151
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Yi J, Li A, Li X, Park K, Zhou X, Yi F, Xiao Y, Yoon D, Tan T, Ostrow LW, Ma J, Zhou J. MG53 Preserves Neuromuscular Junction Integrity and Alleviates ALS Disease Progression. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10101522. [PMID: 34679657 PMCID: PMC8532806 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10101522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Respiratory failure from progressive respiratory muscle weakness is the most common cause of death in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Defects in neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) and progressive NMJ loss occur at early stages, thus stabilizing and preserving NMJs represents a potential therapeutic strategy to slow ALS disease progression. Here we demonstrate that NMJ damage is repaired by MG53, an intrinsic muscle protein involved in plasma membrane repair. Compromised diaphragm muscle membrane repair and NMJ integrity are early pathological events in ALS. Diaphragm muscles from ALS mouse models show increased susceptibility to injury and intracellular MG53 aggregation, which is also a hallmark of human muscle samples from ALS patients. We show that systemic administration of recombinant human MG53 protein in ALS mice protects against injury to diaphragm muscle, preserves NMJ integrity, and slows ALS disease progression. As MG53 is present in circulation in rodents and humans under physiological conditions, our findings provide proof-of-concept data supporting MG53 as a potentially safe and effective therapy to mitigate ALS progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianxun Yi
- Department of Kinesiology, College of Nursing and Health Innovation, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA; (J.Y.); (A.L.); (X.L.)
- Department of Physiology, Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, Kansas City, MO 64106, USA; (Y.X.); (D.Y.)
| | - Ang Li
- Department of Kinesiology, College of Nursing and Health Innovation, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA; (J.Y.); (A.L.); (X.L.)
- Department of Physiology, Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, Kansas City, MO 64106, USA; (Y.X.); (D.Y.)
| | - Xuejun Li
- Department of Kinesiology, College of Nursing and Health Innovation, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA; (J.Y.); (A.L.); (X.L.)
- Department of Physiology, Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, Kansas City, MO 64106, USA; (Y.X.); (D.Y.)
| | - Kiho Park
- Department of Surgery, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (K.P.); (X.Z.); (F.Y.); (T.T.)
| | - Xinyu Zhou
- Department of Surgery, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (K.P.); (X.Z.); (F.Y.); (T.T.)
| | - Frank Yi
- Department of Surgery, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (K.P.); (X.Z.); (F.Y.); (T.T.)
| | - Yajuan Xiao
- Department of Physiology, Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, Kansas City, MO 64106, USA; (Y.X.); (D.Y.)
| | - Dosuk Yoon
- Department of Physiology, Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, Kansas City, MO 64106, USA; (Y.X.); (D.Y.)
| | - Tao Tan
- Department of Surgery, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (K.P.); (X.Z.); (F.Y.); (T.T.)
| | - Lyle W. Ostrow
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
| | - Jianjie Ma
- Department of Surgery, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (K.P.); (X.Z.); (F.Y.); (T.T.)
- Correspondence: (J.M.); (J.Z.)
| | - Jingsong Zhou
- Department of Kinesiology, College of Nursing and Health Innovation, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA; (J.Y.); (A.L.); (X.L.)
- Department of Physiology, Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, Kansas City, MO 64106, USA; (Y.X.); (D.Y.)
- Correspondence: (J.M.); (J.Z.)
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152
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Mòdol-Caballero G, Herrando-Grabulosa M, Verdés S, García-Lareu B, Hernández N, Francos-Quijorna I, López-Vales R, Bosch A, Navarro X. Gene Therapy Overexpressing Neuregulin 1 Type I in Combination With Neuregulin 1 Type III Promotes Functional Improvement in the SOD1 G93A ALS Mice. Front Neurol 2021; 12:693309. [PMID: 34630277 PMCID: PMC8492910 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.693309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease affecting the neuromuscular system for which currently there is no effective therapy. Motoneuron (MN) degeneration involves several complex mechanisms, including surrounding glial cells and skeletal muscle contributions. Neuregulin 1 (NRG1) is a trophic factor present particularly in MNs and neuromuscular junctions. Our previous studies revealed that gene therapy overexpressing the isoform I (NRG1-I) in skeletal muscles as well as overexpressing the isoform III (NRG1-III) directly in the central nervous system are both effective in preserving MNs in the spinal cord of ALS mice, opening novel therapeutic approaches. In this study, we combined administration of both viral vectors overexpressing NRG1-I in skeletal muscles and NRG1-III in spinal cord of the SOD1G93A mice in order to obtain a synergistic effect. The results showed that the combinatorial gene therapy increased preservation of MNs and of innervated neuromuscular junctions and reduced glial reactivity in the spinal cord of the treated SOD1G93A mice. Moreover, NRG1 isoforms overexpression improved motor function of hindlimb muscles and delayed the onset of clinical disease. However, this combinatory gene therapy did not produce a synergic effect compared with single therapies, suggesting an overlap between NRG1-I and NRG1-III activated pathways and their beneficial effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillem Mòdol-Caballero
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mireia Herrando-Grabulosa
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sergi Verdés
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma De Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Unitat Mixta UAB-VHIR, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Belén García-Lareu
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma De Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Neus Hernández
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isaac Francos-Quijorna
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rubén López-Vales
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Assumpció Bosch
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma De Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Unitat Mixta UAB-VHIR, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Navarro
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Barcelona, Spain
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153
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Amor S, Nutma E, Marzin M, Puentes F. Imaging immunological processes from blood to brain in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Clin Exp Immunol 2021; 206:301-313. [PMID: 34510431 PMCID: PMC8561688 DOI: 10.1111/cei.13660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathology studies of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and animal models of ALS reveal a strong association between aberrant protein accumulation and motor neurone damage, as well as activated microglia and astrocytes. While the role of neuroinflammation in the pathology of ALS is unclear, imaging studies of the central nervous system (CNS) support the idea that innate immune activation occurs early in disease in both humans and rodent models of ALS. In addition, emerging studies also reveal changes in monocytes, macrophages and lymphocytes in peripheral blood as well as at the neuromuscular junction. To more clearly understand the association of neuroinflammation (innate and adaptive) with disease progression, the use of biomarkers and imaging modalities allow monitoring of immune parameters in the disease process. Such approaches are important for patient stratification, selection and inclusion in clinical trials, as well as to provide readouts of response to therapy. Here, we discuss the different imaging modalities, e.g. magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance spectroscopy and positron emission tomography as well as other approaches, including biomarkers of inflammation in ALS, that aid the understanding of the underlying immune mechanisms associated with motor neurone degeneration in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Amor
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam UMC Location VUmc, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Neuroscience and Trauma, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Erik Nutma
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam UMC Location VUmc, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Manuel Marzin
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam UMC Location VUmc, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Fabiola Puentes
- Department of Neuroscience and Trauma, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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154
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Maimon R, Ankol L, Gradus Pery T, Altman T, Ionescu A, Weissova R, Ostrovsky M, Tank E, Alexandra G, Shelestovich N, Opatowsky Y, Dori A, Barmada S, Balastik M, Perlson E. A CRMP4-dependent retrograde axon-to-soma death signal in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. EMBO J 2021; 40:e107586. [PMID: 34190355 PMCID: PMC8408612 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2020107586] [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: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal non-cell-autonomous neurodegenerative disease characterized by the loss of motor neurons (MNs). Mutations in CRMP4 are associated with ALS in patients, and elevated levels of CRMP4 are suggested to affect MN health in the SOD1G93A -ALS mouse model. However, the mechanism by which CRMP4 mediates toxicity in ALS MNs is poorly understood. Here, by using tissue from human patients with sporadic ALS, MNs derived from C9orf72-mutant patients, and the SOD1G93A -ALS mouse model, we demonstrate that subcellular changes in CRMP4 levels promote MN loss in ALS. First, we show that while expression of CRMP4 protein is increased in cell bodies of ALS-affected MN, CRMP4 levels are decreased in the distal axons. Cellular mislocalization of CRMP4 is caused by increased interaction with the retrograde motor protein, dynein, which mediates CRMP4 transport from distal axons to the soma and thereby promotes MN loss. Blocking the CRMP4-dynein interaction reduces MN loss in human-derived MNs (C9orf72) and in ALS model mice. Thus, we demonstrate a novel CRMP4-dependent retrograde death signal that underlies MN loss in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy Maimon
- Sackler Faculty of MedicineTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Lior Ankol
- Sackler Faculty of MedicineTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
- Sagol School of NeuroscienceTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Tal Gradus Pery
- Sackler Faculty of MedicineTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Topaz Altman
- Sackler Faculty of MedicineTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Ariel Ionescu
- Sackler Faculty of MedicineTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Romana Weissova
- Institue of Physiology of the Czech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
- Faculty of ScienceCharles UniversityPragueCzech Republic
| | | | - Elizabeth Tank
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
| | - Gayster Alexandra
- Department of PathologySheba Medical CenterTel HashomerRamat GanIsrael
| | - Natalia Shelestovich
- Sackler Faculty of MedicineTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
- Department of PathologySheba Medical CenterTel HashomerRamat GanIsrael
| | - Yarden Opatowsky
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life ScienceBar Ilan UniversityIsrael
| | - Amir Dori
- Sackler Faculty of MedicineTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
- Sagol School of NeuroscienceTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
- Department of NeurologySheba Medical CenterTel HashomerRamat GanIsrael
| | - Sami Barmada
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
| | - Martin Balastik
- Institue of Physiology of the Czech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
| | - Eran Perlson
- Sackler Faculty of MedicineTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
- Sagol School of NeuroscienceTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
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155
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Garone MG, Birsa N, Rosito M, Salaris F, Mochi M, de Turris V, Nair RR, Cunningham TJ, Fisher EMC, Morlando M, Fratta P, Rosa A. ALS-related FUS mutations alter axon growth in motoneurons and affect HuD/ELAVL4 and FMRP activity. Commun Biol 2021; 4:1025. [PMID: 34471224 PMCID: PMC8410767 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02538-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the RNA-binding protein (RBP) FUS have been genetically associated with the motoneuron disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Using both human induced pluripotent stem cells and mouse models, we found that FUS-ALS causative mutations affect the activity of two relevant RBPs with important roles in neuronal RNA metabolism: HuD/ELAVL4 and FMRP. Mechanistically, mutant FUS leads to upregulation of HuD protein levels through competition with FMRP for HuD mRNA 3'UTR binding. In turn, increased HuD levels overly stabilize the transcript levels of its targets, NRN1 and GAP43. As a consequence, mutant FUS motoneurons show increased axon branching and growth upon injury, which could be rescued by dampening NRN1 levels. Since similar phenotypes have been previously described in SOD1 and TDP-43 mutant models, increased axonal growth and branching might represent broad early events in the pathogenesis of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Giovanna Garone
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicol Birsa
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Maria Rosito
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Rome, Italy
| | - Federico Salaris
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Mochi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria de Turris
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Mariangela Morlando
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, "Department of Excellence 2018-2022", University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Pietro Fratta
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Alessandro Rosa
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Rome, Italy.
- Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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156
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Anzilotti S, Valsecchi V, Brancaccio P, Guida N, Laudati G, Tedeschi V, Petrozziello T, Frecentese F, Magli E, Hassler B, Cuomo O, Formisano L, Secondo A, Annunziato L, Pignataro G. Prolonged NCX activation prevents SOD1 accumulation, reduces neuroinflammation, ameliorates motor behavior and prolongs survival in a ALS mouse model. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 159:105480. [PMID: 34411705 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105480] [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: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Imbalance in cellular ionic homeostasis is a hallmark of several neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Sodium-calcium exchanger (NCX) is a membrane antiporter that, operating in a bidirectional way, couples the exchange of Ca2+ and Na + ions in neurons and glial cells, thus controlling the intracellular homeostasis of these ions. Among the three NCX genes, NCX1 and NCX2 are widely expressed within the CNS, while NCX3 is present only in skeletal muscles and at lower levels of expression in selected brain regions. ALS mice showed a reduction in the expression and activity of NCX1 and NCX2 consistent with disease progression, therefore we aimed to investigate their role in ALS pathophysiology. Notably, we demonstrated that the pharmacological activation of NCX1 and NCX2 by the prolonged treatment of SOD1G93A mice with the newly synthesized compound neurounina: (1) prevented the reduction in NCX activity observed in spinal cord; (2) preserved motor neurons survival in the ventral spinal horn of SOD1G93A mice; (3) prevented the spinal cord accumulation of misfolded SOD1; (4) reduced astroglia and microglia activation and spared the resident microglia cells in the spinal cord; (5) improved the lifespan and mitigated motor symptoms of ALS mice. The present study highlights the significant role of NCX1 and NCX2 in the pathophysiology of this neurodegenerative disorder and paves the way for the design of a new pharmacological approach for ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valeria Valsecchi
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Brancaccio
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Giusy Laudati
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Valentina Tedeschi
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Tiziana Petrozziello
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Frecentese
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Elisa Magli
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Brenda Hassler
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Ornella Cuomo
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Formisano
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Agnese Secondo
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Pignataro
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy.
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157
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Gromova A, La Spada AR. Harmony Lost: Cell-Cell Communication at the Neuromuscular Junction in Motor Neuron Disease. Trends Neurosci 2021; 43:709-724. [PMID: 32846148 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2020.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a specialized synapse that is the point of connection between motor neurons and skeletal muscle. Although developmental studies have established the importance of cell-cell communication at the NMJ for the integrity and full functionality of this synapse, the contribution of this structure as a primary driver in motor neuron disease pathogenesis remains uncertain. Here, we consider the biology of the NMJ and review emerging lines of investigation that are highlighting the importance of cell-cell interaction at the NMJ in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), X-linked spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Ongoing research may reveal NMJ targets and pathways whose therapeutic modulation will help slow the progression of motor neuron disease, offering a novel treatment paradigm for ALS, SBMA, SMA, and related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Gromova
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Department of Neurology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Albert R La Spada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Department of Neurology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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158
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Shiraishi W, Yamasaki R, Hashimoto Y, Ko S, Kobayakawa Y, Isobe N, Matsushita T, Kira JI. Clearance of peripheral nerve misfolded mutant protein by infiltrated macrophages correlates with motor neuron disease progression. Sci Rep 2021; 11:16438. [PMID: 34385589 PMCID: PMC8360983 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96064-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophages expressing C-C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2) infiltrate the central and peripheral neural tissues of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. To identify the functional role of CCR2+ macrophages in the pathomechanisms of ALS, we used an ALS animal model, mutant Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase 1G93A (mSOD1)-transgenic (Tg) mice. To clarify the CCR2 function in the model, we generated SOD1G93A/CCR2Red fluorescence protein (RFP)/Wild type (WT)/CX3CR1Green fluorescence protein (GFP)/WT-Tg mice, which heterozygously express CCR2-RFP and CX3CR1-GFP, and SOD1G93A/CCR2RFP/RFP-Tg mice, which lack CCR2 protein expression and present with a CCR2-deficient phenotype. In mSOD1-Tg mice, mSOD1 accumulated in the sciatic nerve earlier than in the spinal cord. Furthermore, spinal cords of SOD1G93A/CCR2RFP/WT/CX3CR1GFP/WT mice showed peripheral macrophage infiltration that emerged at the end-stage, whereas in peripheral nerves, macrophage infiltration started from the pre-symptomatic stage. Before disease onset, CCR2+ macrophages harboring mSOD1 infiltrated sciatic nerves earlier than the lumbar cord. CCR2-deficient mSOD1-Tg mice showed an earlier onset and axonal derangement in the sciatic nerve than CCR2-positive mSOD1-Tg mice. CCR2-deficient mSOD1-Tg mice showed an increase in deposited mSOD1 in the sciatic nerve compared with CCR2-positive mice. These findings suggest that CCR2+ and CX3CR1+ macrophages exert neuroprotective functions in mSOD1 ALS via mSOD1 clearance from the peripheral nerves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wataru Shiraishi
- grid.177174.30000 0001 2242 4849Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582 Japan ,grid.415432.50000 0004 0377 9814Department of Neurology, Kokura Memorial Hospital, Fukuoka, 802-8555 Japan
| | - Ryo Yamasaki
- grid.177174.30000 0001 2242 4849Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582 Japan
| | - Yu Hashimoto
- grid.177174.30000 0001 2242 4849Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582 Japan
| | - Senri Ko
- grid.177174.30000 0001 2242 4849Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582 Japan
| | - Yuko Kobayakawa
- grid.177174.30000 0001 2242 4849Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582 Japan
| | - Noriko Isobe
- grid.177174.30000 0001 2242 4849Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582 Japan
| | - Takuya Matsushita
- grid.177174.30000 0001 2242 4849Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582 Japan
| | - Jun-ichi Kira
- grid.177174.30000 0001 2242 4849Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582 Japan ,grid.411731.10000 0004 0531 3030Translational Neuroscience Center, Graduate School of Medicine, and School of Pharmacy At Fukuoka, International University of Health and Welfare, 137-1 Enokizu, Ookawa, Fukuoka 831-8501 Japan ,grid.411731.10000 0004 0531 3030Department of Neurology, Brain and Nerve Center, Fukuoka Central Hospital, International University of Health and Welfare, 2-6-11 Yakuin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka, 810-0022 Japan
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Pereira JD, DuBreuil DM, Devlin AC, Held A, Sapir Y, Berezovski E, Hawrot J, Dorfman K, Chander V, Wainger BJ. Human sensorimotor organoids derived from healthy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis stem cells form neuromuscular junctions. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4744. [PMID: 34362895 PMCID: PMC8346474 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24776-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) hold promise for modeling diseases in individual human genetic backgrounds and thus for developing precision medicine. Here, we generate sensorimotor organoids containing physiologically functional neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) and apply the model to different subgroups of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Using a range of molecular, genomic, and physiological techniques, we identify and characterize motor neurons and skeletal muscle, along with sensory neurons, astrocytes, microglia, and vasculature. Organoid cultures derived from multiple human iPSC lines generated from individuals with ALS and isogenic lines edited to harbor familial ALS mutations show impairment at the level of the NMJ, as detected by both contraction and immunocytochemical measurements. The physiological resolution of the human NMJ synapse, combined with the generation of major cellular cohorts exerting autonomous and non-cell autonomous effects in motor and sensory diseases, may prove valuable to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- João D Pereira
- Department of Neurology, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daniel M DuBreuil
- Department of Neurology, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Anna-Claire Devlin
- Department of Neurology, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aaron Held
- Department of Neurology, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yechiam Sapir
- Department of Neurology, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eugene Berezovski
- Department of Neurology, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - James Hawrot
- Department of Neurology, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Katherine Dorfman
- Department of Neurology, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vignesh Chander
- Department of Neurology, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brian J Wainger
- Department of Neurology, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Broad Institute of Harvard University and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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160
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De Marchi F, Munitic I, Amedei A, Berry JD, Feldman EL, Aronica E, Nardo G, Van Weehaeghe D, Niccolai E, Prtenjaca N, Sakowski SA, Bendotti C, Mazzini L. Interplay between immunity and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Clinical impact. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 127:958-978. [PMID: 34153344 PMCID: PMC8428677 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a debilitating and rapidly fatal neurodegenerative disease. Despite decades of research and many new insights into disease biology over the 150 years since the disease was first described, causative pathogenic mechanisms in ALS remain poorly understood, especially in sporadic cases. Our understanding of the role of the immune system in ALS pathophysiology, however, is rapidly expanding. The aim of this manuscript is to summarize the recent advances regarding the immune system involvement in ALS, with particular attention to clinical translation. We focus on the potential pathophysiologic mechanism of the immune system in ALS, discussing local and systemic factors (blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and microbiota) that influence ALS onset and progression in animal models and people. We also explore the potential of Positron Emission Tomography to detect neuroinflammation in vivo, and discuss ongoing clinical trials of therapies targeting the immune system. With validation in human patients, new evidence in this emerging field will serve to identify novel therapeutic targets and provide realistic hope for personalized treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiola De Marchi
- Department of Neurology and ALS Centre, University of Piemonte Orientale, Maggiore Della Carità Hospital, Corso Mazzini 18, Novara, 28100, Italy
| | - Ivana Munitic
- Laboratory for Molecular Immunology, Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, R. Matejcic 2, 51000, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Amedeo Amedei
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - James D Berry
- Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 165 Cambridge Street, Suite 600, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Eva L Feldman
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Eleonora Aronica
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of (Neuro) Pathology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Giovanni Nardo
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, Milanm, 20156, Italy
| | - Donatienne Van Weehaeghe
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Imaging and Pathology, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Elena Niccolai
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Nikolina Prtenjaca
- Laboratory for Molecular Immunology, Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, R. Matejcic 2, 51000, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Stacey A Sakowski
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Caterina Bendotti
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, Milanm, 20156, Italy
| | - Letizia Mazzini
- Department of Neurology and ALS Centre, University of Piemonte Orientale, Maggiore Della Carità Hospital, Corso Mazzini 18, Novara, 28100, Italy.
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161
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Méndez-López I, Sancho-Bielsa FJ, Engel T, García AG, Padín JF. Progressive Mitochondrial SOD1 G93A Accumulation Causes Severe Structural, Metabolic and Functional Aberrations through OPA1 Down-Regulation in a Mouse Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158194. [PMID: 34360957 PMCID: PMC8347639 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the “non-autonomous motor neuron death” hypothesis has become more consolidated behind amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It postulates that cells other than motor neurons participate in the pathology. In fact, the involvement of the autonomic nervous system is fundamental since patients die of sudden death when they become unable to compensate for cardiorespiratory arrest. Mitochondria are thought to play a fundamental role in the physiopathology of ALS, as they are compromised in multiple ALS models in different cell types, and it also occurs in other neurodegenerative diseases. Our study aimed to uncover mitochondrial alterations in the sympathoadrenal system of a mouse model of ALS, from a structural, bioenergetic and functional perspective during disease instauration. We studied the adrenal chromaffin cell from mutant SOD1G93A mouse at pre-symptomatic and symptomatic stages. The mitochondrial accumulation of the mutated SOD1G93A protein and the down-regulation of optic atrophy protein-1 (OPA1) provoke mitochondrial ultrastructure alterations prior to the onset of clinical symptoms. These changes affect mitochondrial fusion dynamics, triggering mitochondrial maturation impairment and cristae swelling, with increased size of cristae junctions. The functional consequences are a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and changes in the bioenergetics profile, with reduced maximal respiration and spare respiratory capacity of mitochondria, as well as enhanced production of reactive oxygen species. This study identifies mitochondrial dynamics regulator OPA1 as an interesting therapeutic target in ALS. Additionally, our findings in the adrenal medulla gland from presymptomatic stages highlight the relevance of sympathetic impairment in this disease. Specifically, we show new SOD1G93A toxicity pathways affecting cellular energy metabolism in non-motor neurons, which offer a possible link between cell specific metabolic phenotype and the progression of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iago Méndez-López
- Instituto Teófilo Hernando and Departamento de Farmacología y Terapéutica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (I.M.-L.); (A.G.G.)
| | - Francisco J. Sancho-Bielsa
- Departamento de Ciencias Médicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain;
| | - Tobias Engel
- Department of Physiology & Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland;
- FutureNeuro SFI Research Centre for Chronic and Rare Neurological Diseases, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Antonio G. García
- Instituto Teófilo Hernando and Departamento de Farmacología y Terapéutica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (I.M.-L.); (A.G.G.)
| | - Juan Fernando Padín
- Instituto Teófilo Hernando and Departamento de Farmacología y Terapéutica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (I.M.-L.); (A.G.G.)
