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Takeda S, Hoshiai R, Tanaka M, Izawa T, Yamate J, Kuramoto T, Kuwamura M. Myelin lesion in the aspartoacylase (Aspa) knockout rat, an animal model for Canavan disease. Exp Anim 2024; 73:347-356. [PMID: 38538326 PMCID: PMC11254489 DOI: 10.1538/expanim.23-0089] [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: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Canavan disease (CD) is a fatal hereditary neurological disorder caused by a mutation in the aspartoacylase (ASPA) gene and characterized by neurological signs and vacuolation in the central nervous system (CNS). The mutation inhibits the hydrolysis of N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA) resulting in accumulation of NAA in the CNS. A new Aspa-knockout rat was generated by transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN) technology. Herein we describe the pathological and morphometrical findings in the brain and spinal cords of Aspa-knockout rats. Although Aspa-knockout rats did not show any neurological signs, vacuolation with swollen axons, hypomyelination, and activated swollen astrocytes were observed mainly in the brainstem reticular formation, ascending and descending motor neuron pathway, and in the olfactory tract. Morphometrical analysis revealed no obvious change in the number of neurons. These changes in the CNS are similar to human CD, suggesting that this animal model would be useful for further study of treatment and understanding the pathophysiology of human CD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuji Takeda
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Osaka Metropolitan University, Izumisano, Osaka 598-8531, Japan
| | - Rika Hoshiai
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Osaka Metropolitan University, Izumisano, Osaka 598-8531, Japan
| | - Miyuu Tanaka
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Osaka Metropolitan University, Izumisano, Osaka 598-8531, Japan
| | - Takeshi Izawa
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Osaka Metropolitan University, Izumisano, Osaka 598-8531, Japan
| | - Jyoji Yamate
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Osaka Metropolitan University, Izumisano, Osaka 598-8531, Japan
| | - Takashi Kuramoto
- Institute of Laboratory Animals, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 9 Yoshida-konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Kuwamura
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Osaka Metropolitan University, Izumisano, Osaka 598-8531, Japan
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2
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Grønbæk-Thygesen M, Hartmann-Petersen R. Cellular and molecular mechanisms of aspartoacylase and its role in Canavan disease. Cell Biosci 2024; 14:45. [PMID: 38582917 PMCID: PMC10998430 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-024-01224-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Canavan disease is an autosomal recessive and lethal neurological disorder, characterized by the spongy degeneration of the white matter in the brain. The disease is caused by a deficiency of the cytosolic aspartoacylase (ASPA) enzyme, which catalyzes the hydrolysis of N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA), an abundant brain metabolite, into aspartate and acetate. On the physiological level, the mechanism of pathogenicity remains somewhat obscure, with multiple, not mutually exclusive, suggested hypotheses. At the molecular level, recent studies have shown that most disease linked ASPA gene variants lead to a structural destabilization and subsequent proteasomal degradation of the ASPA protein variants, and accordingly Canavan disease should in general be considered a protein misfolding disorder. Here, we comprehensively summarize the molecular and cell biology of ASPA, with a particular focus on disease-linked gene variants and the pathophysiology of Canavan disease. We highlight the importance of high-throughput technologies and computational prediction tools for making genotype-phenotype predictions as we await the results of ongoing trials with gene therapy for Canavan disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Grønbæk-Thygesen
- The Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200N, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Rasmus Hartmann-Petersen
- The Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200N, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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3
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Becker I, Wang-Eckhardt L, Eckhardt M. NAAG synthetase deficiency has only low influence on pathogenesis in a Canavan disease mouse model. J Inherit Metab Dis 2024; 47:230-243. [PMID: 38011891 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Canavan disease (CD) is a leukodystrophy caused by mutations in the N-acetylaspartate (NAA) hydrolase aspartoacylase (ASPA). Inability to degrade NAA and its accumulation in the brain results in spongiform myelin degeneration. NAA is mainly synthesized by neurons, where it is also a precursor of the neuropeptide N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG). Hydrolysis of this peptide by glutamate carboxypeptidases is an additional source of extracellular NAA besides the instant neuronal release of NAA. This study examines to what extent NAA released from NAAG contributes to NAA accumulation and pathogenesis in the brain of Aspanur7/nur7 mutant mice, an established model of CD. Towards this aim, Aspanur7/nur7 mice with additional deficiencies in NAAG synthetase genes Rimklb and/or Rimkla were generated. Loss of myelin in Aspanur7/nur7 mice was not significantly affected by Rimkla and Rimklb deficiency and there was also no obvious change in the extent of brain vacuolation. Astrogliosis was slightly reduced in the forebrain of Rimkla and Rimklb double deficient Aspanur7/nur7 mice. However, only minor improvements at the behavioral level were found. The brain NAA accumulation in CD mice was, however, not significantly reduced in the absence of NAAG synthesis. In summary, there was only a weak tendency towards reduced pathogenic symptoms in Aspanur7/nur7 mice deficient in NAAG synthesis. Therefore, we conclude that NAAG metabolism has little influence on NAA accumulation in Aspanur7/nur7 mice and development of pathological symptoms in CD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivonne Becker
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Lihua Wang-Eckhardt
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Matthias Eckhardt
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Francis JS, Nguyen Q, Markov V, Leone P. Over-expression of N-acetylaspartate synthase exacerbates pathological energetic deficit and accelerates cognitive decline in the 5xFAD mouse. J Neurochem 2024; 168:69-82. [PMID: 38178803 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16044] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
N-acetylaspartate (NAA) is an abundant central nervous system amino acid derivative that is tightly coupled to mitochondria and energy metabolism in neurons. A reduced NAA signature is a prominent early pathological biomarker in multiple neurodegenerative diseases and becomes progressively more pronounced as disease advances. Because NAA synthesis requires aspartate drawn directly from mitochondria, we argued that this process is in direct competition with oxidative phosphorylation for substrate and that sustained high levels of NAA synthesis would be incompatible with pathological energy crisis. We show here that over-expression of the rate-limiting NAA synthetic enzyme in the hippocampus of the 5x familial Alzheimer's disease (5xFAD) mouse results in an exaggerated pathological ATP deficit and accelerated cognitive decline. Over-expression of NAA synthase did not increase amyloid burden or result in cell loss but did significantly deplete mitochondrial aspartate and impair the ability of mitochondria to oxidize glutamate for adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis. These results define NAA as a sink for energetic substrate and suggest initial pathological reductions in NAA are part of a response to energetic crisis designed to preserve substrate bioavailability for mitochondrial ATP synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy S Francis
- Cell & Gene Therapy Center, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, New Jersey, USA
| | - Quy Nguyen
- Cell & Gene Therapy Center, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, New Jersey, USA
| | - Vladimir Markov
- Cell & Gene Therapy Center, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, New Jersey, USA
| | - Paola Leone
- Cell & Gene Therapy Center, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, New Jersey, USA
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Thakkar RN, Patel D, Kioutchoukova IP, Al-Bahou R, Reddy P, Foster DT, Lucke-Wold B. Leukodystrophy Imaging: Insights for Diagnostic Dilemmas. Med Sci (Basel) 2024; 12:7. [PMID: 38390857 PMCID: PMC10885080 DOI: 10.3390/medsci12010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Leukodystrophies, a group of rare demyelinating disorders, mainly affect the CNS. Clinical presentation of different types of leukodystrophies can be nonspecific, and thus, imaging techniques like MRI can be used for a more definitive diagnosis. These diseases are characterized as cerebral lesions with characteristic demyelinating patterns which can be used as differentiating tools. In this review, we talk about these MRI study findings for each leukodystrophy, associated genetics, blood work that can help in differentiation, emerging diagnostics, and a follow-up imaging strategy. The leukodystrophies discussed in this paper include X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy, metachromatic leukodystrophy, Krabbe's disease, Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease, Alexander's disease, Canavan disease, and Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajvi N. Thakkar
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Drashti Patel
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | | | - Raja Al-Bahou
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Pranith Reddy
- College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA
| | - Devon T. Foster
- College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Brandon Lucke-Wold
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, 1600 SW Archer Rd., Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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Rossler L, Lemburg S, Weitkämper A, Thiels C, Hoffjan S, Nguyen HP, Lücke T, Heyer CM. Canavan's spongiform leukodystrophy (Aspartoacylase deficiency) with emphasis on sonographic features in infancy: description of a case report and review of the literature. J Ultrasound 2023; 26:757-764. [PMID: 35187608 PMCID: PMC10632335 DOI: 10.1007/s40477-022-00667-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Canavan disease (CD; MIM 271,900) or spongy degeneration of the central nervous system (CNS) is a lethal, rare autosomal recessive leukodystrophy, first described in 1931 (Canavan in Arch Neurol Psychiatry 25: 299-308, 1931). The clinical presentation includes severe neurologic impairment and macrocephaly with onset of symptoms at the age of 3-5 months. Biochemical and genetic fundamentals of the disease are elucidated. Imaging diagnosis is principally based on MRI with important role of MR spectroscopy. We report the cerebral sonographic findings in a severely affected infant with CD: Diffuse hyperechogenicity and small multicystic changes of white matter as well as an inverted pattern of echogenicity between cortical gray and subcortical white matter. These findings are compared to to the few cases found in literature and to normal ultrasound examples. Finally, ultrasound and MRI imaging findings are correlated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leon Rossler
- Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Katholisches Klinikum Bochum, St. Josef-Hospital, Alexandrinenstr. 5, 44791, Bochum, Germany.
