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The effects of cysteamine in a mouse model of levodopa-induced dyskinesias. Neurosci Lett 2017; 662:395-401. [PMID: 29100803 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2017.10.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Revised: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Levo-dopa (L-DOPA) has shown significant and long-lasting efficacy in the treatment of motor features characteristic of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the effects tend to wear off at a time typically when side-effects, such as L-DOPA induced dyskinesias (LIDs), start to emerge and for which the treatment options are very limited. In recent years, we have reported on the neuroprotective and neurorestorative properties of the compounds cystamine/cysteamine in ameliorating several aspects of PD. Building on these observations, we set out to further evaluate the benefits of cysteamine on LIDs. We thus treated mice displaying LIDs with single cysteamine challenges at various doses (20, 50 and 30mg/kg) or chronically for 2 weeks using cysteamine at a dose of 30mg/kg. None of the regimens nor doses ameliorated any LID-related behavioral impairments. Mice displaying LIDs did, however, respond to a single treatment of 60mg/kg of amantadine, a drug used to clinically manage LIDs. Taken together, our results suggest that cysteamine does not induce benefits on LIDs, at least at the doses and regimen tested in our study. However, the disease-modifying effects depicted by cystamine/cysteamine, which we have shown in several reports, would strongly encourage its continued evaluation in the clinical setting.
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HIV-1 gp120 Upregulates Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) Expression in BV2 Cells via the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway. J Mol Neurosci 2017; 62:199-208. [PMID: 28560687 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-017-0931-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
HIV-1 gp120 plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of HIV-associated pain, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are incompletely understood. This study aims to determine the effect and possible mechanism of HIV-1 gp120 on BDNF expression in BV2 cells (a murine-derived microglial cell line). We observed that gp120 (10 ng/ml) activated BV2 cells in cultures and upregulated proBDNF/mBDNF. Furthermore, gp120-treated BV2 also accumulated Wnt3a and β-catenin, suggesting the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. We demonstrated that activation of the pathway by Wnt3a upregulated BDNF expression. In contrast, inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway by either DKK1 or IWR-1 attenuated BDNF upregulation induced by gp120 or Wnt3a. These findings collectively suggest that gp120 stimulates BDNF expression in BV2 cells via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
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Verny C, Bachoud-Lévi AC, Durr A, Goizet C, Azulay JP, Simonin C, Tranchant C, Calvas F, Krystkowiak P, Charles P, Youssov K, Scherer C, Prundean A, Olivier A, Reynier P, Saudou F, Maison P, Allain P, von Studnitz E, Bonneau D. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluating cysteamine in Huntington's disease. Mov Disord 2017; 32:932-936. [DOI: 10.1002/mds.27010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Revised: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Verny
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Angers, Département de Neurologie et UMR CNRS 6214 - INSERM U1083 et Institut Mitovasc; Angers France
| | - Anne-Catherine Bachoud-Lévi
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris; Centre National de Référence Maladie de Huntington, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire H. Mondor - A. Chenevier de Créteil et INSERM U955, Equipe 01 Neuropsychologie interventionnelle, Créteil et Ecole Normale Supérieure, Institut d'Etudes Cognitives, Paris et Université Paris-Est, Faculté de Médecine; Créteil France
| | - Alexandra Durr
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris; Département de Génétique, and Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière; Paris France
| | - Cyril Goizet
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bordeaux; Hôpital Pellegrin, Service de Génétique Médicale, Université de Bordeaux, INSERM U1211; Bordeaux France
| | - Jean-Philippe Azulay
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille; Hôpital de la Timone, Département de neurologie et de pathologie du mouvement, Institut de neurosciences de la Timone; UMR 7289 AMU-CNRS Marseille France
| | - Clémence Simonin
- Institut de Recherche sur le Cancer de Lille, INSERM UMR837, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Lille, Département de Neurologie et des Mouvements Anormaux; Lille France
| | - Christine Tranchant
- Hôpitaux Universitaire de Strasbourg; Hôpital Hautepierre, Service de Neurologie, Unité des Pathologies du mouvement; Strasbourg France
| | - Fabienne Calvas
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Purpan, Centre d'Investigation Clinique; Toulouse France
| | - Pierre Krystkowiak
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Amiens; Département de Neurologie, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, EA4559, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Fonctionnelles et Pathologie; Amiens France
| | - Perrine Charles
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris; Département de Génétique, and Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière; Paris France
| | - Katia Youssov
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris; Centre National de Référence Maladie de Huntington, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire H. Mondor - A. Chenevier de Créteil et INSERM U955, Equipe 01 Neuropsychologie interventionnelle, Créteil et Ecole Normale Supérieure, Institut d'Etudes Cognitives, Paris et Université Paris-Est, Faculté de Médecine; Créteil France
| | - Clarisse Scherer
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Angers, Département de Neurologie et UMR CNRS 6214 - INSERM U1083 et Institut Mitovasc; Angers France
| | - Adriana Prundean
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Angers, Département de Neurologie et UMR CNRS 6214 - INSERM U1083 et Institut Mitovasc; Angers France
| | - Audrey Olivier
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Angers, Département de Neurologie et UMR CNRS 6214 - INSERM U1083 et Institut Mitovasc; Angers France
| | - Pascal Reynier
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Angers, Département de Biochimie et Génétique et UMR CNRS 6214 - INSERM U1083 et Institut Mitovasc; Angers France
| | - Frédéric Saudou
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble Institut des Neurosciences; GIN, Grenoble France
- INSERM U1216
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Grenoble; Grenoble France
| | - Patrick Maison
- INSERM U955, Equipe 01 Neuropsychologie interventionnelle; Créteil France
| | - Philippe Allain
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Angers, Département de Neurologie et UPRES EA 4638, Laboratoire de Psychologie des Pays de la Loire; Angers France
| | | | - Dominique Bonneau
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Angers, Département de Biochimie et Génétique et UMR CNRS 6214 - INSERM U1083 et Institut Mitovasc; Angers France
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Tyebji S, Hannan AJ. Synaptopathic mechanisms of neurodegeneration and dementia: Insights from Huntington's disease. Prog Neurobiol 2017; 153:18-45. [PMID: 28377290 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2017.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2016] [Revised: 03/19/2017] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Dementia encapsulates a set of symptoms that include loss of mental abilities such as memory, problem solving or language, and reduces a person's ability to perform daily activities. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, however dementia can also occur in other neurological disorders such as Huntington's disease (HD). Many studies have demonstrated that loss of neuronal cell function manifests pre-symptomatically and thus is a relevant therapeutic target to alleviate symptoms. Synaptopathy, the physiological dysfunction of synapses, is now being approached as the target for many neurological and psychiatric disorders, including HD. HD is an autosomal dominant and progressive degenerative disorder, with clinical manifestations that encompass movement, cognition, mood and behaviour. HD is one of the most common tandem repeat disorders and is caused by a trinucleotide (CAG) repeat expansion, encoding an extended polyglutamine tract in the huntingtin protein. Animal models as well as human studies have provided detailed, although not exhaustive, evidence of synaptic dysfunction in HD. In this review, we discuss the neuropathology of HD and how the changes in synaptic signalling in the diseased brain lead to its symptoms, which include dementia. Here, we review and discuss the mechanisms by which the 'molecular orchestras' and their 'synaptic symphonies' are disrupted in neurodegeneration and dementia, focusing on HD as a model disease. We also explore the therapeutic strategies currently in pre-clinical and clinical testing that are targeted towards improving synaptic function in HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiraz Tyebji
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anthony J Hannan
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
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Deb A, Frank S, Testa CM. New symptomatic therapies for Huntington disease. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2017; 144:199-207. [PMID: 28947118 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-801893-4.00017-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Huntington disease (HD), an inherited neurodegenerative disease, results from a CAG repeat expansion creating mutant huntingtin protein and widespread neuronal damage. Motor symptoms such as chorea are often preceded by cognitive and behavioral changes. Tetrabenazine and deutetrabebenazine are the two drugs approved by the Federal Food and Drug Administrationfor HD symptoms, is an effective therapy for chorea. However, there is still a large need for other symptomatic therapies impacting functional issues, including impaired gait, behavioral, and cognitive symptoms. A number of pharmacologic agents are under investigation. Additionally, other mechanisms are being targeted in motor symptom drug development, including phosphodiesterase 10 enzyme inhibition, dopamine modulation, and inhibition of deacetylation. There is perhaps the greatest unmet need in treating nonmotor effects, such as cognition and change in disease course. PBT2, a metal chaperone, and latrepirdine, a mitochondrial stabilizer, are under investigation specifically for the possibility of cognitive benefit. Unfortunately, there is a lack of HD-specific evidence on effective treatments for behavioral and psychiatric symptoms. Further investigation of nonmedication interventions such as physical therapy is necessary. As our understanding of molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying HD broadens, a new set of mechanistic targets will become the focus of HD symptomatic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anindita Deb
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Samuel Frank
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School in Boston, MA, United States.
