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Karafoulidou E, Kesidou E, Theotokis P, Konstantinou C, Nella MK, Michailidou I, Touloumi O, Polyzoidou E, Salamotas I, Einstein O, Chatzisotiriou A, Boziki MK, Grigoriadis N. Systemic LPS Administration Stimulates the Activation of Non-Neuronal Cells in an Experimental Model of Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Cells 2024; 13:785. [PMID: 38727321 PMCID: PMC11083572 DOI: 10.3390/cells13090785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by deficiency of the survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. Although SMA is a genetic disease, environmental factors contribute to disease progression. Common pathogen components such as lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are considered significant contributors to inflammation and have been associated with muscle atrophy, which is considered a hallmark of SMA. In this study, we used the SMNΔ7 experimental mouse model of SMA to scrutinize the effect of systemic LPS administration, a strong pro-inflammatory stimulus, on disease outcome. Systemic LPS administration promoted a reduction in SMN expression levels in CNS, peripheral lymphoid organs, and skeletal muscles. Moreover, peripheral tissues were more vulnerable to LPS-induced damage compared to CNS tissues. Furthermore, systemic LPS administration resulted in a profound increase in microglia and astrocytes with reactive phenotypes in the CNS of SMNΔ7 mice. In conclusion, we hereby show for the first time that systemic LPS administration, although it may not precipitate alterations in terms of deficits of motor functions in a mouse model of SMA, it may, however, lead to a reduction in the SMN protein expression levels in the skeletal muscles and the CNS, thus promoting synapse damage and glial cells' reactive phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Karafoulidou
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology and Neuroimmunology, 2nd Neurological University Department, AHEPA General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Faculty of Health Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.K.); (E.K.); (P.T.); (C.K.); (M.-K.N.); (I.M.); (O.T.); (E.P.); (I.S.)
| | - Evangelia Kesidou
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology and Neuroimmunology, 2nd Neurological University Department, AHEPA General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Faculty of Health Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.K.); (E.K.); (P.T.); (C.K.); (M.-K.N.); (I.M.); (O.T.); (E.P.); (I.S.)
| | - Paschalis Theotokis
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology and Neuroimmunology, 2nd Neurological University Department, AHEPA General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Faculty of Health Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.K.); (E.K.); (P.T.); (C.K.); (M.-K.N.); (I.M.); (O.T.); (E.P.); (I.S.)
| | - Chrystalla Konstantinou
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology and Neuroimmunology, 2nd Neurological University Department, AHEPA General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Faculty of Health Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.K.); (E.K.); (P.T.); (C.K.); (M.-K.N.); (I.M.); (O.T.); (E.P.); (I.S.)
| | - Maria-Konstantina Nella
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology and Neuroimmunology, 2nd Neurological University Department, AHEPA General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Faculty of Health Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.K.); (E.K.); (P.T.); (C.K.); (M.-K.N.); (I.M.); (O.T.); (E.P.); (I.S.)
| | - Iliana Michailidou
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology and Neuroimmunology, 2nd Neurological University Department, AHEPA General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Faculty of Health Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.K.); (E.K.); (P.T.); (C.K.); (M.-K.N.); (I.M.); (O.T.); (E.P.); (I.S.)
| | - Olga Touloumi
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology and Neuroimmunology, 2nd Neurological University Department, AHEPA General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Faculty of Health Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.K.); (E.K.); (P.T.); (C.K.); (M.-K.N.); (I.M.); (O.T.); (E.P.); (I.S.)
| | - Eleni Polyzoidou
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology and Neuroimmunology, 2nd Neurological University Department, AHEPA General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Faculty of Health Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.K.); (E.K.); (P.T.); (C.K.); (M.-K.N.); (I.M.); (O.T.); (E.P.); (I.S.)
| | - Ilias Salamotas
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology and Neuroimmunology, 2nd Neurological University Department, AHEPA General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Faculty of Health Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.K.); (E.K.); (P.T.); (C.K.); (M.-K.N.); (I.M.); (O.T.); (E.P.); (I.S.)
| | - Ofira Einstein
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel;
| | - Athanasios Chatzisotiriou
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Marina-Kleopatra Boziki
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology and Neuroimmunology, 2nd Neurological University Department, AHEPA General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Faculty of Health Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.K.); (E.K.); (P.T.); (C.K.); (M.-K.N.); (I.M.); (O.T.); (E.P.); (I.S.)
| | - Nikolaos Grigoriadis
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology and Neuroimmunology, 2nd Neurological University Department, AHEPA General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Faculty of Health Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.K.); (E.K.); (P.T.); (C.K.); (M.-K.N.); (I.M.); (O.T.); (E.P.); (I.S.)
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2
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Garcia EL, Steiner RE, Raimer AC, Herring LE, Matera AG, Spring AM. Dysregulation of innate immune signaling in animal models of spinal muscular atrophy. BMC Biol 2024; 22:94. [PMID: 38664795 PMCID: PMC11044505 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-024-01888-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a devastating neuromuscular disease caused by hypomorphic loss of function in the survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. SMA presents across a broad spectrum of disease severity. Unfortunately, genetic models of intermediate SMA have been difficult to generate in vertebrates and are thus unable to address key aspects of disease etiology. To address these issues, we developed a Drosophila model system that recapitulates the full range of SMA severity, allowing studies of pre-onset biology as well as late-stage disease processes. RESULTS Here, we carried out transcriptomic and proteomic profiling of mild and intermediate Drosophila models of SMA to elucidate molecules and pathways that contribute to the disease. Using this approach, we elaborated a role for the SMN complex in the regulation of innate immune signaling. We find that mutation or tissue-specific depletion of SMN induces hyperactivation of the immune deficiency (IMD) and Toll pathways, leading to overexpression of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and ectopic formation of melanotic masses in the absence of an external challenge. Furthermore, the knockdown of downstream targets of these signaling pathways reduced melanotic mass formation caused by SMN loss. Importantly, we identify SMN as a negative regulator of a ubiquitylation complex that includes Traf6, Bendless, and Diap2 and plays a pivotal role in several signaling networks. CONCLUSIONS In alignment with recent research on other neurodegenerative diseases, these findings suggest that hyperactivation of innate immunity contributes to SMA pathology. This work not only provides compelling evidence that hyperactive innate immune signaling is a primary effect of SMN depletion, but it also suggests that the SMN complex plays a regulatory role in this process in vivo. In summary, immune dysfunction in SMA is a consequence of reduced SMN levels and is driven by cellular and molecular mechanisms that are conserved between insects and mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric L Garcia
- Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Rebecca E Steiner
- Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- RNA Discovery and Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Centers, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, 27599, USA
- Present Address: Lake, Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL, USA
| | - Amanda C Raimer
- Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, 27599, USA
- Present Address, Radford University, Radford, VA, USA
| | - Laura E Herring
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - A Gregory Matera
- Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, 27599, USA.
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, 27599, USA.
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, 27599, USA.
- RNA Discovery and Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Centers, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, 27599, USA.
| | - Ashlyn M Spring
- Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, 27402, USA.
