreparación (GRUNEDERE), Área de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain.,Department of Human Genetics. Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - David González-Forero
- Grupo de Neurodegeneración y Neurorreparación (GRUNEDERE), Área de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz (INiBICA), Cádiz, Spain
| | - Bernardo Moreno-López
- Grupo de Neurodegeneración y Neurorreparación (GRUNEDERE), Área de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz (INiBICA), Cádiz, Spain
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52
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Konsolaki E, Koropouli E, Tsape E, Pothakos K, Zagoraiou L. Genetic Inactivation of Cholinergic C Bouton Output Improves Motor Performance but not Survival in a Mouse Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Neuroscience 2020; 450:71-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.07.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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53
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Filadi R, Greotti E. The yin and yang of mitochondrial Ca 2+ signaling in cell physiology and pathology. Cell Calcium 2020; 93:102321. [PMID: 33310302 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2020.102321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria are autonomous and dynamic cellular organelles orchestrating a diverse range of cellular activities. Numerous cell-signaling pathways target these organelles and Ca2+ is one of the most significant. Mitochondria are able to rapidly and transiently take up Ca2+, thanks to the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter complex, as well as to extrude it through the Na+/Ca2+ and H+/Ca2+ exchangers. The transient accumulation of Ca2+ in the mitochondrial matrix impacts on mitochondrial functions and cell pathophysiology. Here we summarize the role of mitochondrial Ca2+ signaling in both physiological (yang) and pathological (yin) processes and the methods that can be used to investigate mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis. As an example of the pivotal role of mitochondria in pathology, we described the state of the art of mitochondrial Ca2+ alterations in different pathological conditions, with a special focus on Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Filadi
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council (CNR), 35131 Padua, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, 35131, Padua, Italy.
| | - Elisa Greotti
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council (CNR), 35131 Padua, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, 35131, Padua, Italy.
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54
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Xu Z, Jiang J, Xu S, Xie Z, He P, Jiang S, Xu R. Nerve Growth Factor is a Potential Treated Target in Tg(SOD1*G93A)1Gur Mice. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2020; 42:1035-1046. [PMID: 33236288 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-020-00993-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a protective factor of neural cells; the possible relationship between the NGF and the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) hasn't been completely known. In this study, we observed and analyzed the expression and distribution of NGF, as well as the possible relationship between the NGF expression and distribution and the neural cell death in both SOD1 wild-type (WT) and Tg(SOD1*G93A)1Gur (TG) mice applying the fluorescence immunohistochemistry method. The results showed that the expression and distribution of NGF in the anterior horn (AH), the lateral horn (LH), and the surrounding central canal (CC) significantly increased at the supper early stage of ALS (Pre-onset stage) and the early stage (Onset stage), but the NGF expression and distribution in the AH, the LH, and the surrounding CC significantly reduced at the progression stage. The astrocyte, neuron, and oligodendrocyte produced the NGF and the neural precursor cells (NPCs) produced the NGF. The neural cell death gradually increased accompanying with the reduction of NGF expression and distribution. Our data suggested that the NGF was a protective factor of neural cells, because the neural cells in the AH, the LH, and the surrounding CC produced more NGF at the supper early and early stage of ALS; moreover, the NPCs produced the NGF. It implied that the NGF exerted the protective effect of neural cells, prevented from the neural cell death and aroused the potential of self-repair in the development of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Xu
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China.,Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jianxiang Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Shengyuan Xu
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Zunchun Xie
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China.,Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Pei He
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Shishi Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Renshi Xu
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China.
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55
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Kelberman M, Keilholz S, Weinshenker D. What's That (Blue) Spot on my MRI? Multimodal Neuroimaging of the Locus Coeruleus in Neurodegenerative Disease. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:583421. [PMID: 33122996 PMCID: PMC7573566 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.583421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The locus coeruleus (LC) has long been underappreciated for its role in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and other neurodegenerative disorders. While AD and PD are distinct in clinical presentation, both are characterized by prodromal protein aggregation in the LC, late-stage degeneration of the LC, and comorbid conditions indicative of LC dysfunction. Many of these early studies were limited to post-mortem histological techniques due to the LC’s small size and location deep in the brainstem. Thus, there is a growing interest in utilizing in vivo imaging of the LC as a predictor of preclinical neurodegenerative processes and biomarker of disease progression. Simultaneously, neuroimaging in animal models of neurodegenerative disease holds promise for identifying early alterations to LC circuits, but has thus far been underutilized. While still in its infancy, a handful of studies have reported effects of single gene mutations and pathology on LC function in disease using various neuroimaging techniques. Furthermore, combining imaging and optogenetics or chemogenetics allows for interrogation of network connectivity in response to changes in LC activity. The purpose of this article is twofold: (1) to review what magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) have revealed about LC dysfunction in neurodegenerative disease and its potential as a biomarker in humans, and (2) to explore how animal models can be used to test hypotheses derived from clinical data and establish a mechanistic framework to inform LC-focused therapeutic interventions to alleviate symptoms and impede disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Kelberman
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Shella Keilholz
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - David Weinshenker
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
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56
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Filadi R, Pizzo P. Mitochondrial calcium handling and neurodegeneration: when a good signal goes wrong. CURRENT OPINION IN PHYSIOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cophys.2020.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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57
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Differential Loss of Spinal Interneurons in a Mouse Model of ALS. Neuroscience 2020; 450:81-95. [PMID: 32858144 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) leads to a loss of specific motor neuron populations in the spinal cord and cortex. Emerging evidence suggests that interneurons may also be affected, but a detailed characterization of interneuron loss and its potential impacts on motor neuron loss and disease progression is lacking. To examine this issue, the fate of V1 inhibitory neurons during ALS was assessed in the ventral spinal cord using the SODG93A mouse model. The V1 population makes up ∼30% of all ventral inhibitory neurons, ∼50% of direct inhibitory synaptic contacts onto motor neuron cell bodies, and is thought to play a key role in modulating motor output, in part through recurrent and reciprocal inhibitory circuits. We find that approximately half of V1 inhibitory neurons are lost in SODG93A mice at late disease stages, but that this loss is delayed relative to the loss of motor neurons and V2a excitatory neurons. We further identify V1 subpopulations based on transcription factor expression that are differentially susceptible to degeneration in SODG93A mice. At an early disease stage, we show that V1 synaptic contacts with motor neuron cell bodies increase, suggesting an upregulation of inhibition before V1 neurons are lost in substantial numbers. These data support a model in which progressive changes in V1 synaptic contacts early in disease, and in select V1 subpopulations at later stages, represent a compensatory upregulation and then deleterious breakdown of specific interneuron circuits within the spinal cord.
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58
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Dong W, Ma Y, Guan F, Zhang X, Chen W, Zhang L, Zhang L. Ablation of C9orf72 together with excitotoxicity induces ALS in rats. FEBS J 2020; 288:1712-1723. [PMID: 32745320 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Pathogenesis of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) linked to expansion of the chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9orf72) hexanucleotide repeat that impairs C9orf72 expression. Loss of function of the C9orf72 protein is one of the three main proposed C9orf72-related ALS mechanisms. However, C9orf72 loss of function, by itself, is insufficient to cause severe phenotypes in mice. Excitotoxicity is another major disease mechanism of ALS. We speculate that loss of C9orf72 protein might cause ALS in combination with excitotoxicity. To date, the effect of C9orf72 deficiency in the background of SD rat has not been examined. To test our hypothesis, we generated a line of rat with a deletion of part of the C9orf72 gene ablating the encoded protein. These animals did not develop any ALS phenotypes; however, when they were treated with kainic acid, an excitotoxicity inducer, the rats developed motor deficits and showed loss of motor neurons (MNs), Golgi complex fragmentation, and abnormal vesicle trafficking. RNA sequencing revealed profound changes in the gene profiles that were primarily associated with neural activity. Our results demonstrated that C9orf72 ablation alone was not enough to cause ALS pathogenesis in rat; but the ablation sensitized MNs to other risk factors that synergistically caused the ALS. These results support a loss of function of C9orf72 mechanism of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Dong
- Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, National Health Commission of China (NHC), Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Peking Union Medicine College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanwu Ma
- Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Diseases, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Peking Union Medicine College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Feifei Guan
- Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, National Health Commission of China (NHC), Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Peking Union Medicine College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Diseases, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Peking Union Medicine College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, National Health Commission of China (NHC), Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Peking Union Medicine College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Diseases, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Peking Union Medicine College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lianfeng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, National Health Commission of China (NHC), Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Peking Union Medicine College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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59
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Boussicault L, Laffaire J, Schmitt P, Rinaudo P, Callizot N, Nabirotchkin S, Hajj R, Cohen D. Combination of acamprosate and baclofen (PXT864) as a potential new therapy for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neurosci Res 2020; 98:2435-2450. [PMID: 32815196 PMCID: PMC7693228 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
There is currently no therapy impacting the course of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The only approved treatments are riluzole and edaravone, but their efficacy is modest and short‐lasting, highlighting the need for innovative therapies. We previously demonstrated the ability of PXT864, a combination of low doses of acamprosate and baclofen, to synergistically restore cellular and behavioral activity in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease models. The overlapping genetic, molecular, and cellular characteristics of these neurodegenerative diseases supported investigating the effectiveness of PXT864 in ALS. As neuromuscular junction (NMJ) alterations is a key feature of ALS, the effects of PXT864 in primary neuron‐muscle cocultures injured by glutamate were studied. PXT864 significantly and synergistically preserved NMJ and motoneuron integrity following glutamate excitotoxicity. PXT864 added to riluzole significantly improved such protection. PXT864 activity was then assessed in primary cultures of motoneurons derived from SOD1G93A rat embryos. These motoneurons presented severe maturation defects that were significantly improved by PXT864. In this model, glutamate application induced an accumulation of TDP‐43 protein in the cytoplasm, a hallmark that was completely prevented by PXT864. The anti‐TDP‐43 aggregation effect was also confirmed in a cell line expressing TDP‐43 fused to GFP. These results demonstrate the value of PXT864 as a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of ALS.
