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Du H, Huo Z, Chen Y, Zhao Z, Meng F, Wang X, Liu S, Zhang H, Zhou F, Liu J, Zhang L, Zhou S, Guan Y, Wang X. Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells and Their Applications in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Cells 2023; 12:cells12060971. [PMID: 36980310 PMCID: PMC10047679 DOI: 10.3390/cells12060971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that results in the loss of motor function in the central nervous system (CNS) and ultimately death. The mechanisms underlying ALS pathogenesis have not yet been fully elucidated, and ALS cannot be treated effectively. Most studies have applied animal or single-gene intervention cell lines as ALS disease models, but they cannot accurately reflect the pathological characteristics of ALS. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be reprogrammed from somatic cells, possessing the ability to self-renew and differentiate into a variety of cells. iPSCs can be obtained from ALS patients with different genotypes and phenotypes, and the genetic background of the donor cells remains unchanged during reprogramming. iPSCs can differentiate into neurons and glial cells related to ALS. Therefore, iPSCs provide an excellent method to evaluate the impact of diseases on ALS patients. Moreover, patient-derived iPSCs are obtained from their own somatic cells, avoiding ethical concerns and posing only a low risk of immune rejection. The iPSC technology creates new hope for ALS treatment. Here, we review recent studies on iPSCs and their applications in disease modeling, drug screening and cell therapy in ALS, with a particular focus on the potential for ALS treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongmei Du
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
- Neurologic Disorders and Regenerative Repair Laboratory, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Zijun Huo
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Yanchun Chen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
- Neurologic Disorders and Regenerative Repair Laboratory, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Zhenhan Zhao
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Fandi Meng
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Xuemei Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Shiyue Liu
- Neurologic Disorders and Regenerative Repair Laboratory, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Haoyun Zhang
- Neurologic Disorders and Regenerative Repair Laboratory, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Fenghua Zhou
- Neurologic Disorders and Regenerative Repair Laboratory, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Jinmeng Liu
- Neurologic Disorders and Regenerative Repair Laboratory, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Lingyun Zhang
- Neurologic Disorders and Regenerative Repair Laboratory, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Shuanhu Zhou
- Harvard Medical School and Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yingjun Guan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
- Neurologic Disorders and Regenerative Repair Laboratory, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Harvard Medical School and Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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202
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De Vocht J, Van Weehaeghe D, Ombelet F, Masrori P, Lamaire N, Devrome M, Van Esch H, Moisse M, Koole M, Dupont P, Van Laere K, Van Damme P. Differences in Cerebral Glucose Metabolism in ALS Patients with and without C9orf72 and SOD1 Mutations. Cells 2023; 12:cells12060933. [PMID: 36980274 PMCID: PMC10047407 DOI: 10.3390/cells12060933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by progressive loss of upper and lower motor neurons. In 10% of patients, the disorder runs in the family. Our aim was to study the impact of ALS-causing gene mutations on cerebral glucose metabolism. Between October 2010 and October 2022, 538 patients underwent genetic testing for mutations with strong evidence of causality for ALS and 18F-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose-PET (FDG PET), at University Hospitals Leuven. We identified 48 C9orf72-ALS and 22 SOD1-ALS patients. After propensity score matching, two cohorts of 48 and 21 matched sporadic ALS patients, as well as 20 healthy controls were included. FDG PET images were assessed using a voxel-based and volume-of-interest approach. We observed widespread frontotemporal involvement in all ALS groups, in comparison to healthy controls. The degree of relative glucose metabolism in SOD1-ALS in motor and extra-motor regions did not differ significantly from matched sporadic ALS patients. In C9orf72-ALS, we found more pronounced hypometabolism in the peri-rolandic region and thalamus, and hypermetabolism in the medulla extending to the pons, in comparison to matched sporadic ALS patients. Our study revealed C9orf72-dependent differences in glucose metabolism in the peri-rolandic region, thalamus, and brainstem (i.e., medulla, extending to the pons) in relation to matched sporadic ALS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joke De Vocht
- Division of Psychiatry, Division of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, VIB-KULeuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-16-34-13-73
| | | | - Fouke Ombelet
- Division of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, VIB-KULeuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pegah Masrori
- Division of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, VIB-KULeuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nikita Lamaire
- Division of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, VIB-KULeuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Martijn Devrome
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Hilde Van Esch
- Center for Human Genetics, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mathieu Moisse
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Michel Koole
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Patrick Dupont
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neurology, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Koen Van Laere
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Philip Van Damme
- Division of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, VIB-KULeuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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203
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Motor unit number index (MUNIX) loss of 50% occurs in half the time of 50% functional loss according to the D50 disease progression model of ALS. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3981. [PMID: 36894607 PMCID: PMC9998642 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30871-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Capturing disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is challenging and refinement of progression markers is urgently needed. This study introduces new motor unit number index (MUNIX), motor unit size index (MUSIX) and compound muscle action potential (CMAP) parameters called M50, MUSIX200 and CMAP50. M50 and CMAP50 indicate the time in months from symptom onset an ALS patient needs to lose 50% of MUNIX or CMAP in relation to the mean values of controls. MUSIX200 represents the time in months until doubling of the mean MUSIX of controls. We used MUNIX parameters of Musculi abductor pollicis brevis (APB), abductor digiti minimi (ADM) and tibialis anterior (TA) of 222 ALS patients. Embedded in the D50 disease progression model, disease aggressiveness and accumulation were analyzed separately. M50, CMAP50 and MUSIX200 significantly differed among disease aggressiveness subgroups (p < 0.001) regardless of disease accumulation. ALS patients with a low M50 had a significantly shorter survival compared to high M50 (median 32 versus 74 months). M50 preceded the loss of global function (median of about 14 months). M50, CMAP50 and MUSIX200 characterize the disease course in ALS in a new way and may be applied as early measures of disease progression.
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204
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Haslund-Gourley BS, Wigdahl B, Comunale MA. IgG N-glycan Signatures as Potential Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13061016. [PMID: 36980324 PMCID: PMC10047871 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13061016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
IgG N-glycans are an emerging source of disease-specific biomarkers. Over the last decade, the continued development of glycomic databases and the evolution of glyco-analytic methods have resulted in increased throughput, resolution, and sensitivity. IgG N-glycans promote adaptive immune responses through antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and complement activation to combat infection or cancer and promote autoimmunity. In addition to the functional assays, researchers are examining the ability of protein-specific glycosylation to serve as biomarkers of disease. This literature review demonstrates that IgG N-glycans can discriminate between healthy controls, autoimmune disease, infectious disease, and cancer with high sensitivity. The literature also indicates that the IgG glycosylation patterns vary across disease state, thereby supporting their role as specific biomarkers. In addition, IgG N-glycans can be collected longitudinally from patients to track treatment responses or predict disease reoccurrence. This review focuses on IgG N-glycan profiles applied as diagnostics, cohort discriminators, and prognostics. Recent successes, remaining challenges, and upcoming approaches are critically discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin S Haslund-Gourley
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA
- Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA
| | - Brian Wigdahl
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA
- Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA
| | - Mary Ann Comunale
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA
- Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA
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205
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Sun Y, Zhang L, Liu P, Peng G. Autoimmunity and Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration: From Laboratory Study to Clinical Practice. Clin Interv Aging 2023; 18:495-503. [PMID: 37008802 PMCID: PMC10065017 DOI: 10.2147/cia.s394286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) is a group of neurodegenerative diseases with heterogenous clinical, genetic, and pathological characteristics that show similar impairment of areas in the frontal and/or temporal lobes. Prime doctors' lack of awareness of this complex disease makes early identification and accurate intervention difficult. Autoimmune diseases and autoantibodies are manifestations of different levels of autoimmune reactions. This review presents research findings examining the relationship between autoimmunity and FTLD in terms of autoimmune diseases and autoantibodies with a focus on identifying potential diagnosis and treatment approaches. The findings indicate that the same or similar pathophysiological mechanisms may exist from clinical, genetic, and pathological perspectives. However, the existing evidence is not sufficient to extract substantial conclusions. On the basis of the current situation, we propose future research patterns using prospective studies on large populations and combined clinical and experimental research. Autoimmune reactions or, more generally, inflammatory reactions should receive increased attention from doctors and scientists of all disciplines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Sun
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lumi Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ping Liu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guoping Peng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Guoping Peng, Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, #79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310003, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 13588150613, Email
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206
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Wightman DP, Savage JE, Tissink E, Romero C, Jansen IE, Posthuma D. The genetic overlap between Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Lewy body dementia, and Parkinson’s disease. Neurobiol Aging 2023; 127:99-112. [PMID: 37045620 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2023.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are a group of disorders characterized by neuronal cell death causing a variety of physical and mental problems. While these disorders can be characterized by their phenotypic presentation within the nervous system, their aetiologies differ to varying degrees. The majority of previous genetic evidence for overlap between neurodegenerative diseases has been pairwise. In this study, we aimed to identify overlap between the 4 investigated neurodegenerative disorders (Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Lewy body dementia, and Parkinson's disease) at the variant, gene, genomic locus, gene-set, cell, or tissue level, with specific interest in overlap between 3 or more diseases. Using local genetic correlation, we found 2 loci (TMEM175 and HLA) that were shared across 3 disorders. We also highlighted genes, genomic loci, gene sets, cell types, and tissue types which may be important to 2 or more disorders by analyzing the association of variants with a common factor estimated from the 4 disorders. Our study successfully highlighted genetic loci and tissues associated with 2 or more neurodegenerative diseases.
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207
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A review on cyclin-dependent kinase 5: An emerging drug target for neurodegenerative diseases. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 230:123259. [PMID: 36641018 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.123259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) is the serine/threonine-directed kinase mainly found in the brain and plays a significant role in developing the central nervous system. Recent evidence suggests that CDK5 is activated by specific cyclins regulating its expression and activity. P35 and p39 activate CDK5, and their proteolytic degradation produces p25 and p29, which are stable products involved in the hyperphosphorylation of tau protein, a significant hallmark of various neurological diseases. Numerous high-affinity inhibitors of CDK5 have been designed, and some are marketed drugs. Roscovitine, like other drugs, is being used to minimize neurological symptoms. Here, we performed an extensive literature analysis to highlight the role of CDK5 in neurons, synaptic plasticity, DNA damage repair, cell cycle, etc. We have investigated the structural features of CDK5, and their binding mode with the designed inhibitors is discussed in detail to develop attractive strategies in the therapeutic targeting of CDK5 for neurodegenerative diseases. This review provides deeper mechanistic insights into the therapeutic potential of CDK5 inhibitors and their implications in the clinical management of neurodegenerative diseases.