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3
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Rashid S, Dimitriadi M. Autophagy in spinal muscular atrophy: from pathogenic mechanisms to therapeutic approaches. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 17:1307636. [PMID: 38259504 PMCID: PMC10801191 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1307636] [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: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a devastating neuromuscular disorder caused by the depletion of the ubiquitously expressed survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. While the genetic cause of SMA has been well documented, the exact mechanism(s) by which SMN depletion results in disease progression remain elusive. A wide body of evidence has highlighted the involvement and dysregulation of autophagy in SMA. Autophagy is a highly conserved lysosomal degradation process which is necessary for cellular homeostasis; defects in the autophagic machinery have been linked with a wide range of neurodegenerative disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. The pathway is particularly known to prevent neurodegeneration and has been suggested to act as a neuroprotective factor, thus presenting an attractive target for novel therapies for SMA patients. In this review, (a) we provide for the first time a comprehensive summary of the perturbations in the autophagic networks that characterize SMA development, (b) highlight the autophagic regulators which may play a key role in SMA pathogenesis and (c) propose decreased autophagic flux as the causative agent underlying the autophagic dysregulation observed in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Dimitriadi
- School of Life and Medical Science, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
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4
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Lashgari NA, Roudsari NM, Shayan M, Eshraghi S, Momtaz S, Jamialahmadi T, Abdolghaffari AH, Sahebkar A. Spinal Muscular Atrophy Treatment: The MTOR Regulatory Intervention. Curr Med Chem 2024; 31:1512-1522. [PMID: 36788689 DOI: 10.2174/0929867330666230213114909] [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: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a hereditary disorder affecting neurons and muscles, resulting in muscle weakness and atrophy. Most SMA cases are diagnosed during infancy or early childhood, the most common inherited cause of infant mortality without treatment. Still, SMA might appear at older ages with milder symptoms. SMA patients demonstrate progressive muscle waste, movement problems, tremors, dysphagia, bone and joint deformations, and breathing difficulties. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), the mechanistic target of rapamycin, is a member of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-related kinase family of protein kinases encoded by the mTOR gene in humans. The mTOR phosphorylation, deregulation, and autophagy have shown dissimilarity amongst SMA cell types. Therefore, exploring the underlying molecular process in SMA therapy could provide novel insights and pave the way for finding new treatment options. This paper provides new insight into the possible modulatory effect of mTOR/ autophagy in SMA management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naser-Aldin Lashgari
- Department of Toxicology & Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
- GI Pharmacology Interest Group (GPIG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Nazanin Momeni Roudsari
- Department of Toxicology & Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
- GI Pharmacology Interest Group (GPIG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Shayan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sadaf Eshraghi
- Department of Toxicology & Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeideh Momtaz
- GI Pharmacology Interest Group (GPIG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, Karaj, Iran
- Toxicology and Diseases Group (TDG), Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center (PSRC), The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TIPS), and Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tannaz Jamialahmadi
- Surgical Oncology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amir Hossein Abdolghaffari
- Department of Toxicology & Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
- GI Pharmacology Interest Group (GPIG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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5
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Garcia EL, Steiner RE, Raimer AC, Herring LE, Matera AG, Spring AM. Dysregulation of innate immune signaling in animal models of Spinal Muscular Atrophy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.14.571739. [PMID: 38168196 PMCID: PMC10760185 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.14.571739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Background Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a devastating neuromuscular disease caused by hypomorphic loss of function in the Survival Motor Neuron (SMN) protein. SMA presents across broad spectrum of disease severity. Unfortunately, vertebrate models of intermediate SMA have been difficult to generate and are thus unable to address key aspects of disease etiology. To address these issues, we developed a Drosophila model system that recapitulates the full range of SMA severity, allowing studies of pre-onset biology as well as late-stage disease processes. Results Here, we carried out transcriptomic and proteomic profiling of mild and intermediate Drosophila models of SMA to elucidate molecules and pathways that contribute to the disease. Using this approach, we elaborated a role for the SMN complex in the regulation of innate immune signaling. We find that mutation or tissue-specific depletion of SMN induces hyperactivation of the Immune Deficiency (IMD) and Toll pathways, leading to overexpression of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and ectopic formation of melanotic masses in the absence of an external challenge. Furthermore, knockdown of downstream targets of these signaling pathways reduced melanotic mass formation caused by SMN loss. Importantly, we identify SMN as a negative regulator of an ubiquitylation complex that includes Traf6, Bendless and Diap2, and plays a pivotal role in several signaling networks. Conclusions In alignment with recent research on other neurodegenerative diseases, these findings suggest that hyperactivation of innate immunity contributes to SMA pathology. This work not only provides compelling evidence that hyperactive innate immune signaling is a primary effect of SMN depletion, but it also suggests that the SMN complex plays a regulatory role in this process in vivo. In summary, immune dysfunction in SMA is a consequence of reduced SMN levels and is driven by cellular and molecular mechanisms that are conserved between insects and mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric L. Garcia
- Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill NC, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington KY, USA
| | - Rebecca E. Steiner
- Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill NC, USA
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Amanda C. Raimer
- Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill NC, USA
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Laura E. Herring
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - A. Gregory Matera
- Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill NC, USA
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Ashlyn M. Spring
- Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill NC, USA
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro NC, USA
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Garofalo M, Bonanno S, Marcuzzo S, Pandini C, Scarian E, Dragoni F, Di Gerlando R, Bordoni M, Parravicini S, Gellera C, Masson R, Dosi C, Zanin R, Pansarasa O, Cereda C, Berardinelli A, Gagliardi S. Preliminary insights into RNA in CSF of pediatric SMA patients after 6 months of nusinersen. Biol Direct 2023; 18:57. [PMID: 37705059 PMCID: PMC10498611 DOI: 10.1186/s13062-023-00413-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare autosomal-recessive neurodegenerative disorder caused by mutations in survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene, and consequent loss of function of SMN protein, which results in progressive loss of lower motor neurons, and muscular wasting. Antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) nusinersen (Spinraza®) modulates the pre-mRNA splicing of the SMN2 gene, allowing rebalance of biologically active SMN. It is administered intrathecally via lumbar puncture after removing an equal amount of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Its effect was proven beneficial and approved since 2017 for SMA treatment. Given the direct effect of nusinersen on RNA metabolism, the aim of this project was to evaluate cell-free RNA (cfRNA) in CSF of SMA patients under ASOs treatment for biomarker discovery. METHODS By RNA-sequencing approach, RNA obtained from CSF of pediatric SMA type 2 and 3 patients was processed after 6 months of nusinersen treatment, at fifth intrathecal injection (T6), and compared to baseline (T0). RESULTS We observed the deregulation of cfRNAs in patients at T6 and we were able to classify these RNAs into disease specific, treatment specific and treatment dependent. Moreover, we subdivided patients into "homogeneous" and "heterogeneous" according to their gene expression pattern. The "heterogeneous" group showed peculiar activation of genes coding for ribosomal components, meaning that in these patients a different molecular effect of nusinersen is observable, even if this specific molecular response was not referable to a clinical pattern. CONCLUSIONS This study provides preliminary insights into modulation of gene expression dependent on nusinersen treatment and lays the foundation for biomarkers discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - S Bonanno
- Neurology IV-Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - S Marcuzzo
- Neurology IV-Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - C Pandini
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - E Scarian
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - F Dragoni
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - R Di Gerlando
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - M Bordoni
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - S Parravicini
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - C Gellera
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - R Masson
- Neurology IV-Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - C Dosi
- Neurology IV-Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - R Zanin
- Neurology IV-Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | | | - C Cereda
- Center of Functional Genomics and Rare Diseases, V. Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154, Milan, Italy
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Rey F, Berardo C, Maghraby E, Mauri A, Messa L, Esposito L, Casili G, Ottolenghi S, Bonaventura E, Cuzzocrea S, Zuccotti G, Tonduti D, Esposito E, Paterniti I, Cereda C, Carelli S. Redox Imbalance in Neurological Disorders in Adults and Children. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12040965. [PMID: 37107340 PMCID: PMC10135575 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12040965] [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: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxygen is a central molecule for numerous metabolic and cytophysiological processes, and, indeed, its imbalance can lead to numerous pathological consequences. In the human body, the brain is an aerobic organ and for this reason, it is very sensitive to oxygen equilibrium. The consequences of oxygen imbalance are especially devastating when occurring in this organ. Indeed, oxygen imbalance can lead to hypoxia, hyperoxia, protein misfolding, mitochondria dysfunction, alterations in heme metabolism and neuroinflammation. Consequently, these dysfunctions can cause numerous neurological alterations, both in the pediatric life and in the adult ages. These disorders share numerous common pathways, most of which are consequent to redox imbalance. In this review, we will focus on the dysfunctions present in neurodegenerative disorders (specifically Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and pediatric neurological disorders (X-adrenoleukodystrophies, spinal muscular atrophy, mucopolysaccharidoses and Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease), highlighting their underlining dysfunction in redox and identifying potential therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Rey
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
- Center of Functional Genomics and Rare diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
| | - Clarissa Berardo
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
- Center of Functional Genomics and Rare diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
| | - Erika Maghraby
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Alessia Mauri
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
- Center of Functional Genomics and Rare diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
| | - Letizia Messa
- Center of Functional Genomics and Rare diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering (DEIB), Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Letizia Esposito
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
- Center of Functional Genomics and Rare diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
| | - Giovanna Casili
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Sara Ottolenghi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Eleonora Bonaventura
- Child Neurology Unit, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
- Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Leukodystrophies and Genetic Leukoencephalopathies (COALA), Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cuzzocrea
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
- Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
| | - Davide Tonduti
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
- Child Neurology Unit, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
- Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Leukodystrophies and Genetic Leukoencephalopathies (COALA), Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
| | - Emanuela Esposito
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Irene Paterniti
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Cristina Cereda
- Center of Functional Genomics and Rare diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
| | - Stephana Carelli
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
- Center of Functional Genomics and Rare diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
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8
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Bianco A, Antonacci Y, Liguori M. Sex and Gender Differences in Neurodegenerative Diseases: Challenges for Therapeutic Opportunities. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076354. [PMID: 37047320 PMCID: PMC10093984 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The term “neurodegenerative diseases” (NDs) identifies a group of heterogeneous diseases characterized by progressive loss of selectively vulnerable populations of neurons, which progressively deteriorates over time, leading to neuronal dysfunction. Protein aggregation and neuronal loss have been considered the most characteristic hallmarks of NDs, but growing evidence confirms that significant dysregulation of innate immune pathways plays a crucial role as well. NDs vary from multiple sclerosis, in which the autoimmune inflammatory component is predominant, to more “classical” NDs, such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and spinal muscular atrophy. Of interest, many of the clinical differences reported in NDs seem to be closely linked to sex, which may be justified by the significant changes in immune mechanisms between affected females and males. In this review, we examined some of the most studied NDs by looking at their pathogenic and phenotypical features to highlight sex-related discrepancies, if any, with particular interest in the individuals’ responses to treatment. We believe that pointing out these differences in clinical practice may help achieve more successful precision and personalized care.