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60
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Ng Kee Kwong KC, Mehta AR, Nedergaard M, Chandran S. Defining novel functions for cerebrospinal fluid in ALS pathophysiology. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2020; 8:140. [PMID: 32819425 PMCID: PMC7439665 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-020-01018-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the considerable progress made towards understanding ALS pathophysiology, several key features of ALS remain unexplained, from its aetiology to its epidemiological aspects. The glymphatic system, which has recently been recognised as a major clearance pathway for the brain, has received considerable attention in several neurological conditions, particularly Alzheimer's disease. Its significance in ALS has, however, been little addressed. This perspective article therefore aims to assess the possibility of CSF contribution in ALS by considering various lines of evidence, including the abnormal composition of ALS-CSF, its toxicity and the evidence for impaired CSF dynamics in ALS patients. We also describe a potential role for CSF circulation in determining disease spread as well as the importance of CSF dynamics in ALS neurotherapeutics. We propose that a CSF model could potentially offer additional avenues to explore currently unexplained features of ALS, ultimately leading to new treatment options for people with ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koy Chong Ng Kee Kwong
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor's Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Arpan R Mehta
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor's Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Maiken Nedergaard
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Siddharthan Chandran
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor's Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK.
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
- Centre for Brain Development and Repair, inStem, Bangalore, India.
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61
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Kukharsky MS, Skvortsova VI, Bachurin SO, Buchman VL. In a search for efficient treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Old drugs for new approaches. Med Res Rev 2020; 41:2804-2822. [DOI: 10.1002/med.21725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michail S. Kukharsky
- Faculty of Medical Biology Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University Moscow Russian Federation
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds Russian Academy of Sciences Moscow Region Russian Federation
| | - Veronika I. Skvortsova
- Faculty of Medical Biology Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University Moscow Russian Federation
| | - Sergey O. Bachurin
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds Russian Academy of Sciences Moscow Region Russian Federation
| | - Vladimir L. Buchman
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds Russian Academy of Sciences Moscow Region Russian Federation
- School of Biosciences Cardiff University Cardiff United Kingdom
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62
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Clark CM, Clark RM, Hoyle JA, Dickson TC. Pathogenic or protective? Neuropeptide Y in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neurochem 2020; 156:273-289. [PMID: 32654149 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is an endogenous peptide of the central and enteric nervous systems which has gained significant interest as a potential neuroprotective agent for treatment of neurodegenerative disease. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an aggressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor deficits and motor neuron loss. In ALS, recent evidence from ALS patients and animal models has indicated that NPY may have a role in the disease pathogenesis. Increased NPY levels were found to correlate with disease progression in ALS patients. Similarly, NPY expression is increased in the motor cortex of ALS mice by end stages of the disease. Although the functional consequence of increased NPY levels in ALS is currently unknown, NPY has been shown to exert a diverse range of neuroprotective roles in other neurodegenerative diseases; through modulation of potassium channel activity, increased production of neurotrophins, inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress and autophagy, reduction of excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and hyperexcitability. Several of these mechanisms and signalling pathways are heavily implicated in the pathogenesis of ALS. Therefore, in this review, we discuss possible effects of NPY and NPY-receptor signalling in the ALS disease context, as determining NPY's contribution to, or impact on, ALS disease mechanisms will be essential for future studies investigating the NPY system as a therapeutic strategy in this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney M Clark
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Rosemary M Clark
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Joshua A Hoyle
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Tracey C Dickson
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
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63
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Cellot G, Vranic S, Shin Y, Worsley R, Rodrigues AF, Bussy C, Casiraghi C, Kostarelos K, McDearmid JR. Graphene oxide nanosheets modulate spinal glutamatergic transmission and modify locomotor behaviour in an in vivo zebrafish model. NANOSCALE HORIZONS 2020; 5:1250-1263. [PMID: 32558850 DOI: 10.1039/c9nh00777f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Graphene oxide (GO), an oxidised form of graphene, is widely used for biomedical applications, due to its dispersibility in water and simple surface chemistry tunability. In particular, small (less than 500 nm in lateral dimension) and thin (1-3 carbon monolayers) graphene oxide nanosheets (s-GO) have been shown to selectively inhibit glutamatergic transmission in neuronal cultures in vitro and in brain explants obtained from animals injected with the nanomaterial. This raises the exciting prospect that s-GO can be developed as a platform for novel nervous system therapeutics. It has not yet been investigated whether the interference of the nanomaterial with neurotransmission may have a downstream outcome in modulation of behaviour depending specifically on the activation of those synapses. To address this problem we use early stage zebrafish as an in vivo model to study the impact of s-GO on nervous system function. Microinjection of s-GO into the embryonic zebrafish spinal cord selectively reduces the excitatory synaptic transmission of the spinal network, monitored in vivo through patch clamp recordings, without affecting spinal cell survival. This effect is accompanied by a perturbation in the swimming activity of larvae, which is the locomotor behaviour generated by the neuronal network of the spinal cord. Such results indicate that the impact of s-GO on glutamate based neuronal transmission is preserved in vivo and can induce changes in animal behaviour. These findings pave the way for use of s-GO as a modulator of nervous system function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giada Cellot
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK
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64
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Jara JH, Sheets PL, Nigro MJ, Perić M, Brooks C, Heller DB, Martina M, Andjus PR, Ozdinler PH. The Electrophysiological Determinants of Corticospinal Motor Neuron Vulnerability in ALS. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:73. [PMID: 32508590 PMCID: PMC7248374 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.00073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The brain is complex and heterogeneous. Even though numerous independent studies indicate cortical hyperexcitability as a potential contributor to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) pathology, the mechanisms that are responsible for upper motor neuron (UMN) vulnerability remain elusive. To reveal the electrophysiological determinants of corticospinal motor neuron (CSMN, a.k.a UMN in mice) vulnerability, we investigated the motor cortex of hSOD1G93A mice at P30 (postnatal day 30), a presymptomatic time point. Glutamate uncaging by laser scanning photostimulation (LSPS) revealed altered dynamics especially within the inhibitory circuitry and more specifically in L2/3 of the motor cortex, whereas the excitatory microcircuits were unchanged. Observed microcircuitry changes were specific to CSMN in the motor column. Electrophysiological evaluation of the intrinsic properties in response to the microcircuit changes, as well as the exon microarray expression profiles of CSMN isolated from hSOD1G93A and healthy mice at P30, revealed the presence of a very dynamic set of events, ultimately directed to establish, maintain and retain the balance at this early stage. Also, the expression profile of key voltage-gated potassium and sodium channel subunits as well as of the inhibitory GABA receptor subunits and modulatory proteins began to suggest the challenges CSMN face at this early age. Since neurodegeneration is initiated when neurons can no longer maintain balance, the complex cellular events that occur at this critical time point help reveal how CSMN try to cope with the challenges of disease manifestation. This information is critically important for the proper modulation of UMNs and for developing effective treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier H Jara
- Davee Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurological Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Patrick L Sheets
- Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Maximiliano José Nigro
- Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Mina Perić
- Institute for Physiology and Biochemistry "Ivan Djaja", Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Carolyn Brooks
- Davee Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurological Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Daniel B Heller
- Davee Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurological Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Marco Martina
- Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Pavle R Andjus
- Institute for Physiology and Biochemistry "Ivan Djaja", Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - P Hande Ozdinler
- Davee Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurological Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
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Pearce KM, Bell M, Linthicum WH, Wen Q, Srinivasan J, Rangamani P, Scarlata S. Gαq-mediated calcium dynamics and membrane tension modulate neurite plasticity. Mol Biol Cell 2020; 31:683-694. [PMID: 31825720 PMCID: PMC7202066 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e19-09-0536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The formation and disruption of synaptic connections during development are a fundamental step in neural circuit formation. Subneuronal structures such as neurites are known to be sensitive to the level of spontaneous neuronal activity, but the specifics of how neurotransmitter-induced calcium activity regulates neurite homeostasis are not yet fully understood. In response to stimulation by neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine, calcium responses in cells are mediated by the Gαq/phospholipase Cβ (PLCβ)/phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2) signaling pathway. Here, we show that prolonged Gαq stimulation results in the retraction of neurites in PC12 cells and the rupture of neuronal synapses by modulating membrane tension. To understand the underlying cause, we dissected the behavior of individual components of the Gαq/PLCβ/PI(4,5)P2 pathway during retraction and correlated these with the retraction of the membrane and cytoskeletal elements impacted by calcium signaling. We developed a mathematical model that combines biochemical signaling with membrane tension and cytoskeletal mechanics to show how signaling events are coupled to retraction velocity, membrane tension, and actin dynamics. The coupling between calcium and neurite retraction is shown to be operative in the Caenorhabditis elegans nervous system. This study uncovers a novel mechanochemical connection between Gαq/PLCβ /PI(4,5)P2 that couples calcium responses with neural plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Miriam Bell
- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | | | - Qi Wen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, and
| | - Jagan Srinivasan
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA 01609
| | - Padmini Rangamani
- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
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66
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Long JY, Chen JM, Liao YJ, Zhou YJ, Liang BY, Zhou Y. Naringin provides neuroprotection in CCL2-induced cognition impairment by attenuating neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampus. Behav Brain Funct 2020; 16:4. [PMID: 32103758 PMCID: PMC7045422 DOI: 10.1186/s12993-020-00166-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chemokine C–C motif ligand 2 (CCL2) is one of the most widely recognised proinflammatory chemokines in cognitive disorders. Currently, CCL2-targeting drugs are extremely limited. Thus, this study aimed to explore the neuroprotection afforded by naringin in CCL2-induced cognitive impairment in rats. Methods Before the CCL2 intra-hippocampal injection, rats were treated with naringin for 3 consecutive days via intraperitoneal injection. Two days post-surgery, the Morris water maze (MWM) and novel object recognition (NORT) tests were performed to detect spatial learning and memory and object cognition, respectively. Nissl staining and dUTP nick-end labelling (TUNEL) staining were performed to assess histopathological changes in the hippocampus. Commercial kits were used to measure the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to examine the relative mRNA expression of interleukin 1β, (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), glutamate/aspartate transporter (GLAST), glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1), phosphate-activated glutaminase (PAG), cysteine aspartic acid-specific protease 8 (caspase-8), cysteine aspartic acid-specific protease 3 (caspase-3), cell lymphoma/leukaemia-2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax). Results In the MWM, the average escape latency and average swimming distance were significantly reduced and the crossing times were increased in the naringin-treated groups, compared with the CCL2 group. The NORT results revealed that, compared with the CCL2 rats, the discrimination index in the naringin-treated rats increased significantly. Nissl and TUNEL staining revealed that naringin protected the structure and survival of the neurons in the CA1 zone of the hippocampus. In the naringin-treated groups, the SOD and GSH-Px activities were increased, whereas the MDA levels were decreased. Furthermore, in the naringin-treated groups, the relative mRNA expression of IL-1β and IL-6 was significantly decreased; GLAST and GLT-1 mRNA expression levels were increased, whereas PAG was decreased. In the naringin-treated groups, the relative mRNA expression levels of caspase-8, caspase-3, and Bax were decreased, whereas that of Bcl-2 was increased. Conclusion Collectively, these data indicated that naringin alleviated the CCL2-induced cognitive impairment. The underlying mechanisms could be associated with the inhibition of neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and the regulation of glutamate metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang-Yi Long
- Department of Pharmacology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 53002, Guangxi, China
| | - Jian-Min Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 53002, Guangxi, China
| | - Yuan-Jun Liao
- Department of Pharmacology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 53002, Guangxi, China
| | - Yi-Jun Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 53002, Guangxi, China
| | - Bing-Yu Liang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of AIDS Prevention and Treatment, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guang, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 53002, Guangxi, China.