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208
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Nemtsova Y, Steinert BL, Wharton KA. Compartment specific mitochondrial dysfunction in Drosophila knock-in model of ALS reversed by altered gene expression of OXPHOS subunits and pro-fission factor Drp1. Mol Cell Neurosci 2023; 125:103834. [PMID: 36868541 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2023.103834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal multisystem neurodegenerative disease, characterized by a loss in motor function. ALS is genetically diverse, with mutations in genes ranging from those regulating RNA metabolism, like TAR DNA-binding protein (TDP-43) and Fused in sarcoma (FUS), to those that act to maintain cellular redox homeostasis, like superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1). Although varied in genetic origin, pathogenic and clinical commonalities are clearly evident between cases of ALS. Defects in mitochondria is one such common pathology, thought to occur prior to, rather than as a consequence of symptom onset, making these organelles a promising therapeutic target for ALS, as well as other neurodegenerative diseases. Depending on the homeostatic needs of neurons throughout life, mitochondria are normally shuttled to different subcellular compartments to regulate metabolite and energy production, lipid metabolism, and buffer calcium. While originally considered a motor neuron disease due to the dramatic loss in motor function accompanied by motor neuron cell death in ALS patients, many studies have now implicated non-motor neurons and glial cells alike. Defects in non-motor neuron cell types often preceed motor neuron death suggesting their dysfunction may initiate and/or facilitate the decline in motor neuron health. Here, we investigate mitochondria in a Drosophila Sod1 knock-in model of ALS. In depth, in vivo, examination reveals mitochondrial dysfunction evident prior to onset of motor neuron degeneration. Genetically encoded redox biosensors identify a general disruption in the electron transport chain (ETC). Compartment specific abnormalities in mitochondrial morphology is observed in diseased sensory neurons, accompanied by no apparent defects in the axonal transport machinery, but instead an increase in mitophagy in synaptic regions. The decrease in networked mitochondria at the synapse is reversed upon downregulation of the pro-fission factor Drp1. Furthermore, altered expression of specific OXPHOS subunits reverses ALS-associated defects in mitochondrial morphology and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Nemtsova
- Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry Department, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, United States.
| | - B L Steinert
- Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry Department, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, United States.
| | - K A Wharton
- Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry Department, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, United States; Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, United States.
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209
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Mead RJ, Shan N, Reiser HJ, Marshall F, Shaw PJ. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a neurodegenerative disorder poised for successful therapeutic translation. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:185-212. [PMID: 36543887 PMCID: PMC9768794 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-022-00612-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 97.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating disease caused by degeneration of motor neurons. As with all major neurodegenerative disorders, development of disease-modifying therapies has proven challenging for multiple reasons. Nevertheless, ALS is one of the few neurodegenerative diseases for which disease-modifying therapies are approved. Significant discoveries and advances have been made in ALS preclinical models, genetics, pathology, biomarkers, imaging and clinical readouts over the last 10-15 years. At the same time, novel therapeutic paradigms are being applied in areas of high unmet medical need, including neurodegenerative disorders. These developments have evolved our knowledge base, allowing identification of targeted candidate therapies for ALS with diverse mechanisms of action. In this Review, we discuss how this advanced knowledge, aligned with new approaches, can enable effective translation of therapeutic agents from preclinical studies through to clinical benefit for patients with ALS. We anticipate that this approach in ALS will also positively impact the field of drug discovery for neurodegenerative disorders more broadly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Mead
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Keapstone Therapeutics, The Innovation Centre, Broomhall, Sheffield, UK
| | - Ning Shan
- Aclipse Therapeutics, Radnor, PA, US
| | | | - Fiona Marshall
- MSD UK Discovery Centre, Merck, Sharp and Dohme (UK) Limited, London, UK
| | - Pamela J Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
- Keapstone Therapeutics, The Innovation Centre, Broomhall, Sheffield, UK.
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210
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Aishwarya R, Abdullah CS, Remex NS, Nitu S, Hartman B, King J, Bhuiyan MAN, Rom O, Miriyala S, Panchatcharam M, Orr AW, Kevil CG, Bhuiyan MS. Pathological Sequelae Associated with Skeletal Muscle Atrophy and Histopathology in G93A*SOD1 Mice. MUSCLES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 2:51-74. [PMID: 38516553 PMCID: PMC10956373 DOI: 10.3390/muscles2010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a complex systemic disease that primarily involves motor neuron dysfunction and skeletal muscle atrophy. One commonly used mouse model to study ALS was generated by transgenic expression of a mutant form of human superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene harboring a single amino acid substitution of glycine to alanine at codon 93 (G93A*SOD1). Although mutant-SOD1 is ubiquitously expressed in G93A*SOD1 mice, a detailed analysis of the skeletal muscle expression pattern of the mutant protein and the resultant muscle pathology were never performed. Using different skeletal muscles isolated from G93A*SOD1 mice, we extensively characterized the pathological sequelae of histological, molecular, ultrastructural, and biochemical alterations. Muscle atrophy in G93A*SOD1 mice was associated with increased and differential expression of mutant-SOD1 across myofibers and increased MuRF1 protein level. In addition, high collagen deposition and myopathic changes sections accompanied the reduced muscle strength in the G93A*SOD1 mice. Furthermore, all the muscles in G93A*SOD1 mice showed altered protein levels associated with different signaling pathways, including inflammation, mitochondrial membrane transport, mitochondrial lipid uptake, and antioxidant enzymes. In addition, the mutant-SOD1 protein was found in the mitochondrial fraction in the muscles from G93A*SOD1 mice, which was accompanied by vacuolized and abnormal mitochondria, altered OXPHOS and PDH complex protein levels, and defects in mitochondrial respiration. Overall, we reported the pathological sequelae observed in the skeletal muscles of G93A*SOD1 mice resulting from the whole-body mutant-SOD1 protein expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richa Aishwarya
- Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
| | - Chowdhury S. Abdullah
- Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
| | - Naznin Sultana Remex
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
| | - Sadia Nitu
- Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
| | - Brandon Hartman
- Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
| | - Judy King
- Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
| | | | - Oren Rom
- Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
| | - Sumitra Miriyala
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
| | - Manikandan Panchatcharam
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
| | - A. Wayne Orr
- Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
| | - Christopher G. Kevil
- Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
| | - Md. Shenuarin Bhuiyan
- Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
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211
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Szewczyk B, Günther R, Japtok J, Frech MJ, Naumann M, Lee HO, Hermann A. FUS ALS neurons activate major stress pathways and reduce translation as an early protective mechanism against neurodegeneration. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112025. [PMID: 36696267 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder causing progressive loss of motor neurons. Mutations in Fused in sarcoma (FUS) leading to its cytoplasmic mislocalization cause a subset of ALS. Under stress, mutant FUS localizes to stress granules (SGs)-cytoplasmic condensates composed of RNA and various proteins. Aberrant dynamics of SGs is linked to the pathology of ALS. Here, using motor neurons (MNs) derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells, we show that, in mutant FUS, MN dynamics of SGs is disturbed. Additionally, heat-shock response (HSR) and integrated stress response (ISR) involved in the regulation of SGs are upregulated in mutant MNs. HSR activation correlates with the amount of cytoplasmic FUS mislocalization. While inhibition of SG formation, translation, or ISR does not influence survival of FUS ALS neurons, proteotoxicity that cannot be compensated with the activation of stress pathways is the main driver of neurodegeneration in early FUS ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Szewczyk
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section "Albrecht Kossel", Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - René Günther
- Department of Neurology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE) Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Julia Japtok
- Department of Neurology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Moritz J Frech
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section "Albrecht Kossel", Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Marcel Naumann
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section "Albrecht Kossel", Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Hyun O Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andreas Hermann
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section "Albrecht Kossel", Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany; Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE) Rostock/Greifswald, Rostock, Germany; Center for Transdisciplinary Neurosciences Rostock (CTNR), University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany.
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Vidovic M, Müschen LH, Brakemeier S, Machetanz G, Naumann M, Castro-Gomez S. Current State and Future Directions in the Diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Cells 2023; 12:cells12050736. [PMID: 36899872 PMCID: PMC10000757 DOI: 10.3390/cells12050736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by loss of upper and lower motor neurons, resulting in progressive weakness of all voluntary muscles and eventual respiratory failure. Non-motor symptoms, such as cognitive and behavioral changes, frequently occur over the course of the disease. Considering its poor prognosis with a median survival time of 2 to 4 years and limited causal treatment options, an early diagnosis of ALS plays an essential role. In the past, diagnosis has primarily been determined by clinical findings supported by electrophysiological and laboratory measurements. To increase diagnostic accuracy, reduce diagnostic delay, optimize stratification in clinical trials and provide quantitative monitoring of disease progression and treatment responsivity, research on disease-specific and feasible fluid biomarkers, such as neurofilaments, has been intensely pursued. Advances in imaging techniques have additionally yielded diagnostic benefits. Growing perception and greater availability of genetic testing facilitate early identification of pathogenic ALS-related gene mutations, predictive testing and access to novel therapeutic agents in clinical trials addressing disease-modified therapies before the advent of the first clinical symptoms. Lately, personalized survival prediction models have been proposed to offer a more detailed disclosure of the prognosis for the patient. In this review, the established procedures and future directions in the diagnostics of ALS are summarized to serve as a practical guideline and to improve the diagnostic pathway of this burdensome disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Vidovic
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Correspondence: (M.V.); (S.C.-G.)
| | | | - Svenja Brakemeier
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Gerrit Machetanz
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Marcel Naumann
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section “Albrecht Kossel”, Department of Neurology, University Medical Center, University of Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany
| | - Sergio Castro-Gomez
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and Geriatric Psychiatry/Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
- Institute of Physiology II, University Hospital Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
- Department of Neuroimmunology, Institute of Innate Immunity, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
- Correspondence: (M.V.); (S.C.-G.)
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213
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Günther R. [Gene Therapies in Motor Neuron Diseases ALS and SMA]. FORTSCHRITTE DER NEUROLOGIE-PSYCHIATRIE 2023; 91:153-163. [PMID: 36822211 DOI: 10.1055/a-2002-5215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
In the past, the diagnosis of motor neuron diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and 5q-associated spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) meant powerlessness in the face of seemingly untreatable diseases with severe motor-functional limitations and sometimes fatal courses. Recent advances in an understanding of the genetic causalities of these diseases, combined with success in the development of targeted gene therapy strategies, spell hope for effective, innovative therapeutic approaches, pioneering the ability to treat neurodegenerative diseases. While gene therapies have been approved for SMA since a few years, gene therapy research in ALS is still in clinical trials with encouraging results. This article provides an overview of the genetic background of ALS and SMA known to date and gene therapy approaches to them with a focus on therapy candidates that are in clinical trials or have already gained market approval.
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Affiliation(s)
- René Günther
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Neurologie, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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214
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Proteomics Analysis of Lymphoblastoid Cell Lines from Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28052014. [PMID: 36903260 PMCID: PMC10004326 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28052014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) consists of the progressive degeneration of motor neurons, caused by poorly understood mechanisms for which there is no cure. Some of the cellular perturbations associated with ALS can be detected in peripheral cells, including lymphocytes from blood. A related cell system that is very suitable for research consists of human lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs), which are immortalized lymphocytes. LCLs that can be easily expanded in culture and can be maintained for long periods as stable cultures. We investigated, on a small set of LCLs, if a proteomics analysis using liquid chromatography followed by tandem mass spectrometry reveals proteins that are differentially present in ALS versus healthy controls. We found that individual proteins, the cellular and molecular pathways in which these proteins participate, are detected as differentially present in the ALS samples. Some of these proteins and pathways are already known to be perturbed in ALS, while others are new and present interest for further investigations. These observations suggest that a more detailed proteomics analysis of LCLs, using a larger number of samples, represents a promising approach for investigating ALS mechanisms and to search for therapeutic agents. Proteomics data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD040240.