| | - Claudia M Testa
- Department of Neurology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION An inherited, chronic progressive, neurodegenerative disorder is Huntington's disease, characterized by motor, cognitive, and psychiatric symptoms. Predictive genetic testing allows earlier diagnosis and identification of gene carriers for Huntington's disease. These individuals are ideal candidates for testing of therapeutic interventions for disease modification. Areas covered: According to queries in Pubmed, Embase and clinical register databases, research and clinical studies emerge on symptomatic and neuroprotective therapies in Huntington's disease. This review discusses novel agents for symptomatic therapy and disease modification. They are currently in phase I and II of drug development Expert opinion: There are promising, safe and well tolerated compounds for amelioration of motor and neuropsychiatric symptoms, but their efficacy still needs to be proven in clinical trials. Deterioration of mutant huntingtin expression, antiapoptotic or cell death inhibition as disease modifying concepts was efficacious in models of Huntington's disease. However, the risk for clinical trial failures is high not only due to ineffectiveness of the tested agent. Negative study outcomes may also result from design misconceptions, underestimation of the heterogeneity of Huntington's disease, too short study durations and too small study cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Müller
- a Department of Neurology , St. Joseph Hospital Berlin-Weißensee , Berlin , Germany
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Wang S, Li X, Li M, Jiang L, Yuan H, Han W, Wang X, Zeng T, Xie K. Cystamine attenuated behavioral deficiency via increasing the expression of BDNF and activating PI3K/Akt signaling in 2,5-hexanedione intoxicated rats. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2016; 6:199-204. [PMID: 30090490 DOI: 10.1039/c6tx00409a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 12/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Organic solvent-induced neurodegeneration is a severe public health problem which has no effective prevention measures yet. Cystamine stands as a promising neuroprotective agent against many degenerative diseases. In the present study, we investigated the possible protective effects of cystamine against 2,5-hexanedione (2,5-HD) induced peripheral neuropathy. Chronic exposure to 2,5-HD (300 mg kg-1, 6 times per week for 6 weeks) resulted in obvious peripheral nerve damage shown as the elevation of gait scores and the increase of latency in an accelerating rota-rod test. Cystamine (30 mg kg-1 and 60 mg kg-1) co-treatment obviously ameliorated 2,5-HD-induced impairments of the peripheral nervous system. To decipher the underlying mechanisms, we investigated the effects of cystamine on the regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and heat shock protein-70 (Hsp70) expression and the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. The results revealed that cystamine up-regulated the protein levels of BDNF and Hsp70, accompanied by the activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway in the spinal cord, which might account for the protection of cystamine against 2,5-HD-induced neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Wang
- Institute of Toxicology , School of Public Health , Shandong University , Jinan , Shandong 250012 , China . ; Tel: +86-531-88382132
| | - Xianjie Li
- Institute of Toxicology , School of Public Health , Shandong University , Jinan , Shandong 250012 , China . ; Tel: +86-531-88382132
| | - Ming Li
- Institute of Toxicology , School of Public Health , Shandong University , Jinan , Shandong 250012 , China . ; Tel: +86-531-88382132
| | - Lulu Jiang
- Institute of Toxicology , School of Public Health , Shandong University , Jinan , Shandong 250012 , China . ; Tel: +86-531-88382132
| | - Hua Yuan
- The People's Hospital of Shouguang , Weifang , Shandong 262700 , China
| | - Wenting Han
- Institute of Toxicology , School of Public Health , Shandong University , Jinan , Shandong 250012 , China . ; Tel: +86-531-88382132
| | - Xujing Wang
- Institute of Toxicology , School of Public Health , Shandong University , Jinan , Shandong 250012 , China . ; Tel: +86-531-88382132
| | - Tao Zeng
- Institute of Toxicology , School of Public Health , Shandong University , Jinan , Shandong 250012 , China . ; Tel: +86-531-88382132
| | - Keqin Xie
- Institute of Toxicology , School of Public Health , Shandong University , Jinan , Shandong 250012 , China . ; Tel: +86-531-88382132
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Sanchez E, Darvish H, Mesias R, Taghavi S, Firouzabadi SG, Walker RH, Tafakhori A, Paisán-Ruiz C. Identification of a Large DNAJB2 Deletion in a Family with Spinal Muscular Atrophy and Parkinsonism. Hum Mutat 2016; 37:1180-1189. [PMID: 27449489 DOI: 10.1002/humu.23055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 07/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we described the identification of a large DNAJB2 (HSJ1) deletion in a family with recessive spinal muscular atrophy and Parkinsonism. After performing homozygosity mapping and whole genome sequencing, we identified a 3.8 kb deletion, spanning the entire DnaJ domain of the HSJ1 protein, as the disease-segregating mutation. By performing functional assays, we showed that HSJ1b-related DnaJ domain deletion leads to loss of HSJ1b mRNA and protein levels, increased HSJ1a mRNA and protein expressions, increased cell death, protein aggregation, and enhanced autophagy. Given the role of HSJ1 proteins in the degradation of misfolded proteins, we speculated that enhanced autophagy might be promoted by the elevated HSJ1a expression seen in HSJ1b-deficient cells. We also observed a significant reduction in both tau and brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels, which may explain the dopaminergic deficits seen in one of the affected siblings. We concluded that HSJ1b deficiency leads to a complex neurological phenotype, possibly due to the accumulation of misfolded proteins, caused by the lack of the DnaJ domain activity. We thus expand the phenotypic and genotypic spectrums associated with DNAJB2 disease and suggest relevant disease-associated mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Sanchez
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York City, New York
| | - Hossein Darvish
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roxana Mesias
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York City, New York.,The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York City, New York
| | - Shaghyegh Taghavi
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Ruth H Walker
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York City, New York.,Department of Neurology, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, New York City, New York
| | - Abbas Tafakhori
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Imam Khomeini Hospital and Iranian Center of Neurological Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Coro Paisán-Ruiz
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York City, New York. .,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York City, New York. .,Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York City, New York. .,Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York City, New York. .,Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York City, New York.
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Altered Function of the DnaJ Family Cochaperone DNJ-17 Modulates Locomotor Circuit Activity in a Caenorhabditis elegans Seizure Model. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2016; 6:2165-71. [PMID: 27185401 PMCID: PMC4938669 DOI: 10.1534/g3.116.028928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The highly conserved cochaperone DnaJ/Hsp40 family proteins are known to interact with molecular chaperone Hsp70, and can regulate many cellular processes including protein folding, translocation, and degradation. In studies of Caenorhabditis elegans locomotion mutants, we identified a gain-of-function (gf) mutation in dnj-17 closely linked to the widely used e156 null allele of C. elegans GAD (glutamic acid decarboxylase) unc-25. dnj-17 encodes a DnaJ protein orthologous to human DNAJA5. In C. elegansDNJ-17 is a cytosolic protein and is broadly expressed in many tissues. dnj-17(gf) causes a single amino acid substitution in a conserved domain, and behaves as a hypermorphic mutation. The effect of this dnj-17(gf) is most prominent in mutants lacking GABA synaptic transmission. In a seizure model caused by a mutation in the ionotropic acetylcholine receptor acr-2(gf), dnj-17(gf) exacerbates the convulsion phenotype in conjunction with absence of GABA. Null mutants of dnj-17 show mild resistance to aldicarb, while dnj-17(gf) is hypersensitive. These results highlight the importance of DnaJ proteins in regulation of C. elegans locomotor circuit, and provide insights into the in vivo roles of DnaJ proteins in humans.