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Nuzzo T, Russo R, Errico F, D’Amico A, Tewelde AG, Valletta M, Hassan A, Tosi M, Panicucci C, Bruno C, Bertini E, Chambery A, Pellizzoni L, Usiello A. Nusinersen mitigates neuroinflammation in severe spinal muscular atrophy patients. COMMUNICATIONS MEDICINE 2023; 3:28. [PMID: 36792810 PMCID: PMC9932014 DOI: 10.1038/s43856-023-00256-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroinflammation contributes to the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases, but has not been specifically investigated in patients affected by severe and milder forms of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). METHODS In this two-center retrospective study, we investigated signatures of neuroinflammation in forty-eight pediatric male and female SMA1 (n = 18), male and female SMA2 (n = 19), and female SMA3 (n = 11) patients, as well as in a limited number of male and female non-neurological control subjects (n = 4). We employed a Bio-Plex multiplex system based on xMAP technology and performed targeted quantitative analysis of a wide range of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines (chemokines, interferons, interleukins, lymphokines and tumor necrosis factors) and neurotrophic factors in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of the study cohort before and after Nusinersen treatment at loading and maintenance stages. RESULTS We find a significant increase in the levels of several pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2, IL-8, IL-12, IL-17, MIP-1α, MCP-1, and Eotaxin) and neurotrophic factors (PDGF-BB and VEGF) in the CSF of SMA1 patients relative to SMA2 and SMA3 individuals, who display levels in the range of controls. We also find that treatment with Nusinersen significantly reduces the CSF levels of some but not all of these neuroinflammatory molecules in SMA1 patients. Conversely, Nusinersen increases the CSF levels of proinflammatory G-CSF, IL-8, MCP-1, MIP-1α, and MIP-1β in SMA2 patients and decreases those of anti-inflammatory IL-1ra in SMA3 patients. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight signatures of neuroinflammation that are specifically associated with severe SMA and the neuro-immunomodulatory effects of Nusinersen therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Nuzzo
- grid.9841.40000 0001 2200 8888Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy ,grid.511947.f0000 0004 1758 0953Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosita Russo
- grid.9841.40000 0001 2200 8888Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
| | - Francesco Errico
- grid.511947.f0000 0004 1758 0953Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, Naples, Italy ,grid.4691.a0000 0001 0790 385XDepartment of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Portici, Italy
| | - Adele D’Amico
- grid.414125.70000 0001 0727 6809Unit of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disorders, Dept. Neurosciences, Bambino Gesu’ Children’s Hospital IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Awet G. Tewelde
- grid.9841.40000 0001 2200 8888Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
| | - Mariangela Valletta
- grid.9841.40000 0001 2200 8888Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
| | - Amber Hassan
- grid.511947.f0000 0004 1758 0953Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, Naples, Italy
| | - Michele Tosi
- grid.414125.70000 0001 0727 6809Unit of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disorders, Dept. Neurosciences, Bambino Gesu’ Children’s Hospital IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Chiara Panicucci
- grid.419504.d0000 0004 1760 0109Center of Translational and Experimental Myology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Claudio Bruno
- grid.419504.d0000 0004 1760 0109Center of Translational and Experimental Myology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy ,grid.5606.50000 0001 2151 3065Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal, and Child Health - DINOGMI, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Enrico Bertini
- grid.414125.70000 0001 0727 6809Unit of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disorders, Dept. Neurosciences, Bambino Gesu’ Children’s Hospital IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Angela Chambery
- grid.9841.40000 0001 2200 8888Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
| | - Livio Pellizzoni
- grid.21729.3f0000000419368729Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University, New York, NY USA ,grid.21729.3f0000000419368729Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY USA ,grid.21729.3f0000000419368729Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY USA
| | - Alessandro Usiello
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy. .,Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, Naples, Italy.
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10
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D’Silva AM, Kariyawasam D, Venkat P, Mayoh C, Farrar MA. Identification of Novel CSF-Derived miRNAs in Treated Paediatric Onset Spinal Muscular Atrophy: An Exploratory Study. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15010170. [PMID: 36678797 PMCID: PMC9865256 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15010170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The availability of disease modifying therapies for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) have created an urgent need to identify clinically meaningful biomarkers that provide insight into disease progression and therapeutic response. microRNAs (miRNA) have been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of SMA and have the potential to provide insight within the field of SMA. miRNA-sequencing was utilized to identify differential miRNA expression in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in six children with SMA treated with nusinersen in this exploratory study. Fourteen differentially expressed miRNAs were significantly altered in CSF from baseline to follow-up during treatment with nusinersen. The greatest magnitude of change was noted in miR-7-5p, miR-15a-5p, miR-15b-3p/5p, miR-126-5p, miR-128-2-5p and miR-130a-3p which encompassed a spectrum of functions predominantly in neurogenesis, neuronal differentiation and growth. The dominant signaling pathways identified in this study were the mammalian target of rapamycin and the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways. This study identified multiple miRNAs that were involved in the complex interplay between neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arlene M. D’Silva
- Department of Neurology, Sydney Children’s Hospital Network, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-2-9382-5517
| | - Didu Kariyawasam
- Department of Neurology, Sydney Children’s Hospital Network, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Pooja Venkat
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Chelsea Mayoh
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Michelle A. Farrar
- Department of Neurology, Sydney Children’s Hospital Network, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
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11
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Bonanno S, Cavalcante P, Salvi E, Giagnorio E, Malacarne C, Cattaneo M, Andreetta F, Venerando A, Pensato V, Gellera C, Zanin R, Arnoldi MT, Dosi C, Mantegazza R, Masson R, Maggi L, Marcuzzo S. Identification of a cytokine profile in serum and cerebrospinal fluid of pediatric and adult spinal muscular atrophy patients and its modulation upon nusinersen treatment. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:982760. [PMID: 36035258 PMCID: PMC9406526 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.982760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and objectivesMultisystem involvement in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is gaining prominence since different therapeutic options are emerging, making the way for new SMA phenotypes and consequent challenges in clinical care. Defective immune organs have been found in preclinical models of SMA, suggesting an involvement of the immune system in the disease. However, the immune state in SMA patients has not been investigated so far. Here, we aimed to evaluate the innate and adaptive immunity pattern in SMA type 1 to type 3 patients, before and after nusinersen treatment.MethodsTwenty one pediatric SMA type 1, 2, and 3 patients and 12 adult SMA type 2 and 3 patients were included in this single-center retrospective study. A Bio-Plex Pro-Human Cytokine 13-plex Immunoassay was used to measure cytokines in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of the study cohort before and after 6 months of therapy with nusinersen.ResultsWe detected a significant increase in IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IFN-γ, IL-17A, IL-22, IL-23, IL-31, and IL-33, in serum of pediatric and adult SMA patients at baseline, compared to pediatric reference ranges and to adult healthy controls. Pediatric patients showed also a significant increase in TNF-α and IL-17F levels at baseline. IL-4, IFN-γ, Il-22, IL-23, and IL-33 decreased in serum of pediatric SMA patients after 6 months of therapy when compared to baseline. A significant decrease in IL-4, IL-6, INF-γ, and IL-17A was detected in serum of adult SMA patients after treatment. CSF of both pediatric and adult SMA patients displayed detectable levels of all cytokines with no significant differences after 6 months of treatment with nusinersen. Notably, a higher baseline expression of IL-23 in serum correlated with a worse motor function outcome after treatment in pediatric patients. Moreover, after 6 months of treatment, patients presenting a higher IL-10 concentration in serum showed a better Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale Expanded (HFMSE) score.DiscussionPediatric and adult SMA patients show an inflammatory signature in serum that is reduced upon SMN2 modulating treatment, and the presence of inflammatory mediators in CSF. Our findings enhance SMA knowledge with potential clinical and therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Bonanno
- Neurology IV - Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: Silvia Bonanno,
| | - Paola Cavalcante
- Neurology IV - Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
- Paola Cavalcante,
| | - Erika Salvi
- Neuroalgology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Eleonora Giagnorio
- Neurology IV - Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Malacarne
- Neurology IV - Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
- Ph.D. Program in Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Marco Cattaneo
- Neuroalgology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Andreetta
- Neurology IV - Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Venerando
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Viviana Pensato
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Cinzia Gellera
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Riccardo Zanin
- Developmental Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Arnoldi
- Developmental Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Dosi
- Developmental Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Renato Mantegazza
- Neurology IV - Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Riccardo Masson
- Developmental Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Maggi
- Neurology IV - Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Marcuzzo
- Neurology IV - Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
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12
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Stolte B, Schreiber-Katz O, Günther R, Wurster C, Petri S, Osmanovic A, Freigang M, Uzelac Z, Leo M, von Velsen O, Bayer W, Dittmer U, Kleinschnitz C, Hagenacker T. Prevalence of Anti-AAV9 Antibodies in Adult Patients with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Hum Gene Ther 2022; 33:968-976. [PMID: 35943879 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2022.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
5q-associated spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive neuromuscular disorder that leads to progressive muscle atrophy and weakness. The disease is caused by a homozygous deletion or mutation in the survival of motor neuron 1 gene (SMN1), resulting in insufficient levels of SMN protein. Onasemnogene abeparvovec-xioi (OA) is a non-replicating vector based on adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (AAV9) that contains the full-length human SMN1 gene. Recently, OA was approved for the treatment of SMA by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency. Since the presence of neutralizing antibodies caused by previous natural exposure to wild-type AAVs may impair the efficiency of AAV-mediated gene transfer, and thus reduce the therapeutic benefit of the gene therapy, an AAV9-binding antibody titer of >1:50 was defined as a surrogate exclusion criterion in pivotal OA clinical trials. However, these studies were exclusively conducted in infants and children. Since data on anti-AAV9 antibody titers in adults are generally sparse and not available for adult patients with SMA, we determined the prevalence of anti-AAV9 antibodies in sera of adult individuals with SMA to evaluate the feasibility of AAV9-mediated gene therapy in this cohort. In our study population of 69 adult patients with SMA type 2 and type 3 from four German academic sites, only three patients (4.3%) had an elevated anti-AAV9 antibody titer of >1:50. The prevalence of anti-AAV9 antibodies did not increase with age. The low and age-independent prevalence of anti-AAV9 antibodies in our cohort provides evidence that gene therapy with intravenous administered recombinant AAV9 vectors (rAAV9) might be feasible in adult patients with SMA, regardless of the patients' sex, SMA type, walking ability, or ventilatory status. This could also apply to the treatment of other inherited neurological diseases with rAAV9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Stolte
- University Medicine Essen, Dep of Neurology, Essen, Germany;
| | | | - René Günther
- Dresden University Hospital, Department of Neurology, Dresden, Sachsen, Germany;
| | - Claudia Wurster
- RKU, Department of Neurology, Ulm, Baden-Württemberg, Germany;
| | - Susanne Petri
- MHH, Department of Neurology, Hannover, Niedersachsen, Germany;
| | - Alma Osmanovic
- University Medicine Essen, 8Essen Center for Rare Diseases (EZSE), Essen, Germany.,MHH, Department of Neurology, Hannover, Niedersachsen, Germany;
| | - Maren Freigang
- Dresden University Hospital, Department of Neurology, Dresden, Sachsen, Germany;
| | - Zeljko Uzelac
- RKU, Department of Neurology, Ulm, Baden-Württemberg, Germany;
| | - Markus Leo
- University Medicine Essen, Dep of Neurology, Essen, Germany;
| | - Otgonzul von Velsen
- University Medicine Essen, Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometrics and Epidemiology, Essen, Germany;
| | - Wibke Bayer
- University Medicine Essen, Institute for Virology, Essen, Germany;
| | - Ulf Dittmer
- University Medicine Essen, Institute for Virology, Essen, Germany;
| | | | - Tim Hagenacker
- University Medicine Essen, Dep of Neurology, Hufelandstr. 55, Essen, Germany, 45127;
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13