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215
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Intranasal Lipid Nanoparticles Containing Bioactive Compounds Obtained from Marine Sources to Manage Neurodegenerative Diseases. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/ph16020311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Marine sources contain several bioactive compounds with high therapeutic potential, such as remarkable antioxidant activity that can reduce oxidative stress related to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Indeed, there has been a growing interest in these natural sources, especially those resulting from the processing of marine organisms (i.e., marine bio-waste), to obtain natural antioxidants as an alternative to synthetic antioxidants in a sustainable approach to promote circularity by recovering and creating value from these bio-wastes. However, despite their expected potential to prevent, delay, or treat neurodegenerative diseases, antioxidant compounds may have difficulty reaching the brain due to the need to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB). In this regard, alternative delivery systems administered by different routes have been proposed, including intranasal administration of lipid nanoparticles, such as solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC), which have shown promising results. Intranasal administration shows several advantages, including the fact that molecules do not need to cross the BBB to reach the central nervous system (CNS), as they can be transported directly from the nasal cavity to the brain (i.e., nose-to-brain transport). The benefits of using SLN and NLC for intranasal delivery of natural bioactive compounds for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases have shown relevant outcomes through in vitro and in vivo studies. Noteworthy, for bioactive compounds obtained from marine bio-waste, few studies have been reported, showing the open potential of this research area. This review updates the state of the art of using SLN and NLC to transport bioactive compounds from different sources, in particular, those obtained from marine bio-waste, and their potential application in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Magrì A, Lipari CLR, Risiglione P, Zimbone S, Guarino F, Caccamo A, Messina A. ERK1/2-dependent TSPO overactivation associates with the loss of mitophagy and mitochondrial respiration in ALS. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:122. [PMID: 36792609 PMCID: PMC9931716 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05643-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondrial dysfunction and the loss of mitophagy, aimed at recycling irreversibly damaged organelles, contribute to the onset of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a fatal neurodegenerative disease affecting spinal cord motor neurons. In this work, we showed that the reduction of mitochondrial respiration, exactly oxygen flows linked to ATP production and maximal capacity, correlates with the appearance of the most common ALS motor symptoms in a transgenic mouse model expressing SOD1 G93A mutant. This is the result of the equal inhibition in the respiration linked to complex I and II of the electron transport chain, but not their protein levels. Since the overall mitochondrial mass was unvaried, we investigated the expression of the Translocator Protein (TSPO), a small mitochondrial protein whose overexpression was recently linked to the loss of mitophagy in a model of Parkinson's disease. Here we clearly showed that levels of TSPO are significantly increased in ALS mice. Mechanistically, this increase is linked to the overactivation of ERK1/2 pathway and correlates with a decrease in the expression of the mitophagy-related marker Atg12, indicating the occurrence of impairments in the activation of mitophagy. Overall, our work sets out TSPO as a key regulator of mitochondrial homeostasis in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Magrì
- grid.8158.40000 0004 1757 1969Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy ,we.MitoBiotech S.R.L., C.so Italia 172, Catania, Italy
| | - Cristiana Lucia Rita Lipari
- grid.8158.40000 0004 1757 1969Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Pierpaolo Risiglione
- grid.8158.40000 0004 1757 1969Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Stefania Zimbone
- grid.5326.20000 0001 1940 4177Istituto di Cristallografia, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Section of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Francesca Guarino
- we.MitoBiotech S.R.L., C.so Italia 172, Catania, Italy ,grid.8158.40000 0004 1757 1969Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Antonella Caccamo
- grid.8158.40000 0004 1757 1969Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy ,grid.10438.3e0000 0001 2178 8421Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Angela Messina
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy. .,we.MitoBiotech S.R.L., C.so Italia 172, Catania, Italy.
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Self-reported factors contributing to delay in ALS diagnosis among primary care providers in a large Ohio-based US healthcare network. J Neurol Sci 2023; 445:120532. [PMID: 36628902 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2022.120532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study's primary objective is to identify self-reported factors that contribute to diagnostic delay in ALS among Primary Care Providers (PCPs). METHODS A de novo email-based survey was deployed to Ohio-based PCPs in the Cleveland Clinic Health System. RESULTS Of the 77 PCP participants [including 30 Advance Practice Providers (APPs)] only: (a) 18% of physicians, and 3% of APPs were very confident or confident with recognizing signs and symptoms of ALS, (b) 13% of physicians, and 21% of APP s felt very confident or confident with distinguishing between a neurologic cause of dysfunction from other possible causes, and (c) 23% of physicians, and 11% of APPs felt very confident or confident with distinguishing between upper and lower motor neuron signs. If presented with a weak patient without a specific diagnosis, PCPs most frequently ordered electrodiagnostic testing, brain MRI, cervical or thoracic spine MRI, and serum creatine kinase. PCPs identified top reasons for delayed ALS diagnosis as: (a) patient's delay in seeking medical help, (b) diagnostic uncertainty (c) waiting time for neurology/neuromuscular medicine (NM) consultation. The most desired strategies to shorten diagnostic delay involved: (a) educating PCPs and other non-neurologist "gatekeeper" providers, (b) improving access to specialist neurology care, and (c) developing a reliable diagnostic test for ALS. DISCUSSION Self-reported factors that increase ALS diagnostic delay among PCPs primarily comprise gaps in clinical knowledge and skills required to detect key symptoms and signs, and suboptimal referral access to a neurology/NM provider. These areas represent important opportunities for targeted improvement efforts.
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Sanchez-Andrades MJ, Vinolo-Gil MJ, Casuso-Holgado MJ, Barón-López J, Rodríguez-Huguet M, Martín-Valero R. Measurement Properties of Self-Report Questionnaires for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Commonly Used Instruments. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3310. [PMID: 36834005 PMCID: PMC9959245 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
(1) Background: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease. There is no evidence on the analysis of the measurement instruments available to assess quality of life in these patients, following the consensus-based standards for the selection of health measurement instruments (COSMIN) checklist; (2) Methods: A systematic review was performed in PubMed, Embase, PEDro, Web of Science and Cochrane. The psychometric properties of the questionnaires were determined by using the COSMIN checklist. Two searches were carried out. This systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021249005); (3) Results: There were four published articles that analysed the measurement properties in patients with ALS for the following scales: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Assessment Questionnaire 40, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire, Short Form 36 Healthy Survey, Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Sickness Impact Profile. Another five scales also met the inclusion criteria: ALS-Depression-Inventory, State Trait Anxiety-Inventory, World Health Organization Quality of Life, Schedule for the Evaluation of Individual Quality of Life, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Assessment Questionnaire 5. Most Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) present a low-quality synthesis of evidence. It was observed an excellent pooled reliability of 0.92 (95% Confidence Interval: 0.83-0.96, I2 = 87.3%) for four dimensions for questionnaires ALSAQ-40. (4) Conclusions: There is little evidence on generic instruments. Future studies are necessary to develop new tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Jose Sanchez-Andrades
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Science, Ampliacion de Campus de Teatinos, University of Malaga, C/Arquitecto Francisco Peñalosa 3, 29071 Malaga, Spain
| | - Maria Jesus Vinolo-Gil
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Cadiz, 11009 Cadiz, Spain
- CMU Rehabilitation Intercentres-Interlevels Puerto Real and Cadiz Hospitals, Cádiz-La Janda Health District, 11006 Cadiz, Spain
| | - María Jesús Casuso-Holgado
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain
| | - Javier Barón-López
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Science, Ampliacion de Campus de Teatinos, University of Malaga, C/Arquitecto Francisco Peñalosa 3, 29071 Malaga, Spain
| | - Manuel Rodríguez-Huguet
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Cadiz, 11009 Cadiz, Spain
| | - Rocío Martín-Valero
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Science, Ampliacion de Campus de Teatinos, University of Malaga, C/Arquitecto Francisco Peñalosa 3, 29071 Malaga, Spain
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219
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Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and mediative behavioral therapy for the treatment of suffocation related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): A case report. Palliat Support Care 2023; 21:181-183. [PMID: 35543124 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951522000542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is an established treatment for post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD). Some patients diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) experience PTSD following choking or suffocation in the course of progressive loss of the ability to breathe. Although a loss of breathing functions in ALS is relatively common, there are currently no studies available on treatment for the fear of choking following advanced ALS. METHODS In this case study, we describe the positive effects of EMDR, an evidence-based form of trauma therapy, in a 48-year-old female, suffering from advanced ALS. As the consequence of ALS, she was not able to speak or breath independently, but could communicate through a speech-generating device. She experienced panic attacks, flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety after her tracheostomy jammed, and she almost suffocated. RESULTS Mediative treatment was started by instructing the care staff to respond neutrally with step-by-step instructions following tracheostomy jam, resulting in significantly less panic attacks and flashbacks. EMDR was initiated two weeks later, and resulted in full remittance of the trauma symptomatology. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE RESULTS The present case study suggests that symptoms of PTSD, namely the strong fear of suffocation, can be successfully treated by means of mediative behavioral therapy combined with EMDR.
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220
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Dijkstra JN, Boon E, Kruijt N, Brusse E, Ramdas S, Jungbluth H, van Engelen BGM, Walters J, Voermans NC. Muscle cramps and contractures: causes and treatment. Pract Neurol 2023; 23:23-34. [PMID: 36522175 DOI: 10.1136/pn-2022-003574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Muscle cramps are painful, sudden, involuntary muscle contractions that are generally self-limiting. They are often part of the spectrum of normal human physiology and can be associated with a wide range of acquired and inherited causes. Cramps are only infrequently due to progressive systemic or neuromuscular diseases. Contractures can mimic cramps and are defined as shortenings of the muscle resulting in an inability of the muscle to relax normally, and are generally myogenic. General practitioners and neurologists frequently encounter patients with muscle cramps but more rarely those with contractures. The main questions for clinicians are: (1) Is this a muscle cramp, a contracture or a mimic? (2) Are the cramps exercise induced, idiopathic or symptomatic? (3) What is/are the presumed cause(s) of symptomatic muscle cramps or contractures? (4) What should be the diagnostic approach? and (5) How should we advise and treat patients with muscle cramps or contractures? We consider these questions and present a practical approach to muscle cramps and contractures, including their causes, pathophysiology and treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jildou N Dijkstra
- Department of Neurology, Radboud Universiteit, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Eline Boon
- Department of Neurology, Radboud Universiteit, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Nick Kruijt
- Department of Neurology, Radboud Universiteit, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Esther Brusse
- Department of Neurology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sithara Ramdas
- MDUK Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Department of Paediatric Neurology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Heinz Jungbluth
- Paediatric Neurology, Neuromuscular Service, Evelina's Children Hospital, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals NHS Trust, London, UK.,Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, Muscle Signalling Section, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine (FoLSM), King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Jon Walters
- Department of Neurology, Morriston Hospital, Swansea, UK
| | - Nicol C Voermans
- Department of Neurology, Radboud Universiteit, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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221
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Anderson FL, Biggs KE, Rankin BE, Havrda MC. NLRP3 inflammasome in neurodegenerative disease. Transl Res 2023; 252:21-33. [PMID: 35952982 PMCID: PMC10614656 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2022.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by a dysregulated neuro-glial microenvironment, culminating in functional deficits resulting from neuronal cell death. Inflammation is a hallmark of the neurodegenerative microenvironment and despite a critical role in tissue homeostasis, increasing evidence suggests that chronic inflammatory insult can contribute to progressive neuronal loss. Inflammation has been studied in the context of neurodegenerative disorders for decades but few anti-inflammatory treatments have advanced to clinical use. This is likely due to the related challenges of predicting and mitigating off-target effects impacting the normal immune response while detecting inflammatory signatures that are specific to the progression of neurological disorders. Inflammasomes are pro-inflammatory cytosolic pattern recognition receptors functioning in the innate immune system. Compelling pre-clinical data has prompted an intense interest in the role of the NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in neurodegenerative disease. NLRP3 is typically inactive but can respond to sterile triggers commonly associated with neurodegenerative disorders including protein misfolding and aggregation, mitochondrial and oxidative stress, and exposure to disease-associated environmental toxicants. Clear evidence of enhanced NLRP3 inflammasome activity in common neurodegenerative diseases has coincided with rapid advancement of novel small molecule therapeutics making the NLRP3 inflammasome an attractive target for near-term interventional studies. In this review, we highlight evidence from model systems and patients indicating inflammasome activity in neurodegenerative disease associated with the NLRP3 inflammasome's ability to recognize pathologic forms of amyloid-β, tau, and α-synuclein. We discuss inflammasome-driven pyroptotic processes highlighting the potential utility of evaluating extracellular inflammasome-related proteins in the context of biomarker discovery. We complete the report by pointing out gaps in our understanding of intracellular modifiers of inflammasome activity and mechanisms regulating the resolution of inflammasome activation. The literature review and perspectives provide a conceptual platform for continued analysis of inflammation in neurodegenerative diseases through the study of inflammasomes and pyroptosis, mechanisms of inflammation and cell death now recognized to function in multiple highly prevalent neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faith L Anderson
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire
| | - Karl E Biggs
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire
| | - Brynn E Rankin
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire
| | - Matthew C Havrda
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire.