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Estévez-Fraga C, Avilés Olmos I, Mañanes Barral V, López-Sendón Moreno JL. Therapeutic advances in Huntington’s disease. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2016.1196128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Steinman L. A Journey in Science: The Privilege of Exploring the Brain and the Immune System. Mol Med 2016; 22:molmed.2015.00263. [PMID: 27652378 PMCID: PMC5004718 DOI: 10.2119/molmed.2015.00263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 12/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Real innovations in medicine and science are historic and singular; the stories behind each occurrence are precious. At Molecular Medicine we have established the Anthony Cerami Award in Translational Medicine to document and preserve these histories. The monographs recount the seminal events as told in the voice of the original investigators who provided the crucial early insight. These essays capture the essence of discovery, chronicling the birth of ideas that created new fields of research; and launched trajectories that persisted and ultimately influenced how disease is prevented, diagnosed, and treated. In this volume, the Cerami Award Monograph is by Lawrence Steinman, MD, of Stanford University in California. A visionary in the field of neurology, this is the story of Dr. Steinman's scientific journey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence Steinman
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California
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62
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Mason SL, Barker RA. Novel targets for Huntington's disease: future prospects. Degener Neurol Neuromuscul Dis 2016; 6:25-36. [PMID: 30050366 PMCID: PMC6053088 DOI: 10.2147/dnnd.s83808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an incurable, inherited, progressive, neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by a triad of motor, cognitive, and psychiatric problems. Despite the noticeable increase in therapeutic trials in HD in the last 20 years, there have, to date, been very few significant advances. The main hope for new and emerging therapeutics for HD is to develop a neuroprotective compound capable of slowing down or even stopping the progression of the disease and ultimately prevent the subtle early signs from developing into manifest disease. Recently, there has been a noticeable shift away from symptomatic therapies in favor of more mechanistic-based interventions, a change driven by a better understanding of the pathogenesis of this disorder. In this review, we discuss the status of, and supporting evidence for, potential novel treatments of HD that are currently under development or have reached the level of early Phase I/II clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roger A Barker
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, .,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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A Pharmacogenetic Discovery: Cystamine Protects Against Haloperidol-Induced Toxicity and Ischemic Brain Injury. Genetics 2016; 203:599-609. [PMID: 26993135 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.115.184648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Haloperidol is an effective antipsychotic agent, but it causes Parkinsonian-like extrapyramidal symptoms in the majority of treated subjects. To address this treatment-limiting toxicity, we analyzed a murine genetic model of haloperidol-induced toxicity (HIT). Analysis of a panel of consomic strains indicated that a genetic factor on chromosome 10 had a significant effect on susceptibility to HIT. We analyzed a whole-genome SNP database to identify allelic variants that were uniquely present on chromosome 10 in the strain that was previously shown to exhibit the highest level of susceptibility to HIT. This analysis implicated allelic variation within pantetheinase genes (Vnn1 and Vnn3), which we propose impaired the biosynthesis of cysteamine, could affect susceptibility to HIT. We demonstrate that administration of cystamine, which is rapidly metabolized to cysteamine, could completely prevent HIT in the murine model. Many of the haloperidol-induced gene expression changes in the striatum of the susceptible strain were reversed by cystamine coadministration. Since cystamine administration has previously been shown to have other neuroprotective actions, we investigated whether cystamine administration could have a broader neuroprotective effect. Cystamine administration caused a 23% reduction in infarct volume after experimentally induced cerebral ischemia. Characterization of this novel pharmacogenetic factor for HIT has identified a new approach for preventing the treatment-limiting toxicity of an antipsychotic agent, which could also be used to reduce the extent of brain damage after stroke.
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Synthesis of diacylated γ-glutamyl-cysteamine prodrugs, and in vitro evaluation of their cytotoxicity and intracellular delivery of cysteamine. Eur J Med Chem 2016; 109:206-15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2015.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Revised: 11/28/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Liu C, Luo R, Elliott SE, Wang W, Parchim NF, Iriyama T, Daugherty PS, Blackwell SC, Sibai BM, Kellems RE, Xia Y. Elevated Transglutaminase Activity Triggers Angiotensin Receptor Activating Autoantibody Production and Pathophysiology of Preeclampsia. J Am Heart Assoc 2015; 4:e002323. [PMID: 26675250 PMCID: PMC4845265 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.115.002323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2015] [Accepted: 10/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preeclampsia (PE) is a life-threatening hypertensive disorder of pregnancy associated with autoantibodies, termed AT1-AA, that activate the AT1 angiotensin receptor. Although the pathogenic nature of these autoantibodies has been extensively studied, little is known about the molecular cause of their generation. METHODS AND RESULTS Here we show that tissue transglutaminase (TG2), an enzyme that conducts posttranslational modification of target proteins, directly modified the 7-amino acid (7-aa) epitope peptide that localizes to the second extracellular loop of the AT1 receptor. These findings led us to further discover that plasma transglutaminase activity was induced and contributed to the production of AT1-AA and disease development in an experimental model of PE induced by injection of LIGHT, a tumor necrosis factor superfamily member. Key features of PE were regenerated by adoptive transfer of purified IgG from LIGHT-injected pregnant mice and blocked by the 7-amino acid epitope peptide. Translating our mouse research to humans, we found that plasma transglutaminase activity was significantly elevated in PE patients and was positively correlated with AT1-AA levels and PE features. CONCLUSIONS Overall, we provide compelling mouse and human evidence that elevated transglutaminase underlies AT1-AA production in PE and highlight novel pathogenic biomarkers and innovative therapeutic possibilities for the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Liu
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyThe University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonTX
| | - Renna Luo
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyThe University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonTX
- Nephrology DepartmentXiangya HospitalHunanChina
- Department of NephrologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical UniversityDalianChina
| | - Serra E. Elliott
- Department of Chemical EngineeringUniversity of CaliforniaSanta BarbaraCA
| | - Wei Wang
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyThe University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonTX
- Nephrology DepartmentXiangya HospitalHunanChina
| | - Nicholas F. Parchim
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyThe University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonTX
| | - Takayuki Iriyama
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyThe University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonTX
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of TokyoJapan
| | | | - Sean C. Blackwell
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive SciencesThe University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonTX
| | - Baha M. Sibai
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive SciencesThe University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonTX
| | - Rodney E. Kellems
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyThe University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonTX
- The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at HoustonTX
| | - Yang Xia
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyThe University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonTX
- The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at HoustonTX
- Department of Chemical EngineeringUniversity of CaliforniaSanta BarbaraCA
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Xiao N, Le QT. Neurotrophic Factors and Their Potential Applications in Tissue Regeneration. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2015; 64:89-99. [PMID: 26611762 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-015-0376-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Neurotrophic factors are growth factors that can nourish neurons and promote neuron survival and regeneration. They have been studied as potential drug candidates for treating neurodegenerative diseases. Since their identification, there are more and more evidences to indicate that neurotrophic factors are also expressed in non-neuronal tissues and regulate the survival, anti-inflammation, proliferation and differentiation in these tissues. This mini review summarizes the characteristics of the neurotrophic factors and their potential clinical applications in the regeneration of neuronal and non-neuronal tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Xiao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, University of the Pacific, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Quynh-Thu Le
- Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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67
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Rosiglitazone activation of PPARγ-dependent signaling is neuroprotective in mutant huntingtin expressing cells. Exp Cell Res 2015; 338:183-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2015.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2015] [Revised: 08/26/2015] [Accepted: 09/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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68
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Zizioli D, Tiso N, Guglielmi A, Saraceno C, Busolin G, Giuliani R, Khatri D, Monti E, Borsani G, Argenton F, Finazzi D. Knock-down of pantothenate kinase 2 severely affects the development of the nervous and vascular system in zebrafish, providing new insights into PKAN disease. Neurobiol Dis 2015; 85:35-48. [PMID: 26476142 PMCID: PMC4684146 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2015.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2015] [Revised: 08/31/2015] [Accepted: 10/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Pantothenate Kinase Associated Neurodegeneration (PKAN) is an autosomal recessive disorder with mutations in the pantothenate kinase 2 gene (PANK2), encoding an essential enzyme for Coenzyme A (CoA) biosynthesis. The molecular connection between defects in this enzyme and the neurodegenerative phenotype observed in PKAN patients is still poorly understood. We exploited the zebrafish model to study the role played by the pank2 gene during embryonic development and get new insight into PKAN pathogenesis. The zebrafish orthologue of hPANK2 lies on chromosome 13, is a maternal gene expressed in all development stages and, in adult animals, is highly abundant in CNS, dorsal aorta and caudal vein. The injection of a splice-inhibiting morpholino induced a clear phenotype with perturbed brain morphology and hydrocephalus; edema was present in the heart region and caudal plexus, where hemorrhages with reduction of blood circulation velocity were detected. We characterized the CNS phenotype by studying the expression pattern of wnt1 and neurog1 neural markers and by use of the Tg(neurod:EGFP/sox10:dsRed) transgenic line. The results evidenced that downregulation of pank2 severely impairs neuronal development, particularly in the anterior part of CNS (telencephalon). Whole-mount in situ hybridization analysis of the endothelial markers cadherin-5 and fli1a, and use of Tg(fli1a:EGFP/gata1a:dsRed) transgenic line, confirmed the essential role of pank2 in the formation of the vascular system. The specificity of the morpholino-induced phenotype was proved by the restoration of a normal development in a high percentage of embryos co-injected with pank2 mRNA. Also, addition of pantethine or CoA, but not of vitamin B5, to pank2 morpholino-injected embryos rescued the phenotype with high efficiency. The zebrafish model indicates the relevance of pank2 activity and CoA homeostasis for normal neuronal development and functioning and provides evidence of an unsuspected role for this enzyme and its product in vascular development. Zebrafish pank2 gene is highly expressed in the CNS and the main vascular structures. Pank2 down-regulation severely affects the development of the forebrain. Pank2 down-regulation affects the dorsal aorta, caudal vein and inter-somitic vessels. Pantethine and Coenzyme A restore the normal development in the absence of pank2 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Zizioli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
| | - Natascia Tiso
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, via U. Bassi 58/B, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Adele Guglielmi
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Claudia Saraceno
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Giorgia Busolin
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, via U. Bassi 58/B, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Roberta Giuliani