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ALSUntangled 53: Carnitine supplements. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2020; 21:477-483. [PMID: 32046513 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2020.1726565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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68
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Batra G, Jain M, Singh RS, Sharma AR, Singh A, Prakash A, Medhi B. Novel therapeutic targets for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Indian J Pharmacol 2020; 51:418-425. [PMID: 32029967 PMCID: PMC6984016 DOI: 10.4103/ijp.ijp_823_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 01/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an untreatable and fatal neurodegenerative disease that is identified by the loss of motor neurons in the spinal cord, brain stem, and motor cortex which theatrically reduces life expectancy. Although the primary cause of ALS remains unclear, its heterogeneity put forward for consideration of association with various factors, including endogenous and/or environmental ones, which may be involved in progressive motor neuron stress that causes activation of different cell death pathways. It is hypothesized that this disease is triggered by factors related to genetic, environmental, and age-dependent risk. In spite of large neurobiological, molecular and genetic research, at the beginning of the 21st century, ALS still remains one of the most devastating neurodegenerative diseases because of the lack of effective therapeutic targets. It is a challenge for the clinical and scientific community. A better understanding of the etiology of ALS is necessary to develop specific targets of this progressive neurodegenerative disease. This review states about the current knowledge of targets in ALS research. This review provides an overview of the contribution of different targets like mitochondrial dysfunction, glutamate transport and excitotoxicity, protein accumulation, Oxidative stress, neuromuscular junction, microglia, and other molecular targets in the pathogenesis of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gitika Batra
- Department of Neurology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Manav Jain
- Department of Pharmacology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Rahul Soloman Singh
- Department of Pharmacology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Amit Raj Sharma
- Department of Neurology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Ashutosh Singh
- Department of Pharmacology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Ajay Prakash
- Department of Pharmacology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Bikash Medhi
- Department of Pharmacology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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69
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Sokolov VB, Aksinenko AY, Goreva TV, Epishina TA, Bachurin SO. Modification of biologically active amides and amines with fluorine-containing heterocycles. Russ Chem Bull 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11172-019-2693-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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70
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Woods JJ, Wilson JJ. Inhibitors of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter for the treatment of disease. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2019; 55:9-18. [PMID: 31869674 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2019.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) is a protein located in the inner mitochondrial membrane that is responsible for mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake. Under certain pathological conditions, dysregulation of Ca2+ uptake through the MCU results in cellular dysfunction and apoptotic cell death. Given the role of the MCU in human disease, researchers have developed compounds capable of inhibiting mitochondrial calcium uptake as tools for understanding the role of this protein in cell death. In this article, we describe recent findings on the role of the MCU in mediating pathological conditions and the search for small-molecule inhibitors of this protein for potential therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua J Woods
- Robert F. Smith School for Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14583, USA
| | - Justin J Wilson
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14583, USA.
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71
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Mejzini R, Flynn LL, Pitout IL, Fletcher S, Wilton SD, Akkari PA. ALS Genetics, Mechanisms, and Therapeutics: Where Are We Now? Front Neurosci 2019; 13:1310. [PMID: 31866818 PMCID: PMC6909825 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.01310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 435] [Impact Index Per Article: 87.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The scientific landscape surrounding amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) continues to shift as the number of genes associated with the disease risk and pathogenesis, and the cellular processes involved, continues to grow. Despite decades of intense research and over 50 potentially causative or disease-modifying genes identified, etiology remains unexplained and treatment options remain limited for the majority of ALS patients. Various factors have contributed to the slow progress in understanding and developing therapeutics for this disease. Here, we review the genetic basis of ALS, highlighting factors that have contributed to the elusiveness of genetic heritability. The most commonly mutated ALS-linked genes are reviewed with an emphasis on disease-causing mechanisms. The cellular processes involved in ALS pathogenesis are discussed, with evidence implicating their involvement in ALS summarized. Past and present therapeutic strategies and the benefits and limitations of the model systems available to ALS researchers are discussed with future directions for research that may lead to effective treatment strategies outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Mejzini
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
- The Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Loren L. Flynn
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
- The Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, Australia
- Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Ianthe L. Pitout
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
- The Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, Australia
- Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Sue Fletcher
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
- The Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, Australia
- Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Steve D. Wilton
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
- The Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, Australia
- Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - P. Anthony Akkari
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
- The Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, Australia
- Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
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Tian N, Hanson KA, Canty AJ, Vickers JC, King AE. Microtubule‐dependent processes precede pathological calcium influx in excitotoxin‐induced axon degeneration. J Neurochem 2019; 152:542-555. [DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nan Tian
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre University of Tasmania Hobart Tasmania Australia
| | - Kelsey A. Hanson
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre University of Tasmania Hobart Tasmania Australia
| | - Alison J. Canty
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre University of Tasmania Hobart Tasmania Australia
| | - James C. Vickers
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre University of Tasmania Hobart Tasmania Australia
| | - Anna E. King
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre University of Tasmania Hobart Tasmania Australia
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Tang C, Zhu L, Zhou Q, Li M, Zhu Y, Xu Z, Lu Y, Xu R. Altered Features of Vimentin-containing Cells in Cerebrum of Tg(SOD1*G93A)1Gur Mice: A Preliminary Study on Cerebrum Endogenous Neural Precursor Cells in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Int J Biol Sci 2019; 15:2830-2843. [PMID: 31853221 PMCID: PMC6909959 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.33461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Vimentin-containing cells (VCCs) are potential neural precursor cells in central nervous systems, Thus, we studied the alteration of VCCs proliferation, differentiation and migration in the cerebrum during different stages of Tg(SOD1*G93A)1Gur mice. It aims to search potential ways regulating the proliferation, differentiation and migration of endogenous VCCs, to enhance their neural repair function and to cure or prevent from the development of ALS. We observed and analyzed the proliferation, differentiation and migration of VCCs in different anatomic regions and cell types of cerebrum at different stages including the pre-onset (60-70 days), onset (90-100 days) and progression (120-130 days) of wild-type (WT) and Tg(SOD1*G93A)1Gur mice using the fluorescent immunohistochemical technology. Results showed that VCCs in the cerebrum were mostly distributed in the ventricular system, periventricular structures, the hippocampus and the cerebral cortex in WT mice. VCCs significantly reduced in the motor cortex and the cingulate cortex in Tg(SOD1*G93A)1Gur mice. All vimentin expressed in the extranuclear and almost all VCCs were astrocytes in WT mice and Tg(SOD1*G93A)1Gur mice. There were no significant difference in the number of Brdu and nestin positive cells in left and right brains of WT mice and Tg(SOD1*G93A)1Gur mice in the period of 60-130 days. Our data suggested that there existed extensively NPCs in the cerebrum of adult mice. In ALS-like Tg(SOD1*G93A)1Gur mice, VCCs in the motor cortex, the olfactory cortex and the cingulate cortex showed that no any proliferation and redistribution in neural cells of VCCs in the cerebrum occurred in all stages of ALS, might migrate to damaged regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Tang
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, china
| | - Lei Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, china
| | - Qi Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, china
| | - Menghua Li
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, china
| | - Yu Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, china
| | - Zhenzhen Xu
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, china
| | - Yi Lu
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, china
| | - Renshi Xu
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, china
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
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Kiernan MC, Ziemann U, Eisen A. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Origins traced to impaired balance between neural excitation and inhibition in the neonatal period. Muscle Nerve 2019; 60:232-235. [PMID: 31233613 DOI: 10.1002/mus.26617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an adult onset disease but with an increasingly recognized preclinical prodrome. A wide spectrum of investigative approaches has identified loss of inhibitory function at the heart of ALS. In developing an explanation for the onset of ALS, it remains a consideration that ALS has its origins in neonatal derangement of the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic system, with delayed conversion from excitatory to mature inhibitory GABA and impaired excitation/inhibition balance. If this is so, the resulting chronic excitotoxicity could marginalize cortical network functioning very early in life, laying the path for neurodegeneration. The possibility that adult-onset neurodegenerative conditions might have their roots in early developmental derangements is worthy of consideration, particularly in relation to current models of disease pathogenesis. Unraveling the very early molecular events will be crucial in developing a better understanding of ALS and other adult neurodegenerative disorders. Muscle Nerve, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C Kiernan
- The University of Sydney School of Medicine Brain and Mind Centre, Building F, Level 4, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, New South Wales, 2050, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ulf Ziemann
- Department of Neurology & Stroke, and Hertie-Institute for clinical brain research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Andrew Eisen