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Chehade L, Deguise MO, De Repentigny Y, Yaworski R, Beauvais A, Gagnon S, Hensel N, Kothary R. Suppression of the necroptotic cell death pathways improves survival in Smn2B/− mice. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:972029. [PMID: 35990890 PMCID: PMC9381707 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.972029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a monogenic neuromuscular disease caused by low levels of the Survival Motor Neuron (SMN) protein. Motor neuron degeneration is the central hallmark of the disease. However, the SMN protein is ubiquitously expressed and depletion of the protein in peripheral tissues results in intrinsic disease manifestations, including muscle defects, independent of neurodegeneration. The approved SMN-restoring therapies have led to remarkable clinical improvements in SMA patients. Yet, the presence of a significant number of non-responders stresses the need for complementary therapeutic strategies targeting processes which do not rely solely on restoring SMN. Dysregulated cell death pathways are candidates for SMN-independent pathomechanisms in SMA. Receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) and RIPK3 have been widely recognized as critical therapeutic targets of necroptosis, an important form of programmed cell death. In addition, Caspase-1 plays a fundamental role in inflammation and cell death. In this study, we evaluate the role of necroptosis, particularly RIPK3 and Caspase-1, in the Smn2B/− mouse model of SMA. We have generated a triple mutant (TKO), the Smn2B/−; Ripk3−/−; Casp1−/− mouse. TKO mice displayed a robust increase in survival and improved motor function compared to Smn2B/− mice. While there was no protection against motor neuron loss or neuromuscular junction pathology, larger muscle fibers were observed in TKO mice compared to Smn2B/− mice. Our study shows that necroptosis modulates survival, motor behavior and muscle fiber size independent of SMN levels and independent of neurodegeneration. Thus, small-molecule inhibitors of necroptosis as a combinatorial approach together with SMN-restoring drugs could be a future strategy for the treatment of SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Chehade
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Center for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Marc-Olivier Deguise
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Center for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Yves De Repentigny
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Rebecca Yaworski
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Ariane Beauvais
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Sabrina Gagnon
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Niko Hensel
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Rashmi Kothary
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Center for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Rashmi Kothary
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14
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Khayrullina G, Alipio‐Gloria ZA, Deguise M, Gagnon S, Chehade L, Stinson M, Belous N, Bergman EM, Lischka FW, Rotty J, Dalgard CL, Kothary R, Johnson KA, Burnett BG. Survival motor neuron protein deficiency alters microglia reactivity. Glia 2022; 70:1337-1358. [PMID: 35373853 PMCID: PMC9081169 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Survival motor neuron (SMN) protein deficiency results in loss of alpha motor neurons and subsequent muscle atrophy in patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Reactive microglia have been reported in SMA mice and depleting microglia rescues the number of proprioceptive synapses, suggesting a role in SMA pathology. Here, we explore the contribution of lymphocytes on microglia reactivity in SMA mice and investigate how SMN deficiency alters the reactive profile of human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived microglia. We show that microglia adopt a reactive morphology in spinal cords of SMA mice. Ablating lymphocytes did not alter the reactive morphology of SMA microglia and did not improve the survival or motor function of SMA mice, indicating limited impact of peripheral immune cells on the SMA phenotype. We found iPSC-derived SMA microglia adopted an amoeboid morphology and displayed a reactive transcriptome profile, increased cell migration, and enhanced phagocytic activity. Importantly, cell morphology and electrophysiological properties of motor neurons were altered when they were incubated with conditioned media from SMA microglia. Together, these data reveal that SMN-deficient microglia adopt a reactive profile and exhibit an exaggerated inflammatory response with potential impact on SMA neuropathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guzal Khayrullina
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and GeneticsUniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, F. Edward Hebert School of MedicineBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | | | - Marc‐Olivier Deguise
- Regenerative Medicine ProgramOttawa Hospital Research InstituteOttawaOntarioCanada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular MedicineUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioCanada
- Centre for Neuromuscular DiseaseUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioCanada
- Department of PediatricsChildren's Hospital of Eastern OntarioOttawaOntarioCanada
| | - Sabrina Gagnon
- Regenerative Medicine ProgramOttawa Hospital Research InstituteOttawaOntarioCanada
| | - Lucia Chehade
- Regenerative Medicine ProgramOttawa Hospital Research InstituteOttawaOntarioCanada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular MedicineUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioCanada
- Centre for Neuromuscular DiseaseUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioCanada
| | - Matthew Stinson
- Department of BiochemistryUniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, F. Edward Hebert School of MedicineBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Natalya Belous
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and GeneticsUniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, F. Edward Hebert School of MedicineBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Elizabeth M. Bergman
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and GeneticsUniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, F. Edward Hebert School of MedicineBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Fritz W. Lischka
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and GeneticsUniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, F. Edward Hebert School of MedicineBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Jeremy Rotty
- Department of BiochemistryUniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, F. Edward Hebert School of MedicineBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Clifton L. Dalgard
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and GeneticsUniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, F. Edward Hebert School of MedicineBethesdaMarylandUSA
- The American Genome CenterUniformed Services University of the Health SciencesBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Rashmi Kothary
- Regenerative Medicine ProgramOttawa Hospital Research InstituteOttawaOntarioCanada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular MedicineUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioCanada
- Centre for Neuromuscular DiseaseUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioCanada
- Department of MedicineUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioCanada
| | | | - Barrington G. Burnett
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and GeneticsUniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, F. Edward Hebert School of MedicineBethesdaMarylandUSA
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15
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Daniel NH, Aravind A, Thakur P. Are ion channels potential therapeutic targets for Parkinson's disease? Neurotoxicology 2021; 87:243-257. [PMID: 34699791 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2021.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is primarily associated with the progressive neurodegeneration of the dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra region of the brain. The resulting motor symptoms are managed with the help of dopamine replacement therapies. However, these therapeutics do not prevent the neurodegeneration underlying the disease and therefore lose their effectiveness in managing disease symptoms over time. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop newer therapeutics for the benefit of patients. The release of dopamine and the firing activity of substantia nigra neurons is regulated by several ion channels that act in concert. Dysregulations of these channels cause the aberrant movement of various ions in the intracellular milieu. This eventually leads to disruption of intracellular signalling cascades, alterations in cellular homeostasis, and bioenergetic deficits. Therefore, ion channels play a central role in driving the high vulnerability of dopaminergic neurons to degenerate during PD. Targeting ion channels offers an attractive mechanistic strategy to combat the process of neurodegeneration. In this review, we highlight the evidence pointing to the role of various ion channels in driving the PD processes. In addition, we also discuss the various drugs or compounds that target the ion channels and have shown neuroprotective potential in the in-vitro and in-vivo models of PD. We also discuss the current clinical status of various drugs targeting the ion channels in the context of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Hanna Daniel
- School of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER)-Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695551, India
| | - Ananya Aravind
- School of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER)-Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695551, India
| | - Poonam Thakur
- School of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER)-Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695551, India.
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16
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Neuro-immune-metabolism: The tripod system of homeostasis. Immunol Lett 2021; 240:77-97. [PMID: 34655659 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2021.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Homeostatic regulation of cellular and molecular processes is essential for the efficient physiological functioning of body organs. It requires an intricate balance of several networks throughout the body, most notable being the nervous, immune and metabolic systems. Several studies have reported the interactions between neuro-immune, immune-metabolic and neuro-metabolic pathways. Current review aims to integrate the information and show that neuro, immune and metabolic systems form the triumvirate of homeostasis. It focuses on the cellular and molecular interactions occurring in the extremities and intestine, which are innervated by the peripheral nervous system and for the intestine in particular the enteric nervous system. While the interdependence of neuro-immune-metabolic pathways provides a fallback mechanism in case of disruption of homeostasis, in chronic pathologies of continued disequilibrium, the collapse of one system spreads to the other interacting networks as well. Current review illustrates this domino-effect using diabetes as the main example. Together, this review attempts to provide a holistic picture of the integrated network of neuro-immune-metabolism and attempts to broaden the outlook when devising a scientific study or a treatment strategy.
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17
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Milella G, Introna A, D'Errico E, Fraddosio A, Scaglione G, Morea A, Ucci M, Ruggieri M, Mastrapasqua M, Megna M, Puntillo F, Simone IL. Cerebrospinal Fluid and Clinical Profiles in Adult Type 2-3 Spinal Muscular Atrophy Patients Treated with Nusinersen: An 18-Month Single-Centre Experience. Clin Drug Investig 2021; 41:775-784. [PMID: 34389971 PMCID: PMC8390404 DOI: 10.1007/s40261-021-01071-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Nusinersen was approved as the first disease-modifying therapy in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Our aim was to analyse therapy-related changes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum parameters of adult type 2-3 SMA and to correlate biochemical data with motor functional status. METHODS Nine adult SMA type 2-3 patients and ten control subjects without neurodegenerative diseases were included in our single-centre study. Cross-sectional analysis of CSF routine parameters, CSF neurofilament light chain, CSF Tau, CSF phospho-Tau and serum creatinine was performed between SMA patients at baseline (T0) and control subjects. The above-mentioned fluid parameters were longitudinally analysed in the SMA cohort after loading dose (T1) and after four maintenance doses (T2, T3, T4, T5). Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale Expanded (HFMSE), Revised Upper Limb Module (RULM) and the 6-minute walking test (6MWT) were used to evaluate motor outcomes. RESULTS Improvements in HFMSE, RULM and 6MWT were observed only after the loading dose of nusinersen. No significant differences in routine CSF parameters and CSF markers of neurodegeneration were found between SMA patients and control subjects. Serum creatinine levels were significantly lower in SMA patients than in control subjects. CSF/serum albumin ratio (Qalb) significantly increased from T0 to each time point, without any further increase after the maintenance doses. Persistent systemic oligoclonal bands (OCBs) were found in five patients from baseline. Three more patients developed persistent systemic OCBs from T1; one patient showed intrathecal OCBSs from baseline to T5. Markers of neurodegeneration did not change during the follow-up and did not correlate with motor scores at baseline and at each timepoint. Serum creatinine levels significantly correlated with HFMSE and RULM at each time point. CONCLUSIONS The increase of the Qalb values and the development of systemic OCBs in some SMA patients could be due to repeated lumbar puncture and to the immunogenic effect of nusinersen. On the other hand, the presence of OCBs in serum and/or CSF at baseline should be further investigated. Furthermore, biomarkers of neurodegeneration did not play a prognostic role in our cohort of adult SMA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giammarco Milella
- Neurology Unit, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Alessandro Introna
- Neurology Unit, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Eustachio D'Errico
- Neurology Unit, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Angela Fraddosio
- Neurology Unit, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Gaspare Scaglione
- Neurology Unit, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonella Morea
- Neurology Unit, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Ucci
- Neurology Unit, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Maddalena Ruggieri
- Neurophysiopathology Unit, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Mariangela Mastrapasqua
- Neurophysiopathology Unit, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Marisa Megna
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Filomena Puntillo
- Anesthesia, Intensive Care, and Pain Unit, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine (DIM), University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Isabella Laura Simone
- Neurology Unit, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy.