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Deepak Khatri
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Eugenio Monti
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Borsani
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesco Argenton
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, via U. Bassi 58/B, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Dario Finazzi
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy; Clinical Chemistry Laboratory, Spedali Civili Hospital, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
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69
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Cisbani G, Drouin-Ouellet J, Gibrat C, Saint-Pierre M, Lagacé M, Badrinarayanan S, Lavallée-Bourget M, Charest J, Chabrat A, Boivin L, Lebel M, Bousquet M, Lévesque M, Cicchetti F. Cystamine/cysteamine rescues the dopaminergic system and shows neurorestorative properties in an animal model of Parkinson's disease. Neurobiol Dis 2015; 82:430-444. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2015.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2015] [Revised: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 07/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
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Anglada-Huguet M, Vidal-Sancho L, Giralt A, García-Díaz Barriga G, Xifró X, Alberch J. Prostaglandin E2 EP2 activation reduces memory decline in R6/1 mouse model of Huntington's disease by the induction of BDNF-dependent synaptic plasticity. Neurobiol Dis 2015; 95:22-34. [PMID: 26369879 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2015.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2014] [Revised: 07/20/2015] [Accepted: 09/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) patients and mouse models show learning and memory impairment even before the onset of motor symptoms. Deficits in hippocampal synaptic plasticity have been involved in the HD memory impairment. Several studies show that prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) EP2 receptor stimulates synaptic plasticity and memory formation. However, this role was not explored in neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we investigated the capacity of PGE2 EP2 receptor to promote synaptic plasticity and memory improvements in a model of HD, the R6/1 mice, by administration of the agonist misoprostol. We found that misoprostol increases dendritic branching in cultured hippocampal neurons in a brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-dependent manner. Then, we implanted an osmotic mini-pump system to chronically administrate misoprostol to R6/1 mice from 14 to 18weeks of age. We observed that misoprostol treatment ameliorates the R6/1 long-term memory deficits as analyzed by the T-maze spontaneous alternation task and the novel object recognition test. Importantly, administration of misoprostol promoted the expression of hippocampal BDNF. Moreover, the treatment with misoprostol in R6/1 mice blocked the reduction in the number of PSD-95 and VGluT-1 positive particles observed in hippocampus of vehicle-R6/1 mice. In addition, we observed an increase of cAMP levels in the dentate ` of WT and R6/1 mice treated with misoprostol. Accordingly, we showed a reduction in the number of mutant huntingtin nuclear inclusions in the dentate gyrus of R6/1 mice. Altogether, these results suggest a putative therapeutic effect of PGE2 EP2 receptor in reducing cognitive deficits in HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Anglada-Huguet
- Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Immunologia i Neurociències, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Barcelona, Casanova, 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Casanova, 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Laura Vidal-Sancho
- Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Immunologia i Neurociències, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Barcelona, Casanova, 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Casanova, 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; New Therapeutic Targets Group (TargetsLab), Departament de Ciències Mèdiques, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Girona, c/ Emili Grahit, 77, 17071 Girona, Spain.
| | - Albert Giralt
- Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Immunologia i Neurociències, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Barcelona, Casanova, 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Casanova, 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Gerardo García-Díaz Barriga
- Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Immunologia i Neurociències, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Barcelona, Casanova, 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Casanova, 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Xavier Xifró
- Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Immunologia i Neurociències, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Barcelona, Casanova, 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Casanova, 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; New Therapeutic Targets Group (TargetsLab), Departament de Ciències Mèdiques, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Girona, c/ Emili Grahit, 77, 17071 Girona, Spain.
| | - Jordi Alberch
- Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Immunologia i Neurociències, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Barcelona, Casanova, 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Casanova, 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain.
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71
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Shannon KM, Fraint A. Therapeutic advances in Huntington's Disease. Mov Disord 2015; 30:1539-46. [DOI: 10.1002/mds.26331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2015] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen M. Shannon
- Department of Neurological Sciences; Rush Medical College; Chicago Illinois USA
| | - Avram Fraint
- Department of Neurological Sciences; Rush Medical College; Chicago Illinois USA
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72
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Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a syndromic autism spectrum disorder caused by loss-of-function mutations in MECP2. The methyl CpG binding protein 2 binds methylcytosine and 5-hydroxymethycytosine at CpG sites in promoter regions of target genes, controlling their transcription by recruiting co-repressors and co-activators. Several preclinical studies in mouse models have identified rational molecular targets for drug therapies aimed at correcting the underlying neural dysfunction. These targeted therapies are increasingly translating into human clinical trials. In this review, we present an overview of RTT and describe the current state of preclinical studies in methyl CpG binding protein 2-based mouse models, as well as current clinical trials in individuals with RTT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Pozzo-Miller
- />Department of Neurobiology, Civitan International Research Center, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL USA
| | - Sandipan Pati
- />Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Division, Civitan International Research Center, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL USA
| | - Alan K. Percy
- />Department of Pediatrics, Civitan International Research Center, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL USA
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73
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Sampaio C, Borowsky B, Reilmann R. Clinical trials in Huntington's disease: Interventions in early clinical development and newer methodological approaches. Mov Disord 2015; 29:1419-28. [PMID: 25216371 DOI: 10.1002/mds.26021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2014] [Revised: 08/11/2014] [Accepted: 08/17/2014] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the identification of the Huntington's disease (HD) gene, knowledge has accumulated about mechanisms directly or indirectly affected by the mutated Huntingtin protein. Transgenic and knock-in animal models of HD facilitate the preclinical evaluation of these targets. Several treatment approaches with varying, but growing, preclinical evidence have been translated into clinical trials. We review major landmarks in clinical development and report on the main clinical trials that are ongoing or have been recently completed. We also review clinical trial settings and designs that influence drug-development decisions, particularly given that HD is an orphan disease. In addition, we provide a critical analysis of the evolution of the methodology of HD clinical trials to identify trends toward new processes and endpoints. Biomarker studies, such as TRACK-HD and PREDICT-HD, have generated evidence for the potential usefulness of novel outcome measures for HD clinical trials, such as volumetric imaging, quantitative motor (Q-Motor) measures, and novel cognitive endpoints. All of these endpoints are currently applied in ongoing clinical trials, which will provide insight into their reliability, sensitivity, and validity, and their use may expedite proof-of-concept studies. We also outline the specific opportunities that could provide a framework for a successful avenue toward identifying and efficiently testing and translating novel mechanisms of action in the HD field.
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74
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Huntington's disease (HD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by hyperkinetic movements, psychiatric (e.g. depression and psychosis) and cognitive symptoms (frontal lobe dementia). In Germany approximately 8000 patients suffer from HD. OBJECTIVES The paper reviews the clinical course, epidemiology, genetics, differential diagnoses, pathophysiology, symptomatics and causal treatment options. METHODS Publications on animal and human HD studies and trials and reviews available in Medline have been taken into account. RESULTS Only genetic testing allows diagnostic certainty. The CAG repeat length influences age of onset, disease course and life expectancy. The mechanism by which mutant huntingtin protein (mHTT) causes HD is complex and poorly understood but leads to cell death, in particular in striatal neurons. In clinical trials antioxidants (e.g. coenzyme Q10), selisistat, PBT2, cysteamine, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-receptor antagonists and tyrosine kinase B receptor agonists have been studied in HD. CONCLUSION No disease-modifying therapy is currently available for HD; however, gene silencing, e.g. through RNA interference, is a promising technique which could lead to effective therapies in due course.
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Affiliation(s)
- J D Rollnik
- Institut für neurorehabilitative Forschung (InFo) der BDH-Klinik Hessisch Oldendorf gGmbH, Assoziiertes Institut der Medizinischen Hochschule Hannover (MHH), Greitstr. 18-28, 31840, Hessisch Oldendorf, Deutschland,
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75
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Aleman MM, Holle LA, Stember KG, Devette CI, Monroe DM, Wolberg AS. Cystamine preparations exhibit anticoagulant activity. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0124448. [PMID: 25915545 PMCID: PMC4411037 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0124448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2015] [Accepted: 03/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Transglutaminases are a superfamily of isoenzymes found in cells and plasma. These enzymes catalyze the formation of ε-N-(γ-glutamyl)-lysyl crosslinks between proteins. Cystamine blocks transglutaminase activity and is used in vitro in human samples and in vivo in mice and rats in studies of coagulation, immune dysfunction, and inflammatory disease. These studies have suggested cystamine blocks fibrin crosslinking and has anti-inflammatory effects, implicating transglutaminase activity in the pathogenesis of several diseases. We measured the effects of cystamine on fibrin crosslinking, tissue factor-triggered plasma clot formation and thrombin generation, and coagulation factor enzymatic activity. At concentrations that blocked fibrin crosslinking, cystamine also inhibited plasma clot formation and reduced thrombin generation. Cystamine inhibited the amidolytic activity of coagulation factor XI and thrombin towards chromogenic substrates. These findings demonstrate that cystamine exhibits anticoagulant activity during coagulation. Given the close relationship between coagulation and inflammation, these findings suggest prior studies that used cystamine to implicate transglutaminase activity in disease pathogenesis warrant re-examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria M. Aleman
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Lori A. Holle
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Katherine G. Stember
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Christa I. Devette
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Dougald M. Monroe
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Alisa S. Wolberg
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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76
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Abstract
The brain under immunological attack does not surrender quietly. Investigation of brain lesions in multiple sclerosis (MS) reveals a coordinated molecular response involving various proteins and small molecules ranging from heat shock proteins to small lipids, neurotransmitters, and even gases, which provide protection and foster repair. Reduction of inflammation serves as a necessary prerequisite for effective recovery and regeneration. Remarkably, many lesion-resident molecules activate pathways leading to both suppression of inflammation and promotion of repair mechanisms. These guardian molecules and their corresponding physiologic pathways could potentially be exploited to silence inflammation and repair the injured and degenerating brain and spinal cord in both relapsing-remitting and progressive forms of MS and may be beneficial in other neurologic and psychiatric conditions.
