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Fifita JA, Chan Moi Fat S, McCann EP, Williams KL, Twine NA, Bauer DC, Rowe DB, Pamphlett R, Kiernan MC, Tan VX, Blair IP, Guillemin GJ. Genetic Analysis of Tryptophan Metabolism Genes in Sporadic Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Front Immunol 2021; 12:701550. [PMID: 34194442 PMCID: PMC8236844 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.701550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The essential amino acid tryptophan (TRP) is the initiating metabolite of the kynurenine pathway (KP), which can be upregulated by inflammatory conditions in cells. Neuroinflammation-triggered activation of the KP and excessive production of the KP metabolite quinolinic acid are common features of multiple neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In addition to its role in the KP, genes involved in TRP metabolism, including its incorporation into proteins, and synthesis of the neurotransmitter serotonin, have also been genetically and functionally linked to these diseases. ALS is a late onset neurodegenerative disease that is classified as familial or sporadic, depending on the presence or absence of a family history of the disease. Heritability estimates support a genetic basis for all ALS, including the sporadic form of the disease. However, the genetic basis of sporadic ALS (SALS) is complex, with the presence of multiple gene variants acting to increase disease susceptibility and is further complicated by interaction with potential environmental factors. We aimed to determine the genetic contribution of 18 genes involved in TRP metabolism, including protein synthesis, serotonin synthesis and the KP, by interrogating whole-genome sequencing data from 614 Australian sporadic ALS cases. Five genes in the KP (AFMID, CCBL1, GOT2, KYNU, HAAO) were found to have either novel protein-altering variants, and/or a burden of rare protein-altering variants in SALS cases compared to controls. Four genes involved in TRP metabolism for protein synthesis (WARS) and serotonin synthesis (TPH1, TPH2, MAOA) were also found to carry novel variants and/or gene burden. These variants may represent ALS risk factors that act to alter the KP and lead to neuroinflammation. These findings provide further evidence for the role of TRP metabolism, the KP and neuroinflammation in ALS disease pathobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A. Fifita
- Macquarie University Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sandrine Chan Moi Fat
- Macquarie University Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Emily P. McCann
- Macquarie University Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kelly L. Williams
- Macquarie University Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Natalie A. Twine
- Macquarie University Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Australian e-Health Research Centre, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Health & Biosecurity Flagship, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Denis C. Bauer
- Australian e-Health Research Centre, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Health & Biosecurity Flagship, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Applied BioSciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Dominic B. Rowe
- Macquarie University Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Roger Pamphlett
- Discipline of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Neuropathology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Matthew C. Kiernan
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Institute of Clinical Neurosciences, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Vanessa X. Tan
- Macquarie University Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ian P. Blair
- Macquarie University Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Gilles J. Guillemin
- Macquarie University Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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102
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Mol MO, Wong TH, Melhem S, Basu S, Viscusi R, Galjart N, Rozemuller AJ, Fallini C, Landers JE, Kaat LD, Seelaar H, van Rooij JG, van Swieten JC. Novel TUBA4A Variant Associated With Familial Frontotemporal Dementia. Neurol Genet 2021; 7:e596. [PMID: 34169147 PMCID: PMC8221227 DOI: 10.1212/nxg.0000000000000596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Despite the strong genetic component of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a substantial proportion of patients remain genetically unresolved. We performed an in-depth study of a family with an autosomal dominant form of FTD to investigate the underlying genetic cause. METHODS Following clinical and pathologic characterization of the family, genetic studies included haplotype sharing analysis and exome sequencing. Subsequently, we performed immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting, and a microtubule repolymerization assay to investigate the potential impact of the candidate variant in tubulin alpha 4a (TUBA4A). RESULTS The clinical presentation in this family is heterogeneous, including behavioral changes, parkinsonian features, and uncharacterized dementia. Neuropathologic examination of 2 patients revealed TAR DNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43) pathology with abundant dystrophic neurites and neuronal intranuclear inclusions, consistent with frontotemporal lobar degeneration-TDP type A. We identified a likely pathogenic variant in TUBA4A segregating with disease. TUBA4A encodes for α-tubulin, which is a major component of the microtubule network. Variants in TUBA4A have been suggested as a rare genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and have sporadically been reported in patients with FTD without supporting genetic segregation. A decreased trend of TUBA4A protein abundance was observed in patients compared with controls, and a microtubule repolymerization assay demonstrated disrupted α-tubulin function. As opposed to variants found in ALS, TUBA4A variants associated with FTD appear more localized to the N-terminus, indicating different pathogenic mechanisms. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support the role of TUBA4A variants as rare genetic cause of familial FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Shamiram Melhem
- From the Department of Neurology (M.O.M., T.H.W., S.M., L.D.K., H.S.,
J.G.J.v.R., J.C.v.S.), and Department of Cell Biology (S.B., R.V., N.G.),
Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam; Department of Pathology (A.J.M.R.), Amsterdam
University Medical Center, Location VUmc, Amsterdam Neuroscience, the
Netherlands; Department of Cell and Molecular Biology (C.F.), University of
Rhode Island, Kingston; Department of Neurology (J.E.L.), University of
Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester; and Department of Clinical Genetics
(L.D.K.), Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sreya Basu
- From the Department of Neurology (M.O.M., T.H.W., S.M., L.D.K., H.S.,
J.G.J.v.R., J.C.v.S.), and Department of Cell Biology (S.B., R.V., N.G.),
Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam; Department of Pathology (A.J.M.R.), Amsterdam
University Medical Center, Location VUmc, Amsterdam Neuroscience, the
Netherlands; Department of Cell and Molecular Biology (C.F.), University of
Rhode Island, Kingston; Department of Neurology (J.E.L.), University of
Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester; and Department of Clinical Genetics
(L.D.K.), Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Riccardo Viscusi
- From the Department of Neurology (M.O.M., T.H.W., S.M., L.D.K., H.S.,
J.G.J.v.R., J.C.v.S.), and Department of Cell Biology (S.B., R.V., N.G.),
Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam; Department of Pathology (A.J.M.R.), Amsterdam
University Medical Center, Location VUmc, Amsterdam Neuroscience, the
Netherlands; Department of Cell and Molecular Biology (C.F.), University of
Rhode Island, Kingston; Department of Neurology (J.E.L.), University of
Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester; and Department of Clinical Genetics
(L.D.K.), Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Niels Galjart
- From the Department of Neurology (M.O.M., T.H.W., S.M., L.D.K., H.S.,
J.G.J.v.R., J.C.v.S.), and Department of Cell Biology (S.B., R.V., N.G.),
Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam; Department of Pathology (A.J.M.R.), Amsterdam
University Medical Center, Location VUmc, Amsterdam Neuroscience, the
Netherlands; Department of Cell and Molecular Biology (C.F.), University of
Rhode Island, Kingston; Department of Neurology (J.E.L.), University of
Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester; and Department of Clinical Genetics
(L.D.K.), Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Annemieke J.M. Rozemuller
- From the Department of Neurology (M.O.M., T.H.W., S.M., L.D.K., H.S.,
J.G.J.v.R., J.C.v.S.), and Department of Cell Biology (S.B., R.V., N.G.),
Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam; Department of Pathology (A.J.M.R.), Amsterdam
University Medical Center, Location VUmc, Amsterdam Neuroscience, the
Netherlands; Department of Cell and Molecular Biology (C.F.), University of
Rhode Island, Kingston; Department of Neurology (J.E.L.), University of
Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester; and Department of Clinical Genetics
(L.D.K.), Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Claudia Fallini
- From the Department of Neurology (M.O.M., T.H.W., S.M., L.D.K., H.S.,
J.G.J.v.R., J.C.v.S.), and Department of Cell Biology (S.B., R.V., N.G.),
Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam; Department of Pathology (A.J.M.R.), Amsterdam
University Medical Center, Location VUmc, Amsterdam Neuroscience, the
Netherlands; Department of Cell and Molecular Biology (C.F.), University of
Rhode Island, Kingston; Department of Neurology (J.E.L.), University of
Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester; and Department of Clinical Genetics
(L.D.K.), Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - John E. Landers
- From the Department of Neurology (M.O.M., T.H.W., S.M., L.D.K., H.S.,
J.G.J.v.R., J.C.v.S.), and Department of Cell Biology (S.B., R.V., N.G.),
Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam; Department of Pathology (A.J.M.R.), Amsterdam
University Medical Center, Location VUmc, Amsterdam Neuroscience, the
Netherlands; Department of Cell and Molecular Biology (C.F.), University of
Rhode Island, Kingston; Department of Neurology (J.E.L.), University of
Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester; and Department of Clinical Genetics
(L.D.K.), Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Laura Donker Kaat
- From the Department of Neurology (M.O.M., T.H.W., S.M., L.D.K., H.S.,
J.G.J.v.R., J.C.v.S.), and Department of Cell Biology (S.B., R.V., N.G.),
Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam; Department of Pathology (A.J.M.R.), Amsterdam
University Medical Center, Location VUmc, Amsterdam Neuroscience, the
Netherlands; Department of Cell and Molecular Biology (C.F.), University of
Rhode Island, Kingston; Department of Neurology (J.E.L.), University of
Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester; and Department of Clinical Genetics
(L.D.K.), Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Harro Seelaar
- From the Department of Neurology (M.O.M., T.H.W., S.M., L.D.K., H.S.,
J.G.J.v.R., J.C.v.S.), and Department of Cell Biology (S.B., R.V., N.G.),
Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam; Department of Pathology (A.J.M.R.), Amsterdam
University Medical Center, Location VUmc, Amsterdam Neuroscience, the
Netherlands; Department of Cell and Molecular Biology (C.F.), University of
Rhode Island, Kingston; Department of Neurology (J.E.L.), University of
Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester; and Department of Clinical Genetics
(L.D.K.), Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jeroen G.J. van Rooij
- From the Department of Neurology (M.O.M., T.H.W., S.M., L.D.K., H.S.,
J.G.J.v.R., J.C.v.S.), and Department of Cell Biology (S.B., R.V., N.G.),
Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam; Department of Pathology (A.J.M.R.), Amsterdam
University Medical Center, Location VUmc, Amsterdam Neuroscience, the
Netherlands; Department of Cell and Molecular Biology (C.F.), University of
Rhode Island, Kingston; Department of Neurology (J.E.L.), University of
Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester; and Department of Clinical Genetics
(L.D.K.), Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - John C. van Swieten
- From the Department of Neurology (M.O.M., T.H.W., S.M., L.D.K., H.S.,
J.G.J.v.R., J.C.v.S.), and Department of Cell Biology (S.B., R.V., N.G.),
Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam; Department of Pathology (A.J.M.R.), Amsterdam
University Medical Center, Location VUmc, Amsterdam Neuroscience, the
Netherlands; Department of Cell and Molecular Biology (C.F.), University of
Rhode Island, Kingston; Department of Neurology (J.E.L.), University of
Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester; and Department of Clinical Genetics
(L.D.K.), Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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Soldatov VO, Kukharsky MS, Belykh AE, Sobolev AM, Deykin AV. Retinal Damage in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Underlying Mechanisms. Eye Brain 2021; 13:131-146. [PMID: 34012311 PMCID: PMC8128130 DOI: 10.2147/eb.s299423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease resulting in a gradual loss of motor neuron function. Although ophthalmic complaints are not presently considered a classic symptom of ALS, retinal changes such as thinning, axonal degeneration and inclusion bodies have been found in many patients. Retinal abnormalities observed in postmortem human tissues and animal models are similar to spinal cord changes in ALS. These findings are not dramatically unexpected because retina shares an ontogenetic relationship with the brain, and many genes are associated both with neurodegeneration and retinal diseases. Experimental studies have demonstrated that ALS affects many “vulnerable points” of the retina. Aggregate deposition, impaired nuclear protein import, endoplasmic reticulum stress, glutamate excitotoxicity, vascular regression, and mitochondrial dysfunction are factors suspected as being the main cause of motor neuron damage in ALS. Herein, we show that all of these pathways can affect retinal cells in the same way as motor neurons. Furthermore, we suppose that understanding the patterns of neuro-ophthalmic interaction in ALS can help in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladislav O Soldatov
- Core Facility Centre, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod, Russia
| | - Michail S Kukharsky
- Department of General and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medical Biology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia.,Laboratory of Genetic Modelling of Neurodegenerative Processes, Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds, Russian Academy of Sciences, Chernogolovka, Russia
| | - Andrey E Belykh
- Department of Pathophysiology, Kursk State Medical University, Kursk, Russia