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222
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Barbo M, Ravnik-Glavač M. Extracellular Vesicles as Potential Biomarkers in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14020325. [PMID: 36833252 PMCID: PMC9956314 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is described as a fatal and rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by the degeneration of upper motor neurons in the primary motor cortex and lower motor neurons of the brainstem and spinal cord. Due to ALS's slowly progressive characteristic, which is often accompanied by other neurological comorbidities, its diagnosis remains challenging. Perturbations in vesicle-mediated transport and autophagy as well as cell-autonomous disease initiation in glutamatergic neurons have been revealed in ALS. The use of extracellular vesicles (EVs) may be key in accessing pathologically relevant tissues for ALS, as EVs can cross the blood-brain barrier and be isolated from the blood. The number and content of EVs may provide indications of the disease pathogenesis, its stage, and prognosis. In this review, we collected a recent study aiming at the identification of EVs as a biomarker of ALS with respect to the size, quantity, and content of EVs in the biological fluids of patients compared to controls.
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223
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Liao Y, Cai H, Luo F, Li D, Li H, Liao G, Duan J, Xu R, Zhang X. Three nervous system-specific expressed genes are potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis through a bioinformatic analysis. BMC Med Genomics 2023; 16:15. [PMID: 36707813 PMCID: PMC9881351 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-023-01441-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common neurodegenerative disease in adults. However, ALS, especially sporadic ALS (sALS), is difficult to diagnose due to the lack of biomarkers. RESULTS We used the bioinformatics technology to find the potential biomarker and we found that two hundred seventy-four DEGs were identified and enrichment analysis showed DEGs were involved in nervous system activity, like axon_guidance and the neurotrophin_signaling_pathway. Five nervous system-specific expressed hub genes were further validated by three GEO datasets. APP, LRRK2, and PSEN1 might be potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of sALS, and NEAT1-miR-373-3p/miR-302c-3p/miR-372-3p-APP, circ_0000002-miR-302d-3p/miR-373-3p-APP and XIST-miR-9-5p/miR-30e-5p/miR-671-5p might be potential ceRNA regulatory pathways. APP SNP analysis showed subjects harboring the minor G allele of rs463946, minor G allele of rs466433 and minor C allele of rs364048 had an increased risk of sALS development. CONCLUSIONS Our results identified three nervous system-specific expressed hub genes that might be diagnostic and prognostic markers of sALS and APP might be a genetic susceptibility factor contributing to sALS development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifu Liao
- grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471Department of Neurology, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haiping Cai
- grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471Department of Neurosurgery, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Feifei Luo
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, Department of Clinical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sir YK Pao Center for Cancer and Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Dongcheng Li
- grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hao Li
- grid.513391.c0000 0004 8339 0314Department of Neurology, Maoming People’s Hospital, Maoming, China
| | - Geng Liao
- grid.513391.c0000 0004 8339 0314Department of Neurology, Maoming People’s Hospital, Maoming, China
| | - Jinhai Duan
- grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471Eastern Department of Neurology, Guangdong Geriatrics Institute, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Renshi Xu
- grid.415002.20000 0004 1757 8108Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Clinical College of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, China
| | - Xiong Zhang
- grid.513391.c0000 0004 8339 0314Department of Neurology, Maoming People’s Hospital, Maoming, China
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Li J, Kumar S, Miachin K, Bean NL, Halawi O, Lee S, Park J, Pierre TH, Hor JH, Ng SY, Wallace KJ, Rindtorff N, Miller TM, Niehoff ML, Farr SA, Kletzien RF, Colca J, Tanis SP, Chen Y, Griffett K, McCommis KS, Finck BN, Peterson TR. A DUAL MTOR/NAD+ ACTING GEROTHERAPY. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.16.523975. [PMID: 36711589 PMCID: PMC9882180 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.16.523975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The geroscience hypothesis states that a therapy that prevents the underlying aging process should prevent multiple aging related diseases. The mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin)/insulin and NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) pathways are two of the most validated aging pathways. Yet, it's largely unclear how they might talk to each other in aging. In genome-wide CRISPRa screening with a novel class of N-O-Methyl-propanamide-containing compounds we named BIOIO-1001, we identified lipid metabolism centering on SIRT3 as a point of intersection of the mTOR/insulin and NAD+ pathways. In vivo testing indicated that BIOIO-1001 reduced high fat, high sugar diet-induced metabolic derangements, inflammation, and fibrosis, each being characteristic of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). An unbiased screen of patient datasets suggested a potential link between the anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects of BIOIO-1001 in NASH models to those in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Directed experiments subsequently determined that BIOIO-1001 was protective in both sporadic and familial ALS models. Both NASH and ALS have no treatments and suffer from a lack of convenient biomarkers to monitor therapeutic efficacy. A potential strength in considering BIOIO-1001 as a therapy is that the blood biomarker that it modulates, namely plasma triglycerides, can be conveniently used to screen patients for responders. More conceptually, to our knowledge BIOIO-1001 is a first therapy that fits the geroscience hypothesis by acting on multiple core aging pathways and that can alleviate multiple conditions after they have set in.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinmei Li
- Department of Medicine, Department of Genetics, Institute for Public Health, Washington University School of Medicine, BJC Institute of Health, 425 S. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- BIOIO, 4340 Duncan Ave. Suite 236, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Healthspan Technologies, 4340 Duncan Ave. Suite 265, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Sandeep Kumar
- Department of Medicine, Department of Genetics, Institute for Public Health, Washington University School of Medicine, BJC Institute of Health, 425 S. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Kirill Miachin
- Department of Medicine, Department of Genetics, Institute for Public Health, Washington University School of Medicine, BJC Institute of Health, 425 S. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- BIOIO, 4340 Duncan Ave. Suite 236, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Nicholas L. Bean
- Department of Medicine, Department of Genetics, Institute for Public Health, Washington University School of Medicine, BJC Institute of Health, 425 S. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- BIOIO, 4340 Duncan Ave. Suite 236, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Ornella Halawi
- BIOIO, 4340 Duncan Ave. Suite 236, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Scott Lee
- BIOIO, 4340 Duncan Ave. Suite 236, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - JiWoong Park
- Department of Medicine, Department of Genetics, Institute for Public Health, Washington University School of Medicine, BJC Institute of Health, 425 S. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Tanya H. Pierre
- Department of Medicine, Department of Genetics, Institute for Public Health, Washington University School of Medicine, BJC Institute of Health, 425 S. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Jin-Hui Hor
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (Cell Biology and Therapies Division), A*STAR Research Entities. 61 Biopolis Drive, 138673, Singapore
| | - Shi-Yan Ng
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (Cell Biology and Therapies Division), A*STAR Research Entities. 61 Biopolis Drive, 138673, Singapore
| | | | - Niklas Rindtorff
- LabDAO, c/o MJP PARTNERS, Bahnhofstrasse 20, 6300 Zug, Switzerland
| | - Timothy M. Miller
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, BJC Institute of Health, 425 S. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Michael L. Niehoff
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Geriatric Medicine; Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 1402 S. Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA. Research and Development, VA Medical Center-St. Louis, 915 N. Grand Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63106, USA
| | - Susan A. Farr
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Geriatric Medicine; Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 1402 S. Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA. Research and Development, VA Medical Center-St. Louis, 915 N. Grand Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63106, USA
| | - Rolf F. Kletzien
- Metabolic Solutions Development Company. 161 E Michigan Ave., 4th Floor Kalamazoo, MI 49007, USA
| | - Jerry Colca
- Metabolic Solutions Development Company. 161 E Michigan Ave., 4th Floor Kalamazoo, MI 49007, USA
| | - Steven P. Tanis
- Metabolic Solutions Development Company. 161 E Michigan Ave., 4th Floor Kalamazoo, MI 49007, USA
| | - Yana Chen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics & Nutritional Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, MSC 8031-0014-01, 660 S. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Kristine Griffett
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, Auburn University, College of Veterinary Medicine, 1130 Wire Road, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Kyle S. McCommis
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 1100 S. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63104, USA
| | - Brian N. Finck
- Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics & Nutritional Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, MSC 8031-0014-01, 660 S. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Tim R. Peterson
- Department of Medicine, Department of Genetics, Institute for Public Health, Washington University School of Medicine, BJC Institute of Health, 425 S. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- BIOIO, 4340 Duncan Ave. Suite 236, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Healthspan Technologies, 4340 Duncan Ave. Suite 265, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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FUS-ALS hiPSC-derived astrocytes impair human motor units through both gain-of-toxicity and loss-of-support mechanisms. Mol Neurodegener 2023; 18:5. [PMID: 36653804 PMCID: PMC9847053 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-022-00591-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Astrocytes play a crucial, yet not fully elucidated role in the selective motor neuron pathology in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Among other responsibilities, astrocytes provide important neuronal homeostatic support, however this function is highly compromised in ALS. The establishment of fully human coculture systems can be used to further study the underlying mechanisms of the dysfunctional intercellular interplay, and has the potential to provide a platform for revealing novel therapeutic entry points. METHODS In this study, we characterised human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived astrocytes from FUS-ALS patients, and incorporated these cells into a human motor unit microfluidics model to investigate the astrocytic effect on hiPSC-derived motor neuron network and functional neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) using immunocytochemistry and live-cell recordings. FUS-ALS cocultures were systematically compared to their CRISPR-Cas9 gene-edited isogenic control systems. RESULTS We observed a dysregulation of astrocyte homeostasis, which resulted in a FUS-ALS-mediated increase in reactivity and secretion of inflammatory cytokines. Upon coculture with motor neurons and myotubes, we detected a cytotoxic effect on motor neuron-neurite outgrowth, NMJ formation and functionality, which was improved or fully rescued by isogenic control astrocytes. We demonstrate that ALS astrocytes have both a gain-of-toxicity and loss-of-support function involving the WNT/β-catenin pathway, ultimately contributing to the disruption of motor neuron homeostasis, intercellular networks and NMJs. CONCLUSIONS Our findings shine light on a complex, yet highly important role of astrocytes in ALS, and provides further insight in to their pathological mechanisms.