- Institut für Kinderradiologie, St. Josef-Hospital, Gudrunstr. 56, 44791, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Stefan Lemburg
- Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Katholisches Klinikum Bochum, St. Josef-Hospital, Alexandrinenstr. 5, 44791, Bochum, Germany
- Institut für Kinderradiologie, St. Josef-Hospital, Gudrunstr. 56, 44791, Bochum, Germany
| | - Almut Weitkämper
- Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Katholisches Klinikum Bochum, St. Josef-Hospital, Alexandrinenstr. 5, 44791, Bochum, Germany
| | - Charlotte Thiels
- Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Katholisches Klinikum Bochum, St. Josef-Hospital, Alexandrinenstr. 5, 44791, Bochum, Germany
| | - Sabine Hoffjan
- Zentrum für Humangenetik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801, Bochum, Germany
| | - Huu Phuc Nguyen
- Zentrum für Humangenetik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801, Bochum, Germany
| | - Thomas Lücke
- Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Katholisches Klinikum Bochum, St. Josef-Hospital, Alexandrinenstr. 5, 44791, Bochum, Germany
| | - Christoph M Heyer
- Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Katholisches Klinikum Bochum, St. Josef-Hospital, Alexandrinenstr. 5, 44791, Bochum, Germany
- Institut für Kinderradiologie, St. Josef-Hospital, Gudrunstr. 56, 44791, Bochum, Germany
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Bortoluzzi VT, Ribeiro RT, Zemniaçak ÂB, Cunha SDA, Sass JO, Castilho RF, Amaral AU, Wajner M. Disturbance of mitochondrial functions caused by N-acetylglutamate and N-acetylmethionine in brain of adolescent rats: Potential relevance in aminoacylase 1 deficiency. Neurochem Int 2023; 171:105631. [PMID: 37852579 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2023.105631] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Aminoacylase 1 (ACY1) deficiency is a rare genetic disorder that affects the breakdown of short-chain aliphatic N-acetylated amino acids, leading to the accumulation of these amino acid derivatives in the urine of patients. Some of the affected individuals have presented with heterogeneous neurological symptoms such as psychomotor delay, seizures, and intellectual disability. Considering that the pathological mechanisms of brain damage in this disorder remain mostly unknown, here we investigated whether major metabolites accumulating in ACY1 deficiency, namely N-acetylglutamate (NAG) and N-acetylmethionine (NAM), could be toxic to the brain by examining their in vitro effects on important mitochondrial properties. We assessed the effects of NAG and NAM on membrane potential, swelling, reducing equivalents, and Ca2+ retention capacity in purified mitochondrial preparations obtained from the brain of adolescent rats. NAG and NAM decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, reducing equivalents, and calcium retention capacity, and induced swelling in Ca2+-loaded brain mitochondria supported by glutamate plus malate. Notably, these changes were completely prevented by the classical inhibitors of mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) pore cyclosporin A plus ADP and by ruthenium red, implying the participation of MPT and Ca2+ in these effects. Our findings suggest that NAG- and NAM-induced disruption of mitochondrial functions involving MPT may represent relevant mechanisms of neuropathology in ACY1 deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Trindade Bortoluzzi
- PPG Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
| | - Rafael Teixeira Ribeiro
- PPG Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
| | - Ângela Beatris Zemniaçak
- PPG Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
| | - Sâmela de Azevedo Cunha
- PPG Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
| | - Jörn Oliver Sass
- Research Group Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Department of Natural Sciences & Institute for Functional Gene Analytics, Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences, Rheinbach, Germany.
| | - Roger Frigério Castilho
- Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, Brazil.
| | - Alexandre Umpierrez Amaral
- PPG Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil; PPG Atenção Integral à Saúde, Universidade Regional Integrada do Alto Uruguai e das Missões, Erechim, Brazil.
| | - Moacir Wajner
- PPG Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Serviço de Genética Médica, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
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Hull VL, Wang Y, Burns T, Sternbach S, Gong S, McDonough J, Guo F, Borodinsky LN, Pleasure D. Pathological Bergmann glia alterations and disrupted calcium dynamics in ataxic Canavan disease mice. Glia 2023; 71:2832-2849. [PMID: 37610133 PMCID: PMC10591969 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24454] [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: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Canavan disease (CD) is a recessively inherited pediatric leukodystrophy resulting from inactivating mutations to the oligodendroglial enzyme aspartoacylase (ASPA). ASPA is responsible for hydrolyzing the amino acid derivative N-acetyl-L-aspartate (NAA), and without it, brain NAA concentrations increase by 50% or more. Infants and children with CD present with progressive cognitive and motor delays, cytotoxic edema, astroglial vacuolation, and prominent spongiform brain degeneration. ASPA-deficient CD mice (Aspanur7/nur7 ) present similarly with elevated NAA, widespread astroglial dysfunction, ataxia, and Purkinje cell (PC) dendritic atrophy. Bergmann glia (BG), radial astrocytes essential for cerebellar development, are intimately intertwined with PCs, where they regulate synapse stability, functionality, and plasticity. BG damage is common to many neurodegenerative conditions and frequently associated with PC dysfunction and ataxia. Here, we report that, in CD mice, BG exhibit significant morphological alterations, decreased structural associations with PCs, loss of synaptic support proteins, and altered calcium dynamics. We also find that BG dysfunction predates cerebellar vacuolation and PC damage in CD mice. Previously, we developed an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapy targeting Nat8l (N-acetyltransferase-8-like, "Nat8l ASO") that inhibits the production of NAA and reverses ataxia and PC atrophy in CD mice. Here, we show that Nat8l ASO administration in adult CD mice also leads to BG repair. Furthermore, blocking astroglial uptake of NAA is neuroprotective in astroglia-neuron cocultures exposed to elevated NAA. Our findings suggest that restoration of BG structural and functional integrity could be a mechanism for PC regeneration and improved motor function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa L. Hull
- Department of Neurology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Hospital for Children, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Neurology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Hospital for Children, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Travis Burns
- Department of Neurology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Hospital for Children, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Sarah Sternbach
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, USA
| | - Shuaishuai Gong
- Department of Neurology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Hospital for Children, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Jennifer McDonough
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, USA
| | - Fuzheng Guo
- Department of Neurology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Hospital for Children, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Laura N. Borodinsky
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Hospital for Children, Sacramento, California, USA
- Department of Physiology & Membrane Biology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - David Pleasure
- Department of Neurology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Hospital for Children, Sacramento, California, USA
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Feng L, Chao J, Zhang M, Pacquing E, Hu W, Shi Y. Developing a human iPSC-derived three-dimensional myelin spheroid platform for modeling myelin diseases. iScience 2023; 26:108037. [PMID: 37867939 PMCID: PMC10589867 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Myelin defects cause a collection of myelin disorders in the brain. The lack of human models has limited us from better understanding pathological mechanisms of myelin diseases. While human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived spheroids or organoids have been used to study brain development and disorders, it has been difficult to recapitulate mature myelination in these structures. Here, we have developed a method to generate three-dimensional (3D) myelin spheroids from hiPSCs in a robust and reproducible manner. Using this method, we generated myelin spheroids from patient iPSCs to model Canavan disease (CD), a demyelinating disorder. By using CD patient iPSC-derived myelin spheroids treated with N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA), we were able to recapitulate key pathological features of the disease and show that high-level NAA is sufficient to induce toxicity on myelin sheaths. Our study has established a 3D human cellular platform to model human myelin diseases for mechanistic studies and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizhao Feng
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
- Oujiang Laboratory, Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Jianfei Chao
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Mingzi Zhang
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Elizabeth Pacquing
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Weidong Hu
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Yanhong Shi
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
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10
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Feng L, Chao J, Ye P, Luong Q, Sun G, Liu W, Cui Q, Flores S, Jackson N, Shayento ANH, Sun G, Liu Z, Hu W, Shi Y. Developing Hypoimmunogenic Human iPSC-Derived Oligodendrocyte Progenitor Cells as an Off-The-Shelf Cell Therapy for Myelin Disorders. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2206910. [PMID: 37271923 PMCID: PMC10427412 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202206910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Demyelinating disorders are among the most common and debilitating diseases in neurology. Canavan disease (CD) is a lethal demyelinating disease caused by mutation of the aspartoacylase (ASPA) gene, which leads to the accumulation of its substrate N-acetyl-l-aspartate (NAA), and consequently demyelination and vacuolation in the brain. In this study, hypoimmunogenic human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPC) are developed from a healthy donor as an "off-the-shelf" cell therapy. Hypoimmunogenic iPSCs are generated through CRISPR/Cas9 editing of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules in healthy donor-derived iPSCs and differentiated into OPCs. The OPCs are engrafted into the brains of CD (nur7) mice and exhibit widespread distribution in the brain. The engrafted OPCs mature into oligodendrocytes that express the endogenous wildtype ASPA gene. Consequently, the transplanted mice exhibit elevated human ASPA expression and enzymatic activity and reduced NAA level in the brain. The transplanted OPCs are able to rescue major pathological features of CD, including defective myelination, extensive vacuolation, and motor function deficits. Moreover, the hypoimmunogenic OPCs exhibit low immunogenicity both in vitro and in vivo. The hypoimmunogenic OPCs can be used as "off-the-shelf" universal donor cells to treat various CD patients and many other demyelinating disorders, especially autoimmune demyelinating diseases, such as multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizhao Feng
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseasesBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Jianfei Chao
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseasesBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Peng Ye
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseasesBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Qui Luong
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseasesBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Guoqiang Sun
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseasesBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseasesBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Qi Cui
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseasesBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Sergio Flores
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseasesBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Natasha Jackson
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseasesBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Afm Nazmul Hoque Shayento
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseasesBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Guihua Sun
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseasesBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Zhenqing Liu
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseasesBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Weidong Hu
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseasesBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
- Department of Immunology and TheranosticsBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Yanhong Shi
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseasesBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
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11
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Chao J, Feng L, Ye P, Chen X, Cui Q, Sun G, Zhou T, Tian E, Li W, Hu W, Riggs AD, Matalon R, Shi Y. Therapeutic development for Canavan disease using patient iPSCs introduced with the wild-type ASPA gene. iScience 2022; 25:104391. [PMID: 35637731 PMCID: PMC9142666 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Canavan disease (CD) is a devastating neurological disease that lacks effective therapy. Because CD is caused by mutations of the aspartoacylase (ASPA) gene, we introduced the wild-type (WT) ASPA gene into patient iPSCs through lentiviral transduction or CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing. We then differentiated the WT ASPA-expressing patient iPSCs (ASPA-CD iPSCs) into NPCs and showed that the resultant ASPA-CD NPCs exhibited potent ASPA enzymatic activity. The ASPA-CD NPCs were able to survive in brains of transplanted CD mice. The engrafted ASPA-CD NPCs reconstituted ASPA activity in CD mouse brains, reduced the abnormally elevated level of NAA in both brain tissues and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and rescued hallmark pathological phenotypes of the disease, including spongy degeneration, myelination defects, and motor function impairment in transplanted CD mice. These genetically modified patient iPSC-derived NPCs represent a promising cell therapy candidate for CD, a disease that has neither a cure nor a standard treatment. The wild-type ASPA gene was introduced into CD patient iPSCs to make ASPA-CD iPSCs ASPA-CD iPSCs were differentiated into ASPA-CD NPCs with potent ASPA activity Engrafted ASPA-CD NPCs could rescue major disease phenotypes in CD mice CSF NAA level can be used as a biomarker to monitor the treatment outcome for CD
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfei Chao
- Division of Stem Cell Biology Research, Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Lizhao Feng