| | - Andrey M Sobolev
- Laboratory of Genetic Modelling of Neurodegenerative Processes, Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds, Russian Academy of Sciences, Chernogolovka, Russia
| | - Alexey V Deykin
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod, Russia.,Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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104
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Lieberman RL, Ma MT. Molecular Insights into Myocilin and Its Glaucoma-Causing Misfolded Olfactomedin Domain Variants. Acc Chem Res 2021; 54:2205-2215. [PMID: 33847483 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.1c00060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Numerous human disorders arise due to the inability of a particular protein to adopt its correct three-dimensional structure in the context of the cell, leading to aggregation. A new addition to the list of such protein conformational disorders is the inherited subtype of glaucoma. Different and rare coding mutations in myocilin, found in families throughout the world, are causal for early onset ocular hypertension, a key glaucoma risk factor. Myocilin is expressed at high levels in the trabecular meshwork (TM) extracellular matrix. The TM is the anatomical region of the eye that regulates intraocular pressure, and its dysfunction is associated with most forms of glaucoma. Disease variants, distributed across the 30 kDa olfactomedin domain (mOLF), cause myocilin to be sequestered intracellularly instead of being secreted to the TM extracellular matrix. The working hypothesis is that the intracellular aggregates cause a toxic gain of function: TM cell death is thought to lead to TM matrix dysfunction, hastening elevated intraocular pressure and subsequent vision loss.Our lab has provided molecular underpinnings for myocilin structure and misfolding, placing myocilin-associated glaucoma within the context of amyloid diseases like Alzheimer and diabetes. We have dissected complexities of the modular wild-type (WT) myocilin structure and associated misfolded states. Our data support the model that full-length WT myocilin adopts a Y-shaped dimer-of-dimers conferred by two different coiled-coil regions, generating new hypotheses regarding its mysterious function. The mOLF β-propellers are paired at each tip of the Y. Disease-associated variants aggregate because mOLFs are less stable, leading to facile aggregation under physiological conditions (37 °C, pH 7.2). Mutant myocilin aggregates exhibit numerous characteristics of amyloid in vitro and in cells, and aggregation proceeds from a partially folded state accessed preferentially by disease variants at physiological conditions. Interestingly, destabilization is not a universal consequence of mutation. We identified counterintuitive, stabilizing point variants that adopt a non-native structure and do not aggregate; however, these variants have not been identified in glaucoma patients. An ongoing effort is predicting the consequence of any given mutation. This effort is relevant to interpreting data from large-scale sequencing projects where clinical and family history data are not available. Finally, our work suggests avenues to develop disease-modifying precision medicines for myocilin-associated glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel L. Lieberman
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, 901 Atlantic Dr. NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30332-0400, United States
| | - Minh Thu Ma
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, 901 Atlantic Dr. NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30332-0400, United States
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105
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Abstract
Cigarette smoke (CS) has been consistently demonstrated to be an environmental risk factor for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), although the molecular pathogenic mechanisms involved are yet to be elucidated. Here, we propose different mechanisms by which CS exposure can cause sporadic ALS pathogenesis. Oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are widely implicated in ALS pathogenesis, with blood–spinal cord barrier disruption also recognised to be involved in the disease process. In addition, immunometabolic, epigenetic and microbiome alterations have been implicated in ALS recently. Identification of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms that underpin CS-associated ALS will drive future research to be conducted into new targets for treatment.
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106
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Magota H, Sasaki M, Kataoka-Sasaki Y, Oka S, Ukai R, Kiyose R, Onodera R, Kocsis JD, Honmou O. Intravenous infusion of mesenchymal stem cells delays disease progression in the SOD1G93A transgenic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis rat model. Brain Res 2021; 1757:147296. [PMID: 33516815 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2021.147296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
ALS is a devastating neurodegenerative disease with few curative strategies. Both sporadic and familial ALS display common clinical features that show progressive paralysis. The pathogenesis remains unclear, but disruption of the blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) may contribute to the degeneration of motor neurons. Thus, restoration of the disrupted BSCB and neuroprotection for degenerating motor neurons could be therapeutic targets. We tested the hypothesis that an intravenous infusion of MSCs would delay disease progression through the preservation of BSCB function and increased expression of a neurotrophic factor, neurturin, in SOD1G93A ALS rats. When the open-field locomotor function was under 16 on the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) scoring scale, the rats were randomized into two groups; one received an intravenous infusion of MSCs, while the other received vehicle alone. Locomotor function was recorded using BBB scoring and rotarod testing. Histological analyses, quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), were performed. The MSC group exhibited reduced deterioration of locomotor activity compared to the vehicle group, which displayed progressive deterioration of hind limb function. We observed the protection of motor neuron loss and preservation of microvasculature using Evans blue leakage and immunohistochemical analyses in the MSC group. Confocal microscopy revealed infused green fluorescent protein+ (GFP+) MSCs in the spinal cord, and the GFP gene was detected by nested PCR. Neurturin expression levels were significantly higher in the MSC group. Thus, restoration of the BSCB and the protection of motor neurons might be contributing mechanisms to delay disease progression in SOD1G93A ALS rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirotoshi Magota
- Department of Neural Regenerative Medicine, Research Institute for Frontier Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8556, Japan; Tominaga Hospital, Naniwa-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka 556-0017, Japan
| | - Masanori Sasaki
- Department of Neural Regenerative Medicine, Research Institute for Frontier Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8556, Japan; Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, United States; Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT 06516, United States.
| | - Yuko Kataoka-Sasaki
- Department of Neural Regenerative Medicine, Research Institute for Frontier Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8556, Japan
| | - Shinichi Oka
- Department of Neural Regenerative Medicine, Research Institute for Frontier Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8556, Japan
| | - Ryo Ukai
- Department of Neural Regenerative Medicine, Research Institute for Frontier Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8556, Japan
| | - Ryo Kiyose
- Department of Neural Regenerative Medicine, Research Institute for Frontier Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8556, Japan; Tominaga Hospital, Naniwa-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka 556-0017, Japan
| | - Rie Onodera
- Department of Neural Regenerative Medicine, Research Institute for Frontier Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8556, Japan
| | - Jeffery D Kocsis
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, United States; Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT 06516, United States
| | - Osamu Honmou
- Department of Neural Regenerative Medicine, Research Institute for Frontier Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8556, Japan; Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, United States; Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT 06516, United States
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107
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Zhao G, Liu Z, Wang M, Yuan Y, Ni J, Li W, Huang L, Hu Y, Liu P, Hou X, Guo J, Jiang H, Shen L, Tang B, Li J, Wang J. Gene4MND: An Integrative Genetic Database and Analytic Platform for Motor Neuron Disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:644202. [PMID: 33867934 PMCID: PMC8047132 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.644202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Guihu Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhen Liu
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Mengli Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yanchun Yuan
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jie Ni
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wanzhen Li
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ling Huang
- Department of Neurology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yiting Hu
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Pan Liu
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaorong Hou
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jifeng Guo
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lu Shen
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Beisha Tang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jinchen Li
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Junling Wang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China
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108
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Giguet-Valard AG, Bellance R, Jeannin S, Duclos S, Olive P, Allard-Saint-Albin O, Cazeneuve C, Clot F, Sophie PV, Barnetche T, Smith-Ravin J, Goizet C. SOD1-related ALS with anticipation in a large family from Martinique. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2021; 22:545-551. [PMID: 33754899 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2021.1900870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a rare neurological disorder that causes degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons and their axons. ALS is mostly sporadic, but there are familial forms. In more than half of the familial forms, a pathogenic variant is found in one of the following genes: C9ORF72, SOD1, TDP-43, FUS, and VCP. SOD1 is the 2nd most common gene involved in genetic forms of ALS. Genotype-phenotype relationships are occasionally established in genetic forms of ALS associated with SOD1 mutations pathogenic variants. The c.281G > T (p.[G93V]) variant in SOD1 is associated with a rarely described and unexplained anticipation phenomenon. We report a large family from Martinique in whom ALS is associated with a c.281G > T (p.[G93V]) pathogenic variant in SOD1 and a statistically suggested anticipation. A whole-exome study and detection of CNVs (CoDESeq) from 3 affected members of this family revealed the presence of variants of uncertain signification (VUS) in other ALS genes. VUS in DCTN1 and NEFH were present in patients of the 2nd generation, and CNVs involving UBQLN2 and C21orf2 were found in the youngest case of the family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Gaelle Giguet-Valard
- Neurological and Neuromuscular Rare disorders department, CERCA, University Hospital Center of Martinique, Martinique, France
| | - Rémi Bellance
- Neurological and Neuromuscular Rare disorders department, CERCA, University Hospital Center of Martinique, Martinique, France
| | - Séverine Jeannin
- Neurological and Neuromuscular Rare disorders department, CERCA, University Hospital Center of Martinique, Martinique, France
| | - Sophie Duclos
- Neurological and Neuromuscular Rare disorders department, CERCA, University Hospital Center of Martinique, Martinique, France
| | - Pascale Olive
- Neurological and Neuromuscular Rare disorders department, CERCA, University Hospital Center of Martinique, Martinique, France
| | - Oriane Allard-Saint-Albin
- Neurological and Neuromuscular Rare disorders department, CERCA, University Hospital Center of Martinique, Martinique, France
| | - Cécile Cazeneuve
- University Hospital Center of Paris, La Pitié Salpétrière Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Fabienne Clot
- University Hospital Center of Paris, La Pitié Salpétrière Hospital, Paris, France
| | | | - Thomas Barnetche
- Rheumatology Department/FHU ACRONIM/Rare Systemic Autoimmune Diseases Reference Center, Bordeaux University, Bordeaux, France
| | - Juliette Smith-Ravin
- Research group BIOSPHERES/AREBIO, University of Antilles-Campus Schoelcher, Martinique, France
| | - Cyril Goizet
- Department of Medical Genetics, National Reference Center for Rare Diseases 'Neurogenetic', Pellegrin Hospital, Bordeaux University Hospital, Bordeaux, France and.,Rare Diseases Laboratory: Genetics and Metabolism (MRGM), INSERM U1211, Bordeaux University, Bordeaux, France
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109
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Parakh S, Atkin JD. The Mitochondrial-associated ER membrane (MAM) compartment and its dysregulation in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 112:105-113. [PMID: 33707063 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria connect at multiple contact sites to form a unique cellular compartment, termed the 'mitochondria-associated ER membranes' (MAMs). MAMs are hubs for signalling pathways that regulate cellular homeostasis and survival, metabolism, and sensitivity to apoptosis. MAMs are therefore involved in vital cellular functions, but they are dysregulated in several human diseases. Whilst MAM dysfunction is increasingly implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, its role in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is poorly understood. However, in ALS both ER and mitochondrial dysfunction are well documented pathophysiological events. Moreover, alterations to lipid metabolism in neurons regulate processes linked to neurodegenerative diseases, and a link between dysfunction of lipid metabolism and ALS has also been proposed. In this review we discuss the structural and functional relevance of MAMs in ALS and how targeting MAM could be therapeutically beneficial in this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonam Parakh
- Macquarie University Centre for MND Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Julie D Atkin
- Macquarie University Centre for MND Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Victoria, 3065, Australia.