- Division of Neurology (Emeritus), Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Bonifacino T, Provenzano F, Gallia E, Ravera S, Torazza C, Bossi S, Ferrando S, Puliti A, Van Den Bosch L, Bonanno G, Milanese M. In-vivo genetic ablation of metabotropic glutamate receptor type 5 slows down disease progression in the SOD1G93A mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 129:79-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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Ravera S, Torazza C, Bonifacino T, Provenzano F, Rebosio C, Milanese M, Usai C, Panfoli I, Bonanno G. Altered glucose catabolism in the presynaptic and perisynaptic compartments of SOD1 G93A mouse spinal cord and motor cortex indicates that mitochondria are the site of bioenergetic imbalance in ALS. J Neurochem 2019; 151:336-350. [PMID: 31282572 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is an adult-onset neurodegenerative disease that develops because of motor neuron death. Several mechanisms occur supporting neurodegeneration, including mitochondrial dysfunction. Recently, we demonstrated that the synaptosomes from the spinal cord of SOD1G93A mice, an in vitro model of presynapses, displayed impaired mitochondrial metabolism at early pre-symptomatic stages of the disease, whereas perisynaptic astrocyte particles, or gliosomes, were characterized by mild energy impairment only at symptomatic stages. This work aimed to understand whether mitochondrial impairment is a consequence of upstream metabolic damage. We analyzed the critical pathways involved in glucose catabolism at presynaptic and perisynaptic compartments. Spinal cord and motor cortex synaptosomes from SOD1G93A mice displayed high activity of hexokinase and phosphofructokinase, key glycolysis enzymes, and of citrate synthase and malate dehydrogenase, key Krebs cycle enzymes, but did not display high lactate dehydrogenase activity, the key enzyme in lactate fermentation. This enhancement was evident in the spinal cord from the early stages of the disease and in the motor cortex at only symptomatic stages. Conversely, an increase in glycolysis and lactate fermentation activity, but not Krebs cycle activity, was observed in gliosomes from the spinal cord and motor cortex of SOD1G93A mice although only at the symptomatic stages of the disease. The cited enzymatic activities were enhanced in spinal cord and motor cortex homogenates, paralleling the time-course of the effect observed in synaptosomes and gliosomes. The observed metabolic modifications might be considered an attempt to restore altered energetic balance and indicate that mitochondria represent the ultimate site of bioenergetic impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Ravera
- Department of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Carola Torazza
- Department of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Tiziana Bonifacino
- Department of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesca Provenzano
- Department of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Claudia Rebosio
- Department of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Marco Milanese
- Department of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Cesare Usai
- Institute of Biophysics, National Research Council (CNR), Genoa, Italy
| | - Isabella Panfoli
- Department of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Biochemistry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giambattista Bonanno
- Department of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,IRCCS San Martino Policlinic Hospital, Genoa, Italy
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Sp1-regulated expression of p11 contributes to motor neuron degeneration by membrane insertion of TASK1. Nat Commun 2019; 10:3784. [PMID: 31439839 PMCID: PMC6706379 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-11637-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Disruption in membrane excitability contributes to malfunction and differential vulnerability of specific neuronal subpopulations in a number of neurological diseases. The adaptor protein p11, and background potassium channel TASK1, have overlapping distributions in the CNS. Here, we report that the transcription factor Sp1 controls p11 expression, which impacts on excitability by hampering functional expression of TASK1. In the SOD1-G93A mouse model of ALS, Sp1-p11-TASK1 dysregulation contributes to increased excitability and vulnerability of motor neurons. Interference with either Sp1 or p11 is neuroprotective, delaying neuron loss and prolonging lifespan in this model. Nitrosative stress, a potential factor in human neurodegeneration, stimulated Sp1 expression and human p11 promoter activity, at least in part, through a Sp1-binding site. Disruption of Sp1 or p11 also has neuroprotective effects in a traumatic model of motor neuron degeneration. Together our work suggests the Sp1-p11-TASK1 pathway is a potential target for treatment of degeneration of motor neurons. The adaptor protein p11 and K+ channel TASK1 have overlapping distributions in the CNS. Here, the authors demonstrate that the transcription factor Sp1 regulates p11 levels, which in turn affects intrinsic membrane properties and can contribute to degeneration of motor neurons in disease and injury models.
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78
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Pradhan J, Noakes PG, Bellingham MC. The Role of Altered BDNF/TrkB Signaling in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:368. [PMID: 31456666 PMCID: PMC6700252 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is well recognized for its neuroprotective functions, via activation of its high affinity receptor, tropomysin related kinase B (TrkB). In addition, BDNF/TrkB neuroprotective functions can also be elicited indirectly via activation of adenosine 2A receptors (A2aRs), which in turn transactivates TrkB. Evidence suggests that alterations in BDNF/TrkB, including TrkB transactivation by A2aRs, can occur in several neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Although enhancing BDNF has been a major goal for protection of dying motor neurons (MNs), this has not been successful. Indeed, there is emerging in vitro and in vivo evidence suggesting that an upregulation of BDNF/TrkB can cause detrimental effects on MNs, making them more vulnerable to pathophysiological insults. For example, in ALS, early synaptic hyper-excitability of MNs is thought to enhance BDNF-mediated signaling, thereby causing glutamate excitotoxicity, and ultimately MN death. Moreover, direct inhibition of TrkB and A2aRs has been shown to protect MNs from these pathophysiological insults, suggesting that modulation of BDNF/TrkB and/or A2aRs receptors may be important in early disease pathogenesis in ALS. This review highlights the relevance of pathophysiological actions of BDNF/TrkB under certain circumstances, so that manipulation of BDNF/TrkB and A2aRs may give rise to alternate neuroprotective therapeutic strategies in the treatment of neural diseases such as ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonu Pradhan
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Peter G Noakes
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Mark C Bellingham
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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79
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Extracellular RNAs as Biomarkers of Sporadic Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Other Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20133148. [PMID: 31252669 PMCID: PMC6651127 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20133148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent progress in the research for underlying mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer disease (AD), Parkinson disease (PD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has led to the development of potentially effective treatment, and hence increased the need for useful biomarkers that may enable early diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring. The deposition of abnormal proteins is a pathological hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases, including β-amyloid in AD, α-synuclein in PD, and the transactive response DNA/RNA binding protein of 43kDa (TDP-43) in ALS. Furthermore, progression of the disease process accompanies the spreading of abnormal proteins. Extracellular proteins and RNAs, including mRNA, micro RNA, and circular RNA, which are present as a composite of exosomes or other forms, play a role in cell–cell communication, and the role of extracellular molecules in the cell-to-cell spreading of pathological processes in neurodegenerative diseases is now in the spotlight. Therefore, extracellular proteins and RNAs are considered potential biomarkers of neurodegenerative diseases, in particular ALS, in which RNA dysregulation has been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis. Here, we review extracellular proteins and RNAs that have been scrutinized as potential biomarkers of neurodegenerative diseases, and discuss the possibility of extracellular RNAs as diagnostic and therapeutic monitoring biomarkers of sporadic ALS.
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80
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Gulino R, Vicario N, Giunta MAS, Spoto G, Calabrese G, Vecchio M, Gulisano M, Leanza G, Parenti R. Neuromuscular Plasticity in a Mouse Neurotoxic Model of Spinal Motoneuronal Loss. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20061500. [PMID: 30917493 PMCID: PMC6471664 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20061500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the relevant research efforts, the causes of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are still unknown and no effective cure is available. Many authors suggest that ALS is a multi-system disease caused by a network failure instead of a cell-autonomous pathology restricted to motoneurons. Although motoneuronal loss is the critical hallmark of ALS given their specific vulnerability, other cell populations, including muscle and glial cells, are involved in disease onset and progression, but unraveling their specific role and crosstalk requires further investigation. In particular, little is known about the plastic changes of the degenerating motor system. These spontaneous compensatory processes are unable to halt the disease progression, but their elucidation and possible use as a therapeutic target represents an important aim of ALS research. Genetic animal models of disease represent useful tools to validate proven hypotheses or to test potential therapies, and the conception of novel hypotheses about ALS causes or the study of pathogenic mechanisms may be advantaged by the use of relatively simple in vivo models recapitulating specific aspects of the disease, thus avoiding the inclusion of too many confounding factors in an experimental setting. Here, we used a neurotoxic model of spinal motoneuron depletion induced by injection of cholera toxin-B saporin in the gastrocnemius muscle to investigate the possible occurrence of compensatory changes in both the muscle and spinal cord. The results showed that, following the lesion, the skeletal muscle became atrophic and displayed electromyographic activity similar to that observed in ALS patients. Moreover, the changes in muscle fiber morphology were different from that observed in ALS models, thus suggesting that some muscular effects of disease may be primary effects instead of being simply caused by denervation. Notably, we found plastic changes in the surviving motoneurons that can produce a functional restoration probably similar to the compensatory changes occurring in disease. These changes could be at least partially driven by glutamatergic signaling, and astrocytes contacting the surviving motoneurons may support this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Gulino
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy.
| | - Nunzio Vicario
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy.
| | - Maria A S Giunta
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy.
| | - Graziana Spoto
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy.
| | - Giovanna Calabrese
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy.
| | - Michele Vecchio
- Rehabilitation Unit, "AOU Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele" and Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy.
| | - Massimo Gulisano
- Laboratory of Synthetic and Systems Biology, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania 95125, Italy.
| | - Giampiero Leanza
- Laboratory of Neurogenesis and Repair, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania 95125, Italy.
| | - Rosalba Parenti
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy.