- Division of Stem Cell Biology Research, Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Peng Ye
- Division of Stem Cell Biology Research, Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Xianwei Chen
- Division of Stem Cell Biology Research, Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Qi Cui
- Division of Stem Cell Biology Research, Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Guihua Sun
- Division of Stem Cell Biology Research, Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.,Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Tao Zhou
- Division of Stem Cell Biology Research, Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - E Tian
- Division of Stem Cell Biology Research, Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Wendong Li
- Division of Stem Cell Biology Research, Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Weidong Hu
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Arthur D Riggs
- Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Reuben Matalon
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555-0359, USA
| | - Yanhong Shi
- Division of Stem Cell Biology Research, Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
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12
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Nešuta O, Thomas AG, Alt J, Hin N, Neužilová A, Long S, Tsukamoto T, Rojas C, Wei H, Slusher BS. High Throughput Screening Cascade To Identify Human Aspartate N-Acetyltransferase (ANAT) Inhibitors for Canavan Disease. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:3445-3455. [PMID: 34477360 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00455] [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] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Canavan disease (CD) is a progressive, fatal neurological disorder that begins in infancy resulting from a mutation in aspartoacyclase (ASPA), an enzyme that catalyzes the deacetylation of N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) into acetate and aspartate. Increased NAA levels in the brains of affected children are one of the hallmarks of CD. Interestingly, genetic deletion of N-acetyltransferase-8-like (NAT8L), which encodes aspartate N-aceyltransferase (ANAT), an enzyme responsible for the synthesis of NAA from l-aspartate and acetyl-CoA, leads to normalization of NAA levels and improvement of symptoms in several genetically engineered mouse models of CD. Therefore, pharmacological inhibition of ANAT presents a promising therapeutic strategy for treating CD. Currently, however, there are no clinically viable ANAT inhibitors. Herein we describe the development of fluorescence-based high throughput screening (HTS) and radioactive-based orthogonal assays using recombinant human ANAT expressed in E. coli. In the fluorescence-based assay, ANAT activity was linear with respect to time of incubation up to 30 min and protein concentration up to 97.5 ng/μL with Km values for l-aspartate and acetyl-CoA of 237 μM and 11 μM, respectively. Using this optimized assay, we conducted a pilot screening of a 10 000-compound library. Hits from the fluorescence-based assay were subjected to an orthogonal radioactive-based assay using L-[U-14C] aspartate as a substrate. Two compounds were confirmed to have dose-dependent inhibition in both assays. Inhibitory kinetics studies of the most potent compound revealed an uncompetitive inhibitory mechanism with respect to l-aspartate and a noncompetitive inhibitory mechanism against acetyl-CoA. The screening cascade developed herein will enable large-scale compound library screening to identify novel ANAT inhibitors as leads for further medicinal chemistry optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ondřej Nešuta
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 855 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Ajit G. Thomas
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 855 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Jesse Alt
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 855 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Niyada Hin
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 855 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Anna Neužilová
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 855 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Shunyou Long
- ChemBioCORE, High Throughput Screening Facility, Johns Hopkins University, 733 N. Broadway, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Takashi Tsukamoto
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 855 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Camilo Rojas
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 855 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Huijun Wei
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 855 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Barbara S. Slusher
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 855 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
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13
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Ulloa-Navas MJ, Pérez-Borredá P, Morales-Gallel R, Saurí-Tamarit A, García-Tárraga P, Gutiérrez-Martín AJ, Herranz-Pérez V, García-Verdugo JM. Ultrastructural Characterization of Human Oligodendrocytes and Their Progenitor Cells by Pre-embedding Immunogold. Front Neuroanat 2021; 15:696376. [PMID: 34248510 PMCID: PMC8262677 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2021.696376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Oligodendrocytes are the myelinating cells of the central nervous system. They provide trophic, metabolic, and structural support to neurons. In several pathologies such as multiple sclerosis (MS), these cells are severely affected and fail to remyelinate, thereby leading to neuronal death. The gold standard for studying remyelination is the g-ratio, which is measured by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Therefore, studying the fine structure of the oligodendrocyte population in the human brain at different stages through TEM is a key feature in this field of study. Here we study the ultrastructure of oligodendrocytes, its progenitors, and myelin in 10 samples of human white matter using nine different markers of the oligodendrocyte lineage (NG2, PDGFRα, A2B5, Sox10, Olig2, BCAS1, APC-(CC1), MAG, and MBP). Our findings show that human oligodendrocytes constitute a very heterogeneous population within the human white matter and that its stages of differentiation present characteristic features that can be used to identify them by TEM. This study sheds light on how these cells interact with other cells within the human brain and clarify their fine characteristics from other glial cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- María J Ulloa-Navas
- Laboratory of Compared Neurobiology, University of Valencia-CIBERNED, Paterna, Spain
| | - Pedro Pérez-Borredá
- Laboratory of Compared Neurobiology, University of Valencia-CIBERNED, Paterna, Spain.,Neurosurgery Department, Consorcio Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Raquel Morales-Gallel
- Laboratory of Compared Neurobiology, University of Valencia-CIBERNED, Paterna, Spain
| | - Ana Saurí-Tamarit
- Laboratory of Compared Neurobiology, University of Valencia-CIBERNED, Paterna, Spain
| | | | | | - Vicente Herranz-Pérez
- Laboratory of Compared Neurobiology, University of Valencia-CIBERNED, Paterna, Spain.,Predepartmental Unit of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitat Jaume I, Castelló de la Plana, Spain
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14
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Bley A, Denecke J, Kohlschütter A, Schön G, Hischke S, Guder P, Bierhals T, Lau H, Hempel M, Eichler FS. The natural history of Canavan disease: 23 new cases and comparison with patients from literature. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2021; 16:227. [PMID: 34011350 PMCID: PMC8132415 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-020-01659-3] [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: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Canavan disease (CD, MIM # 271900) is a rare and devastating leukodystrophy of early childhood. To identify clinical features that could serve as endpoints for treatment trials, the clinical course of CD was studied retrospectively and prospectively in 23 CD patients. Results were compared with data of CD patients reported in three prior large series. Kaplan Meier survival analysis including log rank test was performed for pooled data of 82 CD patients (study cohort and literature patients). Results Onset of symptoms was between 0 and 6 months. Psychomotor development of patients was limited to abilities that are usually gained within the first year of life. Macrocephaly became apparent between 4 and 18 months of age. Seizure frequency was highest towards the end of the first decade. Ethnic background was more diverse than in studies previously reported. A CD severity score with assessment of 11 symptoms and abilities was developed. Conclusions Early hallmarks of CD are severe psychomotor disability and macrocephaly that develop within the first 18 months of life. While rare in the first year of life, seizures increase in frequency over time in most patients. CD occurs more frequently outside Ashkenazi Jewish communities than previously reported. Concordance of phenotypes between siblings but not patients with identical ASPA mutations suggest the influence of yet unknown modifiers. A CD severity score may allow for assessment of CD disease severity both retrospectively and prospectively. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13023-020-01659-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette Bley
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Martini-Str. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Jonas Denecke
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Martini-Str. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Alfried Kohlschütter
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Martini-Str. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gerhard Schön
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Martini-Str. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sandra Hischke
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Martini-Str. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Guder
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Martini-Str. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tatjana Bierhals
- Department of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Martini-Str. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Heather Lau
- Department of Neurogenetics, NYU, 222 East 41st Street, New York, NY, 10017, USA
| | - Maja Hempel
- Department of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Martini-Str. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Florian S Eichler
- Department of Neurology, MGH, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit St, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
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15
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Lotun A, Gessler DJ, Gao G. Canavan Disease as a Model for Gene Therapy-Mediated Myelin Repair. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:661928. [PMID: 33967698 PMCID: PMC8102781 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.661928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the scientific and therapeutic fields for rare, genetic central nervous system (CNS) diseases such as leukodystrophies, or white matter disorders, have expanded significantly in part due to technological advancements in cellular and clinical screenings as well as remedial therapies using novel techniques such as gene therapy. However, treatments aimed at normalizing the pathological changes associated with leukodystrophies have especially been complicated due to the innate and variable effects of glial abnormalities, which can cause large-scale functional deficits in developmental myelination and thus lead to downstream neuronal impairment. Emerging research in the past two decades have depicted glial cells, particularly oligodendrocytes and astrocytes, as key, regulatory modulators in constructing and maintaining myelin function and neuronal viability. Given the significance of myelin formation in the developing brain, myelin repair in a time-dependent fashion is critical in restoring homeostatic functionality to the CNS of patients diagnosed with white matter disorders. Using Canavan Disease (CD) as a leukodystrophy model, here we review the hypothetical roles of N-acetylaspartate (NAA), one of the brain's most abundant amino acid derivatives, in Canavan disease's CNS myelinating pathology, as well as discuss the possible functions astrocytes serve in both CD and other leukodystrophies' time-sensitive disease correction. Through this analysis, we also highlight the potential remyelinating benefits of gene therapy for other leukodystrophies in which alternative CNS cell targeting for white matter disorders may be an applicable path for reparative treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anoushka Lotun
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States.,Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Dominic J Gessler
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States.,Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States.,Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Guangping Gao
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States.,Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States.,Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
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16
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Hussain MS, Wang Q, Viola RE. Engineering of a critical membrane-anchored enzyme for high solubility and catalytic activity. Arch Biochem Biophys 2021; 703:108870. [PMID: 33831357 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2021.108870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Membrane-associated proteins carry out a wide range of essential cellular functions but the structural characterization needed to understand these functions is dramatically underrepresented in the Protein Data Bank. Producing a soluble, stable and active form of a membrane-associated protein presents formidable challenges, as evidenced by the variety of approaches that have been attempted with a multitude of different membrane proteins to achieve this goal. Aspartate N-acetyltransferase (ANAT) is a membrane-anchored enzyme that performs a critical function, the synthesis of N-acetyl-l-aspartate (NAA), the second most abundant amino acid in the brain. This amino acid is a precursor for a neurotransmitter, and alterations in brain NAA levels have been implicated as a causative effect in Canavan disease and has been suggested to be involved in other neurological disorders. Numerous prior attempts have failed to produce a soluble form of ANAT that is amenable for functional and structural investigations. Through the application of a range of different approaches, including fusion partner constructs, linker modifications, membrane-anchor modifications, and domain truncations, a highly soluble, stable and fully active form of ANAT has now been obtained. Producing this modified enzyme form will accelerate studies aimed at structural characterization and structure-guided inhibitor development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad S Hussain
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, 43606, USA
| | - Qinzhe Wang
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, 43606, USA
| | - Ronald E Viola
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, 43606, USA.