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110
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Robichaud PP, Arseneault M, O'Connell C, Ouellette RJ, Morin PJ. Circulating cell-free DNA as potential diagnostic tools for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neurosci Lett 2021; 750:135813. [PMID: 33705931 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.135813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation has garnered much attention in recent years for its diagnostic potential in multiple conditions including cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Conversely, advances regarding the potential diagnostic relevance of DNA methylation status have been sparse in the field of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) even though patients diagnosed with this condition would significantly benefit from improved molecular assays aimed at furthering the current diagnostic and therapeutic options available. This review will provide an overview of the current diagnostic approaches available for ALS diagnosis and discuss the potential clinical usefulness of DNA methylation. We will also present examples of DNA methylation as a diagnostic tool in various types of cancer and neurodegenerative conditions and expand on how circulating cfDNA methylation may be leveraged for the early detection of ALS. In general, this article will reinforce the importance of cfDNA methylation as diagnostic tools and will further highlight its clinical relevance for persons diagnosed with ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe-Pierre Robichaud
- Vitalité Health Network, Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre, Department of Genetic Services, 330 Université Ave, Moncton, New Brunswick, E1C 2Z3, Canada; Atlantic Cancer Research Institute, Pavillon Hôtel-Dieu, 35 Providence Street, Moncton, New Brunswick, E1C 8X3, Canada; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Université de Moncton, 18 Antonine-Maillet Avenue, Moncton, New Brunswick, E1A 3E9, Canada
| | - Michael Arseneault
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Université de Moncton, 18 Antonine-Maillet Avenue, Moncton, New Brunswick, E1A 3E9, Canada
| | - Colleen O'Connell
- Stan Cassidy Centre for Rehabilitation, 800 Priestman Street, Fredericton, New Brunswick, E3B 0C7, Canada
| | - Rodney J Ouellette
- Atlantic Cancer Research Institute, Pavillon Hôtel-Dieu, 35 Providence Street, Moncton, New Brunswick, E1C 8X3, Canada
| | - Pier Jr Morin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Université de Moncton, 18 Antonine-Maillet Avenue, Moncton, New Brunswick, E1A 3E9, Canada.
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111
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Azoulay-Ginsburg S, Di Salvio M, Weitman M, Afri M, Ribeiro S, Ebbinghaus S, Cestra G, Gruzman A. Chemical chaperones targeted to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and lysosome prevented neurodegeneration in a C9orf72 repeat expansion drosophila amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) model. Pharmacol Rep 2021; 73:536-550. [PMID: 33661518 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-021-00226-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND ALS is an incurable neuromuscular degenerative disorder. A familiar form of the disease (fALS) is related to point mutations. The most common one is an expansion of a noncoding GGGGCC hexanucleotide repeat of the C9orf72 gene on chromosome 9p21. An abnormal translation of the C9orf72 gene generates dipeptide repeat proteins that aggregate in the brain. One of the classical approaches for developing treatment against protein aggregation-related diseases is to use chemical chaperones (CSs). In this work, we describe the development of novel 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA) lysosome/ER-targeted derivatives. We assumed that 4-PBA targeting to specific organelles, where protein degradation takes place, might reduce the 4-PBA effective concentration. METHODS Organic chemistry synthetic methods and solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) were used for preparing the 4-PBA derivatives. The obtained compounds were evaluated in an ALS Drosophila model that expressed C9orf72 repeat expansion, causing eye degeneration. Targeting to lysosome was validated by the 19F-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technique. RESULTS Several synthesized compounds exhibited a significant biological effect by ameliorating the eye degeneration. They blocked the neurodegeneration of fly retina at different efficacy levels. The most active CS was compound 9, which is a peptide derivative and was targeted to ER. Another active compound targeted to lysosome was compound 4. CONCLUSIONS Novel CSs were more effective than 4-PBA; therefore, they might be used as a new class of drug candidates to treat ALS and other protein misfolding disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michela Di Salvio
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy.,Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Michal Afri
- Bar-Ilan University, 5290002, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Sara Ribeiro
- Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, TU Braunschweig, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Simon Ebbinghaus
- Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, TU Braunschweig, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Gianluca Cestra
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy. .,Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Arie Gruzman
- Bar-Ilan University, 5290002, Ramat-Gan, Israel.
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112
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Wang XL, Feng ST, Wang ZZ, Chen NH, Zhang Y. Role of mitophagy in mitochondrial quality control: Mechanisms and potential implications for neurodegenerative diseases. Pharmacol Res 2021; 165:105433. [PMID: 33454337 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) commonly characterized by the gradual loss of neurons have a seriously bad impact on motor and cognitive abilities of affected humans and bring great inconvenience to their lives. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been considered the key and common factor for the pathologies of neurodegenerative diseases for that neurons are extremely energy-intensive due to their unique properties in structures and functions. Thus, mitophagy, as a central role of mitochondrial quality control and currently believed to be the most effective pathway to clear dysfunctional or unwanted mitochondria, is rather crucial in the preservation of neuronal health. In addition, mitophagy establishes an intimated link with several other pathways of mitochondrial quality control (e.g., mitochondrial biogenesis and mitochondrial dynamics), and they work together to preserve mitochondrial health. Therefore, in this review, we summarized the recent process on the mechanisms of mitophagy pathways in mammals, it's linking to mitochondrial quality control, its role in several major neurodegenerative diseases, and possible therapeutic interventions focusing on mitophagy pathways. And we expect that it can provide us with more understanding of the mitophagy pathways and more promising approaches for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Le Wang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Si-Tong Feng
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Nai-Hong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China.
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113
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Dafinca R, Barbagallo P, Talbot K. The Role of Mitochondrial Dysfunction and ER Stress in TDP-43 and C9ORF72 ALS. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:653688. [PMID: 33867942 PMCID: PMC8047135 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.653688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease of the motor system with complex determinants, including genetic and non-genetic factors. Despite this heterogeneity, a key pathological signature is the mislocalization and aggregation of specific proteins in the cytoplasm, suggesting that convergent pathogenic mechanisms focusing on disturbances in proteostasis are important in ALS. In addition, many cellular processes have been identified as potentially contributing to disease initiation and progression, such as defects in axonal transport, autophagy, nucleocytoplasmic transport, ER stress, calcium metabolism, the unfolded protein response and mitochondrial function. Here we review the evidence from in vitro and in vivo models of C9ORF72 and TDP-43-related ALS supporting a central role in pathogenesis for endoplasmic reticulum stress, which activates an unfolded protein response (UPR), and mitochondrial dysfunction. Disruption in the finely tuned signaling between the ER and mitochondria through calcium ions may be a crucial trigger of mitochondrial deficits and initiate an apoptotic signaling cascade, thus acting as a point of convergence for multiple upstream disturbances of cellular homeostasis and constituting a potentially important therapeutic target.
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114
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Morello G, Gentile G, Spataro R, Spampinato AG, Guarnaccia M, Salomone S, La Bella V, Conforti FL, Cavallaro S. Genomic Portrait of a Sporadic Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Case in a Large Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1 Family. J Pers Med 2020; 10:jpm10040262. [PMID: 33276461 PMCID: PMC7712010 DOI: 10.3390/jpm10040262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Repeat expansions in the spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) gene ATXN1 increases the risk for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), supporting a relationship between these disorders. We recently reported the co-existence, in a large SCA1 family, of a clinically definite ALS individual bearing an intermediate ATXN1 expansion and SCA1 patients with a full expansion, some of which manifested signs of lower motor neuron involvement. Methods: In this study, we employed a systems biology approach that integrated multiple genomic analyses of the ALS patient and some SCA1 family members. Results: Our analysis identified common and distinctive candidate genes/variants and related biological processes that, in addition to or in combination with ATXN1, may contribute to motor neuron degeneration phenotype. Among these, we distinguished ALS-specific likely pathogenic variants in TAF15 and C9ORF72, two ALS-linked genes involved in the regulation of RNA metabolism, similarly to ATXN1, suggesting a selective role for this pathway in ALS pathogenesis. Conclusions: Overall, our work supports the utility to apply personal genomic information for characterizing complex disease phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Morello
- Institute for Research and Biomedical Innovation (IRIB), Italian National Research Council (CNR), Via Paolo Gaifami, 18, 95125 Catania, Italy; (G.M.); (G.G.); (A.G.S.); (M.G.)
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy;
| | - Giulia Gentile
- Institute for Research and Biomedical Innovation (IRIB), Italian National Research Council (CNR), Via Paolo Gaifami, 18, 95125 Catania, Italy; (G.M.); (G.G.); (A.G.S.); (M.G.)
| | - Rossella Spataro
- ALS Clinical Research Center and Neurochemistry Laboratory, BioNeC, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (R.S.); (V.L.B.)
| | - Antonio Gianmaria Spampinato
- Institute for Research and Biomedical Innovation (IRIB), Italian National Research Council (CNR), Via Paolo Gaifami, 18, 95125 Catania, Italy; (G.M.); (G.G.); (A.G.S.); (M.G.)
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Guarnaccia
- Institute for Research and Biomedical Innovation (IRIB), Italian National Research Council (CNR), Via Paolo Gaifami, 18, 95125 Catania, Italy; (G.M.); (G.G.); (A.G.S.); (M.G.)
| | - Salvatore Salomone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy;
| | - Vincenzo La Bella
- ALS Clinical Research Center and Neurochemistry Laboratory, BioNeC, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (R.S.); (V.L.B.)
| | - Francesca Luisa Conforti
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, 87036 Rende, Italy
- Correspondence: (F.L.C.); (S.C.); Tel.: +39-0984-496204 (F.L.C.); +39-095-7338111 (S.C.); Fax: +39-0984-496203 (F.L.C.); +39-095-7338110 (S.C.)
| | - Sebastiano Cavallaro
- Institute for Research and Biomedical Innovation (IRIB), Italian National Research Council (CNR), Via Paolo Gaifami, 18, 95125 Catania, Italy; (G.M.); (G.G.); (A.G.S.); (M.G.)
- Correspondence: (F.L.C.); (S.C.); Tel.: +39-0984-496204 (F.L.C.); +39-095-7338111 (S.C.); Fax: +39-0984-496203 (F.L.C.); +39-095-7338110 (S.C.)