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18
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Salucci S, Bartoletti Stella A, Battistelli M, Burattini S, Bavelloni A, Cocco LI, Gobbi P, Faenza I. How Inflammation Pathways Contribute to Cell Death in Neuro-Muscular Disorders. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1109. [PMID: 34439778 PMCID: PMC8391499 DOI: 10.3390/biom11081109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuro-muscular disorders include a variety of diseases induced by genetic mutations resulting in muscle weakness and waste, swallowing and breathing difficulties. However, muscle alterations and nerve depletions involve specific molecular and cellular mechanisms which lead to the loss of motor-nerve or skeletal-muscle function, often due to an excessive cell death. Morphological and molecular studies demonstrated that a high number of these disorders seem characterized by an upregulated apoptosis which significantly contributes to the pathology. Cell death involvement is the consequence of some cellular processes that occur during diseases, including mitochondrial dysfunction, protein aggregation, free radical generation, excitotoxicity and inflammation. The latter represents an important mediator of disease progression, which, in the central nervous system, is known as neuroinflammation, characterized by reactive microglia and astroglia, as well the infiltration of peripheral monocytes and lymphocytes. Some of the mechanisms underlying inflammation have been linked to reactive oxygen species accumulation, which trigger mitochondrial genomic and respiratory chain instability, autophagy impairment and finally neuron or muscle cell death. This review discusses the main inflammatory pathways contributing to cell death in neuro-muscular disorders by highlighting the main mechanisms, the knowledge of which appears essential in developing therapeutic strategies to prevent the consequent neuron loss and muscle wasting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Salucci
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences (DiSB), Urbino University Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy; (M.B.); (S.B.); (P.G.)
- Cellular Signalling Laboratory, Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (L.I.C.); (I.F.)
| | - Anna Bartoletti Stella
- Department of Diagnostic Experimental and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Michela Battistelli
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences (DiSB), Urbino University Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy; (M.B.); (S.B.); (P.G.)
| | - Sabrina Burattini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences (DiSB), Urbino University Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy; (M.B.); (S.B.); (P.G.)
| | - Alberto Bavelloni
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Lucio Ildebrando Cocco
- Cellular Signalling Laboratory, Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (L.I.C.); (I.F.)
| | - Pietro Gobbi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences (DiSB), Urbino University Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy; (M.B.); (S.B.); (P.G.)
| | - Irene Faenza
- Cellular Signalling Laboratory, Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (L.I.C.); (I.F.)
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19
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Deguise MO, Beauvais A, Schneider BL, Kothary R. Blood Flow to the Spleen is Altered in a Mouse Model of Spinal Muscular Atrophy. J Neuromuscul Dis 2021; 7:315-322. [PMID: 32333548 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-200493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neuromuscular disorder affecting young children. While pre-clinical models of SMA show small spleens, the same is not true in humans. Here, we show by doppler ultrasonography decreased splenic blood flow in Smn2B/- mice. Further, AAV9-SMN gene therapy does not rescue the distal ear and tail necrosis nor the spleen size in these mice, suggesting that the latter may be linked to a cardiovascular defect. Absence of smaller spleens in human patients is likely due to differences in presentation of defects in SMA between pre-clinical mouse models and human patients, particularly the susceptibility to cardiovascular issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc-Olivier Deguise
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ariane Beauvais
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bernard L Schneider
- Bertarelli Foundation Gene Therapy Platform, School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1202 Geneva, Switzerland.,Brain Mind Institute, 27218 Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Rashmi Kothary
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, and Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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20
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Chen TH. Circulating microRNAs as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in spinal muscular atrophy. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2021; 13:1756286420979954. [PMID: 33488772 PMCID: PMC7768327 DOI: 10.1177/1756286420979954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a leading genetic cause of infant death, is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the selective loss of particular groups of motor neurons (MNs) in the anterior horn of the spinal cord with progressive muscle wasting. SMA is caused by a deficiency of the survival motor neuron (SMN) protein due to a homozygous deletion or mutation of the SMN1 gene. However, the molecular mechanisms whereby the SMN complex regulates MN functions are not fully elucidated. Emerging studies on SMA pathogenesis have turned the attention of researchers to RNA metabolism, given that increasingly identified SMN-associated modifiers are involved in both coding and non-coding RNA (ncRNA) processing. Among various ncRNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs) are the most studied in terms of regulation of posttranscriptional gene expression. Recently, the discovery that miRNAs are critical to MN function and survival led to the study of dysregulated miRNAs in SMA pathogenesis. Circulating miRNAs have drawn attention as a readily available biomarker due to their property of being clinically detectable in numerous human biofluids through non-invasive approaches. As there are recent promising findings from novel miRNA-based medicines, this article presents an extensive review of the most up-to-date studies connecting specific miRNAs to SMA pathogenesis and the potential applications of miRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tai-Heng Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Emergency, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, School of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, No. 100, Tzyou 1st Road, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
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21
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Spinal muscular atrophy: Broad disease spectrum and sex-specific phenotypes. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:166063. [PMID: 33412266 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2020.166063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is one of the major genetic disorders associated with infant mortality. More than 90% of cases of SMA result from deletions of or mutations in the Survival Motor Neuron 1 (SMN1) gene. SMN2, a nearly identical copy of SMN1, does not compensate for the loss of SMN1 due to predominant skipping of exon 7. The spectrum of SMA is broad, ranging from prenatal death to infant mortality to survival into adulthood. All tissues, including brain, spinal cord, bone, skeletal muscle, heart, lung, liver, pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, kidney, spleen, ovary and testis, are directly and/or indirectly affected in SMA. Accumulating evidence on impaired mitochondrial biogenesis and defects in X chromosome-linked modifying factors, coupled with the sexual dimorphic nature of many tissues, point to sex-specific vulnerabilities in SMA. Here we review the role of sex in the pathogenesis of SMA.
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22
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Gollapalli K, Kim JK, Monani UR. Emerging concepts underlying selective neuromuscular dysfunction in infantile-onset spinal muscular atrophy. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:1978-1984. [PMID: 33642371 PMCID: PMC8343306 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.308073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Infantile-onset spinal muscular atrophy is the quintessential example of a disorder characterized by a predominantly neurodegenerative phenotype that nevertheless stems from perturbations in a housekeeping protein. Resulting from low levels of the Survival of Motor Neuron (SMN) protein, spinal muscular atrophy manifests mainly as a lower motor neuron disease. Why this is so and whether other cell types contribute to the classic spinal muscular atrophy phenotype continue to be the subject of intense investigation and are only now gaining appreciation. Yet, what is emerging is sometimes as puzzling as it is instructive, arguing for a careful re-examination of recent study outcomes, raising questions about established dogma in the field and making the case for a greater focus on milder spinal muscular atrophy models as tools to identify key mechanisms driving selective neuromuscular dysfunction in the disease. This review examines the evidence for novel molecular and cellular mechanisms that have recently been implicated in spinal muscular atrophy, highlights breakthroughs, points out caveats and poses questions that ought to serve as the basis of new investigations to better understand and treat this and other more common neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kishore Gollapalli
- Department of Neurology; Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jeong-Ki Kim
- Department of Neurology; Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Umrao R Monani
- Department of Neurology; Department of Pathology & Cell Biology; Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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23
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Feldman AG, Parsons JA, Dutmer CM, Veerapandiyan A, Hafberg E, Maloney N, Mack CL. Subacute Liver Failure Following Gene Replacement Therapy for Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1. J Pediatr 2020; 225:252-258.e1. [PMID: 32473148 PMCID: PMC10152980 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2020.05.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy is a neurodegenerative disease resulting from irreversible loss of anterior horn cells owing to biallelic deletions/mutations in the survival motor neuron (SMN) 1 gene. Gene replacement therapy using an adeno-associated virus vector containing the SMN gene was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in May 2019. We report 2 cases of transient, drug-induced liver failure after this therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy G Feldman
- Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver; Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO.