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17
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Gersing SK, Wang Y, Grønbæk-Thygesen M, Kampmeyer C, Clausen L, Willemoës M, Andréasson C, Stein A, Lindorff-Larsen K, Hartmann-Petersen R. Mapping the degradation pathway of a disease-linked aspartoacylase variant. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009539. [PMID: 33914734 PMCID: PMC8084241 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009539] [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] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Canavan disease is a severe progressive neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by swelling and spongy degeneration of brain white matter. The disease is genetically linked to polymorphisms in the aspartoacylase (ASPA) gene, including the substitution C152W. ASPA C152W is associated with greatly reduced protein levels in cells, yet biophysical experiments suggest a wild-type like thermal stability. Here, we use ASPA C152W as a model to investigate the degradation pathway of a disease-causing protein variant. When we expressed ASPA C152W in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we found a decreased steady state compared to wild-type ASPA as a result of increased proteasomal degradation. However, molecular dynamics simulations of ASPA C152W did not substantially deviate from wild-type ASPA, indicating that the native state is structurally preserved. Instead, we suggest that the C152W substitution interferes with the de novo folding pathway resulting in increased proteasomal degradation before reaching its stable conformation. Systematic mapping of the protein quality control components acting on misfolded and aggregation-prone species of C152W, revealed that the degradation is highly dependent on the molecular chaperone Hsp70, its co-chaperone Hsp110 as well as several quality control E3 ubiquitin-protein ligases, including Ubr1. In addition, the disaggregase Hsp104 facilitated refolding of aggregated ASPA C152W, while Cdc48 mediated degradation of insoluble ASPA protein. In human cells, ASPA C152W displayed increased proteasomal turnover that was similarly dependent on Hsp70 and Hsp110. Our findings underscore the use of yeast to determine the protein quality control components involved in the degradation of human pathogenic variants in order to identify potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K. Gersing
- The Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Yong Wang
- The Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Martin Grønbæk-Thygesen
- The Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Caroline Kampmeyer
- The Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lene Clausen
- The Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Martin Willemoës
- The Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Claes Andréasson
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Amelie Stein
- The Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kresten Lindorff-Larsen
- The Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rasmus Hartmann-Petersen
- The Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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18
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Bhat MD, Manjunath N, Kumari R, Faruq M, Pal PK, Prasad C, Mundlamuri RC, Nalini A, Udupi GA, Baishya PP, Kulanthaivelu K. Cribriform Appearance of White Matter in Canavan Disease Associated with Novel Mutations of ASPA Gene. J Pediatr Genet 2021; 11:267-271. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1725118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
AbstractCribriform appearance of the brain in Canavan disease is a rare finding. The two presented cases broaden the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) phenotype wherein numerous oval, cystic structures, a few resembling dilated Virchow-Robin (VR) spaces, were noted in the centrum semiovale, periventricular, and lobar white matter producing a cribriform pattern. Besides, discrete round to oval cysts were present at the gray–white matter junctions in the second case, which were larger and appeared morphologically distinct from the VR spaces. These cysts did not elongate in any plane on imaging and were more representative of giant intramyelinic vacuoles. Genetic analysis revealed novel mutations in the aspartoacylase or ASPA gene that possibly accounts for the severe form of Canavan disease, which probably explains the imaging findings. The multicystic appearance of the white matter in Canavan disease is unusual and possibly represents two different histopathological substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Dattatraya Bhat
- Department of Neuroimaging and Interventional Radiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Netravathi Manjunath
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Renu Kumari
- Genomics and Molecular Medicine, CSIR Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi
| | - Mohammed Faruq
- Department of Genomics and Molecular Medicine, CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi, India
| | - Pramod Kumar Pal
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Chandrajit Prasad
- Department of Neuroimaging and Interventional Radiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Atchayaram Nalini
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Gautham Arunachal Udupi
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Priyanka Priyadarshini Baishya
- Department of Neuroimaging and Interventional Radiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Karthik Kulanthaivelu
- Department of Neuroimaging and Interventional Radiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
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19
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Feng L, Chao J, Tian E, Li L, Ye P, Zhang M, Chen X, Cui Q, Sun G, Zhou T, Felix G, Qin Y, Li W, Meza ED, Klein J, Ghoda L, Hu W, Luo Y, Dang W, Hsu D, Gold J, Goldman SA, Matalon R, Shi Y. Cell-Based Therapy for Canavan Disease Using Human iPSC-Derived NPCs and OPCs. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2020; 7:2002155. [PMID: 33304759 PMCID: PMC7709977 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202002155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Canavan disease (CD) is a fatal leukodystrophy caused by mutation of the aspartoacylase (ASPA) gene, which leads to deficiency in ASPA activity, accumulation of the substrate N-acetyl-L-aspartate (NAA), demyelination, and spongy degeneration of the brain. There is neither a cure nor a standard treatment for this disease. In this study, human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based cell therapy is developed for CD. A functional ASPA gene is introduced into patient iPSC-derived neural progenitor cells (iNPCs) or oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (iOPCs) via lentiviral transduction or TALEN-mediated genetic engineering to generate ASPA iNPC or ASPA iOPC. After stereotactic transplantation into a CD (Nur7) mouse model, the engrafted cells are able to rescue major pathological features of CD, including deficient ASPA activity, elevated NAA levels, extensive vacuolation, defective myelination, and motor function deficits, in a robust and sustainable manner. Moreover, the transplanted mice exhibit much prolonged survival. These genetically engineered patient iPSC-derived cellular products are promising cell therapies for CD. This study has the potential to bring effective cell therapies, for the first time, to Canavan disease children who have no treatment options. The approach established in this study can also benefit many other children who have deadly genetic diseases that have no cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizhao Feng
- Division of Stem Cell Biology ResearchDepartment of Developmental and Stem Cell BiologyBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Jianfei Chao
- Division of Stem Cell Biology ResearchDepartment of Developmental and Stem Cell BiologyBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - E Tian
- Division of Stem Cell Biology ResearchDepartment of Developmental and Stem Cell BiologyBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Li Li
- Division of Stem Cell Biology ResearchDepartment of Developmental and Stem Cell BiologyBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Peng Ye
- Division of Stem Cell Biology ResearchDepartment of Developmental and Stem Cell BiologyBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Mi Zhang
- Division of Stem Cell Biology ResearchDepartment of Developmental and Stem Cell BiologyBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Xianwei Chen
- Division of Stem Cell Biology ResearchDepartment of Developmental and Stem Cell BiologyBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Qi Cui
- Division of Stem Cell Biology ResearchDepartment of Developmental and Stem Cell BiologyBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Guihua Sun
- Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute at City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Tao Zhou
- Division of Stem Cell Biology ResearchDepartment of Developmental and Stem Cell BiologyBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Gerardo Felix
- Division of Stem Cell Biology ResearchDepartment of Developmental and Stem Cell BiologyBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
- Irell & Manella Graduate School of Biological SciencesBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Yue Qin
- Division of Stem Cell Biology ResearchDepartment of Developmental and Stem Cell BiologyBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Wendong Li
- Division of Stem Cell Biology ResearchDepartment of Developmental and Stem Cell BiologyBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Edward David Meza
- Division of Stem Cell Biology ResearchDepartment of Developmental and Stem Cell BiologyBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Jeremy Klein
- Division of Stem Cell Biology ResearchDepartment of Developmental and Stem Cell BiologyBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Lucy Ghoda
- Division of Stem Cell Biology ResearchDepartment of Developmental and Stem Cell BiologyBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Weidong Hu
- Department of Molecular Imaging and TherapyBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Yonglun Luo
- Department of BiomedicineAarhus UniversityAarhus8000Denmark
| | - Wei Dang
- Center for Biomedicine and GeneticsBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - David Hsu
- Center for Biomedicine and GeneticsBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Joseph Gold
- Center for Biomedicine and GeneticsBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Steven A. Goldman
- Center for Translational NeuromedicineUniversity of Rochester Medical CenterRochesterNY14642USA
- Center for Translational NeuromedicineFaculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDK‐2200Denmark
| | - Reuben Matalon
- Department of Pediatricsthe University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston301 University BlvdGalvestonTX77555‐0359USA
| | - Yanhong Shi
- Division of Stem Cell Biology ResearchDepartment of Developmental and Stem Cell BiologyBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
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20
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Li L, Shi Y. When glia meet induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Mol Cell Neurosci 2020; 109:103565. [PMID: 33068719 PMCID: PMC10506562 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2020.103565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The importance of glial cells, mainly astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia, in the central nervous system (CNS) has been increasingly appreciated. Recent advances have demonstrated the diversity of glial cells and their contribution to human CNS development, normal CNS functions, and disease progression. The uniqueness of human glial cells is also supported by multiple lines of evidence. With the discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and the progress of generating glial cells from human iPSCs, there are numerous studies to model CNS diseases using human iPSC-derived glial cells. Here we summarize the basic characteristics of glial cells, with the focus on their classical functions, heterogeneity, and uniqueness in human species. We further review the findings from recent studies that use iPSC-derived glial cells for CNS disease modeling. We conclude with promises and future directions of using iPSC-derived glial cells for CNS disease modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Li
- Division of Stem Cell Biology, Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; Irell and Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Yanhong Shi
- Division of Stem Cell Biology, Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; Irell and Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
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21
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Moffett JR, Puthillathu N, Vengilote R, Jaworski DM, Namboodiri AM. Acetate Revisited: A Key Biomolecule at the Nexus of Metabolism, Epigenetics, and Oncogenesis - Part 2: Acetate and ACSS2 in Health and Disease. Front Physiol 2020; 11:580171. [PMID: 33304273 PMCID: PMC7693462 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.580171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Acetate, the shortest chain fatty acid, has been implicated in providing health benefits whether it is derived from the diet or is generated from microbial fermentation of fiber in the gut. These health benefits range widely from improved cardiac function to enhanced red blood cell generation and memory formation. Understanding how acetate could influence so many disparate biological functions is now an area of intensive research. Protein acetylation is one of the most common post-translational modifications and increased systemic acetate strongly drives protein acetylation. By virtue of acetylation impacting the activity of virtually every class of protein, acetate driven alterations in signaling and gene transcription have been associated with several common human diseases, including cancer. In part 2 of this review, we will focus on some of the roles that acetate plays in health and human disease. The acetate-activating enzyme acyl-CoA short-chain synthetase family member 2 (ACSS2) will be a major part of that focus due to its role in targeted protein acetylation reactions that can regulate central metabolism and stress responses. ACSS2 is the only known enzyme that can recycle acetate derived from deacetylation reactions in the cytoplasm and nucleus of cells, including both protein and metabolite deacetylation reactions. As such, ACSS2 can recycle acetate derived from histone deacetylase reactions as well as protein deacetylation reactions mediated by sirtuins, among many others. Notably, ACSS2 can activate acetate released from acetylated metabolites including N-acetylaspartate (NAA), the most concentrated acetylated metabolite in the human brain. NAA has been associated with the metabolic reprograming of cancer cells, where ACSS2 also plays a role. Here, we discuss the context-specific roles that acetate can play in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R. Moffett
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, and Neuroscience Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Narayanan Puthillathu
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, and Neuroscience Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Ranjini Vengilote
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, and Neuroscience Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Diane M. Jaworski
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - Aryan M. Namboodiri
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, and Neuroscience Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
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22
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Montani L. Lipids in regulating oligodendrocyte structure and function. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2020; 112:114-122. [PMID: 32912639 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2020.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Oligodendrocytes enwrap central nervous system axons with myelin, a lipid enriched highly organized multi-layer membrane structure that allows for fast long-distance saltatory conduction of neuronal impulses. Myelin has an extremely high lipid content (∼80 % of its dry weight) and a peculiar lipid composition, with a 2:2:1 cholesterol:phospholipid:glycolipid ratio. Inherited neurodegenerative diseases of the lipids (caused by mutations in lipogenic enzymes) often present oligodendrocyte and/or myelin defects which contribute to the overall disease pathophysiology. These phenomena triggered an increasing number of studies over the functions lipid exert to shape and maintain myelin, and brought to the finding that lipids are more than only structural building blocks. They act as signaling molecules to drive proliferation and differentiation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, as well as proliferation of premyelinating oligodendrocytes, and their maturation into myelinating ones. Here, we summarize key findings in these areas, while presenting the main related human diseases. Despite many advances in the field, various questions remain open which we briefly discuss. This article is part of a special issue entitled "Role of Lipids in CNS Cell Physiology and Pathology".
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Montani
- Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, Department of Biology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, CH-8093, Switzerland.