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115
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Tipton MJ, Corbett J, Eglin CM, Mekjavic IB, Montgomery H. In pursuit of the unicorn. Exp Physiol 2020; 106:385-388. [PMID: 33174651 DOI: 10.1113/ep089147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
This short review was prompted by The Physiological Society's recent online symposium on variability. It does not deal with a specific methodology, but rather with the myth that certain environmentally-induced clinical conditions can be identified, quantified, simplified and monitored with a single methodology. Although this might be possible with some clinical conditions, others resist the prevailing reductionist approach of minimizing rather than exploring variation in pathogenesis and pathology, and will not be understood fully until the variation in cause and effect are embraced. This is likely to require comprehensive methodologies and collaboration.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Tipton
- Extreme Environments Laboratory, School of Sport, Health & Exercise Science, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - J Corbett
- Extreme Environments Laboratory, School of Sport, Health & Exercise Science, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - C M Eglin
- Extreme Environments Laboratory, School of Sport, Health & Exercise Science, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - I B Mekjavic
- Department of Automation, Biocybernetics and Robotics, Jozef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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116
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Huang L, Liu Z, Yuan Y, Shen L, Jiang H, Tang B, Wang J, Lei L. Mutation analysis of MFSD8 in an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis cohort from mainland China. Eur J Neurosci 2020; 53:1197-1206. [PMID: 33226711 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have suggested that rare variants in MFSD8 contribute to risk for frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Considering the common underlying pathogenesis and the shared genetic risk between amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and FTD, we screened the coding region of MFSD8 in 551 unrelated patients with ALS (510 unrelated sporadic ALS and 41 familial ALS probands) from mainland China by whole-exome sequencing to assess its mutation frequency in patients with ALS and evaluate its association. Two rare deleterious variants, c.343G>A (p. V115M) and c.695T>C (p.L232P), were identified in this study. The variant c.695T>C (p.L232P) has not been previously reported and the carrier of this variant exhibits a relatively younger age of disease onset. Our studies provide some independent evidence showing that the rare variant p.L232P in MFSD8 might be a candidate risk factor for ALS. However, the relatively small sample size and the lack of patient-derived cells limit the power of the genetic exploration of this study, further robust multicenter studies with larger sizes and biological experiments with patient-derived cells are needed to elucidate the pathogenesis of the rare variant in MFSD8 in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Huang
- Department of Neurology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhen Liu
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yanchun Yuan
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lu Shen
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Beisha Tang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Health Management Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Junling Wang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lifang Lei
- Department of Neurology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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117
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Gittings LM, Sattler R. Recent advances in understanding amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and emerging therapies. Fac Rev 2020; 9:12. [PMID: 33659944 PMCID: PMC7886072 DOI: 10.12703/b/9-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by degeneration of both upper and lower motor neurons and subsequent progressive loss of muscle function. Within the last decade, significant progress has been made in the understanding of the etiology and pathobiology of the disease; however, treatment options remain limited and only two drugs, which exert a modest effect on survival, are approved for ALS treatment in the US. Therefore, the search for effective ALS therapies continues, and over 60 clinical trials are in progress for patients with ALS and other therapeutics are at the pre-clinical stage of development. Recent advances in understanding the genetics, pathology, and molecular mechanisms of ALS have led to the identification of novel targets and strategies that are being used in emerging ALS therapeutic interventions. Here, we review the current status and mechanisms of action of a selection of emerging ALS therapies in pre-clinical or early clinical development, including gene therapy, immunotherapy, and strategies that target neuroinflammation, phase separation, and protein clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M Gittings
- Department of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Rita Sattler
- Department of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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118
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Castellanos-Montiel MJ, Chaineau M, Durcan TM. The Neglected Genes of ALS: Cytoskeletal Dynamics Impact Synaptic Degeneration in ALS. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:594975. [PMID: 33281562 PMCID: PMC7691654 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.594975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that selectively affects motor neurons (MNs) of the cortex, brainstem, and spinal cord. Several genes have been linked to both familial (fALS) and sporadic (sALS) cases of ALS. Among all the ALS-related genes, a group of genes known to directly affect cytoskeletal dynamics (ALS2, DCTN1, PFN1, KIF5A, NF-L, NF-H, PRPH, SPAST, and TUBA4A) is of high importance for MN health and survival, considering that MNs are large polarized cells with axons that can reach up to 1 m in length. In particular, cytoskeletal dynamics facilitate the transport of organelles and molecules across the long axonal distances within the cell, playing a key role in synapse maintenance. The majority of ALS-related genes affecting cytoskeletal dynamics were identified within the past two decades, making it a new area to explore for ALS. The purpose of this review is to provide insights into ALS-associated cytoskeletal genes and outline how recent studies have pointed towards novel pathways that might be impacted in ALS. Further studies making use of extensive analysis models to look for true hits, the newest technologies such as CRIPSR/Cas9, human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and axon sequencing, as well as the development of more transgenic animal models could potentially help to: differentiate the variants that truly act as a primary cause of the disease from the ones that act as risk factors or disease modifiers, identify potential interactions between two or more ALS-related genes in disease onset and progression and increase our understanding of the molecular mechanisms leading to cytoskeletal defects. Altogether, this information will give us a hint on the real contribution of the cytoskeletal ALS-related genes during this lethal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mathilde Chaineau
- Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Thomas M Durcan
- Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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119
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Abdul Aziz NA, Toh TH, Goh KJ, Loh EC, Capelle DP, Abdul Latif L, Leow AHR, Yim CCW, Zainal Abidin MF, Ruslan SR, Shahrizaila N. Natural history and clinical features of ALS in Malaysia. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2020; 22:108-116. [DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2020.1832121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nur Adilah Abdul Aziz
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Tsun-Haw Toh
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Khean-Jin Goh
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Ee-Chin Loh
- Palliative Care Unit, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - David Paul Capelle
- Palliative Care Unit, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Lydia Abdul Latif
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Alex Hwong-Ruey Leow
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Carolyn Chue-Wai Yim
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Fitry Zainal Abidin
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Shairil Rahayu Ruslan
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nortina Shahrizaila
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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120
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Rojas P, Ramírez AI, Fernández-Albarral JA, López-Cuenca I, Salobrar-García E, Cadena M, Elvira-Hurtado L, Salazar JJ, de Hoz R, Ramírez JM. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Neurodegenerative Motor Neuron Disease With Ocular Involvement. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:566858. [PMID: 33071739 PMCID: PMC7544921 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.566858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that causes degeneration of the lower and upper motor neurons and is the most prevalent motor neuron disease. This disease is characterized by muscle weakness, stiffness, and hyperreflexia. Patients survive for a short period from the onset of the disease. Most cases are sporadic, with only 10% of the cases being genetic. Many genes are now known to be involved in familial ALS cases, including some of the sporadic cases. It has also been observed that, in addition to genetic factors, there are numerous molecular mechanisms involved in these pathologies, such as excitotoxicity, mitochondrial disorders, alterations in axonal transport, oxidative stress, accumulation of misfolded proteins, and neuroinflammation. This pathology affects the motor neurons, the spinal cord, the cerebellum, and the brain, but recently, it has been shown that it also affects the visual system. This impact occurs not only at the level of the oculomotor system but also at the retinal level, which is why the retina is being proposed as a possible biomarker of this pathology. The current review discusses the main aspects mentioned above related to ALS, such as the main genes involved, the most important molecular mechanisms that affect this pathology, its ocular involvement, and the possible usefulness of the retina as a biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Rojas
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oftalmológicas Ramón Castroviejo, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Instituto Oftálmico de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana I Ramírez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oftalmológicas Ramón Castroviejo, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,OFTARED, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Inmunología Oftalmología y ORL, Facultad de Óptica y Optometría, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - José A Fernández-Albarral
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oftalmológicas Ramón Castroviejo, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Inés López-Cuenca
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oftalmológicas Ramón Castroviejo, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Salobrar-García
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oftalmológicas Ramón Castroviejo, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,OFTARED, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Inmunología Oftalmología y ORL, Facultad de Óptica y Optometría, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Cadena
- Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Instituto Oftálmico de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lorena Elvira-Hurtado
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oftalmológicas Ramón Castroviejo, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan J Salazar
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oftalmológicas Ramón Castroviejo, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,OFTARED, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Inmunología Oftalmología y ORL, Facultad de Óptica y Optometría, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa de Hoz
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oftalmológicas Ramón Castroviejo, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,OFTARED, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Inmunología Oftalmología y ORL, Facultad de Óptica y Optometría, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - José M Ramírez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oftalmológicas Ramón Castroviejo, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,OFTARED, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Inmunología Oftalmología y ORL, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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121
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Proteasome Subunits Involved in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Arch Med Res 2020; 52:1-14. [PMID: 32962866 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2020.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The ubiquitin-proteasome system is the major pathway for the maintenance of protein homeostasis. Its inhibition causes accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins; this accumulation has been associated with several of the most common neurodegenerative diseases. Several genetic factors have been identified for most neurodegenerative diseases, however, most cases are considered idiopathic, thus making the study of the mechanisms of protein accumulation a relevant field of research. It is often mentioned that the biggest risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases is aging, and several groups have reported an age-related alteration of the expression of some of the 26S proteasome subunits and a reduction of its activity. Proteasome subunits interact with proteins that are known to accumulate in neurodegenerative diseases such as α-synuclein in Parkinson's, tau in Alzheimer's, and huntingtin in Huntington's diseases. These interactions have been explored for several years, but only until recently, we are beginning to understand them. In this review, we discuss the known interactions, the underlying patterns, and the phenotypes associated with the 26S proteasome subunits in the etiology and progression of neurodegenerative diseases where there is evidence of proteasome involvement. Special emphasis is made in reviewing proteasome subunits that interact with proteins known to have an age-related altered expression or to be involved in neurodegenerative diseases to explore key effectors that may trigger or augment their progression. Interestingly, while the causes of age-related reduction of some of the proteasome subunits are not known, there are specific relationships between the observed neurodegenerative disease and the affected proteasome subunits.
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122
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Clinical and Molecular Landscape of ALS Patients with SOD1 Mutations: Novel Pathogenic Variants and Novel Phenotypes. A Single ALS Center Study. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21186807. [PMID: 32948071 PMCID: PMC7554847 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the copper zinc superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene are the second most frequent cause of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Nearly 200 mutations of this gene have been described so far. We report all SOD1 pathogenic variants identified in patients followed in the single ALS center of Lyon, France, between 2010 and 2020. Twelve patients from 11 unrelated families are described, including two families with the not yet described H81Y and D126N mutations. Splice site mutations were detected in two families. We discuss implications concerning genetic screening of SOD1 gene in familial and sporadic ALS.