| | - Julie A Parsons
- Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver; Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Cullen M Dutmer
- Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver; Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | | | - Einar Hafberg
- Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, TN
| | - Nolan Maloney
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Cara L Mack
- Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver; Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
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24
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Yeo CJJ, Darras BT. Overturning the Paradigm of Spinal Muscular Atrophy as Just a Motor Neuron Disease. Pediatr Neurol 2020; 109:12-19. [PMID: 32409122 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2020.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy is typically characterized as a motor neuron disease. Untreated patients with the most severe form, spinal muscular atrophy type 1, die early with infantile-onset progressive skeletal, bulbar, and respiratory muscle weakness. Such patients are now living longer due to new disease-modifying treatments such as gene replacement therapy (onasemnogene abeparvovec), recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, and nusinersen, a central nervous system-directed treatment which was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration three years ago. This has created an area of pressing clinical need: if spinal muscular atrophy is a multisystem disease, dysfunction of peripheral tissues and organs may become significant comorbidities as these patients survive into childhood and adulthood. In this review, we have compiled autopsy data, case reports, and cohort studies of peripheral tissue involvement in patients and animal models with spinal muscular atrophy. We have also evaluated preclinical studies addressing the question of whether peripheral expression of survival motor neuron is necessary and/or sufficient for motor neuron function and survival. Indeed, spinal muscular atrophy patient data suggest that spinal muscular atrophy is a multisystem disease with dysfunction in skeletal muscle, heart, kidney, liver, pancreas, spleen, bone, connective tissues, and immune systems. The peripheral requirement of SMN in each organ and how these contribute to motor neuron function and survival remains to be answered. A systemic (peripheral and central nervous system) approach to therapy during early development is most likely to effectively maximize positive clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crystal Jing Jing Yeo
- Department of Neurology, Neuromuscular Center and SMA Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Division of Neuromuscular Medicine, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Division of Neuromuscular Medicine, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Translational Neuromuscular Medicine Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Singapore; Experimental Drug Development Center, Singapore.
| | - Basil T Darras
- Department of Neurology, Neuromuscular Center and SMA Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
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25
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Raimer AC, Singh SS, Edula MR, Paris-Davila T, Vandadi V, Spring AM, Matera AG. Temperature-sensitive spinal muscular atrophy-causing point mutations lead to SMN instability, locomotor defects and premature lethality in Drosophila. Dis Model Mech 2020; 13:dmm043307. [PMID: 32501283 PMCID: PMC7325441 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.043307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is the leading genetic cause of death in young children, arising from homozygous deletion or mutation of the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene. SMN protein expressed from a paralogous gene, SMN2, is the primary genetic modifier of SMA; small changes in overall SMN levels cause dramatic changes in disease severity. Thus, deeper insight into mechanisms that regulate SMN protein stability should lead to better therapeutic outcomes. Here, we show that SMA patient-derived missense mutations in the Drosophila SMN Tudor domain exhibit a pronounced temperature sensitivity that affects organismal viability, larval locomotor function and adult longevity. These disease-related phenotypes are domain specific and result from decreased SMN stability at elevated temperature. This system was utilized to manipulate SMN levels during various stages of Drosophila development. Owing to a large maternal contribution of mRNA and protein, Smn is not expressed zygotically during embryogenesis. Interestingly, we find that only baseline levels of SMN are required during larval stages, whereas high levels of the protein are required during pupation. This previously uncharacterized period of elevated SMN expression, during which the majority of adult tissues are formed and differentiated, could be an important and translationally relevant developmental stage in which to study SMN function. Taken together, these findings illustrate a novel in vivo role for the SMN Tudor domain in maintaining SMN homeostasis and highlight the necessity for high SMN levels at crucial developmental time points that are conserved from Drosophila to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda C Raimer
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Suhana S Singh
- Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Maina R Edula
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Tamara Paris-Davila
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Vasudha Vandadi
- Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Ashlyn M Spring
- Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - A Gregory Matera
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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26
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Deguise MO, De Repentigny Y, Tierney A, Beauvais A, Michaud J, Chehade L, Thabet M, Paul B, Reilly A, Gagnon S, Renaud JM, Kothary R. Motor transmission defects with sex differences in a new mouse model of mild spinal muscular atrophy. EBioMedicine 2020; 55:102750. [PMID: 32339936 PMCID: PMC7184161 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2020.102750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mouse models of mild spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) have been extremely challenging to generate. This paucity of model systems has limited our understanding of pathophysiological events in milder forms of the disease and of the effect of SMN depletion during aging. Methods A mild mouse model of SMA, termed Smn2B/−;SMN2+/−, was generated by crossing Smn−/−;SMN2 and Smn2B/2B mice. This new model was characterized using behavioral testing, histology, western blot, muscle-nerve electrophysiology as well as ultrasonography to study classical SMA features and extra-neuronal involvement. Findings Smn2B/−;SMN2+/− mice have normal survival, mild but sustained motor weakness, denervation and neuronal/neuromuscular junction (NMJ) transmission defects, and neurogenic muscle atrophy that are more prominent in male mice. Increased centrally located nuclei, intrinsic contractile and relaxation muscle defects were also identified in both female and male mice, with some male predominance. There was an absence of extra-neuronal pathology. Interpretation The Smn2B/−;SMN2+/− mouse provides a model of mild SMA, displaying some hallmark features including reduced weight, sustained motor weakness, electrophysiological transmission deficit, NMJ defects, and muscle atrophy. Early and prominent increase central nucleation and intrinsic electrophysiological deficits demonstrate the potential role played by muscle in SMA disease. The use of this model will allow for the understanding of the most susceptible pathogenic molecular changes in motor neurons and muscles, investigation of the effects of SMN depletion in aging, sex differences and most importantly will provide guidance for the currently aging SMA patients treated with the recently approved genetic therapies. Funding : This work was supported by Cure SMA/Families of SMA Canada (grant numbers KOT-1819 and KOT-2021); Muscular Dystrophy Association (USA) (grant number 575466); and Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) (grant number PJT-156379).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc-Olivier Deguise
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, Canada; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, Canada; Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Yves De Repentigny
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Alexandra Tierney
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Ariane Beauvais
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Jean Michaud
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Lucia Chehade
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, Canada; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, Canada; Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Mohamed Thabet
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Brittany Paul
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, Canada; Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Aoife Reilly
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, Canada; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, Canada; Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Sabrina Gagnon
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Jean-Marc Renaud
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, Canada; Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Rashmi Kothary
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, Canada; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, Canada; Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, Canada.
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27
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Muscle overexpression of Klf15 via an AAV8-Spc5-12 construct does not provide benefits in spinal muscular atrophy mice. Gene Ther 2020; 27:505-515. [PMID: 32313099 PMCID: PMC7674152 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-020-0146-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neuromuscular disease caused by loss of the survival motor neuron (SMN) gene. While there are currently two approved gene-based therapies for SMA, availability, high cost, and differences in patient response indicate that alternative treatment options are needed. Optimal therapeutic strategies will likely be a combination of SMN-dependent and -independent treatments aimed at alleviating symptoms in the central nervous system and peripheral muscles. Krüppel-like factor 15 (KLF15) is a transcription factor that regulates key metabolic and ergogenic pathways in muscle. We have recently reported significant downregulation of Klf15 in muscle of presymptomatic SMA mice. Importantly, perinatal upregulation of Klf15 via transgenic and pharmacological methods resulted in improved disease phenotypes in SMA mice, including weight and survival. In the current study, we designed an adeno-associated virus serotype 8 (AAV8) vector to overexpress a codon-optimized Klf15 cDNA under the muscle-specific Spc5-12 promoter (AAV8-Klf15). Administration of AAV8-Klf15 to severe Taiwanese Smn−/−;SMN2 or intermediate Smn2B/− SMA mice significantly increased Klf15 expression in muscle. We also observed significant activity of the AAV8-Klf15 vector in liver and heart. AAV8-mediated Klf15 overexpression moderately improved survival in the Smn2B/− model but not in the Taiwanese mice. An inability to specifically induce Klf15 expression at physiological levels in a time- and tissue-dependent manner may have contributed to this limited efficacy. Thus, our work demonstrates that an AAV8-Spc5-12 vector induces high gene expression as early as P2 in several tissues including muscle, heart, and liver, but highlights the challenges of achieving meaningful vector-mediated transgene expression of Klf15.