- Departamento de Ciencias Médicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain;
- Correspondence:
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162
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Luttrell SM, Smith AST, Mack DL. Creating stem cell-derived neuromuscular junctions in vitro. Muscle Nerve 2021; 64:388-403. [PMID: 34328673 PMCID: PMC9292444 DOI: 10.1002/mus.27360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Recent development of novel therapies has improved mobility and quality of life for people suffering from inheritable neuromuscular disorders. Despite this progress, the majority of neuromuscular disorders are still incurable, in part due to a lack of predictive models of neuromuscular junction (NMJ) breakdown. Improvement of predictive models of a human NMJ would be transformative in terms of expanding our understanding of the mechanisms that underpin development, maintenance, and disease, and as a testbed with which to evaluate novel therapeutics. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are emerging as a clinically relevant and non‐invasive cell source to create human NMJs to study synaptic development and maturation, as well as disease modeling and drug discovery. This review will highlight the recent advances and remaining challenges to generating an NMJ capable of eliciting contraction of stem cell‐derived skeletal muscle in vitro. We explore the advantages and shortcomings of traditional NMJ culturing platforms, as well as the pioneering technologies and novel, biomimetic culturing systems currently in use to guide development and maturation of the neuromuscular synapse and extracellular microenvironment. Then, we will explore how this NMJ‐in‐a‐dish can be used to study normal assembly and function of the efferent portion of the neuromuscular arc, and how neuromuscular disease‐causing mutations disrupt structure, signaling, and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawn M Luttrell
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Alec S T Smith
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - David L Mack
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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163
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Lynch EM, Robertson S, FitzGibbons C, Reilly M, Switalski C, Eckardt A, Tey SR, Hayakawa K, Suzuki M. Transcriptome analysis using patient iPSC-derived skeletal myocytes: Bet1L as a new molecule possibly linked to neuromuscular junction degeneration in ALS. Exp Neurol 2021; 345:113815. [PMID: 34310943 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2021.113815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neuromuscular disease in which patients gradually become paralyzed due to loss of motor function. Many genetically inheritable mutations have been linked to ALS; however, the majority of ALS patients are considered sporadic. Therefore, there is a need for a common therapy that is effective for all ALS patients. Although there is evidence of the disease beginning in the periphery at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), the specific processes involved in skeletal muscle and at the NMJ are still largely unknown. To study common disease mechanisms in ALS skeletal muscle, we performed RNA sequencing of skeletal myocytes differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from familial ALS (with C9ORF72, SOD1, or TARDBP mutations) and sporadic ALS patients. Compared to healthy control lines, the myocytes from all ALS lines showed downregulation of four genes: BET1L, DCX, GPC3, and HNRNPK. We next measured the expression levels of these four genes in hind limb muscle samples from a rat model of familial ALS (SOD1G93A transgenic) and found that only the Bet1L gene, which encodes Bet1 Golgi Vesicular Membrane Trafficking Protein Like, was commonly downregulated. Bet1L protein appeared to be localized to the basal lamina of the NMJ, with decreased expression over time in SOD1G93A transgenic rats. Importantly, the expression levels began to decrease early in the disease process. Our results indicate that loss of Bet1L at the NMJ could be of interest for better understanding ALS disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen M Lynch
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, USA
| | - Samantha Robertson
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, USA
| | - Claire FitzGibbons
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, USA
| | - Megan Reilly
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, USA
| | - Colton Switalski
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, USA
| | - Adam Eckardt
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, USA
| | - Sin-Ruow Tey
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, USA
| | - Koji Hayakawa
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science, Ehime, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Suzuki
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, USA; Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, USA.
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164
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Shadrach JL, Stansberry WM, Milen AM, Ives RE, Fogarty EA, Antonellis A, Pierchala BA. Translatomic analysis of regenerating and degenerating spinal motor neurons in injury and ALS. iScience 2021; 24:102700. [PMID: 34235408 PMCID: PMC8246596 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuromuscular junction is a synapse critical for muscle strength and coordinated motor function. Unlike CNS injuries, motor neurons mount robust regenerative responses after peripheral nerve injuries. Conversely, motor neurons selectively degenerate in diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). To assess how these insults affect motor neurons in vivo, we performed ribosomal profiling of mouse motor neurons. Motor neuron-specific transcripts were isolated from spinal cords following sciatic nerve crush, a model of acute injury and regeneration, and in the SOD1G93A ALS model. Of the 267 transcripts upregulated after nerve crush, 38% were also upregulated in SOD1G93A motor neurons. However, most upregulated genes in injured and ALS motor neurons were context specific. Some of the most significantly upregulated transcripts in both paradigms were chemokines such as Ccl2 and Ccl7, suggesting an important role for neuroimmune modulation. Collectively these data will aid in defining pro-regenerative and pro-degenerative mechanisms in motor neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L. Shadrach
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Wesley M. Stansberry
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology & Physiology, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Allison M. Milen
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Rachel E. Ives
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Anthony Antonellis
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Brian A. Pierchala
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology & Physiology, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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165
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Pikatza-Menoio O, Elicegui A, Bengoetxea X, Naldaiz-Gastesi N, López de Munain A, Gerenu G, Gil-Bea FJ, Alonso-Martín S. The Skeletal Muscle Emerges as a New Disease Target in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. J Pers Med 2021; 11:671. [PMID: 34357138 PMCID: PMC8307751 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11070671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder that leads to progressive degeneration of motor neurons (MNs) and severe muscle atrophy without effective treatment. Most research on ALS has been focused on the study of MNs and supporting cells of the central nervous system. Strikingly, the recent observations of pathological changes in muscle occurring before disease onset and independent from MN degeneration have bolstered the interest for the study of muscle tissue as a potential target for delivery of therapies for ALS. Skeletal muscle has just been described as a tissue with an important secretory function that is toxic to MNs in the context of ALS. Moreover, a fine-tuning balance between biosynthetic and atrophic pathways is necessary to induce myogenesis for muscle tissue repair. Compromising this response due to primary metabolic abnormalities in the muscle could trigger defective muscle regeneration and neuromuscular junction restoration, with deleterious consequences for MNs and thereby hastening the development of ALS. However, it remains puzzling how backward signaling from the muscle could impinge on MN death. This review provides a comprehensive analysis on the current state-of-the-art of the role of the skeletal muscle in ALS, highlighting its contribution to the neurodegeneration in ALS through backward-signaling processes as a newly uncovered mechanism for a peripheral etiopathogenesis of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oihane Pikatza-Menoio
- Neuromuscular Diseases Group, Neurosciences Area, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20014 Donostia/San Sebastián, Spain; (O.P.-M.); (A.E.); (X.B.); (N.N.-G.); (A.L.d.M.); (G.G.); (F.J.G.-B.)
- CIBERNED, Carlos III Institute, Spanish Ministry of Economy & Competitiveness, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Amaia Elicegui
- Neuromuscular Diseases Group, Neurosciences Area, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20014 Donostia/San Sebastián, Spain; (O.P.-M.); (A.E.); (X.B.); (N.N.-G.); (A.L.d.M.); (G.G.); (F.J.G.-B.)
- CIBERNED, Carlos III Institute, Spanish Ministry of Economy & Competitiveness, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Xabier Bengoetxea
- Neuromuscular Diseases Group, Neurosciences Area, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20014 Donostia/San Sebastián, Spain; (O.P.-M.); (A.E.); (X.B.); (N.N.-G.); (A.L.d.M.); (G.G.); (F.J.G.-B.)
| | - Neia Naldaiz-Gastesi
- Neuromuscular Diseases Group, Neurosciences Area, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20014 Donostia/San Sebastián, Spain; (O.P.-M.); (A.E.); (X.B.); (N.N.-G.); (A.L.d.M.); (G.G.); (F.J.G.-B.)
- CIBERNED, Carlos III Institute, Spanish Ministry of Economy & Competitiveness, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Adolfo López de Munain
- Neuromuscular Diseases Group, Neurosciences Area, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20014 Donostia/San Sebastián, Spain; (O.P.-M.); (A.E.); (X.B.); (N.N.-G.); (A.L.d.M.); (G.G.); (F.J.G.-B.)
- CIBERNED, Carlos III Institute, Spanish Ministry of Economy & Competitiveness, 28031 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Neurology, Donostialdea Integrated Health Organization, Osakidetza Basque Health Service, 20014 Donostia/San Sebastián, Spain
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Nursery, University of the Basque Country UPV-EHU, 20014 Donostia/San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Gorka Gerenu
- Neuromuscular Diseases Group, Neurosciences Area, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20014 Donostia/San Sebastián, Spain; (O.P.-M.); (A.E.); (X.B.); (N.N.-G.); (A.L.d.M.); (G.G.); (F.J.G.-B.)
- CIBERNED, Carlos III Institute, Spanish Ministry of Economy & Competitiveness, 28031 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Physiology, University of the Basque Country UPV-EHU, 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier Gil-Bea
- Neuromuscular Diseases Group, Neurosciences Area, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20014 Donostia/San Sebastián, Spain; (O.P.-M.); (A.E.); (X.B.); (N.N.-G.); (A.L.d.M.); (G.G.); (F.J.G.-B.)
- CIBERNED, Carlos III Institute, Spanish Ministry of Economy & Competitiveness, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sonia Alonso-Martín
- Neuromuscular Diseases Group, Neurosciences Area, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20014 Donostia/San Sebastián, Spain; (O.P.-M.); (A.E.); (X.B.); (N.N.-G.); (A.L.d.M.); (G.G.); (F.J.G.-B.)
- CIBERNED, Carlos III Institute, Spanish Ministry of Economy & Competitiveness, 28031 Madrid, Spain
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166
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Geevasinga N, Van den Bos M, Menon P, Vucic S. Utility of Transcranial Magnetic Simulation in Studying Upper Motor Neuron Dysfunction in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11070906. [PMID: 34356140 PMCID: PMC8304017 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11070906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterised by progressive dysfunction of the upper and lower motor neurons. The disease can evolve over time from focal limb or bulbar onset to involvement of other regions. There is some clinical heterogeneity in ALS with various phenotypes of the disease described, from primary lateral sclerosis, progressive muscular atrophy and flail arm/leg phenotypes. Whilst the majority of ALS patients are sporadic in nature, recent advances have highlighted genetic forms of the disease. Given the close relationship between ALS and frontotemporal dementia, the importance of cortical dysfunction has gained prominence. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive neurophysiological tool to explore the function of the motor cortex and thereby cortical excitability. In this review, we highlight the utility of TMS and explore cortical excitability in ALS diagnosis, pathogenesis and insights gained from genetic and variant forms of the disease.