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23
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Stecula A, Hussain MS, Viola RE. Discovery of Novel Inhibitors of a Critical Brain Enzyme Using a Homology Model and a Deep Convolutional Neural Network. J Med Chem 2020; 63:8867-8875. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Stecula
- Atomwise Inc., San Francisco, California 94103, United States
| | - Muhammad S. Hussain
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio 43606, United States
| | - Ronald E. Viola
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio 43606, United States
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24
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Plasma N-acetylaspartate: Development and validation of a quantitative assay based on HPLC-MS-MS and sample derivatization. Clin Chim Acta 2020; 508:146-153. [PMID: 32417212 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2020.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
N-acetylaspartate is a human endogenous compound synthesized by neurons, which is involved in neuronal metabolism. It is used as a marker in brain magnetic resonance spectroscopy to investigate several neurological and metabolic disorders, that can be related to a variation of its concentration with respect to reference values. N-acetylaspartate is present also in biological fluids, such as plasma, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid, where it can be quantified. Here we describe the development and validation, in compliance with the EMA guidelines, of a novel assay method for the quantification of N-acetylaspartate in plasma based on tandem mass spectrometry coupled to liquid chromatography. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that sample preparation includes an esterification step, which significantly improves the chromatographic performances and, consequently, also the method sensitivity, reproducibility and accuracy. Instrumental LLOQ is 0.06 ng/mL, i.e. at least 300 times lower than the medium N-acetylaspartate concentration in samples, accuracy is in the range 98-103%, while precision lies between 1 and 3%. The method robustness was tested in about 1000 injections of plasma samples, 96 of which were used also to assess the reference ranges in control subjects (16.46-63.40 ng/mL). Controls were then compared to plasma samples from type 2 diabetic patients. Contrary to brain magnetic resonance spectroscopy, which demonstrated a decrease in the N-acetylaspartate levels in right frontal and parieto-temporal region of type 2 diabetic patients, plasma analysis showed no statistical difference with respect to controls. However, the method here described can be profitably used in studies concerning different disorders with CNS involvement, as confirmed by reports available in the literature.
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25
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Cecil KM, Naidu P. Advances in Pediatric Neuroimaging. MR Spectroscopy. Semin Pediatr Neurol 2020; 33:100798. [PMID: 32331612 DOI: 10.1016/j.spen.2020.100798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The basic principles of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy are presented in this work to briefly familiarize the clinician and to distinguish spectroscopy from magnetic resonance imaging. For those knowledgeable about proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, this article will also provide the reader an update on recent technical and translational developments relevant to pediatric neurologic conditions. These developments were selected for their potential impact towards the clinical care of patients in pediatric-based practices. At this point in time, these new spectroscopic approaches are currently applied to established populations with known diseases. This information will inform our knowledge about diseases and guide therapeutic options for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim M Cecil
- Professor of Radiology, Pediatrics, Neuroscience and Environmental Health, Imaging Research Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Department of Radiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH.
| | - Padmaja Naidu
- Department of Radiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
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26
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Pleasure D, Guo F, Chechneva O, Bannerman P, McDonough J, Burns T, Wang Y, Hull V. Pathophysiology and Treatment of Canavan Disease. Neurochem Res 2020; 45:561-565. [PMID: 30535831 PMCID: PMC11131954 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-018-2693-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- David Pleasure
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Research, Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California and UC Davis School of Medicine, 2425 Stockton Blvd, 95817, Sacramento, CA, USA.
- , C/o Shriners Hospital, 2425 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
| | - Fuzheng Guo
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Research, Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California and UC Davis School of Medicine, 2425 Stockton Blvd, 95817, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Olga Chechneva
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Research, Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California and UC Davis School of Medicine, 2425 Stockton Blvd, 95817, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Peter Bannerman
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Research, Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California and UC Davis School of Medicine, 2425 Stockton Blvd, 95817, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer McDonough
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - Travis Burns
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Research, Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California and UC Davis School of Medicine, 2425 Stockton Blvd, 95817, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Yan Wang
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Research, Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California and UC Davis School of Medicine, 2425 Stockton Blvd, 95817, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Vanessa Hull
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Research, Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California and UC Davis School of Medicine, 2425 Stockton Blvd, 95817, Sacramento, CA, USA
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27
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Hofer DC, Zirkovits G, Pelzmann HJ, Huber K, Pessentheiner AR, Xia W, Uno K, Miyazaki T, Kon K, Tsuneki H, Pendl T, Al Zoughbi W, Madreiter-Sokolowski CT, Trausinger G, Abdellatif M, Schoiswohl G, Schreiber R, Eisenberg T, Magnes C, Sedej S, Eckhardt M, Sasahara M, Sasaoka T, Nitta A, Hoefler G, Graier WF, Kratky D, Auwerx J, Bogner-Strauss JG. N-acetylaspartate availability is essential for juvenile survival on fat-free diet and determines metabolic health. FASEB J 2019; 33:13808-13824. [PMID: 31638418 PMCID: PMC6894082 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201801323r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
N-acetylaspartate (NAA) is synthesized by aspartate N-acetyltransferase (gene: Nat8l) from acetyl-coenzyme A and aspartate. In the brain, NAA is considered an important energy metabolite for lipid synthesis. However, the role of NAA in peripheral tissues remained elusive. Therefore, we characterized the metabolic phenotype of knockout (ko) and adipose tissue-specific (ako) Nat8l-ko mice as well as NAA-supplemented mice on various diets. We identified an important role of NAA availability in the brain during adolescence, as 75% of Nat8l-ko mice died on fat-free diet (FFD) after weaning but could be rescued by NAA supplementation. In adult life, NAA deficiency promotes a beneficial metabolic phenotype, as Nat8l-ko and Nat8l-ako mice showed reduced body weight, increased energy expenditure, and improved glucose tolerance on chow, high-fat, and FFDs. Furthermore, Nat8l-deficient adipocytes exhibited increased mitochondrial respiration, ATP synthesis, and an induction of browning. Conversely, NAA-treated wild-type mice showed reduced adipocyte respiration and lipolysis and increased de novo lipogenesis, culminating in reduced energy expenditure, glucose tolerance, and insulin sensitivity. Mechanistically, our data point to a possible role of NAA as modulator of pancreatic insulin secretion and suggest NAA as a critical energy metabolite for adipocyte and whole-body energy homeostasis.-Hofer, D. C., Zirkovits, G., Pelzmann, H. J., Huber, K., Pessentheiner, A. R., Xia, W., Uno, K., Miyazaki, T., Kon, K., Tsuneki, H., Pendl, T., Al Zoughbi, W., Madreiter-Sokolowski, C. T., Trausinger, G., Abdellatif, M., Schoiswohl, G., Schreiber, R., Eisenberg, T., Magnes, C., Sedej, S., Eckhardt, M., Sasahara, M., Sasaoka, T., Nitta, A., Hoefler, G., Graier, W. F., Kratky, D., Auwerx, J., Bogner-Strauss, J. G. N-acetylaspartate availability is essential for juvenile survival on fat-free diet and determines metabolic health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina C. Hofer
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
- Laboratory of Integrative and Systems Physiology, Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Gabriel Zirkovits
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
| | - Helmut J. Pelzmann
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
- Fresenius Kabi Austria GmbH, Graz, Austria
| | - Katharina Huber
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
- Center for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ariane R. Pessentheiner
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
- Department of Medicine, University of California–San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Wenmin Xia
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
| | - Kyosuke Uno
- Department of Pharmaceutical Therapy and Neuropharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Toh Miyazaki
- Department of Pharmaceutical Therapy and Neuropharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Kanta Kon
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Tsuneki
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Tobias Pendl
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, NAWI Graz, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Wael Al Zoughbi
- Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | | | - Gert Trausinger
- Joanneum Research, HEALTH–Institute for Biomedicine and Health Sciences, Graz, Austria
| | | | | | - Renate Schreiber
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Tobias Eisenberg
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, NAWI Graz, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Christoph Magnes
- Joanneum Research, HEALTH–Institute for Biomedicine and Health Sciences, Graz, Austria
| | - Simon Sedej
- Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Matthias Eckhardt
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Toshiyasu Sasaoka
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Atsumi Nitta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Therapy and Neuropharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Gerald Hoefler
- Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Wolfgang F. Graier
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Dagmar Kratky
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Johan Auwerx
- Laboratory of Integrative and Systems Physiology, Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Juliane G. Bogner-Strauss
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
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28
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Mutthamsetty V, Dahal GP, Wang Q, Viola RE. Development of bisubstrate analog inhibitors of aspartate
N
‐acetyltransferase, a critical brain enzyme. Chem Biol Drug Des 2019; 95:48-57. [DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vinay Mutthamsetty
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of Toledo Toledo OH USA
| | - Gopal P. Dahal
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of Toledo Toledo OH USA
| | - Qinzhe Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of Toledo Toledo OH USA
| | - Ronald E. Viola
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of Toledo Toledo OH USA
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29
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Dewulf JP, Wiame E, Dorboz I, Elmaleh-Bergès M, Imbard A, Dumitriu D, Rak M, Bourillon A, Helaers R, Malla A, Renaldo F, Boespflug-Tanguy O, Vincent MF, Benoist JF, Wevers RA, Schlessinger A, Van Schaftingen E, Nassogne MC, Schiff M. SLC13A3 variants cause acute reversible leukoencephalopathy and α-ketoglutarate accumulation. Ann Neurol 2019; 85:385-395. [PMID: 30635937 DOI: 10.1002/ana.25412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE SLC13A3 encodes the plasma membrane Na+ /dicarboxylate cotransporter 3, which imports inside the cell 4 to 6 carbon dicarboxylates as well as N-acetylaspartate (NAA). SLC13A3 is mainly expressed in kidney, in astrocytes, and in the choroid plexus. We describe two unrelated patients presenting with acute, reversible (and recurrent in one) neurological deterioration during a febrile illness. Both patients exhibited a reversible leukoencephalopathy and a urinary excretion of α-ketoglutarate (αKG) that was markedly increased and persisted over time. In one patient, increased concentrations of cerebrospinal fluid NAA and dicarboxylates (including αKG) were observed. Extensive workup was unsuccessful, and a genetic cause was suspected. METHODS Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed. Our teams were connected through GeneMatcher. RESULTS WES analysis revealed variants in SLC13A3. A homozygous missense mutation (p.Ala254Asp) was found in the first patient. The second patient was heterozygous for another missense mutation (p.Gly548Ser) and an intronic mutation affecting splicing as demonstrated by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction performed in muscle tissue (c.1016 + 3A > G). Mutations and segregation were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Functional studies performed on HEK293T cells transiently transfected with wild-type and mutant SLC13A3 indicated that the missense mutations caused a marked reduction in the capacity to transport αKG, succinate, and NAA. INTERPRETATION SLC13A3 deficiency causes acute and reversible leukoencephalopathy with marked accumulation of αKG. Urine organic acids (especially αKG and NAA) and SLC13A3 mutations should be screened in patients presenting with unexplained reversible leukoencephalopathy, for which SLC13A3 deficiency is a novel differential diagnosis. ANN NEUROL 2019;85:385-395.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph P Dewulf