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77
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Wang H, Pati S, Pozzo-Miller L, Doering LC. Targeted pharmacological treatment of autism spectrum disorders: fragile X and Rett syndromes. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 9:55. [PMID: 25767435 PMCID: PMC4341567 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2015] [Accepted: 02/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are genetically and clinically heterogeneous and lack effective medications to treat their core symptoms. Studies of syndromic ASDs caused by single gene mutations have provided insights into the pathophysiology of autism. Fragile X and Rett syndromes belong to the syndromic ASDs in which preclinical studies have identified rational targets for drug therapies focused on correcting underlying neural dysfunction. These preclinical discoveries are increasingly translating into exciting human clinical trials. Since there are significant molecular and neurobiological overlaps among ASDs, targeted treatments developed for fragile X and Rett syndromes may be helpful for autism of different etiologies. Here, we review the targeted pharmacological treatment of fragile X and Rett syndromes and discuss related issues in both preclinical studies and clinical trials of potential therapies for the diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hansen Wang
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sandipan Pati
- Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Division, The University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Lucas Pozzo-Miller
- Department of Neurobiology, Civitan International Research Center, The University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Laurie C Doering
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University Hamilton, ON, Canada
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78
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Katz IK, Lamprecht R. Fear conditioning leads to alteration in specific genes expression in cortical and thalamic neurons that project to the lateral amygdala. J Neurochem 2015; 132:313-26. [PMID: 25352022 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.12983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2014] [Accepted: 10/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
RNA transcription is needed for memory formation. However, the ability to identify genes whose expression is altered by learning is greatly impaired because of methodological difficulties in profiling gene expression in specific neurons involved in memory formation. Here, we report a novel approach to monitor the expression of genes after learning in neurons in specific brain pathways needed for memory formation. In this study, we aimed to monitor gene expression after fear learning. We retrogradely labeled discrete thalamic neurons that project to the lateral amygdala (LA) of rats. The labeled neurons were dissected, using laser microdissection microscopy, after fear conditioning learning or unpaired training. The RNAs from the dissected neurons were subjected to microarray analysis. The levels of selected RNAs detected by the microarray analysis to be altered by fear conditioning were also assessed by nanostring analysis. We observed that the expression of genes involved in the regulation of translation, maturation and degradation of proteins was increased 6 h after fear conditioning compared to unpaired or naïve trained rats. These genes were not expressed 24 h after training or in cortical neurons that project to the LA. The expression of genes involved in transcription regulation and neuronal development was altered after fear conditioning learning in the cortical-LA pathway. The present study provides key information on the identity of genes expressed in discrete thalamic and cortical neurons that project to the LA after fear conditioning. Such an approach could also serve to identify gene products as targets for the development of a new generation of therapeutic agents that could be aimed to functionally identified brain circuits to treat memory-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ira K Katz
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Haifa, Israel
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79
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Fan HC, Ho LI, Chi CS, Chen SJ, Peng GS, Chan TM, Lin SZ, Harn HJ. Polyglutamine (PolyQ) diseases: genetics to treatments. Cell Transplant 2015; 23:441-58. [PMID: 24816443 DOI: 10.3727/096368914x678454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases are a group of neurodegenerative disorders caused by expanded cytosine-adenine-guanine (CAG) repeats encoding a long polyQ tract in the respective proteins. To date, a total of nine polyQ disorders have been described: six spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA) types 1, 2, 6, 7, 17; Machado-Joseph disease (MJD/SCA3); Huntington's disease (HD); dentatorubral pallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA); and spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy, X-linked 1 (SMAX1/SBMA). PolyQ diseases are characterized by the pathological expansion of CAG trinucleotide repeat in the translated region of unrelated genes. The translated polyQ is aggregated in the degenerated neurons leading to the dysfunction and degeneration of specific neuronal subpopulations. Although animal models of polyQ disease for understanding human pathology and accessing disease-modifying therapies in neurodegenerative diseases are available, there is neither a cure nor prevention for these diseases, and only symptomatic treatments for polyQ diseases currently exist. Long-term pharmacological treatment is so far disappointing, probably due to unwanted complications and decreasing drug efficacy. Cellular transplantation of stem cells may provide promising therapeutic avenues for restoration of the functions of degenerative and/or damaged neurons in polyQ diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hueng-Chuen Fan
- Department of Pediatrics, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
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80
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Pesce ER, Blatch GL, Edkins AL. Hsp40 Co-chaperones as Drug Targets: Towards the Development of Specific Inhibitors. TOPICS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/7355_2015_92] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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81
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Cho SY, Lee JH, Ju MK, Jeong EM, Kim HJ, Lim J, Lee S, Cho NH, Park HH, Choi K, Jeon JH, Kim IG. Cystamine induces AIF-mediated apoptosis through glutathione depletion. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2014; 1853:619-31. [PMID: 25549939 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2014.12.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2014] [Revised: 12/09/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cystamine and its reduced form cysteamine showed protective effects in various models of neurodegenerative disease, including Huntington's disease and Parkinson's disease. Other lines of evidence demonstrated the cytotoxic effect of cysteamine on duodenal mucosa leading to ulcer development. However, the mechanism for cystamine cytotoxicity remains poorly understood. Here, we report a new pathway in which cystamine induces apoptosis by targeting apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF). By screening of various cell lines, we observed that cystamine and cysteamine induce cell death in a cell type-specific manner. Comparison between cystamine-sensitive and cystamine-resistant cell lines revealed that cystamine cytotoxicity is not associated with unfolded protein response, reactive oxygen species generation and transglutaminase or caspase activity; rather, it is associated with the ability of cystamine to trigger AIF nuclear translocation. In cystamine-sensitive cells, cystamine suppresses the levels of intracellular glutathione by inhibiting γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase expression that triggers AIF translocation. Conversely, glutathione supplementation completely prevents cystamine-induced AIF translocation and apoptosis. In rats, cysteamine administration induces glutathione depletion and AIF translocation leading to apoptosis of duodenal epithelium. These results indicate that AIF translocation through glutathione depletion is the molecular mechanism of cystamine toxicity, and provide important implications for cystamine in the neurodegenerative disease therapeutics as well as in the regulation of AIF-mediated cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Yup Cho
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Haeng Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-kyeong Ju
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, Republic of Korea
| | - Eui Man Jeong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, Republic of Korea; Institute of Human-Environment Interface Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Jun Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, Republic of Korea
| | - Jisun Lim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, Republic of Korea
| | - Seungun Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, Republic of Korea
| | - Nam-Hyuk Cho
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Ho Park
- Graduate School of Biochemistry, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 712-749, Republic of Korea
| | - Kihang Choi
- Department of Chemistry, Korea University, Seoul 136-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju-Hong Jeon
- Institute of Human-Environment Interface Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, Republic of Korea; Department of Physiology and Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Gyu Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, Republic of Korea; Institute of Human-Environment Interface Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, Republic of Korea.