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167
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Affiliation(s)
- Marin Manuel
- SPPIN - Saints-Pères Paris Institute for the Neurosciences, Université de Paris, CNRS, Paris, F-75006, France
| | - Daniel Zytnicki
- SPPIN - Saints-Pères Paris Institute for the Neurosciences, Université de Paris, CNRS, Paris, F-75006, France
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168
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Gupta R, Chan JP, Uong J, Palispis WA, Wright DJ, Shah SB, Ward SR, Lee TQ, Steward O. Human motor endplate remodeling after traumatic nerve injury. J Neurosurg 2021; 135:220-227. [PMID: 32947259 DOI: 10.3171/2020.8.jns201461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Current management of traumatic peripheral nerve injuries is variable with operative decisions based on assumptions that irreversible degeneration of the human motor endplate (MEP) follows prolonged denervation and precludes reinnervation. However, the mechanism and time course of MEP changes after human peripheral nerve injury have not been investigated. Consequently, there are no objective measures by which to determine the probability of spontaneous recovery and the optimal timing of surgical intervention. To improve guidance for such decisions, the aim of this study was to characterize morphological changes at the human MEP following traumatic nerve injury. METHODS A prospective cohort (here analyzed retrospectively) of 18 patients with traumatic brachial plexus and axillary nerve injuries underwent biopsy of denervated muscles from the upper extremity from 3 days to 6 years after injury. Muscle specimens were processed for H & E staining and immunohistochemistry, with visualization via confocal and two-photon excitation microscopy. RESULTS Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated varying degrees of fragmentation and acetylcholine receptor dispersion in denervated muscles. Comparison of denervated muscles at different times postinjury revealed progressively increasing degeneration. Linear regression analysis of 3D reconstructions revealed significant linear decreases in MEP volume (R = -0.92, R2 = 0.85, p = 0.001) and surface area (R = -0.75, R2 = 0.56, p = 0.032) as deltoid muscle denervation time increased. Surprisingly, innervated and structurally intact MEPs persisted in denervated muscle specimens from multiple patients 6 or more months after nerve injury, including 2 patients who had presented > 3 years after nerve injury. CONCLUSIONS This study details novel and critically important data about the morphology and temporal sequence of events involved in human MEP degradation after traumatic nerve injuries. Surprisingly, human MEPs not only persisted, but also retained their structures beyond the assumed 6-month window for therapeutic surgical intervention based on previous clinical studies. Preoperative muscle biopsy in patients being considered for nerve transfer may be a useful prognostic tool to determine MEP viability in denervated muscle, with surviving MEPs also being targets for adjuvant therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranjan Gupta
- 1Peripheral Nerve Research Lab, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, Irvine
| | - Justin P Chan
- 1Peripheral Nerve Research Lab, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, Irvine
| | - Jennifer Uong
- 1Peripheral Nerve Research Lab, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, Irvine
| | - Winnie A Palispis
- 1Peripheral Nerve Research Lab, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, Irvine
| | - David J Wright
- 1Peripheral Nerve Research Lab, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, Irvine
| | - Sameer B Shah
- 2Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Diego
| | - Samuel R Ward
- 2Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Diego
| | - Thay Q Lee
- 3Congress Medical Foundation, Pasadena; and
| | - Oswald Steward
- 4Reeve-Irvine Research Center, University of California, Irvine, California
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169
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Di Paolo A, Garat J, Eastman G, Farias J, Dajas-Bailador F, Smircich P, Sotelo-Silveira JR. Functional Genomics of Axons and Synapses to Understand Neurodegenerative Diseases. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:686722. [PMID: 34248504 PMCID: PMC8267896 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.686722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Functional genomics studies through transcriptomics, translatomics and proteomics have become increasingly important tools to understand the molecular basis of biological systems in the last decade. In most cases, when these approaches are applied to the nervous system, they are centered in cell bodies or somatodendritic compartments, as these are easier to isolate and, at least in vitro, contain most of the mRNA and proteins present in all neuronal compartments. However, key functional processes and many neuronal disorders are initiated by changes occurring far away from cell bodies, particularly in axons (axopathologies) and synapses (synaptopathies). Both neuronal compartments contain specific RNAs and proteins, which are known to vary depending on their anatomical distribution, developmental stage and function, and thus form the complex network of molecular pathways required for neuron connectivity. Modifications in these components due to metabolic, environmental, and/or genetic issues could trigger or exacerbate a neuronal disease. For this reason, detailed profiling and functional understanding of the precise changes in these compartments may thus yield new insights into the still intractable molecular basis of most neuronal disorders. In the case of synaptic dysfunctions or synaptopathies, they contribute to dozens of diseases in the human brain including neurodevelopmental (i.e., autism, Down syndrome, and epilepsy) as well as neurodegenerative disorders (i.e., Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases). Histological, biochemical, cellular, and general molecular biology techniques have been key in understanding these pathologies. Now, the growing number of omics approaches can add significant extra information at a high and wide resolution level and, used effectively, can lead to novel and insightful interpretations of the biological processes at play. This review describes current approaches that use transcriptomics, translatomics and proteomic related methods to analyze the axon and presynaptic elements, focusing on the relationship that axon and synapses have with neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres Di Paolo
- Departamento de Genómica, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Montevideo, Uruguay
- Departamento de Proteínas y Ácidos Nucleicos, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Joaquin Garat
- Departamento de Genómica, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Guillermo Eastman
- Departamento de Genómica, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Joaquina Farias
- Departamento de Genómica, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Montevideo, Uruguay
- Polo de Desarrollo Universitario “Espacio de Biología Vegetal del Noreste”, Centro Universitario Regional Noreste, Universidad de la República (UdelaR), Tacuarembó, Uruguay
| | - Federico Dajas-Bailador
- School of Life Sciences, Medical School Building, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Pablo Smircich
- Departamento de Genómica, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Montevideo, Uruguay
- Laboratorio de Interacciones Moleculares, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República (UdelaR), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - José Roberto Sotelo-Silveira
- Departamento de Genómica, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Montevideo, Uruguay
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República (UdelaR), Montevideo, Uruguay
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170
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Butti Z, Pan YE, Giacomotto J, Patten SA. Reduced C9orf72 function leads to defective synaptic vesicle release and neuromuscular dysfunction in zebrafish. Commun Biol 2021; 4:792. [PMID: 34172817 PMCID: PMC8233344 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02302-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and fronto-temporal dementia (FTD) is a hexanucleotide repeat expansion within the C9orf72 gene. Reduced levels of C9orf72 mRNA and protein have been found in ALS/FTD patients, but the role of this protein in disease pathogenesis is still poorly understood. Here, we report the generation and characterization of a stable C9orf72 loss-of-function (LOF) model in the zebrafish. We show that reduced C9orf72 function leads to motor defects, muscle atrophy, motor neuron loss and mortality in early larval and adult stages. Analysis of the structure and function of the neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) of the larvae, reveal a marked reduction in the number of presynaptic and postsynaptic structures and an impaired release of quantal synaptic vesicles at the NMJ. Strikingly, we demonstrate a downregulation of SV2a upon C9orf72-LOF and a reduced rate of synaptic vesicle cycling. Furthermore, we show a reduced number and size of Rab3a-postive synaptic puncta at NMJs. Altogether, these results reveal a key function for C9orf72 in the control of presynaptic vesicle trafficking and release at the zebrafish larval NMJ. Our study demonstrates an important role for C9orf72 in ALS/FTD pathogenesis, where it regulates synaptic vesicle release and neuromuscular functions. Butti et al. generate a C9orf72 loss-of-function model in zebrafish. They find that that C9orf72 is required for presynaptic vesicle trafficking and release at the zebrafish larval neuromuscular junctions. This study provides functional insights into the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and fronto-temporal dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoé Butti
- INRS- Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, QC, Canada
| | | | - Jean Giacomotto
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia.,Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Shunmoogum A Patten
- INRS- Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, QC, Canada. .,Centre d'Excellence en Recherche sur les Maladies Orphelines - Fondation Courtois (CERMO-FC), Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montréal, QC, Canada.
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171
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Giagnorio E, Malacarne C, Mantegazza R, Bonanno S, Marcuzzo S. MyomiRs and their multifaceted regulatory roles in muscle homeostasis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Cell Sci 2021; 134:269129. [PMID: 34137441 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.258349] [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] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by loss of both upper and lower motor neurons (MNs). The main clinical features of ALS are motor function impairment, progressive muscle weakness, muscle atrophy and, ultimately, paralysis. Intrinsic skeletal muscle deterioration plays a crucial role in the disease and contributes to ALS progression. Currently, there are no effective treatments for ALS, highlighting the need to obtain a deeper understanding of the molecular events underlying degeneration of both MNs and muscle tissue, with the aim of developing successful therapies. Muscle tissue is enriched in a group of microRNAs called myomiRs, which are effective regulators of muscle homeostasis, plasticity and myogenesis in both physiological and pathological conditions. After providing an overview of ALS pathophysiology, with a focus on the role of skeletal muscle, we review the current literature on myomiR network dysregulation as a contributing factor to myogenic perturbations and muscle atrophy in ALS. We argue that, in view of their critical regulatory function at the interface between MNs and skeletal muscle fiber, myomiRs are worthy of further investigation as potential molecular targets of therapeutic strategies to improve ALS symptoms and counteract disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Giagnorio
- Neurology IV - Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan 20133, Italy.,PhD program in Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, via Cadore 48, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Claudia Malacarne
- Neurology IV - Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan 20133, Italy.,PhD program in Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, via Cadore 48, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Renato Mantegazza
- Neurology IV - Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Silvia Bonanno
- Neurology IV - Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Stefania Marcuzzo
- Neurology IV - Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan 20133, Italy
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172
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Downing K, Prisby R, Varanasi V, Zhou J, Pan Z, Brotto M. Old and new biomarkers for volumetric muscle loss. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2021; 59:61-69. [PMID: 34146835 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2021.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Volumetric muscle loss (VML) impacts skeletal muscles and causes damage to associated tissues such as blood vessels and other structural tissues. Despite progress in the VML field, current preclinical approaches are often ineffective at restoring muscle volume. Additional research is paramount to develop strategies that improve muscle mass and function, while restoring supporting tissues. We highlight mechanisms that govern normal muscle function that are also key players for VML, including intracellular calcium signaling/homeostasis, mitochondria signaling (calcium, reactiove oxidative species (ROS)/oxidative stress), and angiogenesis. We propose an integration of these processes within the context of emerging biomaterials that provide structural support for muscle regeneration. We posit that new biomarkers (i.e. myokines and lipid signaling mediators) may serve as sentinels of early muscle injury and regeneration. We conclude that as new ideas, approaches, and models come together, new treatments will emerge to allow the full rebuilding of skeletal muscles and functional recovery of skeletal muscles after VML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerrie Downing
- Bone-Muscle Collaborative Sciences, College of Nursing & Health Innovation, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76010, USA
| | - Rhonda Prisby
- Bone-Muscle Collaborative Sciences, College of Nursing & Health Innovation, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76010, USA
| | - Venu Varanasi
- Bone-Muscle Collaborative Sciences, College of Nursing & Health Innovation, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76010, USA
| | - Jingsong Zhou
- Bone-Muscle Collaborative Sciences, College of Nursing & Health Innovation, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76010, USA
| | - Zui Pan
- Bone-Muscle Collaborative Sciences, College of Nursing & Health Innovation, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76010, USA.
| | - Marco Brotto
- Bone-Muscle Collaborative Sciences, College of Nursing & Health Innovation, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76010, USA.
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173
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Vicario N, Spitale FM, Tibullo D, Giallongo C, Amorini AM, Scandura G, Spoto G, Saab MW, D'Aprile S, Alberghina C, Mangione R, Bernstock JD, Botta C, Gulisano M, Buratti E, Leanza G, Zorec R, Vecchio M, Di Rosa M, Li Volti G, Lazzarino G, Parenti R, Gulino R. Clobetasol promotes neuromuscular plasticity in mice after motoneuronal loss via sonic hedgehog signaling, immunomodulation and metabolic rebalancing. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:625. [PMID: 34135312 PMCID: PMC8209072 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03907-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Motoneuronal loss is the main feature of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, although pathogenesis is extremely complex involving both neural and muscle cells. In order to translationally engage the sonic hedgehog pathway, which is a promising target for neural regeneration, recent studies have reported on the neuroprotective effects of clobetasol, an FDA-approved glucocorticoid, able to activate this pathway via smoothened. Herein we sought to examine functional, cellular, and metabolic effects of clobetasol in a neurotoxic mouse model of spinal motoneuronal loss. We found that clobetasol reduces muscle denervation and motor impairments in part by restoring sonic hedgehog signaling and supporting spinal plasticity. These effects were coupled with reduced pro-inflammatory microglia and reactive astrogliosis, reduced muscle atrophy, and support of mitochondrial integrity and metabolism. Our results suggest that clobetasol stimulates a series of compensatory processes and therefore represents a translational approach for intractable denervating and neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nunzio Vicario
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy.