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28
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Nery FC, Siranosian JJ, Rosales I, Deguise MO, Sharma A, Muhtaseb AW, Nwe P, Johnstone AJ, Zhang R, Fatouraei M, Huemer N, Alves CRR, Kothary R, Swoboda KJ. Impaired kidney structure and function in spinal muscular atrophy. NEUROLOGY-GENETICS 2019; 5:e353. [PMID: 31517062 PMCID: PMC6705648 DOI: 10.1212/nxg.0000000000000353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Objective To determine changes in serum profiles and kidney tissues from patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 1 compared with age- and sex-matched controls. Methods In this cohort study, we investigated renal structure and function in infants and children with SMA type 1 in comparison with age- and sex-matched controls. Results Patients with SMA had alterations in serum creatinine, cystatin C, sodium, glucose, and calcium concentrations, granular casts and crystals in urine, and nephrocalcinosis and fibrosis. Nephrotoxicity and polycystic kidney disease PCR arrays revealed multiple differentially expressed genes, and immunoblot analysis showed decreased calcium-sensing receptors and calbindin and increased insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins in kidneys from patients with SMA. Conclusions These findings demonstrate that patients with SMA type 1, in the absence of disease-modifying therapies, frequently manifest impaired renal function as a primary or secondary consequence of their disease. This study provides new insights into systemic contributions to SMA disease pathogenesis and the need to identify coadjuvant therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flávia C Nery
- Department of Neurology (F.C.N., J.J.S., A.W.M., P.N., A.J.J., R.Z., M.F., N.H., C.R.R.A., K.J.S.), Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Department of Pathology (I.R.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Regenerative Medicine Program (M.-O.D., R.K.), Ottawa Hospital Research, Institute Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (M.-O.D., R.K.), University of Ottawa, Canada; Centre for Neuromuscular Disease (M.-O.D., R.K.), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Division of Pediatric Nephrology (A.S.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Department of Biology (N.H.), Federal University of São Carlos, Sorocaba, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil; and Department of Medicine (R.K.), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer J Siranosian
- Department of Neurology (F.C.N., J.J.S., A.W.M., P.N., A.J.J., R.Z., M.F., N.H., C.R.R.A., K.J.S.), Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Department of Pathology (I.R.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Regenerative Medicine Program (M.-O.D., R.K.), Ottawa Hospital Research, Institute Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (M.-O.D., R.K.), University of Ottawa, Canada; Centre for Neuromuscular Disease (M.-O.D., R.K.), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Division of Pediatric Nephrology (A.S.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Department of Biology (N.H.), Federal University of São Carlos, Sorocaba, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil; and Department of Medicine (R.K.), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ivy Rosales
- Department of Neurology (F.C.N., J.J.S., A.W.M., P.N., A.J.J., R.Z., M.F., N.H., C.R.R.A., K.J.S.), Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Department of Pathology (I.R.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Regenerative Medicine Program (M.-O.D., R.K.), Ottawa Hospital Research, Institute Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (M.-O.D., R.K.), University of Ottawa, Canada; Centre for Neuromuscular Disease (M.-O.D., R.K.), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Division of Pediatric Nephrology (A.S.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Department of Biology (N.H.), Federal University of São Carlos, Sorocaba, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil; and Department of Medicine (R.K.), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marc-Olivier Deguise
- Department of Neurology (F.C.N., J.J.S., A.W.M., P.N., A.J.J., R.Z., M.F., N.H., C.R.R.A., K.J.S.), Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Department of Pathology (I.R.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Regenerative Medicine Program (M.-O.D., R.K.), Ottawa Hospital Research, Institute Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (M.-O.D., R.K.), University of Ottawa, Canada; Centre for Neuromuscular Disease (M.-O.D., R.K.), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Division of Pediatric Nephrology (A.S.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Department of Biology (N.H.), Federal University of São Carlos, Sorocaba, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil; and Department of Medicine (R.K.), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amita Sharma
- Department of Neurology (F.C.N., J.J.S., A.W.M., P.N., A.J.J., R.Z., M.F., N.H., C.R.R.A., K.J.S.), Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Department of Pathology (I.R.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Regenerative Medicine Program (M.-O.D., R.K.), Ottawa Hospital Research, Institute Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (M.-O.D., R.K.), University of Ottawa, Canada; Centre for Neuromuscular Disease (M.-O.D., R.K.), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Division of Pediatric Nephrology (A.S.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Department of Biology (N.H.), Federal University of São Carlos, Sorocaba, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil; and Department of Medicine (R.K.), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Abdurrahman W Muhtaseb
- Department of Neurology (F.C.N., J.J.S., A.W.M., P.N., A.J.J., R.Z., M.F., N.H., C.R.R.A., K.J.S.), Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Department of Pathology (I.R.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Regenerative Medicine Program (M.-O.D., R.K.), Ottawa Hospital Research, Institute Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (M.-O.D., R.K.), University of Ottawa, Canada; Centre for Neuromuscular Disease (M.-O.D., R.K.), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Division of Pediatric Nephrology (A.S.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Department of Biology (N.H.), Federal University of São Carlos, Sorocaba, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil; and Department of Medicine (R.K.), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Pann Nwe
- Department of Neurology (F.C.N., J.J.S., A.W.M., P.N., A.J.J., R.Z., M.F., N.H., C.R.R.A., K.J.S.), Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Department of Pathology (I.R.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Regenerative Medicine Program (M.-O.D., R.K.), Ottawa Hospital Research, Institute Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (M.-O.D., R.K.), University of Ottawa, Canada; Centre for Neuromuscular Disease (M.-O.D., R.K.), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Division of Pediatric Nephrology (A.S.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Department of Biology (N.H.), Federal University of São Carlos, Sorocaba, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil; and Department of Medicine (R.K.), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alec J Johnstone
- Department of Neurology (F.C.N., J.J.S., A.W.M., P.N., A.J.J., R.Z., M.F., N.H., C.R.R.A., K.J.S.), Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Department of Pathology (I.R.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Regenerative Medicine Program (M.-O.D., R.K.), Ottawa Hospital Research, Institute Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (M.-O.D., R.K.), University of Ottawa, Canada; Centre for Neuromuscular Disease (M.-O.D., R.K.), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Division of Pediatric Nephrology (A.S.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Department of Biology (N.H.), Federal University of São Carlos, Sorocaba, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil; and Department of Medicine (R.K.), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ren Zhang
- Department of Neurology (F.C.N., J.J.S., A.W.M., P.N., A.J.J., R.Z., M.F., N.H., C.R.R.A., K.J.S.), Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Department of Pathology (I.R.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Regenerative Medicine Program (M.-O.D., R.K.), Ottawa Hospital Research, Institute Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (M.-O.D., R.K.), University of Ottawa, Canada; Centre for Neuromuscular Disease (M.-O.D., R.K.), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Division of Pediatric Nephrology (A.S.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Department of Biology (N.H.), Federal University of São Carlos, Sorocaba, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil; and Department of Medicine (R.K.), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maryam Fatouraei
- Department of Neurology (F.C.N., J.J.S., A.W.M., P.N., A.J.J., R.Z., M.F., N.H., C.R.R.A., K.J.S.), Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Department of Pathology (I.R.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Regenerative Medicine Program (M.-O.D., R.K.), Ottawa Hospital Research, Institute Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (M.-O.D., R.K.), University of Ottawa, Canada; Centre for Neuromuscular Disease (M.-O.D., R.K.), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Division of Pediatric Nephrology (A.S.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Department of Biology (N.H.), Federal University of São Carlos, Sorocaba, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil; and Department of Medicine (R.K.), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Natassja Huemer
- Department of Neurology (F.C.N., J.J.S., A.W.M., P.N., A.J.J., R.Z., M.F., N.H., C.R.R.A., K.J.S.), Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Department of Pathology (I.R.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Regenerative Medicine Program (M.-O.D., R.K.), Ottawa Hospital Research, Institute Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (M.-O.D., R.K.), University of Ottawa, Canada; Centre for Neuromuscular Disease (M.-O.D., R.K.), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Division of Pediatric Nephrology (A.S.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Department of Biology (N.H.), Federal University of São Carlos, Sorocaba, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil; and Department of Medicine (R.K.), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christiano R R Alves
- Department of Neurology (F.C.N., J.J.S., A.W.M., P.N., A.J.J., R.Z., M.F., N.H., C.R.R.A., K.J.S.), Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Department of Pathology (I.R.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Regenerative Medicine Program (M.-O.D., R.K.), Ottawa Hospital Research, Institute Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (M.-O.D., R.K.), University of Ottawa, Canada; Centre for Neuromuscular Disease (M.-O.D., R.K.), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Division of Pediatric Nephrology (A.S.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Department of Biology (N.H.), Federal University of São Carlos, Sorocaba, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil; and Department of Medicine (R.K.), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rashmi Kothary
- Department of Neurology (F.C.N., J.J.S., A.W.M., P.N., A.J.J., R.Z., M.F., N.H., C.R.R.A., K.J.S.), Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Department of Pathology (I.R.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Regenerative Medicine Program (M.-O.D., R.K.), Ottawa Hospital Research, Institute Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (M.-O.D., R.K.), University of Ottawa, Canada; Centre for Neuromuscular Disease (M.-O.D., R.K.), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Division of Pediatric Nephrology (A.S.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Department of Biology (N.H.), Federal University of São Carlos, Sorocaba, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil; and Department of Medicine (R.K.), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kathryn J Swoboda
- Department of Neurology (F.C.N., J.J.S., A.W.M., P.N., A.J.J., R.Z., M.F., N.H., C.R.R.A., K.J.S.), Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Department of Pathology (I.R.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Regenerative Medicine Program (M.-O.D., R.K.), Ottawa Hospital Research, Institute Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (M.-O.D., R.K.), University of Ottawa, Canada; Centre for Neuromuscular Disease (M.-O.D., R.K.), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Division of Pediatric Nephrology (A.S.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Department of Biology (N.H.), Federal University of São Carlos, Sorocaba, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil; and Department of Medicine (R.K.), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Deguise M, Baranello G, Mastella C, Beauvais A, Michaud J, Leone A, De Amicis R, Battezzati A, Dunham C, Selby K, Warman Chardon J, McMillan HJ, Huang Y, Courtney NL, Mole AJ, Kubinski S, Claus P, Murray LM, Bowerman M, Gillingwater TH, Bertoli S, Parson SH, Kothary R. Abnormal fatty acid metabolism is a core component of spinal muscular atrophy. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2019; 6:1519-1532. [PMID: 31402618 PMCID: PMC6689695 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.50855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an inherited neuromuscular disorder leading to paralysis and subsequent death in young children. Initially considered a motor neuron disease, extra-neuronal involvement is increasingly recognized. The primary goal of this study was to investigate alterations in lipid metabolism in SMA patients and mouse models of the disease. METHODS We analyzed clinical data collected from a large cohort of pediatric SMA type I-III patients as well as SMA type I liver necropsy data. In parallel, we performed histology, lipid analysis, and transcript profiling in mouse models of SMA. RESULTS We identify an increased susceptibility to developing dyslipidemia in a cohort of 72 SMA patients and liver steatosis in pathological samples. Similarly, fatty acid metabolic abnormalities were present in all SMA mouse models studied. Specifically, Smn2B/- mice displayed elevated hepatic triglycerides and dyslipidemia, resembling non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Interestingly, this phenotype appeared prior to denervation. INTERPRETATION This work highlights metabolic abnormalities as an important feature of SMA, suggesting implementation of nutritional and screening guidelines in patients, as such defects are likely to increase metabolic distress and cardiovascular risk. This study emphasizes the need for a systemic therapeutic approach to ensure maximal benefits for all SMA patients throughout their life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc‐Olivier Deguise
- Regenerative Medicine ProgramOttawa Hospital Research InstituteOttawaOntarioCanada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular MedicineUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioCanada