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81
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Held A, Major P, Sahin A, Reenan RA, Lipscombe D, Wharton KA. Circuit Dysfunction in SOD1-ALS Model First Detected in Sensory Feedback Prior to Motor Neuron Degeneration Is Alleviated by BMP Signaling. J Neurosci 2019; 39:2347-2364. [PMID: 30659087 PMCID: PMC6433758 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1771-18.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Revised: 12/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease for which the origin and underlying cellular defects are not fully understood. Although motor neuron degeneration is the signature feature of ALS, it is not clear whether motor neurons or other cells of the motor circuit are the site of disease initiation. To better understand the contribution of multiple cell types in ALS, we made use of a Drosophila Sod1G85R knock-in model, in which all cells harbor the disease allele. End-stage dSod1G85R animals of both sexes exhibit severe motor deficits with clear degeneration of motor neurons. Interestingly, earlier in dSod1G85R larvae, motor function is also compromised, but their motor neurons exhibit only subtle morphological and electrophysiological changes that are unlikely to cause the observed decrease in locomotion. We analyzed the intact motor circuit and identified a defect in sensory feedback that likely accounts for the altered motor activity of dSod1G85R We found cell-autonomous activation of bone morphogenetic protein signaling in proprioceptor sensory neurons which are critical for the relay of the contractile status of muscles back to the central nerve cord, completely rescues early-stage motor defects and partially rescue late-stage motor function to extend lifespan. Identification of a defect in sensory feedback as a potential initiating event in ALS motor dysfunction, coupled with the ability of modified proprioceptors to alleviate such motor deficits, underscores the critical role that nonmotor neurons play in disease progression and highlights their potential as a site to identify early-stage ALS biomarkers and for therapeutic intervention.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT At diagnosis, many cellular processes are already disrupted in the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patient. Identifying the initiating cellular events is critical for achieving an earlier diagnosis to slow or prevent disease progression. Our findings indicate that neurons relaying sensory information underlie early stage motor deficits in a Drosophila knock-in model of ALS that best replicates gene dosage in familial ALS (fALS). Importantly, studies on intact motor circuits revealed defects in sensory feedback before evidence of motor neuron degeneration. These findings strengthen our understanding of how neural circuit dysfunctions lead to neurodegeneration and, coupled with our demonstration that the activation of bone morphogenetic protein signaling in proprioceptors alleviates both early and late motor dysfunction, underscores the importance of considering nonmotor neurons as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Held
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry
- The Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912
| | - Paxton Major
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry
| | - Asli Sahin
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry
| | - Robert A Reenan
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry
| | - Diane Lipscombe
- Department of Neuroscience, and
- The Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912
| | - Kristi A Wharton
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry,
- The Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912
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82
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Le NTT, Wu B, Harris DA. Prion neurotoxicity. Brain Pathol 2019; 29:263-277. [PMID: 30588688 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.12694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the mechanisms underlying prion propagation and infectivity are now well established, the processes accounting for prion toxicity and pathogenesis have remained mysterious. These processes are of enormous clinical relevance as they hold the key to identification of new molecular targets for therapeutic intervention. In this review, we will discuss two broad areas of investigation relevant to understanding prion neurotoxicity. The first is the use of in vitro experimental systems that model key events in prion pathogenesis. In this context, we will describe a hippocampal neuronal culture system we developed that reproduces the earliest pathological alterations in synaptic morphology and function in response to PrPSc . This system has allowed us to define a core synaptotoxic signaling pathway involving the activation of NMDA and AMPA receptors, stimulation of p38 MAPK phosphorylation and collapse of the actin cytoskeleton in dendritic spines. The second area concerns a striking and unexpected phenomenon in which certain structural manipulations of the PrPC molecule itself, including introduction of N-terminal deletion mutations or binding of antibodies to C-terminal epitopes, unleash powerful toxic effects in cultured cells and transgenic mice. We will describe our studies of this phenomenon, which led to the recognition that it is related to the induction of large, abnormal ionic currents by the structurally altered PrP molecules. Our results suggest a model in which the flexible N-terminal domain of PrPC serves as a toxic effector which is regulated by intramolecular interactions with the globular C-terminal domain. Taken together, these two areas of study have provided important clues to underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of prion neurotoxicity. Nevertheless, much remains to be done on this next frontier of prion science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nhat T T Le
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Bei Wu
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - David A Harris
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
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83
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Wells C, Brennan SE, Keon M, Saksena NK. Prionoid Proteins in the Pathogenesis of Neurodegenerative Diseases. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:271. [PMID: 31780895 PMCID: PMC6861308 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a growing body of evidence that prionoid protein behaviors are a core element of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) that afflict humans. Common elements in pathogenesis, pathological effects and protein-level behaviors exist between Alzheimer's Disease (AD), Parkinson's Disease (PD), Huntington's Disease (HD) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). These extend beyond the affected neurons to glial cells and processes. This results in a complicated system of disease progression, which often takes advantage of protective processes to promote the propagation of pathological protein aggregates. This review article provides a current snapshot of knowledge on these proteins and their intrinsic role in the pathogenesis and disease progression seen across NDs.
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84
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Morgan S, Duguez S, Duddy W. Personalized Medicine and Molecular Interaction Networks in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): Current Knowledge. J Pers Med 2018; 8:E44. [PMID: 30551677 PMCID: PMC6313785 DOI: 10.3390/jpm8040044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple genes and mechanisms of pathophysiology have been implicated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), suggesting it is a complex systemic disease. With this in mind, applying personalized medicine (PM) approaches to tailor treatment pipelines for ALS patients may be necessary. The modelling and analysis of molecular interaction networks could represent valuable resources in defining ALS-associated pathways and discovering novel therapeutic targets. Here we review existing omics datasets and analytical approaches, in order to consider how molecular interaction networks could improve our understanding of the molecular pathophysiology of this fatal neuromuscular disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Morgan
- Northern Ireland Centre for Stratified Medicine, Altnagelvin Hospital Campus, Ulster University, Londonderry, BT47 6SB, Northern Ireland, UK.
| | - Stephanie Duguez
- Northern Ireland Centre for Stratified Medicine, Altnagelvin Hospital Campus, Ulster University, Londonderry, BT47 6SB, Northern Ireland, UK.
| | - William Duddy
- Northern Ireland Centre for Stratified Medicine, Altnagelvin Hospital Campus, Ulster University, Londonderry, BT47 6SB, Northern Ireland, UK.
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85
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Tadić V, Adam A, Goldhammer N, Lautenschlaeger J, Oberstadt M, Malci A, Le TT, Sengupta S, Stubendorff B, Keiner S, Witte OW, Grosskreutz J. Investigation of mitochondrial calcium uniporter role in embryonic and adult motor neurons from G93A hSOD1 mice. Neurobiol Aging 2018; 75:209-222. [PMID: 30597405 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2018.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is characterized by progressive death of motor neurons (MNs) with glutamate excitotoxicity and mitochondrial Ca2+ overload as critical mechanisms in disease pathophysiology. We used MNs from G93AhSOD1 and nontransgenic embryonic cultures and adult mice to analyze the expression of the main mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU). MCU was overexpressed in cultured embryonic G93AhSOD1 MNs compared to nontransgenic MNs but downregulated in MNs from adult G93AhSOD1 mice. Furthermore, cultured embryonic G93AhSOD1 were rescued from kainate-induced excitotoxicity by the Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase type II inhibitor; KN-62, which reduced MCU expression in G93AhSOD1 MNs. MCU activation via kaempferol neither altered MCU expression nor influenced MN survival. However, its acute application served as a fine tool to study spontaneous Ca2+ activity in cultured neurons which was significantly altered by the mutated hSOD1. Pharmacological manipulation of MCU expression might open new possibilities to fight excitotoxic damage in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vedrana Tadić
- Hans Berger Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.