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Loftus JR, Puri S, Meyers SP. Multimodality imaging of neurodegenerative disorders with a focus on multiparametric magnetic resonance and molecular imaging. Insights Imaging 2023; 14:8. [PMID: 36645560 PMCID: PMC9842851 DOI: 10.1186/s13244-022-01358-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases afflict a large number of persons worldwide, with the prevalence and incidence of dementia rapidly increasing. Despite their prevalence, clinical diagnosis of dementia syndromes remains imperfect with limited specificity. Conventional structural-based imaging techniques also lack the accuracy necessary for confident diagnosis. Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and molecular imaging provide the promise of improving specificity and sensitivity in the diagnosis of neurodegenerative disease as well as therapeutic monitoring of monoclonal antibody therapy. This educational review will briefly focus on the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and pathologic findings of common and uncommon neurodegenerative diseases. Imaging features of each disease spanning from conventional magnetic resonance sequences to advanced multiparametric methods such as resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging and arterial spin labeling imaging will be described in detail. Additionally, the review will explore the findings of each diagnosis on molecular imaging including single-photon emission computed tomography and positron emission tomography with a variety of clinically used and experimental radiotracers. The literature and clinical cases provided demonstrate the power of advanced magnetic resonance imaging and molecular techniques in the diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases and areas of future and ongoing research. With the advent of combined positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging scanners, hybrid protocols utilizing both techniques are an attractive option for improving the evaluation of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Ryan Loftus
- grid.412750.50000 0004 1936 9166Department of Imaging Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY 14642 USA
| | - Savita Puri
- grid.412750.50000 0004 1936 9166Department of Imaging Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY 14642 USA
| | - Steven P. Meyers
- grid.412750.50000 0004 1936 9166Department of Imaging Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY 14642 USA
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227
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Leveraging Computational Intelligence Techniques for Diagnosing Degenerative Nerve Diseases: A Comprehensive Review, Open Challenges, and Future Research Directions. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13020288. [PMID: 36673100 PMCID: PMC9858227 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13020288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Degenerative nerve diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases have always been a global issue of concern. Approximately 1/6th of the world's population suffers from these disorders, yet there are no definitive solutions to cure these diseases after the symptoms set in. The best way to treat these disorders is to detect them at an earlier stage. Many of these diseases are genetic; this enables machine learning algorithms to give inferences based on the patient's medical records and history. Machine learning algorithms such as deep neural networks are also critical for the early identification of degenerative nerve diseases. The significant applications of machine learning and deep learning in early diagnosis and establishing potential therapies for degenerative nerve diseases have motivated us to work on this review paper. Through this review, we covered various machine learning and deep learning algorithms and their application in the diagnosis of degenerative nerve diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Furthermore, we also included the recent advancements in each of these models, which improved their capabilities for classifying degenerative nerve diseases. The limitations of each of these methods are also discussed. In the conclusion, we mention open research challenges and various alternative technologies, such as virtual reality and Big data analytics, which can be useful for the diagnosis of degenerative nerve diseases.
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228
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de los Ríos C, Viejo L, Carretero VJ, Juárez NH, Cruz-Martins N, Hernández-Guijo JM. Promising Molecular Targets in Pharmacological Therapy for Neuronal Damage in Brain Injury. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:118. [PMID: 36670980 PMCID: PMC9854812 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12010118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The complex etiopathogenesis of brain injury associated with neurodegeneration has sparked a lot of studies in the last century. These clinical situations are incurable, and the currently available therapies merely act on symptoms or slow down the course of the diseases. Effective methods are being sought with an intent to modify the disease, directly acting on the properly studied targets, as well as to contribute to the development of effective therapeutic strategies, opening the possibility of refocusing on drug development for disease management. In this sense, this review discusses the available evidence for mitochondrial dysfunction induced by Ca2+ miscommunication in neurons, as well as how targeting phosphorylation events may be used to modulate protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) activity in the treatment of neuronal damage. Ca2+ tends to be the catalyst for mitochondrial dysfunction, contributing to the synaptic deficiency seen in brain injury. Additionally, emerging data have shown that PP2A-activating drugs (PADs) suppress inflammatory responses by inhibiting different signaling pathways, indicating that PADs may be beneficial for the management of neuronal damage. In addition, a few bioactive compounds have also triggered the activation of PP2A-targeted drugs for this treatment, and clinical studies will help in the authentication of these compounds. If the safety profiles of PADs are proven to be satisfactory, there is a case to be made for starting clinical studies in the setting of neurological diseases as quickly as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristóbal de los Ríos
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic and Teófilo Hernando Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University Autónoma de Madrid, C/. Arzobispo Morcillo 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas de la Salud, University Rey Juan Carlos, Avda. Atenas s/n, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain
| | - Lucía Viejo
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic and Teófilo Hernando Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University Autónoma de Madrid, C/. Arzobispo Morcillo 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Victoria Jiménez Carretero
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic and Teófilo Hernando Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University Autónoma de Madrid, C/. Arzobispo Morcillo 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Natalia Hernández Juárez
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic and Teófilo Hernando Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University Autónoma de Madrid, C/. Arzobispo Morcillo 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Natália Cruz-Martins
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Institute for Research and Advanced Training in Health Sciences and Technologies, Rua Central de Gandra, 1317, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
| | - Jesús M. Hernández-Guijo
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic and Teófilo Hernando Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University Autónoma de Madrid, C/. Arzobispo Morcillo 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute for Health Research, IRYCIS, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Ctra. de Colmenar Viejo, Km. 9,100, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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229
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Xia K, Witzel S, Witzel C, Klose V, Fan D, Ludolph AC, Dorst J. Mutation-specific metabolic profiles in presymptomatic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Eur J Neurol 2023; 30:87-95. [PMID: 36169607 DOI: 10.1111/ene.15584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Growing evidence shows that ALS patients feature a disturbed energy metabolism. However, these features have rarely been investigated in the presymptomatic stage. METHODS A total of 60 presymptomatic ALS mutation carriers and 70 age- and gender-matched controls (non-mutation carriers from the same families) were recruited. All subjects underwent assessments of their metabolic profiles under fasting conditions at enrollment, including body mass index (BMI), blood pressure and serum levels of blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein. RESULTS All mutations combined, no differences between presymptomatic ALS gene carriers and controls were found. From a cardiovascular point of view, presymptomatic chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9ORF72) gene carriers showed lower cardiovascular risk profiles compared to healthy controls, including lower BMI (median 22.9, interquartile range [IQR] 20.6-26.1 kg/m2 vs. 24.9, IQR 22.7-30.5 kg/m2 ; p = 0.007), lower systolic blood pressure (120, IQR 110-130 mmHg vs. 128, IQR 120-140 mmHg; p = 0.02), lower fasting serum glucose (89.0, IQR 85.0-97.0 mg/dl vs. 96.0, IQR 89.3-102.0 mg/dl; p = 0.005) and higher HDL (1.6, IQR 1.3-1.8 mmol/l vs. 1.2, IQR 1.0-1.4 mmol/l; p = 0.04). However, presymptomatic superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene mutation carriers showed higher cardiovascular risk profiles compared to healthy controls, including higher BMI (28.0, IQR 26.1-31.5 kg/m2 vs. 24.9, IQR 22.7-30.5 kg/m2 ; p = 0.02), higher fasting serum glucose (100.0, IQR 94.0-117.0 mg/dl vs. 96.0, IQR 89.3-102.0 mg/dl; p = 0.04) and lower HDL (1.2, IQR 1.0-1.4 mmol/l vs. 1.4, IQR 1.2-1.7 mmol/l; p = 0.01). These features were most prominent in patients carrying SOD1 gene mutations associated with slow disease progression. CONCLUSIONS This study identified distinct metabolic profiles in presymptomatic ALS gene carriers, which might be associated with disease progression in the symptomatic phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kailin Xia
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,Beijing 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.,Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Simon Witzel
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Veronika Klose
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Ulm, Germany
| | - Dongsheng Fan
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,Beijing 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
| | - Albert C Ludolph
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Ulm, Germany
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Kaur K, Chen PC, Ko MW, Mei A, Huerta-Yepez S, Maharaj D, Malarkannan S, Jewett A. Successes and Challenges in Taming the Beast: Cytotoxic Immune Effectors in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Crit Rev Immunol 2023; 43:1-11. [PMID: 37522557 DOI: 10.1615/critrevimmunol.2023047235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurological disease characterized by the progressive loss of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. No effective therapeutic strategies have been established thus far, and therefore there is a significant unmet need for effective therapeutics to arrest the disease and reverse the pathologies induced by it. Although the cause of ALS is not well-defined, it appears to be heterogenous. Currently over 20 genes have been found to be associated with ALS. Family history can only be found in 10% of ALS patients, but in the remaining 90% no association with family history is found. The most common genetic causes are expansion in the C9orf72 gene and mutations in superoxide dismutase 1, TDP-43, and FUS. In our recent study, we also found mutations in TDP43 and FUS in ALS patients. To understand the pathogenesis of the disease, we set ourselves the task of analyzing the phenotype and function of all key immune effectors in ALS patients, comparing them with either a genetically healthy twin or healthy individuals. Our study demonstrated a significant increase in functional activation of NK and CD8+ T cytotoxic immune effectors and release of significant IFN-γ not only by the effector cells but also in the serum of ALS patients. Longitudinal analysis of CD8+ T cell-mediated IFN-γ secretion from ALS patients demonstrated continued and sustained increase in IFN-γ secretion with periods of decrease which coincided with certain treatments; however, the effects were largely short-lived. N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), one of the treatments used, is known to block cell death; however, even though such treatment was able to block most of the proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and growth factor release, it was not able to block IFN-γ and TNF-α, the two cytokines we had demonstrated previously to induce differentiation of the cells. In this review, we discuss the contribution of cytotoxic effector cells, especially primary NK cells, supercharged NK cells (sNK), and the contribution of sNK cells in expansion and functional activation of CD8+ T cells to memory/effector T cells in the pathogenesis of ALS. Potential new targeted therapeutic strategies are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kawaljit Kaur
- Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, University of California School of Dentistry, 10833 Le Conte Ave, 90095 Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Po-Chun Chen
- Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, University of California School of Dentistry, 10833 Le Conte Ave, 90095 Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Meng-Wei Ko
- Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, University of California School of Dentistry, 10833 Le Conte Ave, 90095 Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ao Mei
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226
| | - Sara Huerta-Yepez
- Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, University of California School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Dipnarine Maharaj
- South Florida Bone Marrow Stem Cell Transplant Institute, DBA Maharaj Institute of Immune Regenerative Medicine, Boynton Beach, FL 33437
| | - Subramaniam Malarkannan
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Immunotherapy, Blood Research Institute, Versiti, Milwaukee, WI; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee WI 53226; Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI; Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee WI
| | - Anahid Jewett
- Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, University of California School of Dentistry, 10833 Le Conte Ave, 90095 Los Angeles, CA, USA; The Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA School of Dentistry and Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Dane TL, Gill AL, Vieira FG, Denton KR. Reduced C9orf72 expression exacerbates polyGR toxicity in patient iPSC-derived motor neurons and a Type I protein arginine methyltransferase inhibitor reduces that toxicity. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1134090. [PMID: 37138766 PMCID: PMC10149854 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1134090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Intronic repeat expansions in the C9orf72 gene are the most frequent known single genetic causes of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). These repeat expansions are believed to result in both loss-of-function and toxic gain-of-function. Gain-of-function results in the production of toxic arginine-rich dipeptide repeat proteins (DPRs), namely polyGR and polyPR. Small-molecule inhibition of Type I protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) has been shown to protect against toxicity resulting from polyGR and polyPR challenge in NSC-34 cells and primary mouse-derived spinal neurons, but the effect in human motor neurons (MNs) has not yet been explored. Methods To study this, we generated a panel of C9orf72 homozygous and hemizygous knockout iPSCs to examine the contribution of C9orf72 loss-of-function toward disease pathogenesis. We differentiated these iPSCs into spinal motor neurons (sMNs). Results We found that reduced levels of C9orf72 exacerbate polyGR15 toxicity in a dose-dependent manner. Type I PRMT inhibition was able to partially rescue polyGR15 toxicity in both wild-type and C9orf72-expanded sMNs. Discussion This study explores the interplay of loss-of-function and gain-of-function toxicity in C9orf72 ALS. It also implicates type I PRMT inhibitors as a possible modulator of polyGR toxicity.