- Laboratory of Physiological Chemistry, de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Walloon Excellence in Life Sciences and Biotechnology (WELBIO), Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Elsa Wiame
- Laboratory of Physiological Chemistry, de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Walloon Excellence in Life Sciences and Biotechnology (WELBIO), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Imen Dorboz
- UMR1141, PROTECT, INSERM, Paris Diderot University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Monique Elmaleh-Bergès
- Department of Pediatric Imaging, Robert Debré University Hospital, Public APHP, Paris, France
| | - Apolline Imbard
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Robert Debré University Hospital, APHP, France.,Paris-Sud University, Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Dana Dumitriu
- Department of Pediatric Imaging, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Malgorzata Rak
- UMR1141, PROTECT, INSERM, Paris Diderot University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Agnès Bourillon
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Robert Debré University Hospital, APHP, France.,Paris-Sud University, Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Raphaël Helaers
- Human Molecular Genetics, de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alisha Malla
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Florence Renaldo
- UMR1141, PROTECT, INSERM, Paris Diderot University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.,Department of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Diseases, Robert Debré University Hospital, APHP, Paris, France.,Reference Center for Leukodystrophies and Rare Leukoencephalopathies, LEUKOFRANCE, Robert Debré University Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Odile Boespflug-Tanguy
- UMR1141, PROTECT, INSERM, Paris Diderot University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.,Department of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Diseases, Robert Debré University Hospital, APHP, Paris, France.,Reference Center for Leukodystrophies and Rare Leukoencephalopathies, LEUKOFRANCE, Robert Debré University Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Marie-Françoise Vincent
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jean-François Benoist
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Robert Debré University Hospital, APHP, France.,Paris-Sud University, Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Ron A Wevers
- Translational Metabolic Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Avner Schlessinger
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Emile Van Schaftingen
- Laboratory of Physiological Chemistry, de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Walloon Excellence in Life Sciences and Biotechnology (WELBIO), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marie-Cécile Nassogne
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Manuel Schiff
- UMR1141, PROTECT, INSERM, Paris Diderot University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.,Department of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Diseases, Robert Debré University Hospital, APHP, Paris, France.,Reference Center for Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Robert Debré University Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
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30
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Kots ED, Khrenova MG, Nemukhin AV, Varfolomeev SD. Aspartoacylase: a central nervous system enzyme. Structure, catalytic activity and regulation mechanisms. RUSSIAN CHEMICAL REVIEWS 2019. [DOI: 10.1070/rcr4842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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31
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Goryunova AV, Shevchenko YS, Goryunov AV. Cogitum in children's neurology and psychiatry (experience in the practical use). Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2019. [DOI: 10.17116/jnevro201911907258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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32
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Bannerman P, Guo F, Chechneva O, Burns T, Zhu X, Wang Y, Kim B, Singhal NK, McDonough JA, Pleasure D. Brain Nat8l Knockdown Suppresses Spongiform Leukodystrophy in an Aspartoacylase-Deficient Canavan Disease Mouse Model. Mol Ther 2018; 26:793-800. [PMID: 29456021 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2018.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Revised: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/06/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Canavan disease, a leukodystrophy caused by loss-of-function ASPA mutations, is characterized by brain dysmyelination, vacuolation, and astrogliosis ("spongiform leukodystrophy"). ASPA encodes aspartoacylase, an oligodendroglial enzyme that cleaves the abundant brain amino acid N-acetyl-L-aspartate (NAA) to L-aspartate and acetate. Aspartoacylase deficiency results in a 50% or greater elevation in brain NAA concentration ([NAAB]). Prior studies showed that homozygous constitutive knockout of Nat8l, the gene encoding the neuronal NAA synthesizing enzyme N-acetyltransferase 8-like, prevents aspartoacylase-deficient mice from developing spongiform leukodystrophy. We now report that brain Nat8l knockdown elicited by intracerebroventricular/intracisternal administration of an adeno-associated viral vector carrying a short hairpin Nat8l inhibitory RNA to neonatal aspartoacylase-deficient AspaNur7/Nur7 mice lowers [NAAB] and suppresses development of spongiform leukodystrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Bannerman
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Fuzheng Guo
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Olga Chechneva
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Travis Burns
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Xiaoqing Zhu
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266-61, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Bokyung Kim
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Naveen K Singhal
- Department of Biological Sciences and School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - Jennifer A McDonough
- Department of Biological Sciences and School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - David Pleasure
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.
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Khrenova MG, Kots ED, Varfolomeev SD, Lushchekina SV, Nemukhin AV. Three Faces of N-Acetylaspartate: Activator, Substrate, and Inhibitor of Human Aspartoacylase. J Phys Chem B 2017; 121:9389-9397. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.7b08759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maria G. Khrenova
- Department
of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Ekaterina D. Kots
- Department
of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia
- Emanuel
Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Sergey D. Varfolomeev
- Department
of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia
- Emanuel
Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Sofya V. Lushchekina
- Emanuel
Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Alexander V. Nemukhin
- Department
of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia
- Emanuel
Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119991, Russia
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Bogner-Strauss JG. N-Acetylaspartate Metabolism Outside the Brain: Lipogenesis, Histone Acetylation, and Cancer. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2017; 8:240. [PMID: 28979238 PMCID: PMC5611401 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2017.00240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
N-acetylaspartate (NAA) is a highly abundant brain metabolite. Aberrant NAA concentrations have been detected in many pathological conditions and although the function of NAA has been extensively investigated in the brain it is still controversial. Only recently, a role of NAA has been reported outside the brain. In brown adipocytes, which show high expression of the NAA-producing and the NAA-cleaving enzyme, the metabolism of NAA has been implicated in lipid synthesis and histone acetylation. Increased expression of N-acetyltransferase 8-like (Nat8l, the gene encoding the NAA synthesizing enzyme) induces de novo lipogenesis and the brown adipocyte phenotype. Accordingly silencing of aspartoacylase, the NAA-cleaving enzyme, reduced brown adipocyte differentiation mechanistically by decreasing histone acetylation and gene transcription. Notably, the expression of Nat8l and the amount of NAA were also shown to be increased in several tumors and inversely correlate with patients' survival. Additionally, Nat8l silencing reduced cell proliferation in tumor and non-tumor cells, while NAA supplementation could rescue it. However, the mechanism behind has not yet been clarified. It remains to be addressed whether NAA per se and/or its catabolism to acetate and aspartate, metabolites that have both been implicated in tumor growth, are valuable targets for future therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliane G. Bogner-Strauss
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
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35
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Kots ED, Lushchekina SV, Varfolomeev SD, Nemukhin AV. Role of Protein Dimeric Interface in Allosteric Inhibition of N-Acetyl-Aspartate Hydrolysis by Human Aspartoacylase. J Chem Inf Model 2017; 57:1999-2008. [PMID: 28737906 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.7b00133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The results of molecular modeling suggest a mechanism of allosteric inhibition upon hydrolysis of N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA), one of the most abundant amino acid derivatives in brain, by human aspartoacylase (hAsp). Details of this reaction are important to suggest the practical ways to control the enzyme activity. Search for allosteric sites using the Allosite web server and SiteMap analysis allowed us to identify substrate binding pockets located at the interface between the subunits of the hAsp dimer molecule. Molecular docking of NAA to the pointed areas at the dimer interface predicted a specific site, in which the substrate molecule interacts with the Gly237, Arg233, Glu290, and Lys292 residues. Analysis of multiple long-scaled molecular dynamics trajectories (the total simulation time exceeded 1.5 μs) showed that binding of NAA to the identified allosteric site induced significant rigidity to the protein loops with the amino acid side chains forming gates to the enzyme active site. Application of the protein dynamical network algorithms showed that substantial reorganization of the signal propagation pathways of intersubunit communication in the dimer occurred upon allosteric NAA binding to the remote site. The modeling approaches provide an explanation to the observed decrease of the reaction rate of NAA hydrolysis by hAsp at high substrate concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina D Kots
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University , Moscow 119991, Russia.,Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences , Moscow 119334, Russia
| | - Sofya V Lushchekina
- Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences , Moscow 119334, Russia
| | - Sergey D Varfolomeev
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University , Moscow 119991, Russia.,Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences , Moscow 119334, Russia
| | - Alexander V Nemukhin
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University , Moscow 119991, Russia.,Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences , Moscow 119334, Russia
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36
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Bond KM, Brinjikji W, Eckel LJ, Kallmes DF, McDonald RJ, Carr CM. Dentate Update: Imaging Features of Entities That Affect the Dentate Nucleus. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2017; 38:1467-1474. [PMID: 28408628 PMCID: PMC7960439 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a5138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The dentate nucleus is a cerebellar structure involved in voluntary motor function and cognition. There are relatively few entities that affect the dentate, and the clinical features of these conditions are often complex and nonspecific. Because these entities are rarely encountered, the formulation of a differential diagnosis can be difficult. Many of the conditions are reversible or treatable with early intervention. Therefore, it is important to recognize classic clinical presentations and their associated characteristic imaging findings. We provide a summary of entities that affect the dentate nucleus and a diagnostic workflow for approaching dentate nucleus imaging abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M Bond
- From Mayo Clinic School of Medicine (K.M.B.)