| | - Adam Adam
- Hans Berger Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Nadine Goldhammer
- Hans Berger Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Janin Lautenschlaeger
- Hans Berger Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany; Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Moritz Oberstadt
- Department of Neurology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ayse Malci
- Hans Berger Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Thanh Tu Le
- Hans Berger Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Saikata Sengupta
- Hans Berger Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | | | - Silke Keiner
- Hans Berger Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Otto W Witte
- Hans Berger Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Julian Grosskreutz
- Hans Berger Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
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86
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Fang C, Wu B, Le NTT, Imberdis T, Mercer RCC, Harris DA. Prions activate a p38 MAPK synaptotoxic signaling pathway. PLoS Pathog 2018; 14:e1007283. [PMID: 30235355 PMCID: PMC6147624 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1007283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptic degeneration is one of the earliest pathological correlates of prion disease, and it is a major determinant of the progression of clinical symptoms. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying prion synaptotoxicity are poorly understood. Previously, we described an experimental system in which treatment of cultured hippocampal neurons with purified PrPSc, the infectious form of the prion protein, induces rapid retraction of dendritic spines, an effect that is entirely dependent on expression of endogenous PrPC by the target neurons. Here, we use this system to dissect pharmacologically the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms. We show that PrPSc initiates a stepwise synaptotoxic signaling cascade that includes activation of NMDA receptors, calcium influx, stimulation of p38 MAPK and several downstream kinases, and collapse of the actin cytoskeleton within dendritic spines. Synaptic degeneration is restricted to excitatory synapses, spares presynaptic structures, and results in decrements in functional synaptic transmission. Pharmacological inhibition of any one of the steps in the signaling cascade, as well as expression of a dominant-negative form of p38 MAPK, block PrPSc-induced spine degeneration. Moreover, p38 MAPK inhibitors actually reverse the degenerative process after it has already begun. We also show that, while PrPC mediates the synaptotoxic effects of both PrPSc and the Alzheimer’s Aβ peptide in this system, the two species activate distinct signaling pathways. Taken together, our results provide powerful insights into the biology of prion neurotoxicity, they identify new, druggable therapeutic targets, and they allow comparison of prion synaptotoxic pathways with those involved in other neurodegenerative diseases. Prion diseases are a group of fatal neurodegenerative disorders that includes Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and kuru in humans, and bovine spongiform encephalopathy in cattle. The infectious agent, or prion, that transmits these diseases is a naked protein molecule, the prion protein (PrP), which is an altered form of a normal, cellular protein. Although a great deal is known about how prions propagate themselves and transmit infection, the process by which they actually cause neurons to degenerate has remained mysterious. Here, we have used a specialized neuronal culture system to dissect the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which prions damage synapses, the structures that connect nerve cells and that play a crucial role in learning, memory, and neurological disease. Our results define a stepwise molecular pathway underlying prion synaptic toxicity, which involves activation of glutamate neurotransmitter receptors, influx of calcium ions into the neuron, and stimulation of specific mitogen-activated protein kinases, which attach phosphate groups to proteins to regulate their activity. We demonstrate that specific drugs, as well as a dominant-negative kinase mutant, block these steps and thereby prevent the synaptic degeneration produced by prions. Our results provide new insights into the pathogenesis of prion diseases, they uncover new drug targets for treating these diseases, and they allow us to compare prion diseases to other, more common neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Fang
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston MA, United States of America
| | - Bei Wu
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston MA, United States of America
| | - Nhat T. T. Le
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston MA, United States of America
| | - Thibaut Imberdis
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston MA, United States of America
| | - Robert C. C. Mercer
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston MA, United States of America
| | - David A. Harris
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston MA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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87
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Activation of Phosphotyrosine-Mediated Signaling Pathways in the Cortex and Spinal Cord of SOD1 G93A, a Mouse Model of Familial Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Neural Plast 2018; 2018:2430193. [PMID: 30154836 PMCID: PMC6098854 DOI: 10.1155/2018/2430193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Revised: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Degeneration of cortical and spinal motor neurons is the typical feature of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease for which a pathogenetic role for the Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) has been demonstrated. Mice overexpressing a mutated form of the SOD1 gene (SOD1G93A) develop a syndrome that closely resembles the human disease. The SOD1 mutations confer to this enzyme a “gain-of-function,” leading to increased production of reactive oxygen species. Several oxidants induce tyrosine phosphorylation through direct stimulation of kinases and/or phosphatases. In this study, we analyzed the activities of src and fyn tyrosine kinases and of protein tyrosine phosphatases in synaptosomal fractions prepared from the motor cortex and spinal cord of transgenic mice expressing SOD1G93A. We found that (i) protein phosphotyrosine level is increased, (ii) src and fyn activities are upregulated, and (iii) the activity of tyrosine phosphatases, including the striatal-enriched tyrosine phosphatase (STEP), is significantly decreased. Moreover, the NMDA receptor (NMDAR) subunit GluN2B tyrosine phosphorylation was upregulated in SOD1G93A. Tyrosine phosphorylation of GluN2B subunits regulates the NMDAR function and the recruitment of downstream signaling molecules. Indeed, we found that proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (Pyk2) and ERK1/2 kinase are upregulated in SOD1G93A mice. These results point out an involvement of tyrosine kinases and phosphatases in the pathogenesis of ALS.
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88
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Zhang J, Huang P, Wu C, Liang H, Li Y, Zhu L, Lu Y, Tang C, Xu R. Preliminary Observation about Alteration of Proteins and Their Potential Functions in Spinal Cord of SOD1 G93A Transgenic Mice. Int J Biol Sci 2018; 14:1306-1320. [PMID: 30123078 PMCID: PMC6097476 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.26829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The protein abnormality participates in the development of ALS that meets with the widespread approval from major researchers. However, these currently found abnormal proteins aren't far enough to explain all pathogenesis of ALS. Therefore, the search of novel abnormal proteins participated in the pathogenesis of ALS is very necessary. In this study, we screened, compared and analyzed the differentially expressed proteins in the spinal cord of the SOD1 G93A transgenic and wild-type (WT) mice applying the isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) and the bioinformatics methods. The results revealed the details of significantly differentially expressed proteins between the SOD1 G93A transgenic and WT mice, and the damaged and/or regulated cellular components, molecular functions and biological processes and the significant enrichment pathways of these proteins. Our study comprehensively described the details of the possible abnormal proteins participated in the pathogenesis of SOD1 G93A transgenic mice, extensively explored their possible molecular mechanisms how to play the role in the development in this animal model, and provided some evidences and clues for further and deeply studying the relationship between the abnormal proteins and the pathogenesis of ALS in the other animal models and ALS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Ping Huang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China.,Department of Nutrition, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Chengsi Wu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Huiting Liang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yue Li
- Department of Health Statistics, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Lei Zhu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yi Lu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Chunyan Tang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Renshi Xu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
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89
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Ghezzi F, Monni L, Nistri A. Functional up-regulation of the M-current by retigabine contrasts hyperexcitability and excitotoxicity on rat hypoglossal motoneurons. J Physiol 2018; 596:2611-2629. [PMID: 29736957 DOI: 10.1113/jp275906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Excessive neuronal excitability characterizes several neuropathological conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Hypoglossal motoneurons (HMs), which control tongue muscles, are extremely vulnerable to this disease and undergo damage and death when exposed to an excessive glutamate extracellular concentration that causes excitotoxicity. Our laboratory devised an in vitro model of excitotoxicity obtained by pharmacological blockade of glutamate transporters. In this paradigm, HMs display hyperexcitability, collective bursting and eventually cell death. The results of the present study show that pharmacological up-regulation of a K+ current (M-current), via application of the anti-convulsant retigabine, prevented all hallmarks of HM excitotoxicity, comprising bursting, generation of reactive oxygen species, expression of toxic markers and cell death. ○Our data may have translational value to develop new treatments against neurological diseases by using positive pharmacological modulators of the M-current. ABSTRACT Neuronal hyperexcitability is a symptom characterizing several neurodegenerative disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In the ALS bulbar form, hypoglossal motoneurons (HMs) are an early target for neurodegeneration because of their high vulnerability to metabolic insults. In recent years, our laboratory has developed an in vitro model of a brainstem slice comprising the hypoglossal nucleus in which HM neurodegeneration is achieved by blocking glutamate clearance with dl-threo-β-benzyloxyaspartate (TBOA), thus leading to delayed excitotoxicity. During this process, HMs display a set of hallmarks such as hyperexcitability (and network bursting), reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and, finally, cell death. The present study aimed to investigate whether blocking early hyperexcitability and bursting with the anti-convulsant drug retigabine was sufficient to achieve neuroprotection against excitotoxicity. Retigabine is a selective positive allosteric modulator of the M-current (IM ), an endogenous mechanism that neurons (comprising HMs) express to dampen excitability. Retigabine (10 μm; co-applied with TBOA) contrasted ROS generation, release of endogenous toxic factors into the HM cytoplasm and excitotoxicity-induced HM death. Electrophysiological experiments showed that retigabine readily contrasted and arrested bursting evoked by TBOA administration. Because neuronal IM subunits (Kv7.2, Kv7.3 and Kv7.5) were expressed in the hypoglossal nucleus and in functionally connected medullary nuclei, we suggest that they were responsible for the strong reduction in network excitability, a potent phenomenon for achieving neuroprotection against TBOA-induced excitotoxicity. The results of the present study may have translational value for testing novel positive pharmacological modulators of the IM under pathological conditions (including neurodegenerative disorders) characterized by excessive neuronal excitability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Ghezzi
- Department of Neuroscience, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| | - Laura Monni
- Department of Neuroscience, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| | - Andrea Nistri
- Department of Neuroscience, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
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90
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Ravera S, Bonifacino T, Bartolucci M, Milanese M, Gallia E, Provenzano F, Cortese K, Panfoli I, Bonanno G. Characterization of the Mitochondrial Aerobic Metabolism in the Pre- and Perisynaptic Districts of the SOD1 G93A Mouse Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 55:9220-9233. [PMID: 29656361 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-1059-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an adult-onset fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by muscle wasting, weakness, and spasticity due to a progressive degeneration of cortical, brainstem, and spinal motor neurons. The etiopathological causes are still largely obscure, although astrocytes definitely play a role in neuronal damage. Several mechanisms have been proposed to concur to neurodegeneration in ALS, including mitochondrial dysfunction. We have previously shown profound modifications of glutamate release and presynaptic plasticity in the spinal cord of the SOD1G93A mouse model of ALS. In this work, we characterized, for the first time, the aerobic metabolism in two specific compartments actively involved in neurotransmission (i.e. the presynaptic district, using purified synaptosomes, and the perisynaptic astrocyte processes, using purified gliosomes) in SOD1G93A mice at different stages of the disease. ATP/AMP ratio was lower in synaptosomes isolated from the spinal cord, but not from other brain areas, of SOD1G93A vs. control mice. The energy impairment was linked to altered oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) and increment of lipid peroxidation. These metabolic dysfunctions were present during disease progression, starting at the very pre-symptomatic stages, and did not depend on a different number of mitochondria or a different expression of OxPhos proteins. Conversely, gliosomes showed a reduction of the ATP/AMP ratio only at the late stages of the disease and an increment of oxidative stress also in the absence of a significant decrement in OxPhos activity. Data suggest that the presynaptic neuronal moiety plays a pivotal role for synaptic energy metabolism dysfunctions in ALS. Changes in the perisynaptic compartment seem subordinated to neuronal damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Ravera
- Department of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genoa, 16148, Genoa, Italy
| | - Tiziana Bonifacino
- Department of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genoa, 16148, Genoa, Italy
| | - Martina Bartolucci
- Department of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Biochemistry, University of Genoa, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Marco Milanese
- Department of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genoa, 16148, Genoa, Italy.,Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Elena Gallia
- Department of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genoa, 16148, Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesca Provenzano
- Department of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genoa, 16148, Genoa, Italy
| | - Katia Cortese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Human Anatomy, University of Genoa, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Isabella Panfoli
- Department of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Biochemistry, University of Genoa, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giambattista Bonanno
- Department of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genoa, 16148, Genoa, Italy. .,Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, 16132, Genoa, Italy.