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82
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Cysteamine Alleviates Early Brain Injury Via Reducing Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in a Rat Experimental Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Model. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2014; 35:543-53. [DOI: 10.1007/s10571-014-0150-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2014] [Accepted: 12/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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83
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Li PC, Jiao Y, Ding J, Chen YC, Cui Y, Qian C, Yang XY, Ju SH, Yao HH, Teng GJ. Cystamine improves functional recovery via axon remodeling and neuroprotection after stroke in mice. CNS Neurosci Ther 2014; 21:231-40. [PMID: 25430473 DOI: 10.1111/cns.12343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2014] [Revised: 09/28/2014] [Accepted: 09/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Stroke is a leading cause of disability. However, there is no pharmacological therapy available for promoting recovery. Although treatment of stroke with cystamine has gained increasing interest, the detailed mechanisms underlying this process remain elusive. Thus, our aim is to examine the effect of cystamine on the function recovery after stroke and investigate further cystamine mechanisms. METHODS Adult male C57BL/6J mice were subjected to photothrombotic model of focal stroke or sham operation. Cystamine or saline was administered intraperitoneally at 24 h after stroke. Functional recovery was analyzed using behavioral tests; axon remodeling was analyzed using magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and histological assessment. ANA-12, an antagonist of tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB), was administrated to examine the mechanisms underlying the neuroprotection mediated by cystamine. RESULTS Treatment with cystamine resulted in amelioration of impaired function with concomitant enhancement of axonal remodeling. Cystamine treatment significantly increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels and phosphorylation of TrkB in brain after stroke. Cystamine significantly enhanced neuronal progenitor cell proliferation, neuronal survival, and plasticity through BDNF/TrkB pathway. CONCLUSIONS These data provide evidence to investigate the promising utility of cystamine for therapy of stroke in a variety of ways, acting principally through BDNF/TrkB pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Cheng Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging, Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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84
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Wild EJ, Tabrizi SJ. Targets for future clinical trials in Huntington's disease: what's in the pipeline? Mov Disord 2014; 29:1434-45. [PMID: 25155142 PMCID: PMC4265300 DOI: 10.1002/mds.26007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2014] [Revised: 07/28/2014] [Accepted: 07/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The known genetic cause of Huntington's disease (HD) has fueled considerable progress in understanding its pathobiology and the development of therapeutic approaches aimed at correcting specific changes linked to the causative mutation. Among the most promising is reducing expression of mutant huntingtin protein (mHTT) with RNA interference or antisense oligonucleotides; human trials are now being planned. Zinc-finger transcriptional repression is another innovative method to reduce mHTT expression. Modulation of mHTT phosphorylation, chaperone upregulation, and autophagy enhancement represent attempts to alter cellular homeostasis to favor removal of mHTT. Inhibition of histone deacetylases (HDACs) remains of interest; recent work affirms HDAC4 as a target but questions the assumed centrality of its catalytic activity in HD. Phosphodiesterase inhibition, aimed at restoring synaptic function, has progressed rapidly to human trials. Deranged cellular signaling provides several tractable targets, but specificity and complexity are challenges. Restoring neurotrophic support in HD remains a key potential therapeutic approach. with several approaches being pursued, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mimesis through tyrosine receptor kinase B (TrkB) agonism and monoclonal antibodies. An increasing understanding of the role of glial cells in HD has led to several new therapeutic avenues, including kynurenine monooxygenase inhibition, immunomodulation by laquinimod, CB2 agonism, and others. The complex metabolic derangements in HD remain under study, but no clear therapeutic strategy has yet emerged. We conclude that many exciting therapeutics are progressing through the development pipeline, and combining a better understanding of HD biology in human patients, with concerted medicinal chemistry efforts, will be crucial for bringing about an era of effective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward J Wild
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, National Hospital for Neurology & NeurosurgeryQueen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Sarah J Tabrizi
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, National Hospital for Neurology & NeurosurgeryQueen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
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85
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Buckley PF, Miller BJ, Pillai A, Kirkpatrick B. Cysteamine, a pro-BDNF drug, as an adjunctive treatment for schizophrenia. Schizophr Res 2014; 158:268-9. [PMID: 25052781 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2014.06.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2014] [Revised: 06/20/2014] [Accepted: 06/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Peter F Buckley
- Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA, United States.
| | - Brian J Miller
- Department of Psychiatry, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Anilkumar Pillai
- Department of Psychiatry, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Brian Kirkpatrick
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, United States
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86
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Shelton CA, Whitcomb DC. Genetics and treatment options for recurrent acute and chronic pancreatitis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 12:359-71. [PMID: 24954874 DOI: 10.1007/s11938-014-0022-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Worldwide research efforts demonstrate a major role of gene-environment interactions for the risk, development, and progression of most pancreatic diseases, including recurrent acute and chronic pancreatitis. New findings of pancreas disease-associated risk variants have been reported in the CPA1, GGT1, CLDN2, MMP1, MTHFR, and other genes. These risk genes and their regulatory regions must be added to the known pathogenic variants in the PRSS1, SPINK1, CFTR, CTRC, CASR, UBR1, SBDS, CEL, and CTSB genes. This new knowledge promises to improve disease management and prevention through personalized medicine. At the same time, however, knowledge of an increasing number of pathogenic variants, and their complicated effects when present in combination, results in increasing difficulty in interpretation and development of recommendations. Direct-to-consumer marketing of genetic testing results also adds complexity to disease management paradigms, especially without interpretation and, in many cases, proven accuracy. While improvements in the ability to rapidly and accurately interpret complex genetic tests are clearly needed, some results, such as pathogenic CFTR variants, including a new class of bicarbonate-defective mutations, and PRSS1 variants have immediate implications that direct management. In addition, discovery of pancreatitis-associated genetic variants in patients with glucose intolerance may suggest underlying type 3c diabetes, which also has implications for treatment and disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celeste A Shelton
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Crabtree Hall 130 De Soto Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA,
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87
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Lin JCY, Chou CC, Tu Z, Yeh LF, Wu SC, Khoo KH, Lin CH. Characterization of Protein Serotonylation via Bioorthogonal Labeling and Enrichment. J Proteome Res 2014; 13:3523-9. [DOI: 10.1021/pr5003438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jason Ching-Yao Lin
- Department
of Chemistry, National Tsing Hua University, 101 Kuang-Fu Road Section 2, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | - Shang-Chuen Wu
- Institute
of Biochemical Sciences, National Taiwan University, 1 Roosevelt
Road Section 4, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Kay-Hooi Khoo
- Institute
of Biochemical Sciences, National Taiwan University, 1 Roosevelt
Road Section 4, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Hung Lin
- Institute
of Biochemical Sciences, National Taiwan University, 1 Roosevelt
Road Section 4, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
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88
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Kim HJ, Lee HJ, Park MK, Gang KJ, Byun HJ, Park JH, Kim MK, Kim SY, Lee CH. Involvement of Transglutaminase-2 in α-MSH-Induced Melanogenesis in SK-MEL-2 Human Melanoma Cells. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2014; 22:207-12. [PMID: 25009701 PMCID: PMC4060083 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2014.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2014] [Revised: 05/04/2014] [Accepted: 05/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Skin hyperpigmentation is one of the most common skin disorders caused by abnormal melanogenesis. The mechanism and key factors at play are not fully understood. Previous reports have indicated that cystamine (CTM) inhibits melanin synthesis, though its molecular mechanism in melanogenesis remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the effect of CTM on melanin production using ELISA reader and the expression of proteins involved in melanogenesis by Western blotting, and examined the involvement of transglutaminase-2 (Tgase-2) in SK-MEL-2 human melanoma cells by gene silencing. In the results, CTM dose-dependently suppressed melanin production and dendrite extension in α-MSH-induced melanogenesis of SK-MEL-2 human melanoma cells. CTM also suppressed α-MSH-induced chemotactic migration as well as the expressions of melanogenesis factors TRP-1, TRP-2 and MITF in α-MSH-treated SK-MEL-2 cells. Meanwhile, gene silencing of Tgase-2 suppressed dendrite extension and the expressions of TRP-1 and TRP-2 in α-MSH-treated SK-MEL-2 cells. Overall, these findings suggested that CTM suppresses α-MSH-induced melanogenesis via Tgase-2 inhibition and that therefore, Tgase-2 might be a new target in hyperpigmentation disorder therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Ji Kim
- BK21PLUS R-FIND team, College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University, Seoul 100-715
| | - Hye Ja Lee
- BK21PLUS R-FIND team, College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University, Seoul 100-715
| | - Mi Kyung Park
- BK21PLUS R-FIND team, College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University, Seoul 100-715
| | - Kyung Jin Gang
- BK21PLUS R-FIND team, College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University, Seoul 100-715
| | - Hyun Jung Byun
- BK21PLUS R-FIND team, College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University, Seoul 100-715
| | - Jeong Ho Park
- BK21PLUS R-FIND team, College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University, Seoul 100-715
| | - Mi Kyung Kim
- BK21PLUS R-FIND team, College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University, Seoul 100-715
| | - Soo Youl Kim
- National Cancer Center, Goyang 410-769, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Hoon Lee
- BK21PLUS R-FIND team, College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University, Seoul 100-715
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89
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Steiner JP, Nath A. Neurotrophin strategies for neuroprotection: are they sufficient? J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2014; 9:182-94. [PMID: 24609976 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-014-9533-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2013] [Accepted: 02/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
As people are living longer, the prevalance of neurodegenerative diseases continues to rise resulting in huge socio-economic consequences. Despite major advancements in studying the pathophysiology of these diseases and a large number of clinical trials currently there is no effective treatment for these illnesses. All neuroprotective strategies have either failed or have shown only a minimal effect. There has been a major shift in recent years exploring the potential of neuroregenerative approaches. While the concept of using neurotropins for therapeutic purposes has been in existence for many years, new modes of delivery and expression of this family of molecules makes this approach now feasilble. Further neurotropin mimetics and receptor agonists are also being developed. The use of small molecules to induce the expression of neurotropins including repurposing of FDA approved drugs for this approach is another strategy being pursued. In the review we examine these new developments and discuss the potential for such approaches in the context of the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph P Steiner
- NINDS Translational Neuroscience Center, National Institutes of Health, Room 7C-105; Bldg 10, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA,
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90
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Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a devastating neurodevelopmental disorder with autistic features caused by loss-of-function mutations in the gene encoding methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2), a transcriptional regulatory protein. RTT has attracted widespread attention not only because of the urgent need for treatments, but also because it has become a window into basic mechanisms underlying epigenetic regulation of neuronal genes, including BDNF. In addition, work in mouse models of the disease has demonstrated the possibility of symptom reversal upon restoration of normal gene function. This latter finding has resulted in a paradigm shift in RTT research and, indeed, in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders as a whole, and spurred the search for potential therapies for RTT and related syndromes. In this context, the discovery that expression of BDNF is dysregulated in RTT and mouse models of the disease has taken on particular importance. This chapter reviews the still evolving story of how MeCP2 might regulate expression of BDNF, the functional consequences of BDNF deficits in Mecp2 mutant mice, and progress in developing BDNF-targeted therapies for the treatment of RTT.