- Molecular Preclinical and Translational Imaging Research Centre - IMPRonTE, University of Catania, 95125, Catania, Italy.
| | - Federica M Spitale
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Daniele Tibullo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Cesarina Giallongo
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies G.F. Ingrassia, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Angela M Amorini
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Grazia Scandura
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies G.F. Ingrassia, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Graziana Spoto
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Miriam W Saab
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Simona D'Aprile
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Cristiana Alberghina
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Renata Mangione
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
- Department of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensive and Perioperative Clinics, Catholic University of Rome, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Joshua D Bernstock
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Cirino Botta
- Hematology Unit, Annunziata Hospital, 87100, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Massimo Gulisano
- Molecular Preclinical and Translational Imaging Research Centre - IMPRonTE, University of Catania, 95125, Catania, Italy
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Emanuele Buratti
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Giampiero Leanza
- Molecular Preclinical and Translational Imaging Research Centre - IMPRonTE, University of Catania, 95125, Catania, Italy
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Robert Zorec
- Laboratory of Cell Engineering, Celica Biomedical, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology - Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Michele Vecchio
- Rehabilitation Unit, AOU Policlinico G. Rodolico, 95123, Catania, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences,Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Michelino Di Rosa
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Giovanni Li Volti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lazzarino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosalba Parenti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy.
- Molecular Preclinical and Translational Imaging Research Centre - IMPRonTE, University of Catania, 95125, Catania, Italy.
| | - Rosario Gulino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy.
- Molecular Preclinical and Translational Imaging Research Centre - IMPRonTE, University of Catania, 95125, Catania, Italy.
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174
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Vucic S, Pavey N, Haidar M, Turner BJ, Kiernan MC. Cortical hyperexcitability: Diagnostic and pathogenic biomarker of ALS. Neurosci Lett 2021; 759:136039. [PMID: 34118310 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.136039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cortical hyperexcitability is an early and intrinsic feature of both sporadic and familial forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).. Importantly, cortical hyperexcitability appears to be associated with motor neuron degeneration, possibly via an anterograde glutamate-mediated excitotoxic process, thereby forming a pathogenic basis for ALS. The presence of cortical hyperexcitability in ALS patients may be readily determined by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a neurophysiological tool that provides a non-invasive and painless method for assessing cortical function. Utilising the threshold tracking TMS technique, cortical hyperexcitability has been established as a robust diagnostic biomarker that distinguished ALS from mimicking disorders at early stages of the disease process. The present review discusses the pathophysiological and diagnostic utility of cortical hyperexcitability in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve Vucic
- Western Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Nathan Pavey
- Western Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mouna Haidar
- Florey Institute of Neuroscieace and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bradley J Turner
- Florey Institute of Neuroscieace and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Matthew C Kiernan
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney and Institute of Clinical Neurosciences, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia
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175
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NMJ-Analyser identifies subtle early changes in mouse models of neuromuscular disease. Sci Rep 2021; 11:12251. [PMID: 34112844 PMCID: PMC8192785 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91094-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is the peripheral synapse formed between a motor neuron axon terminal and a muscle fibre. NMJs are thought to be the primary site of peripheral pathology in many neuromuscular diseases, but innervation/denervation status is often assessed qualitatively with poor systematic criteria across studies, and separately from 3D morphological structure. Here, we describe the development of ‘NMJ-Analyser’, to comprehensively screen the morphology of NMJs and their corresponding innervation status automatically. NMJ-Analyser generates 29 biologically relevant features to quantitatively define healthy and aberrant neuromuscular synapses and applies machine learning to diagnose NMJ degeneration. We validated this framework in longitudinal analyses of wildtype mice, as well as in four different neuromuscular disease models: three for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and one for peripheral neuropathy. We showed that structural changes at the NMJ initially occur in the nerve terminal of mutant TDP43 and FUS ALS models. Using a machine learning algorithm, healthy and aberrant neuromuscular synapses are identified with 95% accuracy, with 88% sensitivity and 97% specificity. Our results validate NMJ-Analyser as a robust platform for systematic and structural screening of NMJs, and pave the way for transferrable, and cross-comparison and high-throughput studies in neuromuscular diseases.
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176
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Skeletal Muscle Metabolism: Origin or Prognostic Factor for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Development? Cells 2021; 10:cells10061449. [PMID: 34207859 PMCID: PMC8226541 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive and selective loss of motor neurons, amyotrophy and skeletal muscle paralysis usually leading to death due to respiratory failure. While generally considered an intrinsic motor neuron disease, data obtained in recent years, including our own, suggest that motor neuron protection is not sufficient to counter the disease. The dismantling of the neuromuscular junction is closely linked to chronic energy deficit found throughout the body. Metabolic (hypermetabolism and dyslipidemia) and mitochondrial alterations described in patients and murine models of ALS are associated with the development and progression of disease pathology and they appear long before motor neurons die. It is clear that these metabolic changes participate in the pathology of the disease. In this review, we summarize these changes seen throughout the course of the disease, and the subsequent impact of glucose–fatty acid oxidation imbalance on disease progression. We also highlight studies that show that correcting this loss of metabolic flexibility should now be considered a major goal for the treatment of ALS.
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177
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Si Y, Kazamel M, Benatar M, Wuu J, Kwon Y, Kwan T, Jiang N, Kentrup D, Faul C, Alesce L, King PH. FGF23, a novel muscle biomarker detected in the early stages of ALS. Sci Rep 2021; 11:12062. [PMID: 34103575 PMCID: PMC8187665 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91496-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive muscle weakness. Skeletal muscle is a prime source for biomarker discovery since it is one of the earliest sites to manifest disease pathology. From a prior RNA sequencing project, we identified FGF23 as a potential muscle biomarker in ALS. Here, we validate this finding with a large collection of ALS muscle samples and found a 13-fold increase over normal controls. FGF23 was also increased in the SOD1G93A mouse, beginning at a very early stage and well before the onset of clinical symptoms. FGF23 levels progressively increased through end-stage in the mouse. Immunohistochemistry of ALS muscle showed prominent FGF23 immunoreactivity in the endomysial connective tissue and along the muscle membrane and was significantly higher around grouped atrophic fibers compared to non-atrophic fibers. ELISA of plasma samples from the SOD1G93A mouse showed an increase in FGF23 at end-stage whereas no increase was detected in a large cohort of ALS patients. In conclusion, FGF23 is a novel muscle biomarker in ALS and joins a molecular signature that emerges in very early preclinical stages. The early appearance of FGF23 and its progressive increase with disease progression offers a new direction for exploring the molecular basis and response to the underlying pathology of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Si
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Civitan 545C, 1530 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
- Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Mohamed Kazamel
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Civitan 545C, 1530 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Michael Benatar
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Joanne Wuu
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Yuri Kwon
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Civitan 545C, 1530 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Thaddaeus Kwan
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Civitan 545C, 1530 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Nan Jiang
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Civitan 545C, 1530 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
- Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Dominik Kentrup
- Department of Medicine (Division of Nephrology and Hypertension), University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Christian Faul
- Department of Medicine (Division of Nephrology and Hypertension), University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Lyndsy Alesce
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Civitan 545C, 1530 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Peter H King
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Civitan 545C, 1530 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA.
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA.
- Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA.
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178
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Alhindi A, Boehm I, Chaytow H. Small junction, big problems: Neuromuscular junction pathology in mouse models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). J Anat 2021; 241:1089-1107. [PMID: 34101196 PMCID: PMC9558162 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a motor neuron disease with an extremely heterogeneous clinical and genetic phenotype. In our efforts to find therapies for ALS, the scientific community has developed a plethora of mouse models, each with their own benefits and drawbacks. The peripheral nervous system, specifically the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), is known to be affected in ALS patients and shows marked dysfunction across mouse models. Evidence of pathology at the NMJ includes denervated NMJs, changes in endplate size and loss of terminal Schwann cells. This review compares the temporal disease progression with severity of disease at the NMJ in mouse models with the most commonly mutated genes in ALS patients (SOD1, C9ORF72, TARDBP and FUS). Despite variability, early NMJ dysfunction seems to be a common factor in models with SOD1, TARDBP and FUS mutations, while C9ORF72 models do not appear to follow the same pattern of pathology. Further work into determining the timing of NMJ pathology, particularly in newer ALS mouse models, will confirm its pivotal role in ALS pathogenesis and therefore highlight the NMJ as a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abrar Alhindi
- Edinburgh Medical School, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ines Boehm
- Edinburgh Medical School, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Helena Chaytow
- Edinburgh Medical School, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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179
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Zonisamide upregulates neuregulin-1 expression and enhances acetylcholine receptor clustering at the in vitro neuromuscular junction. Neuropharmacology 2021; 195:108637. [PMID: 34097946 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108637] [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: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Decreased acetylcholine receptor (AChR) clustering compromises signal transmission at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) in myasthenia gravis, congenital myasthenic syndromes, and motor neuron diseases. Although the enhancement of AChR clustering at the NMJ is a promising therapeutic strategy for these maladies, no drug is currently available for this enhancement. We previously reported that zonisamide (ZNS), an anti-epileptic and anti-Parkinson's disease drug, enhances neurite elongation of the primary spinal motor neurons (SMNs). As nerve sprouting occurs to compensate for the loss of AChR clusters in human diseases, we examined the effects of ZNS on AChR clustering at the NMJ. To this end, we established a simple and quick co-culture system to reproducibly make in vitro NMJs using C2C12 myotubes and NSC34 motor neurons. ZNS at 1-20 μM enhanced the formation of AChR clusters dose-dependently in co-cultured C2C12 myotubes but not in agrin-treated single cultured C2C12 myotubes. We observed that molecules that conferred responsiveness to ZNS were not secreted into the co-culture medium. We found that 10 μM ZNS upregulated the expression of neuregulin-1 (Nrg1) in co-cultured cells but not in single cultured C2C12 myotubes or single cultured NSC34 motor neurons. In accordance with this observation, inhibition of the Nrg1/ErbB signaling pathways nullified the effect of 10 μM ZNS on the enhancement of AChR clustering in in vitro NMJs. Although agrin was not induced by 10 μM ZNS in co-cultured cells, anti-agrin antibody attenuated ZNS-mediated enhancement of AChR clustering. We conclude that ZNS enhances agrin-dependent AChR-clustering by upregulating the Nrg1/ErbB signaling pathways in the presence of NMJs.
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180
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Allodi I, Montañana-Rosell R, Selvan R, Löw P, Kiehn O. Locomotor deficits in a mouse model of ALS are paralleled by loss of V1-interneuron connections onto fast motor neurons. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3251. [PMID: 34059686 PMCID: PMC8166981 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23224-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
ALS is characterized by progressive inability to execute movements. Motor neurons innervating fast-twitch muscle-fibers preferentially degenerate. The reason for this differential vulnerability and its consequences on motor output is not known. Here, we uncover that fast motor neurons receive stronger inhibitory synaptic inputs than slow motor neurons, and disease progression in the SOD1G93A mouse model leads to specific loss of inhibitory synapses onto fast motor neurons. Inhibitory V1 interneurons show similar innervation pattern and loss of synapses. Moreover, from postnatal day 63, there is a loss of V1 interneurons in the SOD1G93A mouse. The V1 interneuron degeneration appears before motor neuron death and is paralleled by the development of a specific locomotor deficit affecting speed and limb coordination. This distinct ALS-induced locomotor deficit is phenocopied in wild-type mice but not in SOD1G93A mice after appearing of the locomotor phenotype when V1 spinal interneurons are silenced. Our study identifies a potential source of non-autonomous motor neuronal vulnerability in ALS and links ALS-induced changes in locomotor phenotype to inhibitory V1-interneurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilary Allodi
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark.
| | - Roser Montañana-Rosell
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Raghavendra Selvan
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Department of Computer Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Peter Löw
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ole Kiehn
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark.