| | - W Brinjikji
- the Department of Radiology (W.B., L.J.E., D.F.K., R.J.M., C.M.C.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - L J Eckel
- the Department of Radiology (W.B., L.J.E., D.F.K., R.J.M., C.M.C.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - D F Kallmes
- the Department of Radiology (W.B., L.J.E., D.F.K., R.J.M., C.M.C.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - R J McDonald
- the Department of Radiology (W.B., L.J.E., D.F.K., R.J.M., C.M.C.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - C M Carr
- the Department of Radiology (W.B., L.J.E., D.F.K., R.J.M., C.M.C.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
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37
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Appu AP, Moffett JR, Arun P, Moran S, Nambiar V, Krishnan JKS, Puthillathu N, Namboodiri AMA. Increasing N-acetylaspartate in the Brain during Postnatal Myelination Does Not Cause the CNS Pathologies of Canavan Disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:161. [PMID: 28626388 PMCID: PMC5454052 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Canavan disease is caused by mutations in the gene encoding aspartoacylase (ASPA), a deacetylase that catabolizes N-acetylaspartate (NAA). The precise involvement of elevated NAA in the pathogenesis of Canavan disease is an ongoing debate. In the present study, we tested the effects of elevated NAA in the brain during postnatal development. Mice were administered high doses of the hydrophobic methyl ester of NAA (M-NAA) twice daily starting on day 7 after birth. This treatment increased NAA levels in the brain to those observed in the brains of Nur7 mice, an established model of Canavan disease. We evaluated various serological parameters, oxidative stress, inflammatory and neurodegeneration markers and the results showed that there were no pathological alterations in any measure with increased brain NAA levels. We examined oxidative stress markers, malondialdehyde content (indicator of lipid peroxidation), expression of NADPH oxidase and nuclear translocation of the stress-responsive transcription factor nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NRF-2) in brain. We also examined additional pathological markers by immunohistochemistry and the expression of activated caspase-3 and interleukin-6 by Western blot. None of the markers were increased in the brains of M-NAA treated mice, and no vacuoles were observed in any brain region. These results show that ASPA expression prevents the pathologies associated with excessive NAA concentrations in the brain during postnatal myelination. We hypothesize that the pathogenesis of Canavan disease involves not only disrupted NAA metabolism, but also excessive NAA related signaling processes in oligodendrocytes that have not been fully determined and we discuss some of the potential mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhilash P. Appu
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics and Neuroscience Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health SciencesBethesda, MD, United States
| | - John R. Moffett
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics and Neuroscience Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health SciencesBethesda, MD, United States
| | - Peethambaran Arun
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics and Neuroscience Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health SciencesBethesda, MD, United States
| | - Sean Moran
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics and Neuroscience Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health SciencesBethesda, MD, United States
| | - Vikram Nambiar
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics and Neuroscience Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health SciencesBethesda, MD, United States
| | - Jishnu K. S. Krishnan
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics and Neuroscience Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health SciencesBethesda, MD, United States
| | - Narayanan Puthillathu
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics and Neuroscience Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health SciencesBethesda, MD, United States
| | - Aryan M. A. Namboodiri
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics and Neuroscience Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health SciencesBethesda, MD, United States
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38
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Kimiskidis VK, Papaliagkas V, Papagiannopoulos S, Zafeiriou D, Kazis D, Tsatsali-Foroglou E, Kouvatsou Z, Kapina V, Koutsonikolas D, Anogianakis G, Geroukis T, Bostantjopoulou S. Investigation of the motor system in two siblings with Canavan's disease: a combined transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) - diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) study. Metab Brain Dis 2017; 32:307-310. [PMID: 28130616 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-017-9955-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Canavan's disease (CD) is a hereditary leukodystrophy caused by mutations in the aspartoacylase gene (ASPA), leading to spongiform degeneration of the white matter and severe impairment of psychomotor development. We present the cases of two non-Jewish sisters with CD that have a milder and protracted clinical course compared to typical CD. MRI imaging revealed bilateral high-signal-intensity areas in the thalami and the internal capsule and MR spectroscopy showed typical findings for CD (a marked increase in N-acetylaspartate (NAA) levels). FA values of the right and left corticospinal tracts at the level of the posterior limb of the internal capsule, and the centrum semiovale were found to be significantly reduced compared to healthy controls. From a neurophysiological point of view, the peripheral motor system was normal. In contrast, cortical stimulation at maximal intensity failed to elicit facilitated or resting MEPs and silent periods (SPs) in upper and lower limbs, providing evidence for significant upper motor pathway dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- V K Kimiskidis
- Laboratory of Clinical Neurophysiology, AHEPA University Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Vasileios Papaliagkas
- Laboratory of Clinical Neurophysiology, AHEPA University Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - S Papagiannopoulos
- Third Department of Neurology, G. Papanikolaou Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - D Zafeiriou
- First Department of Pediatrics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - D Kazis
- Third Department of Neurology, G. Papanikolaou Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Z Kouvatsou
- Third Department of Neurology, G. Papanikolaou Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - V Kapina
- Third Department of Neurology, G. Papanikolaou Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - D Koutsonikolas
- Department of Experimental Physiology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - G Anogianakis
- Department of Experimental Physiology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - T Geroukis
- Department of Radiology, G. Papanikolaou Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - S Bostantjopoulou
- Third Department of Neurology, G. Papanikolaou Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
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39
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Mendes MI, Smith DE, Pop A, Lennertz P, Fernandez Ojeda MR, Kanhai WA, van Dooren SJ, Anikster Y, Barić I, Boelen C, Campistol J, de Boer L, Kariminejad A, Kayserili H, Roubertie A, Verbruggen KT, Vianey-Saban C, Williams M, Salomons GS. Clinically Distinct Phenotypes of Canavan Disease Correlate with Residual Aspartoacylase Enzyme Activity. Hum Mutat 2017; 38:524-531. [PMID: 28101991 PMCID: PMC5412892 DOI: 10.1002/humu.23181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We describe 14 patients with 12 novel missense mutations in ASPA, the gene causing Canavan disease (CD). We developed a method to study the effect of these 12 variants on the function of aspartoacylase—the hydrolysis of N‐acetyl‐l‐aspartic acid (NAA) to aspartate and acetate. The wild‐type ASPA open reading frame (ORF) and the ORFs containing each of the variants were transfected into HEK293 cells. Enzyme activity was determined by incubating cell lysates with NAA and measuring the released aspartic acid by LC–MS/MS. Clinical data were obtained for 11 patients by means of questionnaires. Four patients presented with a non‐typical clinical picture or with the milder form of CD, whereas seven presented with severe CD. The mutations found in the mild patients corresponded to the variants with the highest residual enzyme activities, suggesting that this assay can help evaluate unknown variants found in patients with atypical presentation. We have detected a correlation between clinical presentation, enzyme activity, and genotype for CD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa I Mendes
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Metabolic Unit, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Desirée Ec Smith
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Metabolic Unit, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ana Pop
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Metabolic Unit, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Pascal Lennertz
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Metabolic Unit, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Matilde R Fernandez Ojeda
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Metabolic Unit, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Warsha A Kanhai
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Metabolic Unit, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Silvy Jm van Dooren
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Metabolic Unit, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yair Anikster
- Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Sheba Medical Center and Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Ivo Barić
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Center Zagreb & University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Caroline Boelen
- Department of Pediatrics, Admiraal De Ruyter Ziekenhuis, Goes, Zeeland, The Netherlands
| | - Jaime Campistol
- Neurology Department, CIBERER ISCIII, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lonneke de Boer
- Department of pediatrics, metabolic diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Hulya Kayserili
- Medical Genetics Department, Koç University School of Medicine (KUSOM), Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Agathe Roubertie
- Département de Neuropédiatrie, Hopital Gui de Chauliac, Montpellier, Languedoc-Roussillon, France.,INSERM U1051, Institut des Neurosciences de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Krijn T Verbruggen
- Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Christine Vianey-Saban
- Centre de Biologie et de Pathologie Est CHU de Lyon, Service Maladies Héréditaires du Métabolisme et Dépistage Néonatal, Lyon, France
| | - Monique Williams
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Metabolic Unit, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gajja S Salomons
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Metabolic Unit, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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40
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Gessler DJ, Li D, Xu H, Su Q, Sanmiguel J, Tuncer S, Moore C, King J, Matalon R, Gao G. Redirecting N-acetylaspartate metabolism in the central nervous system normalizes myelination and rescues Canavan disease. JCI Insight 2017; 2:e90807. [PMID: 28194442 PMCID: PMC5291725 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.90807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Canavan disease (CD) is a debilitating and lethal leukodystrophy caused by mutations in the aspartoacylase (ASPA) gene and the resulting defect in N-acetylaspartate (NAA) metabolism in the CNS and peripheral tissues. Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and widely transduce the CNS. We developed a rAAV-based and optimized gene replacement therapy, which achieves early, complete, and sustained rescue of the lethal disease phenotype in CD mice. Our treatment results in a super-mouse phenotype, increasing motor performance of treated CD mice beyond that of WT control mice. We demonstrate that this rescue is oligodendrocyte independent, and that gene correction in astrocytes is sufficient, suggesting that the establishment of an astrocyte-based alternative metabolic sink for NAA is a key mechanism for efficacious disease rescue and the super-mouse phenotype. Importantly, the use of clinically translatable high-field imaging tools enables the noninvasive monitoring and prediction of therapeutic outcomes for CD and might enable further investigation of NAA-related cognitive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic J. Gessler
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
- University Hospital Heidelberg, Centre for Child and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Child Neurology and Metabolic Medicine
- Ruprecht-Karls University, Medical School, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Danning Li
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hongxia Xu
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
- University of Science and Technology of Kunming, China
| | - Qin Su
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Julio Sanmiguel
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Constance Moore
- Center for Comparative Neuroimaging, Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jean King
- Center for Comparative Neuroimaging, Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Guangping Gao
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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41
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Design and optimization of aspartate N -acetyltransferase inhibitors for the potential treatment of Canavan disease. Bioorg Med Chem 2017; 25:870-885. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2016.11.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2016] [Revised: 11/27/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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42
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Singhal NK, Huang H, Li S, Clements R, Gadd J, Daniels A, Kooijman EE, Bannerman P, Burns T, Guo F, Pleasure D, Freeman E, Shriver L, McDonough J. The neuronal metabolite NAA regulates histone H3 methylation in oligodendrocytes and myelin lipid composition. Exp Brain Res 2016; 235:279-292. [PMID: 27709268 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-016-4789-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2015] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The neuronal mitochondrial metabolite N-acetylaspartate (NAA) is decreased in the multiple sclerosis (MS) brain. NAA is synthesized in neurons by the enzyme N-acetyltransferase-8-like (NAT8L) and broken down in oligodendrocytes by aspartoacylase (ASPA) into acetate and aspartate. We have hypothesized that NAA links the metabolism of axons with oligodendrocytes to support myelination. To test this hypothesis, we performed lipidomic analyses using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) to identify changes in myelin lipid composition in postmortem MS brains and in NAT8L knockout (NAT8L-/-) mice which do not synthesize NAA. We found reduced levels of sphingomyelin in MS normal appearing white matter that mirrored decreased levels of NAA. We also discovered decreases in the amounts of sphingomyelin and sulfatide lipids in the brains of NAT8L-/- mice compared to controls. Metabolomic analysis of primary cultures of oligodendrocytes treated with NAA revealed increased levels of α-ketoglutarate, which has been reported to regulate histone demethylase activity. Consistent with this, NAA treatment resulted in alterations in the levels of histone H3 methylation, including H3K4me3, H3K9me2, and H3K9me3. The H3K4me3 histone mark regulates cellular energetics, metabolism, and growth, while H3K9me3 has been linked to alterations in transcriptional repression in developing oligodendrocytes. We also noted the NAA treatment was associated with increases in the expression of genes involved in sulfatide and sphingomyelin synthesis in cultured oligodendrocytes. This is the first report demonstrating that neuronal-derived NAA can signal to the oligodendrocyte nucleus. These data suggest that neuronal-derived NAA signals through epigenetic mechanisms in oligodendrocytes to support or maintain myelination.
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Affiliation(s)
- N K Singhal
- Department of Biological Sciences and School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - H Huang
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Akron, Akron, OH, 44325, USA
| | - S Li
- Department of Biological Sciences and School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - R Clements
- Department of Biological Sciences and School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - J Gadd
- Department of Biological Sciences and School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - A Daniels
- Department of Biological Sciences and School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - E E Kooijman
- Department of Biological Sciences and School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - P Bannerman
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - T Burns
- Department of Neurology, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - F Guo
- Department of Neurology, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - D Pleasure
- Department of Neurology, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - E Freeman
- Department of Biological Sciences and School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - L Shriver
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Akron, Akron, OH, 44325, USA
| | - J McDonough
- Department of Biological Sciences and School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA.