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Affiliation(s)
- D M Katz
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA,
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91
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Abstract
Changes in the level and activity of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) have been described in a number of neurodegenerative disorders since early 1990s. However, only in Huntington disease (HD) gain- and loss-of-function experiments have mechanistically linked these abnormalities with the genetic defect.In this chapter we will describe how huntingtin protein, whose mutation causes HD, is involved in the physiological control of BDNF synthesis and transport in neurons and how both processes are simultaneously disrupted in HD. We will describe the underlying molecular mechanisms and discuss pre-clinical data concerning the impact of the experimental manipulation of BDNF levels on HD progression. These studies have revealed that a major loss of BDNF protein in the brain of HD patients may contribute to the clinical manifestations of the disease. The experimental strategies under investigation to increase brain BDNF levels in animal models of HD will also be described, with a view to ultimately improving the clinical treatment of this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Zuccato
- Department of Biosciences and Centre for Stem cell Research, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Viotti 3/5, 20133, Milan, Italy,
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92
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Brunetti D, Dusi S, Giordano C, Lamperti C, Morbin M, Fugnanesi V, Marchet S, Fagiolari G, Sibon O, Moggio M, d'Amati G, Tiranti V. Pantethine treatment is effective in recovering the disease phenotype induced by ketogenic diet in a pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration mouse model. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 137:57-68. [PMID: 24316510 PMCID: PMC3891449 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awt325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration, caused by mutations in the PANK2 gene, is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by dystonia, dysarthria, rigidity, pigmentary retinal degeneration and brain iron accumulation. PANK2 encodes the mitochondrial enzyme pantothenate kinase type 2, responsible for the phosphorylation of pantothenate or vitamin B5 in the biosynthesis of co-enzyme A. A Pank2 knockout (Pank2−/−) mouse model did not recapitulate the human disease but showed azoospermia and mitochondrial dysfunctions. We challenged this mouse model with a low glucose and high lipid content diet (ketogenic diet) to stimulate lipid use by mitochondrial beta-oxidation. In the presence of a shortage of co-enzyme A, this diet could evoke a general impairment of bioenergetic metabolism. Only Pank2−/− mice fed with a ketogenic diet developed a pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration-like syndrome characterized by severe motor dysfunction, neurodegeneration and severely altered mitochondria in the central and peripheral nervous systems. These mice also showed structural alteration of muscle morphology, which was comparable with that observed in a patient with pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration. We here demonstrate that pantethine administration can prevent the onset of the neuromuscular phenotype in mice suggesting the possibility of experimental treatment in patients with pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Brunetti
- 1 Unit of Molecular Neurogenetics, Foundation IRCCS Neurological Institute C. Besta, Milan, Italy
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93
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Simmons DA, Belichenko NP, Yang T, Condon C, Monbureau M, Shamloo M, Jing D, Massa SM, Longo FM. A small molecule TrkB ligand reduces motor impairment and neuropathology in R6/2 and BACHD mouse models of Huntington's disease. J Neurosci 2013; 33:18712-27. [PMID: 24285878 PMCID: PMC3841443 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1310-13.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2013] [Revised: 09/09/2013] [Accepted: 10/12/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Loss of neurotrophic support in the striatum caused by reduced brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels plays a critical role in Huntington's disease (HD) pathogenesis. BDNF acts via TrkB and p75 neurotrophin receptors (NTR), and restoring its signaling is a prime target for HD therapeutics. Here we sought to determine whether a small molecule ligand, LM22A-4, specific for TrkB and without effects on p75(NTR), could alleviate HD-related pathology in R6/2 and BACHD mouse models of HD. LM22A-4 was administered to R6/2 mice once daily (5-6 d/week) from 4 to 11 weeks of age via intraperitoneal and intranasal routes simultaneously to maximize brain levels. The ligand reached levels in the R6/2 forebrain greater than the maximal neuroprotective dose in vitro and corrected deficits in activation of striatal TrkB and its key signaling intermediates AKT, PLCγ, and CREB. Ligand-induced TrkB activation was associated with a reduction in HD pathologies in the striatum including decreased DARPP-32 levels, neurite degeneration of parvalbumin-containing interneurons, inflammation, and intranuclear huntingtin aggregates. Aggregates were also reduced in the cortex. Notably, LM22A-4 prevented deficits in dendritic spine density of medium spiny neurons. Moreover, R6/2 mice given LM22A-4 demonstrated improved downward climbing and grip strength compared with those given vehicle, though these groups had comparable rotarod performances and survival times. In BACHD mice, long-term LM22A-4 treatment (6 months) produced similar ameliorative effects. These results support the hypothesis that targeted activation of TrkB inhibits HD-related degenerative mechanisms, including spine loss, and may provide a disease mechanism-directed therapy for HD and other neurodegenerative conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tao Yang
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences and
| | | | - Marie Monbureau
- Behavioral and Functional Neuroscience Laboratory, Institute for Neuro-Innovation and Translational Neurosciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305
| | - Mehrdad Shamloo
- Behavioral and Functional Neuroscience Laboratory, Institute for Neuro-Innovation and Translational Neurosciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305
| | - Deqiang Jing
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York 10021, and
| | - Stephen M. Massa
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory for Computational Neurochemistry and Drug Discovery, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94121
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94
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Liu C, Wang W, Parchim N, Irani RA, Blackwell SC, Sibai B, Jin J, Kellems RE, Xia Y. Tissue transglutaminase contributes to the pathogenesis of preeclampsia and stabilizes placental angiotensin receptor type 1 by ubiquitination-preventing isopeptide modification. Hypertension 2013; 63:353-61. [PMID: 24191290 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.113.02361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a life-threatening pregnancy disorder that is widely thought to be triggered by impaired placental development. However, the placenta-related pathogenic factors are not fully identified, and their underlying mechanisms in disease development remain unclear. Here, we report that the protein level and enzyme activity of tissue transglutaminase (TG2 or tTG), the most ubiquitous member of a family of enzymes that conducts post-translational modification of proteins by forming ε-(γ-glutamyl)-lysine isopeptide bonds, are significantly elevated in placentas of preeclamptic women. TG2 is localized in the placental syncytiotrophoblasts of patients with preeclampsia where it catalyzes the isopeptide modification of the angiotensin receptor type 1 (AT1). To determine the role of elevated TG2 in preeclampsia, we used a mouse model of preeclampsia based on injection of AT1-agonistic autoantibody. A pathogenic role for TG2 in preeclampsia is suggested by in vivo experiments in which cystamine, a potent transglutaminase inhibitor, or small interfering RNA-mediated TG2 knockdown significantly attenuated autoantibody-induced hypertension and proteinuria in pregnant mice. Cystamine treatment also prevented isopeptide modification of placental AT1 receptors in preeclamptic mice. Mechanistically, we revealed that AT1-agonistic autoantibody stimulation enhances the interaction between AT1 receptor and TG2 and results in increased AT1 receptor stabilization via transglutaminase-mediated isopeptide modification in trophoblasts. Mutagenesis studies further demonstrated that TG2-mediated isopeptide modification of AT1 receptors prevents ubiquitination-dependent receptor degradation. Taken together, our studies not only identify a novel pathogenic involvement of TG2 in preeclampsia but also suggest a previously unrecognized role of TG2 in the regulation of G protein-coupled receptor stabilization by inhibiting ubiquitination-dependent degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas. or
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95
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Okamura DM, Bahrami NM, Ren S, Pasichnyk K, Williams JM, Gangoiti JA, Lopez-Guisa JM, Yamaguchi I, Barshop BA, Duffield JS, Eddy AA. Cysteamine modulates oxidative stress and blocks myofibroblast activity in CKD. J Am Soc Nephrol 2013; 25:43-54. [PMID: 24009239 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2012090962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapy to slow the relentless expansion of interstitial extracellular matrix that leads to renal functional decline in patients with CKD is currently lacking. Because chronic kidney injury increases tissue oxidative stress, we evaluated the antifibrotic efficacy of cysteamine bitartrate, an antioxidant therapy for patients with nephropathic cystinosis, in a mouse model of unilateral ureteral obstruction. Fresh cysteamine (600 mg/kg) was added to drinking water daily beginning on the day of surgery, and outcomes were assessed on days 7, 14, and 21 after surgery. Plasma cysteamine levels showed diurnal variation, with peak levels similar to those observed in patients with cystinosis. In cysteamine-treated mice, fibrosis severity decreased significantly at 14 and 21 days after unilateral ureteral obstruction, and renal oxidized protein levels decreased at each time point, suggesting reduced oxidative stress. Consistent with these results, treatment of cultured macrophages with cysteamine reduced cellular generation of reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, treatment with cysteamine reduced α-smooth muscle actin-positive interstitial myofibroblast proliferation and mRNA levels of extracellular matrix proteins in mice and attenuated myofibroblast differentiation and proliferation in vitro, but did not augment TGF-β signaling. In a study of renal ischemia reperfusion, cysteamine therapy initiated 10 days after injury and continued for 14 days decreased renal fibrosis by 40%. Taken together, these data suggest previously unrecognized antifibrotic actions of cysteamine via TGF-β-independent mechanisms that include oxidative stress reduction and attenuation of the myofibroblast response to kidney injury and support further investigation into the potential benefit of cysteamine therapy in the treatment of CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daryl M Okamura