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Maharaj D, Kaur K, Saltese A, Gouvea J. Personalized Precision Immunotherapy for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Crit Rev Immunol 2023; 43:1-11. [PMID: 37938192 DOI: 10.1615/critrevimmunol.2023048372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Neurological syndrome amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) affects motor neurons and is characterized by progressive motor neuron loss in the brain and spinal cord. ALS starts with mainly focal onset but when the disease progresses, it spreads to different parts of the body, with survival limits of 2-5 years after disease initiation. To date, only supportive care is provided for ALS patients, and no effective treatment or cure has been discovered. This review is focused on clinical and immunological aspects of ALS patients, based on our case studies, and we discuss the treatment we have provided to those patients based on a detailed evaluation of their peripheral blood immune cells and blood-derived serum secreted factors, cytokines, chemokines and growth factors. We show that using a personalized approach of low dose immunotherapy there is an improvement in the effects on inflammation and immunological dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipnarine Maharaj
- South Florida Bone Marrow Stem Cell Transplant Institute, DBA Maharaj Institute of Immune Regenerative Medicine, Boynton Beach, FL 33437
| | - Kawaljit Kaur
- Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, University of California School of Dentistry, 10833 Le Conte Ave, 90095 Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Adrian Saltese
- South Florida Bone Marrow Stem Cell Transplant Institute, DBA Maharaj Institute of Immune Regenerative Medicine, Boynton Beach, FL 33437, USA
| | - Jacqueline Gouvea
- South Florida Bone Marrow Stem Cell Transplant Institute, DBA Maharaj Institute of Immune Regenerative Medicine, Boynton Beach, FL 33437, USA
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Rodrigues RB, Orsini M, Neves SV, de Rezende Pinto WBV, da Silva Catarino AM, Pereira DA, Oliveira ASB. Differential Diagnosis or Etiology: A Case Report on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis-like Neuropathy Associated with HIV Infection. Curr HIV Res 2023; 21:323-329. [PMID: 37711011 DOI: 10.2174/1570162x21666230914104220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Retroviruses are described as a risk factor for chronic neuropathy. However, it is still unknown if they can work as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis triggers. Over the years, some cases of this association have been described with heterogenous disclosures. CASE REPRESENTATION This study aimed to report a case of HIV and ALS-like neuropathy and briefly discuss peculiarities of clinical aspects, such as physiopathology and treatment options. The patient underwent neurological examination associated with blood tests, electromyography, analysis of cerebrospinal fluid, and imaging studies. DISCUSSION A non-systematic review was performed in major databases regarding the topic. The case presented mixed upper and lower motor neuron signs and was framed as a probable case of ALS following the present criteria. CONCLUSION After a short follow-up and viral load cleansing, neurological stabilization was achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marco Orsini
- Neurology Department, Iguaçu University, Nova Iguaçu, Brazil
- Neurology Department, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Planinc D, Muhamood N, Cabassi C, Iniesta R, Shaw CE, Hodson-Tole E, Bashford J. Fasciculation electromechanical latency is prolonged in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Clin Neurophysiol 2023; 145:71-80. [PMID: 36442378 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2022.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), motor neurons become hyperexcitable and spontaneously discharge electrical impulses causing fasciculations. These can be detected by two noninvasive methods: high-density surface electromyography (HDSEMG) and muscle ultrasonography (MUS). We combined these methods simultaneously to explore the electromechanical properties of fasciculations, seeking a novel biomarker of disease. METHODS Twelve ALS patients and thirteen healthy participants each provided up to 24 minutes of recordings from the right biceps brachii (BB) and gastrocnemius medialis (GM). Two automated algorithms (Surface Potential Quantification Engine and a Gaussian mixture model) were applied to HDSEMG and MUS data to identify correlated electromechanical fasciculation events. RESULTS We identified 4,197 correlated electromechanical fasciculation events. HDSEMG reliably detected electromechanical events up to 30 mm below the skin surface with an inverse correlation between amplitude and depth in ALS muscles. Compared to Healthy-GM muscles (mean = 79.8 ms), electromechanical latency was prolonged in ALS-GM (mean = 108.8 ms; p = 0.0458) and ALS-BB (mean = 112.0 ms; p = 0.0128) muscles. Electromechanical latency did not correlate with disease duration, symptom burden, sum muscle power score or fasciculation frequency. CONCLUSIONS Prolonged fasciculation electromechanical latency indicates impairment of the excitation-contraction coupling mechanism, warranting further exploration as a potential novel biomarker of disease in ALS. SIGNIFICANCE This study points to an electromechanical defect within the muscles of ALS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Planinc
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - N Muhamood
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - C Cabassi
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - R Iniesta
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - C E Shaw
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - E Hodson-Tole
- Musculoskeletal Sciences and Sports Medicine Research Centre, Manchester Institute of Sport, Department of Life Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, United Kingdom
| | - J Bashford
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom. https://twitter.com/@SPiQEneurology
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Datta A, Udhaya Kumar S, D'costa M, Bothe A, Thirumal Kumar D, Zayed H, George Priya Doss C. Identification of dysregulated canonical pathways associated with pathogenesis and progression of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis-An integrated bioinformatics approach. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2023; 134:21-52. [PMID: 36858735 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2022.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The mechanisms responsible for the pathogenesis and progression of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) remain poorly understood, making the diagnosis of ALS challenging. We aimed to find the novel gene biomarkers via computationally analyzing microarray expression studies, in three different cell lineages, namely myotube cells, astrocyte cells and oligodendrocyte cells. Microarray gene expression profiles were obtained and analyzed for three cell types: myotube cell lineage (GSE122261), astrocyte, and oligodendrocyte cell lineage (GSE87385). A comprehensive computational pipeline, tailored explicitly for microarray gene expression profiling studies, was devised to analyze the sample groups, wherein the myotube sample group comprised of six control (GSM3462697, GSM3462698, GSM3462699, GSM3462700, GSM3462701, GSM3462702) & six diseased (GSM3462691, GSM3462692, GSM3462693, GSM3462694, GSM3462695, GSM3462696) samples were considered. Similarly, for the astrocyte sample group two samples each for the control (GSM2330040, GSM2330042) and the diseased (GSM2330039, GSM2330041), and for the oligodendrocyte sample group, 2 control (GSM2330043, GSM2330045) samples and two diseased (GSM2330044, GSM2330046) samples were considered for the current study. The in-depth interaction of these DEGs was studied using MCODE and subjected to preliminary functional analysis using ClueGO/CluePedia plug-in. Qiagen's IPA software was employed for enrichment analysis, which generated the key canonical pathways and a list of potential biomarker molecules specific to each sample group. The preliminary analysis yielded 512 DEGs across all 3-sample groups, wherein 139 DEGs belonged to the myotube sample group, 216 DEGs for the astrocyte sample group, and 157 DEGs for the oligodendrocytes sample group. The data suggests growth hormone signaling and its activity, ErbB signaling pathway, and JAK/STAT signaling pathway are some of the pathways that are significantly dysregulated and play a crucial role in the development and progression of ALS. KISS1R and CSHL1 are potential genes that could act as diagnostic biomarkers in myotube cell types. Also, KRAS, TGFB2, JUN, and SMAD6 genes may be used as prognostic biomarkers to differentiate between early and late-stage ALS-diseased patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankur Datta
- Laboratory of Integrative Genomics, Department of Integrative Biology, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - S Udhaya Kumar
- Laboratory of Integrative Genomics, Department of Integrative Biology, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Maria D'costa
- Laboratory of Integrative Genomics, Department of Integrative Biology, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Anusha Bothe
- Laboratory of Integrative Genomics, Department of Integrative Biology, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - D Thirumal Kumar
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research (Deemed to be University), Chennai, India
| | - Hatem Zayed
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health and Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - C George Priya Doss
- Laboratory of Integrative Genomics, Department of Integrative Biology, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.