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123
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Saitoh Y, Takahashi Y. Riluzole for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neurodegener Dis Manag 2020; 10:343-355. [PMID: 32847483 DOI: 10.2217/nmt-2020-0033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease caused by the death of motor neurons. Riluzole is a benzothiazole derivative that blocks glutamatergic neurotransmission in the CNS, which is thought to exert neuroprotective effects. Riluzole was approved by the US FDA in 1995 as the first drug to treat ALS. Although riluzole is generally safe and well tolerated in clinical practice, its efficacy in ALS is modest, prolonging tracheostomy-free survival by only 2-3 months. In this article, we will first provide an overview of the ALS field, followed by a discussion of riluzole regarding its physical properties; pharmacology; clinical efficacy in ALS; safety and tolerability; and recommended administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Saitoh
- Department of Neurology, National Center Hospital, National Center of Neurology & Psychiatry, 4-1-1 Ogawa-higashi, Kodaira, Tokyo 187-8551, Japan
| | - Yuji Takahashi
- Department of Neurology, National Center Hospital, National Center of Neurology & Psychiatry, 4-1-1 Ogawa-higashi, Kodaira, Tokyo 187-8551, Japan
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124
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Le Gall L, Anakor E, Connolly O, Vijayakumar UG, Duddy WJ, Duguez S. Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms Affected in ALS. J Pers Med 2020; 10:E101. [PMID: 32854276 PMCID: PMC7564998 DOI: 10.3390/jpm10030101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a terminal late-onset condition characterized by the loss of upper and lower motor neurons. Mutations in more than 30 genes are associated to the disease, but these explain only ~20% of cases. The molecular functions of these genes implicate a wide range of cellular processes in ALS pathology, a cohesive understanding of which may provide clues to common molecular mechanisms across both familial (inherited) and sporadic cases and could be key to the development of effective therapeutic approaches. Here, the different pathways that have been investigated in ALS are summarized, discussing in detail: mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, axonal transport dysregulation, glutamate excitotoxicity, endosomal and vesicular transport impairment, impaired protein homeostasis, and aberrant RNA metabolism. This review considers the mechanistic roles of ALS-associated genes in pathology, viewed through the prism of shared molecular pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Le Gall
- Northern Ireland Center for Stratified/Personalised Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Derry-Londonderry BT47, UK; (L.L.G.); (E.A.); (O.C.); (U.G.V.); (W.J.D.)
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University College London, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health and Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Trust, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Ekene Anakor
- Northern Ireland Center for Stratified/Personalised Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Derry-Londonderry BT47, UK; (L.L.G.); (E.A.); (O.C.); (U.G.V.); (W.J.D.)
| | - Owen Connolly
- Northern Ireland Center for Stratified/Personalised Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Derry-Londonderry BT47, UK; (L.L.G.); (E.A.); (O.C.); (U.G.V.); (W.J.D.)
| | - Udaya Geetha Vijayakumar
- Northern Ireland Center for Stratified/Personalised Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Derry-Londonderry BT47, UK; (L.L.G.); (E.A.); (O.C.); (U.G.V.); (W.J.D.)
| | - William J. Duddy
- Northern Ireland Center for Stratified/Personalised Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Derry-Londonderry BT47, UK; (L.L.G.); (E.A.); (O.C.); (U.G.V.); (W.J.D.)
| | - Stephanie Duguez
- Northern Ireland Center for Stratified/Personalised Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Derry-Londonderry BT47, UK; (L.L.G.); (E.A.); (O.C.); (U.G.V.); (W.J.D.)
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125
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Wang M, Liu Z, Yuan Y, Ni J, Li W, Hu Y, Liu P, Hou X, Huang L, Jiao B, Shen L, Jiang H, Tang B, Wang J. A Novel Potentially Pathogenic Rare Variant in the DNAJC7 Gene Identified in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients From Mainland China. Front Genet 2020; 11:821. [PMID: 33193563 PMCID: PMC7476650 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Variants in the DNAJC7 gene have been shown to be novel causes of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, the contributions of DNAJC7 mutations in Asian ALS patients remain unclear. In this study, we screened rare pathogenic variants in the DNAJC7 gene in a cohort of 578 ALS patients from Mainland China. A novel, rare, putative pathogenic variant c.712A>G (p.R238G) was identified in one sporadic ALS patient. The carrier with this variant exhibited symptom onset at a relatively younger age and experienced rapid disease progression. Our results expand the pathogenic variant spectrum of DNAJC7 and indicate that variants in the DNAJC7 gene may also contribute to ALS in the Chinese population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengli Wang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhen Liu
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yanchun Yuan
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jie Ni
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wanzhen Li
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yiting Hu
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Pan Liu
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaorong Hou
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ling Huang
- Department of Neurology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Bin Jiao
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lu Shen
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Beisha Tang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Junling Wang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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126
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Kukharsky MS, Skvortsova VI, Bachurin SO, Buchman VL. In a search for efficient treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Old drugs for new approaches. Med Res Rev 2020; 41:2804-2822. [DOI: 10.1002/med.21725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michail S. Kukharsky
- Faculty of Medical Biology Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University Moscow Russian Federation
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds Russian Academy of Sciences Moscow Region Russian Federation
| | - Veronika I. Skvortsova
- Faculty of Medical Biology Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University Moscow Russian Federation
| | - Sergey O. Bachurin
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds Russian Academy of Sciences Moscow Region Russian Federation
| | - Vladimir L. Buchman
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds Russian Academy of Sciences Moscow Region Russian Federation
- School of Biosciences Cardiff University Cardiff United Kingdom
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127
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Lin J, Chen W, Huang P, Xie Y, Zheng M, Yao X. The distinct manifestation of young-onset amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in China. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2020; 22:30-37. [DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2020.1797091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jianing Lin
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weineng Chen
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pian Huang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Youna Xie
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Minying Zheng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoli Yao
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, China
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128
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Cristofani R, Crippa V, Cicardi ME, Tedesco B, Ferrari V, Chierichetti M, Casarotto E, Piccolella M, Messi E, Galbiati M, Rusmini P, Poletti A. A Crucial Role for the Protein Quality Control System in Motor Neuron Diseases. Front Aging Neurosci 2020; 12:191. [PMID: 32792938 PMCID: PMC7385251 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2020.00191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Motor neuron diseases (MNDs) are fatal diseases characterized by loss of motor neurons in the brain cortex, in the bulbar region, and/or in the anterior horns of the spinal cord. While generally sporadic, inherited forms linked to mutant genes encoding altered RNA/protein products have also been described. Several different mechanisms have been found altered or dysfunctional in MNDs, like the protein quality control (PQC) system. In this review, we will discuss how the PQC system is affected in two MNDs—spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)—and how this affects the clearance of aberrantly folded proteins, which accumulate in motor neurons, inducing dysfunctions and their death. In addition, we will discuss how the PQC system can be targeted to restore proper cell function, enhancing the survival of affected cells in MNDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Cristofani
- Laboratorio di Biologia Applicata, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Crippa
- Laboratorio di Biologia Applicata, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Cicardi
- Laboratorio di Biologia Applicata, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, Jefferson Weinberg ALS Center, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Barbara Tedesco
- Laboratorio di Biologia Applicata, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Veronica Ferrari
- Laboratorio di Biologia Applicata, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Chierichetti
- Laboratorio di Biologia Applicata, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Casarotto
- Laboratorio di Biologia Applicata, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Margherita Piccolella
- Laboratorio di Biologia Applicata, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Elio Messi
- Laboratorio di Biologia Applicata, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Mariarita Galbiati
- Laboratorio di Biologia Applicata, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Rusmini
- Laboratorio di Biologia Applicata, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Angelo Poletti
- Laboratorio di Biologia Applicata, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.,Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CEND), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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129
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Chang KH, Chen CM. The Role of Oxidative Stress in Parkinson's Disease. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:antiox9070597. [PMID: 32650609 PMCID: PMC7402083 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9070597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is caused by progressive neurodegeneration of dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons with abnormal accumulation of α-synuclein in substantia nigra (SN). Studies have suggested the potential involvement of dopamine, iron, calcium, mitochondria and neuroinflammation in contributing to overwhelmed oxidative stress and neurodegeneration in PD. Function studies on PD-causative mutations of SNCA, PRKN, PINK1, DJ-1, LRRK2, FBXO7 and ATP13A2 further indicate the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of PD. Therefore, it is reasonable that molecules involved in oxidative stress, such as DJ-1, coenzyme Q10, uric acid, 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosin, homocysteine, retinoic acid/carotenes, vitamin E, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, xanthine oxidase and products of lipid peroxidation, could be candidate biomarkers for PD. Applications of antioxidants to modulate oxidative stress could be a strategy in treating PD. Although a number of antioxidants, such as creatine, vitamin E, coenzyme Q10, pioglitazone, melatonin and desferrioxamine, have been tested in clinical trials, none of them have demonstrated conclusive evidence to ameliorate the neurodegeneration in PD patients. Difficulties in clinical studies may be caused by the long-standing progression of neurodegeneration, lack of biomarkers for premotor stage of PD and inadequate drug delivery across blood–brain barrier. Solutions for these challenges will be warranted for future studies with novel antioxidative treatment in PD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chiung-Mei Chen
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-3-3281200 (ext. 8347); Fax: +886-3-3288849
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130
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Goldsmith J, Holzbaur ELF. Presynaptic Homeostatic Plasticity Staves off Neurodegenerative Pathophysiology up to a Tipping Point. Neuron 2020; 107:6-8. [PMID: 32645308 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2020.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In this issue of Neuron, Orr et al. (2020) identify an evolutionarily conserved mechanism of presynaptic homeostatic plasticity induced by ALS-like motor neuron degeneration, which maintains excitatory potentials until a threshold of synaptic loss is reached. Past this tipping point, disease onset progresses rapidly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliet Goldsmith
- Department of Physiology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Erika L F Holzbaur
- Department of Physiology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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131
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Targeted next-generation sequencing study in familial ALS-FTD Portuguese patients negative for C9orf72 HRE. J Neurol 2020; 267:3578-3592. [DOI: 10.1007/s00415-020-10042-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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132
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Karagiannis P, Inoue H. ALS, a cellular whodunit on motor neuron degeneration. Mol Cell Neurosci 2020; 107:103524. [PMID: 32629110 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2020.103524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that primarily targets motor neurons. Motor neurons from ALS patients show cytoplasmic inclusions that are reflective of an altered RNA metabolism and protein degradation. Causal gene mutations are found in all cell types even though patient motor neurons are by far the most susceptible to the degeneration. Using induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology, researchers have generated motor neurons with the same genotype as the patient including sporadic ones. They have also generated other cell types associated with the disease such as astrocytes, microglia and oligodendrocytes. These cells provide not only new insights on the mechanisms of the disease from the early stage, but also a platform for drug screening that has led to several clinical trials. This review examines the knowledge gained from iPSC studies using patient cells on the gene mutations and cellular networks in ALS and relevant experimental therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Karagiannis
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan.
| | - Haruhisa Inoue
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; iPSC-based Drug Discovery and Development Team, RIKEN BioResource Research Center (BRC), Kyoto, Japan; Medical-risk Avoidance based on iPS Cells Team, RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project (AIP), Kyoto, Japan.