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91
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Lombardo J, Sun J, Harrington MA. Rapid activity-dependent modulation of the intrinsic excitability through up-regulation of KCNQ/Kv7 channel function in neonatal spinal motoneurons. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0193948. [PMID: 29579068 PMCID: PMC5868771 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Activity-dependent changes in the properties of the motor system underlie the necessary adjustments in its responsiveness on the basis of the environmental and developmental demands of the organism. Although plastic changes in the properties of the spinal cord have historically been neglected because of the archaic belief that the spinal cord is constituted by a hardwired network that simply relays information to muscles, plenty of evidence has been accumulated showing that synapses impinging on spinal motoneurons undergo short- and long-term plasticity. In the brain, brief changes in the activity level of the network have been shown to be paralleled by changes in the intrinsic excitability of the neurons and are suggested to either reinforce or stabilize the changes at the synaptic level. However, rapid activity-dependent changes in the intrinsic properties of spinal motoneurons have never been reported. In this study, we show that in neonatal mice the intrinsic excitability of spinal motoneurons is depressed after relatively brief but sustained changes in the spinal cord network activity. Using electrophysiological techniques together with specific pharmacological blockers of KCNQ/Kv7 channels, we demonstrate their involvement in the reduction of the intrinsic excitability of spinal motoneurons. This action results from an increased M-current, the product of the activation of KCNQ/Kv7 channels, which leads to a hyperpolarization of the resting membrane potential and a decrease in the input resistance of spinal motoneurons. Computer simulations showed that specific up-regulations in KCNQ/Kv7 channels functions lead to a modulation of the intrinsic excitability of spinal motoneurons as observed experimentally. These results indicate that KCNQ/Kv7 channels play a fundamental role in the activity-dependent modulation of the excitability of spinal motoneurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Lombardo
- Department of Biology, Delaware State University, Dover, Delaware, United States of America
| | - Jianli Sun
- Department of Biology, Delaware State University, Dover, Delaware, United States of America
| | - Melissa A. Harrington
- Department of Biology, Delaware State University, Dover, Delaware, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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92
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Madji Hounoum B, Blasco H, Coque E, Vourc'h P, Emond P, Corcia P, Andres CR, Raoul C, Mavel S. The Metabolic Disturbances of Motoneurons Exposed to Glutamate. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 55:7669-7676. [PMID: 29435916 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-0945-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Glutamate-induced excitotoxicity is considered as one of the major pathophysiological factors of motoneuron death in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and other motoneuron diseases. In order to expand our knowledge on mechanisms of glutamate-induced excitotoxicity, the present study proposes to determine the metabolic consequences of glutamate and astrocytes in primary enriched motoneuron culture. Using liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS), we showed that the presence of astrocytes and glutamate profoundly modified the metabolic profile of motoneurons. Our study highlights for the first time that crosstalk between astrocytes and enriched motoneuron culture induced alterations in phenylalanine, tryptophan, purine, arginine, proline, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism in motoneurons. We observed that astrocytes modulate the sensitivity of motoneurons to glutamate, since metabolites altered by glutamate in motoneurons cultured alone were different (except 5-hydroxylysine) from those altered in co-cultured motoneurons. Our findings provide new insight into the metabolic alterations associated to astrocytes and glutamate in motoneurons and provide opportunities to identify novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blandine Madji Hounoum
- INSERM U930 "Imagerie et Cerveau," CHRU de Tours, Université François-Rabelais, Tours, France
| | - Hélène Blasco
- INSERM U930 "Imagerie et Cerveau," CHRU de Tours, Université François-Rabelais, Tours, France.,Laboratoire de Biochimie et de Biologie Moléculaire, Hôpital Bretonneau, CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Emmanuelle Coque
- The Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, Inserm UMR1051, Univ Montpellier, Saint Eloi Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - Patrick Vourc'h
- INSERM U930 "Imagerie et Cerveau," CHRU de Tours, Université François-Rabelais, Tours, France.,Laboratoire de Biochimie et de Biologie Moléculaire, Hôpital Bretonneau, CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Patrick Emond
- INSERM U930 "Imagerie et Cerveau," CHRU de Tours, Université François-Rabelais, Tours, France
| | - Philippe Corcia
- INSERM U930 "Imagerie et Cerveau," CHRU de Tours, Université François-Rabelais, Tours, France.,Centre SLA, Service de Neurologie, CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Christian R Andres
- INSERM U930 "Imagerie et Cerveau," CHRU de Tours, Université François-Rabelais, Tours, France.,Laboratoire de Biochimie et de Biologie Moléculaire, Hôpital Bretonneau, CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Cédric Raoul
- The Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, Inserm UMR1051, Univ Montpellier, Saint Eloi Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - Sylvie Mavel
- INSERM U930 "Imagerie et Cerveau," CHRU de Tours, Université François-Rabelais, Tours, France. .,UFR Pharmacie, INSERM U930, 31 av Monge, 37200, Tours, France.
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93
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Brownstone RM, Lancelin C. Escape from homeostasis: spinal microcircuits and progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neurophysiol 2018; 119:1782-1794. [PMID: 29384454 PMCID: PMC6008087 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00331.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), loss of motoneuron function leads to weakness and, ultimately, respiratory failure and death. Regardless of the initial pathogenic factors, motoneuron loss follows a specific pattern: the largest α-motoneurons die before smaller α-motoneurons, and γ-motoneurons are spared. In this article, we examine how homeostatic responses to this orderly progression could lead to local microcircuit dysfunction that in turn propagates motoneuron dysfunction and death. We first review motoneuron diversity and the principle of α-γ coactivation and then discuss two specific spinal motoneuron microcircuits: those involving proprioceptive afferents and those involving Renshaw cells. Next, we propose that the overall homeostatic response of the nervous system is aimed at maintaining force output. Thus motoneuron degeneration would lead to an increase in inputs to motoneurons, and, because of the pattern of neuronal degeneration, would result in an imbalance in local microcircuit activity that would overwhelm initial homeostatic responses. We suggest that this activity would ultimately lead to excitotoxicity of motoneurons, which would hasten the progression of disease. Finally, we propose that should this be the case, new therapies targeted toward microcircuit dysfunction could slow the course of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert M Brownstone
- Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, Institute of Neurology, University College London , London , United Kingdom
| | - Camille Lancelin
- Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, Institute of Neurology, University College London , London , United Kingdom
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94
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Mechanism of Neuroprotection Against Experimental Spinal Cord Injury by Riluzole or Methylprednisolone. Neurochem Res 2017; 44:200-213. [PMID: 29290040 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-017-2459-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Revised: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Any spinal cord injury carries the potential for persistent disability affecting motor, sensory and autonomic functions. To prevent this outcome, it is highly desirable to block a chain of deleterious reactions developing in the spinal areas immediately around the primary lesion. Thus, early timing of pharmacological neuroprotection should be one major strategy whose impact may be first studied with preclinical models. Using a simple in vitro model of the rat spinal cord it is possible to mimic pathological processes like excitotoxicity that damages neurons because of excessive glutamate receptor activation due to injury, or hypoxic/dysmetabolic insult that preferentially affects glia following vascular dysfunction. While ongoing research is exploring the various components of pathways leading to cell death, current treatment principally relies on the off-label use of riluzole (RLZ) or methylprednisolone sodium succinate (MPSS). The mechanism of action of these drugs is diverse as RLZ targets mainly neurons and MPSS targets glia. Even when applied after a transient excitotoxic stimulus, RLZ can provide effective prevention of secondary excitotoxic damage to premotoneurons, although not to motoneurons that remain very vulnerable. This observation indicates persistent inability to express locomotor activity despite pharmacological treatment conferring some histological protection. MPSS can protect glia from dysmetabolic insult, yet it remains poorly effective to prevent neuronal death. In summary, it appears that these pharmacological agents can produce delayed protection for certain cell types only, and that their combined administration does not provide additional benefit. The search should continue for better, mechanism-based neuroprotective agents.