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Roscoe RB, Elliott C, Zarros A, Baillie GS. Non-genetic therapeutic approaches to Canavan disease. J Neurol Sci 2016; 366:116-124. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2016.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2015] [Revised: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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Ahmed SS, Schattgen SA, Frakes AE, Sikoglu EM, Su Q, Li J, Hampton TG, Denninger AR, Kirschner DA, Kaspar B, Matalon R, Gao G. rAAV Gene Therapy in a Canavan's Disease Mouse Model Reveals Immune Impairments and an Extended Pathology Beyond the Central Nervous System. Mol Ther 2016; 24:1030-1041. [PMID: 27039844 PMCID: PMC4923332 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2016.68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Accepted: 03/25/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspartoacylase (AspA) gene mutations cause the pediatric lethal neurodegenerative Canavan disease (CD). There is emerging promise of successful gene therapy for CD using recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs). Here, we report an intracerebroventricularly delivered AspA gene therapy regime using three serotypes of rAAVs at a 20-fold reduced dose than previously described in AspA(-/-) mice, a bona-fide mouse model of CD. Interestingly, central nervous system (CNS)-restricted therapy prolonged survival over systemic therapy in CD mice but failed to sustain motor functions seen in systemically treated mice. Importantly, we reveal through histological and functional examination of untreated CD mice that AspA deficiency in peripheral tissues causes morphological and functional abnormalities in this heretofore CNS-defined disorder. We demonstrate for the first time that AspA deficiency, possibly through excessive N-acetyl aspartic acid accumulation, elicits both a peripheral and CNS immune response in CD mice. Our data establish a role for peripheral tissues in CD pathology and serve to aid the development of more efficacious and sustained gene therapy for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seemin Seher Ahmed
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Stefan A Schattgen
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ashley E Frakes
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Elif M Sikoglu
- The Center for Comparative Neuroimaging, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Qin Su
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jia Li
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | | | - Brian Kaspar
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Reuben Matalon
- Department of Pediatrics, Biochemical and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Guangping Gao
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.
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Kots ED, Khrenova MG, Lushchekina SV, Varfolomeev SD, Grigorenko BL, Nemukhin AV. Modeling the Complete Catalytic Cycle of Aspartoacylase. J Phys Chem B 2016; 120:4221-31. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.6b02542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina D. Kots
- Chemistry
Department, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie
Gory 1/3, Moscow 119991, Russian Federation
- N.M.
Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Kosygina 4, Moscow 119334, Russian Federation
| | - Maria G. Khrenova
- Chemistry
Department, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie
Gory 1/3, Moscow 119991, Russian Federation
| | - Sofya V. Lushchekina
- N.M.
Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Kosygina 4, Moscow 119334, Russian Federation
| | - Sergei D. Varfolomeev
- Chemistry
Department, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie
Gory 1/3, Moscow 119991, Russian Federation
- N.M.
Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Kosygina 4, Moscow 119334, Russian Federation
| | - Bella L. Grigorenko
- Chemistry
Department, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie
Gory 1/3, Moscow 119991, Russian Federation
- N.M.
Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Kosygina 4, Moscow 119334, Russian Federation
| | - Alexander V. Nemukhin
- Chemistry
Department, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie
Gory 1/3, Moscow 119991, Russian Federation
- N.M.
Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Kosygina 4, Moscow 119334, Russian Federation
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Prokesch A, Pelzmann HJ, Pessentheiner AR, Huber K, Madreiter-Sokolowski CT, Drougard A, Schittmayer M, Kolb D, Magnes C, Trausinger G, Graier WF, Birner-Gruenberger R, Pospisilik JA, Bogner-Strauss JG. N-acetylaspartate catabolism determines cytosolic acetyl-CoA levels and histone acetylation in brown adipocytes. Sci Rep 2016; 6:23723. [PMID: 27045997 PMCID: PMC4820693 DOI: 10.1038/srep23723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2015] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone acetylation depends on the abundance of nucleo-cytoplasmic acetyl-CoA. Here, we present a novel route for cytoplasmic acetyl-CoA production in brown adipocytes. N-acetylaspartate (NAA) is a highly abundant brain metabolite catabolized by aspartoacylase yielding aspartate and acetate. The latter can be further used for acetyl-CoA production. Prior to this work, the presence of NAA has not been described in adipocytes. Here, we show that accumulation of NAA decreases the brown adipocyte phenotype. We increased intracellular NAA concentrations in brown adipocytes via media supplementation or knock-down of aspartoacylase and measured reduced lipolysis, thermogenic gene expression, and oxygen consumption. Combinations of approaches to increase intracellular NAA levels showed additive effects on lipolysis and gene repression, nearly abolishing the expression of Ucp1, Cidea, Prdm16, and Ppara. Transcriptome analyses of aspartoacylase knock-down cells indicate deficiencies in acetyl-CoA and lipid metabolism. Concordantly, cytoplasmic acetyl-CoA levels and global histone H3 acetylation were decreased. Further, activating histone marks (H3K27ac and H3K9ac) in promoters/enhancers of brown marker genes showed reduced acetylation status. Taken together, we present a novel route for cytoplasmic acetyl-CoA production in brown adipocytes. Thereby, we mechanistically connect the NAA pathway to the epigenomic regulation of gene expression, modulating the phenotype of brown adipocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Prokesch
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Austria,Institute of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Medical University of Graz, Austria,
| | - H. J. Pelzmann
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Austria
| | | | - K. Huber
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Austria
| | | | - A. Drougard
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany
| | - M. Schittmayer
- Research Unit Functional Proteomics and Metabolic Pathways, Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz and Omics Center Graz, BioTechMed-Graz, Austria
| | - D. Kolb
- Institute of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Medical University of Graz, Austria,ZMF, Center for Medical Research, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - C. Magnes
- HEALTH Insitute for Biomedicine and Health Sciences, Joanneum Research, Graz, Austria
| | - G. Trausinger
- HEALTH Insitute for Biomedicine and Health Sciences, Joanneum Research, Graz, Austria
| | - W. F. Graier
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - R. Birner-Gruenberger
- Research Unit Functional Proteomics and Metabolic Pathways, Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz and Omics Center Graz, BioTechMed-Graz, Austria
| | - J. A. Pospisilik
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany
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N-Acetylaspartate Synthase Deficiency Corrects the Myelin Phenotype in a Canavan Disease Mouse Model But Does Not Affect Survival Time. J Neurosci 2016; 35:14501-16. [PMID: 26511242 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1056-15.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Canavan disease (CD) is a severe, lethal leukodystrophy caused by deficiency in aspartoacylase (ASPA), which hydrolyzes N-acetylaspartate (NAA). In the brains of CD patients, NAA accumulates to high millimolar concentrations. The pathology of the disease is characterized by loss of oligodendrocytes and spongy myelin degeneration in the CNS. Whether accumulating NAA, absence of NAA-derived acetate, or absence of any unknown functions of the ASPA enzyme is responsible for the pathology of the disease is not fully understood. We generated ASPA-deficient (Aspa(nur7/nur7)) mice that are also deficient for NAA synthase Nat8L (Nat8L(-/-)/Aspa(nur7/nur7)). These mice have no detectable NAA. Nevertheless, they exhibited normal myelin content, myelin sphingolipid composition, and full reversal of spongy myelin and axonal degeneration. Surprisingly, although pathology was fully reversed, the survival time of the mice was not prolonged. In contrast, Aspa(nur7/nur7) mice with only one intact Nat8L allele accumulated less NAA, developed a less severe pathology, phenotypic improvements, and, importantly, an almost normal survival time. Therefore, inhibition of NAA synthase is a promising therapeutic option for CD. The reduced survival rate of Nat8L(-/-)/Aspa(nur7/nur7) mice, however, indicates that complete inhibition of NAA synthase may bear unforeseeable risks for the patient. Furthermore, we demonstrate that acetate derived from NAA is not essential for myelin lipid synthesis and that loss of NAA-derived acetate does not cause the myelin phenotype of Aspa(nur7/nur7) mice. Our data clearly support the hypothesis that NAA accumulation is the major factor in the development of CD.
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Abstract
Metabolic disorders comprise a large group of heterogeneous diseases ranging from very prevalent diseases such as diabetes mellitus to rare genetic disorders like Canavan Disease. Whether either of these diseases is amendable by gene therapy depends to a large degree on the knowledge of their pathomechanism, availability of the therapeutic gene, vector selection, and availability of suitable animal models. In this book chapter, we review three metabolic disorders of the central nervous system (CNS; Canavan Disease, Niemann-Pick disease and Phenylketonuria) to give examples for primary and secondary metabolic disorders of the brain and the attempts that have been made to use adeno-associated virus (AAV) based gene therapy for treatment. Finally, we highlight commonalities and obstacles in the development of gene therapy for metabolic disorders of the CNS exemplified by those three diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic J Gessler
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, AS6-2049, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Guangping Gao
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, AS6-2049, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
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49
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Kantor B, McCown T, Leone P, Gray SJ. Clinical applications involving CNS gene transfer. ADVANCES IN GENETICS 2015; 87:71-124. [PMID: 25311921 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-800149-3.00002-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) have traditionally been the most difficult to treat by traditional pharmacological methods, due mostly to the blood-brain barrier and the difficulties associated with repeated drug administration targeting the CNS. Viral vector gene transfer represents a way to permanently provide a therapeutic protein within the nervous system after a single administration, whether this be a gene replacement strategy for an inherited disorder or a disease-modifying protein for a disease such as Parkinson's. Gene therapy approaches for CNS disorders has evolved considerably over the last two decades. Although a breakthrough treatment has remained elusive, current strategies are now considerably safer and potentially much more effective. This chapter will explore the past, current, and future status of CNS gene therapy, focusing on clinical trials utilizing adeno-associated virus and lentiviral vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Kantor
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Thomas McCown
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Paola Leone
- Department of Cell Biology, Rowan University, Camden, NJ, USA
| | - Steven J Gray
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Abstract
The leukodystrophies are a heterogeneous group of inherited disorders with broad clinical manifestations and variable pathologic mechanisms. Improved diagnostic methods have allowed identification of the underlying cause of these diseases, facilitating identification of their pathologic mechanisms. Clinicians are now able to prioritize treatment strategies and advance research in therapies for specific disorders. Although only a few of these disorders have well-established treatments or therapies, a number are on the verge of clinical trials. As investigators are able to shift care from symptomatic management of disorders to targeted therapeutics, the unmet therapeutic needs could be reduced for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guy Helman
- Department of Neurology, Children's National Health System, 111 Michigan Avenue, Northwest, Washington, DC 20010, USA; Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Health System, 111 Michigan Avenue, Northwest, Washington, DC 20010, USA
| | - Keith Van Haren
- Department of Neurology, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford University School of Medicine, 730 Welch Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Maria L Escolar
- Department of Integrated Systems Biology, George Washington University School of Medicine, 2150 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - Adeline Vanderver
- Department of Neurology, Children's National Health System, 111 Michigan Avenue, Northwest, Washington, DC 20010, USA; Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Health System, 111 Michigan Avenue, Northwest, Washington, DC 20010, USA; Department of Integrated Systems Biology, George Washington University School of Medicine, 2150 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20037, USA.
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