- Seattle Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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96
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Novoselov SS, Mustill WJ, Gray AL, Dick JR, Kanuga N, Kalmar B, Greensmith L, Cheetham ME. Molecular chaperone mediated late-stage neuroprotection in the SOD1(G93A) mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. PLoS One 2013; 8:e73944. [PMID: 24023695 PMCID: PMC3758296 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0073944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2013] [Accepted: 07/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the selective loss of motor neurons in the spinal cord, brain stem, and motor cortex. Mutations in superoxide dismutase (SOD1) are associated with familial ALS and lead to SOD1 protein misfolding and aggregation. Here we show that the molecular chaperone, HSJ1 (DNAJB2), mutations in which cause distal hereditary motor neuropathy, can reduce mutant SOD1 aggregation and improve motor neuron survival in mutant SOD1 models of ALS. Overexpression of human HSJ1a (hHSJ1a) in vivo in motor neurons of SOD1(G93A) transgenic mice ameliorated disease. In particular, there was a significant improvement in muscle force, increased motor unit number and enhanced motor neuron survival. hHSJ1a was present in a complex with SOD1(G93A) and led to reduced SOD1 aggregation at late stages of disease progression. We also observed altered ubiquitin immunoreactivity in the double transgenic animals, suggesting that ubiquitin modification might be important for the observed improvements. In a cell model of SOD1(G93A) aggregation, HSJ1a preferentially bound to mutant SOD1, enhanced SOD1 ubiquitylation and reduced SOD1 aggregation in a J-domain and ubiquitin interaction motif (UIM) dependent manner. Collectively, the data suggest that HSJ1a acts on mutant SOD1 through a combination of chaperone, co-chaperone and pro-ubiquitylation activity. These results show that targeting SOD1 protein misfolding and aggregation in vivo can be neuroprotective and suggest that manipulation of DnaJ molecular chaperones might be useful in the treatment of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wendy J. Mustill
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
- Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anna L. Gray
- Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
| | - James R. Dick
- Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Naheed Kanuga
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bernadett Kalmar
- Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Linda Greensmith
- Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (LG); (MC)
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97
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Mechanisms of RNA-induced toxicity in CAG repeat disorders. Cell Death Dis 2013; 4:e752. [PMID: 23907466 PMCID: PMC3763438 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2013.276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2013] [Revised: 06/21/2013] [Accepted: 06/28/2013] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Several inherited neurodegenerative disorders are caused by CAG trinucleotide repeat expansions, which can be located either in the coding region or in the untranslated region (UTR) of the respective genes. Polyglutamine diseases (polyQ diseases) are caused by an expansion of a stretch of CAG repeats within the coding region, translating into a polyQ tract. The polyQ tract expansions result in conformational changes, eventually leading to aggregate formation. It is widely believed that the aggregation of polyQ proteins is linked with disease development. In addition, in the last couple of years, it has been shown that RNA-mediated mechanisms also have a profound role in neurotoxicity in both polyQ diseases and diseases caused by elongated CAG repeat motifs in their UTRs. Here, we review the different molecular mechanisms assigned to mRNAs with expanded CAG repeats. One aspect is the mRNA folding of CAG repeats. Furthermore, pathogenic mechanisms assigned to CAG repeat mRNAs are discussed. First, we discuss mechanisms that involve the sequestration of the diverse proteins to the expanded CAG repeat mRNA molecules. As a result of this, several cellular mechanisms are aberrantly regulated. These include the sequestration of MBNL1, leading to misregulated splicing; sequestration of nucleolin, leading to reduced cellular rRNA; and sequestration of proteins of the siRNA machinery, resulting in the production of short silencing RNAs that affect gene expression. Second, we discuss the effect of expanded CAG repeats on the subcellular localization, transcription and translation of the CAG repeat mRNA itself. Here we focus on the MID1 protein complex that triggers an increased translation of expanded CAG repeat mRNAs and a mechanism called repeat-associated non-ATG translation, which leads to proteins aberrantly translated from CAG repeat mRNAs. In addition, therapeutic approaches for CAG repeat disorders are discussed. Together, all the findings summarized here show that mutant mRNA has a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of CAG repeat diseases.
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98
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van der Putten H, Lotz GP. Opportunities and challenges for molecular chaperone modulation to treat protein-conformational brain diseases. Neurotherapeutics 2013; 10:416-28. [PMID: 23536253 PMCID: PMC3701765 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-013-0186-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
A common pathological hallmark of protein-conformational brain diseases is the formation of disease-specific protein aggregates. In Alzheimer's disease, these are comprised of amyloid-β and Tau as opposed to α-synuclein in Parkinson's disease and N-terminal fragments of mutant huntingtin in Huntington's disease. Most aggregates also sequester molecular chaperones, a protein family that assists in the folding, refolding, stabilization, and processing of client proteins, including misfolded proteins in brain diseases. Molecular chaperone modulation has achieved remarkable therapeutic effects in some cellular and preclinical animal models of protein-conformational diseases. This has raised hope for chaperone-based strategies to combat these diseases. Here, we review briefly the functional diversity and medical significance of molecular chaperones, their therapeutic potential, and common and specific challenges towards clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herman van der Putten
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gregor P. Lotz
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland
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99
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Abstract
Huntingtin (HTT), the protein mutated in Huntington's disease (HD), controls transport of the neurotrophin, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), within corticostriatal neurons. Transport and delivery of BDNF to the striatum are reduced in disease, which contributes to striatal neuron degeneration. BDNF released by cortical neurons activates TrkB receptors at striatal dendrites to promote striatum survival. However, it remains to be determined whether transport of TrkB, the BDNF receptor, depends on HTT and whether such transport is altered in mutant situation. Here we show that TrkB binds to and colocalizes with HTT and dynein. Silencing HTT reduces vesicular transport of TrkB in striatal neurons. In HD, the polyQ expansion in HTT alters the binding of TrkB-containing vesicles to microtubules and reduces transport. Using a combination of microfluidic devices that isolate dendrites from cell bodies and BDNF coupled to quantum dots, we selectively analyzed TrkB retrograde transport in response to BDNF stimulation at dendrite terminals. We show that the retrograde transport of TrkB vesicles within striatal dendrites and the BDNF/TrkB-induced signaling through ERK phosphorylation and c-fos induction are decreased in neurons from an HD mouse model. Together, our findings demonstrate that HTT is a crucial regulator of TrkB trafficking. Transport defects in HD are not restricted to BDNF transport in cortical neurons but also affect trafficking of its ligand-bound receptor in the striatal neurons. This transport alteration may further impair BDNF-TrkB survival signaling within the corticostriatal connection that is most affected in HD.
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100
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Clabough EBD. Huntington's disease: the past, present, and future search for disease modifiers. THE YALE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2013; 86:217-33. [PMID: 23766742 PMCID: PMC3670441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder that specifically causes neurodegeneration of striatal neurons, resulting in a triad of symptoms that includes emotional, cognitive, and motor disturbances. The HD mutation causes a polyglutamine repeat expansion within the N-terminal of the huntingtin (Htt) protein. This expansion causes aggregate formation within the cytosol and nucleus due to the presence of misfolded mutant Htt, as well as altered interactions with Htt's multiple binding partners, and changes in post-translational Htt modifications. The present review charts efforts toward a therapy that delays age of onset or slows symptom progression in patients affected by HD, as there is currently no effective treatment. Although silencing Htt expression appears promising as a disease modifying treatment, it should be attempted with caution in light of Htt's essential roles in neural maintenance and development. Other therapeutic targets include those that boost aggregate dissolution, target excitotoxicity and metabolic issues, and supplement growth factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin B D Clabough
- Randolph-Macon College, Department of Biology, Ashland, Virginia 23005, USA.
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