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133
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Wobst HJ, Mack KL, Brown DG, Brandon NJ, Shorter J. The clinical trial landscape in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-Past, present, and future. Med Res Rev 2020; 40:1352-1384. [PMID: 32043626 PMCID: PMC7417284 DOI: 10.1002/med.21661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 12/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease marked by progressive loss of muscle function. It is the most common adult-onset form of motor neuron disease, affecting about 16 000 people in the United States alone. The average survival is about 3 years. Only two interventional drugs, the antiglutamatergic small-molecule riluzole and the more recent antioxidant edaravone, have been approved for the treatment of ALS to date. Therapeutic strategies under investigation in clinical trials cover a range of different modalities and targets, and more than 70 different drugs have been tested in the clinic to date. Here, we summarize and classify interventional therapeutic strategies based on their molecular targets and phenotypic effects. We also discuss possible reasons for the failure of clinical trials in ALS and highlight emerging preclinical strategies that could provide a breakthrough in the battle against this relentless disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heike J Wobst
- Neuroscience, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Korrie L Mack
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Merck & Co, Inc, Kenilworth, New Jersey
| | - Dean G Brown
- Hit Discovery, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nicholas J Brandon
- Neuroscience, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - James Shorter
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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134
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A Systematic Review of Genotype-Phenotype Correlation across Cohorts Having Causal Mutations of Different Genes in ALS. J Pers Med 2020; 10:jpm10030058. [PMID: 32610599 PMCID: PMC7564886 DOI: 10.3390/jpm10030058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a rare and fatal neurodegenerative disease characterised by progressive deterioration of upper and lower motor neurons that eventually culminates in severe muscle atrophy, respiratory failure and death. There is a concerning lack of understanding regarding the mechanisms that lead to the onset of ALS and as a result there are no reliable biomarkers that aid in the early detection of the disease nor is there an effective treatment. This review first considers the clinical phenotypes associated with ALS, and discusses the broad categorisation of ALS and ALS-mimic diseases into upper and lower motor neuron diseases, before focusing on the genetic aetiology of ALS and considering the potential relationship of mutations of different genes to variations in phenotype. For this purpose, a systematic review is conducted collating data from 107 original published clinical studies on monogenic forms of the disease, surveying the age and site of onset, disease duration and motor neuron involvement. The collected data highlight the complexity of the disease's genotype-phenotype relationship, and thus the need for a nuanced approach to the development of clinical assays and therapeutics.
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135
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Rare, pathogenic variants in LRP10 are associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in patients from mainland China. Neurobiol Aging 2020; 97:145.e17-145.e22. [PMID: 32690342 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2020.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 10 (LRP10) is associated with a series of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease which share genetic risk factors and pathophysiological processes with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). To investigate whether LRP10 variants could cause a predisposition to ALS, we screened rare, pathogenic LRP10 variants among a cohort of 584 patients with ALS from mainland China and performed burden analysis using data from a large external database. A total of 7 rare, pathogenic variants in LRP10, of which one (c.1182A>T, p.R394S) was novel, were identified in 11 unrelated patients. Burden analysis revealed significant associations between ALS and LRP10 at both the gene and single-variant levels (c.1721G>A, p.R574Q; c.1182A>T, p.R394S; and c.1681C>T, p.R561C). Interestingly, patients with sporadic ALS carrying variant c.1721G>A tended to have a bulbar onset, increased phenotype severity, and a worse prognosis. Our findings first provide independent evidence that rare, pathogenic LRP10 variants may be risk factors for ALS and delineate a special phenotype in patients with sporadic ALS carrying variant c.1721G>A.
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136
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Huang F, Zhu Y, Hsiao-Nakamoto J, Tang X, Dugas JC, Moscovitch-Lopatin M, Glass JD, Brown RH, Ladha SS, Lacomis D, Harris JM, Scearce-Levie K, Ho C, Bowser R, Berry JD. Longitudinal biomarkers in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2020; 7:1103-1116. [PMID: 32515902 PMCID: PMC7359115 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate neurodegenerative and inflammatory biomarkers in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (PALS), evaluate their predictive value for ALS progression rates, and assess their utility as pharmacodynamic biomarkers for monitoring treatment effects. METHODS De-identified, longitudinal plasma, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from PALS (n = 108; 85 with samples from ≥2 visits) and controls without neurological disease (n = 41) were obtained from the Northeast ALS Consortium (NEALS) Biofluid Repository. Seventeen of 108 PALS had familial ALS, of whom 10 had C9orf72 mutations. Additional healthy control CSF samples (n = 35) were obtained from multiple sources. We stratified PALS into fast- and slow-progression subgroups using the ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised change rate. We compared cytokines/chemokines and neurofilament (NF) levels between PALS and controls, among progression subgroups, and in those with C9orf72 mutations. RESULTS We found significant elevations of cytokines, including MCP-1, IL-18, and neurofilaments (NFs), indicators of neurodegeneration, in PALS versus controls. Among PALS, these cytokines and NFs were significantly higher in fast-progression and C9orf72 mutation subgroups versus slow progressors. Analyte levels were generally stable over time, a key feature for monitoring treatment effects. We demonstrated that CSF/plasma neurofilament light chain (NFL) levels may predict disease progression, and stratification by NFL levels can enrich for more homogeneous patient groups. INTERPRETATION Longitudinal stability of cytokines and NFs in PALS support their use for monitoring responses to immunomodulatory and neuroprotective treatments. NFs also have prognostic value for fast-progression patients and may be used to select similar patient subsets in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fen Huang
- Denali Therapeutics, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Yuda Zhu
- Denali Therapeutics, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Xinyan Tang
- Denali Therapeutics, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jason C Dugas
- Denali Therapeutics, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Jonathan D Glass
- Department of Neurology and Pathology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Robert H Brown
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shafeeq S Ladha
- Departments of Neurology and Neurobiology, Gregory W. Fulton ALS Center, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - David Lacomis
- Live Like Lou Center for ALS Research, Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | | | - Carole Ho
- Denali Therapeutics, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Robert Bowser
- Departments of Neurology and Neurobiology, Gregory W. Fulton ALS Center, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, USA.,Iron Horse Diagnostics, Inc., Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
| | - James D Berry
- Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Barp A, Gerardi F, Lizio A, Sansone VA, Lunetta C. Emerging Drugs for the Treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Focus on Recent Phase 2 Trials. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2020; 25:145-164. [PMID: 32456491 DOI: 10.1080/14728214.2020.1769067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disease involving both upper and lower motor neurons and resulting in increasing disability and death 3-5 years after onset of symptoms. Over 40 large clinical trials for ALS have been negative, except for Riluzole that offers a modest survival benefit, and Edaravone that modestly reduces disease progression in patients with specific characteristics. Thus, the discovery of efficient disease modifying therapy is an urgent need. AREAS COVERED Although the cause of ALS remains unclear, many studies have demonstrated that neuroinflammation, proteinopathies, glutamate-induced excitotoxicity, microglial activation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction may play a key role in the pathogenesis. This review highlights recent discoveries relating to these diverse mechanisms and their implications for the development of therapy. Ongoing phase 2 clinical trials aimed to interfere with these pathophysiological mechanisms are discussed. EXPERT OPINION This review describes the challenges that the discovery of an efficient drug therapy faces and how these issues may be addressed. With the continuous advances coming from basic research, we provided possible suggestions that may be considered to improve performance of clinical trials and turn ALS research into a 'fertile ground' for drug development for this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Barp
- NEuroMuscular Omnicentre, Fondazione Serena Onlus , Milan, Italy.,Dept. Biomedical Sciences of Health, University of Milan , Milan, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Lizio
- NEuroMuscular Omnicentre, Fondazione Serena Onlus , Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Ada Sansone
- NEuroMuscular Omnicentre, Fondazione Serena Onlus , Milan, Italy.,Dept. Biomedical Sciences of Health, University of Milan , Milan, Italy
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Rusmini P, Cristofani R, Tedesco B, Ferrari V, Messi E, Piccolella M, Casarotto E, Chierichetti M, Cicardi ME, Galbiati M, Geroni C, Lombardi P, Crippa V, Poletti A. Enhanced Clearance of Neurotoxic Misfolded Proteins by the Natural Compound Berberine and Its Derivatives. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21103443. [PMID: 32414108 PMCID: PMC7279252 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Accumulation of misfolded proteins is a common hallmark of several neurodegenerative disorders (NDs) which results from a failure or an impairment of the protein quality control (PQC) system. The PQC system is composed by chaperones and the degradative systems (proteasome and autophagy). Mutant proteins that misfold are potentially neurotoxic, thus strategies aimed at preventing their aggregation or at enhancing their clearance are emerging as interesting therapeutic targets for NDs. Methods: We tested the natural alkaloid berberine (BBR) and some derivatives for their capability to enhance misfolded protein clearance in cell models of NDs, evaluating which degradative pathway mediates their action. Results: We found that both BBR and its semisynthetic derivatives promote degradation of mutant androgen receptor (ARpolyQ) causative of spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy, acting mainly via proteasome and preventing ARpolyQ aggregation. Overlapping effects were observed on other misfolded proteins causative of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal-lobar degeneration or Huntington disease, but with selective and specific action against each different mutant protein. Conclusions: BBR and its analogues induce the clearance of misfolded proteins responsible for NDs, representing potential therapeutic tools to counteract these fatal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Rusmini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022, Centro di Eccellenza sulle Malattie Neurodegenerative, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (P.R.); (R.C.); (B.T.); (V.F.); (E.M.); (M.P.); (E.C.); (M.C.); (M.E.C.); (M.G.); (V.C.)
| | - Riccardo Cristofani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022, Centro di Eccellenza sulle Malattie Neurodegenerative, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (P.R.); (R.C.); (B.T.); (V.F.); (E.M.); (M.P.); (E.C.); (M.C.); (M.E.C.); (M.G.); (V.C.)
| | - Barbara Tedesco
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022, Centro di Eccellenza sulle Malattie Neurodegenerative, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (P.R.); (R.C.); (B.T.); (V.F.); (E.M.); (M.P.); (E.C.); (M.C.); (M.E.C.); (M.G.); (V.C.)
| | - Veronica Ferrari
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022, Centro di Eccellenza sulle Malattie Neurodegenerative, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (P.R.); (R.C.); (B.T.); (V.F.); (E.M.); (M.P.); (E.C.); (M.C.); (M.E.C.); (M.G.); (V.C.)
| | - Elio Messi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022, Centro di Eccellenza sulle Malattie Neurodegenerative, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (P.R.); (R.C.); (B.T.); (V.F.); (E.M.); (M.P.); (E.C.); (M.C.); (M.E.C.); (M.G.); (V.C.)
| | - Margherita Piccolella
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022, Centro di Eccellenza sulle Malattie Neurodegenerative, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (P.R.); (R.C.); (B.T.); (V.F.); (E.M.); (M.P.); (E.C.); (M.C.); (M.E.C.); (M.G.); (V.C.)
| | - Elena Casarotto
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022, Centro di Eccellenza sulle Malattie Neurodegenerative, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (P.R.); (R.C.); (B.T.); (V.F.); (E.M.); (M.P.); (E.C.); (M.C.); (M.E.C.); (M.G.); (V.C.)
| | - Marta Chierichetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022, Centro di Eccellenza sulle Malattie Neurodegenerative, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (P.R.); (R.C.); (B.T.); (V.F.); (E.M.); (M.P.); (E.C.); (M.C.); (M.E.C.); (M.G.); (V.C.)
| | - Maria Elena Cicardi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022, Centro di Eccellenza sulle Malattie Neurodegenerative, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (P.R.); (R.C.); (B.T.); (V.F.); (E.M.); (M.P.); (E.C.); (M.C.); (M.E.C.); (M.G.); (V.C.)
- Jefferson Weinberg ALS Center, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Department of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Mariarita Galbiati
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022, Centro di Eccellenza sulle Malattie Neurodegenerative, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (P.R.); (R.C.); (B.T.); (V.F.); (E.M.); (M.P.); (E.C.); (M.C.); (M.E.C.); (M.G.); (V.C.)
| | - Cristina Geroni
- Naxospharma srl, Novate Milanese, 20026 Milan, Italy; (C.G.); (P.L.)
| | - Paolo Lombardi
- Naxospharma srl, Novate Milanese, 20026 Milan, Italy; (C.G.); (P.L.)
| | - Valeria Crippa
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022, Centro di Eccellenza sulle Malattie Neurodegenerative, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (P.R.); (R.C.); (B.T.); (V.F.); (E.M.); (M.P.); (E.C.); (M.C.); (M.E.C.); (M.G.); (V.C.)
| | - Angelo Poletti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022, Centro di Eccellenza sulle Malattie Neurodegenerative, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (P.R.); (R.C.); (B.T.); (V.F.); (E.M.); (M.P.); (E.C.); (M.C.); (M.E.C.); (M.G.); (V.C.)