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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181
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NeuriTES. Monitoring neurite changes through transfer entropy and semantic segmentation in bright-field time-lapse microscopy. PATTERNS 2021; 2:100261. [PMID: 34179845 PMCID: PMC8212146 DOI: 10.1016/j.patter.2021.100261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
One of the most challenging frontiers in biological systems understanding is fluorescent label-free imaging. We present here the NeuriTES platform that revisits the standard paradigms of video analysis to detect unlabeled objects and adapt to the dynamic evolution of the phenomenon under observation. Object segmentation is reformulated using robust algorithms to assure regular cell detection and transfer entropy measures are used to study the inter-relationship among the parameters related to the evolving system. We applied the NeuriTES platform to the automatic analysis of neurites degeneration in presence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and to the study of the effects of a chemotherapy drug on living prostate cancer cells (PC3) cultures. Control cells have been considered in both the two cases study. Accuracy values of 93% and of 92% are achieved, respectively. NeuriTES not only represents a tool for investigation in fluorescent label-free images but demonstrates to be adaptable to individual needs. Monitoring of cell phenotype changes by fluorescence label-free time-lapse microscopy Adaptive semantic segmentation for the robust detection of cell shape TE to correlate morphological and textural soma descriptors along time Directed TE graph for the representation of mutual relationship among descriptors
One of the most challenging frontiers for the automatic understanding of biological systems is fluorescent label-free imaging in which the behavior changes of living being are characterized without cell staining. To this aim, we present here the NeuriTES platform that revisits standard paradigms of video analysis to detect unlabeled objects and correlate the analysis to phenotype evolution of the mechanisms under observation. Through the exploitation of adaptive algorithms and of transfer entropy measures, the platform assures regular cell detection and the possibility to extract reliable parameters related to the evolving cell system. As a proof-of-concept, NeuriTES is applied to two fascinating phenotype investigation scenarios, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) disease mechanism and the study of the effects of a chemotherapy drug on living prostate cancer cells (PC3) cultures. Directed graphs assist the biologists with a visual understanding of the mechanisms identified.
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182
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Dobrowolny G, Barbiera A, Sica G, Scicchitano BM. Age-Related Alterations at Neuromuscular Junction: Role of Oxidative Stress and Epigenetic Modifications. Cells 2021; 10:1307. [PMID: 34074012 PMCID: PMC8225025 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
With advancing aging, a decline in physical abilities occurs, leading to reduced mobility and loss of independence. Although many factors contribute to the physio-pathological effects of aging, an important event seems to be related to the compromised integrity of the neuromuscular system, which connects the brain and skeletal muscles via motoneurons and the neuromuscular junctions (NMJs). NMJs undergo severe functional, morphological, and molecular alterations during aging and ultimately degenerate. The effect of this decline is an inexorable decrease in skeletal muscle mass and strength, a condition generally known as sarcopenia. Moreover, several studies have highlighted how the age-related alteration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis can contribute to changes in the neuromuscular junction morphology and stability, leading to the reduction in fiber number and innervation. Increasing evidence supports the involvement of epigenetic modifications in age-dependent alterations of the NMJ. In particular, DNA methylation, histone modifications, and miRNA-dependent gene expression represent the major epigenetic mechanisms that play a crucial role in NMJ remodeling. It is established that environmental and lifestyle factors, such as physical exercise and nutrition that are susceptible to change during aging, can modulate epigenetic phenomena and attenuate the age-related NMJs changes. This review aims to highlight the recent epigenetic findings related to the NMJ dysregulation during aging and the role of physical activity and nutrition as possible interventions to attenuate or delay the age-related decline in the neuromuscular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Dobrowolny
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics (DAHFMO)-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Alessandra Barbiera
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Histology and Embryology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Gigliola Sica
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Histology and Embryology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Bianca Maria Scicchitano
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Histology and Embryology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.B.); (G.S.)
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183
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Fulceri F, Biagioni F, Limanaqi F, Busceti CL, Ryskalin L, Lenzi P, Fornai F. Ultrastructural characterization of peripheral denervation in a mouse model of Type III spinal muscular atrophy. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2021; 128:771-791. [PMID: 33999256 PMCID: PMC8205903 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-021-02353-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a heritable, autosomal recessive neuromuscular disorder characterized by a loss of the survival of motor neurons (SMN) protein, which leads to degeneration of lower motor neurons, and muscle atrophy. Despite SMA being nosographically classified as a motor neuron disease, recent advances indicate that peripheral alterations at the level of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), involving the muscle, and axons of the sensory-motor system, occur early, and may even precede motor neuron loss. In the present study, we used a mouse model of slow progressive (type III) SMA, whereby the absence of the mouse SMN protein is compensated by the expression of two human genes (heterozygous SMN1A2G, and SMN2). This leads to late disease onset and prolonged survival, which allows for dissecting slow degenerative steps operating early in SMA pathogenesis. In this purely morphological study carried out at transmission electron microscopy, we extend the examination of motor neurons and proximal axons towards peripheral components, including distal axons, muscle fibers, and also muscle spindles. We document remarkable ultrastructural alterations being consistent with early peripheral denervation in SMA, which may shift the ultimate anatomical target in neuromuscular disease from the spinal cord towards the muscle. This concerns mostly mitochondrial alterations within distal axons and muscle, which are quantified here through ultrastructural morphometry. The present study is expected to provide a deeper knowledge of early pathogenic mechanisms in SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Fulceri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Fiona Limanaqi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Carla L Busceti
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, Via Atinense 18, 86077, Pozzilli, IS, Italy
| | - Larisa Ryskalin
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paola Lenzi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesco Fornai
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, Via Atinense 18, 86077, Pozzilli, IS, Italy. .,Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126, Pisa, Italy.
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184
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Cicardi ME, Marrone L, Azzouz M, Trotti D. Proteostatic imbalance and protein spreading in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. EMBO J 2021; 40:e106389. [PMID: 33792056 PMCID: PMC8126909 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2020106389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder whose exact causative mechanisms are still under intense investigation. Several lines of evidence suggest that the anatomical and temporal propagation of pathological protein species along the neural axis could be among the main driving mechanisms for the fast and irreversible progression of ALS pathology. Many ALS-associated proteins form intracellular aggregates as a result of their intrinsic prion-like properties and/or following impairment of the protein quality control systems. During the disease course, these mutated proteins and aberrant peptides are released in the extracellular milieu as soluble or aggregated forms through a variety of mechanisms. Internalization by recipient cells may seed further aggregation and amplify existing proteostatic imbalances, thus triggering a vicious cycle that propagates pathology in vulnerable cells, such as motor neurons and other susceptible neuronal subtypes. Here, we provide an in-depth review of ALS pathology with a particular focus on the disease mechanisms of seeding and transmission of the most common ALS-associated proteins, including SOD1, FUS, TDP-43, and C9orf72-linked dipeptide repeats. For each of these proteins, we report historical, biochemical, and pathological evidence of their behaviors in ALS. We further discuss the possibility to harness pathological proteins as biomarkers and reflect on the implications of these findings for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elena Cicardi
- Department of NeuroscienceWeinberg ALS CenterVickie and Jack Farber Institute for NeuroscienceThomas Jefferson UniversityPhiladelphiaPAUSA
| | - Lara Marrone
- Department of NeuroscienceSheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN)University of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | - Mimoun Azzouz
- Department of NeuroscienceSheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN)University of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | - Davide Trotti
- Department of NeuroscienceWeinberg ALS CenterVickie and Jack Farber Institute for NeuroscienceThomas Jefferson UniversityPhiladelphiaPAUSA
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185
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Wang J, Zhang L. Retrograde Axonal Transport Property of Adeno-Associated Virus and Its Possible Application in Future. Microbes Infect 2021; 23:104829. [PMID: 33878458 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2021.104829] [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: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy has become a treatment method for many diseases. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is one of the most common virus vectors, is also widely used in the gene therapy field. During the past 2 decades, the retrograde axonal transportability of AAV has been discovered and utilized. Many studies have worked on the retrograde axonal transportability of AAV, and more and more people are interested in this field. This review described the current application, influence factors, and mechanism of retrograde axonal transportability of AAV and predicted its potential use in disease treatment in near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Central Hospital of Tianjin, 83 Jintang Road, Hedong District, Tianjin, 300170, China
| | - Liqin Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Dongcheng Qu, Beijing, 100730, China.
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186
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Stoklund Dittlau K, Krasnow EN, Fumagalli L, Vandoorne T, Baatsen P, Kerstens A, Giacomazzi G, Pavie B, Rossaert E, Beckers J, Sampaolesi M, Van Damme P, Van Den Bosch L. Human motor units in microfluidic devices are impaired by FUS mutations and improved by HDAC6 inhibition. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 16:2213-2227. [PMID: 33891869 PMCID: PMC8452598 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) ensure communication between motor neurons (MNs) and muscle; however, in MN disorders, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), NMJs degenerate resulting in muscle atrophy. The aim of this study was to establish a versatile and reproducible in vitro model of a human motor unit to investigate the effects of ALS-causing mutations. Therefore, we generated a co-culture of human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived MNs and human primary mesoangioblast-derived myotubes in microfluidic devices. A chemotactic and volumetric gradient facilitated the growth of MN neurites through microgrooves resulting in the interaction with myotubes and the formation of NMJs. We observed that ALS-causing FUS mutations resulted in reduced neurite outgrowth as well as an impaired neurite regrowth upon axotomy. NMJ numbers were likewise reduced in the FUS-ALS model. Interestingly, the selective HDAC6 inhibitor, Tubastatin A, improved the neurite outgrowth, regrowth, and NMJ morphology, prompting HDAC6 inhibition as a potential therapeutic strategy for ALS. Human motor units with functional NMJs can be generated using microfluidic devices FUS-ALS motor units display impaired neurite regrowth, outgrowth and NMJ numbers HDAC6 inhibition alleviate FUS-ALS motor unit pathology in vitro
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Stoklund Dittlau
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium; VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Emily N Krasnow
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium; VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Laura Fumagalli
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium; VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tijs Vandoorne
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium; VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pieter Baatsen
- VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Research Group Molecular Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium; KU Leuven - University of Leuven, VIB Bio Imaging Core, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Axelle Kerstens
- VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Research Group Molecular Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium; KU Leuven - University of Leuven, VIB Bio Imaging Core, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Giorgia Giacomazzi
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Benjamin Pavie
- VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Research Group Molecular Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium; KU Leuven - University of Leuven, VIB Bio Imaging Core, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Elisabeth Rossaert
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium; VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jimmy Beckers
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium; VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Maurilio Sampaolesi
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Philip Van Damme
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium; VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium; University Hospitals Leuven, Department of Neurology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ludo Van Den Bosch
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium; VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium.
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187
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Ca 2+-mediated coupling between neuromuscular junction and mitochondria in skeletal muscle. Neurosci Lett 2021; 754:135899. [PMID: 33865940 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.135899] [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: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The volitional movement of skeletal is controlled by the motor neuron at the site of neuromuscular junction (NMJ) where the retrograde signals are also passed back from muscle to the motor neuron. As the normal function of muscle largely depends on mitochondria that determine the fate of a skeletal muscle myofiber, there must exist a fine-controlled functional coupling between NMJ and mitochondria in myofibers. This mini-review discusses recent publications that reveal how spatiotemporal profiles of intracellular free Ca2+ could couple mitochondrial function with the activity of NMJ in skeletal muscle myofibers.