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95
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Common and Divergent Mechanisms in Developmental Neuronal Remodeling and Dying Back Neurodegeneration. Curr Biol 2017; 26:R628-R639. [PMID: 27404258 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2016.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cell death is an inherent process that is required for the proper wiring of the nervous system. Studies over the last four decades have shown that, in a parallel developmental pathway, axons and dendrites are eliminated without the death of the neuron. This developmentally regulated 'axonal death' results in neuronal remodeling, which is an essential mechanism to sculpt neuronal networks in both vertebrates and invertebrates. Studies across various organisms have demonstrated that a conserved strategy in the formation of adult neuronal circuitry often involves generating too many connections, most of which are later eliminated with high temporal and spatial resolution. Can neuronal remodeling be regarded as developmentally and spatially regulated neurodegeneration? It has been previously speculated that injury-induced degeneration (Wallerian degeneration) shares some molecular features with 'dying back' neurodegenerative diseases. In this opinion piece, we examine the similarities and differences between the mechanisms regulating neuronal remodeling and those being perturbed in dying back neurodegenerative diseases. We focus primarily on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and peripheral neuropathies and highlight possible shared pathways and mechanisms. While mechanistic data are only just beginning to emerge, and despite the inherent differences between disease-oriented and developmental processes, we believe that some of the similarities between these developmental and disease-initiated degeneration processes warrant closer collaborations and crosstalk between these different fields.
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96
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Bowerman M, Murray LM, Scamps F, Schneider BL, Kothary R, Raoul C. Pathogenic commonalities between spinal muscular atrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Converging roads to therapeutic development. Eur J Med Genet 2017; 61:685-698. [PMID: 29313812 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2017.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Revised: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are the two most common motoneuron disorders, which share typical pathological hallmarks while remaining genetically distinct. Indeed, SMA is caused by deletions or mutations in the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene whilst ALS, albeit being mostly sporadic, can also be caused by mutations within genes, including superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), Fused in Sarcoma (FUS), TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) and chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9ORF72). However, it has come to light that these two diseases may be more interlinked than previously thought. Indeed, it has recently been found that FUS directly interacts with an Smn-containing complex, mutant SOD1 perturbs Smn localization, Smn depletion aggravates disease progression of ALS mice, overexpression of SMN in ALS mice significantly improves their phenotype and lifespan, and duplications of SMN1 have been linked to sporadic ALS. Beyond genetic interactions, accumulating evidence further suggests that both diseases share common pathological identities such as intrinsic muscle defects, neuroinflammation, immune organ dysfunction, metabolic perturbations, defects in neuron excitability and selective motoneuron vulnerability. Identifying common molecular effectors that mediate shared pathologies in SMA and ALS would allow for the development of therapeutic strategies and targeted gene therapies that could potentially alleviate symptoms and be equally beneficial in both disorders. In the present review, we will examine our current knowledge of pathogenic commonalities between SMA and ALS, and discuss how furthering this understanding can lead to the establishment of novel therapeutic approaches with wide-reaching impact on multiple motoneuron diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Bowerman
- School of Medicine, Keele University, Staffordshire, United Kingdom; Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine, Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom; Wolfson Centre for Inherited Neuromuscular Disease, RJAH Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry, United Kingdom
| | - Lyndsay M Murray
- Euan McDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research and Centre for Integrative Physiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Frédérique Scamps
- The Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, Inserm UMR1051, Univ Montpellier, Saint Eloi Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - Bernard L Schneider
- Brain Mind Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Rashmi Kothary
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada; Departments of Medicine and Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Cédric Raoul
- The Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, Inserm UMR1051, Univ Montpellier, Saint Eloi Hospital, Montpellier, France.
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97
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Lazo-Gomez R, Tapia R. Quercetin prevents spinal motor neuron degeneration induced by chronic excitotoxic stimulus by a sirtuin 1-dependent mechanism. Transl Neurodegener 2017; 6:31. [PMID: 29201361 PMCID: PMC5697078 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-017-0102-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Excitotoxicity is a mechanism of foremost importance in the selective motor neuron degeneration characteristic of motor neuron disorders. Effective therapeutic strategies are an unmet need for these disorders. Polyphenols, such as quercetin and resveratrol, are plant-derived compounds that activate sirtuins (SIRTs) and have shown promising results in some models of neuronal death, although their effects have been scarcely tested in models of motor neuron degeneration. Methods In this work we investigated the effects of quercetin and resveratrol in an in vivo model of excitotoxic motor neuron death induced by the chronic infusion of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) into the rat spinal cord tissue. Quercetin and resveratrol were co-infused with AMPA and motor behavior and muscle strength were assessed daily for up to ten days. Then, animals were fixed and lumbar spinal cord tissue was analyzed by histological and immunocytological procedures. Results We found that the chronic infusion of AMPA [1 mM] caused a progressive motor neuron degeneration, accompanied by astrogliosis and microgliosis, and motor deficits and paralysis of the rear limbs. Quercetin infusion ameliorated AMPA-induced paralysis, rescued motor neurons, and prevented both astrogliosis and microgliosis, and these protective effects were prevented by EX527, a very selective SIRT1 inhibitor. In contrast, neither resveratrol nor EX527 alone improved motor behavior deficits or reduced motor neuron degeneration, albeit both reduced gliosis. Conclusions These results suggest that quercetin exerts its beneficial effects through a SIRT1-mediated mechanism, and thus SIRT1 plays an important role in excitotoxic neurodegeneration and therefore its pharmacological modulation might provide opportunities for therapy in motor neuron disorders. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s40035-017-0102-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Lazo-Gomez
- División de Neurociencias, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito exterior s/n, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán, 04510 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Ricardo Tapia
- División de Neurociencias, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito exterior s/n, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán, 04510 Ciudad de México, Mexico
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98
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Zhou T, Ahmad TK, Gozda K, Truong J, Kong J, Namaka M. Implications of white matter damage in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Review). Mol Med Rep 2017; 16:4379-4392. [PMID: 28791401 PMCID: PMC5646997 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.7186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2017] [Accepted: 06/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease, which involves the progressive degeneration of motor neurons. ALS has long been considered a disease of the grey matter; however, pathological alterations of the white matter (WM), including axonal loss, axonal demyelination and oligodendrocyte death, have been reported in patients with ALS. The present review examined motor neuron death as the primary cause of ALS and evaluated the associated WM damage that is guided by neuronal‑glial interactions. Previous studies have suggested that WM damage may occur prior to the death of motor neurons, and thus may be considered an early indicator for the diagnosis and prognosis of ALS. However, the exact molecular mechanisms underlying early‑onset WM damage in ALS have yet to be elucidated. The present review explored the detailed anatomy of WM and identified several pathological mechanisms that may be implicated in WM damage in ALS. In addition, it associated the pathophysiological alterations of WM, which may contribute to motor neuron death in ALS, with similar mechanisms of WM damage that are involved in multiple sclerosis (MS). Furthermore, the early detection of WM damage in ALS, using neuroimaging techniques, may lead to earlier therapeutic intervention, using immunomodulatory treatment strategies similar to those used in relapsing‑remitting MS, aimed at delaying WM damage in ALS. Early therapeutic approaches may have the potential to delay motor neuron damage and thus prolong the survival of patients with ALS. The therapeutic interventions that are currently available for ALS are only marginally effective. However, early intervention with immunomodulatory drugs may slow the progression of WM damage in the early stages of ALS, thus delaying motor neuron death and increasing the life expectancy of patients with ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Zhou
- College of Pharmacy, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0T5, Canada
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada
| | - Tina Khorshid Ahmad
- College of Pharmacy, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0T5, Canada
| | - Kiana Gozda
- College of Pharmacy, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0T5, Canada
| | - Jessica Truong
- College of Pharmacy, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0T5, Canada
| | - Jiming Kong
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada
| | - Michael Namaka
- College of Pharmacy, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0T5, Canada
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada
- College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, P.R. China
- Department of Medical Rehabilitation, College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0T6, Canada
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 1R9, Canada
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99
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Gallo A, Vukic D, Michalík D, O’Connell MA, Keegan LP. ADAR RNA editing in human disease; more to it than meets the I. Hum Genet 2017; 136:1265-1278. [DOI: 10.1007/s00439-017-1837-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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100
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Gasco S, Zaragoza P, García-Redondo A, Calvo AC, Osta R. Inflammatory and non-inflammatory monocytes as novel prognostic biomarkers of survival in SOD1G93A mouse model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0184626. [PMID: 28886177 PMCID: PMC5591000 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0184626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) has lately become a suitable scenario to study the interplay between the hematopoietic system and disease progression. Recent studies in C9orf72 null mice have demonstrated that C9orf72 is necessary for the normal function of myeloid cells. In this study, we aimed to analyze in depth the connection between the hematopoietic system and secondary lymphoid (spleen) and non-lymphoid (liver and skeletal muscle) organs and tissues along the disease progression in the transgenic SOD1G93A mice. Our findings suggested that the inflammatory response due to the neurodegeneration in this animal model affected all three organs and tissues, especially the liver and the skeletal muscle. However, the liver was able to compensate this inflammatory response by means of the action of non-inflammatory monocytes, while in the skeletal muscle inflammatory monocytes prompted a further inflammation process until the terminal state of the animals. Interestingly, in blood, a positive correlation was found between non-inflammatory monocytes and survival of the transgenic SOD1G93A mice, while the contrary (a negative correlation) was found in the case of inflammatory monocytes, supporting their potential role as biomarkers of disease progression and survival in this animal model. These findings could prompt future translational studies in ALS patients, promoting the identification of new reliable biomarkers of disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samanta Gasco
- LAGENBIO, Veterinary Faculty of Zaragoza, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón (I2A), CITA, Health Research Institute of Aragon (IIS). University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- * E-mail:
| | - Pilar Zaragoza
- LAGENBIO, Veterinary Faculty of Zaragoza, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón (I2A), CITA, Health Research Institute of Aragon (IIS). University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Alberto García-Redondo
- Biochemistry Department, CIBERER U-723. Health Research Institute, October 12th Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana C. Calvo
- LAGENBIO, Veterinary Faculty of Zaragoza, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón (I2A), CITA, Health Research Institute of Aragon (IIS). University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Rosario Osta
- LAGENBIO, Veterinary Faculty of Zaragoza, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón (I2A), CITA, Health Research Institute of Aragon (IIS). University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
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