- Correspondence:
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Bordoni M, Scarian E, Rey F, Gagliardi S, Carelli S, Pansarasa O, Cereda C. Biomaterials in Neurodegenerative Disorders: A Promising Therapeutic Approach. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21093243. [PMID: 32375302 PMCID: PMC7247337 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21093243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders (i.e., Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and spinal cord injury) represent a great problem worldwide and are becoming prevalent because of the increasing average age of the population. Despite many studies having focused on their etiopathology, the exact cause of these diseases is still unknown and until now, there are only symptomatic treatments. Biomaterials have become important not only for the study of disease pathogenesis, but also for their application in regenerative medicine. The great advantages provided by biomaterials are their ability to mimic the environment of the extracellular matrix and to allow the growth of different types of cells. Biomaterials can be used as supporting material for cell proliferation to be transplanted and as vectors to deliver many active molecules for the treatments of neurodegenerative disorders. In this review, we aim to report the potentiality of biomaterials (i.e., hydrogels, nanoparticles, self-assembling peptides, nanofibers and carbon-based nanomaterials) by analyzing their use in the regeneration of neural and glial cells their role in axon outgrowth. Although further studies are needed for their use in humans, the promising results obtained by several groups leads us to suppose that biomaterials represent a potential therapeutic approach for the treatments of neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Bordoni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Centro di Eccellenza sulle Malattie Neurodegenerative, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy;
| | - Eveljn Scarian
- Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Forlanini 6, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
- Genomic and post-Genomic Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (S.G.); (C.C.)
| | - Federica Rey
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences “L. Sacco”, University of Milan, Via Grassi 74, 20157 Milan, Italy; (F.R.); (S.C.)
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center Fondazione “Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi”, University of Milan, Via Grassi, 74, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Stella Gagliardi
- Genomic and post-Genomic Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (S.G.); (C.C.)
| | - Stephana Carelli
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences “L. Sacco”, University of Milan, Via Grassi 74, 20157 Milan, Italy; (F.R.); (S.C.)
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center Fondazione “Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi”, University of Milan, Via Grassi, 74, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Orietta Pansarasa
- Genomic and post-Genomic Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (S.G.); (C.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0382-380-248
| | - Cristina Cereda
- Genomic and post-Genomic Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (S.G.); (C.C.)
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Pecoraro V, Mandrioli J, Carone C, Chiò A, Traynor BJ, Trenti T. The NGS technology for the identification of genes associated with the ALS. A systematic review. Eur J Clin Invest 2020; 50:e13228. [PMID: 32293029 PMCID: PMC9008463 DOI: 10.1111/eci.13228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND More than 30 causative genes have been identified in familial and sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The next-generation sequencing (NGS) is a powerful and groundbreaking tool to identify disease-associated variants. Despite documented advantages of NGS, its diagnostic reliability needs to be addressed in order to use this technology for specific routine diagnosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS Literature database was explored to identify studies comparing NGS and Sanger sequencing for the detection of variants causing ALS. We collected data about patients' characteristics, disease type and duration, NGS and Sanger properties. RESULTS More than 200 bibliographic references were identified, of which only 14 studies matching our inclusion criteria. Only 2 out of 14 studies compared results of NGS analysis with the Sanger sequencing. Twelve studies screened causative genes associated to ALS using NGS technologies and confirmed the identified variants with Sanger sequencing. Overall, data about more 2,000 patients were analysed. The number of genes that were investigated in each study ranged from 1 to 32, the most frequent being FUS, OPTN, SETX and VCP. NGS identified already known mutations in 21 genes, and new or rare variants in 27 genes. CONCLUSIONS NGS seems to be a promising tool for the diagnosis of ALS in routine clinical practice. Its advantages are represented by an increased speed and a lowest sequencing cost, but patients' counselling could be problematic due to the discovery of frequent variants of unknown significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Pecoraro
- Laboratory of Toxycology and Advanced Diagnostics, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Ospedale Civile S. Agostino Estense, Modena, Italy
| | - Jessica Mandrioli
- Department of Neuroscience, Ospedale Civile S. Agostino Estense, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Chiara Carone
- Laboratory of Toxycology and Advanced Diagnostics, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Ospedale Civile S. Agostino Estense, Modena, Italy
| | - Adriano Chiò
- Department of Neuroscience, ALS Center "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,The Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza, Torino, Italy.,The Neuroscience Institute of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Bryan J Traynor
- Neuromuscular Diseases Research Section, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Tommaso Trenti
- Laboratory of Toxycology and Advanced Diagnostics, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Ospedale Civile S. Agostino Estense, Modena, Italy
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Martinelli I, Zucchi E, Gessani A, Fini N, Chiò A, Pecoraro V, Trenti T, Mandrioli J. A novel p.N66T mutation in exon 3 of the SOD1 gene: report of two families of ALS patients with early cognitive impairment. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2020; 21:296-300. [PMID: 32248719 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2020.1746344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: To date more than 180 different mutations in the SOD1 gene have been described in ALS; some of these mutations are associated to peculiar clinical features and have contributed to the understanding of disease heterogeneity. Only 5% of SOD1 mutations involve exon 3. Here we report a novel mutation c.197A > C in the exon 3 of the SOD1 gene in two apparently unrelated ALS families with early respiratory and cognitive impairment.Case report: In the first family two brothers developed ALS in their seventies, with arm weakness followed by bulbar involvement and behavioral breakdown. An unrelated 57-year-old man presented with progressive leg weakness and mild compromised executive functions without known family history for ALS/FTD and underwent invasive ventilation in a few months. A novel missense mutation A to C at codon 197 in exon 3 causing aminoacid substitution of arginine by threonine (N66T) was found for all of them. Harmful consequences of c.197A > C mutation on SOD1 function were suggested by in silico prediction and homology with other known mutations at the same position.Discussion and conclusion: Here, we report two apparently unrelated ALS families carrying a novel SOD1 mutation (N66T), supporting its pathogenic role by primary analysis, and characterized by early bulbar, respiratory, and cognitive involvement. Early cognitive impairment has been rarely described in ALS caused by SOD1 mutations, and mainly in the later phases of the disease. This report provides additional data on the SOD1 mutation spectrum and clinical presentation of ALS, widening phenotypical characterization of SOD1 ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Martinelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Ospedale Civile S. Agostino Estense, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Zucchi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Annalisa Gessani
- Department of Neuroscience, Ospedale Civile S. Agostino Estense, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Nicola Fini
- Department of Neuroscience, Ospedale Civile S. Agostino Estense, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Adriano Chiò
- ALS Center "Rita Levi Montalcini" Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Torino, Italy; Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza, Torino, Italy; The Neuroscience Institute of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Valentina Pecoraro
- Laboratory of Toxycology and Advanced Diagnostics, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Ospedale Civile S. Agostino Estense, Modena, Italy
| | - Tommaso Trenti
- Laboratory of Toxycology and Advanced Diagnostics, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Ospedale Civile S. Agostino Estense, Modena, Italy
| | - Jessica Mandrioli
- Department of Neuroscience, Ospedale Civile S. Agostino Estense, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
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142
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Kaku H, Ludlow AV, Gutknecht MF, Rothstein TL. FAIM Opposes Aggregation of Mutant SOD1 That Typifies Some Forms of Familial Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:110. [PMID: 32153351 PMCID: PMC7047752 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative illness that is unremittingly fatal and for which no effective treatment exists. All forms of ALS are characterized by protein aggregation. In familial forms of ALS, specific and heritable aggregation-prone proteins have been identified, such as mutant superoxide dismutase (SOD1). It has been suggested that a factor capable of preventing mutant SOD1 protein aggregation and/or disassembling mutant SOD1 protein aggregates would ameliorate SOD1-associated forms of familial ALS. Here we identify Fas Apoptosis Inhibitory Molecule (FAIM), a highly evolutionarily conserved 20 kDa protein, as an agent with this activity. We show FAIM counteracts intracellular accumulation of mutant SOD1 protein aggregates, which is increased in the absence of FAIM, as determined by pulse-shape analysis and filter trap assays. In a cell-free system, FAIM inhibits aggregation of mutant SOD1, and further disassembles and solubilizes established mutant SOD1 protein aggregates, as determined by thioflavin T (ThT), filter trap, and sedimentation assays. In sum, we report here a previously unknown activity of FAIM that opposes ALS disease-related protein aggregation and promotes proteostasis of an aggregation-prone ALS protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Kaku
- Center for Immunobiology, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Alexander V Ludlow
- Center for Immunobiology, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Michael F Gutknecht
- Center for Immunobiology, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Thomas L Rothstein
- Center for Immunobiology, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
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143
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Moore S, Rabichow BE, Sattler R. The Hitchhiker's Guide to Nucleocytoplasmic Trafficking in Neurodegeneration. Neurochem Res 2020; 45:1306-1327. [PMID: 32086712 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-020-02989-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The widespread nature of nucleocytoplasmic trafficking defects and protein accumulation suggests distinct yet overlapping mechanisms in a variety of neurodegenerative diseases. Detailed understanding of the cellular pathways involved in nucleocytoplasmic transport and its dysregulation are essential for elucidating neurodegenerative pathogenesis and pinpointing potential areas for therapeutic intervention. The transport of cargos from the nucleus to the cytoplasm is generally regulated by the structure and function of the nuclear pore as well as the karyopherin α/β, importin, exportin, and mRNA export mechanisms. The disruption of these crucial transport mechanisms has been extensively described in the context of neurodegenerative diseases. One common theme in neurodegeneration is the cytoplasmic aggregation of proteins, including nuclear RNA binding proteins, repeat expansion associated gene products, and tau. These cytoplasmic aggregations are partly a consequence of failed nucleocytoplasmic transport machinery, but can also further disrupt transport, creating cyclical feed-forward mechanisms that exacerbate neurodegeneration. Here we describe the canonical mechanisms that regulate nucleocytoplasmic trafficking as well as how these mechanisms falter in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Moore
- Department of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, 350 W Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ, 85013, USA.,School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Benjamin E Rabichow
- Department of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, 350 W Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ, 85013, USA
| | - Rita Sattler
- Department of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, 350 W Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ, 85013, USA.
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144
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Zinc Transporter-3 Knockout Mice Demonstrate Age-Dependent Alterations in the Metalloproteome. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21030839. [PMID: 32012946 PMCID: PMC7037208 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21030839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Metals are critical cellular elements that are involved in a variety of cellular processes, with recent literature demonstrating that zinc, and the synaptic zinc transporter (ZnT3), are specifically involved in learning and memory and may also be key players in age-related neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. Whilst the cellular content and location of metals is critical, recent data has demonstrated that the metalation state of proteins is a determinant of protein function and potential toxicity. As we have previously reported that ZnT3 knockout (KO) mice have deficits in total zinc levels at both 3 and 6 months of age, we were interested in whether there might be changes in the metalloproteomic profile in these animals. To do this, we utilised size exclusion chromatography-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (SEC-ICP-MS) and examined hippocampal homogenates from ZnT3 KO and age-matched wild-type mice at 3, 6 and 18 months of age. Our data suggest that there are alterations in specific metal binding proteins, for zinc, copper and iron all being modulated in the ZnT3 KO mice compared to wild-type (WT). These data suggest that ZnT3 KO mice may have impairments in the levels or localisation of multiple transition metals, and that copper- and iron-dependent cellular pathways may also be impacted in these mice.