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Najafi S, Najafi P, Kaffash Farkhad N, Hosseini Torshizi G, Assaran Darban R, Boroumand AR, Sahab-Negah S, Khodadoust MA, Tavakol-Afshari J. Mesenchymal stem cell therapy in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients: A comprehensive review of disease information and future perspectives. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES 2023; 26:872-881. [PMID: 37427325 PMCID: PMC10329242 DOI: 10.22038/ijbms.2023.66364.14572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare deadly progressive neurological disease that primarily affects the upper and lower motor neurons with an annual incidence rate of 0.6 to 3.8 per 100,000 people. Weakening and gradual atrophy of the voluntary muscles are the first signs of the disease onset affecting all aspects of patients' lives, including eating, speaking, moving, and even breathing. Only 5-10% of patients have a familial type of the disease and show an autosomal dominant pattern, but the cause of the disease is unknown in the remaining 90% of patients (Sporadic ALS). However, in both types of disease, the patient's survival is 2 to 5 years from the disease onset. Some clinical and molecular biomarkers, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), blood or urine test, muscle biopsy, and genetic testing are complementary methods for disease diagnosis. Unfortunately, with the exception of Riluzole, the only medically approved drug for the management of this disease, there is still no definitive cure for it. In this regard, the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for the treatment or management of the disease has been common in preclinical and clinical studies for many years. MSCs are multipotent cells having immunoregulatory, anti-inflammatory, and differentiation ability that makes them a good candidate for this purpose. This review article aims to discuss multiple aspects of ALS disease and focus on MSCs' role in disease management based on performed clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahrzad Najafi
- Department of Biology, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Parizad Najafi
- Department of Biology, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Najmeh Kaffash Farkhad
- Immunology Research Center, Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Reza Assaran Darban
- Department of Biology, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amir Reza Boroumand
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Sajad Sahab-Negah
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Shefa Neuroscience Research Center, Khatam Alanbia Hospital, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Khodadoust
- Immunology Research Center, Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Jalil Tavakol-Afshari
- Immunology Research Center, Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Sánchez-Vidaña DI, Li J, Abokyi S, Chan JNM, Ngai SPC, Lau BWM. In vitro methods in autophagy research: Applications in neurodegenerative diseases and mood disorders. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1168948. [PMID: 37122628 PMCID: PMC10130388 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1168948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Autophagy is a conserved physiological intracellular mechanism responsible for the degradation and recycling of cytoplasmic constituents (e.g., damaged organelles, and protein aggregates) to maintain cell homeostasis. Aberrant autophagy has been observed in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's Disease (AD), Parkinson's Disease (PD), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and Huntington's Disease (HD), and recently aberrant autophagy has been associated with mood disorders, such as depression. Several in vitro methods have been developed to study the complex and tightly regulated mechanisms of autophagy. In vitro methods applied to autophagy research are used to identify molecular key players involved in dysfunctional autophagy and to screen autophagy regulators with therapeutic applications in neurological diseases and mood disorders. Therefore, the aims of this narrative review are (1) to compile information on the cell-based methods used in autophagy research, (2) to discuss their application, and (3) to create a catalog of traditional and novel in vitro methods applied in neurodegenerative diseases and depression. Methods Pubmed and Google Scholar were used to retrieve relevant in vitro studies on autophagy mechanisms in neurological diseases and depression using a combination of search terms per mechanism and disease (e.g., "macroautophagy" and "Alzheimer's disease"). A total of 37 studies were included (14 in PD, 8 in AD, 5 in ALS, 5 in %, and 5 in depression). Results A repertoire of traditional and novel approaches and techniques was compiled and discussed. The methods used in autophagy research focused on the mechanisms of macroautophagy, microautophagy, and chaperone-mediated autophagy. The in vitro tools presented in this review can be applied to explore pathophysiological mechanisms at a molecular level and to screen for potential therapeutic agents and their mechanism of action, which can be of great importance to understanding disease biology and potential therapeutic options in the context of neurodegenerative disorders and depression. Conclusion This is the first review to compile, discuss, and provide a catalog of traditional and novel in vitro models applied to neurodegenerative disorders and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalinda Isabel Sánchez-Vidaña
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Mental Health Research Centre, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- *Correspondence: Dalinda Isabel Sánchez-Vidaña, ;
| | - Jingjing Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Samuel Abokyi
- School of Optometry, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jackie Ngai-Man Chan
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shirley Pui-Ching Ngai
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Benson Wui-Man Lau
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Mental Health Research Centre, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Dhasmana S, Dhasmana A, Kotnala S, Mangtani V, Narula AS, Haque S, Jaggi M, Yallapu MM, Chauhan SC. Boosting Mitochondrial Potential: An Imperative Therapeutic Intervention in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:1117-1138. [PMID: 36111770 PMCID: PMC10286590 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666220915092703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive and terminal neurodegenerative disorder. Mitochondrial dysfunction, imbalance of cellular bioenergetics, electron chain transportation and calcium homeostasis are deeply associated with the progression of this disease. Impaired mitochondrial functions are crucial in rapid neurodegeneration. The mitochondria of ALS patients are associated with deregulated Ca2+ homeostasis and elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to oxidative stress. Overload of mitochondrial calcium and ROS production leads to glutamatereceptor mediated neurotoxicity. This implies mitochondria are an attractive therapeutic target. OBJECTIVE The aim of this review is to brief the latest developments in the understanding of mitochondrial pathogenesis in ALS and emphasize the restorative capacity of therapeutic candidates. RESULTS In ALS, mitochondrial dysfunction is a well-known phenomenon. Various therapies targeted towards mitochondrial dysfunction aim at decreasing ROS generation, increasing mitochondrial biogenesis, and inhibiting apoptotic pathways. Some of the therapies briefed in this review may be categorized as synthetic, natural compounds, genetic materials, and cellular therapies. CONCLUSION The overarching goals of mitochondrial therapies in ALS are to benefit ALS patients by slowing down the disease progression and prolonging overall survival. Despite various therapeutic approaches, there are many hurdles in the development of a successful therapy due to the multifaceted nature of mitochondrial dysfunction and ALS progression. Intensive research is required to precisely elucidate the molecular pathways involved in the progression of mitochondrial dysfunctions that ultimately lead to ALS. Because of the multifactorial nature of ALS, a combination therapy approach may hold the key to cure and treat ALS in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swati Dhasmana
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, Texas, TX, USA
- South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA
| | - Anupam Dhasmana
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, Texas, TX, USA
- South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA
- Himalayan School of Biosciences, Swami Rama Himalayan University, Dehradun, India
| | - Sudhir Kotnala
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, Texas, TX, USA
- South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA
| | - Varsha Mangtani
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, Texas, TX, USA
| | - Acharan S. Narula
- Narula Research LLC, 107 Boulder Bluff, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, NC 27516, USA
| | - Shafiul Haque
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, 45142, Saudi Arabia
- Centre of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Meena Jaggi
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, Texas, TX, USA
- South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA
| | - Murali M. Yallapu
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, Texas, TX, USA
- South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA
| | - Subhash C. Chauhan
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, Texas, TX, USA
- South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA
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Colasuonno F, Price R, Moreno S. Upper and Lower Motor Neurons and the Skeletal Muscle: Implication for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). ADVANCES IN ANATOMY, EMBRYOLOGY, AND CELL BIOLOGY 2023; 236:111-129. [PMID: 37955773 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-38215-4_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
The relationships between motor neurons and the skeletal muscle during development and in pathologic contexts are addressed in this Chapter.We discuss the developmental interplay of muscle and nervous tissue, through neurotrophins and the activation of differentiation and survival pathways. After a brief overview on muscular regulatory factors, we focus on the contribution of muscle to early and late neurodevelopment. Such a role seems especially intriguing in relation to the epigenetic shaping of developing motor neuron fate choices. In this context, emphasis is attributed to factors regulating energy metabolism, which may concomitantly act in muscle and neural cells, being involved in common pathways.We then review the main features of motor neuron diseases, addressing the cellular processes underlying clinical symptoms. The involvement of different muscle-associated neurotrophic factors for survival of lateral motor column neurons, innervating MyoD-dependent limb muscles, and of medial motor column neurons, innervating Myf5-dependent back musculature is discussed. Among the pathogenic mechanisms, we focus on oxidative stress, that represents a common and early trait in several neurodegenerative disorders. The role of organelles primarily involved in reactive oxygen species scavenging and, more generally, in energy metabolism-namely mitochondria and peroxisomes-is discussed in the frame of motor neuron degeneration.We finally address muscular involvement in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a multifactorial degenerative disorder, hallmarked by severe weight loss, caused by imbalanced lipid metabolism. Even though multiple mechanisms have been recognized to play a role in the disease, current literature generally assumes that the primum movens is neuronal degeneration and that muscle atrophy is only a consequence of such pathogenic event. However, several lines of evidence point to the muscle as primarily involved in the disease, mainly through its role in energy homeostasis. Data from different ALS mouse models strongly argue for an early mitochondrial dysfunction in muscle tissue, possibly leading to motor neuron disturbances. Detailed understanding of skeletal muscle contribution to ALS pathogenesis will likely lead to the identification of novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiorella Colasuonno
- Department of Experimental Medicine , University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
- Department of Science, LIME, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | - Rachel Price
- Department of Science, LIME, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
- Laboratory of Neurodevelopmental Biology, Neurogenetics and Molecular Neurobiology, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Sandra Moreno
- Department of Science, LIME, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy.
- Laboratory of Neurodevelopmental Biology, Neurogenetics and Molecular Neurobiology, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy.
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Papageorgiou L, Mangana E, Papakonstantinou E, Diakou I, Pierouli K, Dragoumani K, Bacopoulou F, Chrousos GP, Exarchos TP, Vlamos P, Eliopoulos E, Vlachakis D. An Updated Evolutionary and Structural Study of TBK1 Reveals Highly Conserved Motifs as Potential Pharmacological Targets in Neurodegenerative Diseases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1423:41-57. [PMID: 37525032 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-31978-5_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
TANK-binding kinase 1 protein (TBK1) is a kinase that belongs to the IκB (IKK) family. TBK1, also known as T2K, FTDALS4, NAK, IIAE8, and NF-κB, is responsible for the phosphorylation of the amino acid residues, serine and threonine. This enzyme is involved in various key biological processes, including interferon activation and production, homeostasis, cell growth, autophagy, insulin production, and the regulation of TNF-α, IFN-β, and IL-6. Mutations in the TBK1 gene alter the protein's normal function and may lead to an array of pathological conditions, including disorders of the central nervous system. The present study sought to elucidate the role of the TBK1 protein in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a human neurodegenerative disorder. A broad evolutionary and phylogenetic analysis of TBK1 was performed across numerous organisms to distinguish conserved regions important for the protein's function. Subsequently, mutations and SNPs were explored, and their potential effect on the enzyme's function was investigated. These analytical steps, in combination with the study of the secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structure of TBK1, enabled the identification of conserved motifs, which can function as novel pharmacological targets and inform therapeutic strategies for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Papageorgiou
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Mangana
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Papakonstantinou
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Io Diakou
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Katerina Pierouli
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantina Dragoumani
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Flora Bacopoulou
- University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health & Precision Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - George P Chrousos
- University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health & Precision Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Themis P Exarchos
- Bioinformatics & Human Electrophysiology Laboratory, Department of Informatics, Ionian University, Corfu, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Vlamos
- Bioinformatics & Human Electrophysiology Laboratory, Department of Informatics, Ionian University, Corfu, Greece
| | - Elias Eliopoulos
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Vlachakis
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
- University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health & Precision Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece.
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece.
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Ajjarapu A, Feely SM, Shy ME, Trout C, Zuchner S, Moore SA, Mathews KD. Thirty-Year Follow-Up of Early Onset Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis with a Pathogenic Variant in SPTLC1. Case Rep Neurol 2023; 15:146-152. [PMID: 37497262 PMCID: PMC10368087 DOI: 10.1159/000530974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Dominant mutations in serine palmitoyltransferase long chain base subunit 1 (SPTLC1), a known cause of hereditary sensory autonomic neuropathy type 1 (HSAN1), are a recently identified cause of juvenile amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (JALS) with slow progression. We present a case of SPTLC1-associated JALS followed for 30 years. She was initially evaluated at age 22 years for upper extremity weakness. She experienced gradual decline in muscle strength with development of weakness and hyperreflexia in lower extremities and diffuse fasciculations in the upper extremities at 26 years. She lost independent ambulation at age 45 years. Pulmonary function declined from a forced vital capacity of 94% predicted at 27 years to 49% predicted at 47 years, and she was hospitalized twice for respiratory failure. To our knowledge, this is the longest documented follow-up period of JALS caused by a de novo pathogenic variant in SPTLC1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aparna Ajjarapu
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Shawna M.E. Feely
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Seattle Children’s Hospital, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Michael E. Shy
- Department of Neurology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Christina Trout
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Stephan Zuchner
- Department of Human Genetics and Hussmann Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Steven A. Moore
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Katherine D. Mathews
- Department of Neurology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
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Meanti R, Bresciani E, Rizzi L, Coco S, Zambelli V, Dimitroulas A, Molteni L, Omeljaniuk RJ, Locatelli V, Torsello A. Potential Applications for Growth Hormone Secretagogues Treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:2376-2394. [PMID: 36111771 PMCID: PMC10616926 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666220915103613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) arises from neuronal death due to complex interactions of genetic, molecular, and environmental factors. Currently, only two drugs, riluzole and edaravone, have been approved to slow the progression of this disease. However, ghrelin and other ligands of the GHS-R1a receptor have demonstrated interesting neuroprotective activities that could be exploited in this pathology. Ghrelin, a 28-amino acid hormone, primarily synthesized and secreted by oxyntic cells in the stomach wall, binds to the pituitary GHS-R1a and stimulates GH secretion; in addition, ghrelin is endowed with multiple extra endocrine bioactivities. Native ghrelin requires esterification with octanoic acid for binding to the GHS-R1a receptor; however, this esterified form is very labile and represents less than 10% of circulating ghrelin. A large number of synthetic compounds, the growth hormone secretagogues (GHS) encompassing short peptides, peptoids, and non-peptidic moieties, are capable of mimicking several biological activities of ghrelin, including stimulation of GH release, appetite, and elevation of blood IGF-I levels. GHS have demonstrated neuroprotective and anticonvulsant effects in experimental models of pathologies both in vitro and in vivo. To illustrate, some GHS, currently under evaluation by regulatory agencies for the treatment of human cachexia, have a good safety profile and are safe for human use. Collectively, evidence suggests that ghrelin and cognate GHS may constitute potential therapies for ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramona Meanti
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, Monza, 20900, Italy
| | - Elena Bresciani
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, Monza, 20900, Italy
| | - Laura Rizzi
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, Monza, 20900, Italy
| | - Silvia Coco
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, Monza, 20900, Italy
| | - Vanessa Zambelli
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, Monza, 20900, Italy
| | - Anna Dimitroulas
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Stag Hill, Guildford, GU2 7XH, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Molteni
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, Monza, 20900, Italy
| | - Robert J. Omeljaniuk
- Department of Biology, Lakehead University, 955 Oliver Rd, Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7B 5E1, Canada
| | - Vittorio Locatelli
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, Monza, 20900, Italy
| | - Antonio Torsello
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, Monza, 20900, Italy
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243
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Identifying Candidate Genes Associated with Sporadic Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis via Integrative Analysis of Transcriptome-Wide Association Study and Messenger RNA Expression Profile. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:327-338. [PMID: 35038056 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-021-01186-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a fatal neurodegeneration disease affecting motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, is difficult to diagnose and treat. The objective of this study is to identify novel candidate genes related to ALS. Transcriptome-wide association study of ALS was conducted by integrating the genome-wide association study summary data (including 1234 ALS patients and 2850 controls) and pre-computed gene expression weights of different tissues. The ALS-associated genes identified by TWAS were further compared with the differentially expressed genes detected by the mRNA expression profiles of the sporadic ALS. Functional enrichment and annotation analysis of identified genes were performed by an R package and the functional mapping and annotation software. TWAS identified 761 significant genes (PTWAS < 0.05), 627 Gene ontology terms, and 8 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways for ALS, such as C9orf72, with three expression quantitative trait loci were found significantly: rs2453554 (PTWAS CBRS = 4.68 × 10-10, PTWAS CBRS = 2.54 × 10-9), rs10967976 (PTWAS CBRS = 7.85 × 10-10, PTWAS CBRS = 8.91 × 10-9, PTWAS CBRS = 1.49 × 10-7, PTWAS CBRS = 5.59 × 10-7), rs3849946 (PTWAS CBRS = 7.69 × 10-4, PTWAS YBL = 4.02 × 10-2), Mitochondrion (Padj = 4.22 × 10-16), and Cell cycle (Padj = 2.04 × 10-3). Moreover, 107 common genes, 4 KEGG pathways and 41 GO terms were detected by integrating mRNA expression profiles of sALS, such as CPVL (FC = 2.06, PmRNA = 6.99 × 10-6, PTWAS CBR = 2.88 × 10-2, PTWAS CBR = 4.37 × 10-2), Pyrimidine Metabolism (Padj = 2.43 × 10-2), and Cell Activation (Padj = 5.54 × 10-3). Multiple candidate genes and pathways were detected for ALS. Our findings may provide novel clues for understanding the genetic mechanism of ALS.