- Centre for Neuromuscular DiseaseUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioCanadaK1H 8M5
| | - Giovanni Baranello
- UO Neurologia dello SviluppoFondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo BestaMilanItaly
- The Dubowitz Neuromuscular CentreNIHR BRC University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health & Great Ormond Street HospitalLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Chiara Mastella
- SAPRE‐UONPIA, Fondazione IRCCS Cà' Granda Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilanItaly
| | - Ariane Beauvais
- Regenerative Medicine ProgramOttawa Hospital Research InstituteOttawaOntarioCanada
| | - Jean Michaud
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioCanada
| | - Alessandro Leone
- International Center for the Assessment of Nutritional Status (ICANS), Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS)University of MilanMilanItaly
| | - Ramona De Amicis
- International Center for the Assessment of Nutritional Status (ICANS), Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS)University of MilanMilanItaly
| | - Alberto Battezzati
- International Center for the Assessment of Nutritional Status (ICANS), Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS)University of MilanMilanItaly
| | - Christopher Dunham
- Division of Anatomic PathologyChildren's and Women's Health Centre of B.CVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Kathryn Selby
- Division of Neurology, Department of PediatricsBC Children's HospitalVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Jodi Warman Chardon
- Department of Cellular and Molecular MedicineUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioCanada
- Centre for Neuromuscular DiseaseUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioCanadaK1H 8M5
- Neuroscience Program, Ottawa Hospital Research InstituteOttawaOntarioCanada
- Department of PediatricsChildren's Hospital of Eastern OntarioOttawaOntarioCanada
- Department of MedicineUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioCanada
| | - Hugh J. McMillan
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research InstituteUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioCanada
| | - Yu‐Ting Huang
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease ResearchUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
- College of Medicine & Veterinary MedicineUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
| | - Natalie L. Courtney
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease ResearchUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
- College of Medicine & Veterinary MedicineUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
- Centre for Discovery Brain ScienceUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
| | - Alannah J. Mole
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease ResearchUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
- College of Medicine & Veterinary MedicineUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
- Centre for Discovery Brain ScienceUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
| | - Sabrina Kubinski
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell BiologyHannover Medical SchoolHannoverGermany
- Center of Systems NeuroscienceHannoverGermany
| | - Peter Claus
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell BiologyHannover Medical SchoolHannoverGermany
- Center of Systems NeuroscienceHannoverGermany
| | - Lyndsay M. Murray
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease ResearchUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
- College of Medicine & Veterinary MedicineUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
- Centre for Discovery Brain ScienceUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
| | - Melissa Bowerman
- School of MedicineKeele UniversityStaffordshireUnited Kingdom
- Institute for Science and Technology in MedicineStoke‐on‐TrentUnited Kingdom
- Wolfson Centre for Inherited Neuromuscular DiseaseRJAH Orthopaedic HospitalOswestryUnited Kingdom
| | - Thomas H. Gillingwater
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease ResearchUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
- College of Medicine & Veterinary MedicineUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
| | - Simona Bertoli
- International Center for the Assessment of Nutritional Status (ICANS), Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS)University of MilanMilanItaly
| | - Simon H. Parson
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease ResearchUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
- Institute of Medical SciencesUniversity of AberdeenAberdeenUnited Kingdom
| | - Rashmi Kothary
- Regenerative Medicine ProgramOttawa Hospital Research InstituteOttawaOntarioCanada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular MedicineUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioCanada
- Centre for Neuromuscular DiseaseUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioCanadaK1H 8M5
- Department of MedicineUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioCanada
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30
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Kannan A, Bhatia K, Branzei D, Gangwani L. Combined deficiency of Senataxin and DNA-PKcs causes DNA damage accumulation and neurodegeneration in spinal muscular atrophy. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 46:8326-8346. [PMID: 30010942 PMCID: PMC6144794 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic low levels of survival motor neuron (SMN) protein cause spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). SMN is ubiquitously expressed, but the mechanisms underlying predominant neuron degeneration in SMA are poorly understood. We report that chronic low levels of SMN cause Senataxin (SETX)-deficiency, which results in increased RNA–DNA hybrids (R-loops) and DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), and deficiency of DNA-activated protein kinase-catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs), which impairs DSB repair. Consequently, DNA damage accumulates in patient cells, SMA mice neurons and patient spinal cord tissues. In dividing cells, DSBs are repaired by homologous recombination (HR) and non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) pathways, but neurons predominantly use NHEJ, which relies on DNA-PKcs activity. In SMA dividing cells, HR repairs DSBs and supports cellular proliferation. In SMA neurons, DNA-PKcs-deficiency causes defects in NHEJ-mediated repair leading to DNA damage accumulation and neurodegeneration. Restoration of SMN levels rescues SETX and DNA-PKcs deficiencies and DSB accumulation in SMA neurons and patient cells. Moreover, SETX overexpression in SMA neurons reduces R-loops and DNA damage, and rescues neurodegeneration. Our findings identify combined deficiency of SETX and DNA-PKcs stemming downstream of SMN as an underlying cause of DSBs accumulation, genomic instability and neurodegeneration in SMA and suggest SETX as a potential therapeutic target for SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annapoorna Kannan
- Center of Emphasis in Neurosciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905
| | - Kanchan Bhatia
- Center of Emphasis in Neurosciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905
| | - Dana Branzei
- The FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology Foundation, IFOM Foundation, Via Adamello 16, Milan 20139, Italy.,Istituto di Genetica Molecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IGM-CNR), Via Abbiategrasso 207, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Laxman Gangwani
- Center of Emphasis in Neurosciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905.,Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
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31
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Chang X, Wang J, Jiang H, Shi L, Xie J. Hyperpolarization-Activated Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Channels: An Emerging Role in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:141. [PMID: 31231190 PMCID: PMC6560157 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease (PD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) are chronic, progressive, and age-associated neurological disorders characterized by neuronal deterioration in specific brain regions. Although the specific pathological mechanisms underlying these disorders have remained elusive, ion channel dysfunction has become increasingly accepted as a potential mechanism for neurodegenerative diseases. Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels are encoded by the HCN1-4 gene family and conduct the hyperpolarization-activated current (Ih). These channels play important roles in modulating cellular excitability, rhythmic activity, dendritic integration, and synaptic transmission. In the present review, we first provide a comprehensive picture of the role of HCN channels in PD by summarizing their role in the regulation of neuronal activity in PD-related brain regions. Dysfunction of Ih may participate in 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+)-induced toxicity and represent a pathogenic mechanism in PD. Given current reports of the critical role of HCN channels in neuroinflammation and depression, we also discussed the putative contribution of HCN channels in inflammatory processes and non-motor symptoms in PD. In the second section, we summarize how HCN channels regulate the formation of β-amyloid peptide in AD and the role of these channels in learning and memory. Finally, we briefly discuss the effects of HCN channels in ALS and SMA based on existing discoveries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Chang
- Department of Physiology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders and State Key Disciplines: Physiology, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,Institute of Brain Science and Disease, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Physiology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders and State Key Disciplines: Physiology, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,Institute of Brain Science and Disease, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Physiology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders and State Key Disciplines: Physiology, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,Institute of Brain Science and Disease, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Limin Shi
- Department of Physiology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders and State Key Disciplines: Physiology, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,Institute of Brain Science and Disease, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Junxia Xie
- Department of Physiology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders and State Key Disciplines: Physiology, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,Institute of Brain Science and Disease, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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32
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Schellino R, Boido M, Borsello T, Vercelli A. Pharmacological c-Jun NH 2-Terminal Kinase (JNK) Pathway Inhibition Reduces Severity of Spinal Muscular Atrophy Disease in Mice. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:308. [PMID: 30233310 PMCID: PMC6131195 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a severe neurodegenerative disorder that occurs in early childhood. The disease is caused by the deletion/mutation of the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene resulting in progressive skeletal muscle atrophy and paralysis, due to the degeneration of spinal motor neurons (MNs). Currently, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying MN death are only partly known, although recently it has been shown that the c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK)-signaling pathway might be involved in the SMA pathogenesis. After confirming the activation of JNK in our SMA mouse model (SMN2+/+; SMNΔ7+/+; Smn−/−), we tested a specific JNK-inhibitor peptide (D-JNKI1) on these mice, by chronic administration from postnatal day 1 to 10, and histologically analyzed the spinal cord and quadriceps muscle at age P12. We observed that D-JNKI1 administration delayed MN death and decreased inflammation in spinal cord. Moreover, the inhibition of JNK pathway improved the trophism of SMA muscular fibers and the size of the neuromuscular junctions (NMJs), leading to an ameliorated innervation of the muscles that resulted in improved motor performances and hind-limb muscular tone. Finally, D-JNKI1 treatment slightly, but significantly increased lifespan in SMA mice. Thus, our results identify JNK as a promising target to reduce MN cell death and progressive skeletal muscle atrophy, providing insight into the role of JNK-pathway for developing alternative pharmacological strategies for the treatment of SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Schellino
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini, Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Marina Boido
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini, Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), Turin, Italy
| | - Tiziana Borsello
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, IRCCS-Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Vercelli
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini, Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), Turin, Italy
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Jha NN, Kim JK, Monani UR. Motor neuron biology and disease: A current perspective on infantile-onset spinal muscular atrophy. FUTURE NEUROLOGY 2018; 13:161-172. [PMID: 31396020 DOI: 10.2217/fnl-2018-0008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Infantile-onset spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a prototypical disease in which to investigate selective neurodegenerative phenotypes. Caused by low levels of the ubiquitously expressed Survival Motor Neuron (SMN) protein, the disease mainly targets the spinal motor neurons. This selective phenotype remains largely unexplained, but has not hindered the development of SMN repletion as a means to a treatment. Here we chronicle recent advances in the area of SMA biology. We provide a brief background to the disease, highlight major advances that have shaped our current understanding of SMA, trace efforts to treat the condition, discuss the outcome of two promising new therapies and conclude by considering contemporary as well as new challenges stemming from recent successes within the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narendra N Jha
- Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, 630 W. 168 St., Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032.,Center for Motor Neuron Biology & Disease, 630 W. 168 St., Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
| | - Jeong-Ki Kim
- Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, 630 W. 168 St., Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032.,Center for Motor Neuron Biology & Disease, 630 W. 168 St., Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
| | - Umrao R Monani
- Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, 630 W. 168 St., Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032.,Department of Neurology, 630 W. 168 St., Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032.,Center for Motor Neuron Biology & Disease, 630 W. 168 St., Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
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