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188
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Sorensen JR, Hoffman DB, Corona BT, Greising SM. Secondary denervation is a chronic pathophysiologic sequela of volumetric muscle loss. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2021; 130:1614-1625. [PMID: 33830817 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00049.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Volumetric muscle loss (VML) is the traumatic loss of muscle tissue that results in long-term functional impairments. Despite the loss of myofibers, there remains an unexplained significant decline in muscle function. VML injury likely extends beyond the defect area, causing negative secondary outcomes to the neuromuscular system, including the neuromuscular junctions (NMJs), yet the extent to which VML induces denervation is unclear. This study systematically examined NMJs surrounding the VML injury, hypothesizing that the sequela of VML includes denervation. The VML injury removed ∼20% of the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle in adult male inbred Lewis rats (n = 43), the noninjured leg served as an intra-animal control. Muscles were harvested up to 48 days post-VML. Synaptic terminals were identified immunohistochemically, and quantitative confocal microscopy evaluated 2,613 individual NMJ. Significant denervation was apparent by 21 and 48 days post-VML. Initially, denervation increased ∼10% within 3 days of injury; with time, denervation further increased to ∼22% and 32% by 21 and 48 days post-VML, respectively, suggesting significant secondary denervation. The appearance of terminal axon sprouting and polyinnervation were observed as early as 7 days post-VML, increasing in number and complexity throughout 48 days. There was no evidence of VML-induced NMJ size alteration, which may be beneficial for interventions aimed at restoring muscle function. This work recognizes VML-induced secondary denervation and poor remodeling of the NMJ as part of the sequela of VML injury; moreover, secondary denervation is a possible contributing factor to the chronic functional impairments and potentially an overlooked treatment target.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This work advances our understanding of the pathophysiologic complexity of volumetric muscle loss injury. Specifically, we identified secondary denervation in the muscle remaining after volumetric muscle loss injuries as a novel aspect of the injury sequela. Denervation increased chronically, in parallel with the appearance of irregular morphological characteristics and destabilization of the neuromuscular junction, which is expected to further confound chronic functional impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob R Sorensen
- School of Kinesiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Daniel B Hoffman
- School of Kinesiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Benjamin T Corona
- School of Medicine, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Sarah M Greising
- School of Kinesiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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189
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Potential Roles of the WNT Signaling Pathway in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Cells 2021; 10:cells10040839. [PMID: 33917816 PMCID: PMC8068170 DOI: 10.3390/cells10040839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The WNT signaling pathway plays an important role in the physiological and pathophysiological processes of the central nervous system and the neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We reviewed the literature pertinent to WNT/β–catenin signaling in ALS from cellular studies, animal models, and human clinical trials. WNT, WNT receptors, and other components of the WNT signaling pathway are expressed in both ALS patients and transgenic mice, and are involved in the pathogenesis of ALS. Studies have shown that abnormal activation of the WNT/β–catenin signaling pathway is related to neuronal degeneration and glial cell proliferation. WNT/Ca2+ signaling is associated with the pro–inflammatory phenotype of microglia; data on the muscle skeletal receptor Tyr kinase receptor in superoxide dismutase–1–G93A mice indicate that gene therapy is necessary for successful treatment of ALS. The varying profiles of lipoprotein receptor–related protein 4 antibodies in different ethnic groups suggest that individual treatment and multifactorial personalized approaches may be necessary for effective ALS therapy. In conclusion, the WNT signaling pathway is important to the ALS disease process, making it a likely therapeutic target.
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190
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Mòdol-Caballero G, García-Lareu B, Herrando-Grabulosa M, Verdés S, López-Vales R, Pagès G, Chillón M, Navarro X, Bosch A. Specific Expression of Glial-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Muscles as Gene Therapy Strategy for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Neurotherapeutics 2021; 18:1113-1126. [PMID: 33786805 PMCID: PMC8423878 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-021-01025-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a powerful neuroprotective growth factor. However, systemic or intrathecal administration of GDNF is associated with side effects. Here, we aimed to avoid this by restricting the transgene expression to the skeletal muscle by gene therapy. To specifically target most skeletal muscles in the mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), SOD1G93A transgenic mice were intravenously injected with adeno-associated vectors coding for GDNF under the control of the desmin promoter. Treated and control SOD1G93A mice were evaluated by rotarod and nerve conduction tests from 8 to 20 weeks of age, and then histological and molecular analyses were performed. Muscle-specific GDNF expression delayed the progression of the disease in SOD1G93A female and male mice by preserving the neuromuscular function; increasing the number of innervated neuromuscular junctions, the survival of spinal motoneurons; and reducing glial reactivity in treated SOD1G93A mice. These beneficial actions are attributed to a paracrine protective mechanism from the muscle to the motoneurons by GDNF. Importantly, no adverse secondary effects were detected. These results highlight the potential of muscle GDNF-targeted expression for ALS therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillem Mòdol-Caballero
- Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain
- Department Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Belén García-Lareu
- Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mireia Herrando-Grabulosa
- Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain
- Department Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sergi Verdés
- Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Unitat Mixta UAB-VHIR, Vall D'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rubén López-Vales
- Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain
- Department Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gemma Pagès
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel Chillón
- Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Unitat Mixta UAB-VHIR, Vall D'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
- Institut Català de Recerca I Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Navarro
- Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain.
- Department Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Assumpció Bosch
- Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
- Unitat Mixta UAB-VHIR, Vall D'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain.
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191
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Pal A, Kretner B, Abo-Rady M, Glaβ H, Dash BP, Naumann M, Japtok J, Kreiter N, Dhingra A, Heutink P, Böckers TM, Günther R, Sterneckert J, Hermann A. Concomitant gain and loss of function pathomechanisms in C9ORF72 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Life Sci Alliance 2021; 4:e202000764. [PMID: 33619157 PMCID: PMC7918691 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202000764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Intronic hexanucleotide repeat expansions (HREs) in C9ORF72 are the most frequent genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a devastating, incurable motoneuron (MN) disease. The mechanism by which HREs trigger pathogenesis remains elusive. The discovery of repeat-associated non-ATG (RAN) translation of dipeptide repeat proteins (DPRs) from HREs along with reduced exonic C9ORF72 expression suggests gain of toxic functions (GOFs) through DPRs versus loss of C9ORF72 functions (LOFs). Through multiparametric high-content (HC) live profiling in spinal MNs from induced pluripotent stem cells and comparison to mutant FUS and TDP43, we show that HRE C9ORF72 caused a distinct, later spatiotemporal appearance of mainly proximal axonal organelle motility deficits concomitant to augmented DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), RNA foci, DPRs, and apoptosis. We show that both GOFs and LOFs were necessary to yield the overall C9ORF72 pathology. Increased RNA foci and DPRs concurred with onset of axon trafficking defects, DSBs, and cell death, although DSB induction itself did not phenocopy C9ORF72 mutants. Interestingly, the majority of LOF-specific DEGs were shared with HRE-mediated GOF DEGs. Finally, C9ORF72 LOF was sufficient-albeit to a smaller extent-to induce premature distal axonal trafficking deficits and increased DSBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun Pal
- Division of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Benedikt Kretner
- Division of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Masin Abo-Rady
- Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Hannes Glaβ
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section "Albrecht-Kossel," Department of Neurology, and Center for Transdisciplinary Neuroscience (CTNR), University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Banaja P Dash
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section "Albrecht-Kossel," Department of Neurology, and Center for Transdisciplinary Neuroscience (CTNR), University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Marcel Naumann
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section "Albrecht-Kossel," Department of Neurology, and Center for Transdisciplinary Neuroscience (CTNR), University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Julia Japtok
- Division of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Nicole Kreiter
- Division of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Ashutosh Dhingra
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Genome Biology of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Peter Heutink
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Genome Biology of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Tübingen, Germany
- Department for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tobias M Böckers
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - René Günther
- Division of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jared Sterneckert
- Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Andreas Hermann
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section "Albrecht-Kossel," Department of Neurology, and Center for Transdisciplinary Neuroscience (CTNR), University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Rostock/Greifswald, Rostock, Germany
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192
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Keon M, Musrie B, Dinger M, Brennan SE, Santos J, Saksena NK. Destination Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Front Neurol 2021; 12:596006. [PMID: 33854469 PMCID: PMC8039771 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.596006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a prototypical neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive degeneration of motor neurons both in the brain and spinal cord. The constantly evolving nature of ALS represents a fundamental dimension of individual differences that underlie this disorder, yet it involves multiple levels of functional entities that alternate in different directions and finally converge functionally to define ALS disease progression. ALS may start from a single entity and gradually becomes multifactorial. However, the functional convergence of these diverse entities in eventually defining ALS progression is poorly understood. Various hypotheses have been proposed without any consensus between the for-and-against schools of thought. The present review aims to capture explanatory hierarchy both in terms of hypotheses and mechanisms to provide better insights on how they functionally connect. We can then integrate them within a common functional frame of reference for a better understanding of ALS and defining future treatments and possible therapeutic strategies. Here, we provide a philosophical understanding of how early leads are crucial to understanding the endpoints in ALS, because invariably, all early symptomatic leads are underpinned by neurodegeneration at the cellular, molecular and genomic levels. Consolidation of these ideas could be applied to other neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) and guide further critical thinking to unveil their roadmap of destination ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt Keon
- GenieUs Genomics Pty Ltd., Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Marcel Dinger
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Jerran Santos
- Advanced Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Biology Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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193
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Ciervo Y, Gatto N, Allen C, Grierson A, Ferraiuolo L, Mead RJ, Shaw PJ. Adipose-derived stem cells protect motor neurons and reduce glial activation in both in vitro and in vivo models of ALS. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2021; 21:413-433. [PMID: 33869658 PMCID: PMC8044387 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative condition for which new therapeutic options are urgently needed. We injected GFP+ adipose-derived stem cells (EGFP-ADSCs) directly into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of transgenic SOD1G93A mice, a well-characterized model of familial ALS. Despite short-term survival of the injected cells and limited engraftment efficiency, EGFP-ADSCs improved motor function and delayed disease onset by promoting motor neuron (MN) survival and reducing glial activation. We then tested the in vitro neuroprotective potential of mouse ADSCs in astrocyte/MN co-cultures where ALS astrocytes show neurotoxicity. ADSCs were able to rescue MN death caused by ALS astrocytes derived from symptomatic SOD1G93A mice. Further, ADSCs were found to reduce the inflammatory signature of ALS astrocytes by inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory mediators and inducing the secretion of neuroprotective factors. Finally, mouse ADSCs were able to protect MNs from the neurotoxicity mediated by human induced astrocytes (iAstrocytes) derived from patients with either sporadic or familial ALS, thus for the first time showing the potential therapeutic translation of ADSCs across the spectrum of human ALS. These data in two translational models of ALS show that, through paracrine mechanisms, ADSCs support MN survival and modulate the toxic microenvironment that contributes to neurodegeneration in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Ciervo
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, The University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Rd., Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Noemi Gatto
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, The University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Rd., Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Chloe Allen
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, The University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Rd., Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Andrew Grierson
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, The University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Rd., Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Laura Ferraiuolo
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, The University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Rd., Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Richard J. Mead
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, The University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Rd., Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
- Corresponding author: Richard J. Mead, PhD, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, The University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Rd., Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK.
| | - Pamela J. Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, The University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Rd., Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
- Corresponding author: Pamela J. Shaw, Professor, Dame, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, The University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Rd., Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK.