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244
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Detection and modulation of neurodegenerative processes using graphene-based nanomaterials: Nanoarchitectonics and applications. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 311:102824. [PMID: 36549182 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2022.102824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs) are caused by progressive loss of functional neurons following the aggregation and fibrillation of proteins in the central nervous system. The incidence rate continues to rise alarmingly worldwide, particularly in aged population, and the success of treatment remains limited to symptomatic relief. Graphene nanomaterials (GNs) have attracted immense interest on the account of their unique physicochemical and optoelectronic properties. The research over the past two decades has recognized their ability to interact with aggregation-prone neuronal proteins, regulate autophagy and modulate the electrophysiology of neuronal cells. Graphene can prevent the formation of higher order protein aggregates and facilitate the clearance of such deposits. In this review, after highlighting the role of protein fibrillation in neurodegeneration, we have discussed how GN-protein interactions can be exploited for preventing neurodegeneration. A comprehensive understanding of such interactions would contribute to the exploration of novel modalities for controlling neurodegenerative processes.
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245
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Soares P, Silva C, Chavarria D, Silva FSG, Oliveira PJ, Borges F. Drug discovery and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Emerging challenges and therapeutic opportunities. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 83:101790. [PMID: 36402404 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2022.101790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by the degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons (MNs) leading to paralysis and, ultimately, death by respiratory failure 3-5 years after diagnosis. Edaravone and Riluzole, the only drugs currently approved for ALS treatment, only provide mild symptomatic relief to patients. Extraordinary progress in understanding the biology of ALS provided new grounds for drug discovery. Over the last two decades, mitochondria and oxidative stress (OS), iron metabolism and ferroptosis, and the major regulators of hypoxia and inflammation - HIF and NF-κB - emerged as promising targets for ALS therapeutic intervention. In this review, we focused our attention on these targets to outline and discuss current advances in ALS drug development. Based on the challenges and the roadblocks, we believe that the rational design of multi-target ligands able to modulate the complex network of events behind the disease can provide effective therapies in a foreseeable future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Soares
- CIQUP-IMS/Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Catia Silva
- CIQUP-IMS/Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Daniel Chavarria
- CIQUP-IMS/Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Filomena S G Silva
- CNC - CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB - Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paulo J Oliveira
- CNC - CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB - Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; IIUC - Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Fernanda Borges
- CIQUP-IMS/Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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246
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Molecular Investigations of Protein Aggregation in the Pathogenesis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010704. [PMID: 36614144 PMCID: PMC9820914 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by selective loss of lower and upper motor neurons (MNs) in the brain and spinal cord, resulting in paralysis and eventually death due to respiratory insufficiency. Although the fundamental physiological mechanisms underlying ALS are not completely understood, the key neuropathological hallmarks of ALS pathology are the aggregation and accumulation of ubiquitinated protein inclusions within the cytoplasm of degenerating MNs. Herein, we discuss recent insights into the molecular mechanisms that lead to the accumulation of protein aggregates in ALS. This will contribute to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease and may open novel avenues for the development of therapeutic strategies.
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247
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Lépine S, Castellanos-Montiel MJ, Durcan TM. TDP-43 dysregulation and neuromuscular junction disruption in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Transl Neurodegener 2022; 11:56. [PMID: 36575535 PMCID: PMC9793560 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-022-00331-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a disease characterized by upper and lower motor neuron (MN) loss with a signature feature of cytoplasmic aggregates containing TDP-43, which are detected in nearly all patients. Mutations in the gene that encodes TDP-43 (TARBDP) are known to result in both familial and sporadic ALS. In ALS, disruption of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) constitutes a critical event in disease pathogenesis, leading to denervation atrophy, motor impairments and disability. Morphological defects and impaired synaptic transmission at NMJs have been reported in several TDP-43 animal models and in vitro, linking TDP-43 dysregulation to the loss of NMJ integrity in ALS. Through the lens of the dying-back and dying-forward hypotheses of ALS, this review discusses the roles of TDP-43 related to synaptic function, with a focus on the potential molecular mechanisms occurring within MNs, skeletal muscles and glial cells that may contribute to NMJ disruption in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Lépine
- grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649The Neuro’s Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, 3801 University Street, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4 Canada ,grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, 3605 De La Montagne, Montreal, QC H3G 2M1 Canada
| | - Maria José Castellanos-Montiel
- grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649The Neuro’s Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, 3801 University Street, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4 Canada
| | - Thomas Martin Durcan
- grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649The Neuro’s Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, 3801 University Street, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4 Canada
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248
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Jiang Z, Wang Z, Wei X, Yu XF. Inflammatory checkpoints in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: From biomarkers to therapeutic targets. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1059994. [PMID: 36618399 PMCID: PMC9815501 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1059994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive motor neuron damage. Due to the complexity of the ALS, so far the etiology and underlying pathogenesis of sporadic ALS are not completely understood. Recently, many studies have emphasized the role of inflammatory networks, which are comprised of various inflammatory molecules and proteins in the pathogenesis of ALS. Inflammatory molecules and proteins may be used as independent predictors of patient survival and might be used in patient stratification and in evaluating the therapeutic response in clinical trials. This review article describes the latest advances in various inflammatory markers in ALS and its animal models. In particular, this review discusses the role of inflammatory molecule markers in the pathogenesis of the disease and their relationship with clinical parameters. We also highlight the advantages and disadvantages of applying inflammatory markers in clinical manifestations, animal studies, and drug clinical trials. Further, we summarize the potential application of some inflammatory biomarkers as new therapeutic targets and therapeutic strategies, which would perhaps expand the therapeutic interventions for ALS.
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249
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Vitamin D in Neurological Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010087. [PMID: 36613531 PMCID: PMC9820561 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin D may have multiple effects on the nervous system and its deficiency can represent a possible risk factor for the development of many neurological diseases. Recent studies are also trying to clarify the different effects of vitamin D supplementation over the course of progressive neurological diseases. In this narrative review, we summarise vitamin D chemistry, metabolism, mechanisms of action, and the recommended daily intake. The role of vitamin D on gene transcription and the immune response is also reviewed. Finally, we discuss the scientific evidence that links low 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations to the onset and progression of severe neurological diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, migraine, diabetic neuropathy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Completed and ongoing clinical trials on vitamin D supplementation in neurological diseases are listed.
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250
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Romano R, De Luca M, Del Fiore VS, Pecoraro M, Lattante S, Sabatelli M, La Bella V, Bucci C. Allele-specific silencing as therapy for familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis caused by the p.G376D TARDBP mutation. Brain Commun 2022; 4:fcac315. [PMID: 36751500 PMCID: PMC9897181 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcac315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the degeneration of motor neurons. There is no treatment for this disease that affects the ability to move, eat, speak and finally breathe, causing death. In an Italian family, a heterozygous pathogenic missense variant has been previously discovered in Exon 6 of the gene TARDBP encoding the TAR DNA-binding protein 43 protein. Here, we developed a potential therapeutic tool based on allele-specific small interfering RNAs for familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with the heterozygous missense mutation c.1127G>A. We designed a small interfering RNA that was able to diminish specifically the expression of the exogenous Green Fluorescent Protein (TAR DNA-binding protein 43G376D mutant protein) in HEK-293T cells but not that of the Green Fluorescent Protein (TAR DNA-binding protein 43 wild-type). Similarly, this small interfering RNA silenced the mutated allele in fibroblasts derived from patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis but did not silence the wild-type gene in control fibroblasts. In addition, we established that silencing the mutated allele was able to strongly reduce the pathological cellular phenotypes induced by TAR DNA-binding protein 43G376D expression, such as the presence of cytoplasmic aggregates. Thus, we have identified a small interfering RNA that could be used to silence specifically the mutated allele to try a targeted therapy for patients carrying the p.G376D TAR DNA-binding protein 43 mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Romano
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DiSTeBA), Via Provinciale Lecce-Monteroni n.165, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Maria De Luca
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DiSTeBA), Via Provinciale Lecce-Monteroni n.165, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Victoria Stefania Del Fiore
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DiSTeBA), Via Provinciale Lecce-Monteroni n.165, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Martina Pecoraro
- ALS Clinical Research Center, P Giaccone University Hospital and Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and advanced Diagnostic (BIND), University of Palermo, via Gaetano La Loggia n° 1, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Serena Lattante
- Section of Genomic Medicine, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy,Unit of Medical Genetics, Department of Laboratory and Infectious Disease Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Mario Sabatelli
- Adult NEMO Clinical Center, Unit of Neurology, Department of Aging, Neurological, Orthopedic and Head-Neck Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy,Section of Neurology, Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo La Bella
- ALS Clinical Research Center, P Giaccone University Hospital and Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and advanced Diagnostic (BIND), University of Palermo, via Gaetano La Loggia n° 1, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Cecilia Bucci
- Correspondence to: Cecilia Bucci Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DiSTeBA) Via Provinciale Lecce-Monteroni n.165 73100 Lecce, Italy E-mail:
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