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145
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Gregory JM, McDade K, Livesey MR, Croy I, Marion de Proce S, Aitman T, Chandran S, Smith C. Spatial transcriptomics identifies spatially dysregulated expression of GRM3 and USP47 in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2020; 46:441-457. [PMID: 31925813 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
AIMS The mechanisms underlying the selective degeneration of motor neurones in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to implement spatially resolved RNA sequencing in human post mortem cortical tissue from an ALS patient harbouring the C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion to identify dysregulated transcripts that may account for differential vulnerabilities of distinct (i) cell types and (ii) brain regions in the pathogenesis of ALS. METHODS Using spatial transcriptomics (ST) we analysed the transcriptome of post mortem brain tissue, with spatial resolution down to 100 μm. Validation of these findings was then performed using BaseScope, an adapted, in situ hybridization technique with single-transcript single-cell-resolution, providing extensive regional and cell-type specific confirmation of these dysregulated transcripts. The validation cohort was then extended to include multiple post mortem brain regions and spinal cord tissue from an extended cohort of C9orf72, sporadic ALS (sALS) and SOD1 ALS cases. RESULTS We identified sixteen dysregulated transcripts of proteins that have roles within six disease-related pathways. Furthermore, these complementary molecular pathology techniques converged to identify two spatially dysregulated transcripts, GRM3 and USP47, that are commonly dysregulated across sALS, SOD1 and C9orf72 cases alike. CONCLUSIONS This study presents the first description of ST in human post mortem cortical tissue from an ALS patient harbouring the C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion. These data taken together highlight the importance of preserving spatial resolution, facilitating the identification of genes whose dysregulation may in part underlie regional susceptibilities to ALS, crucially highlighting potential therapeutic and diagnostic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Gregory
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Edinburgh Pathology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - K McDade
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Edinburgh Pathology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - M R Livesey
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - I Croy
- Edinburgh Pathology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - S Marion de Proce
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - T Aitman
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - S Chandran
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - C Smith
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Edinburgh Pathology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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146
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Li W, Liu Z, Sun W, Yuan Y, Hu Y, Ni J, Jiao B, Fang L, Li J, Shen L, Tang B, Wang J. Mutation analysis of GLT8D1 and ARPP21 genes in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients from mainland China. Neurobiol Aging 2020; 85:156.e1-156.e4. [PMID: 31653410 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2019.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Variants in exon 4 of gene encoding GLT8D1 (glycosyltransferase 8 domain containing 1) gene have recently been suggested as a novel cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In addition, there is a synergism between GLT8D1 and ARPP21 (cAMP Regulated Phosphoprotein 21) variants for ALS. However, this observation has not been validated in other ALS cohorts. In this study, we analyzed the rare pathogenic variants in GLT8D1 and ARPP21 genes in a cohort of 512 ALS patients and 3210 healthy controls from mainland China. A total of 25 rare variants in ARPP21 were identified in the patients and controls, but we did not find rare variants in exon 4 of GLT8D1 in the patients. By using Fisher's exact test, we did not find significant association between ALS and GLT8D1 or ARPP21. Therefore, GLT8D1 and ARPP21 are not likely the causative genes for ALS in mainland China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanzhen Li
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen Liu
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Weining Sun
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanchun Yuan
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiting Hu
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Ni
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Jiao
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Liangjuan Fang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China; Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinchen Li
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu Shen
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China; Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Beisha Tang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China; Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Junling Wang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China; Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
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147
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Vieira S, Strymecka P, Stanaszek L, Silva-Correia J, Drela K, Fiedorowicz M, Malysz-Cymborska I, Rogujski P, Janowski M, Reis RL, Lukomska B, Walczak P, Oliveira JM. Methacrylated gellan gum and hyaluronic acid hydrogel blends for image-guided neurointerventions. J Mater Chem B 2020; 8:5928-5937. [DOI: 10.1039/d0tb00877j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Mn-Based gellan gum hydrogels for cell delivery and real-time tracking on image-guided neuro-procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sílvia Vieira
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs – Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine
- AvePark – Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra
- 4805-017 Barco
- Portugal
- ICVS/3B's – PT Government Associate Laboratory
| | - Paulina Strymecka
- NeuroRepair Department
- Mossakowski Medical Research Centre
- Polish Academy of Sciences
- Warsaw
- Poland
| | - Luiza Stanaszek
- NeuroRepair Department
- Mossakowski Medical Research Centre
- Polish Academy of Sciences
- Warsaw
- Poland
| | - Joana Silva-Correia
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs – Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine
- AvePark – Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra
- 4805-017 Barco
- Portugal
- ICVS/3B's – PT Government Associate Laboratory
| | - Katarzyna Drela
- NeuroRepair Department
- Mossakowski Medical Research Centre
- Polish Academy of Sciences
- Warsaw
- Poland
| | - Michał Fiedorowicz
- Small Animal Magnetic Resonance Imaging Laboratory
- Mossakowski Medical Research Centre
- Polish Academy of Sciences
- Warsaw
- Poland
| | - Izabela Malysz-Cymborska
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, School of Medicine
- Collegium Medicum
- University of Warmia and Mazury
- Olsztyn
- Poland
| | - Piotr Rogujski
- NeuroRepair Department
- Mossakowski Medical Research Centre
- Polish Academy of Sciences
- Warsaw
- Poland
| | - Miroslaw Janowski
- NeuroRepair Department
- Mossakowski Medical Research Centre
- Polish Academy of Sciences
- Warsaw
- Poland
| | - Rui L. Reis
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs – Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine
- AvePark – Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra
- 4805-017 Barco
- Portugal
- ICVS/3B's – PT Government Associate Laboratory
| | - Barbara Lukomska
- NeuroRepair Department
- Mossakowski Medical Research Centre
- Polish Academy of Sciences
- Warsaw
- Poland
| | - Piotr Walczak
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, School of Medicine
- Collegium Medicum
- University of Warmia and Mazury
- Olsztyn
- Poland
| | - J. Miguel Oliveira
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs – Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine
- AvePark – Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra
- 4805-017 Barco
- Portugal
- ICVS/3B's – PT Government Associate Laboratory
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148
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Hideshima M, Beck G, Yamadera M, Motoyama Y, Ikenaka K, Kakuda K, Tsuda H, Nagano S, Fujimura H, Morii E, Murayama S, Mochizuki H. A clinicopathological study of ALS with L126S mutation in the SOD1 gene presenting with isolated inferior olivary hypertrophy. Neuropathology 2019; 40:191-195. [PMID: 31863610 DOI: 10.1111/neup.12620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2019] [Revised: 10/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
We report an autopsy case of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with L126S mutation in the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene (SOD1). The patient was a 69-year-old Japanese man without relevant family history, who initially presented with slow progressive muscle weakness of the lower extremities without upper motor neuron signs, and died of respiratory failure 6 years after the onset. Neuropathological examination revealed a loss of lower motor neurons and degeneration of Clarke's column commensurate with that of the posterior spinocerebellar tract and the middle root zone of the posterior column. The primary motor area was minimally affected. Characteristic SOD1-immunopositive neuronal intracytoplasmic inclusions, mixed with neurofilament accumulation, were present in the affected areas. Isolated inferior olivary hypertrophy was observed, but did not involve the contralateral dentate nucleus, or the ipsilateral red nucleus and central tegmental tract, where no neuronal inclusions were found. In combination with data from a previous autopsy case, this study suggests that the L126S mutation may cause focal neuronal degeneration in the brainstem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Hideshima
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Goichi Beck
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Misaki Yamadera
- Department of Neurology, NHO Osaka Toneyama Medical Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuichi Motoyama
- Department of Pathology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kensuke Ikenaka
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Keita Kakuda
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Tsuda
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Seiichi Nagano
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Harutoshi Fujimura
- Department of Neurology, NHO Osaka Toneyama Medical Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Eiichi Morii
- Department of Pathology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shigeo Murayama
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan.,Department of Neurology and Neuropathology (the Brain Bank for Aging Research), Tokyo Metropolitan Geriatric Hospital and Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hideki Mochizuki
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
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149
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Goodman LD, Bonini NM. New Roles for Canonical Transcription Factors in Repeat Expansion Diseases. Trends Genet 2019; 36:81-92. [PMID: 31837826 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2019.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The presence of microsatellite repeat expansions within genes is associated with >30 neurological diseases. Of interest, (GGGGCC)>30-repeats within C9orf72 are associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia (ALS/FTD). These expansions can be 100s to 1000s of units long. Thus, it is perplexing how RNA-polymerase II (RNAPII) can successfully transcribe them. Recent investigations focusing on GGGGCC-transcription have identified specific, canonical complexes that may promote RNAPII-transcription at these GC-rich microsatellites: the DSIF complex and PAF1C. These complexes may be important for resolving the unique secondary structures formed by GGGGCC-DNA during transcription. Importantly, this process can produce potentially toxic repeat-containing RNA that can encode potentially toxic peptides, impacting neuron function and health. Understanding how transcription of these repeats occurs has implications for therapeutics in multiple diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey D Goodman
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Neurological Research Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Nancy M Bonini
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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150
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Deng J, Wu W, Xie Z, Gang Q, Yu M, Liu J, Wang Q, Lv H, Zhang W, Huang Y, Wang T, Yuan Y, Hong D, Wang Z. Novel and Recurrent Mutations in a Cohort of Chinese Patients With Young-Onset Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:1289. [PMID: 31866807 PMCID: PMC6908997 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.01289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. More than 25 ALS-related genes have been identified, accounting for approximately 10% of sporadic ALS (SALS) and two-thirds of familial ALS (FALS) cases. Several recent studies showed that genetic factors might have a larger contribution to young-onset ALS than to ALS cases overall. However, the genetic profile of young-onset ALS patients is not yet fully understood. Here, we investigated a cohort of 27 young-onset ALS patients (onset age < 45 years) through whole-exome sequencing (WES). Genetic analysis identified pathogenic variants of FUS (25.9%), SOD1 (22.2%), TARDBP (3.7%), and VCP (3.7%) in 27 young-onset ALS patients. Of 12 identified types of mutations, c.1528A > C in FUS and c.266G > A in VCP were novel. All of the cases in this study reflect a monogenic origin with an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. Notably, a novel de novo missense mutation, c.1528A > C (p.K510Q), in FUS was identified in a 29-year-old ALS patient. Expression of the K510Q mutant FUS resulted in cytoplasmic mislocalization of FUS in cultured cells and induced neural toxicity in a fly model. This study provides further evidence of the genetic profile of young-onset ALS patients from China and expands the mutational spectrum of the FUS gene, with one new K510Q mutation identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianwen Deng
- Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Wu
- Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiying Xie
- Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qiang Gang
- Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Meng Yu
- Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qingqing Wang
- Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - He Lv
- Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yining Huang
- Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Wang
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yun Yuan
- Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Daojun Hong
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhaoxia Wang
- Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
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