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194
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Russo K, Wharton KA. BMP/TGF-β signaling as a modulator of neurodegeneration in ALS. Dev Dyn 2021; 251:10-25. [PMID: 33745185 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This commentary focuses on the emerging intersection between BMP/TGF-β signaling roles in nervous system function and the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) disease state. Future research is critical to elucidate the molecular underpinnings of this intersection of the cellular processes disrupted in ALS and those influenced by BMP/TGF-β signaling, including synapse structure, neurotransmission, plasticity, and neuroinflammation. Such knowledge promises to inform us of ideal entry points for the targeted modulation of dysfunctional cellular processes in an effort to abrogate ALS pathologies. It is likely that different interventions are required, either at discrete points in disease progression, or across multiple dysfunctional processes which together lead to motor neuron degeneration and death. We discuss the challenging, but intriguing idea that modulation of the pleiotropic nature of BMP/TGF-β signaling could be advantageous, as a way to simultaneously treat defects in more than one cell process across different forms of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Russo
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.,Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Kristi A Wharton
- Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.,Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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195
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Marques C, Burg T, Scekic-Zahirovic J, Fischer M, Rouaux C. Upper and Lower Motor Neuron Degenerations Are Somatotopically Related and Temporally Ordered in the Sod1 Mouse Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Brain Sci 2021; 11:369. [PMID: 33805792 PMCID: PMC7998935 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11030369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating and fatal neurodegenerative disease arising from the combined degeneration of upper motor neurons (UMN) in the motor cortex, and lower motor neurons (LMN) in the brainstem and spinal cord. This dual impairment raises two major questions: (i) are the degenerations of these two neuronal populations somatotopically related? and if yes (ii), where does neurodegeneration start? If studies carried out on ALS patients clearly demonstrated the somatotopic relationship between UMN and LMN degenerations, their temporal relationship remained an unanswered question. In the present study, we took advantage of the well-described Sod1G86R model of ALS to interrogate the somatotopic and temporal relationships between UMN and LMN degenerations in ALS. Using retrograde labelling from the cervical or lumbar spinal cord of Sod1G86R mice and controls to identify UMN, along with electrophysiology and histology to assess LMN degeneration, we applied rigorous sampling, counting, and statistical analyses, and show that UMN and LMN degenerations are somatotopically related and that UMN depletion precedes LMN degeneration. Together, the data indicate that UMN degeneration is a particularly early and thus relevant event in ALS, in accordance with a possible cortical origin of the disease, and emphasize the need to further elucidate the molecular mechanisms behind UMN degeneration, towards new therapeutic avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Caroline Rouaux
- Inserm UMR_S 1118, Centre de Recherche en Biomédecine de Strasbourg, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Strasbourg, 67 000 Strasbourg, France; (C.M.); (T.B.); (J.S.-Z.); (M.F.)
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196
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Wang B, Huang M, Shang D, Yan X, Zhao B, Zhang X. Mitochondrial Behavior in Axon Degeneration and Regeneration. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:650038. [PMID: 33762926 PMCID: PMC7982458 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.650038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are organelles responsible for bioenergetic metabolism, calcium homeostasis, and signal transmission essential for neurons due to their high energy consumption. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that mitochondria play a key role in axon degeneration and regeneration under physiological and pathological conditions. Mitochondrial dysfunction occurs at an early stage of axon degeneration and involves oxidative stress, energy deficiency, imbalance of mitochondrial dynamics, defects in mitochondrial transport, and mitophagy dysregulation. The restoration of these defective mitochondria by enhancing mitochondrial transport, clearance of reactive oxidative species (ROS), and improving bioenergetic can greatly contribute to axon regeneration. In this paper, we focus on the biological behavior of axonal mitochondria in aging, injury (e.g., traumatic brain and spinal cord injury), and neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's disease, AD; Parkinson's disease, PD; Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, ALS) and consider the role of mitochondria in axon regeneration. We also compare the behavior of mitochondria in different diseases and outline novel therapeutic strategies for addressing abnormal mitochondrial biological behavior to promote axonal regeneration in neurological diseases and injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biyao Wang
- The VIP Department, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, China
| | - Minghao Huang
- Center of Implant Dentistry, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, China
| | - Dehao Shang
- Center of Implant Dentistry, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, China
| | - Xu Yan
- The VIP Department, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, China
| | - Baohong Zhao
- Center of Implant Dentistry, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, China
| | - Xinwen Zhang
- Center of Implant Dentistry, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, China
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197
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Zakyrjanova GF, Giniatullin AR, Mukhutdinova KA, Kuznetsova EA, Petrov AM. Early differences in membrane properties at the neuromuscular junctions of ALS model mice: Effects of 25-hydroxycholesterol. Life Sci 2021; 273:119300. [PMID: 33662433 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Plasma hyperlipidemia is a protective factor in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) while cholesterol-lowering drugs aggravate the pathology. We hypothesize that this phenomenon can be linked with membrane lipid alterations in the neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) occurring before motor neuron loss. METHODS Neurotransmitter release in parallel with lipid membrane properties in diaphragm NMJs of SOD1G93A (mSOD) mice at nine weeks of age (pre-onset stage) were assessed. KEY FINDINGS Despite on slight changes in spontaneous and evoked quantum release of acetylcholine, extracellular levels of choline at resting conditions, an indicator of non-quantum release, were significantly increased in mSOD mice. The use of lipid-sensitive fluorescent probes points to lipid raft disruption in the NMJs of mSOD mice. However, content of cholesterol, a key raft component was unchanged implying another pathway responsible for the loss of raft integrity. In the mSOD mice we found marked increase in levels of raft-destabilizing lipid ceramide. This was accompanied by enhanced ability to uptake of exogenous ceramide in NMJs. Acute and chronic administration of 25-hydroxycholesterol, whose levels increase due to hypercholesterolemia, recovered early alterations in membrane properties. Furthermore, chronic treatment with 25-hydroxycholesterol prevented increase in ceramide and extracellular choline levels as well as suppressed lipid peroxidation of NMJ membranes and fragmentation of end plates. SIGNIFICANCE Thus, lipid raft disruption likely due to ceramide accumulation could be early event in ALS which may trigger neuromuscular abnormalities. Cholesterol derivative 25-hydroxycholesterol may serve as a molecule restoring the membrane and functional properties of NMJs at the early stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guzel F Zakyrjanova
- Laboratory of Biophysics of Synaptic Processes, Kazan Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Federal Research Center "Kazan Scientific Center of RAS", 2/31 Lobachevsky Street, box 30, Kazan 420111, Russia; Institute of Neuroscience, Kazan State Medial University, 49 Butlerova Street, Kazan, 420012, Russia
| | - Arthur R Giniatullin
- Department of Normal Physiology, Kazan State Medial University, 49 Butlerova Street, Kazan 420012, Russia
| | - Kamilla A Mukhutdinova
- Institute of Neuroscience, Kazan State Medial University, 49 Butlerova Street, Kazan, 420012, Russia
| | - Eva A Kuznetsova
- Laboratory of Biophysics of Synaptic Processes, Kazan Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Federal Research Center "Kazan Scientific Center of RAS", 2/31 Lobachevsky Street, box 30, Kazan 420111, Russia
| | - Alexey M Petrov
- Laboratory of Biophysics of Synaptic Processes, Kazan Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Federal Research Center "Kazan Scientific Center of RAS", 2/31 Lobachevsky Street, box 30, Kazan 420111, Russia; Institute of Neuroscience, Kazan State Medial University, 49 Butlerova Street, Kazan, 420012, Russia.
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198
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Scaricamazza S, Salvatori I, Ferri A, Valle C. Skeletal Muscle in ALS: An Unappreciated Therapeutic Opportunity? Cells 2021; 10:525. [PMID: 33801336 PMCID: PMC8000428 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the selective degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons and by the progressive weakness and paralysis of voluntary muscles. Despite intense research efforts and numerous clinical trials, it is still an incurable disease. ALS had long been considered a pure motor neuron disease; however, recent studies have shown that motor neuron protection is not sufficient to prevent the course of the disease since the dismantlement of neuromuscular junctions occurs before motor neuron degeneration. Skeletal muscle alterations have been described in the early stages of the disease, and they seem to be mainly involved in the "dying back" phenomenon of motor neurons and metabolic dysfunctions. In recent years, skeletal muscles have been considered crucial not only for the etiology of ALS but also for its treatment. Here, we review clinical and preclinical studies that targeted skeletal muscles and discuss the different approaches, including pharmacological interventions, supplements or diets, genetic modifications, and training programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Scaricamazza
- Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, c/o CERC, 00143 Rome, Italy; (S.S.); (I.S.)
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Illari Salvatori
- Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, c/o CERC, 00143 Rome, Italy; (S.S.); (I.S.)
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “La Sapienza”, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Ferri
- Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, c/o CERC, 00143 Rome, Italy; (S.S.); (I.S.)
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Cristiana Valle
- Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, c/o CERC, 00143 Rome, Italy; (S.S.); (I.S.)
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, 00133 Rome, Italy
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199
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Klingl YE, Pakravan D, Van Den Bosch L. Opportunities for histone deacetylase inhibition in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 178:1353-1372. [PMID: 32726472 PMCID: PMC9327724 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease. ALS patients suffer from a progressive loss of motor neurons, leading to respiratory failure within 3 to 5 years after diagnosis. Available therapies only slow down the disease progression moderately or extend the lifespan by a few months. Epigenetic hallmarks have been linked to the disease, creating an avenue for potential therapeutic approaches. Interference with one class of epigenetic enzymes, histone deacetylases, has been shown to affect neurodegeneration in many preclinical models. Consequently, it is crucial to improve our understanding about histone deacetylases and their inhibitors in (pre)clinical models of ALS. We conclude that selective inhibitors with high tolerability and safety and sufficient blood-brain barrier permeability will be needed to interfere with both epigenetic and non-epigenetic targets of these enzymes. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on Neurochemistry in Japan. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v178.6/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne E. Klingl
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI)KU Leuven‐University of LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- Laboratory of NeurobiologyVIB, Center for Brain & Disease ResearchLeuvenBelgium
| | - Donya Pakravan
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI)KU Leuven‐University of LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- Laboratory of NeurobiologyVIB, Center for Brain & Disease ResearchLeuvenBelgium
| | - Ludo Van Den Bosch
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI)KU Leuven‐University of LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- Laboratory of NeurobiologyVIB, Center for Brain & Disease ResearchLeuvenBelgium
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200
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Yu H, Chen L, Zhang S, He J, Fan D. Early Axonal Dysfunction of the Peripheral Nervous System Influences Disease Progression of ALS: Evidence From Clinical Neuroelectrophysiology. Front Neurol 2021; 12:574919. [PMID: 33643181 PMCID: PMC7905229 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.574919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To assess the prognostic value of the decrement in compound muscle action potential amplitude within 12 months of symptom onset (CMAP-12 amplitude) for the survival of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Methods: Patients were stratified into 4 groups according to the decrement of the CMAP-12 amplitudes: normal (≥the lower limit of normal, LLN), mild (<LLN but ≥50% of LLN), moderate (<50% but ≥30% of LLN) and severe (<30% of LLN). All patients were followed up every 3 months. Survival was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards regression. Results: A total of 149 patients were included in the analysis [90 males (60.4%); mean age at onset, 50.7 years]. The decrement of CMAP-12 amplitudes was normal in 24.2% of patients, mild in 22.1%, moderate in 15.4% and severe in 38.3%. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed there was a significant difference in the overall survival across the 4 groups (p < 0.05). Further pairwise comparisons identified significant differences in survival between the normal vs. the moderate group (p < 0.05) and the normal vs. the severe group (p < 0.01). There was a significant inverse correlation between the CMAP-12 amplitude and overall survival. Compared to that in the normal group, survival in the moderately and severely decreased groups was significantly shorter (HR 3.394, 95% CI 1.292–8.917, p = 0.013; and HR 4.732, 95% CI 2.032–11.017; p = 0.000, respectively). Conclusions: Our results suggest that CMAP-12 amplitude could be a prognostic indicator of disease progression in ALS. More importantly, our findings provide clinical evidence for the viewpoint that early axonal dysfunction of the peripheral nervous system accelerates disease progression of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiyan Yu
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,Department of Neurology, National Center of Gerontology, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Chen
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Biomarker and Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Shuo Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Biomarker and Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Jing He
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,Department of Neurology, National Center of Gerontology, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Dongsheng Fan
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Biomarker and Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, National Health Commission/Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, China
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